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Originally Posted by Seamaiden
Ohso, did you build your own worm unit, or buy one pre-made? I've been wanting to do it on the cheap, Martha Stewart has a little guide, but I think it may require more work to get the castings separated from the other stuff due to its design. Having never raised worms, I'm not sure what I should look for or.. anything. Other than worms. I know I need worms.
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Yes, Seamaiden - I built my own using this simple plan (see attachment).
Just one sheet of plywood, a circular saw, a few two by fours & some screws. I got all of the wood, from dumpsters at construction sites. So all I bought was the screws.
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Using wood, prevents the problem that most plastic worm bins experience (too much moisture). Since, the wood will wick out some of the moisture, when things start to get a little too wet. Plus, the wood is a better insulator, preventing big temperature swings. I painted the outside of mine white, to ensure they stay cool. Worms like temps between 55 & 75 degrees (max). Mine live in the garage.
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For bedding, I use newspaper (no color ink or glossy pages), saw dust, a little yard dirt, a hand full of sand (aids in digestion), leaves and grass clippings (after they are a few days old - to prevent composting action). The bedding should be moist, but not wet.
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If you feed them, starting on one end, then every three days move towards the other end a few inches. By the time you hit the other end, you have useable castings. I harvest by hand. I do not use tools & rarely ever lose a worm. I started with about 100 worms & now probably have over a 1000. They double every three months under favorable conditions.
That 1000 makes about 1/3 - 1/2 pound of castings per day, on average.
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Since, we feed them food scraps (non-meat / non-dairy / & no hot or spicy stuff) & yard waste - our food cost for them is zero.
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