Here's How I Process Worm Cocoons

[@erical9526]

Captain Matt, thank you for being my worm mentor! You're taking me from mediocre worm mom to a full-fleged worm wrangler. I learn so much with each video. God bless you for your service to the garden and compost community!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Erica so great to hear from you and about your success. We'd love to hear more about your journey at discuss.wormpeople.com/space/882054414

[@rozicabatic478]

Your enthusiasm is so contagious. Just listening... not to mention all the knowledge you share with us so selflessly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤.

[@jimfitzgibbon5492]

Capt Matt I love your channel & been a subscriber for some time. I,m 79 years young going on 16 if you listen to my wife. I have been racing worms for about 5 years. I just do it for Casting & fishing on a very small scale. No way I will make a job of it, that’s why I retired Years back. But I lean a lot from you & thank you for all you do my friend. Jimmy 😁

[@hbrws813]

Your personal comments about passing on your knowledge make this video solid gold.

[@jason.couture7177]

"A small part of that". No Matt, you've been a huge part of it. Most honest channel on the subject. Thank you

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thank you, Jason! So glad to hear!

[@michaelowens6533]

Your enthusiasm is quite admirable, you clearly love what you’re doing. I’ve had my worms in a 3-tray bin for a few years now and watching your videos has made me want to take the next step which is to breed some worms and get a continuous flow system constructed. I started my little breeding project today. Thanks for putting all your knowledge out there for like-minded folk like me to enjoy and learn from. Regards from Portugal.

[@TheAngel207]

Captain Matt, thanks so much for all your information. I'm from South Africa and I enjoy your teachings and find it extremely helpful. May the Lord of Lords bless you and your family and the joyfulness and excitement you present with never fade.

[@sabhaaldhafeeri1171]

شكرا لك ، بدأت بمزرعة دود صغيره ،وأنت جعلتني أحب أن استمر ، رجل طيب ومخلص ❤

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Hi Matt, I'm already a fan! Your Premiere Live was really great 👍 perfect length👍 Can't wait until the next time 🤗

[@Peaceful-resistance1]

❤To you Captain Matt! What an example of sharing knowledge with others. You and your entire family are blessed. Thanks again for your love shared with others. God bless you too!

[@LittleCountryCabin]

Oh my goodness what great info! I learn so much each time I watch one of your videos. You keep me so motivated. It’s time for me to start breeding and expanding my worm farm. BTW ever since I started making your work chow my bin is thriving like never before. Thanks so much for all you do. God bless you and your sweet family❤️❤️

[@elizabethharriott9061]

I love you. You don't hord your knowledge but wish to share for the benefit of all. God bless you sir. ❤

[@A-V]

Just watch that expert panning technique! I think Captain Matt was a gold miner in a previous life :) Haha! I'm prepared to give breeding a try... but I am not equipped to provide the breeder worms with such fine material. So separating them from the material after the 3-week breeding cycle might be challenging I'm really, *really* digging how all the processes are so clearly thought out, calculated & tested before implementation and before sharing the knowledge 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻 👍🏻

[@gerhardstadelmann4745]

Your enthusiasm is so contagious, that's why I've tripled my private worm farm :-) 😀

[@adamward9310]

Captain Matt you make me so happy when I watch your blessed heart teaching me. ❤❤❤😊❤❤❤

[@jaksmith6465]

would love a breakdown of the numbers for a system. WOrm population density to grow out, density to breed, Space to grow out. Days to mature etc

[@krisalis100]

What is the ideal temperature to encourage laying of cocoons?

[@basimmaan4549]

كم تمنيت ان اشاهد هذه الفيوات من مدة بعيدة.. لك كل الاحترام سيدي العزيز..

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Glad to hear, Basim!

[@texaspatty4697]

Did you say, Dr Seuss? Lol Can't wait for the course you are preparing! God bless YOU!

[@davidcollins7686]

You do a great job as always

[@brookeonyx6271]

I’m so sad that I won’t be able to watch the whole thing but will join as soon as can! I’ve been looking forward to this. It’s 10am my time, which is during our church service. We have a potluck after but I can listen in during that part. That’s how committed I am to watching this! From Northern Colorado.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Brooke... Thanks for letting us know. We'll try to keep non-EST friends in mind for the future.

[@robertkuhn2263]

thx - cya tomorrow! greetings from Leipzig

[@filipcwiklinski1533]

Captain, thanks to You i've just become a Wormman today. I'm starting with 250 ones since tommorow. My goal is to raise it up to millions, trilions ;) by the next february so my wife would have nice start for her vegetables garden. The most exacting (demending?) willl be sifter but hey ... i've got Your videos . Everything will be just fine. If i succeed i'll let You know. Greetings from Poland.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Greetings! You can do it!

[@bobadams8818]

I'm just starting my discovery... planning my initial farm.. looking forward to it...

[@NanasWorms]

Love your enthusiasm! ~ Sandra

[@WDWormsnGarden]

It's good that your sifter retain the cocoons. I find that 1/8" hardware cloth doesn't.

[@cathykberg9451]

Thank you! You are doing a wonderful service to all of us.

[@dwr44]

Your videos are much appreciated! I learn something new in each video. Thank you.

[@acethieling]

You’re awesome!!! Thx so much for all the info. Starting my worm farm!!!

[@markhuntington5088]

The constant editing of these videos makes my head spin.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks for the feedback, Mark. I'm working on getting better at filming so my kids don't have to edit so much.

[@brianseybert2189]

Started using leaf mold and compost as bedding for my worms a couple years ago. End up with a more diversified casting over using shredded paper.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Same experience, Brian. Leaves and wood chip compost are not just bedding… nutrient dense as well. It’s great that worms can eat cardboard - but it’s not the optimal input if you’re looking to create high nutrient castings.

[@brianseybert2189]

@@CaptainMattsWorms I never liked using shredded paper or cardboard as worm bedding , it just didn't seem right. Plus, under the microscope my castings are loaded with a greater diversity of microbes and beneficial fungi. Some people say they get problems with mites, I have not had that problem, so far. Enjoyed your video.

[@jamesbryant8064]

Great information. Thanks! Miami, FL 🐛

[@itsopinion7430]

Hey Cap, sorry I didn't get a pic of the peas mat to send you. I'm just starting two new pea mats and will send you the pic soon. I can tell you the worms love the pea mat, you can pull them out like a rug and the biomass is dense. Man, you're definitely growing your operation. Got to catch up on your vids, been so busy lately. When can we expect a newsletter? I am going to try a Daikon Radish mat and a Broccoli mat and maybe a sunflower mat this winter.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey ItsOpinion! So exciting. I love how you're experimenting with all different sprout mats. I'm sure you have a lot to teach all of us Worm People. Yes! Please email to [e-mail]

[@itsopinion7430]

@@CaptainMattsWorms I have a lot more to learn than to teach, besides learning is more fun, well maybe not but guys our age need to stay engaged and you're the master of senior engagement, lol. Got an email to you to test our commo.

[@CJDWoodworking22]

Sorry I could not be there for live but I greatly appreciate the wisdom

[@jabohabo3821]

This guy is just so happy

[@laykenheidt7643]

Hi Captain, thanks for the videos! Love watching them, very informative! Do you have a product link or product details for the bins that you use in your tower?

[@shakysugars]

Thanks Cap, just started my first breeding bin in the greenhouse. #hawaii

[@larrynflorida7517]

Thank you for another wonderful and educational video. I copied you with the breeder buckets, now I will be slowly converting over to the tubs. What size are those tubs and when you built your rack, are they going in wide side which way. Again thank you so much for sharing. Best of luck, 67 y.o. newbie in Florida.

[@ericcarve4476]

Awesome info as always! Sorry Captain to miss your premier premier!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

No worries, Eric. Luke told me that releasing the video as a premier was your suggestion. Thank you!!!

[@thelmabolden5388]

Your amazing. Thank you for all your teachings .

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks, Thelma. You’re welcome!

[@sandywest4299]

great video you have it all figured out and giving a legacy to your family to carry on. great job

[@kelliehubler2110]

You are the BEST!!! Thank you so very much! This is amazing information! I hope and pray you have great success!!

[@colettearnold89]

Captain, I love your videos. Now, I have just started growing my own worms. I did mine differently when starting growing worms because of not having money. I love to garden, so I knew where to look for baby worms. It was hard to tell the difference when they were so small. I do have several red wigglers, Indiana blue, but I have found a couple of white/clear worms their clitellum reddish/pink color. When i looked them up, they were called Endogeic A. Caliginosa. Are these worms good for composting? Another question: Are there black earthworms, too? Now, I have separated them from the red wigglers and Indian blue.

[@robinham2796]

God bless you captain Matt!!

[@thedealer799]

In the spring/beginning summer I was using a little chicken feed, malted barley, and egg shells and I had soooo many cocoons. But from late summer to now I've been feeding garden waste, kitchen scraps, and oak leaves and I don't see hardly any cocoons now.

[@sharmclean1145]

Hi Marcus. Do you continue to use the same amount of pulverized egg shells with the consistency of flour when feeding your worms with kitchen scraps? Worms need grit and in most chows they are getting lots of it, as unmedicated chick starter has calcium carbonate in it. Worms have calciferous glands that use calcium for the worm's digestion, reproductions and for cocoon making. I buy a 50 lb bag of calcium carbonate from a Tractor Supply store, and some Hardware stores sell Line Making Powder, and if checked with the manufacturer most are made of 98% calcium carbonate. Egg shells are in the high 90% calcium carbonate. If you are using egg shells with your food scraps, maybe blend it so it is finer and give more than you normally would with the feed.

[@alonacayanan8500]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. God Bless!!

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

If you avg 750 cocoons for each bin, that will be a huge amount of worms in a short time. Great system Matt.

[@tyatolla]

Thank you very much for all of your content. I love your channel and personality.

[@sandybone6375]

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge, I need it!

[@globalwormer6562]

Hey Capt, what is your feeding schedule and water schedule and type of food in breeder bins. Thank u

[@troygarza5720]

Thank you for this I'm going to try and build a worm farm at my grandparents ranch wish me luck in my endeavor to save our family land. It ain't a big plot but it's ours. Thank you for your help sir

[@tshimo-gae]

Loved your video Captain Matt

[@ihsansari3641]

Great thanks I have great intrest in agriculture and hence have interest in vermicompost ..... for a specific area of bin what would be the number of worms and the depth, how much to feed for optimum production of cocoons

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Lots of variables... approaches vary based on goals. The "Learn to Worm" course can be found at learn.wormpeople.com/course/learn-to-worm and is a really solid foundation for planning.

[@leahpitman2731]

I am a newbie worm people!!!! I started by trying to keep my leftover fishing worms alive. I went fishing with them a few weeks later. A few more weeks and I was going to dump the bucket of dirt into my garden but it was full of baby worms!!!!! So I purchased 2 more tubs of red fishing worms at Walmart and I am growing my own worms! I also garden and save my leaves for my outdoor compost bin. I would love to use some of that in my breeder worm bin but I have a problem of invasive jumping worms in my compost and outdoor garden!!!!! How do I get leaves that are not possibly contaminated with those worm eggs????? HELP and I appreciate your enthusiasm!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hi Leah... you would need to sterilize your worm bedding - oven or microwave works fine. We'd like to invite you to join the forum over at community.wormpeople.com/ There’s tons of information and experienced Worm People over there who support each other on their journeys.

[@TheHomesteadProject24]

My first worm video! How did you get the worms out?

[@AJsGreenTopics]

You are still a young man. Great video. 😎

[@jeffweldon1087]

Thank you

[@victorybase5847]

Hey Capt Matt do you have a video or article for how you built the new breeder bins?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Victory Base... it's on the list to do - but likely after the busy season.

[@victorybase5847]

@@CaptainMattsWorms 👍

[@markzajac9993]

Awesome! Thanks

[@Vermicompost]

Thanks for showing the set up!! Love that you are passing on everything you have learned through experience!!!🪱🪱🪱

[@evelynknight5627]

Great information as always! One question I would have is how many worms per sq ft would you say you're stocking in those grow out bins?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Evelyn, we'll keep you posted as we make those decisions.

[@allanweitman]

Thank you for sharing

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

You're welcome, Allan!

[@hassansamhan3302]

You are good man

[@kennycastiaux3915]

Very interesting

[@robertkuhn2263]

thx for the important information and great Video!

[@TomCox-zs6rf]

Where did you get the black plastic bins for your breeders?

[@TheHomesteadProject24]

Home depot

[@tahirehsan2180]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, you will be remembered in the worming fraternity. I have gained a lot from your videos, hope you will clarify one point. I read somewhere, the source was authentic but do not remember as I noted and am following it, that RW Breeders give .35 cocoons per week and the babies are 4-6 per cocoons, I round it off to 2 cocoons per wk per RW and 2.5 babies per cocoon, is it realistic??

[@LandmasterOne]

Hello! Question. Wont the bottom microbes be out of food and dead by the time your 1000 pound sack is full ?

[@dailylife6432]

Where did you source your bins from. ??? Thank you

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Jeff, Lowes… they’re mortar bins

[@ericstephenson3165]

I love your content

[@TayHinton]

What are those bins called?

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

I'll see you tomorrow 👩‍🌾👍🪱💓🪱

[@girmataddesse8868]

Great Man !!

[@roncote1147]

Hi Matt, I have couple of challenges regarding breeder bin medium. I've been using your bucket method for a few cycles now but find that #1 my medium remains very hard to resift on the 3/32" screen.So what I've done is to separate the 'breeder worms' from the medium by hand & place them in a container temporarily. Then the medium is dried more on the greenhouse tables till it feels dry enough not to plug up the screen. Once I get it to that , I sift the cocoons out of the medium.#2 NOW the real Question is How often can I reuse the Original Medium??? OR should I not do that?? Thank You guys so so so much for your great information

[@tommywright7196]

When I start a bed how long will it be before I I'll get the first harvest of castens

[@bmwrider1]

where do you find a 3/32 screen?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

That's a tough size to find... folks over at community.wormpeople.com recommend 1.2mm for red wiggler cocoons - here's an Amazon link amzn.to/3HWhf0t

[@PutzinPottery]

What do you end up doing with all that water and castings you washed out to get to the cocoons?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Washing is just an estimating technique… not a lot - the water went on my lawn.

[@percyblok6014]

Are these wigglers or the ANC you announced you're bringing in?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Percy... Red Wigglers... ANCs are just a small herd for fun right now.

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

Hi guys😃!!!!!!

[@rico99586]

Hi Capn, here in Florida south central, we really got hit by the cold spell this Christmas week. My place probably overnite lows were not freezing but close, 34-37 degrees. I have about 7 bins in backyard, with ENC and some wigglers. The bins are only protected by some foam rubber mats around, and the others by only the heavy vegetation.They were just too heavy for me to carry. I'm older than you and just discovered I'm not 25 anymore. Days in 40's. Do you think I've suffered casualties from the cold.? Anyone can give me advice. Thanks

[@charlie5204]

Hi Richard, my 2 bins are outsite the whole year and it was freezing here the past days. I just checked few day ago and found my worms healthy in the middle of my bins even the outside of the bin was iced. It seems they find their way to where it's warm enough. I'm sure I've lost some, but not all. As long the bin isn't freezing in whole I would expect they survive. I'm saying this as it's now the 2nd year I've my bins outsite and the year before it was freezing too. I got lots of cocoons and a bunch of worms. I'll cross my fingers. The only cover my bins have is a double layer of bubble wrap, it seems isolating enough for my area when it's below 0°C.

[@rico99586]

@@charlie5204 Hi Charlie. Thanks for your reply and advice. I feel a little stupid now after hearing about your temperatures and ice. haha. Mine were just fine when I checked them,no losses (unless their buddies ate their corpses). In summer I keep them in shaded locations, but when it's hot here,....it's hot here. I have a little old fridge in the carport which is stuck on the coldest temp, so in summer i keep old water bottles and open cups etc of water in it and they freeze fast. So if if it's a little too warm, i bury one or two in each bin. If bin is wet enough I don't uncap bottles, just change out when melted and refreeze them,but if bins are too dry I put the ice from the cups in, and they cool and moisturize at same time. Thanks again.

[@y0nd3r]

I came looking for a video on how to capture the worm castings and move them to an incubator bin. I am sure rinsing the soil into the bucket was for expedience because that would be a wasteful way to do it off camera.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Yea… just to count and illustrate how to estimate production levels.

[@eulerizeit]

Hello neighbor. I live 40-ish min outside of Albany in MA.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Howdy! Small world!

[@dendrobena57orel]

a friend is a good job, I grow a worm in Russia a little differently, Like and subscribe

[@borso9842]

G'day captain, did I get that right: In step 1 you add the 500 worms to the bedding of leaf compost, no food for the 21 days?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

80-90% moisture, 71-78 temp a line of food down the middle, feed after one day without food

[@crystalsmith5330]

That's 3am local time for me

[@craigwilson8255]

Really hope some giant corporation doesn't just come in and take over the market... Thank you for this knowledge sir!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Local worm farmers are part of the solution, industrial level casting production will play a part also - but the quality and local-microbial-biome of local production and the knowledge of a local worm farmer will always be superior.

[@JesusPaidItAll]

19 cocoons x 74 scoops = 1406 cocoons x 2 (eggs per cocoon) = 2816 worms or x 3 eggs = 4218 worms 💪👍 Of course not every scoop will have 19 cocoons, but if you get say 7 in one scoop, 12 and 15 in another two scoops, thats an avg of 11.3 cocoons per scoop or 836.2 cocoons in the bin...1672.4-2508.6 worms.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks for the calcs! All measurements are approximations - the real usefulness is to baseline the current rate and improve from wherever you are at.

[@JesusPaidItAll]

@@CaptainMattsWorms Thats right Captain Matt. Thanks for all the advice. Been soaking it up like a sponge. God bless and have a Merry Christmas.

[@brentfellers9632]

When capt. Matt kicks it, I'm sure he'll want to be buried in the big bin! 😇 👼 😇

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

I’ve already told my kids the worms can have me when my time comes … hadn’t thought of the convenient size of the CFT 🤣 - thanks for looking out for me, Brent!

[@brentfellers9632]

@@CaptainMattsWorms thank you for sharing your enthusiasm 😀, it is infectious.

[@mylifewithearl6948]

Why bother separating the cocoons? Why not just keep them in the adult bins?

[@DavidVincent-k3h]

What a great waste of water .

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

That was just to show process, David. Agreed - capture the water and reuse!

[@SparklyPixieDust1]

❤🪱♥️ Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@charleswilliams3988]

Thanks great information.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

You're Welcome, Charles!