This page is deticated to helping newbies with setting up their first worm bin.Now before we do this we must know more about the types of worms.The common worm used is called a red wiggler.These are found under manure on farms.The second is european nightcrawlers.The type of worm depends apon the ammount of food and space you are providing.More food and space you can go with European nightcrawlers.For begginers though i'd recomend red wigglers.These are general feeders and are fast with reproducing.Here are the things we will talk about:
Enclosure
Bedding
Food
Water
Maintence
Enclosure
The perfect enclosure for a newbie would be a rubbermaid bin.But for those who are more advanced you can make your own creations.The simple yet effective rubbermaid setup is relitivly easy to use and setup.Here we are going to go through it step by step.First get two or one[Depends on if you wanna have one for vermicompost which i recomend you have just in case.] then some bedding which we will talk about in the next chapter.Anyway all you need to do is cut the top middle piece of the bin.Then glue/tape a piece of metal screen i'd double screen to keep knats and stuff out.Now you are ready for the next step!
Bedding
Bedding is a must for any worm bin.Here is my mixture.Cardboard always goes on the bottom.Include 1-2 inches of cardboard on the bottom.Next add in some food scraps then a small amount of dirt.Not much.Then more cardboard.Now moisten the bedding a bit.Thats the bedding.Next up is food scraps what to use remember i only include what newbies should use ;) then what you shouldn't use.
Food Scraps
Here is the lists first is what to use seconds what not to use.
Good
-Veggie scraps
-Fruit scraps
-Aged manure
-Grass clippings
-Dead fall leaves
-Coffee/tea bags
Bad
-Onions
-Bread/pastas
-Citrus
-Oily foods
-Meat
-Dairy products
Also keep common sense with you with somethings.
Water Requirements
Water is very important.But you need the right water and the right ammount.I'd suggest using bottled or spring water.I use a sprayer and moisten the substrate/food that way.Its way eaiser and hassle free.I usually moisten one side.Water needs to be in the bin at all times as worms breath through their skin.
Maintence
Worm farms require next to no maintence or upkeep.All you do is add in more food/water as needed.Once every three months you may want to harvest the worms.I'd recomend not feeding your bin and letting it mellow out a bit before.Usually around 2-4 weeks does the trick.Then get a big tray and throw the bin onto it.Let it stand outside for an hour then remove layers until you see worms.Repeat until there is just barely any vermicompost left and remake your bin and continue to maintain it.
I sure hope this page helps out someone!Thanks for viewing.
