Vermicoast

The conditions that control worm populations are the same as those required for them to survive in a contained space:

1) ample, but not excessive food supply

2) sufficient surface area

3) population density

4) nutrition for reproduction

5) moisture

6) ambient ground and air temperature, 55- 85 degrees F ( 13-27 C)

What type of container should you use?

The type of container you use is limited only by your imagination.  Below are a few guidelines you will want to keep in mind.  Also, remember, a lid will keep it dark and help it to retain moisture, and keeping the birds from feasting on your worms.  Even a bucket can be used as a worm bin.(9)  When selecting a bin it is important to pay attention to the square foot surface area listed in the chart of worm to waste ratios.  This will be covered in the next blog I do here.

Consider the following when you select your worm bin:

> The inside of the bin should always be wet, so cardboard and similar materials are not appropriate.

> Select a size that is easy for you to handle.  If you maintain a bin kept in the house, it will need to be taken outside before harvesting.

> Appearance is important to some people, so obtain or build something that is attractive.

> Plastic holds up well and retards moisture loss.   Plastic containers often come with the necessary lid.  Caution: worms prefer to work in the dark, so try and avoid clear plastic or keep the container covered in the shade.

>  Wood breathes well but warps and rots.  It is also much heavier than plastic, especially when filled with worm castings.

>  Wood manufacturers infuse some wood with pest resistant chemicals to increase longevity.  These chemicals can be poisonous to the worms.

To reduce the cost and keep with the spirit of recycling, try to use a container that has had a former function.  You may build one of scrape, have one at home, or discover the perfect worm home for pennies on the dollar at a second hand shop or garage sale.

Some suggestions:

* old dish pans are a good size for an individual or a couple.

* plastic flip top storage bins work wonderfully.

* bins made from safe ( not pressure treated) scrap wood are effective.

* recycled barrels, cut in half lengthwise and bolted  together at the mouth provide inexpensive bins with lots of surface area.

Do clean the container thoroughly before you add your worms. If your bin doesn’t have a lid, a piece or wood or cardboard with a rock on the top will do.

Remember: No matter the type of bin you choose, recycling is part of the goal!

Recipe For A Worm Bin

Equipment and Ingredients- What you will need

* one container for worms, with a lid

*one  old sheet, or other porous liner

* one electric drill with a 1/4″ drill bit

* dry cardboard the size to conform to the shape of the bottom of the bin

* bedding: shredded newspaper, corrugated cardboard cardboard as a liner for the bottom of the bin ( soak all the shredded paper for at least 24 hours before you star your bin) It comes up to 1″ of the top of the bin when you have wrung it out well and pulled it apart for air spaces.

*  a tray to catch the drips beneath the worm bin

* 2 short sections or 3 of 2″x4″‘s to raise the bin off the tray it will sit on

* a hand full of garden soil to add in the micro-organisms who will aid in breaking down the food waste for the worms.

* Locattion in deep shade for the bin

* Composting worms– red wigglers–as many as you need to compost your waste volume

To Recap:

> You now know the type of bin you will be choosing and what to shy away from

> You have a few suggestions which should help you in obtaining your bin

>  the equipment you will need has been out lined

Next time I shall write about the worm to waste ratios, the ideal surface areas to waste volume and how to figure out the volume of youe organic wastes.

Until then: enjoy your worms, if you have them.  Learn from them.  Ask questions!

That is what I am here for, to help you all I can.

~Shel

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