Stop wasting money: DIY worm bins demystified-Red Wigglers
Рет қаралды 28,523
11 ай бұрын / @plantobsessed 3
Talk about DIY bins as well as a feed and fluff of the red wiggler bin
Play list for the Red wigglers only here
• Red Wiggler Compost Worms
Red Wiggler Compost Worms
They have been in 10 -gallon totes of various shapes since the beginning.
These red wigglers have been composting in my basement since May of 2019. The first bin was restarted August of 2021, The second bin August 2021, Newest bin started December 6th 2021
I am an Amazon affiliate. The items below are the Amazon affiliate links for the items I use in my wormery. I have read and recommend these books. The cost is the same to you, but the channel will be get a small commission if purchases are made using the links.
Reusable gallon zip lock bags
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Down to Earth Organic Alfalfa Meal
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Fish scale, Dr.meter Backlit LCD Display 110lb/50kg
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Tetra 16172 Aqua Safe Fish Tank Water Conditioner
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BLACK+DECKER Coffee Grinder
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pH meter TDS meter compo pack
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Mesh bags to make worm tea
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Coco coir Coco Bliss
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Organic Kelp Fertilizer
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Liquid Kelp
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Unsulfured Black Strap molasses
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Utility Tub - 26" X 20"
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Aurora 18 sheet shredder
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SE 5-Piece Set of Patented Stackable 13-¼” Sifting Pans - GP2-5 SET
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SE Patented Stackable 13-1/4" Sifting Pan, 1/4" Mesh Screen - GP2-14
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SE Patented Stackable 13-1/4" Sifting Pan, 1/8" Mesh Screen - GP2-18
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SE Patented Stackable 13-1/4" Sifting Pan, Mesh Size 1/12" - GP2-112
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Bon Tool 11-407 Utility Tub - 26" X 20"
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Tetra 16172 Aqua Safe Fish Tank Water Conditioner
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Worm Farmers Handbook Book
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Worms Eat My Garbage Book
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Vermiculture and Technology Book
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Worm Farm Revolution
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Uncle Jims European Night Crawlers
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Uncle Jims Product page
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@gregkillmeier8560 11 ай бұрын
I love my bin - a single Rubbermaid tote. No lifting, etc. my hobby, my choice. We all choose what’s right for us.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Exactly. I'm glad you have good luck with your DIY. 😁👍🏼🪱
@janniehanagriff 11 ай бұрын
Thats what I am using. I started last month so I am fairly new to this.
@eve66able 10 ай бұрын
Instead of drilling holes use a sautering iron and melt them into the plastic. This prevents those micro tears.
@PlantObsessed 10 ай бұрын
Yes exactly. I didn't know that before I made it. I use that method for making worm trams now. 👍🏼🪱😁
@R3lentlessSec 2 ай бұрын
Pilot drilling can help too 😊
@CrisAnderson27 2 күн бұрын
I came to say the same. Melting the holes strengthens the plastic around it as well, and leaves no hard edges.
@alexandrevaliquette3883 9 ай бұрын
Thank you for your video, of course, but special mention for conversion unit. It's such a nice touch, I can feel respect and care about people from different country/culture. Love from Montréal
@PlantObsessed 9 ай бұрын
Thank you. I want everyone to be successful. I appreciate that it is different for everyone. Thank you for watching.
@laurasoftheart 7 ай бұрын
I’ve had the three tray can-of-worms for more than 10 years now. I love it!
@PlantObsessed 7 ай бұрын
That is great they last that long. 🪱👍🏼😊
@laurahinrichsen3917 11 ай бұрын
I just looked up the collective nouns for worms and the options are, a bed of worms, a bunch of worms, or a clew of worms. Fun! Side note, I just learned last week that a group of raccoons is called a gaze.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Nice! I love wormanology!! 😃👍🏼🪱
@Vermicompost 11 ай бұрын
I love this comment!! Thanks for looking that up for all of us!!🪱🪱🪱
@etiennelouw9244 7 ай бұрын
I have an old garbage bin that I used as a compost bin over here in Cape Town South Africa, somehow it just turned into a worm bin by itself.
@PlantObsessed 7 ай бұрын
Nice, good worms!! 👍🏼🪱😃
@8oclocktomatotalk 11 ай бұрын
Hi Anne! My daughter and I have been talking more and more about both starting worm farms at our houses. Had a small set up in California, now I want to do one to begin highlighting it on my KZfaq channel. Came right to you for the source for info! Keep up the good work 🙂
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching. I hope you get back into the worm biz. 👍🏼🪱😃
@melodylamour6123 11 ай бұрын
I'm in SW Florida. My worms are outside under carport tents. They are a couple days from their first harvest. They have done excellent. I have them in an old Coleman cooler without a spout and without its original lid. It's been hot as heck. Heat index of 107 lately. I put two frozen water bottles in there daily. There are no holes. I have to use an extra rubber maid lid on it. I load small heavy plants on it to keep the worms from crawling out. There isn't a place for run off. I've not had an issue with extra juice of any kind. I've rarely had to add extra water into it besides the froze food they are fed. I'm so grateful for all y'all's videos.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Thank you. I'm glad the cooler works for you. That must be scary having the worms outside in the heat. My outside ones are on a concrete corner outside in the shade. It seems to stay below 90. They can also crawl out onto the ground if they need to. 👍🏼🪱😃
@MaiaKnits 11 ай бұрын
Have been watching for a while and appreciate your channel. Usually watch on my tv where I'm not signed in. Came for the discussion and saw I wasn't subscribed yet. Fixed that! I found you when I was looking for general vermiculture info so I could decide what system I want to get. So far I am just watching, learning, and planning. This topic is on point for me. I wish I could have a big blue, but I only have space for a stacking system, DIY or purchased. I look forward to this discussion. Thank you for being helpful and fostering a community of helpful people.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I try and make all the mistakes so you do have to. Lol. 👍🏼🪱😃
@MaiaKnits 11 ай бұрын
@@PlantObsessed haha!
@MaiaKnits 11 ай бұрын
@@PlantObsessed Just a heads up that your paper shredder link takes me to amazon for neem cake. Tried several videos and always get neem.
@brianseybert2189 11 ай бұрын
Fourth year using Costco 27 gallon totes, I only stack when separating the worms from the castings. Basically I dump all the worms into a bin with holes on the bottom and place on top of a new bin with fresh bedding and blended food (I use bricks as spacers). The worms are almost totally out out the top bin in a week or two. So far the bins have not shown any ware. OBTW,I no longer cover my bins either. I think DIY works best if you have the space for inside, 15 gal grow bags work best for me outside in the summer. I am considering an Urban worm bag for inside this winter, as you said around $100 investment. My problem, after 4 years of raising worms I have enough worms for a half a dozen bins, no place to put that many bins. Enjoy your videos! Stay Well!!!
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I have the same issue. My worms are multiplying and dividing and I have run out of room. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼
@brianseybert2189 11 ай бұрын
@@PlantObsessed I put a pretty good number in my garden beds. I also add worms to resting hot compost, and when I start my leaf mold pile every fall. The jumping worms have really reduced the red worm population in my beds. I believe the trapping method I employed this summer has helped a lot. I only pick up a few, where I was removing hundreds in May and June. Take Care!!!
@cathyplantlover2862 11 ай бұрын
I paid 109 for the vermi hut and I love it its about 10 lbs per stacked trays and I got the 5 tray one plus cool stuff like a mini plastic rake a cup for the liquid some blocking tray cover to keep the worms for going in the liquid tray and a bunch of other things that came with it.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
That sounds awesome. I'll see if there is a similar deal out there. 😃🪱👍🏼
@AJsGreenTopics 11 ай бұрын
You are right about worms doing what they want. Take care. 😎
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Yep, we just work here. Am I right? 😃👍🏼🪱
@aondyak 11 ай бұрын
I’m newish go worms for Christmas I bought a two tier bin. Nothing fancy cheaper one on Amazon. I have a small apartment and it works great! But now I’m feeling I need more so I’m debating on getting a second one or making my own! So This showed up perfect timing for me 😂
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
That is awesome. I'm glad you caught the vermiculture bug🪱👍🏼😃
@Varcuri9898 11 ай бұрын
I’ve had the Vermihut tower system running for 6 months and I like it. Each tray weights around 10 - 15 pounds when full. I use 4 of the 5 trays in the stack.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for the information. I'm glad they are not too heavy. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼
@donaldstory105 11 ай бұрын
Hi from Summerfield Florida. I'm into my sixth month and can barely keep up with harvesting. My original 20 gal tote is up to 50 lbs. I now have 3 and did a light harvest this morning.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
That is heavy. Yikes. Your worms are very busy. Good luck. 🪱👍🏼😃
@clivesconundrumgarden 11 ай бұрын
Great Points Ann. I think its pretty clear from the math side. The professional systems last 4x longer and are only 2x more. That being said and i can only speak to my experience. I'm glad i have a DYI system. $5, fun, easy and I'm really only after the castings for personal use. I dont love active worm farming and like more passive systems that suit me. If i was or become more into it, id certainly consider a "higher grade" system. Thought provoking as always !! Cheers 🌱👍👍👍👍
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Yes, I don't regret learning on my diy bin. If I didn't like worm farming I wouldn't be out much. It may be time to take the plunge.
@clivesconundrumgarden 11 ай бұрын
@PlantObsessed I think that's a great idea. With your experience and critical thinking, you'll be able to max out your investment. Might actually be worth doing a "review series" on them ???
@lindaspellman2108 11 ай бұрын
I would love to see something other than plastic! I set my mom up with a rescued wood crate (single layer for 2 people), which she says is working well. I've wondered about steel chafing dishes with steamer pans-pre-drilled and designed to stack... That said, I do have a Worm Factory 360 I picked up secondhand for $10. I dont love it, but its been deemed more presentable to have in the kitchen. I run it Patrick's way, which gives only one active tray at a time.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
That sounds interesting. Let me know if you find a way to make 👍🏼🪱😃a metal one. That would last forever
@michaelbessette8685 11 ай бұрын
I do not drill holes. I don't let it get wet enough to get liquid in the bottom. Takes a little extra care but it works for me. I have started making stackable horizontal migration bins with ceder fence boards and wire mesh.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I do the same thing now and keep the bins moisture even by my in. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼
@HedgewitchHoney 5 ай бұрын
I have a UK made wormcity and a US made wormfactory 360. Slightly different in form, absolutely identical in function. I've tried many different home made designs all of which work well but it's the purpose made farms that are still producing the most and still going strong after 8 years. When I wash and clean the trays after each harvest they come up as good as new. Yes they are expensive but for me personally they're the most productive and trouble free systems by comparison. Personal preference I suppose. Love your videos by the way.
@PlantObsessed 5 ай бұрын
I'm liking my new 360. I agree it is much more sturdy than the diy.🪱👍🏼😁
@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920 11 ай бұрын
Hi Ann, I watched completely and read some comments. And my evaluation is...buy a system! Your back is worth it. Even the Can-O-Worms trays weigh 20 + pounds when packed with Castings that are wet. I noticed that Vermihut looks like a good system. Just a thought. Take care ❤Peggy❤
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Yes that is a good idea. It's not worth it if I only get 5 years. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼
@Vermicompost 11 ай бұрын
Great honest assessment of your DIY system! If you want to go back for another DIY system, maybe do smaller thicker bins to lessen the weight? I'm sure you can find kids toy organizers for super cheap at a thrift store or garage sale...the ones we have are pretty thick plastic & have three of each size ranging from a shoe box to about the size of my Vermihut tray....speaking of which I absolutely love if you want to go that route. Even when totally full with castings, the most one has weighed is between 11-12 pounds. Like you said the plastic is hard. I run it with 4 trays and use the fifth one as a sifter. There are actually 1600 holes in the bottom of each tray so the worms go up and down as if there is nothing in between. I think you are good either way. Based on what I have seen of your building skills, I think you can make another excellent improved DIY tower!!🪱🪱🪱
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I need to go container shopping. Or system shopping. There is quite a bit of wear and tear on the system as I move it to film. We will see in a month. 😃🪱👍🏼
@chriseverest4380 11 ай бұрын
Did you drill 1600 holes in the bottom of each tray? wow!
@Vermicompost 11 ай бұрын
@@chriseverest4380 No, But that would be an amazing feat!! It is a VermiHut worm tower and I counted down two of the sides and multiplied to find out it had 1600 holes. 🪱🪱🪱
@catherinemiura3979 11 ай бұрын
HI Ann. I have a 3 tier Worm Factory. It is also heavy when it gets full. I actually strained my back moving the system earlier this summer. The trays are good quality plastic, but the legs are a bit wobbly.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for the advice. I think someone else mentioned the legs were not that great. Are they plastic?
@catherinemiura3979 11 ай бұрын
@@PlantObsessed Yes, plastic. Not as thick as the trays. Also, the way the base is set up, it has a “worm ladder” for worms to crawl back up into the bottom tray. It works fairly well. The problem is that when they want to escape, they can easily. There is a gap between the bottom tray/worm ladder and the side wall. I had a mass exodus when I first set it up. I suppose that can happen with any bin though.
@RockinWorms 11 ай бұрын
Hi Ann! If you spent $30 for 5 yrs of use, then to get the 20 yr use of the commercial worm tray system you’d need to make the $30 system 4 times. That equals a cost of $120. So the commercial system will be cheaper. And that’s assuming you could remake the DIY for the $30 each time (no inflation). I do not know how the volume of your diy stack compares to the commercial one other than your 3 trays vs their 5 trays. If overall the space is similar then their individual trays would be smaller and therefore lighter which is something you said you’d like. It seems that if you can find a commercial system you like for the $100 with the long life warranty it might indeed be the best way to go for you! Eager to see what you do decide to do 😊
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
That is the idea I came up with too. The quality of items is only going down it seems. I'm better off buying something purpose built. Thanks for the advice. 👍🏼😃🪱
@mariangiefarias2584 10 ай бұрын
I am learni g sooo much!
@PlantObsessed 10 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching. Watching videos is how I learned too. 👍🏼🪱😁
@carlafawcett3851 11 ай бұрын
I think $6 a year is cheap considering they gift you hundreds of dollars in organic compost : ) I love my rubbermaid totes and buckets buried in the garden
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I think it is breaking because it gets moved all the time. My garden buckets are all still good. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼
@augustineschaefer5522 11 ай бұрын
I have 3 totes that I’ve stacked and unstacked and taped the holes. Now I have 3 bins that were all free/found and I cut the tops off so they fit under a table in the garage. The worms like the heated slab. I don’t like the stacks as they’re heavy.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I agree I struggle to move the whole thing at once. Spoiled worms have their own heated garage.😃🪱👍🏼
@A-V 11 ай бұрын
I think the material that my bus bins are made of is a bit thicker than what typical totes are made of... so hopefully my bins don't start breaking down on me. My hope is that they keep on going for many more years.... :)
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I agree the bus bins are better plastic. They are made for heavy work. How old are your bus bins? 👍🏼🪱😃
@A-V 11 ай бұрын
Most were recently purchased... but a few of them go way, way back. I have a couple of them that may date back to the 1980s _(but somehow I doubt the newer one would last so long - with the way things are built to _*_not_*_ last nowadays)_
@patti280 7 ай бұрын
I use masonry bins. They’re really sturdy
@PlantObsessed 7 ай бұрын
Yeah, in hindsight I could have made some better choices to make it more sturdy. 👍🏼🪱🤔
@marlenen6130 11 ай бұрын
I personally love the Hot Frog stacking system and ordered extra trays cuz the roto formed material is so strong! The bins are deeper than my worm farm 360 system but have a smaller footprint, the grid at the bottom of the tray are actually more like little tunnels and they are spaced apart. I frequently will take a finished tray and set it on top of the system without the lid to dry it, then use the light method and the worms just dive into the tray underneath. Sometimes I will set it on some prepared bedding and food in a bus bin and can populate another system. Since I keep mine 4-5 layers high, I usually just put dry bedding in the deep sump and bottom tray to inoculate the material, which I can then just use to cover feedings. The actual design of the Hot Frog system is very nice too, European in that it’s sleek, streamlined, soft corners with molded handles. Highly recommend. The other option could be to find smaller (5-10 gallon) food-grade containers like Blue and see if you can do a stackable system with those? I have also considered turning my little 3 drawer dresser into a system, as it’s very old, the drawers slide out on each other, and the wood is very thick. I think if I treated it with hot wax on the facing surfaces and put vents and drainage holes it could work…but I like that little dressser! Lol.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I have heard of people doing that. Might be a winter project. 😃🪱👍🏼
@Dee.C 11 ай бұрын
I made one like yours 2 years ago. Do the DIY again . I Do have a couple of "tailor made" stackable systems . I love the Worm Factory 360 . Do NOT get the Can O' Worms , It bows in the middle when it starts getting full and I try to open it up. A couple of the legs are messed up on mine , it is wobbly and causes them to move and break easy . If you were closer I would give you mine.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Good to know. I am leaning towards the 360. It seems to have the best combination of options. Thanks for the advice 🪱👍🏼😃
@juntjoonunya9216 9 ай бұрын
You ought to do a video on your more personal ralationship with them lol. I just brought home a little $5 tub of them there's only so many so we're getting to know each other
@PlantObsessed 9 ай бұрын
Worms are some of my top 50,000 friends for sure. 👍🏼🪱😁
@miriambennett1030 11 ай бұрын
Hi from Wisconsin
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Hello. Im glad you made it.
@randallwithee2189 10 ай бұрын
You should do some research on plastic welding. You use a soldering iron or woodburner with metal screening and extra pieces of plastic (ie broken pieces of a similar colored bin, or a similar colored zip tie) and melt it into the tote around the hole.
@PlantObsessed 10 ай бұрын
That is a good idea. I need to patch some holes with blue too. 👍🏼🪱😃
@pr3ts3l 3 күн бұрын
I have a similar tote from Costco. I've had it as my primary worm bin since 2019. The holes I've made was just for air flow up top, I haven't seen them looking worse than the day I bought it. I'm thinking that some of your damage may be from moisture and debri expanding in the small cracks from those holes making it break faster. Maybe running a lighter or something around the holes when you make them could seal and slow down that breakage, I'd be careful though since plastic can catch fire fast if your not careful
@PlantObsessed 2 күн бұрын
I have done some plastic welding to keep things longer, but I just chose to use the bin for outside plants. 👍🏼😃🪱
@roncatlin7271 9 ай бұрын
the collective noun for worms is a clew. googled it when you mentioned it. i didn't know either. i am only 3 years in so i am not sure if my opinion will matter but i have a 5gal bucket tower 6 high now. just added bucket 6 last month when i discovered juveniles in my storage tote out in my garden shed. i track my/worm activities on a spreadsheet and i've removed 218# of castings in 38 months starting with 250 rws. my buckets are in fine shape but if anything does happen i will be able to replace them for less than $5 and possibly free. i probably could fill the buckets up more but i keep my tower in my bedroom closet - no odor, no pests - and i don't want to tip it over getting my castings bucket out. even when my tower was only 5 buckets high there was very little drying time to sift. i do think i've got enough worms now that i may need to start a second tower. i just wonder if your totes are degrading because of the weight of your material and lifting/movement and not because of the holes at all. my buckets rarely ever weigh more than 10# but like i said, i am only 3 years in. since i need to expand my operation i have been sort of considering different types of containers but i think i am leaning more on just going to larger buckets because of the (lack of) maintenance and the ease of operation.
@PlantObsessed 9 ай бұрын
I saw the word clew in Darwin's book. I was not sure if it was a made up word or not lol. I have kept worms in many different systems. I like the barrels best. I'll have to see about my new systems how it ranks. ,👍🏼🪱😃
@pdunson850 11 ай бұрын
Whenever you add the new bedding with the feedings is it always the prepared bedding with all the additives or is it just schredded paper/cardboard?
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I do both. If I'm trying to dry out the bin I use the in prepared kind. 👍🏼🪱😃
@ArthurRowley-zj2db 10 ай бұрын
You can melt metal wire screen into plastic with a soldering iron.
@PlantObsessed 10 ай бұрын
That is a good idea. 🪱👍🏼😁
@theunskoch4256 11 ай бұрын
I have four storage containers, one is a bit damaged, not from the worms though, the first one is about 4 years old, still going strong, second one about two to three years old the third one is about two years old, the last one is much older, it was my dads i saw it lying around and well the rest is history with what became of it, 😂, all my containers are single systems, im considering building a wooden flow through system, if i can put my two cents worth of input, buying a profesional system, look at the long run, it might save you time and money even if you are going to spend money, buying bins/ totes and making your own might save some money but now you have to look at durability, both ideas have their ups and downs it all comes down to having something that will last you more than five years, one of my buckets that i had cracked right in the middle of the bottom from the weight of the castings, it was a two bucket system, im sure you will make a decicion that is right for you
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
It's good to reuse old tubs. I do worry about the mess of collecting everything up again if mine break. I'll need to do something soon.
@bettyturley6735 11 ай бұрын
I buy dish washing tubs from the dollar store. They last at least five years 1.00 each
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Nice! I think the bus bins i have will also last more than 5 years. I think it is better made plastic.
@yapvoonyee1778 7 күн бұрын
You need to create a new collective noun. I suggest a wriggle of worms. Better than a herd.
@PlantObsessed 6 күн бұрын
I know lol ... the actual word used by Darwin was clew. Is that better? 🤔👍🏼🪱
@ChessKombat 11 ай бұрын
I hope we can share YT links. But here is the video of the bin system I was refrencing in the premiere. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p66KiKaau96uYmw.html
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Ok now I know what you mean. It seems better than the trash can type. How long have yours lasted?
@ChessKombat 11 ай бұрын
@@PlantObsessed Mine have lasted for three years and still going stroing. Showing no signs of bowing either. And it has been full of castings over the winter. I bought some cheap bins from the second hand store that are flimsy. I dont know how well they will hold up but I am experiementing with those. I do not think that the black and yellow heavy duty bins will let you down. Then when I need castings, I harvest how much I need. I was the one who had issues with trying not to sift my castings. These bins are why. I like that I can keep my moisture a little higher. Just my feeling on the matter. I found that if I want to sift, I mix it with peat moss or coco coir or dry leaf mold to soak up the moisture from the castings to help it get to the consistency I need. I sift just to get the unsprouted tomato and pumpkin seeds out because those are a pain when they go crazy where you dont want them. Or I use castings in my soil blocks for seed starting. .25 castings .25 peat or coco .25 perlite .25 compost. Since the castings and the peat are already mixed for the sifting stef it is one less step later.
@1huzlives 3 ай бұрын
Hello. Thanks for all your videos. I have ANC. Most of the time I used shredded brown boxes for their bedding. Recently I ran out of boxes, and use printed white paper. What do u think about that? I am a bit worried with all the info out there.
@PlantObsessed 2 ай бұрын
I use office paper. It is ok. It will stick together without some coconut coir or peat moss. The worms will eat it no problem. 😁🪱👍🏼
@user-qy1jr5rf5z 10 ай бұрын
WHAT IS A SPRING TAIL AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?. ALSO HOW DO YOU GET ROLLIE POLLIE BUGS IN YOUR BINS?
@pdunson850 11 ай бұрын
One more question😂 If you make the prepared bedding with the schredded paper/cardboard and coco coir could you use a liquid compost starter in it instead of the other things to get the microbes jumpstarted for the bin?
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I could but I usually use finished compost and some sugar / nitrogen source . I already have the kelp for plants. I advocate using what you have already available. 👍🏼
@erical9526 7 ай бұрын
Side note: I always avoid onions in my bin but now thinking maybe I don't need to. I take it they process them just fine!
@PlantObsessed 7 ай бұрын
Onions are just fine. I find them all balled up inside them. Maybe a brand new bin couldn't handle it due to a lack of microbes. I have never had an issue.😃🪱👍🏼
@erical9526 7 ай бұрын
@@PlantObsessed, so good to know! I think I still baby my worm been despite being several years old. Thank you so much for your educational videos! Please keep them coming.
@petericemanczyl2139 Ай бұрын
I used both round and square worm systems. Square cracks at the corners. Round holds up.
@PlantObsessed Ай бұрын
Would you mind telling me the brand? I have a square one now. 👍🏼🪱😔
@petericemanczyl2139 Ай бұрын
Can-O-Worms is the brand of the round unit that worked. I am not sure about the brand of the square box unit. I had both for over 10 years. The Can-O-Worms is still in use. @@PlantObsessed
@dankillen8762 7 ай бұрын
Hello Ann! I am so new that I just purchased 4 - 10 gallon totes for my own DYI system after watching your system work. I have questions bouncing all around in my brain, and I don't want to write a book! lol! I'm planning on starting with 1 lb. of red wigglers in it. I drilled 1/4 inch holes in the top of 1 bin for the 1st layer. I have 3 others that will be part of the system at some point. The 1st. question is do I need to drill holes in all 3 and how many for drainage, or can I do them one at a time? I have the risers that you put in your bin as well, GREAT IDEA! How do you rotate the bins and feed them as well is another question that I have to. Your guide in this would be greatly appreciated! Keep doing these great videos, I plan on watching all that you have to teach.
@PlantObsessed 7 ай бұрын
I would put holes for the worms to move around in all except the bottom. I don't put drains in mine. I keep dry bedding at the bottom to soak up the juices. I also didn't move the layers around much. I just harvest the layer that looked the most done and start it over independently. I hope that helps. Good luck 🪱👍🏼😁
@Boxermom359 6 ай бұрын
I’m having a really hard time with my 3 bins getting above 5.5 ph … we have them in a shed in our backyard and it’s been in mid 30’s at night and 50ish or low 60’s during the day. We have a small heater on low so it will stay above 45-55 degrees at night. We bought a couple hundred worms from an Amazon supplier and some from another Brothers Worm Farm in Austin, but some have not survived. Not sure if it was because two nights before we put the small heater in there it got below 32, if it’s the low ph or their new earth easy homes we got around Thanksgiving. I have two earth easy dual tray composters and one large 30ish gallon bin, I’m really trying here. I used a ph neutral coco coir, small cardboard pieces, shredded paper, soil with compost in it from Lowe’s that the worms seemed to initially do well in. I put in crushed eggshells, got some of the garden lime, nothing seems to be helping resolve the ph. I’ve been watching your videos and could use some advice pls. Thanks
@PlantObsessed 6 ай бұрын
I would not measure the pH it is just stressing you out. Most worm species can handle acidic material as long as it is not actively rotting. Coco coir and cardboard are great. If the worms are red wigglers they will 100% be fine at freezing temperatures. They won't eat or breed much but they will live. I wouldn't add more garden lime. It's too concentrated. It might cause more problems . Since the bin is less than 6 months old it mostly needs time. Waiting is the worst I know. If you can get some live castings from that worm farm to add to your bins that might help get the microbiology is going faster. Good luck. 🪱👍🏼😊
@corlissyamasaki3476 3 ай бұрын
Years ago, I bought a Can o Worms 3 tiered system. It's much too big for me too handltote. Is very strong, but try lifting it to try and harvesr castings, it's really heavy. Going back to one or two totes.
@PlantObsessed 3 ай бұрын
I did like both. Good luck. 🪱😃👍🏼
@brandy2771 7 ай бұрын
Yes I understand
@PlantObsessed 7 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼
@janniehanagriff 11 ай бұрын
Have you thought about screen repair tape for next time?
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
That is a good idea, thank you 🪱😀👍🏼
@indianpatriot4444 11 ай бұрын
Hi, I’ve only recently started watching your channel after having started Vermicomposting for only six months now. I’m truly amateur. I wanted to do a test run before committing to it so I started with four 2.5gallon grow bags. I put in the bedding, the worms and the food all in at once and let them be for 5 months or so. Just spraying some water every other week during peak summer. I put them on the terrace underneath a bedframe and on plant stands with castors. I had to let the system dry(air out) for weeks before harvesting. I could harvest 3 gallons of castings from the 4 growbags and now I have restarted the process with 8 growbags (doubled the number). What do you say about the outcome, worthwhile or not? Btw, I got my worms free with a sack full of castings I’d bought from a farm. Please reply
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
It sounds like you are having great luck doing the worm containers this way. If it is not broke don't fix it. If you want more production you could add bedding and food more than once in 5 months... Or add more bags. Your set it and forget it system seems to work well. Good luck. 😃🪱👍🏼
@indianpatriot4444 11 ай бұрын
Thank you
@katherinecain7821 8 ай бұрын
Can you use black and white newspaper shredded paper?
@PlantObsessed 8 ай бұрын
In the US the news paper is soy ink based. It should be ok to feed.to your worm babies.😁🪱👍🏼
@GardeningwithBarchuckin 11 ай бұрын
DIY it again Ann! You already have the spacer made, you can tweak the plans and see if you can more than five years out of the next one 😁🪱🪱 I do love my Vermihut Plus 😅
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Humm has there been a video of said hut of worms this summer? 🧐🪱👍🏼
@bartcalder2791 11 ай бұрын
May be you addressed this and I'm dense, but I don't understand why you want the stack system at all. Big Blue seems to be working great.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
The stacked system predates Blue by more than a year. I like to keep my worm breeds separate to test the difference. I agree with you Blue is the Best 🪱👍🏼😃
@bradical2723 18 күн бұрын
What kind of paper or cardboard are you using as bedding? Can i use like colored food and beverage packages, like beer boxes and tv dinner boxes, that kinda stuff.. they say recyclable..
@PlantObsessed 18 күн бұрын
I use anything that is not made to go in the freezer it might have a plastic lining. So yes I use cereal boxes, food boxes, soda boxes, Amazon boxes but not boxes that contained electronics like TVs. 👍🏼🪱😊
@CarinoGamingStudio Ай бұрын
it depends. if you sell the vermicas. that $30 is worth for 5 years.
@PlantObsessed Ай бұрын
True. I feel bad about needing to replace it every 5 years.😃👍🏼🪱
@eleanoraddy4683 11 ай бұрын
I use old plastic crates I already own and in my opinion it's better than the can o worms stacking system which is the only commercial system I've tried. It's not made for short women and gets really unwieldy, never mind the atrocious smell and dead worms caused by the sump......only used it for 3 weeks and the sump went completely anaerobic and everyone had to be rescued. Terrible 😂
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Yikes. I will probably put a cocomatt on the sump. I learned worms go places you don't want them. Dead worm smell is the worse. 👍🏼🪱😃
@eleanoraddy4683 11 ай бұрын
@@PlantObsessed yeah it smelled evil enough to completely nope out of the whole system! I do use a second layer that I made myself using a soldering iron and slightly smaller box for baiting out the worms but I missed my window and had to do a light harvest recently. I'm not quite attuned to the seasonal changes yet!
@holycow3355 5 ай бұрын
Usually there already thousands of insects in a compost bin, sure their waste & remains turn into fertilizers as well, so are worms really better/do a better job for plant growth ? They take (a lot of) TLC while other insects don't.
@PlantObsessed 5 ай бұрын
Bug frass in general is great. Worms are easier to control than other critters. I wish it was warm enough for black soldier flies. They are awesome.🪱👍🏼😊
@brandon2066 17 күн бұрын
I’ve read that onions and other spicy foods can harm the worms by burning their skin. Have you heard anything about this? Thanks for the awesome video!
@PlantObsessed 17 күн бұрын
It is an urban legend. I know it is even in some books. I have fed them both for years with no ill effects. 🪱😊👍🏼
@enjaynj504 11 ай бұрын
here since the premiere
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching!
@janniehanagriff 11 ай бұрын
I had a few questions should I just post them here or is it ok to email them to you?
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Ask away. I'm sure other people have the same question. 👍🏼🪱😀
@janniehanagriff 11 ай бұрын
When you first started keeping worms did you ever have issues with BSFL?
@janniehanagriff 11 ай бұрын
I originally had my worm bin outside but brought them in due to the 100 degree heat and the heat advisories.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
@@janniehanagriff all my bins were inside so no BSFL issue. My outside bin has a lid with small holes due to my wild animal issues. so none there either.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
@@janniehanagriff my bins open to the ground below with quarter inch holes. Mine usually hide in the soil under the bin. If mine wasn't so big I would likely drag mine inside too.
@the_green_anna 11 ай бұрын
💚
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
😃🪱👍🏼
@alexandrevaliquette3883 9 ай бұрын
You truly confirmed that this is not a fad, it's even more than a hobby; it's your lifestyle. So, please invest in whatever will make you happy everyday. (true for other hobbies) For a newbie, I would suggest keeping a low initial investment to make sure you like the whole adventure enough. Maybe using free/recycled 5 gall pail. If after 5 years, you still like it, consider going next step with confidence.
@PlantObsessed 9 ай бұрын
yep, i started with one pound and here i am lol
@kevjoned1975 11 ай бұрын
Ok cool
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching!
@user-qb6wf9ke6s 5 ай бұрын
can worms cross-bread?
@PlantObsessed 5 ай бұрын
No. According to the books I have read they are not close enough related to cross breed.🪱👍🏼😃
@amyleader5147 9 ай бұрын
Make one out of wood and screen you'll never have to deal with that wet stuff again
@PlantObsessed 9 ай бұрын
That is a good idea ☺️,🪱👍🏼
@g4hardcore 2 ай бұрын
drownding
@PlantObsessed 2 ай бұрын
👍🏼🪱😃
@kromsnavelfun 4 ай бұрын
Commercial stuff is not so much fun as beïmg creative to house your worms as you prefer. And those companies are broke far before the 20 years. When I see how many of that commercial too expensive stuff is on the marketplace overhere. For most people it's just a hype.
@PlantObsessed 4 ай бұрын
Too much drama in general these days. I agree. 👍🏼🪱😊
@user-cu6hr2oz2b 6 ай бұрын
am an Arab man. I do not understand your English language, but I would love to follow your channel and learn a few words. Use the translation program now. Is what you wrote correct???
@PlantObsessed 6 ай бұрын
The auto translate option is not working. I will send a message why it is not working. Thank you for letting me know 👍🏼
@user-cu6hr2oz2b 6 ай бұрын
@@PlantObsessed ok thank you very much
@Raspukek-fu8un 11 ай бұрын
looks like not
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Yeah seems so. 😃🪱👍🏼
@LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp 11 ай бұрын
From SW Ga. Use .orter mixing traws from Lowes.
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
I like those too. They seem to hold up well over the years. Thank you for watching 😃🪱👍🏼
@chriseverest4380 11 ай бұрын
Your DIY bin actually looks bigger than a lot of the selling ready-made bins (but that might be the effect of the camera I don't know). I think a lot of the ready-made are a bit ugly (aesthetically speaking - like a bit of Russian brutalised architecture)😂
@PlantObsessed 11 ай бұрын
Lol yes it is bigger it is the same width but is twice as long. That is a good idea to make a pretty worm bin that looks like nice furniture. 👍🏼🪱😃
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