How to build a Worm bin
This is an interesting topic because there are many ways to build a worm bin. It all depends on what end result you are trying to achieve.
If you are trying to produce castings for your home garden or for sale your ideal bin would be a flow through reactor design. If you want to breed worms your ideal bin would be a bucket or tote of varying sizes.
I am going to explain how to create a beneficial environment for your worms inside the bin. That is the most important because thats where your worms live. You shouldnt use your bin as a compost bin. Meaning, dont put fruits and vegetables in there in large amounts. Everything that is fed to the worms is fed in small amounts. Now, worms dont really eat Organic matter, they do have some grit/organic matter that goes through thier body, but they are mostly feeding on the bacteria thats breaking down the pieces of organic matter in your bin, whatever they may be.
To do this, you layera few inches of finished compost into the bottom, then you need FINISHED compost, small pieces of cardboard or shredded paper, rock dust and/or eggshells and mix that all up and put that on top of the compost bedding layer. Then to feed the worms, i always add some rock dust/coffee grinds/eggshells on the top of that mixed layer. Some people feed grains, or ground up fruits and veggies, which is great, just remember to use everything in moderation. to start i always advise to only feed half the bin at a time, giving the worms a place to run to if something goes wrong. every week put another 3-4 inches of the compost blend and another layer of the rockdust/coffee grinds/eggshells. and continue to do that until its full.
If your building a bin for worm production and castings or just castings, you can use a 20 gallon rubbermaid tub. throw everything in as i said.
if you want to build a flow through reactor, you need to have a bin that has four walls and a top, and the bottom is a grate. the grate allows the castings to fall through as they are ready, and the worms stay on the top o f the soil in the bin itself, so mostly they dont fall out. elevate this bin and put a bucket underneath your grate for catching the castings. i will post pictures of mine and if anyone has any questions please post in comments.
all organic growers should have a worm bin, they dont smell, they produce amazing castings, and its all free after the initial purchase!
enjoy!
