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Bin Review
The Essential Living Worm Composter
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Let's Cover The Basics
Product Summary
Easy to assemble
5 out of 5
Easy to use
5 out of 5
Sturdiness
4.8 out of 5
Instruction Quality
4.8
Essential Living Worm Composter Product Features
Product Pro's
- Airflow
- Multi-Tray System
- Water Release Spigot
Product Con's
- Limited Expansion
- Trapped Worms
SUMMARY: I love the look and design of this worm composting bin. This is an excellent option for apartment dwellers who don’t have a lot of space. The Essential Living Worm Composter is a great option if you are looking for a bin that will not stick out like a sore thumb. This excellent starter bin will give you years of happy home composting.
The team at FCMP Outdoors has made it easier than ever to get started vermicomposting. Their instructions are clear and easy to follow.
It is important to note that although this has a great design, you will still need to manage excess liquid and allow enough airflow. With a bit of time and effort, you will learn how to turn food scraps and extra paper into nutrient-rich vermicompost quickly.
Common Problems Addressed
This Bin Makes It Easy
This bin is great for the beginning composter. The instructions are easy to follow, and they even send you a small brick of coconut coir bedding. After getting this composting bin in the mail, all you need are worms and food scraps.
When opening the box, you need to connect the legs to the base tray and add the filter above the fixture. This filter will help save any worms and make it easy to drain leachate. Leachate is a byproduct of decomposing foods. It is not to be confused with compost tea, which must be brewed and aerated to prepare.
This bin's clean design makes it less noticeable in most decors and can even fit under a sink (if you cut the legs a little).
Some downsides
Things To Consider
One thing beginning vermicomposters should be aware of is ants, especially in the spring. To combat this, you may need to place the legs of the bin in a water-filled baking tray or individual cups of water. The water creates a mote-like barrier that prevents ants from accessing the food in your worm bin.
You're a bit limited in expanding the size of your bin. The design will provide the average apartment dweller with plenty of composting power. But you can't just add a 3rd, 4th, or 5th tray. The tiny legs would likely buckle under additional weight beyond the provided trays.
Finally, the last issue is that worms can get stuck in the base tray with the leachate. You can line the bottom and try to prevent this, but the worms will likely compost the lining. Be sure to drain your leachate frequently, preventing worms from getting stuck and drowning.
These are honestly minor issues. If you are looking for a small stylish worm composter, this is one of my favorite designs. Be mindful of pests in the spring, and you will be well on your way to composting success.
Read an article
Start On The Right Foot
Avoid Common Mistakes
Worm Casting Sifting Tips
Upcycle And Craft Worm Food
Start With Household Items
All Your Feeding Basics
Food Waste's Impact
What Others Say
Verified User Reviews
Need an answer?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the liquid from the spigot on my plants?
It is not recommended that you use the waste liquid on your plants. The liquid that is draining is leachate not compost tea.
What is the capacity of each tray?
Each tray has a capacity of approximately 3 gallons.
How many worms do you need to get started? What else do you need to get started?
I think they recommend 1 lb.. & that's all you need to get started
what type of worms should be used?
Red Wiggler worms are the best species to use in vermicomposters.
Is the material BPA free?
Yes
where do you purchase the worms?
Check out our state by state guide to help you find worms near you.
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This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through a link.
Pulling It All Together
Review Summary
This is my favorite beginner worm composting bin. It is super easy to get started. The assembly is easy, and the bin is well constructed. You won’t have to worry about the bin falling apart for many years.
Following some basic feeding principles, you’ll avoid excess moisture and bad smells. The airflow vents allow worms to breathe and water to evaporate. Basic maintenance will keep your worms happy and reduce the chances of escaping the bin.
I highly recommend this tray to someone in an apartment who wants a worm tray that blends into their decore. The Essential Living Worm Composter combines style with a thoughtful design that will keep you and your worms happy.
Get this bin, and get started
This is a great bin for vermicomposters of any level. No matter if you are a beginner or veteran worm composter, this bin will be sure to last you for years and years.
