Worm composting in place (vermicomposting in beds)

Rather than maintaining a separate worm bin, you can establish a resident worm population directly in your raised beds for continuous in-situ composting. Bury a 5-gallon bucket with holes drilled in the sides and bottom (a worm tower) in the center or corner of the bed, leaving the rim at soil level with a lid on top. Add kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells) to the bucket weekly. Red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida) colonize the bucket and migrate into the surrounding bed soil, distributing their nutrient-rich castings throughout. One worm tower per 4x8 bed supports a thriving worm population. Purchase 1/2 pound of red wigglers ($20-30, from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm or local vermicomposters) to start the colony, or simply add kitchen scraps and rely on natural colonization from existing soil organisms (slower start, 2-3 months versus immediate). Avoid adding citrus, onions, meat, dairy, or oils to the worm tower. Worms reproduce and self-regulate their population based on food supply. This system provides continuous, effortless soil improvement with zero external composting infrastructure. The worms also improve soil structure by creating tunnels that enhance aeration and drainage.