How and What to Feed Your Worms

[@ivantausk6588]

I ve seen a lot of videos about vermicomposting on youtube. Thisone is by far the most educative one I ve seen so far. Perfect explainations, examples, step by step tutorial. Simply great!

[@Stefan-yz5lr]

Appreciate the pumpkin test, that really drove home the difference it can make. Cutting up the food that is.

[@kathyhoffman5520]

Before we moved last year, I had been putting all of my worm food through my food processor. They would really eat it up. Since we've moved I stopped doing that and now I totally understand why the food isn't being processed by them. I'm going to go back to processing their food before I feed them. My grand kids say that the food processor makes worm smoothies.

[@SueOSullivan-qk1mq]

That is such a bad idea to add only pulverized food. It does not leave time for microbes to contribute to the end product of castings.

[@irakozak1]

Here’s a suggestion, put a Rabbit hutch over the top of the worm bed. When I was a younger, I had a friend that had that setup. Worms ate the rabbit droppings and the rabbits food and wood chips. This Friend also had a garden and grew tomatoes that were about 6” diameter and they tasted great. He also put his food scraps in on top of the worm bed. I like your videos!

[@kerrihatz2410]

I just came across your channel and I find your style very comforting. You have a lot of wisdom and passion for what you teach. Thank you for sharing. I love learning a bit from everyone.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy it.

[@monatam3019]

agree, a bit, such as feed them human food.

[@L-lp9fl]

This was so worth watching as I just started my worm bin about 2 weeks ago. Thank you

[@debbieduggan6796]

Hello, Gardener Scott, I only recently discovered your channel, and i must tell you, I have learned more from you than all other channels I watch combined. Your step by step videos on worm bins are the absolute best I have seen. I've been wanting to start a worm bin, but have been really confused by other KZbinrs with conflicting information. Some say this, and others say that. You explain WHY you do it the way you do, and I really appreciate that. Can't wait to start my own vermicomposting. Thank you so much for sharing! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Debbie.

[@laidbackmedia]

Debs is conflicted lmao👨‍🦽

[@lcm0578]

Love the pumpkin demonstration! Thanks!!! just started my first bin today!

[@brianletts4899]

Excellent video! Really enjoy the sort of "time lapse" aspect of it showing what happens to their food over time.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Brian. I'm glad you liked it.

[@icycoldtouch8607]

He is an excellent teacher

[@hughjorgan413]

I'm a Teacher and I agree, show his videos to my Horticulture classes.

[@david88va]

Wilted spinach.. that looks fresher than the spinach I've got in my fridge now lol

[@taramellow3016]

Ok I need to do this ASAP!! For my kitchen and classroom... where do I Purchase?? Thanks so much!! I will show your videos to my first graders!!

[@elizabethblane201]

I would have eaten that.

[@seattledanr5363]

I was just thinking..."He has a very different definition of wilted than I do." :-)

[@purpleconfetti110]

he just wanted to feed his wormies good food! hahah

[@ImpatientGardenerOhio]

I was thinking the same. Looked like pretty good spinach to me lol

[@maryt8184]

This video is so good i watched it twice. I started a worm bin a few weeks ago and your newspaper topper has turned out to be one of my best tips to help me judge moisture in the bin. Thank you.

[@pjs4069]

I worked at a job that had a lot of coffee drinkers. I put a five gallon bucket next to the coffee maker and asked that the grounds and filters were tossed into the bucket. I took the bucket home each day to use as feed for my worm bed. I also added other food sources but the filters and grounds worked excellently.

[@drduandada4218]

You just saved me 27 minutes of my life brother!😆 coffee grounds and filters engaged!

[@oweunuffin9280]

Do I need to seperate out the coffee filters?

[@krazylilman09]

@@oweunuffin9280 I’ve been leaving mine inside of the bins without an issue. But then again some filters are bleached in the market.

[@leighburville2717]

@@drduandada4218 ... You silly boy, you missed twenty-seven minutes of excellent information. If you think coffee waste and kitchen waste are the answer to growing worms take an aspirin and go back to bed. Good luck.

[@drduandada4218]

@@leighburville2717 oh really? I’m 5 months past that comment and all my beds are thriving with big,fat worms. It’s not about growing worms for me but the casting they leave for my vegetable beds. So THAR !😆

[@-ChrisD]

Extremely well done! Thorough, clear and extremely informative. Great video!!

[@talldave1000]

VERY good video. I like what you did with the 3 grades of pumpkin and the continuous follow-up with the results. I just started my worm bin today and will be using your method to propagate my worm farm. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@Guiller369]

Thanks again, I saw first your initial worm video, now it’s so clear for me all the process... see you...

[@ronthornton2583]

Hi from New Zealand, where we are about to go into summer. Last week I created a worm farm according to your instructions. It is coming along fine. Can't wait to see Episode 3 ☺

[@GardenerScott]

Hi, Ron. Glad to hear you're trying vermicomposting. As soon as I'm ready to harvest the castings I'll do the video.

[@tomjones4318]

The best discussion on worms I've seen here. Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@nick1949media]

Great video you actually held my interest for the full 26 minutes. I have a feeling you could take the most boring topic and make it interesting. Thanks for the information.

[@randolphscott1215]

You’re a good communicator .

[@candywalker483]

Interesting concept not having holes in the bottom of the container. Convenient too; don’t have to have a drip tray or bucket. Making a larger worm tub and set up next spring and will use this concept. Thanks!

[@laidbackmedia]

what hemisphere do you work?

[@laidbackmedia]

Northern or southern, my bad

[@rayikaikin]

this video is great thanks! i bought some red wigglers about a month ago and tossed them in my raised garden bed. ive been burying clippings and food scraps in 1 spot. even though im not using a bucket this is very informative!

[@milkweed7678]

I can't believe this. This is amazing! Never had any idea about doing this. I am stunded! I will be doing this when I can. (They eat better than me) Thanks for showing and teaching us about this.

[@GardenerScott]

So glad it was helpful.

[@philippacoltart8005]

)mmjmjm

[@BlueMountainWormsInc.]

Great video on vermicomposting . I have been playing around with red wiggler worms for a few months, I did have a worm farm back in 60s just earthworms for fishing.

[@Frazzlenodazzle]

This is the best worm bin video I have seen yet. Very comprehensive and well done. My first worm bin I did I filled the whole tub up then had it for a year before I could harvest the castings. I will do the layers from now on. Thank you.

[@BarbieBarbieto19]

First off, please let me say that I really enjoy the way you present information. No irrelevant items, all very well-ordered. I'm struggling with my own worms. Because the bin is well ventilated, they keep drying out. I will copy your method of covering the surface with newspaper and just hope it helps....

[@amandaadams3998]

I feel like I'm watching PBS and I love it!

[@ametheieushamlet5774]

Awesome Video, well explained. I will start my worm bin this week n I will give you an update Thank you.. ..

[@janicejurgensen2122]

Fantastic tutorial! I now feel I can do this!! Thank you!

[@anthonymiller6187]

That's the best worm video on KZbin..thank you so much..

[@NancyfromCanada]

Love your gardening tip and ideas! Thanks for a great channel! Nancy from Canada

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Nancy.

[@kathymakowski2411]

lots of great info that I hadn't seen on other channels. Thank you!

[@isabelladavis1363]

Excellent information ...a win win for every gardener...thank you for your time and thorough explanations

[@joeshmoe7789]

Very good. Quite enjoyable. So many worm composting videos show feeding frozen food, but don't explain why. The example with the 3 pumpkin piles was fantastic! I'll be cutting my scraps much smaller now. I might try "backing up" the small, chopped food with larger pieces when I'm away for trips.

[@izzymok732]

Mr. Scott…I live on my farm in South Africa..have a lot of bin earthworms. This has been the most informative video I have seen on this topic. Well done Sir!!

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

Outstanding video as always Gardener Scott. Excellent guidelines.

[@geraldgauthier8717]

YOU are Simply the Best teacher! Step by Step! Thank you

[@Dee.C]

I have 3 rabbits and we put the "left overs " of bedding and other items along with castings from them into the worm bins too . They go through it fast too . I put some into the outdoor composting bins as well. We get plenty of it from the bunnies.

[@uchibauki2515]

I have bunny too but why the manure so weird just like tiny balls and how long they will breakdown? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@conniethesconnie]

Saw another video while researching that suggested feeding rabbit to worms. I am liking the idea of worms since they will go a long way toward having a zerowaste lifestyle.

[@Dee.C]

@@uchibauki2515 They break down very fast. The urine in the paper I use does not smell after the first day and his great nitrogen source along with the carbon. Worms love it.

[@Dee.C]

@@conniethesconnie Yep. Me too , having worms and bunnies is very beneficial and saves a lot of stuff from going to the land fill . I have always been a recycle , reuse and save person. My kids thought I was a crazy hoarder because the shed was always full until they saw what I did with those things. One of my son's now does scrapping for a living and repurposes whatever he can. So this was a no brainer for me.

[@surfcitybusybee]

Excellent detailed video! Thanks so much for sharing all the great info, Scott. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the entire process, which will be very helpful for my worm bins.

[@VinceEspositoJr]

Thanks for this. I have 2 questions. How does one harvest the castings? Do you distribute the worms and the castings into the garden soil? Also, what square footage of garden space would you expect this amount of worms/castings to cover? Thanks again.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome, Vincent. I'll have another video that shows a few different methods for harvesting the castings. One is to encourage the worms to migrate away from the castings. Another is to use screens to separate the worms from the castings. I'll do another video to show how to use the castings and how to make worm tea. Generally, about three pounds of castings will amend the soil in a 4 ft x 8 ft bed. I'll use most of mine to make potting soil.

[@countrygurl613]

Y+I had a worm farm started for me Had it 9 months then they all died But I so loved doing it and harvested kilos of castings and worm Wee. Now with your instructions I am starting again . I miss not having them . I store my castings in a box When I pot up or plant seedlings I put castings under the plants .

[@lunizparlein173]

@@countrygurl613 why they died?

[@lisestewart4285]

I love your videos. You are a fountain of knowledge. WOW! I need to write down everything because your knowledge is verbal gold. LOL

[@timmcilraith8762]

Definitely the best worm video I've seen.

[@florinnegru8104]

Thank you so much for all informations ! Especially how the food can control the level of humidity inside the bin !

[@rjk2646]

Great video like all of your other videos. Packed with those little extra tidbits of knowledge that make a difference.

[@judyrobertson5564]

You always have good content. I enjoy your videos very educational. God bless you and yours.

[@haiyinggan9588]

Thank you for the videos. We are ready for my 7-year old homeschooling son for this project. :)

[@movednorthhomestead7244]

Fascinating!!! Looking forward to more follow ups!

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@DAMITH250]

Excellent Video 👏 Thanks for the great information 🍻

[@jimwilleford6140]

I enjoy your videos. I do use a perhaps, a less intensive approach in my Permaculture beds. I use a morph of Ruth Stout’s method by lifting back my straw, and placing food remains, etc, under the straw. The works stay where I want them to be. It cuts back on a separate process. Thanks for your videos.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Jim. I like that idea. One of the weaknesses in the Ruth Stout method is the lack of nitrogen-rich organic matter to work with the hay or straw. You've found a good way to use worms and natural decomposition to enrich soil.

[@jimwilleford6140]

Gardener Scott I am an urban back yard guy, as I think I mentioned before. I have access to plenty of organic nitrogen materials. I DO have one pile, not a bed, that also acts as my worm bin. Though I leave them their freedom to roam. But they don’t. Every day I add 50 or so from there to my 5 newer Permaculture beds. There’s never a shortage. Between each bed being added to the natural population in each bed. I do have a 6-7 nah layer of straw on each bed.

[@saraalicea3363]

Interesting & very informative, thanks for sharing it ♥️

[@ahsanshoaib3371]

I subscribed to your channel a few months ago and have been following you along on a frequent basis. Your videos are great, the way you walk step by step and explain the logic behind your argument its pretty good. I can see that it'd require a lot of effort on your part, thanks a lot. Just like a few other readers here, I think one of the most challenging aspect of vermicomposting is how do you harvest the castings. I have seen both the methods of migrating the worms and screening but I'd like to see how you do it. Would appreciate a lot if you can show yourself going through your entire bin when you make that video later. Once again thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@GardenerScott]

I plan to do a video when I harvest the castings from this bin. I'll use migrating, but will also discuss screening. Look for it in a couple months.

[@carot2003]

Good video, lots of true information..

[@Calvin2030]

Thnx for such a precise video Scott. Experience shows..👍

[@Meglovessage7]

Loved the video, Gardener Scott! Are you going to have a video that shows how to harvest worm castings? And, how do you know when to stop feeding your worms and use the compost they made? Thank you

[@storedaway]

I too would like to see how you harvest the worm castings.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Megan. Yes, I'll have a video that shows how to harvest and another video that will show how to use castings in the garden. Part of the determination of a finished product is when you see no more food or bedding and another is to feel it and note the small particle size.

[@2dayhair813]

What an education! Thank you for the detailed lesson.

[@Idontlike_BLACKBS]

I just found your channel but it teaches me a lot thank you for your nolege

[@racebiketuner]

Thanks for another great vid!

[@khalafdana2571]

Hi, while watching the video, I wanted to ask about the smell and you have answered it towards the end, am new subscriber and I enjoy most of the videos old and new, thanks for you clear words and the scientific explanation.

[@elicohen65]

Hi, my name is Eli and I’m beginner gardener. First I would like to thank you so much about your patience to explain very calmly and professionally. I’ve learned a lot from you. My question is- what the main point in worms in gardening ? Thank you so much and God bless you.

[@GardenerScott]

In the garden the worms help aerate and nourish soil. In a worm bin the main reason is for the castings to use in potting mixes. The castings are rich in nutrients.

[@elicohen65]

Gardener Scott Thank you so much for your answering me and for everything else that I will learn from you.

[@amandachamberlain3169]

I use the blender on big batches of soft peels to add to my compost for the worms. I bury my scraps directly in the garden bc it keeps rodents away and I've had nice worm populations all through it since starting this. I keep several bags of fall leaves to add to the hole to balance the greens and browns. This year I started grinding my eggshells in a coffee grinder too to help them break down faster. They're just ordinary earthworms, but I've got so many in my garden soil now that I almost can't dig it without killing one. I like the freezer idea too, I hadn't thought about doing that, I'll have to start doing this.

[@suesmith4325]

I tried this for a few months, it did well. After awhile my stomach was turning before I even took the lid off. I dug a hole and dumped the whole mess in my garden before the cold weather set in. Ugh! I think guys have an easier time with this as they don't mind touching worms and such. Really a good informative video.

[@GardenerScott]

It sounds like your bin got too wet and anaerobic bacteria caused the smell. I occasionally leave the lid off for awhile to dry things out if it starts looking too wet.

[@flowerygirl78]

Hi Scott! I thought this video was great! You explain things in such a detailed way - getting into the science behind stuff, not just blind directions and I love that! How have you come to learn so much about worms? Understanding a worm's digestive system and digestive processes isn't something you just pick up from somewhere usually. Also, what are your thoughts on "stirring" the bin and mixing it up to get the last bits taken care of?

[@GardenerScott]

I've read books about worms, believe it or not. Stirring the bin can disrupt the worms and isn't something I do.

[@kiqueenbees]

Beekeeper here. I let my worms feast on old black honey combs, which are highly nutritious. Vermicastings hold moisture and are excellent for capturing rainfall. And I also feedback the liquid diluted to a dark tea colour in sugar syrup to stimulate the bees.

[@SuperWhatapain]

Your introduction made me LOL🙂😂

[@marcink8472]

Very clear and informative video easy to understand Thanks

[@oh_heff_that]

Loved the video! I've made one attempt at a worm farm like this and the results were not great; this will certainly help my next try. The idea about freezing the worm's food to help speed up decomposition was a great thought. Plus, being in Arizona, it will help moderate the temps in the summer months, when even the inside temps can get warmer than the worms might prefer.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Hope you have great worm success.

[@racebiketuner]

Biochar is really great for regulating moisture in worm bins and compost. Adding one cubic foot per cubic yard is enough to make a difference (1:27). If it's in the budget, you can double the concentration. Be advised biochar PH varies tremendously. I make sure it's 6.8 or higher using Hydrion paper roll for testing human saliva/urine. I've been happy with Wakefield, Plantonix and ARTI brands.

[@kimberlygardner8392]

I think you need to make more warm videos in future, it might help a lot of people out like it helped me. Thanks for these videos again

[@grahamerae3502]

Hi Scott I’m feeding my worms chick starter and full cream powered milk mixed together I’m trying to fatten them up for fishing I’ll try all of the veggie scraps to see how that goes .

[@yes350yes]

True True-- Been doing my worm farm for many yrs. I save and freeze what will be fed to worms, then after thawing run it thru my big mouth food processor and it is then a bokashi and as related in the vid worm can eat it as the bacteria can break down 10 x faster.

[@JMcferrin]

Hi from Scotland bit cold here but using your method of feeding is going great in my bin... am thinking of splitting into 3 bins... is it as easy as splitting current bin into 3 and starting again... thanks for any info and keep the vids coming they are great :)

[@GardenerScott]

The easiest way is just splitting the current bin into three sections. It's more effort, but you can collect the worm castings and then transfer just the worms into three containers with new bedding and food.

[@OregonChuck]

Superb video. I’m a first time vermicomposter and this has been all new to me, and fascinating.

[@treesha3427]

Absolutely brilliant video, Scott. Thank you for spreading the Good Worm Word.🌷🌱🌻

[@stuartdoran7626]

Excellent video. Very comprehensive. Many thanks for this follow up video.

[@ricardodella-ricca9048]

Great info Scott, however bit lengthy. Fully find this method work the best. Greeting from the Blue Mountains Australia.

[@joypatron1]

Sir you are so correct. I put my scraps in the blender then pour it in my garden bed that has worms. I have found large pieces of vegetables still in my garden bed because it was just too hard. You are correct. I've been doing this since 2012.

[@GardenerScott]

Glad to hear it works for others too. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ralsharp6013]

Absolutely makes complete sense thank you

[@seattledanr5363]

Interesting video series with a few tidbits I hadn't considered (biochar, grit needed, eggshells needed by worms, etc). Other parts I knew. I have one of those "Dual Compost Tumblers" that I use exclusively for vermicomposting and during summer, I can easily get 20 gals (75L) of castings every 3 months or so. I do ZERO chopping, blending, freezing or other prep. I turn the composter every 2 or 3 days to aerate the soil and bury the large tomato plant prunings, watermelon rinds, etc that I put on top. I do watch moisture content closely (Good test: if you take a fistful of compost, you should be able to squeeze it into a ball without dripping water). I also make an effort to balance greens (veggies, prunings, coffee grounds, etc) and browns (dried leaves, paper, cardboard). I use a screen to sift castings and dump the large pieces back into the 2nd tumbler. I only feed one side of the dual tumbler at a time. Tumblers are in the shade and worms are thriving and happy (no smiles, though). Gonna watch your biochar video next!

[@CampfireKathy]

Very informative...thank you!

[@sampathgamage16]

Very nice sirI learned more things

[@heavenbound78]

great video, wonder how stacked 5 gallon buckets would work, enough space for the worms

[@GardenerScott]

They can work.

[@heidiclark6612]

I laughed when you said that earthworms do not have teeth, because my mother swears that she was bit by a worm.

[@annereynolds66]

😂

[@annereynolds66]

When my brother was little , many many years ago , he bit the worm in half . He had blood on his lip and said the worm bit him 😂

[@conniethesconnie]

Maybe something she confused with a worm, some small snake or millipede.

[@plantsoverpills1643]

Couldn’t ask for a more comprehensive video on the important concepts of producing worm castings. As it happens, I invested in a worm bin and a used thrift store blender this past July. I used horse manure as their bedding and add dried leaves, shredded cardboard and whatever kitchen leavings. I added dried grass one time and it got moldy which indicated I added it too thickly. I realized it’s important to spread additions very thinly and mix within the bedding. I stay away from foods that take a long time to break down or that I cannot blend. If the bedding gets too wet, I add more dried crumbled or chopped leaves to absorb the moisture. I have encountered a multitude of worm eggs and adolescent worms. Happy worms!!!!!😉 I’m now going to look and see if you have a video on harvesting the castings and also to see how you rate the hype on what I call “worm whizz” and making worm casting tea. Thanks for helping me to learn how to improve my worm bin!!!!

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Great Video Scott! You cover everything!!!! QUESTION - I want to do this but in one of the giant totes. Almost bathtub size. However I don't want to carry into my basement every winter here in Chicago. Can I put a typical heat mat under it and keep it in my garage all winter? My garage never drops below 50. Thank you

[@GardenerScott]

You should be able to do that. That is a bit cold for these type of worms so a heat mat or other heat source would help in winter.

[@GlynisSylvester]

Hi Scott - thank you for your informative video. Great helpful info which I will be implementing with my worm bin. Question - I rent a small house on a horse farm with tons of horse manure that they never seem to know what to do with - how can I make use of this horse manure in my worm bin? Does it have to sit for a while before using? Looking forward to hearing from you with some ideas. Many thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

The manure can be used with just a little aging if the horses don't have a salt lick. Fresh manure can be high in ammonia which can harm the worms. If they use salt, letting the manure age in a pile for about six months can help the salt leach out.

[@GlynisSylvester]

@@GardenerScott Thank you so much. Will check with the owners. Hopefully I can use it for my worms :-)

[@kiemhay1]

thank, sir good joob it educative nice explation

[@sylvievogelgesang9217]

Thanks for sharing

[@sacredrootshomestead7107]

Great video Scott

[@denniskundinger7815]

FYI... When using any type of animal manure it needs to be out in the sun for a bit, the manure when being composited creates temperature of up to 180 degrees. Worms will not be able to withstand this much heat in a small container. If this were being composited out side and where the worms were not in any type of container and able to get away from such heat they would control their own destiny. Keep up the great job, I truly like to watch your videos!!! God's Blessings 🙏🙏!!

[@tkcenterline1]

The best information I have seen. Thank you.

[@storedaway]

Yet another great video, thanks Gardener Scott

[@GardenerScott]

You are welcome.

[@Jo-xf4nt]

Thank you for this video. I'd seen someone else show how to set up a worm farm with the compressed coconut only. I like your way better. It just makes sense. Keep up the good work.

[@OCDishChick]

Thanks for sharing!

[@annsalty5615]

A lot of good advice. Every meal, any organic bits and pieces leftover get put in a bag in the freezer. Then thawed and chopped up come worm feeding time. I learned the hard way to avoid many fruits, especially citrus. They can throw a bin way off very fast and invite gnats and flies. Would like to know your advice on dealing with pests.

[@GardenerScott]

I've had mites and gnats. The solution was to leave the bin open so the surface could dry out and take away the environment the pests like. With a light on above the bin the worms won't escape.

[@annsalty5615]

@@GardenerScott Thank you. I just found your videos and looking forward to watching more of them 👍

[@elberthardy961]

Great, valuable video! Worms do eat the bacteria, mold, fungus' and other microbes. They are so much fun to study. I actually caught one worm eating on a single blade of grass by the end! Apparently, they help the microbes by prepping the food for them, so it seems a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Whatever we humans call it, it is God's gift to us gardeners. They are all beneficial to every eater on planet earth. Thank you for this Info!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Elbert. They are amazing creatures.

[@michaelougarezos8963]

I enjoyed your video Scott thnx

[@skittles9970]

Which one of those young fellas in the pic is you? As I cleaned up my garden this fall, I processed anything inedible in the blender, and I now have enough worm food to last most of the winter! Thanks, Gardener Scott!!!

[@GardenerScott]

I'm the one on the right, wearing cowboy boots and ready for shoveling manure. I need to build up a stockpile of worm food. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@johnjude2685]

My garbage never get that much Bell Peppers a year and I often have the wife stuff em 2-3 times a week during season. Gardenar Scott Sir thanks for your teaching are great

[@mr.mikesart7111]

I appreciate the other metrics being put up. I didnt need it, however i wish some of the non usa videos did the same thing so I wouldn't have to look it up. Good job, very informative

[@greatideas171]

Very nice video indeed. Clearly explained, very informative. Thank you!