Stop doing these 3 things to be a better worm farmer

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ค. 2024
  • / @plantobsessed
    The Fastest worm bin to make castings -DIY worm bin
    Plant Obsessed Merch here -- / @plantobsessed
    This bin is x3 ten-gallon totes I purchased at a big box store for about 7$ USD each. Today we get them harvested and restart the bin. They are the uncle Jim mix of red wigglers, blue worms and European night crawlers. To make the stack of 3 10 g/38l bin I placed ½ in (13mm) air holes in the sides of the totes and holes in the bottom of the top 2 layers for the worms and liquid to move throughout the bin. I drilled half inch holes and covered them with screen on the top layer upper walls. The middle layer has smaller holes. The lowest layer does not have holes in it. The middle layer of the worm bin has 1 sixteenth inch holes (3mm) drilled in the bottom. This layer was meant to only drain off liquid from overly wet food. The worms had their own plan and demanded I place bedding down there. I did and we have lived happily ever after. The top layer has 1 quarter inch holes drilled in the bottom to allow the worms to migrate down or up. This bin needs harvested about every 5 or 6 months.
    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 supported and get a small commission if purchases are made using the links.
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  • วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี

ความคิดเห็น • 233

  • @LazyLizy6071
    @LazyLizy6071 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    The reason they don’t want people looking at them is because they’re all naked😂

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  หลายเดือนก่อน

      For sure 😎👍🏼🪱

  • @A-V
    @A-V ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Great advice - I encountered the same exact pitfalls when I started. Now that I am a bit more experienced, I have a whole slew of new pitfalls that I constantly tangle with :)

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The struggle is real. Me and my vermi bag are a great example. It wants to be an only child I think.

    • @3dp_edc
      @3dp_edc ปีที่แล้ว +1

      tangle with, i see what you did there 😉

  • @rachaeld15
    @rachaeld15 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks. This is one of the best videos/info I’ve seen (plus a 23 min video of yours I just watched). My bin is WAY too wet and I have 2 layers and wasn’t sure what I’m doing. I only have food in the second layer! Going to watch more of your videos

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I'm glad you find it useful. I have made many mistakes so I hope to prevent others from the same. Good luck 🪱👍🏼😃

  • @ontherocksinthesoilmichael6739
    @ontherocksinthesoilmichael6739 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Sandra so sorry for your fall! Having seizures I know all about falls in awkward places! Much love and appreciation!

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Sorry to hear about Sandra's fall. I hope all is well now. 🪱👍🏼☺️

  • @fattworms
    @fattworms 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I'm going down your checklist and it's
    guilty
    guilty
    guilty
    ...
    all the way down 😂
    Thanks for reinforcing what I should already know and will one day get better at. 😊

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Lol. I make the mistakes so other people don't need to. Worm parenting is a work in progress just like regular kids. 😃👍🏼👍🏼🪱

  • @augustineschaefer5522
    @augustineschaefer5522 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I’ve been adding yard duff to my bins with the shredded paper. They LOVE the actual outdoor plant bedding. They’re on top right under the bubble wrap worm balling in the grass clippings and root matter. No weird smells, or temperature or anything different. The only difference is the addition of just enough yard duff to make the castings go black…and my babes are not disappointing. They’re just not as interested in their made to order food as they are in old garden duff.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's true. My worms love the fall leaves. I don't use it in the breed specific bins due to the _native_ worms in my yard.

  • @AlvinMcManus
    @AlvinMcManus ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I am working on patience. I have an Urban Worm Bag 2 and the 5-gallons of bedding I prepared for this bag back in late August makes for a real depth of material, about 10 inches deep. My worms seem happy so I am just checking in on them every 4-5 days and just monitoring the food consumption. So far so good just gonna practice patience and moisture control and feed only when absolutely necessary. No easy for a rookie to me patient but I seem to be okay.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Every 4 or 5 days is very patient. I was peeking every day in the beginning.

  • @sandyjoao4489
    @sandyjoao4489 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great info Ann. I once added ginger which had gone dry...obviously took a long time but I tell u the castings smelt sooo gd with the gingerly flavour. He he....Great bin u have there. Good worms.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, I added ginger and it took 9 months. Crazy stuff. I love ginger so not much makes it to the bin thankfully.

  • @melodylamour6123
    @melodylamour6123 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It will take about 6 months for my bin to be working right with microbes, bugs, etc. I needed to hear that too.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      The biggest challenge is patience .😊

  • @fullcircle4723
    @fullcircle4723 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great testimony and info. Thank you.

  • @livingtherufflife
    @livingtherufflife ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks super helpful i have tons of frozen tomatoes, good idea to feed the worms for winter!

  • @GardeningwithBarchuckin
    @GardeningwithBarchuckin ปีที่แล้ว

    You explain everything very well Ann. Definitely need to listen to what the worms are telling you with the feeding or adding more bedding.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Worm farming is not exactly intuitive. I also would like hard fast rules to follow but there just are not. Thanks for watching Rick.

  • @cynthiaedwards726
    @cynthiaedwards726 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi, really like your videos - just found them. I'm starting with European Night Crawlers but am going to use my two long halves of a 55 gallon drum for red wigglers soon. Believe I'll follow your wedge method.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It works great. Good Luck!!

  • @percyblok6014
    @percyblok6014 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You make a GREAT and critical point about the "ecosystem" and biology necessary to really cycle through material. I'm curious, have you ever played around with different local innoculants when starting new bins? I like grabbing a couple handfuls of dirt and leaves from where I've had compost piles in the past and seed bedding with it.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I only used local dirt once when I started my first bin. Now when I make the bedding I use finished castings.

  • @brianseybert192
    @brianseybert192 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A lot of good advice.
    I know when I 1st started raising worms, I made every mistake in the book. Much of it was from watching worm videos that did not work for me.
    There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to successfully raising compost worms.
    The one thing I hate to hear, is people giving up when it comes to raising worms. You do not need fancy worm bins, or the contraptions many worm videos tell you to construct.
    I have found the best worm bin for me outside are the grow bags, and as far as inside, an open 17 gallon tote. The only problem for me is the totes take up to much room in my grow room, will have to figure something out or keep them in my cold basement.
    Enjoy your videos ! Stay Well !!!

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I need to give them a try. I just emptied them out from the plants. 👍🏼😀🪱

    • @brianseybert192
      @brianseybert192 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The thing I like the best about the grow bags outside is not worrying about the bins getting flooded like a plastic tote can.@@PlantObsessed

  • @pcngo1
    @pcngo1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the simple straight forward advice. Planning to start my first bin soon! A few questions if you would kindly help clarify :
    1) T/F - Definitely no meat or citrus for feeding.
    2) Did you not break up your food to slow them down because you're unable to produce feed if you were to break up their food?
    Thanks again and look forward to seeing rest of your content!

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      #1 Citrus is ok to feed all the time. Meat will attract flies. So I won't. #2 I put it in one place most of the time so I can tell if they need more food. Does that help?

  • @brianseybert2189
    @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I keep all of my worms outside in the spring, summer and fall in 25 gallon grow bags. When I bring them in in the winter I put them in 27 gallon plastic totes. I use shredded leaves and compost as bedding over shredded newspaper or cardboard to bring in a wider array of bacteria and to introduce beneficial fungi into my worm castings.
    I have never had an issue with pests associated with vermicomposting since I made a switch to natural bedding.
    I also go a step further when feeding my worms, I freeze, then thaw their food before placing in their bins. The freezing process breaks down the cellular walls in their food and makes it easier for bacteria to invade it, thus making in available faster for the worms. I do get lazy with melons, bananas and squash, it disappears frozen or not.
    I have also learned to keep my bins on the dry side. For a while I followed the University Of Illinois suggestion of about a 70% moisture level. I ended up with fugus gnats, springtails and mites. I believe natural bedding along with a drier bed makes for better indoor vermicomposting. Just me.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow that is a lot of work bringing them in and out. I agree with the dry side. I see in the cool season springtails go nuts if it is too wet.

    • @brianseybert2189
      @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@PlantObsessedWell I live in WI, do not have much of a choice.
      Actually it is not that much work, I consolidate everything into 3, 27 gallon totes for the winter, I usually harvest castings in Feb then in May when I take them out for the summer.
      Click on my red B to see how I separate my worms from their castings.

  • @johnduffy6546
    @johnduffy6546 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    as a fellow worm head, you've nailed ALL 3 points!

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you. 👍🏼😀🪱

  • @thisnthatwithYaya
    @thisnthatwithYaya ปีที่แล้ว

    Just now watching these awesome videos.. about to go outside to get some dried leaves!!

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm glad you still have some left!! They will make your worms happy 😁

  • @Mothobius
    @Mothobius ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Sorry for all these comments but also about not looking at your worms too much, I don't dig down in the bin. I just take the lid off and watch them. They don't really get bothered by it and continue their worm activities at the surface of the substrate. It would be different if I was constantly digging around messing things up.

  • @brat-rodnoy
    @brat-rodnoy ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks dear!

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for watching 😃👍🏼🪱

  • @janecarver9672
    @janecarver9672 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good Worrmms!!! love it : )

  • @gladisbahena475
    @gladisbahena475 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the "good worms" ❤

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      I feel encouragement is good for them. Like my plants. 😁🪱💕😊

  • @1huzlives
    @1huzlives 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for all the videos. Ann, Is there any such thing as too much bedding?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you. No I don't think there can be too much bedding. 🪱👍🏼😃

  • @RedWrigglerBklyn
    @RedWrigglerBklyn ปีที่แล้ว

    Great points--but how to be patient!

  • @mascatrails661
    @mascatrails661 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great tips! I think I got a bit of a jump start of my first bin as I used a good bit of leaf mold that had been at the bottom of my leaf pile in a pretty dense forest. Basically from minute 0 of my worm bin, I already had guests like rolipolies and would venture to guess a good blend of bacteria and fungi.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes outside leaves and compost are great for that.

    • @brianseybert2189
      @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      In my opinion you are off to a great start! Keep using organic materials as bedding, Under the microscope you can really see a difference of life within your vermacompost using natural bedding over shredded newspaper etc..
      Do not worry about the larger arthropods, they will not harm your worms or your worm castings.
      Great Job!!!

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@brianseybert2189 I love looking at the bin critters under my microscope

    • @brianseybert2189
      @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed I've noticed, since I started using natural bedding, compost, shredded leaves there is a lot more wild life under the scope. I will never go back to shredded paper unless things get to wet and I'm out of leaves.

  • @joleaoshman8731
    @joleaoshman8731 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video...why am I so confused on my two layer bin?...I put everything paper, coir in tip bin and tub in bottom with newspaper. I then added worms to that top bin....I'm feeding them worm feed for now. I had water little daily its just damp. Am I doing ok so far?🤔

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sounds good. Unless your area is very dry you won't need to water every day. 👍🏼🪱😃

  • @jerrycallison6125
    @jerrycallison6125 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    spot on! Impatience is a real danger. Too many on TH-cam and FB have channels and happen to raise worms. Others raise worms and happen to have a YT channel. (Such as yourself.) There is a HUGE difference. A good rule of thumb is to discount what you see/hear by 90% and take the last 10% as an exaggeration.
    "Evaluate and then act." Again, spot on. It's much too easy to act and then evaluate, but by then, it's too late.
    Thanks so much for continuing to educate and encourage.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      There are so many new worm farmers that are desperate for hard fast rules. I know I was. Thanks for the kind words.

    • @jerrycallison6125
      @jerrycallison6125 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@PlantObsessed As was I. The difference is, I am trying to do mine on a commercial scale, which has commercial scale repercussions when I mess up. 🤪 I appreciate being able to refer my "newbie" customers to your channel, for I know they will get good honest information without a lot of self-serving bloviation some other channels provide. I'm still learning, and know that I will continue to do so for a long time. There are no "hard fast rules." But, there are some "hard fast principles" we need to abide. Thanks.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jerrycallison6125 sweet. Some day I would like to scale up when I retire in about 15 years. Right now the biggest issue I see is Illinois legal system and waste management.

    • @brianseybert2189
      @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I started raising worms 3 years ago, basically off of TH-cam advice WRONG !!!
      I raise worms to feed my seedlings, to improve my garden beds and to give my transplants a boost when placed in the garden. I made all of the mistakes, until I did it my own way... By letting worms be worms.
      No more shredded newspaper or cardboard. I use compost and shredded leaves as bedding, I freeze their food then thaw to make it more readily available and #1 I do not make them live in a swamp.
      I have a video you may want to view how I separate my worms from their castings. Just click on the red B.

    • @amosremy7454
      @amosremy7454 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@PlantObsessedI guess I'm the odd ball out because I didn't expect anything yesterday. I also didn't over feed them. Checking on them daily because I thought I'd mess up is my issue.

  • @amypeterson7463
    @amypeterson7463 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have a bioactive leopard gecko tank, so I already have colonies of springtails and isopods. Should I add some to my worm bins? My I have had my worms for years, in a VermiHut, and never had those critters in my bin before.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      They help process the food faster for the worms so you can get castings faster. Sometimes they do get in a population boom and are annoying. 🪱😃👍🏼

  • @AJsGreenTopics
    @AJsGreenTopics ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I think many have done this when starting out. I know I have.🙂

  • @ChuanfaBuddha
    @ChuanfaBuddha ปีที่แล้ว

    New to channel, finding good info. Thank you. Do you make worm tea, or just keep it more dry?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I use worm tea in the growing season but use most of my casting for add-ons when planting. I have a video on my tea and how I use it for a foliar spray.

    • @ChuanfaBuddha
      @ChuanfaBuddha ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed thank you

    • @jerrycallison6125
      @jerrycallison6125 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You found a great channel. Anne knows what she talks about.
      With respect, from the context of your question, it sounds to me like you are referring to waste moisture collected at the bottom of a bin as worm tea. This is not worm tea. Worm tea is made from castings. The leachate collected from the bottom of a bin system can be detrimental rather than helpful. Check out Anne's excellent video on worm tea to see the difference.

    • @brianseybert2189
      @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jerrycallison6125 I completely agree. Worm bin leachate is anaerobic and not something you want to do a foliar spray with or even to put in your garden soil.
      I suppose you could aerate it to kill off the anaerobic bacteria.

  • @tinguspingus295
    @tinguspingus295 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey ann, how would you say is the best way to efficiently help make the presence of microbial life active and ecosystem stable in a new bin?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      If you have people you know with bins that are running longer than 6 months get some castings. That would be the best way. I started off with a handful of my outside compost. That was less than ideal but still took months to get it stable.

    • @tinguspingus295
      @tinguspingus295 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed aw that sucks, my oldest bin is only a month old

  • @roundhousekickgirl4512
    @roundhousekickgirl4512 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I started worm farming last year and I’ve always went by the old saying, less is more with the food and I’ve yet to get a rouge bin. I have about 9 bins, 1 UWB, and a big one outside on my back porch. And I’ve always leaned more on the drier side vs sopping wet.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agree, I tend to let mine be more dry. In the case of the bag systems it isn't working so well. Live and learn. Thanks for watching 😃

  • @jophermans
    @jophermans ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m impressed with how dry your worm bin is. I have a worm hotel with a little tap on the bottom, and holes in each layer so the worms can migrate up and down. But it never is as dry as this… should that be my goal?
    I use straw as a bedding. Would you recommend that?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I run on the dry side. It is not ideal if you are trying to expand your population. It is good to get a faster harvest. If your goal is to get more worms then keep it wetter. I would think straw is fine. Mine eat paper and cardboard because that is what I get for free.

    • @jophermans
      @jophermans ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed thank you for sharing! And that’s actually a very helpful insight. Wetter bin for population growth. A more dry bin for faster composting.
      I guess paper and carton breaks down faster than straw, especially when it’s wet. For the last two years I noticed the straw I use hardly gets eaten by the worms.
      There are some pretty big and strong worms in my bin, but I guess that is because it’s been pretty wet this last year (and loads of eggs). Very different to the smaller worms I could spot in your video.
      I will try to dry out the hotel this year and see what happens

  • @cynthiaedwards726
    @cynthiaedwards726 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How often do you fluff/aerate your bins?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      About monthly. :)

  • @theleadlifereloading5742
    @theleadlifereloading5742 ปีที่แล้ว

    I live in New York, and I'm coming into some very cold sub-freezing weather, and the wife won't let me bring in my 40gallon bin with 4lbs of mixed worms. I puree, and freeze all my food. Then I defrost, and mix with shredded cardboard and start a hot compost and put in the middle of my bin. Keeps my bin at 60 to 88 degrees while freezing outside. Your thoughts? Oh and I also make my own Worm chow, with various grains and flours. I also use wet dog food.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      That is great. How many winters have you gone through? I have not figured out what I'm doing with my outside bin yet.

    • @theleadlifereloading5742
      @theleadlifereloading5742 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Had freezing weather this past few night, bin was at 90'. Never had an issue all these years. I experiment all the time with mini hot compost feedings. Keep the entire bin toasty.

    • @dennisjohnson4228
      @dennisjohnson4228 ปีที่แล้ว

      hey man I'm in similar situation. I'm in my and my wife is grossed out also. Do you keep it in a garage or enclosed non heated area. Do you have air holes in bin? thanks.

  • @lindalinda-ie3hw
    @lindalinda-ie3hw ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i think you would really enjoy pottery bc you use your hands creatively

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      I have often thought about that. Maybe someday 😃👍🏼🪱

  • @littlehouseontherock-wormery
    @littlehouseontherock-wormery ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am guilty of 3. Not overfeeding as I watched many videos before I started and knew to not overfeed but I had to check my worms every day. Now when I have more bins I give some of them a break. I don't like to make things complicated and I like to use what I already have.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You and your worms are luckier than most. I am sure I did it all in the beginning.

    • @littlehouseontherock-wormery
      @littlehouseontherock-wormery ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@PlantObsessed I am not sure if my worms would agree with you LOL
      I really had to check them every day

    • @amosremy7454
      @amosremy7454 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@littlehouseontherock-wormery same here

  • @patrickbuildsit
    @patrickbuildsit 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I tried to get too “mathematical” with feedings when I first started. Starting a bi-weekly feeding schedule, I weighed each feeding with increasing amounts based on some rate of reproduction I found. 🤦‍♂️ It was a MESS! I’ve moved on to a more “reactive” feeding schedule like you suggested and it’s been pretty smooth sailing.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Worm math is non linear for sure. Number of worms, type of food, temperature, type of worm, age of worm, age of worm bed. Too complicated for mere humans lol 👍🏼🪱😄

  • @NanasWorms
    @NanasWorms ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Worm farming taught me to be patient! I’m still not patient enough- I’m a work in progress…

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Patience is not my best virtue either. Lol thanks for watching 😃

    • @brianseybert2189
      @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My 1st year growing worms was the worse. Since then, I have learned to leave my worms alone and only feed them when the food was gone. Happy worms, happy me!!!

    • @brentparks8524
      @brentparks8524 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      If I wanted patients, I would have become a doctor.

  • @Joe-hu7lx
    @Joe-hu7lx 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Your demeanor is abrasive. Whether or not this means it improves the farming, I don’t know. Could be the perfect personality for the task, or other tasks.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  11 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Hahahahah 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂

  • @katherinedaniels317
    @katherinedaniels317 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can I pls ask how long can I leave my bin without harvesting it??

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This bin size as I have here I harvest every 6 months. If the castings start getting sticky it becomes more urgent.

    • @katherinedaniels317
      @katherinedaniels317 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed I've had my bin for bout 6months now but I don't really need the castings atm so was wondering if it's possible I leave it for another couple months what do u think ?? My bin is like 3/4 to the top now

    • @sandy5149
      @sandy5149 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@katherinedaniels317 You can store the harvested castings until you need them. I guess the worms will be happier in fresh bedding😊

  • @waynetadlock9719
    @waynetadlock9719 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yup!!

  • @mary-kayperris4876
    @mary-kayperris4876 ปีที่แล้ว

    mY bin is very wet - I never water. Add shredded paper and sometimes cardboard. Cardboard gets wet but does not get eaten. I feed them mainly greens. What am I doing wrong?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      How many worms do you have and how old is the bin? This can make a big difference.

    • @mary-kayperris4876
      @mary-kayperris4876 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed Thank you for responding to me. I have a few hundred and it is about 5 months old. It smells good. They are in a plastic container 6in deep, 10 in wide and 15" long. I dont have space for anything bigger. I am constantly donating my worms to others that want to have a small worm farm.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mary-kayperris4876 a few hundred worms is not many. 5 months is also pretty young for a bin with very few worms. Most people start a bus bin sized container with 1,000 worms. I would add only enough food that they can eat in a week off to one corner. It is ok if it is wet right now, you want them to breed.

    • @mary-kayperris4876
      @mary-kayperris4876 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed Thank you so much!!

  • @billiebruv
    @billiebruv ปีที่แล้ว

    I place over 500grams to what was 500 red wrigglers, and that is consumed by about day, if not earlier, but I do have colemebela, woodlouse, millipedes, and some mites

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      You feed the weight of the worms almost every day? How big is the bin and how long has it been going? I am very interested in hearing from you how you do it.

    • @billiebruv
      @billiebruv ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@PlantObsessed it's just one of those 30ltr or so domestic stacker bins.
      I am a student studying Dr Elaine Inghams Soil Food Web course.
      The main material is an incomplete Bio-Complete thermophilic compost
      I have created a chow, there you go, using some of your lingo, a recipe and process to produce high end finished product for soil innoculation
      I live in the south of Tasmania, pure water and air, no industry, traffic or flight paths, nice

    • @billiebruv
      @billiebruv ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@PlantObsessed and I bought the worms at the middle of winter, it was cold wet and rainy, brought it inside and placed it on a propagating hotbed, and still there, it is still quite cool and wet here

  • @michaelfoster8530
    @michaelfoster8530 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You can't expect the worms to eat their weight in cardboard. Try some peat moss, leaf mulch and pureed food scraps. They will eat through that in no time at all.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly

    • @richardway3761
      @richardway3761 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I haven't bought any worm feed since I started over 8 years ago just saying, it's gone up in price and you really don't need it.

    • @shaggyd00kale58
      @shaggyd00kale58 ปีที่แล้ว

      I puree all the food scraps and they go through that in no time.

  • @minkoil00
    @minkoil00 ปีที่แล้ว

    She touched every worm in those bins lol

  • @ontherocksinthesoilmichael6739
    @ontherocksinthesoilmichael6739 ปีที่แล้ว

    What is the 3 biggest differences / changes between when you started and now? topic for discussion.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I would say that I am less anxious about the worms now. I don't feed twice a week. I don't look in on them and handle them daily.

  • @tommcg7564
    @tommcg7564 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Is there a reason why my castings are darker?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      If you used leaf bedding or fed lots of coffee that could be the reason. I often see a difference when I feed leaves. 🪱👍🏼😃

    • @amosremy7454
      @amosremy7454 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Great😊 question

  • @sludgegulper
    @sludgegulper 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Piece of advise do NOT put onion or lemon peels in your worm bins.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That is not true. Literally everyone I know adds onions and citrus and all the worms are fine.

  • @sansarsingh2716
    @sansarsingh2716 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why frozen material is used for feed

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      The act of freezing the food makes it easier for the worms to eat it. For fruit and vegetables it makes them eat faster. It is best to warm it to room temperature before feeding.

  • @freeasabird5187
    @freeasabird5187 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I chop everything up before putting it in the worm farm. I have been told not to put citrus in the farm.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I have heard the citrus thing too. It is not true. A mature bin over 6 months old can process citrus no problem. 😃👍🏼🪱

  • @ms.es.fabulousfirsties4055
    @ms.es.fabulousfirsties4055 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    It looks like you have 1 bin but you keep saying 3 levels. I dont understand.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      This was the DIY stacked bin. There were 3 different identical totes nested together. I hope that helps. 👍🏼😁🪱

    • @sedoniadragotta8323
      @sedoniadragotta8323 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@PlantObsessedwhat do you use to top it up leaves carded can you also use compost ?

    • @damianchronoisseur
      @damianchronoisseur 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yes newspaper shredded on bottom works, then dark soil, compost on top with some worms

  • @amandaschumacher3437
    @amandaschumacher3437 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can worms (red worms) eat rasins? I’m new to worm farming (I started 4/8/23 so I need some good tips plz!!)

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      I would soak them in water. I found all dehydrated food needs to be rehydrated to help them eat it faster. I would only feed a few spoonfuls and see what they do in a week. Very new worm bins work slower and are more likely to have problems. Good luck.

  • @luisaguinigajr3385
    @luisaguinigajr3385 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I live in Los Angeles there really no place to dig for worms do you know anyone that would mail out ten or 20 worms. I have a compost bucket. Ready to go. I love worms.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You can probably go to a bait shop and get a few cups of red wigglers or European nightcrawlers.👍🏼😀🪱

  • @Towanda99
    @Towanda99 ปีที่แล้ว

    I thought the bottom level was just for the liquid juice from their casting and only the middle level got worms to start with hmmm

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      That was what I started with but the worms made it known they wanted to roam free. 😃🪱👍🏼

  • @user-pi8hx3hl8q
    @user-pi8hx3hl8q 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What's the growth rate

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The worms will double every 3 months . The size of the worm depends on the food provided. I find mine stay small unless I go heavy on the worm chow. 👍🏼🪱😁

    • @user-pi8hx3hl8q
      @user-pi8hx3hl8q 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ok but it seems like am working on Patience for far too long....their expansion rate seems to be wanting....

  • @TimeSurfer206
    @TimeSurfer206 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    2 quick observations to a great video: She's right, it's better to underfeed your worms than to overfeed them.
    And yes, it is quite possible to have enough worms to take care of all of your edible wastes. Expect it to take a few years to populate about half a garage's worth of Worm Bins.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yep I started with a few pounds and now ... They take up my basement.👍🏼😊🪱

  • @Mothobius
    @Mothobius ปีที่แล้ว

    I keep my worms in a bucket with a lid so I just throw old rotten fruits and vegetables on top and they eat them pretty fast. And breed alot.

  • @elizabethhoude5913
    @elizabethhoude5913 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oh onions? 😮 I thought onions were not good for worms

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      Onions are just fine. I have been feeding them forever. I would use them sparingly in a new bin. Any bin over 6 months old can eat just about anything.

  • @GK.4
    @GK.4 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What to do if worm tea is not collecting

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I don't use the stuff that leaks out. I mix finished casting with water. Is that what you mean?👍🏼🪱😃

    • @amosremy7454
      @amosremy7454 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

      You don't collect worm tea. That's Leache waste water. You make worm tea by soaking castings, molasses and aerate

  • @user-ml3qw2wi9b
    @user-ml3qw2wi9b 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Is good to add I.M.O in a warm bin

  • @iwax64
    @iwax64 ปีที่แล้ว

    What strikes me most, is that your hands don't end up covered in real dirt.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      Sometimes if the bin is super muddy they are pretty dirty. Thank you for watching.

  • @Mothobius
    @Mothobius ปีที่แล้ว

    Also to add the worm bucket has lot's of springtails, millipedes, and mites in it, but the majority of the food gets eaten by the worms. Most people say not to put food directly on the top but I don't know I'm just good I guess. That's how they get food in the wild.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Mine are inside, if I put mine on top I would have bugs everywhere. So I bury it to prevent a pest explosion. Lol

  • @juanitanoble3190
    @juanitanoble3190 ปีที่แล้ว

    Everything you say makes perfect sense. But I have to wonder, how do you keep your worms alive (not starving) while you wait those first 6 months for the ecosystem to stabilize?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The bin still gets fed but just not as much. In reality the worms are not the ones eating their own body weight a week. The bin ecosystem is doing half the eating. The worms then reprocess the material when they are done. Worms can reprocess the same castings many times before it looses its nutritional value.

    • @juanitanoble3190
      @juanitanoble3190 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Seems my notion to feed them half-finished compost may have been a lucky accident! Now I'm going to start collecting pill bugs to put in the bins. Anything else free or cheap I can do to expedite the process?

    • @brianseybert2189
      @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@juanitanoble3190 I have completely gone to compost and shredded leaves as bedding. It introduces a new dimension of biology into your worm castings.

    • @juanitanoble3190
      @juanitanoble3190 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@brianseybert2189 I've read a few places where people who did this ended up with a mite overgrowth. How long have you been using this mix for bedding?

    • @brianseybert2189
      @brianseybert2189 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@juanitanoble3190 I started using natural bedding two winters ago. Perhaps I've just been lucky, or a combination of luck and keeping my worms on the dry side.
      Unfortunately my luck has worn out.
      I discovered jumping worms in my potato bed and leaf mold pile this year. I had to take all of that beautiful leaf mold and cook in my pellet grill and most of it I ran through hot composts to kill off the cocoons.
      I encourage everyone who gardens to check with their DNR to see if jumping worms are in their area. I was oblivious to jumping worms until I discovered them this fall.

  • @AHSP483
    @AHSP483 หลายเดือนก่อน

    👍👍

  • @CamdenMade
    @CamdenMade 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I don’t give mine citrus, onions or peppers

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  3 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Question, is it because someone told you not to or did you have a bad experience? 😃👍🏼🪱

  • @benjamintaine4476
    @benjamintaine4476 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you sell your grown worms?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      No I use all the worms and casting at home.

    • @benjamintaine4476
      @benjamintaine4476 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed sorry for being naive but what do you use the worms for? I have worm bins myself and I use the worm to feed my eels and soft shell turtles

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@benjamintaine4476 I give them to friends for worm bins. The worms are self limiting so if the population grows too much they stop breeding.

    • @benjamintaine4476
      @benjamintaine4476 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed thanks for your reply. Cheers

  • @MrByronbuchanan
    @MrByronbuchanan ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve been trying to kill the springtails and mites smh

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      I did in the beginning too. Live and learn.

  • @jamesduff6937
    @jamesduff6937 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    are slugs ok in a worm farm?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I would not like them. The eggs would hatch in the garden and eat my hostas. I don't believe they will hurt the worms.👍🏼🪱😃

    • @jamesduff6937
      @jamesduff6937 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@PlantObsessed thank you for your reply. Good to know they don't harm the worms. Cheers.

  • @Vermicompost
    @Vermicompost ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am sooo guilty of 1 and 3 especially early on!! I impatiently loved them too much😂🤣😂Thanks for the W-Urban legend shout out!! Super awesome video full of great advice!!🪱🪱🪱

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you. Yeah it gets us all lol

  • @sheezy2526
    @sheezy2526 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Whats wrong with loving my wriggly little minions that do my bidding

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Absolutely nothing. Just don't show your love by over feeding. 🪱👍🏼😀

  • @kawai99100
    @kawai99100 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Need some water.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  16 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Yep👍🏼😃🪱

  • @jamessanders4310
    @jamessanders4310 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Worms love watermelon...

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  หลายเดือนก่อน

      For sure they do.😀🪱👍🏼

  • @carmenortiz5294
    @carmenortiz5294 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I thought onion and garlic were NOT recommended, same as the citrus and tomatoes. They are not good for the worms even if they eat them, as the last part, that was a lot of person moving few worms around.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I believe you have bought into what us science based people would call a worband legend. A healthy worms bin ecosystem can absolutely eat anything you do... in moderation.👍🏼🪱😃

    • @carmenortiz5294
      @carmenortiz5294 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@PlantObsessed Even many humans eat things that are not good for them, because they are hungry, that doesn't make them healthy, which is why most people in the US have some sort of medical condition. Used to work for top health insurance company in the US can mention the due to non-disclosure papers I signed. You would NOT ever find me taking any medication, asides from the occasional aspirin made from the bark of tree. Stupid people fall for anything. I guess PlantObsession has affected you ability to comprehend. Just because you say so, doesn't make you an expert, just one of hundreds if not thousands telling us complete nonsense.

  • @LordMondegrene
    @LordMondegrene 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Worms can't eat hard foods that havn't been cut up, like avocado pits, and that dry bottom layer looked too dry for worms or decomposition.
    Are you composting kitchen waste, or mummifying it?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Composting 😃🪱👍🏼

    • @cherylhowker1792
      @cherylhowker1792 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@PlantObsessedthink maybe you been doing it long enough to see what you are doing and act on it … that’s what I believe Ann- having watched ya for 6 months or more, I would trust what you say over a lot of others

  • @Antmanwald0423
    @Antmanwald0423 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I really doesn’t get any easier, leave them alone and feed them a little once a week. I have to many buckets someone stop me.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Worm farming is a bit of an addiction. It may be incurable lol 🪱👍🏼🪱😃

    • @ms.es.fabulousfirsties4055
      @ms.es.fabulousfirsties4055 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You say three layers but it looks like one bin

  • @user-th7kn1kb1r
    @user-th7kn1kb1r 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    ❤🙋‍♀️

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      🪱😃👍🏼

  • @tombrunner8181
    @tombrunner8181 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What I see often and irritates me a lot,
    since I myself consider the compost to be as valuable as the worm.
    There is chemistry in a colorful newspaper and there is often a lot of poison in the peel of a purchased fruit. Why voluntarily contaminate such a valuable product?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The solution to pollution is dilution.

    • @tombrunner8181
      @tombrunner8181 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@PlantObsessed That's a possibility, If the given circumstances do not allow otherwise. Where I come from, a lot of things go wrong. But one thing is a value that is so great, I can just drink our tap water. It is not treated and cleaner than from a PET bottle

  • @gulfcoastbean
    @gulfcoastbean 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Why are your worms so small?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      High population causes them to decrease in size. In the beginning I was talking some out to promote growth. I ended up with 23 worm bins. Too much to care for with the resources I have. Now I let them self regulate.👍🏼🪱🙂

    • @amosremy7454
      @amosremy7454 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@PlantObsessedyou're doing amazing à

  • @gregbutler9873
    @gregbutler9873 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m out … I will just stay as executive producer , btw one half kilogram is 1 .1 lbs.😂😂

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hum I suppose I spelled something wrong too

    • @gregbutler9873
      @gregbutler9873 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PlantObsessed spell check is working 😂😂😂😘

    • @Paula_T
      @Paula_T ปีที่แล้ว

      😂

    • @slhemp3556
      @slhemp3556 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@PlantObsessed 😂

  • @LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp
    @LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What is a DIY bin

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Do it yourself=DIY made from stuff at the home Depot

  • @Jeremihayes75
    @Jeremihayes75 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was the six hundred & sixty sixth to hit like ☝️

  • @erikkayV
    @erikkayV หลายเดือนก่อน

    I got the 3 things within the first 35 seconds and then clicked off the video.

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  หลายเดือนก่อน

      You type fast😀👍🏼🪱

  • @allendobbs4154
    @allendobbs4154 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Is it just the lighting and or age of your vermipost that makes it look so light brown? Mine is always black as night once the castings start building up? Also what species of compost worms do you use, Red Wigglers? Ive been using Euro reds for about 3 years and never had a problem with how fast or slow they produce castings, i actually have just the opposite problem. Not only do i have a ridiculous amount of castings compared to what i sell, but i literally have to depopulate my smaller bins and move a hell of alot of worms to my big outdoor bed. I also collect eggs because i thought maybe i could sell some of the excess and use one bin as what i call the nursery. I guess i cant complain beacause having the problem of to much should be a blessing but i went from the newbie overprotective worm parent the first year to damn guys take it easy, your supposed to be the bigger slower family member. 🫣😬 P.S. sorry for my bla bla bla, i honestly didn't mean to turn my comment in to a bookment. 😆🤐😬

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  16 วันที่ผ่านมา

      My vermicompost is representative of the bedding I use. If there is lots of cardboard it is lighter. More leaves then it is darker. My 55 Gallon bin is a mix of reds, blues and euros. I make an actual ton a year and don't have enough to sell due to the size of my garden and landscaping. Maybe someday 👍🏼😃🪱

  • @4Naturalgreen
    @4Naturalgreen ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you feed them coffee grounds, grass clippings, and dry tree leaves?

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, not a ton of green grass or coffee at the same time but dry leaves are safe.

  • @peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920
    @peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Greetings Ann, from Windermere, Florida zone 9b
    Great advice = Good job Ann 🪱💓🪱
    Very Common Sense for the best health of your worms 🪱 💓🪱

    • @PlantObsessed
      @PlantObsessed  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for watching and sending me warm weather. it is 80 today!! I get to have my windows open again!

    • @peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920
      @peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@PlantObsessed Glad I could help...heat rises🤣
      I just uploaded 2 videos on Worm Tea and I stood in front of the camera 😱
      This is hard work 😂