HOW TO SETUP A WORM FARM + WHAT TO FEED WORMS | Vermicomposting | Hey It's A Good Life

[@timnic3850]

I find that unless the eggshells are ground up to very fine pieces otherwise they don't get digested. Eggshells take years to decompose and worm's mouths aren't large enough to "eat" the shells, but if ground superfine it all goes down their gullet.

[@bobjackson7516]

I wondered about that. It makes sense. Maybe run them through a food processor, then sprinkle the 'dust' throughout? I'm no expert, and have never done this.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I love how you add humor in the education farming worms.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thank you Zavia 💛

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

@@heyitsagoodlife You are welcome

[@SquizitoTastingRoom]

Love the worm Charceuterie board ! 🤣😂

[@heyitsagoodlife]

🤪

[@RevLetaLee]

I am a 61 year old widowed mother of young adults, recently having moved from home with no garden and now living in an urban setting in Washington state with a very small backyard. I like your system and am planning to do it, filling my new beds with bought soil and compost was so expensive this year and I don't want to have to do it again. Thanks for taking this on, hope you reach a huge bunch of people and we all together, change the possibilities for our future!

[@emmaschauer5409]

Good luck in your garden! 🌻

[@user-h3s7v]

I'm not one to comment, hardly at all really, but it was on my heart to tell you, I saw you in Jess' video, from last weekend, talking about this topic. My husband and I just put together our very first worm farm because of you! I just wanted you to know that you have touched our lives and inspired us to add this to our ever evolving journey in our backyard homestead! Thank you for sharing this with us, from the bottom of my heart. I'm so excited to watch this process. Blessings from Texas! ~Kelly

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Wow thank you!!! So excited for you!!!

[@sanjaydwivedi4003]

Are you a cosmologist? I asked this because the term goldy lock zone is referred to habitable planets, like earth. Goldy zone used for worms is rarest of rare example. Anyway, you made us understand the various steps to start a worm, very clearly. Thanks.

[@g.peterson8894]

Did anyone else hear the Red Wigglers radio jingle from “WKRP in Cincinnati” playing in their head during this video? I think of it every time I watch videos about worm bins.

[@PapaWolf]

Red wigglers, red wigglers, the cadillac of worms, the cadillac of worms.......

[@SchoolALot]

I’m so happy to run into your channel. I’m a pandemic beginner gardener. I am excited to learn more about worm farming and hopefully soon I can start ours. Thank you for all the informational content. You’re So encouraging ❤️

[@lauragillespie189]

Found you through Jess talking with you at the Feek Homestead Festival. Just need to get some worms!

[@mllokie9075]

You have a nice easy way of talking and teaching thanks I just got a bin for euros me and the gf I think have a do everything wrong bin for them hehehe have a red wigglers for food scraps 😊 and yes the garden love it and recycle benefits

[@brittanyjodzis3857]

Would really like to see how you add the second box and harvest the first since you added the cardboard on the bottom.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Definitely stay tuned :)

[@FleetwoodPatch]

Black Gold. WOOOOT!!!!

[@tamishreves9891]

Hey! good news- I live in SD CA too! I am learning more watching you- I have had my worm bin for 5 years- Never have I had the huge dream that you have- It’s great knowing my trash cans are not as full and knowing I am not wasting my food scraps. Maybe we can meet someday!

[@johnnymayo8534]

You have such a gift for teaching & inspiring!! Although I'll probably never have a worm 'farm', I'm doing my best to encourage worm growth in all my 'natural' beds around the house. That ‘encouragement’ is fostered by watching ur videos.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Aw hey Johnny. So glad 💛

[@robertlafollette2236]

Good evening honey , good to see you down on the farm again with your live stock. Thanks for the show me how to get started Mommy. God Bless the three of you.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thank you Robert

[@lianaCurlytaildoodles]

You are amazing thank you for your insight. Can I ask when u use your double totes do u have worms in both. Levels. Did u say u can layer is up to 3 or 4

[@budgetingbydeenaus]

You make the process look simple. I can't wait to start my work farm in the spring.

[@esquireofthelord]

Wow, this is very helpful. I built and setup a worm tower and just fed them ONLY food scraps and had a TON of fruit flies. I would open the top of my bin and millions (or at least it seemed like it) of fruit files and gnats would swarm all over the place. Now I know I was doing it wrong. My worms all died in the recent Texas freeze we had here so I am looking forward to starting over.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I’m so sorry to hear you’ve experienced a crazy weather! So glad this video was helpful and good luck I’m restarting your worm farm!

[@christiebaker8388]

So glad I found your channel through Jess & Jill! 😁💗👋🏻

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey Christie!! Welcome :)

[@raineydavis8305]

I ordered some worms the other day and this video helped me soooo much!!! (I had watched many videos but this was hands down my favorite and your so fun to listen to!) Keep up your goofy, fun self!!!

[@johnboach9493]

San Diego, great, I'm in Chula Vista. You are right up the road, and close in climate. I'm a zone 10 er. I harvested Peaches and Bananas this year, in the same backyard. Crazy!! I get my 200 to 300 hours of peach chill time, yet my bananas (ice cream variety) don't mind the little chill, as long as it doesnt freeze. That's why I love this location. I'm ready for my own worm farm, since I dont waste my time watching the NFL anymore. Im going with your plan for the farm.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

FREE WORM FARM QUICK START GUIDE:heyitsagoodlife.ck.page/6b5e07c1f1 WORM FARMING EBOOK: www.etsy.com/listing/876473385/i-am-a-worm-farmer?ref=shop_home_active_1 || JUMP TO WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN: 0:00 - introduction 1:13 - supplies 2:19 - setup 6:25 - what to feed worms 10:12 - watering tips

[@heathboeddeker5401]

Love your sense of humor and the information you share Ma'am.

[@kinsjsmggoiktaylor5659]

Thank You Just Found Your Channel Keep It Up Fabulous Flower 🌹 👏👏👏❤️❤️

[@paigegough6929]

My son (4yrs old) and I made ingrownd icecream container worm farm which you could use to retrieve some worms from your garden beds.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Very cool

[@beverlyharper4458]

thanks for the good information,

[@Calvin2030]

Nice clear video Natalie. Thank U

[@user-ls8nj2dp1c]

I totally love this! I am looking to house worms for my Axolotls. It seems easier to farm worms than to try and buy them when they are often scarce to find. any recommendations for small farming needs? I am not looking to sell or necessarily compost the worms just needing to use them as an organic food source for my axolotls...? TIA

[@rickzook5460]

I enjoyed my first "episode" with you today about worm farming, and it caught my attention because: 1) With garage junk being thrown out I'll have extra plastic containers to finally consider starting a worm farm, and, 2) Because one of our two boys lives in San Diego too. -- Incidentally, congratulations are in order for the birth of your first, perhaps?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hi Rick. I’m so glad! Good luck with the worm farm. I have a free quick start guide if you need it as well as an ebook. Yes thank you! We are Soaking in our time with her right now! :)

[@TheMississauga333]

@@heyitsagoodlife instead of compost, which i dont have could i use some topsoil from the forest which i have lots available?

[@sydneydbrooks]

LOVING your channel Natalie! So happy I came over from R&R and WW! 🥰🙏💚🙏🥰💚

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Aw thank you!! Welcome!! 🤗

[@childofgod9648]

Thanks for the info😊 God bless you.

[@colbynordstrom8735]

I have your worm course! Of course right when i bite the bullet to get all of the stuff i couldn't access the course. Thank you for posting the videos on youtube! My 5 year old and I are so excited and the worms are already acting more lively than when we got them in the box! So excited to see where this takes us!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Oh please send us an email so we can get you logged back on!!

[@lianaCurlytaildoodles]

I ordered some worms and your video was one of the first that I wanted to watch. U helped me so much. Thank you.

[@ericahinkle4901]

Natalie great video!!! I enjoyed the humor and music! Keep it up girl!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey Erica. Thank you!

[@taranorbury9029]

Ordered my worm book! So excited to start this project with my little girl!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Woohoo!!!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Keep me posted on how it goes!!

[@inspire677]

Very interesting.

[@stephaniegragg1129]

At the end of the video you put a second bin on top of each bin you created and added a lid. Was there anything in the second bin?

[@CreatingEssence]

I love this. I'm such a visual learner. Thank you so much for the thorough video!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Yay I hoped it would help fellow visual learners. Thanks for the feedback

[@Ckeese75]

Great video!!! I recently bought a worm SUBPOD and i love it!! Thank you for all the tips, didn't know about the grit and compost. I started off with Coco coir, and cardboard. I'll start adding a little more natural organic materials like my homemade compost and shredded leaves. Glad i already put in a little coffee grounds and eggshells, so maybe they have enough grit. I saw that you added some azomite. I have some, should i add and why? Thanks honey appreciate your info. I'm also growing in urban Cali (few hours north of you) with raised beds, limited space, but loving it. We just can't beat 300+ growing days here in Cali. Pretty lucky :) Sending positive vibes for that "little one" coming soon. Grab yourself a "homemade baby food" recipe book. I made all my baby food with my 2nd child and her eating habits and palate are quite sophisticated compared to my first. Salmon and brussels sprouts were her favorite foods as a toddler. haha crazy right!!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Well done on the worm farm and homemade baby food! And here’s to making the most of it. Azomite helps regulate moisture and it can also be a form a grit

[@hannahgranneman5366]

Love it I am a new worm farmer and I love learning tips I did not know!!!!

[@melissaannboone3639]

Great information. Thank you!

[@erical9484]

What kind of bins did you use?

[@brookelahr5396]

Hey mama! Just a heads up... I believe coffee grounds are considered a nitrogen / food source not grit. I grind up egg shells or toss in a bit of sand for grit. Thanks for a great video 😁

[@heyitsagoodlife]

That makes sense. I wonder if it could count as both 🤔 I heard sand is good too. How does that work out for you?

[@alisonhallock7870]

It's like a worm lasagna! BTW, loved my essential oils you sent. Hope you are feeling well

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I’m soo glad they arrived!! I lost a lot to usps 🤦🏻‍♀️ and yes. Totally worm Lasagna lol

[@Paterson5100]

Hi from Scotland. Just about to set up my first bin, glad I found your channel, very informative.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Wonderful! Do you have my quick start guide? Get it free when you join our newsletter www.heyitsagoodlife.com

[@caryhocker]

Thanks for the great video. Glad I found your channel.

[@DameObserver108]

I live in an apartment. I am an inexperienced composter, but have recently set up a small composting tumbler outside. I also decided to start worm composting In order to have something in my kitchen for my food scraps. For my worms I'm doing a 5 gal bucket system and got 2 dozen worms from a neighbor. Im trying to figure out how much to feed my worms and Wondering how long I will have to wait to feed more. My neighbor was using the worms for fishing and has been feedingt them primarily a mixture of cornmeal oat flour and ground up egg shells. I made up a batch of that,but I'd like to transition to primarily food scraps...

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Feed the bin when the old food is gone. Always add carbon to cover the food. You need a lot of carbon. About 1 part nitrogen to 40 parts carbon

[@brandyantonelli5423]

Haven't watched yet but I'm willing to bet by the end of the video you will have convinced me to be a worm farmer... lol

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hahah hope so. Keep me posted

[@Lilahlu13]

Do you put holes in the bottom bins?

[@CinnamonDelight-xb8pl]

Thank you very informative glad to meet you.

[@skylamariecostello]

i wish u had a physical copy of ur book 🥺 im able to print it out myself after i buy it right? :o

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Yes absolutely!

[@mrs.bizzybee4437]

So I have a couple questions I live in Washington state so it gets cold we get into the negatives for a week or two what do I do with the freezing temperatures will the worms be OK. And the next question was can I use distilled water instead of the city water

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey Angela! Great questions. I would bring them inside during temps below 45. They should fair fine in a garage or basement. You can cover them with a fleece or wool sheet to help insulate a bit. I wouldn’t use distilled water. Try leaving your city water out in a bucket for 24 hours letting chlorine evaporate out. Then use that water. Hope that helps!

[@mrs.bizzybee4437]

@@heyitsagoodlife thanks that dose quit a bit

[@SunnieDIY]

I happen to have some branches that I need to mulch its not the time of year for leaves would I be able to mulch say these birch branches or crab apple branches for their browns?

[@tracykoslowski1408]

Hoping to be a worm farmer soon! Thanks for the tips and many blessings, Tracy from Arizona

[@heyitsagoodlife]

You got this future worm farmer! Thanks for the hello 💛

[@tammynevil2422]

Thinking about this for the spring, I will keep following your worm videos

[@QueenGomez1111]

I'm happy to see your video, I thought it was going to be harder. I live in a small apartment and did not know if this would work, now I know I can do it on a small scale. Thank you 👍

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Yes!!!!

[@roamwithchris]

Great video thank you!

[@cortneyming1436]

Thank you!

[@WheelerRanch]

why the empty bins on top? love your worm love!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I store our extra bins there!

[@stuntclinicsg6338]

Great info 👍

[@spookystitches9075]

Can I ask why you double your bins? I understand everything but the two bins on top of each other. Love the videos. Definitely, love raising our worms. This is my second year and this year I’m wanting to improve their housing and prep them better for winter. They lived but I can always make it better for them.

[@tammybrazeau1213]

Love your cooking section. Not to be a know it all but isn't it better to grind the egg shell?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

No worries. The smaller the better for sure for almost every component, including egg shell. But this pregnant lady has to draw the line somewhere on the worm love 😅😂

[@laurenlynch3770]

Can you use smaller bins than the ten gallon ones you have used? I accidentally bought the 3 gallon tubs which look exactly the same but are only 13”x9”x6”. Is that too small to get started with? Extreme weather won’t be an issue, they will be in the garage.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Those should work for now! Just see how it goes. Great that it will be mostly climate controlled

[@dvybryson7300]

Fun video. Why are bins stacked? Does one have holes and the bottom does not? What did you put on water hose to filter chlorine.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Eventually the worms will migrate upwards and where they do, we create new worm bins up top and harvest from the bottom :) it’s an RV water hose attachment. I’d look up the link on amazon but my husband said no peaking at our amazing orders for a few days until my bday is here 😬

[@simplysophiahomestead1941]

Hi! I’m a brand new gardener who just moved to Southern California and would love to learn about compost options! Thank you for making this super approachable! What was in the bucket you placed on top of the layered bucket? Is that we’re you would place your small amount of food scraps? How often do you feed your worms with scraps? I’m about to download your free book and then check out your ebook! Thank you again! Also, what do you do with your other food scraps that are too heavy for your worms? Love your humor and approachability!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey Sophia! Awesome. Yeah you can totally do it! 👏🏻 my bins are stacking bins. Once the bottom bin is full, I’ll repeat the same process In the top bin, allow the worms to migrate, and then harvest the bottom bin. All food scraps go in the bottom bin for now. We feed them about 1x a week just a handful is scraps each bucket based on population of the bin (more worms. More food. Less worms. Less food) I hope the ebook helps you get started! Other food scraps go to our green waste facility for now until we have a tumbling composter :)

[@simplysophiahomestead1941]

@@heyitsagoodlife thank you! I’m so excited!

[@katelal2593]

Why the 2 bins on top of each other? Collecting tea?

[@dawnodato2794]

Thank you for your video. My 5 year old grandson and I are going to grow worms. For fishing with his daddy! And I benefit from amazing compost.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Yes!!!

[@skylamariecostello]

i have a bunny & she uses a litter made from newspaper, will this be good to add to the bin?

[@pattiwintermute2166]

Natalie does grass clippings ( that have been sitting most of the summer in a pile) work as brown material?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

if dried, yes :)

[@aymuro]

Great information we are starting our worms today. I had forgotten how to set it up so this was very helpful. Thank you Marilyn

[@tammywalker9463]

Wondering what type of worms are best? Also were is the best place to aquire/purchase worms 🪱?

[@marniechamberlin361]

Thank you for sharing. 💕

[@dawninthemountains]

This was helpful. We are planning to get a house filter for sure.

[@dancarroll4207]

Love your videos, where can we get your e-book?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey thank you! Www.heyitsagoodlife.com

[@beautifullivingfarmhouse239]

What worms and where do we purchase starter worms?

[@homesteadingpastor]

Enjoyed your video, very informative lots of great tips. Got a couple questions, is there a BEST time of the year to start a worm bed or can you start one anytime of the year, and how long does it normally take per bin before you can harvest the castings? Thanks 😊

[@heyitsagoodlife]

For us, these cooler months in 10b offer a good starting window but you can start anytime :) and under healthy conditions it takes about 2-3 months

[@homesteadingpastor]

@@heyitsagoodlife ok sounds good, thanks for your reply. We might have a few more questions as get started on this WORM FARM journey lol. 🙏🏻👍🏻 May GOD Bless Y’all

[@nokim1]

Thank you for all the great tips! Do you know where I can find “RV filter” (?) for my gardening hose? Is it available on Amazon?

[@azathenazach2945]

I'm learning a bit more each time :-) I was just about to ask about chlorinated water & you using a hose. Then you talked about the RV filter. Do you show that some where? I'm interested.

[@mydrisboltze7856]

Thank you so much, So Helpful & your not weird🤣 or annoying! Also beautiful baby. I am starting my warm composting in a dual tray composter. I’m waiting for my worms as I type. I have Two ?… 1. I have been freezing my food scraps, once the worms arrive can I give them the thawed out scraps? 2. I’ve read no egg shells, in your video you had eggs, did you wash them b4 feeding your worms?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Yay for worm farming! You can add the scraps directly, no need to thaw them. Just add extra browns to compensate for moisture. Many people will say not to add eggs, but I add raw egg shells quite often with no issue! You can bake the egg shells for 15 minutes at 350 to get rid of any potential pathogens

[@mydrisboltze7856]

@@heyitsagoodlife Thx You! I appreciate your time!

[@mydrisboltze7856]

hey Natalie, I realized that my composter did not come w/a filter 8-,( What would you recommend?

[@bloominginplace4791]

I love your set up!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thank you!

[@jacquiedeseive3068]

Just found you. Thank you! Congratulations ❤️ a little one due.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thank you! She’s one now. Can you believe it?!

[@mommypov4958]

Thank you for this! I tried...but I failed on 1st try, and it was a sad day, im going to implement these tips and try again. 🥰

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Oh yes. I made so many mistakes at first. You will totally get the hang of it!

[@mommypov4958]

@@heyitsagoodlife Ty! 🥰

[@tiadrumgold4702]

Zone 9B. Awesome info! I don't have worm bins but really want to try it. Good stuff. Thanks!

[@wmiller03]

Sweet

[@kaylamorey9543]

Were the bins you filled in this video the top or bottom bin?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Either one works. I just store my extra bins there!

[@EmilyAnn634571]

Is there a way to protect from curious dogs?

[@caryhocker]

So how do red wigglers do in the Winter? I'm in zone 8+ (northern Texas). What time of year would you start from scratch?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

They should do fine in your area! Video coming out Friday in winter worm care!

[@tamishreves9891]

Hi Natalie you didn’t explain why you put a second box on the top…

[@heyitsagoodlife]

It’s just where I store my extra bins

[@lmfo8176]

Gooood

[@paperchaser9565]

Can you use coffee filters from the drip coffee pots?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Yes! Usually. Depends on what they’re made of. But usually it’s safe

[@amilynnstapay796]

You live in so cal. Recommendations for colder climes? I am in 8b. Worried they may freeze

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Totally. Do you have a basement or garage? They should fare alright in there over winter in 8b

[@ccggore9255]

How to get ebook or order your book?

[@extragurl]

Awesome video! Made my preparation process a lot easier. Got my worms and supplies on the way! 😄

[@caroldysard6383]

Making my way through your videos so I may be about to ask a question you have an answer to later on. I am in New York, so my guess is that if I started a worm farm I would have to have it indoors. Is that safe to assume?

[@ddees411]

Do both bins have the layers ornis one of them empty?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

One is empty. I wait until it fills up and add the second one on top. Then leave the lower until it’s ready for use in tea or in the garden

[@MrBigedtc]

Do you know the recommended temperature range (high to low) for the worm farm?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Yes. We keep ours between 50• and 75•. They have some insulation with the moisture and mucous in the castings so they can tolerate slightly outside that. But if temps go above or below that, take them inside if possible

[@EBO47]

After the cycle is done and everything is castings ,how do you separate the worms from the mix do u pull them 1 by 1

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I use a sieve! Check out my harvesting video for tips.

[@robertlafollette2236]

Just printed your book off. Thank you.

[@caroldurand6803]

Great info. Do you need to punch holes in the bins and lids for aeration?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

No but it does help. 1/4” high up and through the lid. On the bottom as well just be sure to cover with a bag or cardboard before adding wormies :)

[@rachael11]

If I don't have straight compost would just soil or coco coir work? I have a bag of soil with compost blended in it ...

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey a Rachel! Yes to all of the above. Good = coco coir. Better = soil. Best = compost. Whatever you decide to do, just be sure to get plenty of organic matter in there :) Kellogg’s makes a great shredded kind of composted mulch that is easily found, not too expensive and would also be a great option.

[@rachael11]

Great. Thank you.