vermicomposting

[top_dollar_bread]

I finally decided to build a worm bin and I thought id share my new hobby. I was told that is quite easy to do and from what I have learned, it pretty much is.

I made my bin very similar to the one in this link
[url]https://www.associatedcontent.com/video/90056/how_to_make_your_own_worm_bin.html?cat=6[/url]

Its built out of a old rubbermaid I had sitting in my garage.
All I had to do was drill some holes on the sides and that was it.
The holes are to help aerate the bin and prevent excessive water from drowning my worms.

[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3808305236_66e37c41ba_o.jpg[/img]

I built the worm bedding very similar to the way it was done in the video (link provided above).
I shredded some paper, mixed that with some finished compost, peat moss and soil less potting soil.

I then added some worms that I collected from my garden soil, but also added some red wigglers I got at OSH. There were supposedly 200 worms, but from a glance I could only see maybe 20 or less.
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3808305316_23ac39fb08_o.jpg[/img]

After adding the worms I then added some unfinished compost, coffee grounds, crushed egg shells, corn meal, bread crumbs and freshly chopped up food scraps, fennel, marigold, and basils.
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3808305276_f564e443dd_o.jpg[/img]

That was it, I lightly watered the bin down with freshly brewed compost tea and covered the bin with a moist rag and the rubber maid cover.
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3808305156_1fcb62857e_o.jpg[/img]
total price was 10$, that was spent only on the red wigglers..

I checked it every other day and after a week I noticed a few worms have grown in size.

In my excitement I thought what the heck, ill add more worms. Again I went to OSH and got me another bucket of 200 worms..
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3818476392_f74570e452_o.jpg[/img]
this batch, definitely had more worms then my last

So I spread them out evenly threw out the bin
[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3817666327_85ea541ab2_o.jpg[/img]
& covered them with peat moss
[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3818476504_7ee78be474_o.jpg[/img]
I love this peat moss, it is by far the best peat moss I had ever purchased and looks great..(coco coil would of been better but I cant find any local garden store/nursery who caries it )
[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/3817666415_bc8a0362bc_o.jpg[/img]

After covering up the new worms a bit, I decided to add another layer of shredded paper. I believe worms like moist paper so I soak my paper in fresh brewing compost tea, like I do when adding to compost.
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3817666455_9d5a9f4104.jpg[/img][img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/3817666527_28b63a7fa0_m.jpg[/img]
[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3818476678_95a0b95c53_m.jpg[/img][img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3817666589_e57fed513f_o.jpg[/img]

After I added the paper bedding I decided to add some soil amendments I have lying around. These amendments are sure to feed the worms, and other micro organisms in my bin.
[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3818476760_8713e7450e_o.jpg[/img]
dolomite lime was added in a very small amount for the cal/mag it contains and to help with ph buffering. Worms I think can handle a peat based ph but the cal/mag was a good choice IMO.

Kelp meal was added because it has plenty of minerals and trace elements, growth hormones, vitamins, enzymes, and proteins that I'm sure are good for any compost.

Finally fish meal was added for trace elements and for the nice NPK value of 9-4-1. Also the kelp and fish meal were products of dr. earth, these soil amendments also contain beneficial microorganism to help inoculant the worm bin or soil.
[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3817666941_6269cfa929_o.jpg[/img]
I only added about 3-4 TBSP of each, since I am not experienced with worm farming. IMO Less is best!
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/3817666655_8493cf24b8_o.jpg[/img]
Once the amendments were added I grabbed a container filled with home made soilless potting soil and some food scraps.
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3818476620_1c26424414_m.jpg[/img] [img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/3818476846_fbe91770d8_m.jpg[/img]
the food scraps(worm food) was made up of tomatoes, onions, coffee grounds, and chopped up fennel leafs and roots.
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3818476818_c888c9bd07_o.jpg[/img]
once I added that layer I covered it with the potting soil
[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3818476868_2fb8609a18_m.jpg[/img]and then the moist rag
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3817666789_9670f2b1ce_m.jpg[/img]

My goal is make the worms comfortable enough to breed and help build the micro herd to decompose the food faster.

I only hope I'm doing the right thing, all that has been added is based on what I think the bin needs according to my imagination...
If any one reading this has any experience with worm farming or any thing to add, I would love to hear any tips, opinions, or links to further help improve my vermicomposting hobby.

[a0c8c]

I've heard they love banana peels. I'm thinking of starting one soon as well, so I can fish for free. Great pictures!

[Diane]

It looks good. I wonder about the moist cloth though. Can they breathe?
I have many natural red worms and earthworms at the bottom of my compost pile near a piece of wood.
There must be something the red worms like about the wood.
The compost near the red worms is much darker than the rest.

[GeorgiaGirl]

Looks fantastic!! Thanks for sharing your set-up. I'm sure you have some happy worms on your hands now!

[GeorgiaGirl]

(oops, double post!)

[top_dollar_bread]

thanks for the kind replies, this is really easy and id recommend those who are interested to give it a try..EWC is really really good stuff.

I've heard they love banana peels.

thanks, we'll be making fried plantains soon , ill add the peels

It looks good. I wonder about the moist cloth though. Can they breathe?

I'm sure they can breathe, lots of holes and shredded paper.The moist cloth was recommended by a near by vermicomposter, that I use to get EWC from. She told me the cloth will help them breed?? she explained that they like to lay there eggs/cocoons on it..So why not..but ill take your advice and not cover the whole pile, just half..

There must be something the red worms like about the wood.

Ill add some wood chips I got lying around thanx

GeorgiaGirl
thanks for stopping by, its always nice to read your supportive comments

[gixxerific]

not bashing you at all. But I am wondering why do people have worm bins. I have always added stuff like you put in your bin to my garden. At my last house (2 years ago) I had an incredible amount of worms, really INCREDIBLE amounts. They were all natural, I never added a single worm they just appeared. This is after tilling my garden twice a year at least as well.

I have noticed an increase in the worm population in my new garden, which was half clay half rock before I got to it. Am I missing something.

Again sorry if I sound ignorant as in mean, I'm more like ignorant as in not knowing all the facts.

Thanks

[top_dollar_bread]

not bashing you at all. But I am wondering why do people have worm bins. I have always added stuff like you put in your bin to my garden. At my last house (2 years ago) I had an incredible amount of worms, really INCREDIBLE amounts. They were all natural, I never added a single worm they just appeared. This is after tilling my garden twice a year at least as well.

I have noticed an increase in the worm population in my new garden, which was half clay half rock before I got to it. Am I missing something.

Again sorry if I sound ignorant as in mean, I'm more like ignorant as in not knowing all the facts.

Thanks

the worm bin is used to help me compost material. My compost bin works great but I needed another and the worms were my choice.
the stuff I add to my bin will help the microbes in the bin, these microbes are in garden soil too but by adding any form of compost to soil we increase ther numbers.

Unlike other compost, vermicompost also contain worm mucus which helps prevent nutrients from washing away when watering and helps soil holds moisture better .
Vermicompost has also been shown to be richer in many nutrients than compost produced by other composting methods.

I am also a compost tea brewer, to me freshly harvest vermicompost will definitely help my brewing.
Vermicompost is also a stand alone organic fertilizer, you can easily mix this with water and feed your plants. worm casting tea is such a great product that many organic liquid fertilizer use it as an ingredient.
Ther is a product by terracycle, that is simply worm pooh and water.
[url]https://www.terracycle.net/media/09-07-21--overcoffee/09-07-21--overcoffee.html[/url]
this is great stuff but I'm a Do It Yourself'er

I'm not adding these worms to my soil, I'm using there pooh. Pooh that is made by what normally gets hauled away to a landfill.

[Diane]

Since I have so many of these worms in my compost I find it difficult to remove them when I screen the compost.
I hand shovel the compost on the screen and then flick back the worms I find, but there are always some hiding in there.
How do you separate them?

[gixxerific]

Ah, I see thanks. Sorry I don't know what I thinking. so it's more of a composting tool than a worm factory.

[top_dollar_bread]

Since I have so many of these worms in my compost I find it difficult to remove them when I screen the compost.
I hand shovel the compost on the screen and then flick back the worms I find, but there are always some hiding in there.
How do you separate them?

This is my first time vermicomposting, I have yet to harvest the goods.
I planed on screening, like you mentioned.
I was going to use a 1/3 ich square mesh, over a 5 gal bucket??
I wanted to see if any one experienced in vermicompost would stop by, so I can ask questions?? harvesting was one I wanted the ask

Ah, I see thanks. Sorry I don't know what I thinking. so it's more of a composting tool than a worm factory.

No need to be sorry, asking questions on why I do things isent ignorant in my book , I'm hoping it can be both (compost tool,worm factory), I want my worms to breed. When I get enough ill be adding worms to my compost and go fishing!
thanks for stoping by!!

[gixxerific]

never fear top_dollar they will breed, breed like rabbits. I have a bunch in my 2 yr old garden. At my last house\garden which was about 10 years in the making there were millions of worms. Big ones too my boss would come by and get them for fishing, has a big lake on his property. Yes I had ton's of worms even with tilling year after year (sorry Applestar) they didn't all get cut up. Can't remember but they reproduce very fast like 10-+ young ones every month or so.

:Edit: Here is a quote from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm "Talk about a return on an investment... once Full grown, Uncle Jim's Red Wrigglers lay capsules every 30 days. Each capsule contains six or seven "Baby Worms." With proper care (Feeding, Watering & Bedding), the results are awesome!"

Here's the site if interested https://www.unclejimswormfarm.com/

Good luck, maybe we could trade some worms or something.

[Diane]

When I screen, I use a plant holder you get when you buy lots of plants over a pot. Some of the red worms wiggle like crazy when they fall in and are easy to see and flick back into the compost. I check after every small shovelfull.
I see more the closer to the bottom I get.
I know I need a real screen....someday.
The compost is darker where they are.

[rainbowgardener]

One reason for vermicomposting is that it can be done indoors. You just have your little bin inside somewhere and you can put kitchen scraps in it without having to brave the below zero temps outside to empty your compost bucket onto the pile, where it will freeze and do nothing until spring.... And you get earthworm castings which are a very rich organic amendment, different from what your pile produces.. variety is indeed the spice of organic gardens....

so now I convinced myself that I really need to try it this winter!

[top_dollar_bread]

This is my first time vermicomposting, I have yet to harvest the goods.
I planed on screening, like you mentioned.
I was going to use a 1/3 ich square mesh, over a 5 gal bucket?? !

love my vermicompost!!
just harvested some casting, got a nice look at the [url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3877971283_eb05db4376_o.jpg]worms[/url] and boy oh boy did they grow..I have yet to see any cocoons, none on the wet rag but I have seen tiny little babyworms. I'm guessing ther breeding but intill I see cocoons for my self I cant confirm!!
I used the screen method I mentioned earlier and the end product was priceless.
[url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/3877963387_c3c407f488.jpg]fished vermicompost[/url]
[url=https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3878758672_d13c65719e_o.jpg]vermicompost afer sifted threw screen[/url]

I decided not to collect the goods in the 5 gal bucket, instead I used the bucket to hold the material that wouldnt fit threw my mesh screen.

First I moved all the vermicompost to one side of the bin.
I wanted to collect the sifted finish compost on one side (empty side) and use the vermicompost on the other side to sift.
[url=https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3878758590_6ed356e2b0.jpg]the mesh screen[/url], perfectly sat on top of my bin and you can see that I used a divider to help with dividing finished from unfinished.(preventing worms and chucks from falling or crawling to the sifted side)
[url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/3877963431_abcff1f780_o.jpg]Sifting trew screen[/url]
I placed the vermicompost on the the screen and used my hand to genly sift the vermicompost threw the screen. Worms don't like the light and many run to the bottom of the bin. The ones that don't either get hand removed or wiggle there way threw the screen.
The screen
[img]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/3877963481_4a892a5264_m.jpg[/img]
the screen collects uncomposted material and chunks on the top, and fine finished vermicompost falls threw the mesh to the part of the bin I divided for harvesting.
After some time I got tired and called it quits, but I still got a very very nice fresh product, for tea brewing
[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3877963553_ebd5298324_o.jpg[/img]

By the way, the bin never ever smelled bad ,the only smell I get from this bin is a earthy good organic compost smell. The way my fished homemade or ORMI purchased compost smells
Even when the organic material isnt done composting yet, no bad order!!

this is my 1st crack at vermicomposting and I'm hooked, really enjoy this and the worms eat like mad. I have been adding material every week to every other day..but not in mass amounts!!
I add a thin layer of material on the surface, IMO less is best and from experience with composting; its not a good idea to add mass amounts of green or brown material. BALANCE is key
(actually all my compost bins never smell bad because of this simple rule!)
The wet rag really helps bringing worms to the surface and after every time I opened the bin and remove the rag. I see about 20 or more worms kicking it, till they realize ther not under the rag, see the light and wiggle ther way into the heap!
The wood was a good add too thanks Diane the worms seem to huddle around the wood chunks, looks like ther all mating in one big pile but I'm no expert..

rainbowgardener
Thanx for stopping by, indeed the wormbin is good for indoor composting. It doesnt smell bad at all.I have mine outside but thats because I live in cali and its been 100+ for the last few days. It hasnt rain since spring and its just been HOT!.
my compost bins are loving it thought but these darn flys are getting to me there not in my bins but I'm always doing yard work with no T shirt and I'm gussing they love my sweat.. But man its irritating
gixxerific
thanks for the link, I will be making fresh EWC tea with the goods!! about to check out the ACT thread, hope your enjoying your tea's!

[muddy45]

HI folks
I have been playing around with red worms for about ten years now.
I remember when I first started with them.I had plastic bins and half 55 gal. plastic barrels.
I found it was easier to just keep them in the garden area in big tractor tires.
no bottoms, I put in rabbit manure mixed with alfalfa hay that has already composted under the rabbit hutches,,then put the worms in to them , then cover with wheat straw and water the hole thing down,,,after that I layer pigeon manure right out of the coop over the straw ,then layer more straw over that and water that.
In the winter I have heavy layers of straw over them and they keep active all winter.
this whay you can if you want to just lift the straw up and add what ever you want to.
I never bury any thing down in to the compost it self,,,The worms will not get burned by keeping the feed on the top of the actual compost.
when I am ready to use the vermicompost I just fork or shovel the wonderfull stuff on to my sq. ft. garden boxes,,,I just use about 3/4's of it out of the tractor tires.
I don't worry about seperating the worms,,
My garden boxes are always cover in wheat straw mulch.
when you get to many worms in a given area they will miagrate away,,that is why mulched gardens work for me.
I have more to say on this subject,But this post has turned in to a book

muddy boots

[top_dollar_bread]

I have more to say on this subject,But this post has turned in to a book
muddy boots

muddy thanx for the great info
I separate and screen my vermicompost because I make tea's out of the goods. I don't want to drown my new red friends and don't need chucks when brewing.
Also I don't want to loose any worms till I see cocoons in my bin.
your method is sound!, I wish I had rabbit pooh but all I got is dry cow manure. The worms love it, along with star bucks coffee grounds and the left over tea juice and ingredients.
but please tell me more!, I have no problem reading long post and as you can tell my post are pretty long.
So please stop by again, would love to know of any hints or tricks or anything about worm farming!

[gixxerific]

The tea's have been fun gonna start another batch in a couple of day's. Got to make it work out to be ready when I'm not working and I leave very early so....


I have been somewhat vermicomposting. I have been taking worms from my garden and putting them in my compost. It's a start I guess.

[muddy45]

top_dollar_bread
I sent a reply to the group,,,But I sent the darn thing to my own inbox and don't know how to retrieve it and send it to the group.
Is it possible for me to grab it and send to group?
I am an idiot on a computer
muddy boots

[rainbowgardener]

At the top of the page, center right, is a line that (usually) says You have no new messages. (If you haven't looked at the one you sent yourself, yours may be saying You have 1 new message, or whatever). It has a little envelope icon next to it. If you put your cursor on the words, it gets a line under it to show it is a link. Click on it and it takes you to your Inbox. From there you can click on the message title to open the message you sent your self. Unfortunately at that point your only options are to save the message (ie move it from Inbox to Save Box) or delete it. But you can copy the message (Ctrl C if you REALLY don't know computers). Then come back to the Forum and the thread you want. Click Post Reply and paste the message in (Ctrl V). Best we've got.

[Diane]

But you can copy the message (Ctrl C if you REALLY don't know computers). Then come back to the Forum and the thread you want. Click Post Reply and paste the message in (Ctrl V). Best we've got.

That helps me. I learned all about computers on AOL. Things are different when not there.

TDB, your vermicompost looks great and it looks like you kept the worms out.
I'll have to look for those cocoons. I'm glad the wood helped.

[thepassionatecook]

A great link to help you get started --> https://www.urbanharvest.org/advice/composting/vermicomposting.html

[top_dollar_bread]

A great link to help you get started --> https://www.urbanharvest.org/advice/composting/vermicomposting.html

thanks for link, good read
cheers

[top_dollar_bread]

the bin is doing great, worms have grown BIG time and I have seen cocoons and ity bity baby worms
I have added a compost leachate collector and I thought id show some images of how every thing is going...
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8763_1254091188.jpg[/img]
here's the bin ready for screening, the left side has not been fed for a few weeks and right side is filled with worms and worm food
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8764_1254091188.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8765_1254091188.jpg[/img]
I cleared the finish compost and placed it in a container. I then placed a divider and the screen on top
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8766_1254091371.jpg[/img]
the screened compost falls to the empty side of the divided bin and compost, worms, cocoons and chunks gets tossed the the unfinished side of the bin
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8768_1254091371.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8769_1254091595.jpg[/img]
screened EWC
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8770_1254091595.jpg[/img]
stuff that didnt fit threw the screen

[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8771_1254091595.jpg[/img]
I then place this to cure (sit for a week or 2) before I use in soil mixes

then I start to add new bedding. I used soaked egg cart, news paper, soaked empty amendment boxes, twigs and dry leaves. all mixed with the unscreened compost and a little compost tea (little)
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8772_1254091688.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8773_1254091688.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8774_1254091688.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8775_1254091880.jpg[/img]
now the bin is ready for more food...

I use this oil collection pan (I got free from waste management) to collect excess moister from the bin (compost leachate). the leachate works great for compost tea's or diluted with water to feed plants.
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8778_1254091980.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8779_1254091980.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8780_1254091980.jpg[/img]
I cut a hole in the bottom and glued and taped a fine mesh screen (its holding strong)

here's some cocoons and worms
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8776_1254091880.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/user380_pic8777_1254091880.jpg[/img]

I have been using the screen EWC in my soilless soil mix for seedlings and its been working great
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/ajidulce.jpg[/img]
here's some aji dulce peppers, thyme in the back and some basils left (cant really see them)
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/ajidulcea13.jpg[/img]
the aji pepper baby

and the yellow pear tomato are loving the tea or leachate made from the bin
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/yellowpeartomatoe.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac78/top_dollar_bread/yellowpear2.jpg[/img]
I love my worms

[Kisal]

That's beautiful!

[gixxerific]

Nice job TDB it looks like you have it down to a science. That finished compost looks good enough to eat.

For now I will just let the worms in my garden do their thing. I need a winning lottery ticket. But that's a whole 'nother thing.

Keep up the good work. It's people like you that keep me going.

That screen looks awfully small but it seems to work. I have a huge roll of replacement window screen around. Do you think that would work to screen compost? I have some finished but no way of screening it.

[rainbowgardener]

Worm castings are considerably finer textured than regular compost. No, window screen is way too small a grid for screening compost. For most uses, I don't screen mine, just pick any sticks and stuff out.

[top_dollar_bread]

Kisal
thanks for the kind words
gixxerific
the bin is doing great, a little bit of gnats, mites and compost flies but I think I got them under control.
I'm with rainbow on the window screen, I don't think it will work for screening the compost. its too fine and the window screen is pretty much what I used at the bottom of my bin to let the excess leachate collect in the pan.
you also don't have to screen the casting, I use alot of the compost that didnt fit in the screen for my outdoor soil, screened goes into my DIY potting soil and compost tea's (no baby worms, cocoons).
I like the finer screened compost, mixed with a little unscreened compost to build good potting soil texture.
my screen is maybe about 1/3 of an inch, I think.. my pinky nail (not finger) could fit threw it, if I tried hard enough. that's how big the screen is, I don't think a window screen is that big. Worms & cocoon are able to crawl or fall right threw the screen, with no problem…

[applestar]

Looks VERY NICE (and using the oil drain pan is a fantastic idea). I'm working up the nerve to make one myself
Only problem is that without a frost-free room (basement, etc.) I can't keep them over the winter. One idea would be to start one in the spring and keep it going until just before hard freeze, but I'm not sure if that would make sense (not to mention how busy things get in spring... )

The screen you used looks like the aquarium lid for keeping lizards and such. I have a couple of those from when we used to have gerbils (yes our gerbils died... ) We're planning a funeral/ground breaking for the waterfall for our new pond. The waterfall is going to be built over our little pet cemetary corner where all our past pets as well as baby fledglings, goldfish, and other little critters are buried. I'm working on a fancy name for it -- something along the lines of "Rainbow Bridge Memorial Waterfall" and the kids and I are making one of those cast stepping stone thingies to commemorate our little friends.

Hmm. I wonder if I can talk my parents into keeping the vermicomposter in their basement during the winter.... (Nah -- only way I can see THAT happening is if I get my Dad to agree to sneak it in, but Mom would freak out if she ever found out....)

[gixxerific]

I didn't think widow screen would work. On of these day's I will find something the right size.

Apple let us know when we can come by and pay our respects.

[!potatoes!]

while not a perfect system, the nested-five-gallon-buckets I've been using don't take up much space, even in a crowded little home I've had no problem keeping them on the floor of the pantry inside. nowhere near the capacity of the big tubs, but able to convert more than you'd think regularly. (also, since I've also got a warmish 'regular' compost outside, I don't need huge capacity)

[applestar]

I stopped at the Smith&Hawken's store closing sale.... and bought their last Can-o-Worms for 1/2 price (Also a compost thermometer and one of those 3-in-1 analyzer gizmos -- pH, moisture, and light -- all for 1/2 price, and a couple of really nice 3' and 4' teak window boxes for amazing prices.... Then I went to A.C. Moore and bought a bunch of other stuff at Columbus Day 50% off sale prices.)

I just have to keep telling myself that I bought everything for 1/2 price or less...

Anyway, I guess I'll be starting my own worm factory now....

[top_dollar_bread]

while not a perfect system, the nested-five-gallon-buckets I've been using don't take up much space, even in a crowded little home I've had no problem keeping them on the floor of the pantry inside. nowhere near the capacity of the big tubs, but able to convert more than you'd think regularly. (also, since I've also got a warmish 'regular' compost outside, I don't need huge capacity)

a buddy of mine I think used the same method, two 5 gall containers, one for bedding, worms and food and the other to collect leachate
worked like a charm

I stopped at the Smith&Hawken's store closing sale.... and bought their last Can-o-Worms for 1/2 price (Also a compost thermometer and one of those 3-in-1 analyzer gizmos -- pH, moisture, and light -- all for 1/2 price, and a couple of really nice 3' and 4' teak window boxes for amazing prices.... Then I went to A.C. Moore and bought a bunch of other stuff at Columbus Day 50% off sale prices.)

I just have to keep telling myself that I bought everything for 1/2 price or less...

Anyway, I guess I'll be starting my own worm factory now....

thats great A_S, let us know how it goes..
it doesnt get too cold over here so I leave the bin outdoors, I'm thinking you can leave your bin some were indoors (away from ice or snow) with not much of a problem. (I think)

The screen you used looks like the aquarium lid for keeping lizards and such. I have a couple of those from when we used to have gerbils

you nailed it, if you got those they fit right on top of a rubber maid and work good for screening. but it does take some patients that I only have when I'm drinking

[applestar]

I finally got my Can-o-Worms set up. It's going to be a slow going project since I'm resistant to BUYING worms -- I've been collecting lovely worms from my outside compost piles every time I turn them, but the instruction manual recommends putting 1000 worms in it to start So my meager "herd" is not going to be eating up the entire kitchen scrap output any time soon, but that's OK, I'll be needing GREENS to balance the "absconded" leaves anyway

[gixxerific]

I finally got my Can-o-Worms set up. It's going to be a slow going project since I'm resistant to BUYING worms -- I've been collecting lovely worms from my outside compost piles every time I turn them, but the instruction manual recommends putting 1000 worms in it to start So my meager "herd" is not going to be eating up the entire kitchen scrap output any time soon, but that's OK, I'll be needing GREENS to balance the "absconded" leaves anyway

I think that is what I would do. I am not a vermicomposter, yet. Worms propagate rather quickly I do believe, so that is not a bad idea. Though aren't there certain types of worms that are better for composting than others? I'm thinking they want you to add 1000 worms to start so they can sell you those 1000 worms, could be wrong.

[applestar]

The kind of worms you find in unfinished compost pile and under organic mulch is what you want for the vermicomposter -- they're the ones that like to eat decomposing kitchen scraps and wet fibrous stuff like fall leaves and shredded paper. The ones that push up little worm signs/hills in the middle of compacted ground -- the ones that live in dirt (Night Crawlers) -- are NOT the ones you want for this purpose: Leave them in the ground to "till" your garden.

[soil]

applestar, can you find someone locally who also does vermiculture. I got mine for free from the guy down the street. he was more than glad to help me start a bin. much faster than picking them from the compost pile, but hey whatever works.

[applestar]

Great idea soil! I'll work on that (... but I found 3 more while raking up some leaves... )

[!potatoes!]

I started with only about 20-30 brandling worms...starting smaller means it takes WAAY longer to really get rolling, but it will.

[applestar]

Thanks!

I keep opening the lid and folding over the moisture mat to peek at the worms

Today, I decided to stir them a little to see how they're doing, and everywhere I stirred, there was a worm or two. I even felt a big'un when my finger tips poked in the coir bedding. Crazy.