Vermicomposters Unite! Official Worm Farmers Thread

[Javadog]

I use a model very much like it and they rock.

A self-build unit will inevitably be larger and stronger,
but they work.

JD

 

[Schwagstock]

Does anyone use the "Worm Factory 360"? I am looking to buy one or build something similar. It looks fairly big from the pic and it has 250+ positive reviews at amazon. Is it really necessary? I live south and outside temps might be too high, so I might have to use it indoors. I am new at this and looking for a good book/read. Thanks

http://www.amazon.com/Worm-Factory-WF360B-Composter-Black/dp/B002LH47PY/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1403071385&sr=1-1&keywords=worm farm

Good book, Earthworms eat my garbage. Good info on what to feed/how to go about doing it/ worms life cycle etc. Also I do use the worm factory 360, it is not that large. (small enough for me to put on a desk and have more then half the desk still.) I also use it inside only to help with temp regulation. Each tray when filled about the most ya can get it can hold almost a full 5 gal bucket of casting.

 

[MustangStudFarm]

I found a copy of "Teaming with microbes". He said chem ferts destroy all living organisms in the soil, I had no idea. I need to actually read this book! Foxfarm sells Root drench and Microbe brew with their bottle chem ferts. What is the point? I feel stupid for buying into it. No sense in molasses either. I need to read more!!! I am trying to make the switch to organic and not be a fool about it.

 

[greasemonkeymann]

my buddy on the mountain uses cocoa bean shells and alapaca manure. Both as fertilizers and compost. The cocoa also as a mulch. It has an even balanced npk 2-2-2 or 3-3-3. I don't know what other minerals cocoa shells may have.

alpaca manure is SO great, between that and rabbit manure, and you have the perfect start.

 

[docter]

I want this.
Opinions?
http://unclejimswormfarm.com/index.php/Live-Worms/Combo-Compost-Mix/flypage.tpl.html

 

[DonPetro]

I built my own three tier worm bin out of scrap wood. Had it for almost two years. Best $4 i ever spent.

 

[radicaldank42]

im using the worm factory as we speak. its preettyt rad. asdn quit easy. and thanks hyroot. how much would you say to add to fed them that?

 

[radicaldank42]

I want this.
Opinions?
http://unclejimswormfarm.com/index.php/Live-Worms/Combo-Compost-Mix/flypage.tpl.html

funny I just got that same worm combo from same place lol I even got the worm factory three tray setup. lol so far soo good, I wanted the mixture of worms ratherthen one species I wanted a more complex compst.

 

[DonPetro]

So does anyone supplement their worm food with any organic amendments? I use a blend of alfalfa meal, kelp meal, greensand, crushed eggshell and rock phosphate. Also i add a handful of coir once every couple weeks. Worms seem to love it.

 

[docter]

greensand .azomite.

 

[CannaBare]

greensand .azomite.

Same. I only feel I should supply grit. And when I run out of eggshells I toss some rock dusts. Everything else is covered in store bought veggies right?

 

[hyroot]

^^^ yep veggies have all kinds of minerals. Romaine lettuce alone covers just about everything. I feed mine veggie scraps, egg shells, dandelions, rosemary, lavender, comfrey, kelp meal, neem meal, rock dust, crab meal. The amendments in very small amounts each time. Then the bedding is peat, coco, and dried canna leaves.

 

[docter]

coco IS AWSOME.

 

[docter]

I JUST CHECKED ON MY WORMS THEY LOOK LAZY TODAY.

 

[docter]

HEY HYROOT. DO YOUR CRUSH YOUR EGG SHELLS FIRST?

 

[hyroot]

HEY HYROOT. DO YOUR CRUSH YOUR EGG SHELLS FIRST?

yes I pulverize them using a pestle and mortar.

if they seem lazy or hiding in the corners. Bin might be too dry or they might be searching for food. I bury 3 pockets of frozen / slightly thawed veggie scrap slurry. They go nuts for the veggie scraps and more so than coffee grinds..

 

[docter]

I gave them some champagne mango's. I may i,ll give the some water.

 

[MustangStudFarm]

Correct me if I'm wrong. Worm casting are high N and it contains ALL the trace elements that are added to supersoil. Right? If worm castings do not burn you plant and contain all the trace elements, why use amendments? Can a person use only casting and do well? Why amend the soil if the casting have everything?
I dont mean to keep asking lame noobie questions!

 

[MustangStudFarm]

yes I pulverize them using a pestle and mortar.

if they seem lazy or hiding in the corners. Bin might be too dry or they might be searching for food. I bury 3 pockets of frozen / slightly thawed veggie scrap slurry. They go nuts for the veggie scraps and more so than coffee grinds..

I have read that about coffee grounds! I would skip them, but I have a daily supply of good coffee. Also, I heard that they are high N. How do you use them, like what is a good amount. Would leftover coffee water be better using it like a "tea".

 

[hyroot]

I have read that about coffee grounds! I would skip them, but I have a daily supply of good coffee. Also, I heard that they are high N. How do you use them, like what is a good amount. Would leftover coffee water be better using it like a "tea".

I just bury coffee grounds in one spot. Coffee minerals probably depends on the beans and how they were grown. Generally they have nitrogen, phos, potassium, magnanese.

store bought castings usually have just n. Because the worms are fed the minimal amount of food. Mostly cardboard. Homemade are fed what ever you want. My homemade have every mineral so...