New worm bin setup demo & discussion - vermicomposting

[@A-V]

Some useful supplies, materials and equipment for easier worm composting. Please consider using the affiliate links below; they provide a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which helps greatly to support this channel. Donations to support this channel can also be made using PayPal here: www.paypal.me/AVworms THANK YOU! PLASTIC "bus box" / "bus bin" UTILITY TUBS : Rubbermaid 7 gallon - amzn.to/2QnT40J Artisan 2-pack -- amzn.to/2x3Fg4N Gabin 3-pack -- amzn.to/2TVy3N8 Eagrye 4-pack -- amzn.to/2IVjaE4 COCO COIR: Hydro Crunch 5 kg / 11 lb block -- amzn.to/2QQu8yZ VERMIBAGS: Online store: www.vermibag.com/?wpam_id=42 DISPOSABLE GLOVES: Safeguard 100-pack -- amzn.to/3a1fSLt DIATOMACEOUS EARTH: 5 lb bag food grade with duster -- amzn.to/3hyJTFU 4 lb bag -- amzn.to/2CJ98GU SMALL PERSONAL BLENDERS: Magic Bullet -- amzn.to/3b7jlbF Ninja -- amzn.to/2TVWN7W NutriBullet -- amzn.to/2Wn5HwI SPRAY BOTTLES: Rayson 8 oz -- amzn.to/33nYfTG SEE-THROUGH COMPOST CONTAINERS: 3 chamber acrylic; includes 3 thermometers - amzn.to/2JBU9yj Rubbermaid file organizer - amzn.to/30wQYl1 All online orders made using the links above are very much appreciated.

[@zwren3693]

I have to recommend this shredder as well. I use it fo all my cardboard. AmazonBasics 24-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper, CD and Credit Card Home Office Shredder with Pullout Basket www.amazon.com/dp/B07WJ4NLFX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_7j1mgZdzfiOqi

[@cookie761]

I didn't think that a cross cut shredder would cut those toilet paper rolls straight across. Am I mixed up on that? I thought I would have to get a strip cut shredder.. I'm looking for a one now so I hope I hear back from you soon.

[@-ChrisD]

This video was very well done. Thoroughly detailed, accurate and to the point. Nice job!

[@A-V]

Thank you for watching!

[@Holypikemanz]

You look like a football player. Its clear you take the worm bins very seriously/thoughtfully. Gj

[@A-V]

Nope - no football for me... I played a bit when I was a little kid, but none since then :)

[@vixthemom]

Favorite worm bin video so far. Love the use of the tp tubes and great tip regarding the egg shell dust.

[@A-V]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! There's much more where that came from... I invite you to explore my channel to see if there's any other content that interests you :)

[@malcolmyoung7866]

What a useful video and very well presented. It’s not all flashing lights and explosions but crammed full of facts and advice.. SUBBED!

[@A-V]

Thank you!

[@robertjamesofwales]

Thank you for the bedding explanation .Its always baffled me Bedding Food etc

[@A-V]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@canuckbucks]

Hello from Victoria, BC, Canada! You're my favourite Vermi-Caster. We'd love to know more about you if you're comfortable with that. I just cant help wondering about people's lives, esp. people who manage to offer excellent quality videos such as yourself. Thanks so much for these videos, and the wonderfully fastidious vermiculture.

[@A-V]

Thank you for the kind words - I appreciate it. If you'd like to know more about me, then there's a perfect video for you watch :) I invite you to check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aojEm2eZfbmpirM :)

[@franceswatts4001]

I have had a Can o Worms stacked wormery for years and NEVER managed to get enough vermicompost to use. This fantastic video has shown me exactly where I am going wrong, and today I am going to completely redo my bins. Hopefully I will have happy worms and a proper working system instead of sodden mud.

[@A-V]

I am glad you found it helpful - hopefully you have better luck in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@corlissyamasaki3476]

I too have the can o worms and found it to be too large, heavy, and cumbersome for me to handle. Decided to go with totes.

[@franceswatts4001]

@@corlissyamasaki3476 me too! I tried them again but because of the weight and bulk, and problems with worms in the sump, turned to totes and I have had huge success.

[@youdodat2]

Thanks. Good stuff.

[@lispottable]

You are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you!

[@A-V]

Thanks for watching!

[@lloydedmonds8775]

Thanks for this... this video gives me a refresh crash course to get my bin started. I have a order of compost worms shipping tomorrow.

[@A-V]

Very cool. Best of luck with your new worms! :)

[@Dee.C]

Paige says Hi Mr Wormie Man. She is watching with me . We are doing home school and our worming is part of our Science lessons.

[@A-V]

It's always great when a child is able to derive enjoyment from something that also teaches them something important. Although vermicomposting is relatively straightforward and not too tough to learn, it's a good way to instill other important values such as being responsible with the disposal of your household waste materials. :)

[@erin8502]

I have 5 year old twins that LOVE helping me with our worms. I think it’s also taught them to feel empathy for the creatures most folks don’t think twice about

[@Dee.C]

@@erin8502 I am raising my 5 year old grand daughter and she loves to watch AV and the worms. She has her own bins, a vermibag micro and some of the clear ones made of plastic so she can see them at work. She loves when AV does one of the time lapse bins. I think she has seen all of his over and over and over ...... Her Pa Pa says she just likes playing in poop . I think it is great for children to learn with us as we do it. I learn something new every day.

[@erin8502]

Dee C That is so awesome! Kudos to you for raising a grandchild. Keep nurturing that natural curiosity

[@naticsalvador]

I was hopping for a video like this one! Loved it soo much! Thanks a lot

[@A-V]

Thank you for watching!

[@Verena1720]

I have two bins and I highly recommend this video for bin preparation. My first one really struggled at first since I didn't inoculate it with food/dirt and the food I gave them when I added them wasn't frozen or blended. They still survived and are now thriving but I was worried for a while there!

[@A-V]

Thanks for the endorsement - and thank you for watching!

[@carlafawcett3851]

I just started yesterday! I am scared they might die, but so far so good. I don't know how my moisture level is, but it seems ok. I'm excited to see how this goes : )

[@CinnamonDelight-xb8pl]

You did an awesome job for a newbie as me. Can you use spoiled mushrooms I had some in fridge and forgot abbout them.

[@A-V]

Yes - but beware, once you stir that stuff up is could potentially be really, really smelly - depending on how badly it is rotten. Although you & I might find it to be super gross - I suspect that your wormies will probably thank you for it :)

[@CinnamonDelight-xb8pl]

Thank you for your quick response@@A-V

[@TLPlants]

Love your videos! You and Gabe have pushed me to get my own worm bin. Only 3 weeks in but I'm super happy with it!

[@A-V]

Awesome - best of luck with your worms! BTW... who is Gabe? Thanks for watching!

[@carlafawcett3851]

This was very informative. I just got my first worms yesterday. I didn't have any escape, but after watching this, I feel I did it all wrong : ( I started with some compost mixed with lots of shredded paper, then leaves , then some food scraps down the middle, sprinkled with egg shells and torn egg cartons. They are alive still but I feel it might be forever until I see "dirt" increasing in there. Maybe I should add more cardboard? How often should I feed. I keep peeking at them haha. I started with half a pound of worms. Thanks for your time

[@A-V]

Half a pound is a good amount to begin with. Before you know it there will be cocoons & then baby worms. When I first started I was constantly checking on the worms - and I too could hardly wait to see a bin full of worm castings. Be patient... in time you will get there. You will know when more food is needed.. and even when the previously added food is gone the worms can continue eating the bedding. From the sound of it you've got all the right things going on. Best of luck with your new worms. Thanks for watching!

[@sandymcswain7479]

​@@A-VI'm

[@BugRod64]

good video, but a little corrections. Virds gave two stomachs, one you mentioned. The gizzard, since birds do not chew their food as we do. The gizzard does. The second stomach is much like ours, where digestive enzymes are released to do the digesting.

[@A-V]

As you can clearly tell, I'm no biologist - haha! Thank you for pointing that out. In one of my next videos, when the topic of gizzards comes up again, I'll try to remember to mention it :) Thanks for watching!

[@nazmoneymiller2363]

Fantastic. 5☆ System.

[@bryanwooten8228]

Where can I get a bucket like that small green one you have?

[@A-V]

That small green bucket, in which I have the hacked up cardboard toilet paper tubes, is the container in which some dishwasher detergent came. Thanks for watching!

[@bryanwooten8228]

@A-V thank you. Your videos are full of good information.

[@isamomak520]

Sorry if I missed something but where are the worms? When and on which layer will add them?

[@A-V]

The launch of this bin happens a few days after it's build that I demo here. The commissioning of the system, and release of the worms into it, can be seen in the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eafGf2momNeLfKc I invite you to check it out. Thanks for watching!

[@gcraigen78]

Well coffee going a green explains a problem I had. I gave a feeding with alot of coffee grounds and my bin was heating up. Couldn't figure out why now I know not to feed coffee grounds to to heavy

[@A-V]

👍🏻 Or at least be sure to leave the worms with spaces into which they can retreat :) Thanks for watching!

[@amazer6915]

Excellent demo video. What is the depth of the bins that is without holes.

[@A-V]

They're about 6 inches deep - however I don't ever really approach capacity. I like keeping a little unused space so that I'm not spilling stuff over the edge :)

[@vimaldeepkaur7334]

Great video ! Thank you 😊

[@A-V]

Thank you for watching!

[@matggarcia]

For grit, can fine pulverised crab shells be used? This is a fantastic stand alone video for building a bin 101.

[@A-V]

Yes, I have seen examples of crushed crab shell being used as grit (on the World Composting channel). Thank you for watching!

[@Doitallgp]

How well do you think a leaves-only bedding would do?

[@A-V]

I believe that it would do very well. It most closely mimics the natural habitat that worms have evolved in for eons. Just be sure to keep it nice and damp so that they can be cozy :) Thanks for watching!

[@RyanManahanNews]

Great video - but it would have been great to see you actually add the worms! Now it's all I can think about.

[@A-V]

I would imaging that the launch of the worms into that new bin is what was captured in the video I made a few days later. I invite you to check out that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eafGf2momNeLfKc Thanks for watching!

[@jonijoseph4438]

Thanks for the info

[@bs4638]

Awesome video, but the only thing missing was adding the 🪱. I assume we add the worms after the second layer of leaves, then cover with a newspaper followed by the moisture barrier.

[@A-V]

Sure - that's one way to play it. That's the beauty of this pastime - you always have a number of options you can choose from when it comes to mapping out your next steps :)

[@abigailgarrido8149]

How deep in inches from bottom of bin to top layer and when and where do the worms come in ?

[@A-V]

Although some composting worms - such as the nightcrawlers - like to dive down a little deeper than others, they are all generally considered to be surface feeding worms... feasting on decomposing organic matter. So a worm bin's depth need not be much more than just a few inches. After a worm bin gets built, the worms can be introduced right away if there's no option to wait - but the better alternative is to let their newly built habitat sit & 'prime' for a few days or weeks prior to introducing the worms. Many people also like to do some form of 'inoculating' the sterile materials with which the bin is built. This is done by adding a bit of worm castings if they are available... or optionally some soil from your garden. Both should have a starting culture of beneficial bacteria and microbes that will get a head start on breaking down the bedding - making it all the more comfortable for the worms once they get placed into the material. Thanks for watching!

[@Qcar0816i]

Did you build the flow through system you pointed out in the corner? If so, have you created a video on that?

[@A-V]

When you get a VermiBag Mini it does not include a frame. You must make one. Some people make them out of wood as I did, others construct it out of PVC pipe. On the VermiBag website, as well as on their KZbin channel there are examples of how to construct frames for all their bags. Thanks for watching! PS: If you plan on making a VermiBag purchase, then please consider using my affiliate link :)

[@iowanne]

Wonderful information! I do have a question though, What is the average temperature of your basement? Does the temperature matter to the worms to breed and have eggs? Thank you so much for the great instructions!

[@A-V]

That's a good question. I'm not sure if there is an optimal temperature range at which the worms are most likely to reproduce. As for the temperature in my basement... it is not climate controlled, so it really depends on the time of year. In the summer it can get almost as warm as up in the house - although usually a bit cooler. Probably not likely to go over 80° or 85° unless we're in a real major heat wave. During the winter the temp never goes below 50° - which appears to be OK still for the red wigglers, but I suspect that it is close to the lowest temps that the nightcrawlers can tolerate. Thanks for watching!

[@ernestmoore100]

had corenmeal with eggs shells

[@joanneallan8207]

Great video! So when you add the worms, do you just put them on top of the top layer of leaves, or should they be placed further down in the bin?

[@A-V]

I like to allow them to dive down at their own pace - so I simply put the worms into the new system & not try to force them to do anything they don't want to do on their own. Thanks for watching!

[@peterjames2580]

What do you do with worms crawling out with no lid, my RR's are up on the sides and lids I use?

[@ambersamusements]

Without a lid, the walls of the bin stay dry and the worms won’t wander up the dry sides.

[@A-V]

I agree with what Amber's Amusements suggests. Thanks for watching!

[@ZebtronInc]

There might be an issue that is causing your worms to climb the walls. Even with a lid my worms don't climb the walls unless they are angry at me.

[@A-V]

ZebtroniInc also brings up a good point. They climb not only when they are drawn to the condensing moisture on the inner surfaces of a covered bin... they also climb out of a bin when the material starts to hot compost and the temp gets too high, or if the pH level of the material in the bin is off. Last - but not least - don't discount the possibility that your worms might simply be angry at you ;)

[@msana4420]

I don't know if you've been asked this before but how do you keep the few worms that have wanderlust at bay? I have a CFL hanging over my bins and that does the trick but maybe you have another idea or method that works without electricity. Last time I turned off the light in my wormery I came back to find a handful of worms on the sides and edges of the bin.

[@A-V]

The climbing behavior is often observed in bins that have lids. The worms find the droplets of condensing moisture that collects on the walls and on the lid irresistible. If your bin has a lid, you might want to try replacing it with a sheet of newspaper covering only the material in the bin - allowing the walls to dry off. If the behavior persists then you may have conditions in your bin that is repelling the worms - such as newly added foods hot composting, or maybe a pH imbalance. Good luck tracking down the root cause. Thank you for watching!

[@JackVictoriaNguyen]

Can you check the worm to make sure what you have is red wigglers or not. I had the same problem with my blue worms before. Red wigglers always stay calm and not likely hang out at the conors of the bin like blue worms. Just keep the moisture of your bin down and don't over feed them.

[@Handlegrip]

Those bus tubs reminds me of my teenage days working as a busboy. I think they would be great as a worm bin. Where did you purchase them?

[@A-V]

I purchased a couple of them about a month ago at a place that isn't open to the public; its a wholesale place called "Restaurant Depot".. meant for business owners. I could hardly believe how inexpensive they were. Only $3.55 US each. Thanks for watching!

[@Handlegrip]

@@A-V that is a great deal!! I'm not sure what the dimensions are for the ones you purchased but I see them on Amazon for under $6. I like them deeper. If they are too shallow I spill material. I've dropped a few worms without realizing it until it is to late.

[@A-V]

They are not the largest sized bins I have... but they are pretty close - they are just a tiny bin narrower but the same height & length. I actually like that they are a bit less narrow because it lets me squeeze three of them on one of my shelves. I also like that they are the deeper kind; I too tend to spill stuff out of my shallower bins. One thing is for sure - the price is great! :)

[@mayshomesteadchronicles]

@@A-V thank you for sharing this info!!! Been looking for a better deal on these. Do you know if they're bpa free/food grade by chance??

[@A-V]

That's a very good question. At the price they are selling for it's quite possible that they were not manufactured with such considerations. Even though I got them from Restaurant Depot, it is possible that they see them as a container that will hold only soiled dishes, glasses & utensils. If I don't forget then I will try to look into it because it would be good to know... :)

[@anna-mariacavalletti2347]

FINALMENTE ci sono riuscita!!! Il procedimento da te suggerito x attivare i sottotitoli in italiani si può fare solo dal computer. Dal tablet o dal cellulare non si può fare...almeno dal mio...

[@A-V]

È fantastico, grazie per aver controllato e fatto sapere. È un peccato che non possa essere fatto su un dispositivo mobile. Felice anno nuovo!

[@pranay9110]

tranferred my worms in new bedding... after three days 90 percent of worms escaped from the drainage holes and died... what could be the reason? first time i tried coffee filter powder ... please guide me

[@A-V]

Oh no - I'm sorry to hear that. Could it be that the materials that you built the bin with started to hot compost?, making the environment too warm for the worms?? There must have been something about the material that made them want to escape it... that is the only thing that comes to mind. Thanks for watching!

[@qeva_]

What about the PH of the medium?

[@A-V]

I know that a worm bin's bedding pH is an important consideration to make sure it is a comfortable place for the worms to live... but since I am not very knowledgable on that aspect of worm farming I tend to steer clear of it since I am in no position to respond to questions that delve into that subject matter. Thanks for watching!

[@qeva_]

@@A-V thank you for your great content. I used to use cheap ph metre and it was doing the job

[@A-V]

I ordered a package of pH test strips but I never tried using them. Currently I do not feel like I am really troubleshooting any issues in my bins - so I have not felt the need to try identifying the cause of any issues. Perhaps for that exact reason I should do some tests in order to establish a baseline.... :)

[@Danimarkali-pp4fp]

Sir i have a question. What is the different between Esenia fetida European, african and canadian nightcravlers. Who makes fast and the best compost?

[@A-V]

Although it doesn't discuss Canadian nightcrawlers, a really informative video by The Crazy Worm Lady provides a nice overview of the other three types that you inquired about. I suggest you check out her video - it can be seen here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKCvZqqHr9icadE Thanks for watching!

[@kimthevenin8769]

Hi its me again. I have a bunch of shells from dead snails in my fish tank. Can I use those for grits?

[@A-V]

I have seen examples of people using pulverized crustacean shells a grit for their worms... so I presume that what you have there would work equally well :)

[@kimthevenin8769]

@@A-V Great, thank you.

[@MoreChannelNoise]

Are coffee grounds not too acidic?

[@A-V]

As I understand it, they are not.. but if you need to know for certain then check the web. I could be wrong. Thanks for watching!

[@MoreChannelNoise]

@@A-V I only asked as I have come across others saying they were; but your reply encouraged me to check. I found several relaible sounding sources (like the oregan state edu site) saying "Coffee grounds are close to pH neutral (between 6.5 to 6.8 pH)" So I guess they are fine to use as you already knew lol

[@A-V]

I have heard similar things - but since I have no way of checking it myself I would not want to be the source of the claim, one way or the other, since I have no way of backing it up. Sounds like your source is fairly credible, so I now tend to believe it even more. Thanks!

[@carlafawcett5667]

Hi again. So I’m sort of in freak out mode. I’ve had my worms for a couple days now. I have tried to do everything right, watched more videos than I can count, but fear I have lost some. I only started with a half pound. I don’t think there were that many worms but anyways.....I can’t find the “clumps” of worms that you do under the food. I messaged before and told you I mixed my compost, shredded paper, leaves, crushed egg shells, and then fed in the middle. There are worms when I dig around gently, but no mass gatherings. Have they died? Maybe they are travelling around having so much room? I added shredded cardboard this morning by gently rolling the dirt to one side, and then the other so it’s on the bottom. Should I get more worms or just wait and see. Oh, and I covered it with dried leaves instead of the cardboard today . Thanks , sincerely, rookie wormer

[@A-V]

I have observed various kinds of worms that exhibit that mobbing behavior - and other types do not. Maybe it's the kind of worm you have, perhaps it the state of the food they got.. Keep in mind that things in a worm bin move slowly. Best of luck with it. Thanks for watching!

[@cookie761]

Do you ever find that you're bringing in bugs and flies or anything bad with your mulched up dried leaves ? I would have to get leaves from a friend's yard and store them in my apartment, so I'm wondering about that aspect of things if I do decide to go with worms for composting. Thank you so much for your video! Is it recommended or not recommended to get worms at a bait store?

[@A-V]

For a little while I was blaming the leaves for being the way some of the pests were getting into my worm bins. I even went to the extent of placing the box, in which I keep my leaves, into the microwave to zap anything that might be in there. I have since abandoned the practice since I don't think that very many, if any, creatures are living in my leaves. Keep in mind that these are leaves collected during the autumn of 2020 and stored dry since then. With a complete absence of moisture in those leaves I doubt if anything could comfortably live amongst those leaves (at least that is what I believe). Thanks for watching!

[@cookie761]

@@A-V thank you for your reply. I guess that makes sense. I'm just wanting to work this through in my mind and make sure it's possible in my apartment. I'm not a real energetic person so I don't want to take the lives of the little creatures in my hands unless I'm prepared! LOL!

[@A-V]

I appreciate that point of view, Some people seem to view the worms that they raise as a disposable household item like a dirty paper towel or a used facial tissue. I prefer to take that slightly more responsible point of view & take into consideration the well being of the worms that are in my care 👍🏻

[@cookie761]

@@A-V Maybe you should write a book. "From a worm's point-of-view... cleaning up after humans!" I think it would be a best seller. Can't wait for the movie!!! ( ...and, of course, a children's book also.)

[@A-V]

Haha! Next stop... the Academy Awards!

[@johanna006]

Don't use newspaper or cardboard. Recycle them so that new trees need not be cut down. Use leaves for worms.

[@A-V]

Interesting perspective. Coincidentally, I have had that same idea :) PS: Your KZbin handle is great 👍🏻

[@petrawandrey6902]

Hallo Leider geht diesmal keine automatische Übersetzung SCHADE?

[@msana4420]

Es dauert etwas, bis yt Untertitel zur Verfügung stellt

[@A-V]

Das tut mir leid. Ich habe versucht herauszufinden, wie Untertitel in anderen Sprachen als Englisch eingerichtet werden können ... aber ich habe immer noch keinen einfachen Weg gefunden, dies zu tun. Wie auch immer - danke fürs Zuschauen!

[@petrawandrey6902]

@@A-V Es ist doch so intersant es zu lesen-alle anderen ihrer Filme gehen doch-Ich freue mich immer auf Ihre Filme

[@petrawandrey6902]

Heute gehts wieder Alles gut-Danke

[@littlehouseontherock-wormery]

I am watching this video cutting the cardboard with scissors ;-)

[@A-V]

👍🏻

[@SueOSullivan-qk1mq]

Soak it all in rain water over night. It then will fall apart in your hands or at least easier to rip up 😊

[@SueOSullivan-qk1mq]

You need to be a confident vermicomposter to have no drainage for leachate

[@mindyadams9041]

❤️

[@belindadunne4312]

👍🏻

[@A-V]

:)

[@citalivehobileri1958]

👍

[@your_local_reptile6700]

you say its easy enough to just go out and get soil from my yard but its all flagged x'D

[@A-V]

I don't know what that means... but if you are hesitant to use your outdoor soil because of that, then I don't blame you. Perhaps get some material from elsewhere then... good luck. And thank you for watching!

[@your_local_reptile6700]

@@A-V oh I mean by flagged paved :D but thank you very much I am looking forward to getting into worm composting :D

[@A-V]

Thank you for clarifying :)

[@ClickinChicken]

they like chick starter, not too much if you want a kick start.. but then your buying...

[@A-V]

Right... I try to stick to using materials that are all readily available for free. Thanks for watching!

[@ClaudetteFuentez]

I’ve never watched such a long boreing video in my life

[@A-V]

Thank you for watching