Worm Bedding can STOP Nutrient Deficiencies in your Garden - Red Wigglers

/ @plantobsessed 3
Making my worm bedding and adding items to help the spring garden
Play list for the Red wigglers only here
• Red Wiggler Compost Worms
Red Wiggler Compost Worms
They have been in 10 -gallon totes of various shapes since the beginning.
These red wigglers have been composting in my basement since May of 2019. The first bin was restarted August of 2021, The second bin August 2021, Newest bin started December 6th 2021
I am an Amazon affiliate. The items below are the Amazon affiliate links for the items I use in my wormery. I have read and recommend these books. The cost is the same to you, but the channel will be get a small commission if purchases are made using the links.
Down to Earth Organic Alfalfa Meal
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Fish scale, Dr.meter Backlit LCD Display 110lb/50kg
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Tetra 16172 Aqua Safe Fish Tank Water Conditioner
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BLACK+DECKER Coffee Grinder
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pH meter TDS meter compo pack
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Mesh bags to make worm tea
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Coco coir Coco Bliss
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Organic Kelp Fertilizer
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Liquid Kelp
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Unsulfured Black Strap molasses
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Utility Tub - 26" X 20"
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Aurora 18 sheet shredder
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SE 5-Piece Set of Patented Stackable 13-¼” Sifting Pans - GP2-5 SET
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SE Patented Stackable 13-1/4" Sifting Pan, Mesh Size 1/12" - GP2-112
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Bon Tool 11-407 Utility Tub - 26" X 20"
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Tetra 16172 Aqua Safe Fish Tank Water Conditioner
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Worm Farmers Handbook Book
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Worms Eat My Garbage Book
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Vermiculture and Technology Book
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Worm Farm Revolution
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Uncle Jims Product page
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[@PlantObsessed]

Cardboard Shredder amzn.to/3kfHIO4 Egg Shell Grinder amzn.to/3IPOTXC Coco Coir amzn.to/3Xup8Ae Alfalfa Meal amzn.to/3iy7UTP Gypsum amzn.to/3W6aAFO Kelp Meal amzn.to/3XfPrdC Azomite amzn.to/3w3WJVT Liquid Kelp amzn.to/3GKU8F4 Molasses amzn.to/3kgvOng Greensand amzn.to/3iJFd67

[@A-V]

That's some ultra premium high-end bedding. I miss some of the old defunct worm farming channels too - perhaps the ones I miss the most are (as you mentioned) The Crazy Worm Lady & the London Worm & Garden channels. It's fortunate that a couple newer worm farming channels - like this one - are just as interesting as those were :)

[@PlantObsessed]

London worms. Has anyone heard if he is still ... Also Anarchy worms. Lilia, ahhh the old days. I'm glad De kine is back.

[@A-V]

In a couple of the last videos London Worms had sited computer hardware issues as being the primary reason for the lack of new content going up on the channel - and then it all abruptly stopped. My hope is that it was & still is only that....

[@erical9526]

I never thought to pre-load neutrients into my bedding but what a great idea! Totally changing my process going forward.

[@PlantObsessed]

I do this more toward spring. I think it helps. 👍🏼🪱😃

[@RuralVermiculture]

That’s probably the most work I’ve seen go into preparing bedding. Thinking of your garden well in advance! I like it. Good show!

[@PlantObsessed]

I have been watching a lot of soil channels. I keep hearing that organic fertilizer takes months to become useable. I thought why not get that started now... Keeps me for more seed hoarding.lol

[@marlenen6130]

I make a similar prepared bedding, however I find it’s easier to mix everything in when I put the coco coir in a bucket, add several gallons of warm water, then add the molasses, egg shell, coffee, a tiny Mycorrhiza fungi starter, humachar, maybe ash if you have it, Azomite, Neem seed meal, alfalfa and anything else you like into the coco bucket. Let it mix well, I prefer a soupy consistency. Then pour half of it into a tub of shredded cardboard & paper and dried leaves, add a little fresh cut grass for fun. Then just keep adding cardboard and the coco coir mix, I use the cardboard to wipe out the bucket. Oh, and I usually can find some larger cardboard pieces from my active bins to toss for the microbes. It’s easy on the hands and I can get a head start on bedding. Currently I have some mushroom compost I’ve been throwing in too. I think the worms do enjoy the different textures, that’s why they seem to be more active in bins with mixed materials rather than just one single thing like peat moss. I throw in old cotton clothes, cover with cut up fabrics or burlap. The worms sometimes need the friction to get the cocoons off of them, is my understanding. Grape vines tike forever to breakdown in the bins but the worms seem to love crawling around them, like kids on the monkey bars. 😅

[@PlantObsessed]

Exactly. The order I put them in is not important. I have wondered about adding a fungal starter. Maybe someday

[@1Kingofglory]

​@@PlantObsessedk

[@DaKineGardenStuff]

I use up cardboard boxes like crazy! So awesome they're a 'no cost' bedding! Thanks for your vids! 🙂

[@PlantObsessed]

I can't even remember what I did with all the boxes before. Lol

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

I’m loving your videos also!!!!🤗

[@lindap9079]

Thank you for mentioning worms "playing". I wondered why I find worms in my burlap blanket.

[@PlantObsessed]

Sounds silly but think they enjoy the texture too

[@mikkosgarden]

quite the prepping for your bedding, I knew you did prepare it, but never knew how much work went into it. Thanks for the explanation.

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you 😊

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Good morning, Ann, this is an excellent video. Great tutorial on bedding. Chilly morning here and I can't hear your Mother-in-law shivering 🥶

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes I was watching Michelle in the meadow channel and thought oh no Peggy is going to have to move her worms again.

[@markzajac9993]

I put large clam shells in my bins and they seem to enjoy hanging out under them.

[@PlantObsessed]

I bet they do. I probably have some scallop shells mine could play with. Thank you for the idea.😀👍🏼🪱

[@rickadis4609]

I love watching your wormy vids madam! 👍👍👍

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you very much. 🪱😁👍🏼

[@rickadis4609]

@@PlantObsessed 👍🪱

[@AJsGreenTopics]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 🙂

[@PlantObsessed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tolgaswp]

Great bedding video. I add Gypsum too. It's agricultural gyspum, it's like the stuff they use in drywall. It's also mined. It's a form of rock dust as well in a way so it could also be a grit. I'm doing more research but seems good so far.

[@PlantObsessed]

I never stop learning,let me know what you find out.

[@alfreddurbyn642]

Gypsum is also a source of calcium and it doesn't affect the PH balance. Good choice.

[@losclaveles]

It's SIMILAR to the stuff in dry-wall, but that shouldn't be confused with thinking they are interchangeable. Gypsum destined for drywall goes through an oven to drive out ALL moisture. You don't want to put that stuff in your soil. Its hydrophobic.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Recommend using a cross-cut shredder. It makes smaller pieces and the paper crinkles which allows air to penetrate the bedding even when moist. Sopping wet? No, it will collapse somewhat but better than longer flat pieces of paper and cardboard. And it makes your private documents impossible to read, no account numbers make it through intact. To save on wear and tear of the shredder, I peel apart the cardboard when possible prior to shredding. I like the brown packing paper that comes with Amazon boxes!

[@PlantObsessed]

I am absolutely thinking about getting a crosscut shredder when my current shredder dies you know they're not cheap so I figure I should wait. 🪱😃👍🏼

[@doe729]

Became a worm farmer 5 days ago. Thanks for the info.

[@PlantObsessed]

I'm glad I have helped 🪱👍🏼😁

[@kdog543]

This very interesting videos sort what im hoping with my worm bin to break down the soils and make it more refined and readily available to the plants.

[@PlantObsessed]

That is my plan. Since organic amendments need time and microbes to become available why not let the worms help🙂🪱👍🏼

[@jerrycallison6125]

thanks for another great video. I appreciate the way you explain why you do what you do rather than just saying to do such and such. Knowing why is so important. Speaking of some of the older channels, I really miss the Halls, one of my early sources. (I still go back and look at his videos from time to time.) Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago. The Iowa Worm Composting was another good one, but I've seen nothing from Rick in two years. I hope he's OK.

[@PlantObsessed]

I know some people get burned out. Thank you for the kind words 😊

[@emilyfleischmann]

My worms like to play! They're little aerialists, so strong stretching to move from one finger to another if my fingers are spread. I think I want them to coach me!

[@PlantObsessed]

Lol your worms were watching the Olympics 😃👍🏼🪱

[@emilyfleischmann]

@@PlantObsessed or listening to me talk about pole dancing!

[@Vermicompost]

I am learning so much from this video!! I was today years old when I found out what the word azomite means!!! Yes, I do think the worms like to "play" or feel the different textures😂 Your DIY tower does great!! I think the difference between your tower and the VermiHut trays are the number and size of the holes. But worms travel all up in down in both so they both work well!! I find lots of worms in all the layers but they are definitely concentrated in the top tray which is the only tray I feed. Excellent video!!🪱🪱🪱

[@PlantObsessed]

When I heard the explanation of azomite I was like oh yeah that makes sense. Lol thank you for watching 😃

[@michaeldiehl1378]

1:56 I’ve only made it this far and am excited about this video. I would say about the kelp/seaweed that if you get the powder get the stuff for hydroponics as it is water soluble and does great for this type of stuff.

[@PlantObsessed]

Yep I do hydroponics too. I like being able to cross use my items.👍🏼😃🪱

[@michaeldiehl1378]

@@PlantObsessed hydroponics is something I’ve always wanted todo, I’m going to build a greenhouse out of old windows and was thinking of setting you as mostly hydroponics. However, I have used the fertilizers used in hydroponics because I liked its water solubility. Idk if it actual made a difference using it I just thought it was sound logic

[@-ChrisD]

I'm rewatching this video, I like sifting the coco coir to get fines for worms and larger parts for bonsai also. This video was very informative!

[@PlantObsessed]

It is funny the overlap in hobbies of worm farmers. ")

[@GardeningwithBarchuckin]

Love seeing how you make your bedding Ann. DIY bin is looking good, nice feeding.

[@PlantObsessed]

It evolves over the years the more I learn. Thank you for watching 😃

[@All-About-the-Dog]

Love the “play” idea. I come from the dog training and enrichment world and have been wondering lately if worms find enrichment in having hidey holes and tunnels.

[@PlantObsessed]

It totally seems so. They get into any nook and cranny even if there is no food involved . 🪱👍🏼😁 Side note I have just adopted a new dog. I hope there is a channel associated with you. I need all the help I can get with my new guy. 🐾🐾

[@corwin81]

Have you ever tried adding organic granular fertilizer to the mix? Like Jobes tomato and vegetable fertilizer? Would that help it give the nutrients faster being in the castings?

[@PlantObsessed]

I would worry about it heating up the bin. It might be a good idea in the winter to keep the outside bin warm.

[@LesliSagan]

I'm using my castings for plants, too, so this was so helpful and I'm starting to do the same, with the addition of biochar (is it helpful? Dunno! But it probably can't hurt!). I also read that adding ground crab shells is helpful, because the chitin feeds the microorganisms in the soil (and presumably in the compost bins). I added a small handful to a red wiggler bin; it has a fishy smell in the bag, so I was worried I would get fish-o-rama in the bin...but NO! A week later and no scent at all.

[@PlantObsessed]

Come on. I understand the chitin also helps plants in the future. It repels some kinds of bugs and diseases.🪱😃👍🏼

[@shadyman6346]

Great mix for a garden bed, too! Hmmm...Great info.

[@PlantObsessed]

Most of the organic fertilizers need to be broken down by soil elements so might as well get it going faster 😃🪱👍🏼

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

Great video Ann 🙌🏾😊

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you.

[@brianseybert2189]

On your way to super duper worm castings!!!

[@PlantObsessed]

Fingers crossed!

[@kristykobayashi9712]

Just starting my first worm bin and so grateful for your channel! Is the ink in shredded junk mail an issue? I heard there could be heavy metals in it?

[@PlantObsessed]

There are laws about the use of heavy metals now. I don't use glossy non food paper or cardboard.👍🏼😃🪱

[@spence3521]

I’m brand new at worming. My first batch of worms are arriving today. I have binged your videos. I find them highly educational and therapeutic. Yes I’m one of those that enjoys watching the sorting and fluffing of dirt. I have a question for you; When breaking down boxes to run them through my shedder; I try and remove all the plastic tape off of them. Am I wasting my time or is this an essential step? Thanks for all the hard work you have put into your content. Great job; please keep it up; my education is counting on it LoL!!! Shalom; SPENCe

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes remove the plastic. It will be a pain to pick out later.... Speaking from experience. I still miss some from time to time. That is what you see me picking out and tossing off camera. Lol forget one envelope window and get aggravated for 2 years. Good luck worming.

[@yes350yes]

My worm factory is in a large walk in closet and for years Ive fed mainly kitchens scraps frozen and run thru a big mouth juicer. Because mine is inside ive had to deal with gnats and many more springtails and others. So Ive changed 2 things that have made a world of difference. I have gone to a dry mix of oats, cornmeal, and manna pro layer crumbles. I run the crumbles and oats thru my coffee grinder which makes it into a flour and my worms love it. Something else Ive done although simple has made a huge difference. I keep a stash of apples and when Im done eating one the core always goes into the top feeding bin. What this has done is it brings all the worms up into the top 2 bin I usually am running 4 bins stacked. So when It comes time to harvest bottom bin there are no worms in the bottom bin which makes it so much easier and quicker to process the castings . Not so sure why adding the cores makes such a difference but it does.

[@PlantObsessed]

Worms for sure have a" sweet tooth". I have thought when the table top dry composter/ dehydrator gets cheaper I would.like to see if that product makes good worm food.

[@JamesLandreth]

This is so excellent. Thank you!

[@PlantObsessed]

You're very welcome!

[@nicholaskristoff8735]

I’ve had my worm bin for a little less than a year and they seem to be doing great. I build a three tier bin for them and started them on the top. I’m not sure when I’m supposed to move them to the bottom and add a new layer for the new top.

[@PlantObsessed]

I found with my 3 layer system the worms move to where the food is. If you have 3 layers take turn feeding the 3 layers so the worms will move to the area and make castings. I found that the middle finished faster for some reason. Hope that helps

[@Digaroo1]

Just an idea but the bottom tub with just the paper could be used in these bins as your pre made bedding which would save you making extra and then you just add dried paper/card to the bottom ready to use next time? I love watching your videos

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you. Yep sometimes I just add paper or cardboard. I ran a whole bin for years only using sheets. No shredding at all. It worked great. 👍🏼🪱😁

[@TheYeaRdPr0jEcT]

You mentioned the alfalfa could keep the bin warmer, will grass clippings do the same thing cause I’m gonna have my worm bin in the garage and I’m in the northeast.

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes, absolutely👍🏼😃🪱

[@TheYeaRdPr0jEcT]

@@PlantObsessed I may have to add a lot of grass clippings since it’ll get cold lol. i’m getting a thermometer with a probe and it tells the humidity also.

[@sgransar]

Yes worms like to play with things! I noticed they like plastics in general. Or even a plastic bottle to play around. Not that I add them intentionally, I did experiment with a plastic bottle. And occasionally if there is something is rotten in the fridge - I throw the whole thing inside out (plastic bag) and later throw out the bag. The worms also like the cavities on my top edge where the lid touches. I always see worms there. There is no food, yet worms appear.

[@PlantObsessed]

I also find if there is a gross ziplock on the frig I just open it and put it on the worm bin. They clean it and have fun too.

[@tlc8386]

I am surprised you don't use aged steer manure- this is what I do. I will add some cardboard but not as much as you--mostly green plants from the yard, leaves, eggs shells, veggies and fruits. Coffee grinds, old soil (to be renewed.) I don't use colored print. Pine animal bedding is also a thought for you--works well enough it's actually great for high alkaline clay soil. Worms really love the manure.

[@PlantObsessed]

I wish I had access to aged organic manure. I used to buy some in bags for my African nightcrawlers. The cost is nuts now.🪱👍🏼🙂

[@tlc8386]

@@PlantObsessed look into rabbit or chicken as well

[@johnwood1099]

Thanks for all the help, if a person grinds the food , do you give the worms less food than if it is in the original form?

[@PlantObsessed]

No it is the same amount, I do give more bedding to absorb the liquid.😁👍🏼🪱

[@annelm369]

Those are the things that I add to my precompost, which becomes bedding and food... I also add basalt and glacial rock dusts, and a rock dust blend, mineralized phosphate, Oyster shell flour (I don't have enough eggshells)... I'm also thinking of trying malted barley

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes exactly I have been thinking about sprouted grain ever since watching build a soil videos. They remarked it doesn't matter what kind of seed. The good enzymes are present in all.

[@annelm369]

@@PlantObsessed do the grains need to go through the malting process of sprouting and then dried and then apply? Also good to know because I can get wheat and oats more readily than the malted barley, which will have to come from beer making supply store... I have no problem sprouting and then oven drying and grind

[@PlantObsessed]

@@annelm369 I haven't don't it yet. But the channel I watched sprouted then dried and ground them up and made them a part of his fertilizer

[@eleanoraddy4683]

I totally think my worms frolic in certain stuff, like layers of leaves or roots or grass blades and I've only been going 6 weeks

[@PlantObsessed]

Keep at it worm farming is a very rewarding hobby.

[@franzwaltenspuhl8892]

I often see worms inside banana stems. I use a mix of shredded paper, cardboard & leaves in my bedding. What is the purpose of the pvc pipes in the corners? I enjoy your informative videos!

[@PlantObsessed]

The diy system is not stiff plastic and seems to compress. The PVC pipes are my attempt to keep the bin more area and air. It seems to be working so far.

[@FrugalShave]

I have a 10 page shredder that works fine on single layer corrugated cardboard.

[@PlantObsessed]

I sized up due to the heavy boxes dogfood and other heavy items come in. In my house that is often enough to justify the size up.

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Excellent Ann, this video went straight into our KZbin library. When thongs settle down for us, I'll definitely be referencing this to build a new system. Makes a ton of sense to add amendments at this stage. Should just get better and better as the bin matures. Also like how the bin is relatively shallow and lots of surface area !! Cheers Ann 🪱🌱🪱

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you. I try to keep making things better / easier. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@NanasWorms]

🎶🎵So any time you're gettin' low 'Stead of lettin' go Just remember worms can't Resist leaves of another rubber tree plant! 🎶🎵

[@PlantObsessed]

Oops there goes another.....

[@ginathompson3368]

Do you have a list of proportions used?

[@JenMetalMajesty]

Hi! I'm just getting into vermicomposting and your videos have been a great help! Im just wondering, Does the bedding get moldy while it's aging? Do you stir it while it's aging? Thanks for your help!

[@PlantObsessed]

It can mold if I leave the lid on and it's warm. I do try and fluff it weekly 😃👍🏼🪱

[@JenMetalMajesty]

@@PlantObsessed thank you so much!

[@ktownc936]

Hello Ann, where do you store this bedding when you are letting it mature for 3 weeks? Do you keep a lid on it to prevent flies ? Thanks for the video and info!

[@PlantObsessed]

I have a tote with a lid i keep mostly closed to let air in. :)

[@BobWilhelm-v4y]

Love your channel. I do not have any worm castings yet. I'm a newbie. Would unfinished compost accomplish the same thing?

[@PlantObsessed]

I don't know. I have heard of people burying scraps in the garden. 😊🪱👍🏼

[@nancyfargo4209]

hi anne, have you ever tried malted barley, ground? and also humic acid/fulvic acid added to bedding?

[@PlantObsessed]

No i have not, do yours like it?

[@nancyfargo4209]

@@PlantObsessed i have just been doing research but amendments arrived today. i think malted barley would serve as a form of yeast. i will let you know! nancy

[@zina6581]

I had heard that you should not use certain papers and cardboards?? What are your thoughts please?

[@PlantObsessed]

There is laminated paper and cardboard. I don't use those. Like beer cases or frozen food boxes. Regular food boxes like cereal I use. Regulations in the US and Canada prevent PFAS in food packaging. Regular brown cardboard I also use. I don't use any stiff photo paper. I try to take off all the tape and stickers. Thank you for watching 👍🏼🪱😃

[@zina6581]

@@PlantObsessed Thank you so much! I appreciate all of the information that you share.

[@jamestboehm6450]

I love seeing ungloved hands in the bins. Gloves seem so sissified, you're growing worms to make poop and soil.

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes I don't use them unless I have an injury. I should get stock on nail brush companies lol 👍🏼🪱😃

[@gregbutler9873]

Breakdown isn’t that TomPetty song? R.I.P. you were one of my favorite artist 🍻Those corn cobs are breeder houses😂😂

[@PlantObsessed]

They love corn 🌽❣️

[@shainh70]

This may have been asked before. Have you tried fish meal in the bedding?

[@PlantObsessed]

Most of my worm bins are inside and I have a sensitive nose. I probably wouldn't try lol. 🪱👍🏼😃

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

could peatmoss be used instead of the coir

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes 100%. I alternate between the 2 depending on the price. 😁👍🏼🪱

[@stephaniegragg1129]

I have watched many of your videos and am not sure if you have answered this somewhere. You mention that you freeze your food scraps before feeding them to the worms. Do you thaw the scraps before adding them to a bin or do you add the scraps while frozen. TYIA.

[@PlantObsessed]

I try to thaw them but it is not always 100 room temperature. That is one of the reasons I try to sandwich bedding and food. That way the worms are not exposed to the freezing food. I do think the red wigglers and ENC are cold tolerant enough to move away from the temperature they are not enjoying. Thank you for watching 😃👍🏼🪱

[@stephaniegragg1129]

@@PlantObsessed Thank you. Seriously, Thank YOU for sharing all of this knowledge. My husband teases me about how much I watch your videos. (I don't care... I love it).

[@bbbuds8880]

Thanks for another great video! I'm thinking of starting a bin this summer and am going to start collecting eggshells. How do you prepare your shells ?

[@PlantObsessed]

I rinse them off and microwave them for minute. Let them dry and use a spice grinder to make them into powder.

[@bbbuds8880]

@@PlantObsessed do you peel the membrane off at all?

[@PlantObsessed]

@@bbbuds8880 nope they will grind up too.

[@bbbuds8880]

@@PlantObsessed awesome! Thanks! Lol that was the answer I was hoping for!

[@rickthelian2215]

Gypsum is the same as drywall😊

[@PlantObsessed]

I know right? I wish I knew what else was in drywall mix, because I have odds and ends in my garage. Lol

[@EDITHSANDRIDGE-h3g]

HI, LOVE YOUR VIDEOA. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU CAN USE MANILA ENVELOPES FOR RED WIGGLERS

[@PlantObsessed]

Thank you. If you mean can they eat them. Yes, they eat almost any type of paper.🪱👍🏼😃

[@virgilrule8491]

Just how many moles does it take to make a quart of molasses

[@PlantObsessed]

Depends on how big the jar is I suppose.🪱👍🏼🤔

[@TheYeaRdPr0jEcT]

Can I feed my worms basil?

[@PlantObsessed]

Yes, mine love mint too 🪱👍🏼😃

[@mascatrails661]

How did you like the cacao fruit? I love em!

[@PlantObsessed]

I roasted it but haven't made anything with it. It was over ripe so the outside fluff was not great.

[@mascatrails661]

@@PlantObsessed Awe, too bad the pulp was over ripe. Makes sense though, they're really best picked fresh off a tree.

[@Sagerie]

Hi, I was just curious if you think it's okay to add all old houseplant leaves to the bin? I've seen contrary opinions on leaves like pothos where they're considered toxic. I'm inclined to just throw them in, but that got me worried about my little guys.

[@PlantObsessed]

I do it all the time. Rubber tree plant to Pothos no problem. The critters will break down the plant. 🪱😃👍🏼

[@Sagerie]

@@PlantObsessed Thanks so much for the quick reply. That's a relief! And thanks so much for your videos, which are both informative and just plain fun.

[@theresarothenberger2264]

Do you sell mixed packages of kelp meal, gypsum, azomite and green sand. I have the other ingredients but don’t want to buy many products. I have a two bin wormerie and love it. I watched and learned so much from you. Thanks for spending so much time teaching us. Also, what do you think of Biochar..?

[@PlantObsessed]

amzn.to/3HeRede is a build a soil product that has almost all the items together. It is called master blend. I have not used biochar but it seems like a good idea to hold on to good bacteria in the soil

[@theresarothenberger2264]

@@PlantObsessed how much would you use for 5 gallons. I so appreciate your vid’s and your help.

[@PlantObsessed]

@@theresarothenberger2264 I would start small and use 1/4 cup. I would make sure they have half the bin without it. Make sure the worms tolerate it before making up a whole bin. I have many bins. If you only have one or 2 I would be cautious.

[@theresarothenberger2264]

@@PlantObsessed many thanks.

[@MaraLin9]

Do you rinse your coco coir to remove salts before using? Thanks!

[@PlantObsessed]

I do. I usually add some coir to a bucket of water then stir it and pull out only the coir. The water goes in my yard.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

I thought the eggshells would help with the pH levels of the soil by lowering acidity? Adding lime would be unnecessary I would think. Not trying to be that guy, just curious.

[@PlantObsessed]

As it turns out, eggshells don't have that much buffering capability. Also, as it turns out, according to the textbooks that I've been reading worms don't require us to change the pH of their environment. Just give them a large enough environment to not have to live in places that have too much acid. So as long as you're feeding on one end or in one spot they can get away from the stuff that they don't feel comfortable in.. 😁👍🏼🪱🪱

[@ward1compost]

If the bin does heat up. How long will it take to cool down?

[@PlantObsessed]

Usually about 2 days with this size bin. 🪱😄👍🏼

[@karentanner4190]

Hi Anne, I have been reading about LABs. Lactic Acid Bacteria. I have been wondering if that would be a good addition to bedding. it is really easy to make and a little goes a long way and is supposed to be great for feeding and improving soil. My soil needs all the help it can get and is why I got into worm composting. And the resulting cheese is good too

[@PlantObsessed]

Interesting I have not heard about it but I can look into it and see if there is anything in the research. I know many people use fungi starters in the soil. Seems like a similar concept.

[@karentanner4190]

There are a lot of channels explaning Lactic acid bacteria. Also look up JADAM.

[@caraclapsaddle]

I’m pretty new to worm farming and I created my bedding about a week in advance, and I went to use it today but it now has kind of a funky smell, almost like a weird eggnog smell. Anyone experience this? Anything I need to be concerned about?

[@PlantObsessed]

Egg nog. I would mix it up and get some air in there. You might have something fermenting if it smells sweet. 🪱😃👍🏼

[@kaybegley9566]

Do you also put more egg shell powder each time you feed?

[@PlantObsessed]

No I usually only add it in the bedding. Otherwise I will forget.

[@Karslp]

I would love advice. I have Guinea pigs - can I put the poo directly into my indoor worm farm tower? What about the hay? Can powder use the orchard grass and alfalfa hay? Do I need to buy all the things u mention here since my bedding is mostly coco coir, shredded paper. And shredded cardboard?

[@PlantObsessed]

It is not necessary. I used just paper cardboard and peat moss for years. The idea behind this recipe is to add things for the plants in the garden later. The pet bedding was used by world composting for an experiment and seemed to work fine. That was an established worm bin so I wouldn't do that in a brand new bin. Maybe after 4 months start adding it.

[@Karslp]

@@PlantObsessed Ty so much for letting me know! For the first feed I used slightly decomposing food and a tiny bit since I onky had small amount of worm castings that came w them

[@Karslp]

@@PlantObsessed I just bought kelp powder, crab meal powder, ground oysters shells (I dunno if I’ll always have enough eggs shells to grind up) and bio char for the worm bin. Is this okay? Should I sprinkle the stuff on the bedding they already are in or add sprinkles when feeding? It’s a new bin. Small amount of casting came w them - 250 worms in a frog tower inside. I tried to get stuff I could afford. Aside from the eggs shells the rest is for microbes? If so should I wait to add this? I have them only a tiny start decomposing food in one 6” spot for them. How long do I let tea grounds and coffee ground waste to sit before sprinkling on the beds (or do I do it in the food)? PH is 6.8 and moist not wet on the meter for the bedding. I just want to make sure I have what they need to settle in and not die.

[@PlantObsessed]

@@Karslp I add grit to the existing bedding most of the time. If I am feeding something that seems hard to digest or might get acidic like a lot of tomato I will add grit to the feeding. Many people use crab shells or other grit if they don't have enough eggs. It works fine. Ph is not a huge issue. Overfeeding is the biggest problem. Sounds like you are well on your way. I think everyone goes through hard times in the beginning. Good luck

[@Karslp]

@@PlantObsessed Ty I for all your advice I so appreciate it. I. And wait to see results of all the advice u shared :)

[@joeohalloran9309]

Do worms really need all these things? Don't they just live normally under leaves and manure? I just feed my worms shredded carboard, coco core, compost, dried leaves, our scraps, egg shell dust, coffee grinds etc.

[@PlantObsessed]

No lol. They will be fine with just kitchen scraps and cardboard. The added items are really for the garden later. The worms might benefit from the azomite and alfalfa. :)

[@rosecosta374]

3gl papelão picado 24pgs 1gl água 50ml Alga líquida de orquídea 1gl ou 4lt fibra coco Melaça diluída e coada 2 copos pó de casca de ovos Gypsun o Gesso? "Erba medica" Azomite Sabbia verde o glauconite

[@PlantObsessed]

The Amazon links are below if you need to see the product.

[@tomasallende9583]

I just noticed azomite has a decent amount of lead

[@PlantObsessed]

I will have to look into that. Thanks for the heads up.😃

[@tomasallende9583]

@@PlantObsessed I forgot to mention, I would use glacial rock flour instead of azomite. I don't trust the fact that they named it as a marketing trick, and I don't all the minerals, I don't want arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, thallium, antimony, beryllium or any other toxic element that neither plants nor humans need. Also glacial rock flower is not a brand, it's just a type of mineral that because of how glaciars erode the bedrock, it's micronutrients and it's found in several countries including mine, Chile. Azomite comes from a single piece of land, it's like some dude saying the dirt in his backyard is a great fertilizer, he has every reason to lie. And I'm not a geologist but I am a scientist and when someone names something in this way, it usually means they want to sell it to people before having scientific backing. I don't have access to so many fertilizers, amazon's shipping is expensive and it's rare can buy a fertilizer from another country without customs panicking, but you can buy glacial rock flour so I'm leaving you the link www.amazon.com/McKenzie-Glacial-Rock-Flour/dp/B081G5RB17 One more thing, I don't have access to kelp meal, but I have a huge jar of spirulina I never ate because God it's nasty. You think I could use that instead of kelp? It's supposed to be super nutricious right? Lol. Take care.

[@wormweirdo340]

I have an almost identical recipe, but I use coffee grinds to keep the paper from matting up and add some crab meal and neem cake as well. I never worry that if I don’t have enough kitchen scraps to feed them the bedding is plenty to eat.

[@PlantObsessed]

I wish I could drink coffee.

[@wernerpanchenko6542]

Why isn't anything simple all of this fancy stuff can't you just use leaves and soil

[@PlantObsessed]

You totally can, but if you would like to get fancy.. that is also an option.🪱👍🏼😃

[@القناص-و7م]

😠👎😲

[@PlantObsessed]

😃👍🏼🪱

[@TheYeaRdPr0jEcT]

You mentioned the alfalfa could keep the bin warmer, will grass clippings do the same thing cause I’m gonna have my worm bin in the garage and I’m in the northeast.

[@PlantObsessed]

Yep that will work too. Not too much. You will have to play with it to get the right volume for the bin. 🪱😃👍🏼