A new job for an old grill.

[hendi_alex]

This grill was in the barn, just collecting dust for many years. The fire ants have decimated my worm population in the compost bin and in some of my beds. So I got to thinking about what could be used as an above ground worm bed. This kettle grill, converted to worm bed has been in production since last July. The worms are thriving, multiplying like crazy and are providing a steady stream of worms to place back in the compost pile and in various gardening areas. Someone asked for photos, so here they are.

Worm bed grill with bucket to catch any of those rich liquids that pass through.

[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3228718913_21f3facbf1.jpg[/img]

Compost and scraps for the earthworms. I turn the top half about once per week and add vegetable scraps about once per month.

[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3229568796_9865f919e8.jpg[/img]

A few of the fat and juicy residents of this improvised worm box. Most are deep in the compost on this chilly day.

[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3228719549_c2f27254a9.jpg[/img]

[rot]

..
I like it. I could wheel it into the garage during the colder winter nights.
..

[LazyGirl]

Brilliant! Thanks for posting the pics.

[webmaster]

Whoa! That's a great idea!

[cherlynn]

I LOVE IT!!

I'll be sharing this with my daughter! It's a great and practical "re-use" of an old grill! Portable, no less...

[hendi_alex]

I only put two or three dozen worms in the kettle, and you wouldn't believe how prolific they have been. A few weeks ago I pulled out around 50 and placed them in my compost piles and some beds. Then yesterday I pulled three sets of 30 fat worms out, and placed them in three new raised beds. Those original few worms have turned into hundreds by now, and the breeding doesn't really pick up until mild spring weather settles in. My only complaint at this point is that I've filled the grill a little too full and can't turn the mix all the way to the bottom. Will likely remove about half and start a second worm bed, or will simply add it to my compost pile and hope that the fire ants are slow to move back in. Probably will opt for a second worm bed, as I do enjoy establishing the worms throughout the gardening areas as well as the rest of the yard.

[smokensqueal]

This is absolutely wonderful! I also have an old grill I could use. One question though. During the winter months here it's can get really cold. Any ideas on how to keep a handful of worms to use to start a new batch in the spring? Also what kind of worms are you using? Since it looks like you are doing more of a compost with worms instead of the full fledged vermiculture.

[hendi_alex]

If you have a somewhat sheltered location, the worms will likely be o.k. during the winter. I left mine outside and the weather dipped into the single digits a few times, with no adverse effect. Several years ago I ordered some red worms from a listing in a magazine. I'm sure some of these worms come from those. Also, I collect worms most anytime I see some extra large ones, many have been imported from my daughter's yard in N.C., red wigglers I guess, but whatever is common up there and have brought some from several other places. I've also found a few night crawlers and have put them in compost and in planters. If you wanted to shelter a few 'starter worms' I wold think that you could put them in most any container and perhaps place it under the foundation or other sheltered location. Just give a little fresh green food, keep the soil mildly damp, and provide some air holes should work.

[rot]

..
A site some one else turned on to me. An interesting take on raising worms.

https://www.jetcompost.com/burrow/tbp1.htm

..

[wingdesigner]

Clever! Sounds like a "wanted" post on freecycle for another old girl, I mean, grill, eh?

[Lupinus]

Great idea! I have a big old charcoal grill that has seen better days. I wonder if the fiancée will let me buy a new one if I use the old grill for a worm bed?

Have you ever had any issues with the heat down here? I (and I'm sure my neighbors too) would like to avoid dead worm smell.

[wingdesigner]

May I post your suggestion on another forum I visit--they'd just love to hear about this! I promise I won't steal it and pretend I thought of it. No, really.

[hendi_alex]

Lupinus, my grill/worm bed stays in a shady area all spring and summer, but gets sunlight during the winter. The worms seem to do fine year round, migrating deeper or more shallow depending upon temperature and bed moisture level.

Wingdesigner, please pass the idea along. For me, that is part of the fun of gardening, sharing both produce as well as sharing ideas and techniques that work. I appreciate your asking permission.

[wingdesigner]

Thanks. I hope no one was eating pasta when they viewed this...