Recently I read parts of Urban Homestead book by Kelly Coyne. It really motivated me to create my own worm composting bin. So I did it. I've posted a link to the book at the bottom of the blog if you want to check it out. So far it is NOT available at my local library... bummer.
Anyway the basic instructions for making your own bin system is as follows (there are many ways to make it, but this is what I did, I have no idea if it is the best way to do it, we'll see)!:
You'll need two 10gal plastic bins.
Make sure they are not clear or see through, worms like it dark...
I drilled holes in the side of the bin about 3 or 4 inches from the top and drilled 22 (I think) holes around the sides. Picture 1
I drilled 8 holes in the bottom also.
The holes, as I understand help with ventilation. In some systems you can drill holes in both containers and at some point get the worms to travel from bin to bin. To start with, I'm only using one bin for composting and the second bin to 'catch' any juices (ew gross).
The lid will remain tightly on top and needs no holes.
I bought 2 PVC pieces to place in the bottom container to ensure air is getting to the bottom holes for ventilation. Picture 2
Once the bins are prepared it's time to get ready for some worms! Picture 3
Line the bottom the (top) bin with wet newspaper, think soggy sponge.
I've read several different things some say don't add any food scraps until your worms have been there for a week or so, and some say to add a little food in sections of the bin (put some in this corner, then put some in that corner, etc), and one that said put a ton of bedding in there and then layer with food scraps and bedding until it's almost full. Wait about 3 weeks and then add worms.
I made a thick bedding layer and added some food scraps and then waited 4 or 5 days and then added my worms. Pictures 4 and 5, bin with newly added worms and then covered in more fresh bedding!
I just added my worms today, so I will continue to post with any exciting updates!
Here are some tips I've read about:
Don't add fat or animal product (except egg shells)
The calcium in egg shells aids in reporduction!
Anyway the basic instructions for making your own bin system is as follows (there are many ways to make it, but this is what I did, I have no idea if it is the best way to do it, we'll see)!:
You'll need two 10gal plastic bins.
Make sure they are not clear or see through, worms like it dark...
I drilled holes in the side of the bin about 3 or 4 inches from the top and drilled 22 (I think) holes around the sides. Picture 1
I drilled 8 holes in the bottom also.
The holes, as I understand help with ventilation. In some systems you can drill holes in both containers and at some point get the worms to travel from bin to bin. To start with, I'm only using one bin for composting and the second bin to 'catch' any juices (ew gross).
The lid will remain tightly on top and needs no holes.
I bought 2 PVC pieces to place in the bottom container to ensure air is getting to the bottom holes for ventilation. Picture 2
Once the bins are prepared it's time to get ready for some worms! Picture 3
Line the bottom the (top) bin with wet newspaper, think soggy sponge.
I've read several different things some say don't add any food scraps until your worms have been there for a week or so, and some say to add a little food in sections of the bin (put some in this corner, then put some in that corner, etc), and one that said put a ton of bedding in there and then layer with food scraps and bedding until it's almost full. Wait about 3 weeks and then add worms.
I made a thick bedding layer and added some food scraps and then waited 4 or 5 days and then added my worms. Pictures 4 and 5, bin with newly added worms and then covered in more fresh bedding!
I just added my worms today, so I will continue to post with any exciting updates!
Here are some tips I've read about:
Don't add fat or animal product (except egg shells)
The calcium in egg shells aids in reporduction!
Your bins should not be stinky (so far so good, even after having my food scraps in the bin for several days without worms, it's not stinky)
Link to Urban Homestead book:
http://http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Homestead-Expanded-Revised-Self-Sufficient/dp/1934170100/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281648505&sr=8-1
Link to Worms Eat My Garbage:
http://http://www.amazon.com/Worms-Eat-My-Garbage-Composting/dp/0977804518/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281649189&sr=1-1
This website is great for beginners and also a great place to buy worms online.
http://http://www.unclejimswormfarm.com/
Link to Urban Homestead book:
http://http://www.amazon.com/Urban-Homestead-Expanded-Revised-Self-Sufficient/dp/1934170100/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281648505&sr=8-1
Link to Worms Eat My Garbage:
http://http://www.amazon.com/Worms-Eat-My-Garbage-Composting/dp/0977804518/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281649189&sr=1-1
This website is great for beginners and also a great place to buy worms online.
http://http://www.unclejimswormfarm.com/
There are also many video how-tos on youtube!
