Garden Plot: A DIY compost pile or worm bin can do wonders

Compost in bins at Bill and Susan Lukens’ Tiburon garden will decompose over the winter months and be ready to distribute in the spring. The nasturtiums like the growing conditions of the bins, as well. (Diane Lynch / For The Ark)

If you have a compost pile or a worm bin, you’re well on your way to creating the amazing product some gardeners call black gold — finished compost rich with nutrients.

You can buy a starter worm bin in stores or online. They vary in price from less than $100 to about $1,700. It’s best to start with something inexpensive and work your way up if you feel inclined to upgrade.

Years ago, my husband made a simple bin out of some old unpainted redwood, but I was not a good worm mother and managed to kill the poor things promptly by not keeping it damp enough. You want it damp, not soaking wet. It’s best to check it every day, and if it seems too wet, add some small pieces of cardboard or shredded brown paper bags to soak up some of the moisture.

You should have a way of capturing any excess liquid that accumulates because that excess is very nutritious for your garden or pots. Commercial bins will likely have a drain so you can catch any runoff.

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