A Worm Farm
Info@vermiculturenorthwest.com
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A Worm Farm
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Testimonials:
John B
* * * * * * * * * * * If you are interested in worm composting, then perhaps it's because you're concerned over the health of the planet. If the health of the planet is of concern to you then perhaps you're own health is something you pay attention to as well. If that be the case then you need to learn about this awesome product: Xocai (Sho-sigh) is an awesome product called the Healthy Chocolate.
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Measure and cut plywood as indicated in drawing. To make the base, cut the 14' 2 x 4 into five pieces: two 48" and three 20" long. The remaining 12" piece will be used to make the sides. Nail the 2 x 4s together on edge with 16d nails at each joint as illustrated in the base frame diagram. Nail the plywood base piece onto the 2 x 4 frame using the 4d nails. To build the box, cut three 12" pieces from 16' 2 x 4. Place a one-foot 2 x 4 under the end of each side panel so that the 2 x 4 is flush with the top and side edges of the plywood and nail the boards in place. Nail the side pieces onto the base frame. To complete the box, nail the ends onto the base and sides. To reinforce the box, place a nail at least every 3 inches wherever plywood and 2 x 4s meet. Drill twelve 1/2" holes through the bottom of the box for drainage. Drill two levels of 1/2" holes all around the sides as illustrated in the pictures above. To build the lid, cut the remainder of the 16' 2 x 4 into two 51" lengths and two 27" pieces. Cut lap joints in the corners, then glue and nail the frame together. Center the plywood onto the 2 x 4 frame and nail with 4d nails. Lay the top on the ground with the plywood side touching ground. Attach hinges to the top and back using short screws on the top and the long screw on the back. Position hinges so the screws go through plywood to 2 x 4s. Coating the inside with paraffin will help preserve the wood from the moisture necessary for your worms to thrive. To do that successfully you will need to heat the paraffin to the point where it sizzles when you apply it to the wood. Treat the outside with clear polyurethane, varnish, or paint to protect it from weathering.
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Tools and supplies needed to build your worm bin:
You will need to find vents for your worm bin. I use 1-3/4" vents. Air is one of the most important aspects of a healthy bin, so don't skimp on size here to save a few bucks. You can find a variety of vents like these at a store that caters to contractors. There are plastic ones that are a little more expensive. Save money by buying a less expensive vent, just don't try to save money by trying to not use a vent or by buying a smaller vent. The smallest I would go with is 1". I have also used screen buy cutting a piece of hardware cloth, or you can use screen from an old window screen, and hot glue them over the hole. I would glue them over the outside to avoid catching the screen when you work your worm bin. This method is not as attractive and will not last as long as a metal or plastic vent, but works just the same. The picture above shown sitting atop a tub to catch the leachate is a worm bin I built hot gluing screen over 1" holes. With the smaller holes I drill more holes per side, top, and bottom than I do if I use the bigger vents. With the bigger vents you will need a minimum of 12 vents - 2 on each side, one on each end, two in the top (one per each 1/2 lid), and two in the bottom. The bottom vents will need to have the sides cut with the tin snips in order to bend the sides down to allow the excess moisture to drain out. If you did not do this there would be a build-up of liquid in the bottom which would leave the bedding soggy and could create a toxic condition in the bottom layer of your worm bin.
The vents should be placed towards the bottom of the worm bin as this is where the air will be needed once you get the worm bin full of working material and worms.
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By clicking on any of the pictures above
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*********** 10 lessons To create your own high quality, organic soil amendment...
A Journey in VideoPlans are in the works for a series of videos that would take you from start to finish (so to speak) of how to have your own worm bin composting project. Once the set-up process was complete the series will continue with the maintenance of the bin including feeding and harvesting worms and castings. If you would like to be notified of the release of these videos please fill out the form below. As always your information is safe with me.
My Links ************
Kootenai
County Farmer's
My Blogs
"Teaming With Microbes: A Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web" Sometimes scientists can talk over the layman's head and not even realize that the message is not being conveyed. This book is written in a very understandable language, that even a simple worm farmer like myself could understand and relate to. A must read for anyone who wants to learn more about the life producing your food.
Smart gardeners understand that soil is alive and what is in the soil is what supports plant life. Healthy soil is exploding with life - beyond the worms and insects we can see with the naked eye - there are a multitude of bacteria, fungi, and other microbial forms of life vital to the soil food web that sustains healthy plant life. Resorting to chemicals destroys this delicate balance and results in an unhealthy situation for the soil, the plants, and the environment. You can't destroy this balance and not have an affect on the people, the children, family and friends. As gardeners, farmers, and inhabitants of the Earth we have an obligation to the next generation to leave behind a healthy soil. Venture beyond your current understanding that good soil grows healthy plants and understand why...This book available now from Amazon.com by clicking on the buy link.
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VermiCulture Northwest email me: Christy@vermiculturenorthwest.com Christy Ruffner © VermiCulture Northwest 1997-2008 |
