Place the shade cloth over the bottom reservoir box to stop the worms falling through and drowning. The worms start off in the middle container. (This is liquid gold, so don't discard it see uses below.) It helps to have a tap on the bottom container so you can drain this off later, but if you're using a polystyrene box you can simply make a hole in one corner and put a bucket underneath, or plug the hole with a cork to control when you drain the liquid off.

Compost worms such as tiger worms ( Eisenia fetida) or, in warmer climates, Indian blues ( Perionyx excavates) (do NOT use earthworms).

Shade cloth offcut (large enough to cover the bottom box).

Three polystyrene fruit boxes plus one lid (pick ones that are the same size so you can stack them at least one needs to have no holes in the bottom).

You can buy a purpose-built worm farm from nurseries or you can make your own - extra brownie points for using recycled materials that would otherwise go to waste, such as when Costa from Gardening Australia made one in an old bath.īut first up, it's important to earmark a protected, shady spot to place your worm farm so they are at a constant temperature, because they will literally cook if exposed to full sun.

It's also a great way to teach children about natural recycling, and to reduce the amount of rubbish going in your bin. They don't need walking, they only need feeding once a week or so, and instead of having to pick up their poo, you'll be able to use it to fertilise your garden.

Caring for critters does take a bit of commitment but, as a starter pet, worms are pretty low maintenance.

Golden earthworm farm job