Hey Everyone,

First of all, if you live in the northeast or have family there my heart and sincere prayers go out to each and everyone of you through this difficult time. I hope and pray that you get the help you need soon and that this thought may comfort you in some way.

I'm resending this newsletter again as there are many of you who may have the Poop Scoop just sitting in your "Spam Folder". I Have an extensive newsletter auditor that scores and alerts me if it detects anything "spamalicious" (my way of saying malicious spam ;-) Anyway the Poop Scoop newsletters always come way under the radar but with tighter restrictions these days sometimes people get them and sometimes they don't.

That's why it's paramount that you "WHITELIST" us here @wormfarmingrevealed.com in your email client program.

I'm keeping this winter composting newsletter simple as I understand that most people's attention span is pretty short...and on the Internet...? Even shorter. Also, I'm sure you've noticed that the Site is undergoing renovations so please bare with me as this will take me a while ;(

1. I want to discuss some ways you can keep your worms alive through the cold season just around the corner.

2. The Worm Inn is now available. This is an awesome flow through system. It's not quite like the Worm Factory.

3. The worm coloring pages are now available for single print out (as promised).

AND if you have any questions about this industry then PLEASE feel free to ask me any questions on the property clean up page or in the contact us form. My goal in life is to help people through Teaching, Inspiring, and Empowering you to be the best you can be.

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Winter Composting

Okay, many of you want to know how to protect your worms throughout the upcoming winter composting season. Yes! You can still compost with worms in the winter. However, understand that worm farming activity will decrease exponentially depending on your goal of course.

There are 2 primary factors to keep in mind at all times:

1. Microbial heat generated naturally and

2. Plenty of proper insulation

It doesn't really matter (to a degree...no pun intended) what type of bin you use outside as long as the two criteria mentioned above are met. So let's first talk about the microbial heat.

*Microbial Heat*

This is pretty simple of course as all of us knows that it takes decomposing food to generate heat. The cells break down and are consumed by tiny microorganisms called thermophiles. This generates the necessary heat for your worms to stay warm and cozy.

What are good sources of food for fuel? Usually what you normally put into the worm farming bin. Remember that starches like corn or bread will generate heat quickly. You can put these into the worm bin especially on really cold days or weeks. Proteins may break down a little slower as they are more complex. Make sure you feed every couple of weeks or at least check on your bin.

Carbon material like leaves, straw, and paper are still needed in the mix of a 25:1 C:N ratio as your food-to-fuel source. It also continues to give you great castings for your plants in the spring.

The Carbon and Nitrogen work off each other to help bring a balance to the nutrition of plants and can't do without each other.

*Insulation*

You should primarily use leaves, straw or hay in large quantities around your bin as insulation. This helps to keep the heat in as well as provide a place to retreat in case the center of the bin or pile of the worm habitat is too hot or too acidic from over feeding.

Ideally you want to keep doing what you're normally doing throughout the summer except for piling the insulation on very thick about 1-2 feet depending on your area of the world.

*Types of Bins*

1. Trash cans can be used especially in milder climates. On the inside be sure to always pack the sides with plenty of carbon material and then your C:N mix in the center. The worms can come and go to the middle as they please. Drill a few holes at the top and bottom for ventilation. Not too many as you don't want to loose too much heat.

For harsher climates you can build a four sided wall around your trash can made out of 4x8 plywood and fill it with plenty of hay or grass. Put the trash can in the center of the hay and keep the lid on to keep the heat in.

2. If you want to use your raised flower/garden beds then this is a great way to create castings straight into the beds. Dig a trench down into the bed, fill the bottom with carbon material, add your C:N food mix, then pile on the insulation (leaves etc...) and lastly cover it with a tarp. This should keep the heat in quite nicely. You know you're doing it right if the snow melts and doesn't stick to the top of the tarp.

3. Build a wooden box. Make a wall inside a wall like our homes are constructed and fill it with hay, leaves, straw etc...or you can omit the extra wall as long as you fill it with plenty of carbon insulator. Be sure to leave a tiny crack between your planks for ventilation. If using plywood then drill tiny holes. You can also put a tarp over it to keep out excess rain or snow.

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THAT'S IT! Remember to get a composting thermometer to stick down into the compost. You want to monitor your compost. This will inform you should you need to add more food. It really depends on your goals. Do you want a thriving/growing community or do you just want to keep your worms and their cocoons alive for next year?

If you want your community to grow then keep your temps in the 55-75 degrees F. range. But this will take a lot more work and vigilance on your part.

If you only want to keep your worms alive for next year, then keep your compost from freezing. It's that simple. Red worms are tolerant of very low temperatures. Warning! This will not work with African Nightcrawlers and Blue Worms. You'll have to keep temps above 50 Degrees F at all times as these temps will kill them.

Have fun with your winter worms OR you could always do what I do and just buy a Worm Factory and create even more castings in the comfort of your own home. I have them in my house and NO they don't smell. Just ask my Wife and kids. ===================

Okay now onto:

My Dirty Little Secret!

I've been doing this in Kansas & Missouri for well over a year now and always wanted to share this with you but I wasn't dare going to until I tested the waters for myself. Well...

Come on in! The water's fine!

WFR...To Teach, Inspire and Empower

Click Here to Learn What I Do

All The Best,

~Pauly