Worm Towers For Small Spaces: A Vermicomposting Solution for Apartment Dwellers

Living in an apartment often presents unique challenges when it comes to composting, and, well, life in general! Limited space and a lack of access to outdoor areas can make traditional composting methods difficult to implement. Indoor vermicomposting is a viable and effective solution for apartment dwellers looking to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich compost on a smaller scale.

Among the various vermicomposting systems available, worm towers typically stand out as an ideal choice for small spaces. Their compact design and efficient operation make them well-suited for indoor environments.

In this post, we’ll explore what worm towers are, how they work, and why they’re the perfect vermicomposting solution for apartment living.

What is a Worm Tower?

A worm tower is a specialized vermicomposting system designed to fit seamlessly into small, indoor or outdoor spaces. Unlike traditional worm bins, which are often bulky and require more room, worm towers are vertical, space-saving units that allow for efficient vermicomposting in compact environments.

Design and Functionality

Worm towers are typically cylindrical or rectangular and made from durable, lightweight materials like plastic or recycled materials. They consist of multiple stacked trays or compartments, each designed to hold worms and compost. The design of a worm tower enables you to add food scraps and other organic matter to the top tray, while the worms work their way down through the layers, breaking down the material as they go. This vertical setup maximizes space and makes it easier to manage the composting process.

Comparison to Traditional Worm Bins

In contrast to traditional worm bins, which may be large, horizontal containers, worm towers offer several advantages for indoor use. Traditional bins can take up significant floor space and may require a dedicated area for operation. Worm towers, with their vertical structure, occupy a much smaller footprint, making them ideal for apartments and other small living spaces. Additionally, the design of worm towers often includes features such as ventilation holes and drainage systems, which help manage moisture levels and odors more effectively than some traditional bins.

Overall, worm towers provide a practical and efficient vermicomposting solution for apartment dwellers, offering a compact and user-friendly way to turn kitchen scraps into valuable compost.

The Benefits of Using Worm Towers

Space Efficiency

Worm towers are specifically designed to make the most of limited space, which is ideal for apartment living. Their vertical structure allows them to fit into tight spots like closets, corners, or even under kitchen sinks. By stacking composting trays, worm towers offer a compact solution without sacrificing functionality. This means you can enjoy the benefits of composting even in the smallest of living spaces.

Odor Control

One of the common concerns with composting, especially indoors, is managing odors. Worm towers are designed to address this issue effectively. The vertical design allows for better aeration and airflow, which helps to prevent the buildup of unpleasant smells. Additionally, the stacked trays can help to separate older, decomposing material from fresher food scraps, reducing the chances of odors. Proper ventilation and a well-maintained system will ensure that any potential odors are minimal and manageable.

Ease of Use

Worm towers are user-friendly and require less maintenance compared to some other composting systems. The design often includes features like easy-access trays and removable covers, making it simple to add food scraps and monitor the composting process. Harvesting finished compost from a worm tower is straightforward, typically involving removing the lower trays or sections where the compost accumulates. This ease of use makes worm towers a practical choice for busy apartment dwellers.

Effective Composting

Despite their compact size, worm towers are highly effective at processing food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. The vertical setup allows worms to work through multiple layers of organic material, ensuring efficient decomposition. The design promotes even distribution of food scraps and enhances the composting process, leading to high-quality compost that can be used to enrich indoor plants or shared with neighbors who have outdoor gardens.

How to Set Up a Worm Tower

Setting up a worm tower for vermicomposting is a simple process, and once you have the system in place, it’s easy to maintain.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your worm tower up and running.

1. Choosing the Right Worm Tower

Before setting up your vermicomposting system, you’ll need to select a worm tower that fits your space and needs. Look for a tower made from durable materials, ideally with multiple trays or compartments for layering compost. Some worm towers come with built-in drainage systems and ventilation features, which are helpful for preventing excess moisture and managing airflow. Make sure the size of the tower fits your available space, whether it’s under the sink, in a pantry, or on a balcony.

2. Setting Up the Tower

Once you have your worm tower, start by choosing the ideal location. Choose a spot that’s convenient for adding food scraps but isn’t in direct sunlight or an area that gets too cold. Indoor spaces with moderate temperatures (between 55°F and 77°F) are best for keeping worms comfortable and productive.

Next, prepare the bedding material. You can use materials like shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, or a mix of all three. Moisten the bedding slightly, ensuring it’s damp but not soaking wet. Spread this bedding in the bottom tray of the tower, creating a comfortable home for your worms.

3. Introducing Your Worms

After the bedding is set up, it’s time to introduce your worms. One of the best worms for vermicomposting are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), which do very well in worm towers. You’ll need about 1/2 to 1 pound of worms (roughly 500-1,000 worms) to start the composting process (but starting with even less worms is totally fine as well). Add them to the bedding and give them time to settle into their new environment. Some people even recommend waiting a week or so before introducing food scraps, but this is a personal choice.

4. Adding Food Scraps

Once the worms have acclimated, you can begin adding food scraps to the top tray. Avoid overwhelming the worms with too much food at first—start slow by adding a small amount of chopped fruit and vegetable scraps. As the worms begin to process the material, you can gradually increase the amount of food. Overfeeding tends to be an issue with vermicomposting beginners, so it’s best to keep it on the lighter side as you figure out how quickly your worms are processing through it all.

Managing Moisture Levels in a Worm Tower

Moisture is crucial to maintaining a healthy worm tower, as your worms will not do well in a dry environment. The bedding and food scraps should always be damp but not waterlogged (think rung out sponge). Worms “breathe” through their skin, so they need a moist environment to thrive. However, if the bin becomes too wet, it can create anaerobic conditions (lack of oxygen), leading to bad smells and unhealthy conditions for the worms.

If your worm tower seems too wet, add dry bedding materials like shredded newspaper or cardboard to absorb excess moisture. On the other hand, if the bin is too dry, lightly mist it with water to bring the moisture level back into balance.

Although many indoor worm towers come with drainage holes that lead to a spout on the bottom, we don’t actually recommend using these unless the worm tower is severely over watered. As a good rule of thumb, if your bin is producing enough moisture for it to actually drain through a spout, then that’s a sign that moisture levels need to be decreased. Instead of using the spout system, it’s better to add more dry bedding to help bring moisture balance back to ideal levels.

Harvesting Worm Castings from a Worm Tower

One of the primary benefits of using a worm tower is the ability to harvest nutrient-rich compost, also known as worm castings. Over time, the worms will convert the food scraps and bedding into dark, crumbly compost that’s ready to be used in your garden or indoor plants.

There are a few different harvesting methods you can use when it comes to your stacked worm system, but generally these systems are designed in a way that encourages worms to migrate to another layer, leaving the fresh worm castings behind (which makes for an easier harvest).

Once one tray is filling up with worm castings, start feeding your worms in another tray, either the one above or below, typically the worms will migrate either way. It may take a few weeks for the worms to move into their new home (and there might be some stragglers), but eventually you will be left with a tray of predominately worm castings that will be easy to harvest.

Conclusion

Worm towers, otherwise known as “stacking” systems, are a great vermicomposting solution for those living in small spaces like apartments or homes with limited outdoor access. We consider these to be excellent options for beginners looking to set up their first vermicomposting “operation” indoors, but they can also be used outdoors as well!