Harvesting Castings

by Gerry
(Kingston, Ontario)

I am a newbie to vermicomposting. In September 2011 I started with worm factory 360 and quickly found that our family of 4 were producing more than the WF was going to handle so I built a 2'X2'X2' flow through bin with 5 lbs of red wigglers. At this time the bin is a little under 1/2 full and has been in operation since October 2011.

We feed the bin once per week with a large freezer bag full of fruit and veggy waste. The worms seem to be healthy enough and react quickly when a light is shone in the bin. When I have attempted to harvest the casting from the bottom of the bin what I get is a little soggy and clumps together like clay.

Should I be concerned or should I just leave it alone and hope it will dry out? I have considered digging it out and put it back on top to be reprocessed.

Thanks
Gerry

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Feb 27, 2012
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Wet castings
by: Pauly

Gerry,

No need to be concerned about this as it is typical. You only need to be concerned if it looked soupy and had a foul odor. If this is the case then you are putting in too much food.

It could be that you don't have proper drainage like holes drilled in the bottom of your bin. If you don't then I suggest using a 1/8 inch drill bit.

I don't know what type of flow through you built. I'm assuming maybe out of wood. If so then use a bit bigger drill bit on the bottom as wood tends to swell as it gets wet.

You can also use hardware cloth for the bottom like 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch (a little harder to find worms can still wriggle through) and let the bin breathe as well. This will help dry it out some.

Another thought would be that you are putting in foods that have a high moisture content. You can try backing off on some of those food or wring them out a little. I have a juicer and that method works great.

Some people tend to add water to the system when this is not necessary. worms get all the moisture they need from the food we put into the worm bins.

Let me know if this helps Gerry,
Pauly

Feb 28, 2012
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Build Your Own Worm Bin
by: Pauly

Hey Gerry,

Quick question. Can you send us some of your worm bin photos? This would give us and idea how someone would build and house their worms.

Also the type of material you used could be seen in the pics. This would be great for those that want to move away from a plastic bin.

We would love to see how you did it!

Thanks,
Pauly

Feb 28, 2012
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Thanks for the advise
by: Gerry

Thanks Pauly
I appreciate all af your advise and I will attached pictures of the bin soon.

Feb 28, 2012
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Adding pictures
by: Gerry

Hi Pauly
You mentioned including pictures and I now am ready to do so but cannot figure how to on your site. Please help.
Gerry

Feb 28, 2012
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Uploading Photos Help
by: Pauly

Just click on the "Enter Title of Question, Comment, or Story" just like you did before.

Next, click on the " Ask A Question Or Comment" and explain your photos if you wish.

Next Click on "Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional" You cab click on the little blue question mark for a little more help.

Next click on the browse button and locate the photo on your computer and then click the open button. This will upload your photo onto the website.

If you want to upload more then just click on the link "Click here to upload more images".

That's it. If you need anymore help then Fill out the contact us form and let me know. I will put them in for you.

Can't wait!
Pauly

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