How To Set Up A Worm Composting Bin

[@michaelbassett14]

If you create a ramp out of your bin leading to the light, the soldier fly larvae will crawl out all on their own. You could put a bin at the end of the ramp to collect them for your friends chickens

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Yes. Thanks for the tip.

[@MrBombbostic]

Thanks for that helpful tip!

[@hawksoaring3014]

Great Videos. Stimulates ideas. Thanks. How about free worms - lay some cardboard or old carpet strips on the ground or gravel driveway, let the rain get them wet, roll back and harvest your worms. Also pick up an old blender at a flea market/garage sale, keep by your worm bins, put some rain water in and add your kitchen scraps, blender up and move top layer in bin and pour in. Worms digest this much faster and make more worms.

[@ireneb3433]

Another way to use the light method is to spread the contents of the bin out into a *thin* layer on the lid. Then place a piece of (multiple layered) newspaper over *most* of the pile of bin contents, but not over *all*. Once the worms move out of the light by hiding under the paper, you can scrape away the outer, uncovered margin of bin contents (now without worms). Fold the paper in half, and again place in the middle of the pile. Continue to repeat these steps. Similar to the method you mentioned, but a little easier than having to be careful not to dig too deep.

[@kostaleotta8854]

This Verma culture stuff is so fun I’m so glade I started gardening 😜🤪😛😋

[@amandagray2314]

Can I use night crawlers? I would like worm tea for my plants and large worms for fishing.

[@MrBombbostic]

When you add scraps only add it to one side after the first time they composted. Alternate between the two sides the worms will follow the food sources, making you able to harvest all from one bin.

[@samanthaecotothermia7896]

If you have pet reptiles and manage to gather up some of the black soldier fly larva, they'd make a nice treat for your exotics

[@harambe4793]

Is the ink on the newspaper fine for the worms?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+ShiigeGaming Yes. Most ink today is soy-based, so as long as you stay away from super glossy print and any metallic inks, your composting worms should do just fine. Thanks for watching.

[@marypoor7239]

Would a fine screen/mesh super glued to the bottom of the lid... under the air holes keep down the flies?

[@stuartsullenbarger2023]

Great video....I've tried the red wiggler worm method,not much luck,Soo I'm sticking with what works for me...composting...thanks for sharing.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+stuart sullenbarger Yes. Worms can be tricky, but a compost bin or old school pile is a 100% reliable method. Carbon. Nitrogen. Oxygen. Moisture. Gravity. And time. Thanks for watching.

[@brytownsley3887]

He had me nervous, 1:03 he looked like he might pop that ball of castings in his mouth.

[@GetRhythm2011]

LOL! BLECH! GAG! YUK! HA HA

[@freddieivory625]

lol

[@HappyHonee]

Bry Townsley I thought the same thing!! You never know with men how far they’ll go with gross decisions.

[@KiraOhmart]

hello! does the screen you put in the top of the new bin prevent soldier fly infestation?

[@i143icecreams]

I just got my uncle jims worm today! woohoo thanks for the video

[@emylytle7149]

Can I do that with dry leave instead of newspaper? Thanks for sharing this information love your videos 👩‍🌾🥰

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Emy. Yes dry leaves or damp leaves will work fine. That is a part of their natural habitat too. Thanks for watching.

[@AgricultureTechnologies]

Good information

[@GatorLife57]

Thumbs up. ENJOY... THE SIMPLE LIFE

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Thanks Wolf!

[@hanavaliovabenediktova8071]

Hi! Thank you for a great video, I am determined to give it a try. I do have a one question though, in case it is heavily raining for few days, doesn't the bin gets full of water? Is this an issue? I know that worms like humid environment, but doesn't it sometimes get too wet? Thanks so much.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+Hana Benediktová Hi Hana. I keep my bin in the garage or on a sheltered patio, where the rain can't get in. A damp environment is ideal, but soaking wet is not good. Thanks for your question.

[@greenurbanislands]

Thank you for referring me to Juan. I will subscribe to him. And now I'm subscribing to you. A comment on the 'soldier flies.' I use fly larva as a hyper-composting trick. Worms are good, larva better for citrus fruit. The fly larva reduce citrus fruit to a black paste.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Excellent! I think you'll like Juan's short films. He's gifted and funny. And the soldier fly larvae are amazingly fast composter. They are my favorite composter for sure.

[@greenurbanislands]

After seeing your video, I opened my composter that utilizes fly larvae. I videoed the shoveling of the muck, the dead and writhing larvae, the red worms working through the muck. Intense. Not for the casual, weekend composter. I will attempt to edit and upload the video before my next assignment.

[@greenshortzgreenhouse498]

Cool! You're right...a mass of Soldier Fly Larvae at work is not for the faint at heart. Looking forward to your video.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Oops. I replied to your comment from my other channel. :-)

[@luvsenuf]

@@greenshortzgreenhouse498 I started composting in January. I got some worms from a fellow gardener and I just put them in a bin with holes, your video just taught me I should be capturing the tea. A few questions: #1. When In put the new worms in with my old compost, I noticed that it already had worms in it; will they be OK sharing the space? #2. Yesterday I saw some soldier flies which freaked me out at first, but I'm learning they're great composters. But I'm totally out of my comfort zone with all these live bugs. How do I know I won't end up with an infestation. #3. When a bucket is already composted, do you put all of it, worms and all in the garden? As you can see, I'm extremely new at this. Love your videos!

[@katielerchen3016]

I have been red wiggles composting for about 6 years, I’ve never had soldier flies. I’ve had fruit flys and this year potato bugs. When I added screen, no more fruit flies. I keep my bins in the garage.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Keeping your bins in the garage is the best thing to prevent soldier flies. That is where I keep mine. Right now my invader is earwigs. Thank you for watching.

[@katielerchen3016]

Your glued on screens don’t keep them out? Great idea by the way, I intend to do that to mine, as I’ve been over lapping it under the edge of the lid.

[@dannyhoneywell9784]

The last month i use purina worm chow, instead of food scraps, less water, and i use a little lime organic if there are any other critters in or worm bin the lime don't kill worms, if use a little

[@emilymarieestes6360]

Thank you so much for this video! I am making mine in a few weeks. I have a few questions. 1) If I get soldier flies in my compost bin, would I need to remove them as well? Or could I let them be? 2) how many worms should I buy to add to my compost if mine will be the same size as yours? 3) How is the smell? I live in a second story apartment and I was wanting to keep this on my balcony, will the smell be overpowering? 4) Lastly, I have a question about temperature. As I said before I really want to keep this out on my balcony, and it will be in an area that gets no direct sun (constant shade). But I still live in Texas, and the summers can get up into the low 100's. Will this kill my worms? what would you suggest I do if so? I have no garage or utility space in my apartment so space is limited. so sorry for all these questions but you know so much and you are so fast at responding so I want to take advantage!! Thank you!!!

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+Emily'sVarietyShow I love questions. Glad to help. Small numbers of soldier flies will coexist with the worms, but they will (I think) eat the worm cocoons, limiting the growth of the worm colony. The soldier flies are voracious eaters and will consume all of the food supply, leaving the worms to starve out. All that said, as long as the population of soldier flies stays low, you should be fine leaving them in their. You'll know if it gets out of hand. If you build the bigger bin (two tote bin) I suggest getting 500 worms. If you build the 2-bucket worm composter (uploading that video today), I think you could get by with 250. There is not much odor, especially if you keep the scraps covered with a layer of newspaper. If you get right down to the vent holes, it will smell a bit earthy. I think you'll be fine on the balcony if they stay in the shade...even in Texas heat. I have had worms die quickly when I left them in a hot car in the sun, even for just an hour (learned my lesson). If you are getting into the 100s, you can add a small amount of ice to the bin (maybe your leftover Sonic ice). The worms will use this cool zone to regulate their temperature. One sign the the bin is getting too hot is that a lot of worms will drop down into the lower bin or bucket, thinking they can escape the heat. Once they are down there, they'll drown in the compost tea. In hot temps, just keep an eye on things and you'll get a read on worm happiness. When I ignorantly left them in the hot car, they were all bunched together in the middle of the compost trying to get away from the Georgia heat. If you see something strange you can't interpret, just send me a message and I'll weigh in. Thanks for your comments. Let me know how the build goes. Don't forget to use that 10% off coupon code if your get your worms from Uncle Jim's.

[@emilymarieestes6360]

+GreenShortz DIY I will definitely get back to you if I have any more questions, thank you SO MUCH!! And I will make sure to use the coupon code!

[@GreenShortzDIY]

:-) Glad to help. We are all in this together.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+Emily'sVarietyShow Here's a link to my video today on the 2-bucket worm composter. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4SUioqJma-Shqs I this might be better for your balcony application. It is almost about half as much to make as the 2-bin system. Let me know what you think.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Emily, here are a few modifications to the worm composter that will help with Texas heat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKOrhpSBbduJoq8

[@susantow4632]

Thx so much that what I need to get rid of was fly lartvae

[@ireneb3433]

But weren't the holes covered by mesh? How do the flies get in to lay their eggs?

[@Living_Tiny]

Awesome video. Just subscribed. Are the worms still doing well? And did you put holes in the side? I have seen people say too little air will get in if you don't put holes on the side. I am just asking because I am about to start my worm bin in a week and I am trying to learn as much as I can.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+Off Grid Kid I think as long as the holes on top are big enough, there is adequate air moving through the worm composter. The worms have done very well in this system. I think the extra surface area is beneficial.

[@ZanaDew]

Thanks for a very informative video! I have a question and a comment. The holes at the bottom of your 1st tote look large. Do you put some kind of screen or another type of bearer so the worms can't get into the second tote? Also, I am not sure about other municipalities but I know that our water uses some type of chlorine that doesn't dissipate overnight. I either use the chlorine remover or rainwater. It's best to check with your local water department to see what they use.

[@BigDave1125]

come on uncle jim give this guy a discount or somethin! he"s giving u free props! lol

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Yeah, Uncle Jim, what Davey said. :-) Thanks for the good word.

[@Gaobluevu]

Hello, thanks for such detailed video abt worms and bsf, i am a truly urban perskn not used to insects but trying to compost my own kitchen scrap. I really scared of lava or crocroachus getting into the bin, as u say they will lay egg through the holes. Can i prevent that happens by not digging any holes and let the bin at bacony( to get air)?

[@TRUFIVE50]

I think if you line the lid with some old screen (like you lined the bottom of the container), you would keep out soldier flies. Maybe attach it to the underside with a glue gun.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Beth, I do screen the holes on the top of the worm composting bin. This does keep out the larger flies and bugs, but adult black soldier flies will sometimes lay eggs through the screens. My best strategy for keeping soldier fly larvae out of the worm bin is to keep it in the garage. Thanks for sharing your suggestion.

[@Clogmonger]

I'm planning to have my worm compost built into my raised bed- do you think the soldier flies would get really bad? Lol

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Always possible. Try to keep the odors covered with bedding. That should help keep the flies from finding it. They will though, eventually.

[@donimaehill6897]

Why do you get soldier flies if you have screen over your holes?

[@braidsnbeauty70]

The fly lava is as a result of the food scraps the worms did eat before they rotten, may be you should add the food scraps little at a time

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+braidsnbeauty I agree that the flies are there because of the food. I think if I can keep the food covered better it will reduce the fly larvae. That and keeping it in the garage versus outside. Thanks for watching. Do you you have worm composter? If so, what method are you using? And how are you using the finished compost?

[@melodylamour6123]

I was gonna ask how in the heck did the larvae end up in my coleman cooler with a lid. My newspaper is stored outside.

[@danlewis1871]

This is a very thoughtful demonstration. Im going to start vermicomposting. What kitchen scraps SHOULD NOT be added to the compost bin? What about egg shells? Thank you.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Dan Lewis thanks Dan. Let me know if you have any questions. I’ve also done a couple flow-through worm composters, which I like best. You might take a look and see if that might be a better option for you. The two-tote system is a great option as well. Thanks for watching.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Egg shells are ok to add. The worms won’t consume them until they are almost a powder, but they add a time-release calcium to the compost. Avoid meat, dairy and citrus. Thanks for watching.

[@danlewis1871]

Thanks I'm definitely interested and will take a look.

[@willwright5585]

Will this work with nightcrawlers as well

[@grstfahbtgad]

Are worm castings a fancy way of saying well.... Poop? 'cause I'm a little confused on what to look for

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Joshua...yes. Worm casting are worm poop. However, they resemble a soft granular soil, and don't really have an odor. You'l often see casting along the top sides of the worm bin. They are deposited there as the worms do their evening walk-about. The castings will be in much greater quantity down in the bin where the worms do their work. Hope this helps.

[@grstfahbtgad]

GreenShortz DIY thanks that really helped, I thought that was it but I just wanted to make sure

[@kylemitchell9813]

Yes

[@mglutch9312]

and if you keep it indoors how much does that smell?

[@iluvmybangs]

Doesn’t smell at all. His is extremely wet. I don’t keep mine that wet. Make sure you don’t overfeed and keep it well ventilated ( a few small holes - not as large as his) and you’re good to go. I keep mine in my bedroom under my computer desk where the temperature is perfect for them and it doesn’t smell at all. I completely recommend it!

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

do you have to keep the worm bin in the shade or does it not matter?

[@scottfaris9175]

Canadian viewer here. I would have to move then into my house for the winter. What temperature would I need to do so? I'll assume a couple degrees before freezing. What sort of smell am I going to get from the farm?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hello from warm-winters in Georgia. :-) I suggest you bring them instead when it gets in the 40s (Fahrenheit). The smell is generally more earthy. If you keeps the compostables covered well with moistened newspaper, the odor will be minimal. Also consider a charcoal filter over the air flow openings.

[@kanianikevin3642]

GreenShortz DIY, Do you transfer the compost to your garden wth the worms? Or you pick them all out one by one. Thanks

[@EllieHeard]

I think with this system he just uses the liquid that comes out below. Could be wrong, but that's what I took from it.

[@fritzeckstein95]

why newspaper? what about leaves or gras snippings?

[@ansonvattakunnel5297]

Is their a problem if the soldier flies go into the worm bin??

[@greenfish13]

I am wondering could I use two 10 gallon bins? My thought is to place one inside the other with the bottom of the one inside drilled out with 1/2 inch or larger holes and pull that bin up as the worms make their castings. Would this work? Or would I still get that worm tea?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

That would probably work. One thing I've found when stacking bins with worm habitat in both of them is that the red wigglers like to congregate up the sides between the bins. And they are kind of trapped there. So, put some holes in the side of your top bin to allow them to move into the bin as they move up. You will need to deal with the worm tea (leachate) that will accumulate in the bottom. You can minimize this issue by using a spray bottle to wet the bedding (newspaper) as you add it. The worms just need damp conditions, so just using enough water to moisten the bedding is fine. I use more water in my worm composter because it rinses the nutrients through and into the worm tea. Let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching.

[@greenfish13]

I am planning to keep it in my bedroom.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

I don't think there would be an issue here. The "tea," called leachate at this stage, is mostly liquified castings. What you might consider trying is just using one bin, with a divider or sump to capture the liquid. You could tilt the worm composter a little to let it drain to one end.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

If you are going to keep the worm composter in your bedroom, you might consider putting it in a closet. There will be a slight earthy odor. I'd also be concerned about using the tap method in the video you linked above. Over time it might leak. The leachate can be pretty concentrated and might stain carpet or wood flooring. So, I like the sump method for capturing liquid. What do you think?

[@namratarane5946]

I started my compost bin this summer and kept it outside on the patio. I have the same problem with BSF larvae. Did it help you rid of the problem when you kept the bin in garage ? I am planning to start one soon but don't want to make the same mistake again.

[@georgewang9951]

Thank you very much.

[@Mythara]

Dumb question maybe, but can you put in cooked vegetable scraps?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

There are no dumb questions. :-) I think this would be OK, however because the cell walls are compromised by the cooking process, they might rot more quickly. Make sure to cover them with enough new newspaper bedding. Thanks for your question.

[@jaybestnz]

These worm castings bacteria can soak into my hand, so I'm gonna use both hands, and 1 glove. 😂

[@karencatalano4349]

Could you still get those bad worms if you keep the totes in the house?

[@katielerchen3016]

Probably not if you manage to keep flys out of your house.

[@carlbailey1301]

Can aged cow manure be used as feed or bedding?

[@wp8786]

I have a question...why are the tips of my worms looking dry and burned? some of my worms are having these problems. Great vid, and thank you for guiding me where to get worms too.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

I’m not sure. I haven’t run into this issue. Perhaps an acidic element in your veggie scraps? Anything come to mind? Citrus? Maybe try posing the question to Google?

[@wp8786]

I read that it may have something to do with lack of air...I'm going to buy the container material tommorow and make mines like this video. I have been keeping them a styrofoam cooler and it does not have the best air circulation. Thanks again for the great vid and the guidence!

[@NMedinaBaeza]

I wanna start this composting bin proyect and got a few question for the set up 1.- so you leave the bottom bin empty? 2.- after you lay the perforated divider, on top of it you start with another layer of brown or green material? 3.- how often do you transfer the worms? 4.- how often you add layers?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+Nicolás Medina good morning. Yes the bottom worm bin stays empty to gather liquids. They are mixed with water and poured on plants. Use caution not to splash the liquids on edible plants as it can contain bacteria. Yes once the divider is added you can continue with layers of compostable Materials. It doesn't matter which comes first brown or green. I tend to not put a full layer of one or the other rather just mix it together. I divide my worm bins about once a year. I add new vegetable material once I see the worms in the most recent compostables added. Thanks for your questions. Happy worm composting.

[@NMedinaBaeza]

Thank you for your time and response!

[@ariannel7502]

I have a lot of question when it comes to what to give the worm. I didnt buy some yet (I'm too scared to kill them :/). I think you cant give them bones, oignons and garlic shell. But what about pasta and bread? and if I boiled food scrap like carrot skin, celeries head with bones can I still git it to then? It will be very nice if you could do a video to expend a little more on the subject. I love how your vidéos are made. Your montage is perfect, not to long, not to short. The accelerated part are at the right place. Thank you for all your time in effort you put in your vidéos :)

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Arianne. Composting worms won't eat bread or pasta. Onion and garlic shell would be fine. They wouldn't eat the garlic skin, but it would provide living spaces. Boiled food scraps are OK too. And if the bones are still in the broth, they can go in as well. As long as all the meat scraps are off. The worms won't eat the bones, of course, but they will add slow release nutrients to the soil when you add them to the garden. Don't won't about killing the worms. The only thing that will is heat and cold. Keep the bin out of the sunlight and bring it inside for the winter. I keep mine in the basement. Thanks for watching and for the compliments.

[@mglutch9312]

can you use leaves instead of paper?

[@teddaffin8509]

can you make the 5 gallon lid tighter to stop the fly , Thanks

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+ted daffin thanks for sharing your tip, Ted. :-)

[@Acolis]

can i use worms i find from my compost pile in my yard? how many worms do i need?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Yes you can. If you find them in the compost pile, they are most likely composting worms. I like to start a bin of this size with 250 worms, but you can start your's with as many as you can find. Even 20-30 worms will get you started. It will take longer to get the bin going, but the worms will replicate if they know they have the space and the food supply to support reproduction. Thanks for watching. Keep me posted on your success.

[@murrayrunge5602]

Somehow adult fly got in on you, never happened to me yet. Why is your compost so wet and you can't just shake on a screen to separate? Maybe try adding dry leaves and no food for a couple weeks prior to separating so your compost is dryer? I think you over feed your worms and use too much paper rather than dry leaves. I got rabbits now so i tried drying the droppings out and mixed with paint mixer to break into powder. I am hoping the worms can just survive on leaves, rabbit manure, powdered egg shells and coffee grounds. In 45 days i will check this experimental bin that i put 1/2 pound worms in. If i get fly larva i will thank you for showing me the trick in removing them. Thanks for upload.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

I think they might have laid eggs through the screens. I'm interested to hear how your experiment turns out. Thanks for the comment.

[@dtom420]

I’m new to the vermicomposting thing but I do know you’re not supposed to have that sopping wet look to your bin. I agree you’re over feeding and/or over watering with the foods you’re adding. Think about it- we’re trying to replicate nature. You don’t find healthy worms and terrific soil conditions when it’s consistently wet and swampy. I think the suggestion of adding some dry material is a good one. One last note- I found out that worms LOVE, love, LOVE sprouted or malted barley! It will provide some of the most nutrient rich castings you’ll ever find and (supposedly) it will maximize their reproduction. It also feeds the soil microbes which are REALLY what we’re after. I learned this from a soil microbe expert. It’s usually pretty cheap (malted barley) at home brew stores. I just paid $40 for a 50# sack and I throw some in my soil mix. Just FYI Thanks for the interesting videos you do!

[@josie29davis]

where can I find a worm casting in florida,.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Uncle Jim's Worm farm will ship worms to you in Florida. Use the coupon code "greenshortz" at checkout to save 10%. www.unclejimswormfarm.com

[@giminirush77]

so the worms dont eat the bedding(pappers and card board)and its only for hiding?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Yuri. Actually the composter worms do also eat the bedding. They will eat the food scraps first, but then break down the bedding, newspaper and cardboard, as well.

[@taylorzeigler4562]

I live in Michigan and am worried about my worms through the winter. I know a garage is better than nothing, but our garage still gets pretty chilly, and our winters can last a long time...how worried should I be about them in the garage?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Ah yes...Michigan winters. No joke. The worms will live as long as they don’t freeze. They will slow down and not do much composting though. You might consider wrapping your worm composter in insulation. You could also add a low-wattage light bulb (40w) inside the bin to help maintain a higher temperature. Suspend the bulb in the airspace inside the bin. Happy worm composting. Thanks for watching.

[@cillianclancy]

Hi there. Thanks for the helpful video. I’m embarking on a wormery soon. I’d a question perhaps you can answer. I have two containers to put on top of each other however they don’t overlap perfectly. Is there a risk the worms could emigrate out through this gap or will they stay where the food is?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Cillian, as long as you just use the lower bin for liquid capture, you should be OK. I put a layer of window screen covering the whole bottom of my top bin, to discourage worms from dropping down into the bottom bin into the leachate. Some will fall down, but a once a week check can save them from drowning. I don’t use a system will multiple stacked bins for worm habitat. When I tried this, the worms kept getting trapped between the sides of the stacked bins. It was a home built system of course. So that may have been a design issue. Thanks for watching. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[@wa5780]

I've just started my own worm farm. If I put fly screen on the air holes with the black solider flies still get in? I've seen there lava in our garden and don't want them in the worm farm.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Luke, the adult Black Soldier Flies won't be able to get in, but they can still lay eggs through the screen. The eggs will hatch and drop down into the worm composting area and can cause an infestation. Keep a look out for a small mass of yellowish eggs near your screen holes or underneath the rim of the worm composter lid. You can scrape them off when you see them. You might try putting them in their own composter. BSFL can compost things that worms can't, like meat and other heavy foods. And they are FAST. I've just shot a video on making a black soldier fly larvae composting bin. It will be out in the next week or so. For now, check out how my neighbors chickens love eating the soldier fly larvae: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWXWaGuVo56Gnac

[@dman3531]

Did you leave the plastic bag in there as well?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

I can't remember...but, hopefully not. Thanks for watching.

[@sylviarobbins5325]

How can I grow worms in the ground

[@troyyarbrough]

I try to keep about 300-400 worms in my 2 bucket system. How many worms would you put in the 2 tote system?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Troy Yarbrough hi Troy. I think 400 to 600 would do well. Worms like working surface area, which a tote bin system has more of than a bucket worm composter. Thanks for watching.

[@escapefromny2012]

If you have screens in the holes of the bin, why is it "inevitable" that you get BSF infestation?

[@KindvanLig]

As he explained earlier in the comments, the flies manage to lay their eggs through the screen holes.

[@sebastianpadilla990]

How often do you need to feed it?

[@AndrewLouwrens]

Thanks for your awesome video's. I have noticed in my Compost tea a number of small wriggling worms, like 3 mm long. Are they small earthworms or something else?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Andrew. There are a couple of possibilities here. I've seen some reddish worm-like creatures in my worm tea, but they were something other than earthworms or composting red wigglers. Baby earthworms and composting worms are almost translucent. Can you give me some more details? Thanks for your question.

[@AndrewLouwrens]

Is there an e-mail address so I can send a picture and very short video of the worms?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Andrew. You can email me at [e-mail].

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Andrew, I can't find a good match. My guess would be some type of fly larvae. You are in South Africa, right? If you were in Georgia, I might suggest some type of mayfly. But, there doesn't look to be a defined head...at least in the photo you sent. You could always wait and see. Put a few small branches (twigs) into the water, so they can climb out if they need to pupate, and screen the top so they can't fly away...if they end up having wings. But, I can say, this is not a worm.

[@jeremygrillo7157]

Why not try putting mosquitoe netting over the holes? So flies don't get in

[@lunagarai2521]

it hardly rains where i live, but can i use water from a fishtank instead of rain water? i mean the water i would normally throw away when i change the tank's water

[@GreenShortzDIY]

That would probably be fine, as long as your fish haven't been sick. You can also use tap water that has sat out in a bowl overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate out.

[@lunagarai2521]

thank you!

[@jenelle54]

Hi there. Starting a worm compost in my classroom next week. How often (if at all) should you mix the content of the bin?

[@jenallen5202]

No more once a week . They don't like be messed with. Also for a classroom bedding should be less wet than this video. Mix in a layer of not wet bedding with the wet stuff.

[@MrBigdiesel2010]

Hehehe As you may be aware I'm watching from your first ever episode and I mentioned in a previous vid you should change the music in the intro and now you have - Already ahead of me - Obviously - Because like I have not seen the new stuff bar one vid i skipped through! Amazing work my friend.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

See...I told you I was on it. :-) Great minds think alike...or great ears in this case. That track did get old. Now I just run a different track with each video, actually got a library of 25 or so good ones that I'll revolve. The worms like variety in their music too. Thanks for watching.

[@doloreshorine9044]

Hey there Mr Green Shorts I know your busy but what is the best worm composting or just a regular bin composting? New to all of this !!!!

[@doloreshorine9044]

I meant composting bin

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Dolores. It depends on how much waste you are creating. If you've got 2-3 people, the bucket system will be enough. Here's a link to that one if you haven't seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4SUioqJma-Shqs If you've got 4 or more, you'll likely want to create the two-tote composter in this video. If you want to ease into to it, you could start with one bucket system and then add another once you get up to speed. If you have a garden, the worm tower is a great option because if offers a lower maintenance solution. Here's that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3uanYGpeNJ2qMk Let me know which one you try. Thanks for your comments.

[@wanda409]

Add new supply of worms if you have soldier flies situation and call it a day....lol

[@lancerudy9934]

What kind of worms?

[@dhojookram1225]

Can we put left over rice for composting?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

I'm not sure if the worms will consume the rice, you could always test some. If they don't eat it, it will compost naturally in the bin. Now, Black Soldier Fly Larvae would definitely compost the rice. Have you seen any videos on that? Thanks for watching.

[@mayawiseman4528]

Hey Tom! Is there any way to start a worm compost bin with a compost bin that you already started without worms?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Maya! Yes, worms cans simply be added to the bin. You would want to make sure it is not in the sun for long. The composting worms can't tolerate heat over 80 degrees for long. Nice to see you here on KZbin!

[@szann6639]

Sir, Ive been thinking about starting a compost bin and then I stumbled on worm farming which I understand now how worms can be beneficial to your soil, what I was wondering is how time intensive is worm farming? can someone who is busy or often travel for work do this kind of thing and have it be sort of hands off? or do the worms constantly need attention? more food, water, care, etc. I dont want to get into it and then realize that it is just too much to maintain.. I welcome any feedback. thanks.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Chris, the worm composter is this video does require some maintenance to harvest the castings. However, a worm tower can be added directly to a garden bed for a zero maintenance option. Here's an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3uanYGpeNJ2qMk Just add compostables to the tower as you have them available from the kitchen. Since the worm tower is an extension of the garden ecosystem, they worms will be able to find food on their own while you're traveling.

[@szann6639]

Thanks for your reply sir.

[@kittykat4mike]

Instead of cutting the lid to create a separate section? Couldn't you just wait until that been got full to the top and then added another container on top of it for the worms to climb into? That way the first Ben would be completely full of castings and you could just remove that first bin completely and switch back as needed?

[@Cynical1800]

Would you be able to use soldier flies for composting purposes, since you said it's inevitable that they will get in?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Yes. Black Soldier Fly Larvae are incredible composters. I usually use them separately in a specially designed bin. I’ve got several videos about the build and operation. They also make excellent chicken or fish food. By keeping my composting worms inside, I can keep out the adult soldier flies. Thanks for your question.

[@Cynical1800]

GreenShortz DIY I gotcha, do you have chickens? I saw a video where they put the guts of a rabbit in a bucket with holes drilled on side and hung it in chicken cage. In a day, maggots were falling out of holes to feed the chickens.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

I don't have chickens, but my neighbors do. I trade Black Soldier Fly Larvae for eggs. Nice trade, wouldn't you agree. :-) Thanks for the comment.

[@Cynical1800]

That is a fantastical trade.

[@prairiespawparazzi7077]

Fish people would also buy black soldier flies for fish food. Fish love it.

[@Crazylalalalala]

why do we not like the black soldier fly larvae?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Oh, but I love the Black Soldier Fly Larvae. They are my favorite composter. But, I don't like the together with the red wigglers. They just consume the food so fast, the worms have nothing to eat. I also think the Soldier Fly Larvae consume the worm cocoons, limited the growth of the worm colony. Here's how I prefer to wok with the Solider Fly Larvae and why I love them...maybe love is a strong word. :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2PXZISfba6jo9E

[@k.c.a1658]

Will this bin also attract other flies? Im afraid that maggots will end up in my bin soon Im really scared of maggots (larva from flies). How can I prevent this scenario? Thank you. I've been watching your vids and reading comments too.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Kimmy, I left you a more detailed reply in your other comment. Maggots can be creepy, but they are important in cleaning up messes in nature. I prefer looking at them with respect versus fear, but that doesn’t mean you have to love them. :-)

[@k.c.a1658]

Thank you!i am learning from your vids 😁😀. So much help

[@allanschneider6474]

How do you use the compost tea

[@GreenShortzDIY]

What I call “tea” here is really leachate. But, I use it by diluting with water, 1:5 or so, and then pouring it around plants. Use care not to splash any edibles, the leachate can contain harmful bacteria. Thanks for watching.

[@amythinks]

I cannot find any information to state that the soldier flies are harmful to worms. In fact, every resource I can find says that they're beneficial to your compost. So, I'm not sure why you'd want to remove them. I cannot find any information to state that they eat the worm larvae. Yes, they compete for food and yes they're icky, but worms are icky, too. Can you share a resource on this in case I'm missing something?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Amy. From what I’ve seen, the soldier fly larvae won’t eat worms, but I think they will eat the worm cocoons. I usually have a few BSFL in my worm bins. In smaller numbers the BSFL allow the worm bin to keep working. But, one of the best things about BSF is their ability to multiply quickly. I also like that they will compost almost anything, meat, pizza, dairy. They are my favorite composter (I know that’s weird). I like having worms too, but I just like to keep them separated, in two different systems. I think that allows each creature to do what is does best and not complete. This only applies to a contained system, in an uncontained system, like a worm tower, where they can migrate in and out of the garden, they manage the separation on their own. But, only when they’ve gone through change management training. :-) Thanks for the feedback. Thanks for watching

[@dreamleaf6784]

So. I got 500 worms from uncle jim. I keep getting about 5 in the bottom bin each day. I feed some to my chickens. But anyway. Is it normal to get a few escaping? Or am i doing something bad?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Michael, that’s pretty much normal. I try to keep the liquid in the bottom to a minimum so I can catch the escapees. Thanks for watching. Happy worm composting. :-)

[@dreamleaf6784]

Ok. Thanks.

[@frankw1458]

how many worms do you start with for that set up?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Frank. I started this worm bin with 500 Red Wigglers, but I think you could get by with as little as 200. It will just take a little longer to get up to speed.

[@williammanning3174]

Do I have to buy a special kind of worm or can I just dig some up from my garden?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+William Manning these are special worms...red wiggles composting worms. I buy them online, but it is possible find some in your environment, but not by digging. Digging into the soil yields earthworms, which are soil processors. You need to look for composting worms in the layer of organic matter on the surface of the soil. If you have a compost pile, start looking there. You can add some food scraps to the bottom of the pile near the soil to attract worms. It is a slow process, but eventually composting worms in the area will find and colonize your pile. I haven’t approached this scientifically, only in theory. Let me know if you have them success attracting composting worms. Thanks for watching.

[@Slice_of_Lizz]

To clarify, the soldier fly larvae are also good composters, but they may eat the worm eggs... and that's why you want to remove them, right?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Yes. If haven't witnessed a BSFL eating a worm cocoon, but I have seem them tear into most everything else (except living things). So, it is an educated assumption. But, I just separate them. The soldier fly larvae get their own bin. :-)

[@ansonvattakunnel5297]

can you have a soldier fly compost bin?

[@sandrastreifel6452]

Anson Vattakunnel Yes, just search "BSFL" on KZbin and you'll find some.

[@eddiejordan7061]

Can you use coffee grounds for your worm bin?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Yes. They are a great source of grit and add nutrients to the castings. Thanks for watching.

[@MoreChannelNoise]

Interesting video. I had no idea you could set up a worm bin with only paper/cardboard and no need to add potting soil or coco coir etc.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate the feedback.

[@treasuringpricelesstime5962]

Does anyone know if it's safe to use worm castings in a planted terrarium with toads? I know it'll be great for the plants, but I'm not sure about the toads skin, etc. Thank you.

[@propio2957]

Probably not a good idea with amphibians.

[@carolynross9161]

I appreciate your videos, they've very informative! Question though - if BSFL are such great composters, why do you also use composting worms? Is there a benefit to using both instead of one or the other? If someone is going to use only one, which would you recommend? (hardiness zone 8, if it matters)

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Carolyn Ross Hi. That is an interesting question. Where I live in Georgia, BSFL are only in composting mode about 6-7 months out of the year due to outdoor temperatures. They are optimal at 80 degrees F and stop composting at around 50 degrees. People that compost with BSFL commercially are in a tropical climate or have an indoor, heated, contained habitat. Worms do slow down in the cold months as well, but they are easily contained and can be kept indoors. I keep the worm been going all winter long in my garage. I shut the BSFL bin down in mid October and it doesn’t come back to life until late May. I am also still learning how both these creatures work, so keeping both continues my learning process. Thanks for watching.

[@carolynross9161]

@@GreenShortzDIY Very good to know, thank you!

[@woodfloorstyles]

How bout covering the entire bin with a screen to keep out the flies? Flyes..?dang ,forgot how to spell

[@3gd16]

I put Potatoes scraps in my worm Farm and they seem to hate it. is this a bad thing?

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Are the potatoes rotting before the worms eat them? I don't think they are on the list of stuff not to add, like citrus. But, perhaps follow your worm's lead and leave out the potatoes. I'd bury them right in the garden or in a non-worm composter. Thanks for watching.

[@3gd16]

+GreenShortz DIY yes the are rotting before they eat them

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Could be that something starchy like a potato rots too fast. Have you considered black soldier fly composting?

[@3gd16]

+GreenShortz DIY didn't know of this

[@3gd16]

well apparently it is ok to add Potatoes peels and the other problem I have is that the baby worms Go to the last bucket where there is no good just the worm tea and they seem to love to stay therw

[@EllieHeard]

Is that bamboo behind you??

[@GreenShortzDIY]

I don’t think it was bamboo. If you’re talking about the “forest grass” looking stuff, it’s a local weed. I think it is pretty though. Thanks for watching.

[@letstalkaboutfish3393]

Is it correct or have I done anything wrong

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Don’t worry about color. It depends on what you put in your bin. Mine is dark mostly because I put a lot of coffee grounds.

[@letstalkaboutfish3393]

Thanks bro

[@JohnSmith.1]

So are you not even putting soil or anything in there??

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi John. Yes...no soil. These worms (red wigglers) process organic matter not soil. They'll turn these materials into coil-like casting, which are great for the garden. Thanks for watching.

[@JohnSmith.1]

@@GreenShortzDIY great thank you see I was unclear about what worms you had if I used this same set up except added soil/black earth for my night crawlers would this work?

[@Wazoo123MC]

Hey you uploaded it! 😃

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+Wazoo123 Yes! I still need to do the bucket compost bin video. That will be next Friday's video. But this one should help with your planning. By the way, you can get by with 250 worms to start a worm composting system, especially if you are doing the bucket sized option.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

+Wazoo123 In case you get back to this comment first...here's the new link. I think this is the worm composter you ought to build. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4SUioqJma-Shqs

[@jessicascuderi3157]

Oh Hell no...I'm not gonna deal with the larvae from the flies...Please tell me there is a storage and method where we get NO NO No larvae...!

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Lol. Seriously, I was actually laughing out loud with your, “oh hell no!” Jessica, just keep your worm bin in your garage, basement or even a laundry room and the Black Soldier Fly Larvae won’t be an issue. 😎

[@meech3316]

put screening over the holes at the top of the bucket

[@Hdhhdhdjsjnkoi]

Why u so example with news paper when u have enough green things around you?

[@LindaPenney]

you have not put a tap for getting the worm tea out

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Hi Linda. I just separate the bins and dump out the worm tea. It is technically just leachate at that point. Could have added a tap, but in my experience they clog very easily and can be a leak issue over time. Thanks for the feedback.

[@dtom420]

Worm tea has to be made with an aerated tea brewer. Leachate is ok but a well brewed and aerated tea makes a far better and effective soil additive.

[@kromsnavelfun]

Why don't you put some castings (microbes!) in the new bin. This is not nice for the worms