Just got a couple of these worm bags and was having a hard time figuring out how to set them up initially. I didn't know how much bedding to shred into there or anything to start. This was a very helpful video. Thank you!
I like the idea of the pizza box at the bottom. I just got two of these bags in (they have a Bogo sale going on with them at this time). I am have been using the 360 Worm Cafe for last 8 months and find it gets too hot, and is too small for us (two vegans who grow our own food year around). I can't get enough vermicompost as I live in high desert with zero soil. So super excited to see who much more we can get now.
It is great that you grow your own food year round. I have been wanting to grow some in the basement but I already have enough projects taking up space I think my wife would protest. I tried having a garden but ended up feeding the deer. The pizza box is a great way to start the system so you aren't harvesting a ton of cardboard for the first year. It also prevents the material from getting compressed until the worms have eaten enough. I'm a big fan of the bag systems.
Good idea placing the pizza box on the bottom. I watched your harvesting of compost of your other worm bag and a lot of uncomposted junk ended up down there; this way you'll more likely wind up with more finished stuff down there as opposed to unprocessed materials. My only other thought I had to better ensure that you get better compost down there in the exit chute is to allow a bunch of time in the beginning to allow it all to get composted before piling on new bedding and food on top. I'll be keeping tabs - looks like your off to a great start
That was a great idea to start with the pizza box!! What version are they up to know? I thought I had version 2.0 but it doesn't have a zipper at all on the bottom. Excellent video Newell!!
Thanks! I purchased mine from a local company but they do not sell worms anymore. I have ordered European Nightcrawlers from Texas Worm Farm. Do you know what type of worms you are looking for?
I wish I watched this a week ago when I got my UWB . I must of messed it up setting it up because everyday a cluster of worms crawl to the bottom where the zipper part is and I have to scoop them out and put it on top . I don’t know what to do - are the worms not happy bc they go to the bottom . Your videos are super helpful ! Thanks
Hmm hard to say what could be wrong but I know starting out is the hardest part. If you watch this series there is a few times where i could hardly find any worms. Be patient these systems take a while to get going and if you just ordered worms I find the most of them don't live long but lay cocoons so the next generation grows up in the system you are running. Thanks for watching!
@@WorldComposting Ok, thanks. I'm doing a compost training and I wanted to get a better understanding of how the unit actually drains. Sounds like as long as people are careful to not add too much water or wet food, then there won't be leakage.
Can you please show the assembly of this thing? I hear it's supposed to be awesomely simple. But I have eight short rods that no one else seems to have!! The end caps don't stay on the rods
The long rods are the legs going from top to bottom (perpendicular to floor) and the shorter rods should be for the top and bottom squares parallel with the floor. Here is the video from when I assembled the Urban Worm Bag th-cam.com/video/kIgy-WkFZOg/w-d-xo.html This was filmed a while with the Version 1 of the bag.
In truth you can add it that day, but I would recommend at least 3 days with a bit of dirt from outside so it can build up the microbes the worms can consume. Thanks for watching!
I'm not sure I understand - are you saying I can add the food and a bit of dirt at least 3 days before the worms arrive; or are you saying, wait at least 3 days after they arrive to feed them? They are arriving tomorrow so if I can feed them now, I'll just add a bit of dirt and I'll grind up some food, and add so some of the ground up egg shells I have. Thanks you so very much for your input.
@@JunesTarotJourney I would add it now so it has time to build up the microbes so they can eat it. But add very little as they can be very stressed after travel and might be looking around a bit more until they settle down.
@@WorldComposting Perfect! I will head to the kitchen right now and grind some that up a bit. I read they like melons, so their first meal with be a bit of cantaloupe, and avocado I'll just put about a half of cup in there with some ground up egg shells. Gotta keep my new babies happy and healthy! They're in transit and will be her tomorrow.💜👍💜
Hi Stacy, I would say it really depends on a lot of variables. I do like both systems for different reasons. I think the first question is how much food will you be putting in the system? If you are going to be adding a lot of wet foods than the Vermibag might be the better choice as it dries out more easily. If you live in a fairly dry environment than the Urban Worm bag is probably the better choice as it will help hold in the moisture better. Last is the frame if you are not handy at all I would recommend the Urban Worm bag with a frame because it is ready to assemble and easy to do. If you plan on buying more and use custom frames than one I think the Vermibag is a better choice. I know I sort of go back and forth but these bags are very close in how they work with only slight differences. I feel you can't really go wrong with either but one might work better for your specific situation.
This will depend on the bin size. A 10 gallon tote I would start with 1 pound of worms. If you purchased a bag system you can go from 1-3 pounds of worms. Don't get too many as it will take time for them to acclimate to the new bin/food and they are more likely to run if the bin is too crowded.
why about the worm juice? How can one collect, does it leak from the bottom? I was thinking about using a tray of some sort, but wouldn't it attract pests sitting in the tray.
With these systems you really shouldn't have juices leaking out the bottom. The only time I've had this issue is when I added a ton of watermelon. The juice is called leachate and not really great compared to the castings themselves. I do tend to keep trays under my bag systems but that is also to keep them out of the way until I need them.
Hi Ryan this system works really well but can have issues with moisture as it doesn't have as much ventilation on the top. I know others have left it open a bit if the moisture is high. However if you live in an area of low moisture this can really help keep the moisture levels up which would be a good thing. I have two of these and my older one is a workhorse that absorbs massive amounts of food without any issues. Just remember to harvest frequently or it can get really heavy. If you decide to purchase please use my affiliate link. Amazon: amzn.to/32xwdnB (paid link) Urban Worm Co: shop.urbanwormcompany.com/?rfsn=1020290.105e1&.105e1
I'm not saying a bag is better but it really depends on the size of your family and how much waste you produce that goes into it. The bags I think can handle a bit more waste in a smaller area compared to bins. The bins are cheap and easy to start especially if you are trying it out.
@@WorldComposting This bag seems to be huger than a set of piled boxes. That's why I was wondering why it's supposed to be meant for urban life. Since my kids have left for their adult life, I live in a small apartment. I built a couple of worm boxen since then One is beneath the sink, one is right under my counter top in the kitchen, one is hidden in a wooden box on rolls, which I can sit on, and one is in my bathroom. I simply integrate them into DIY furniture, because I don't have much space atm and my dogs also need some space to move around.
Just got a couple of these worm bags and was having a hard time figuring out how to set them up initially. I didn't know how much bedding to shred into there or anything to start. This was a very helpful video. Thank you!
Thanks for watching and I'm glad the video helped you!
I like the idea of the pizza box at the bottom. I just got two of these bags in (they have a Bogo sale going on with them at this time). I am have been using the 360 Worm Cafe for last 8 months and find it gets too hot, and is too small for us (two vegans who grow our own food year around). I can't get enough vermicompost as I live in high desert with zero soil. So super excited to see who much more we can get now.
It is great that you grow your own food year round. I have been wanting to grow some in the basement but I already have enough projects taking up space I think my wife would protest. I tried having a garden but ended up feeding the deer.
The pizza box is a great way to start the system so you aren't harvesting a ton of cardboard for the first year. It also prevents the material from getting compressed until the worms have eaten enough. I'm a big fan of the bag systems.
I love my UWB 2.0 I have ANC in mine and they are doing really well. I haven't done a harvest yet but hopefully soon. Congratulations on getting one.
Melinda Schneider what's an anc?
@@JRJS6802 African Nightcrawlers
Thank you for sharing how you have set up your UWB 2.0. Looking forward to updates. Enjoy the day! Catherine
Good idea placing the pizza box on the bottom. I watched your harvesting of compost of your other worm bag and a lot of uncomposted junk ended up down there; this way you'll more likely wind up with more finished stuff down there as opposed to unprocessed materials. My only other thought I had to better ensure that you get better compost down there in the exit chute is to allow a bunch of time in the beginning to allow it all to get composted before piling on new bedding and food on top. I'll be keeping tabs - looks like your off to a great start
Ok. seems interesting .
waiting to see the follow up Video.
That was a great idea to start with the pizza box!! What version are they up to know? I thought I had version 2.0 but it doesn't have a zipper at all on the bottom. Excellent video Newell!!
Thanks!, I'm not sure which version they are up to but I know they take feedback and make improvements which is great!
Your video just helped me set up my bag!! Your guide was the best and most comprehensive. Now I need to order my worms!🪱🪱🪱🎉
What a great video for beginners! Thank you for sharing tips and tricks! Did you order red wigglers?
Thanks! I purchased mine from a local company but they do not sell worms anymore. I have ordered European Nightcrawlers from Texas Worm Farm. Do you know what type of worms you are looking for?
Can you do a harvesting video on the 2.0 drawstring bag .
I think my next update will include a harvest as it is starting to get a bit heavy!
Must be a version 2.1 as they now have 4 buckles and velcro on the bottom. No more zipper. Not sure how much better that's going to be.
I wish I watched this a week ago when I got my UWB . I must of messed it up setting it up because everyday a cluster of worms crawl to the bottom where the zipper part is and I have to scoop them out and put it on top . I don’t know what to do - are the worms not happy bc they go to the bottom .
Your videos are super helpful ! Thanks
Hmm hard to say what could be wrong but I know starting out is the hardest part. If you watch this series there is a few times where i could hardly find any worms. Be patient these systems take a while to get going and if you just ordered worms I find the most of them don't live long but lay cocoons so the next generation grows up in the system you are running.
Thanks for watching!
Great video. If too much water is added, does it drain out the bottom? Does excess moisture just pool in the bottom and not drain out? Thx.
Excess moisture will drain out the bottom. I know this from when I out watermelon in and it ended up running into the floor. 😂
@@WorldComposting OK, thanks. Do you keep a drainage pan underneath? Or not needed?
I have extra trays and if I know that I'm adding really wet food I will keep a tray underneath. But I don't have one there all the time.
@@WorldComposting Ok, thanks. I'm doing a compost training and I wanted to get a better understanding of how the unit actually drains. Sounds like as long as people are careful to not add too much water or wet food, then there won't be leakage.
That is awesome you are doing a training!
Can you please show the assembly of this thing? I hear it's supposed to be awesomely simple. But I have eight short rods that no one else seems to have!! The end caps don't stay on the rods
The long rods are the legs going from top to bottom (perpendicular to floor) and the shorter rods should be for the top and bottom squares parallel with the floor.
Here is the video from when I assembled the Urban Worm Bag th-cam.com/video/kIgy-WkFZOg/w-d-xo.html This was filmed a while with the Version 1 of the bag.
How far in advance of the worm''s arrival should the food be added to the new bin? Thanks!
In truth you can add it that day, but I would recommend at least 3 days with a bit of dirt from outside so it can build up the microbes the worms can consume.
Thanks for watching!
I'm not sure I understand - are you saying I can add the food and a bit of dirt at least 3 days before the worms arrive; or are you saying, wait at least 3 days after they arrive to feed them? They are arriving tomorrow so if I can feed them now, I'll just add a bit of dirt and I'll grind up some food, and add so some of the ground up egg shells I have. Thanks you so very much for your input.
@@JunesTarotJourney I would add it now so it has time to build up the microbes so they can eat it. But add very little as they can be very stressed after travel and might be looking around a bit more until they settle down.
@@WorldComposting Perfect! I will head to the kitchen right now and grind some that up a bit. I read they like melons, so their first meal with be a bit of cantaloupe, and avocado I'll just put about a half of cup in there with some ground up egg shells. Gotta keep my new babies happy and healthy! They're in transit and will be her tomorrow.💜👍💜
I’m considering a bag system. What say you....Vermibag VS Urban Worm Bag? They look very similar! Just subscribed. Informative!
Hi Stacy, I would say it really depends on a lot of variables. I do like both systems for different reasons. I think the first question is how much food will you be putting in the system? If you are going to be adding a lot of wet foods than the Vermibag might be the better choice as it dries out more easily. If you live in a fairly dry environment than the Urban Worm bag is probably the better choice as it will help hold in the moisture better.
Last is the frame if you are not handy at all I would recommend the Urban Worm bag with a frame because it is ready to assemble and easy to do. If you plan on buying more and use custom frames than one I think the Vermibag is a better choice.
I know I sort of go back and forth but these bags are very close in how they work with only slight differences. I feel you can't really go wrong with either but one might work better for your specific situation.
How smart
Thanks for watching!
How many worms would you buy if you were setting one up new?
This will depend on the bin size. A 10 gallon tote I would start with 1 pound of worms. If you purchased a bag system you can go from 1-3 pounds of worms.
Don't get too many as it will take time for them to acclimate to the new bin/food and they are more likely to run if the bin is too crowded.
Good tips!
why about the worm juice? How can one collect, does it leak from the bottom? I was thinking about using a tray of some sort, but wouldn't it attract pests sitting in the tray.
With these systems you really shouldn't have juices leaking out the bottom. The only time I've had this issue is when I added a ton of watermelon. The juice is called leachate and not really great compared to the castings themselves. I do tend to keep trays under my bag systems but that is also to keep them out of the way until I need them.
I want to get one of these. it seems cool. do you have any major problems with it?
Hi Ryan this system works really well but can have issues with moisture as it doesn't have as much ventilation on the top. I know others have left it open a bit if the moisture is high. However if you live in an area of low moisture this can really help keep the moisture levels up which would be a good thing. I have two of these and my older one is a workhorse that absorbs massive amounts of food without any issues. Just remember to harvest frequently or it can get really heavy.
If you decide to purchase please use my affiliate link.
Amazon: amzn.to/32xwdnB (paid link)
Urban Worm Co: shop.urbanwormcompany.com/?rfsn=1020290.105e1&.105e1
I don't think a bag is better than a box.
I'm not saying a bag is better but it really depends on the size of your family and how much waste you produce that goes into it. The bags I think can handle a bit more waste in a smaller area compared to bins. The bins are cheap and easy to start especially if you are trying it out.
@@WorldComposting This bag seems to be huger than a set of piled boxes. That's why I was wondering why it's supposed to be meant for urban life.
Since my kids have left for their adult life, I live in a small apartment. I built a couple of worm boxen since then One is beneath the sink, one is right under my counter top in the kitchen, one is hidden in a wooden box on rolls, which I can sit on, and one is in my bathroom. I simply integrate them into DIY furniture, because I don't have much space atm and my dogs also need some space to move around.