How to build the ULTIMATE WORM BIN! A continuous flow through VERMICOMPOSTING SYSTEM!

In this video we show you how to build a continuous flow through (CFT) worm bin; the ultimate vermicomposting system! From the build to installing the worms we show you the step by step process. Thanks for watching and enjoy!
Things in this video (affiliate):
Uncle Jim's Red Wigglers (2,00 count) - amzn.to/3A4u7Pu
Uncle Jim's Red Wigglers (500 count) - amzn.to/3QS5NpS
Materials:
3 - 2x12x8's
4 - 2x4x8's
5 - 1x2x8's
11 - 1/2" 10' Metal Conduit
2 - Surface Mount Hinges
5 - Cement Mixing Bins
1 roll of painters masking paper
1 roll of 36"x25' window screen
1 box of 3" decking screws
1 box of 2.5" decking screws
1 box of 1.25" decking screws
1 box of staples
Wood Glue
Cut List:
1/2" Metal Conduit - 29.5"
2X12 Side Walls - 94.25"
2x12 End Walls - 27"
2x4 Legs - 46"
13/16 Holes for Conduit - 2" spacing (3.5" off edge)
A little about us:
In September 2015, our hearts were hijacked with the dream of living on a large farm, with community, growing food, caring for animals and loving on children in need of care and healing. It was a God moment, where our dreams collided with His dreams… a dream so big we could never do it in our own strength and wisdom. Since then, we have been on a journey to see that dream become a reality. This channel documents that journey.
Instagram - / goshenfarmandgardens
Facebook - / goshenfarmandgardens
Website - goshenfarmandgardens.org
All music licensed from Artlist: artlist.io/

[@marlenen6130]

I suggest that you pre-drill the holes for the conduit prior to putting it together, that way you can just clamp the front and back boards and drill through both boards, ensuring that the holes line up. It’s easier and way quicker, especially if you have a good drill press.

[@user-on6yr2xk1z]

🤝

[@lylecasteel365]

How is this working out? Can you make a follow up video showing a harvest and how you think the conduit spacing is working for you? What changes would you make, if any on another build?

[@regenerativesolutionsregen478]

I would love to know if the redwigglers or other worms you may use are scaping on the bottom as you harvest or how if you solved for that?

[@surendranathpr5504]

They feed the compost on top earthworms comes to up to eat it. after month or 2 the cardboard sheet will decompose and you can shovel castings from below. upto 2 to3 inches. you keep feeding on top. worms go up and you harvest from below. its continues. its actual reverse of what we do. worms go done in normal harvest and here worms go up

[@witekprytek9940]

Very nice build! Few comments 1) the bin itself should be taller - at very least 50cm, better 60-70cm. How much scraps you have is urrelevant. If you don't have enough then just wait till the bedding + food reaches around 60cm. Point is that worms like to live in top 30-40cm, so when you harvest from the bottom of tall bin you get very few worms dropping down with casting. In shallow bin like yours you will get plenty of worms in each vermicompost harvest. Some will get injured, others will have to be put back on top. Unnecessary labour and loss of (injuried) worms. 2) if I put thin paper on very bottom I do not wet before putting bedding. Much higher chance of paper ripping and bedding dropping down instantly. Dry paper lining is much stronger. It will get dump and it will decompose anyways. 3) matter of preference but I find it easier to harvest when the rake teeth are shorter. That way you can press it against the grate without harvesting a ton of not yet ready castings.

[@CapnChkn1]

Just what I was going to say, "That's not deep enough! You'll be scooping worms and cocoons out when you harvest!"

[@madmedix2]

You've probably found out by now but for those who haven't yet: Cover the bottom with a fine mesh stapled to a frame that you can slide out/swing out of the way to harvest...otherwise the bugs will just enter from the bottom after the paper barrier breaks. You may also want to stick a few safer's bug strips (yellow sticky cards) across the top as the scent of the compost will draw flies towards it but they'll find the sticky traps instead. Great Job!

[@lupejauregui2]

Never thought about that.. Thanks for the good advice . He definitely should’ve put some type of blockage between the soil and that wood cause the worms are going to eat it.

[@scottb9997]

I was think that How fine would you recommend

[@palehorse5275]

@@lupejauregui2 Would Cedar work better?

[@portiaharger205]

I was wondering how dirt & worms stayed in box and not fall through conduit as paper breaks down…

[@TimsOutpost]

@@portiaharger205 I was curious about that as well. What keeps the worms from falling between the conduit.

[@Brian-gx3rj]

It is always great finding a tutorial by someone who is doing the project for the very first time

[@JOEZEP54]

Looking for ideas to get started but when the paper on the bottom rots or gets eaten, what's to stop all the compost from just falling through? Stay well, Joe Z

[@keepsmiling704]

was thinking th same think, worms eat paper gezzzzz

[@bigbrusta]

Like... what the hell is the plan here? How is there not going to be scraps and compost all over the basement floor 🤣@@keepsmiling704

[@Amy_McFarland]

I would love to see an updated video on this.

[@lnashify]

Thank you for sharing an amazing design for a worm bin. I've been having trouble carrying, changing out plastic tub bins, etc.. This looks very promising as something I can handle easily!

[@carlvanmeerbeek7327]

I use an old bathtub. Filled it up with horse manure and threw in the worms. Done. Put a bucket under the drain to capture the liquid which I dilute and water the plants with. When I want to collect the compost I just feed them on one side of the tub and they migrate to that side.

[@mckeecrew]

Awesome build!! You're practically a trim carpenter now too! I definitely need some of these little wigglers for my raised beds. This channel is filled with so much good info! Thanks GF&G!

[@miningking70]

If you’re ready for Vermicuture the Elsenia Andriei is the for breeding I live in California there you need double shading for protection. The heat here will dry them and they will die! So having a good environment is key. The two enemies from worm is dry and sunlight. I am the (BSFM)? The Black Soldier Fly Man.

[@m4a4c4]

Very much appreciate the timing of the video. Not a lot of painful repeated actions, Just touching on the point then moving on. Good info also

[@howardryburn9646]

This cabinet maker / market gardener in training is stoked to see this video . Cheers Singing Lady Farm LLC

[@christopherjames2825]

Beautiful video. I love it ❤. Thank you for sharing this.

[@funnysods]

Loved the video, I've had limited success with vermicomposting in my garage but I think your idea is great. There's one thing I don't understand though: when the paper on the bottom rots or gets eaten, what's to stop all the compost from just falling through?

[@JOEZEP54]

Same question I have.

[@JOEZEP54]

I will repost the question

[@funnysods]

@@JOEZEP54 I might be able to answer that question now. Since setting up my CFT in the greenhouse I have found that by the time all the cardboard, food etc at the bottom has been eaten, the base is fairly compact. In fact it's quite a job to rake all the castings and food out of the bottom. I've done it 3 times now and it's working great.

[@robtdougherty]

@@funnysods - Yes, by the time time the paper degrades and your ready for first harvest, it will be compacted and will sit at the bars without falling through.

[@RedPillSpill101]

@@funnysods Can you tell me why is it that the castings naturally find the bottom? Is it because of their weight?

[@tomhigson3989]

Looks really cool. I like the screen idea.

[@angusmacduff3471]

It looks good - glad to see the height - my first one was too low, and my knees wouldn't let me get back up after harvesting. I lined my bins with salvaged fluorescent light fixture plexiglass. I think you might need to add a 2x6 to the top for more height - you need room for the worms to live and a place for the castings to settle. I'm ninety-three now and have switched over to using grow bags (Gardzen Raised Garden Bed - Planter Box) where I can do everything from the top with the bed sitting on a rack - works great - got the idea from AV (GroBag) and Meme (Bagster).

[@michaeldvorak8140]

I agree with the bagster idea. This is what my African Nightcrawlers are in my backyard. It’s working out very well.

[@randalmoroski1184]

Good job! Clear and informative!

[@CoastalGardensNW]

Looks great looking forward to seeing how that works

[@vinniez2188]

Your design is great. I've noticed if I don't use a moisture barrier on the sides the wood rots in just a couple years.

[@smittys19daytona]

Nice job I shred cardboard with an electric shredder works well and wet it a couple of inches deep food and it's free

[@gioknows]

Very cool. I am building a greenhouse in my backyard next year and looking for ideas for worm farming and this looks great. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada.

[@phonymontana4254]

Great video thank you

[@wudangmtn]

Great info, thanks!

[@jeanfisse6736]

Superbe Realisation

[@randyobowling1554]

It will be easier if you lay one side board on top of the other, then drill through both side boards at the same time. You should also lay some sacrificial boards perpendicular to & below the bottom board to save from dulling your drill bit. The boards can be kept aligned by using 3, "2-headed" nails, so the drilled holes will also be aligned.

[@alan30189]

Good job. That’s a huge worm bin! I don’t know why you would use kraft paper though. Kraft paper is usually wax coated, which might not be good for your worms or your compost for your garden. Kraft paper also has “naturally occurring titanium dioxide coating.” I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. A lot of people use newspaper, which will break down quicker. I would not use corrugated cardboard, either, as cardboard has glue in it, which may or nay not contain harmful chemicals.

[@rkesler3567]

Cardboard does not have harmful glues in it and is safe to use.

[@paulcoover9197]

Sweeeeeeeet! Thanks fella. Great job.

[@mistarichdontplay4795]

Great Job!!!! Just subscribed and am starting some bins this coming month! I believe I am gonna use this method! Thanks 💯 🙏

[@jackieburnett6881]

Enjoyed the video. I have never seen anything like this.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Nice job

[@Drag0nFlea]

Pretty good 👍

[@joshbeaulieu7408]

Cool design if you have the space to spare. I like the stacking units because they take up less work, even if handling can be cumbersome. I should rig up a shaker though, that would make it easier.

[@JohnBrown1]

Nice work dude.

[@Tommyatoms]

You’ll likely end up with a fruit fly issue. I moved mine into my garage after they became an uncontrollable nuisance. Im in Michigan and use lightbulbs to keep them warm in the winter. 5 gallon buckets are my choice bin. They are stackable and easy to move.

[@zephyrwinkle6552]

I live I'm michigan also and am looking into vermi posting any suggestions?

[@MaliksGarden]

wow great work😍😍😍😄😄

[@michaelsaad6952]

Thats a good idea for making vermicast

[@MrDanrn999]

Thank you for making this video! :0)

[@palehorse5275]

Cool I made the same type of shifters you made.

[@kanaaleilanden]

Nice man. very practical. i see you put hole food product in. maybe mix/blender it so it will be fluit...so they eat/produce faster,so food will less rot

[@wilmacockfit9689]

They don't eat the actual food scraps they feed on the bacteria that forms on the waste and break it down.

[@kanaaleilanden]

@@wilmacockfit9689 i understand bro, but it takes longer time to break down if its not mixed....

[@donellison6445]

Very interesting, thanks from Don in S.C.

[@lynngill1588]

Ok Boss as a ol man who has done this kind of thing for Decades I'd offer 1 thing that I didn't see you address. That would be wood rot I didn't hear you say that your wood was treated which it shouldn't be ,but it should be protected . What would have been a simple and cheap long lasting way would be to have lined the box with black plastic ( that comes in rolls ) all except down through the middle so you still get the flow through for your castings but the wood will be protected from wood rot . |Nice set up tho , Not sure I would have put in in my basement but I do live in temprent climent so with the heat frrom the deteriorating compost my warms have plenty of heat to winter over out in my greenhouse where it also contributes to heating my greenhouse. subscribed and will be watching keep up the good work.

[@LaineyBug2020]

5:17 Oh! That's such a tiny puppy! Who's a tiny pupp? Yes, you are!

[@joshslackslack8115]

I did something similar to this but my dod was a Storm door for a house frame it in just like a door work's perfect

[@pial3270]

Hello, that's an awesome build. Thank you for the video. I have been looking into building my own as castings are too expensive to buy. what type of worms do you have?

[@makebanegron6617]

I made mine! OMG! I wish I could share pics!

[@GoshenFarmandGardens]

Tag us on Instagram! We would love to see 👀

[@Michael-kb9qt]

Wise man

[@stevenrldenault7451]

Hi, I can’t get my head around how all the soil isn’t going to fall down and out between the 2” spaced pipes the first time you rake the bottom?

[@lesliehairfield139]

Go big or go home! Great video ❤️

[@victorm7274]

Looks to me that it won’t be deep enough. In a horizontal system a shallow bin would work great but In my CTF it needs the extra material to push down the finish castings. So I’m just curious how is it working out ?

[@PlantObsessed]

What kind of worms did you get? Looks like a great system.

[@karlagriffiths454]

Will the wood rot from being in contact with damp soil. I was thinking you could of covered the sides and ends with black plastic before screwing them together?

[@wintersun398]

looked like untreated timber. Yes in contact with moisture/soil it will rot within a few years. I’d have varnished it. It’s a great idea though, and the rake method to remove the castings is so easy.

[@anthonytucker1175]

One thing I learned from composting if your wanting to compost using worms for more than one use a issue will be the black soilder fly larva they will completely take over a worm bin.

[@raymondjmcclain]

I owned a bait and tackle shop and those worms won't stay in a container without 24 hr light. Even with lids, wigglers will sqeeze out. They will only stay put if there is natural or artificial light. 5000 Worms on the ceiling is an nightmare lesson.

[@pingerfrints6716]

Don't put a light bcoz they love to eat in the dark.They hate light.

[@makebanegron6617]

Did you use the 3" screws to put frame together? I am putting mine on wheels for easy moving

[@miningking70]

My brother in Christ Jesus! Your flowing now. Don’t stop and keep growing? I am the (BSFM) Black Soldier Fly Man!🙌🏽🙏👍

[@wcox4]

Thank you for posting this video. I have been considering building a worm farm to put my leftover nightcrawlers in after fishing. I'm going to give your idea a try. Do you know if you can keep nightcrawlers & red wigglers in the same worm farm, or do they need to be separated? Again, thanks for the inspiration.

[@jonathanbuford1793]

You can keep both worms together but red wigglers are more resilient with temperature changes high or low and the night crawlers I believe if below 58 instant death and forget the high- but they are faster composters as I have learned first hand and in general I think it’s better to separate as the night crawlers need to be watched in winter and summers highs and lows

[@maryplewes5040]

Build a screen on the bottom with a hinge and when you harvest just undo it, harvest and rehinge it. Keeps bugs out both top and bottom.

[@davidclark8855]

Nice vid, But I'm viewing on my phone. And can't seam to find the material and cut list you have mentioned that's below.? How do we get them. Thanks.

[@CliffordAllison]

Great video ! Quick question? Why do you grow the worms in the basement versus outside?

[@GoshenFarmandGardens]

Great question, controlled climate 😊

[@erical9526]

Would love to see a follow-up to this video and how the system is working for you. I've searched but it doesn't look like you've made one.

[@edwinmoore4560]

Where does the worm tea go from the water? Do you catch it in buckets? It’s great for plants

[@teresashoot999]

Wondering how well they’d survive during a very cold winter!!

[@dascue777]

That’s what I thought

[@carolinavazquez1292]

How doesn't this loss all the worms? You have to start over or pick some woarms out put back?

[@sotm2]

If the conduit is only for supporting the paper in the bottom there is a lot cheaper method for doing that! I.E 1/4 inch hardware screen stapled to the bottom with a couple of cross bars.

[@bubblehead7680]

You need the bottom open to be able to rake it out from the bottom. Any kind of screen will prevent that.

[@TnT_F0X]

I have some mealworms in a bin I keep feeding kitchen scraps to, I gotta toss them out in the compost pile. Didn't plan on making a Vermicompost bin but I had 50 leftover mealworms from feeding baby frogs and now I have thousands... so maybe I'll make them a bigger bin out in the greenhouse. P.S. Of Course it ended up costing 200, you built it with Wood! What? You think that stuff grows on trees??? Shoulda used Gold, its cheaper.

[@GoshenFarmandGardens]

For real! Side note: you gotta package coming your way. So sorry for the delay!

[@TnT_F0X]

​@@GoshenFarmandGardens haha I actually forgot about that. Coulda used it this morning it was 100+ out there before I had my coffee!

[@danielvachon]

put your glass...careful also with your fingers holding piece of wood while using your brad nail gun...keep some distance.....some nails can exit wood and poke your fingers...very nice....CFT

[@imurmomo]

How do u keep the worms from falling out when u harvest the worm castings? Can u make a follow up video?

[@vc8173]

So once you rip the bottom to get the castings wont the worms and dirt fall threw into the buckets ??

[@catherinemiura3979]

Would love to know how this bin has been running

[@darryl0harris]

Have you tried pvc conduit instead of the steel stuff? I feel like it would support the weight without a problem. Its 1/4 the price too so I figured its worth asking lol. Apologies if you mentioned it amd I missed it.

[@k_froggy]

Yeah i wouldnt use the steel conduit its galvanized and not food grade. I wonder if you could use pvc with rebar or something inside for extra support.

[@wintersun398]

@@k_froggy plain steel will also rust - I don’t think that was stainless steel conduit.

[@phonymontana4254]

@@wintersun398 it was galvanized meaning zinc coated

[@karlosdetreaux3363]

Forgive my ignorance but it seems like the dirt will rot the paper and fall through the galvy tubing? I’m a novice so apologies if it’s a dumb question

[@rkesler3567]

Not dumb! Many people are asking the same question. Another guy said he does need a screen.

[@karlosdetreaux3363]

Forgive my ignorance but why isn’t there screen or mesh on top of the paper? I am following your build but it seems the castings etc., would just fall through as the paper rots? Thank you.

[@karlosdetreaux3363]

Plus… I can’t open the comment regarding option of pbc. Thank you.

[@t4cchi]

looks great then... how is it working now..?

[@craigwg]

You should have included a section on how to manage this conversation: "Honey, I have this great idea to make our garden great!" "Oh, awesome. What is it?" "Ok, hear me out. I'm going to have worms live in the basement so I can harvest their castings. Isn't that great?!" "Castings?" "Yes, castings. Its farmer talk for worm poop. But don't worry. I'll take steps to keep the flies to a minimum!" "You're going to fill my basement with worm poop and flies? In the house. Where we live." "It probably won't smell like mildew. I've just ordered a thousand worms. This is going to be great!" "The worms normally live outside. And the flies are outside. Why are we bringing them in the house?" "So I can control them, dear. I need to control the worms and flies and bringing them inside is the best way to do that." "I see, I see. Well of course you can build a box in the basement of our tiny house, fill it woms, dirt, water, whatever you want. Can I help you harvest the worm poop and haul it through the house in a bucket?" "Really? You'll let me do this?!" "No, you moron. Take your shovel and go play outside. You bring a worm in this house and I'll compost your body, got it?" "Right right." (Camera pans to man sitting cross legged in the dirt, sadly flicking dirt with a garden trowel.)

[@jonathanbuford1793]

Just a question is the conduit cheaper than pvc or stronger just curious and appreciate you sharing awesome design and in our case we certainly appreciate you 👍💪😁

[@scotttaylor4219]

Update? Can you record a harvest please? Also I move through Goshen for work do you do farm tours?

[@timpritchett8859]

CFT's need to be deeper to ensure material is fully processed and cocoons have time to hatch and young worms move upward out of castings before they are harvested out the bottom. Most are 2-3' deep.

[@seanrobert2227]

Can we get an update on how this worked

[@olliebarron8594]

do you have to harvest the castings if you are using your worm bin for fishing?

[@karolineekthuvapranee8348]

Yes otherwise they will sue eventually. The castings are their poop the liquid needs to be drained too

[@jbquinn4033]

Can you use fishing worms from a tackle shop for breeding to start a worm farm??

[@GoshenFarmandGardens]

You can but it’s not cost effective. I got mine from Uncle Jim’s worm farm: unclejimswormfarm.com/

[@donnastormer9652]

I live in Florida and when I built a BSF bin like this I had to put each leg in a can of oil to keep the fire ants from moving it!

[@michaelripperger5674]

Hate fire ants 🐜 🔥

[@irfanozcan7277]

💯

[@24mbronc]

Wouldnt it be easier just to bury your scraps in your garden or ground? I mean. its going to end up there in the end right?

[@alaxandersupertramp6955]

what is the spacing of steel bars??? thanks

[@HostageDK]

I'm not understanding i suppose or maybe i am over thinking it. Do you cut that underneith to just drain the liquid out what they call worm tea... or are you literally doing that to fully empty everything out than you start fresh again?

[@user-ur6qb6oe1t]

❤

[@michaeldiehl1378]

Don’t level your legs then screw in that position, I would recommend a square as getting things square it’s better then level when not in final position 5:50 Ps it’s such a minor thing it’s almost not worth mentioning but larger flow through tables can hold up to two tons. Get build thanks for the info.

[@allantolentino8231]

Can you use this version outdoor?

[@Smugnug]

Nice design. Would have lightly toasted the wood at the end just so it last a bit longer and doesnt get over run by fungi

[@brianboe3774]

I subbed so I can find out how long that wood lasts

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Yeah

[@dutch1589]

Although I am not an expert, I have managed a small worm bin and I am very skeptical of this design. The thin Kraft paper holding the compost and worms above is destined to decompose. When that happens what will hold back everything from falling into the trays below? Let alone when you cut the paper with your pitch fork? This doesn't seem like a long term barrier and there is no easy way to replace it. It will fail. Am I missing something?

[@Youbetcha12e]

What about the extra liquid that the big might produce?

[@hardleyvries2146]

Whats in your bedding or what are your bedding made up of?

[@GoshenFarmandGardens]

It’s screened compost 👍

[@codeypendent1899]

Should you use treated wood for something like this?

[@shelbyackley6602]

I believe no on the treated because the chemical could harm your worms

[@natem3152]

Not if you're wanting organic as much as possible. Use food grade lining

[@elpapaupa838]

Is that bottom paper won't be eaten away by time

[@snicklefritz669]

Wouldnt the worms come out when you scrape the castings?

[@lauraharvey7424]

Why the need to have it in the basement why not just out side?

[@gregadams8354]

Any updates on your progress ?

[@nataliem.6608]

I'm in Zone 5b, will the worms survive in the winter outdoors?

[@pingerfrints6716]

Worms like to go underneath the soil so they will not freeze bcoz they will not stay outside the soil bcoz they like moisture beneath the organic materials so they will eat from below and then in the middle and then above.

[@annsalty5615]

Well, its been two years since you made this thing. How has it worked out? Update please.