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A waterproof tray under the bin can collect liquid from the bin. Containers need proper drainage in the bottom.įigure 3. Almost any plastic container can make a good worm bin.įigure 2. If they are indoors, put a waterproof tray under the bin to collect any leachate (figure 3).įigure 1. Elevate the bins off the ground or floor to allow drainage and air movement. Be creative! Almost any plastic container in this size range can work (figure 1).Ĭontainers should have ventilation holes in the sides near the top and a few small drainage holes in the bottom (figure 2). A typical 14-gallon plastic storage container has about 3 square feet of space and is a perfect home for one to two pounds of worms. What About the Worm Bin?īins can be purchased from commercial manufacturers but are easy to build from untreated wood or a retrofitted dark-colored plastic storage container. Their consumption might vary from day to day.
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Wait until it appears that all food has been consumed before adding more. As an example, a bin with two pounds of worms can consume between one-half pound and one pound of food scraps per day.īe conservative on the amount of waste added because it is easy to overfeed them, causing odor and excess moisture problems. Red wigglers can consume 25 to 50 percent of their body weight per day. The number of worms needed depends on the amount of food scraps generated. How Many Worms Do I Need to Handle the Food Scraps We Produce? Always purchase worms from a reputable domestic compost worm supplier, preferably one who sells worms by the pound.
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These worms prefer dark, moist (not wet), organically rich environments. The most adaptable and readily available species is Eisenia fetida, commonly called red wigglers, manure worms, or brandling worms. Only a few earthworm species have these abilities. The best species of worms for vermicomposting can thrive in confined quarters and have a voracious appetite for kitchen scraps. What Type of Worms Can Be Used? Where Can They Be Found?
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