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Boardwalk :: Forum List Six (6) New Worm Digest Forums 1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum
widfam
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A Fertile Cocoon
Posts: 2
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 newbie question - 2006/09/29 11:32 New to the forum and new to worms so bear with me on the questions I just built a 12"x24" bin out of 1x12 pine. I used the pine for the 4 sides and the bottom and made a top out of screen. Do I need to drill holes in the bottom of the bin? It will be stored in the garage for now and house a little less then a half pound of worms. I was going to put in shredded newspaper, rabbit manure, cow manure, leaves and some soil from the garden. Does this seem ok? If so how should I layer the mixture? I will mix the manure,leaves and soil together but what about the paper? Any help would be great. Thanks
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Getafix
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A Juvenile Earthworm
Posts: 57
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 Re:newbie question - 2006/09/29 12:43 sorry posted in wrong thread

Post edited by: Getafix, at: 2006/09/29 12:47
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redhen
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A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 686
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 Re:newbie question - 2006/09/29 16:32 Half a pound of worms is not a lot of worms, which is okay if you plan to start very slowly.
I do not use any animal manure in my bins. I do presentations with kids and want them to dive into the vermicompost, so I would not feel they were safe, as vermicomposting is not hot composting. I also use my vermicompost on my edible garden and would not want to put that material on my vegetables. I would not also like attracting houseflies.
I always drill holes for drainage, but it is not absolutely necessary. Know that my indoor bins are all plastic and are prone to being too wet.
Do you raise rabbits? Susan Quinby-Honer
redhen@nc.rr.com
Starve the Landfill...Feed the Earth.
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Marshall
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A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 138
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 Re:newbie question - 2006/09/29 17:40 widfam wrote:
and some soil from the garden.

It is not necessary to add garden soil. You may read that a handful of soil is useful as grit for a grinding medium for the worms intestine but that is debatable. If you choose to add a bit, a small handful would be adequate.

Shredded paper is very good, and torn up cardboard is good too. I add a bit of mature compost when I am starting a new bin. It gives a kick-start to the microbe population on which the worms feed.

Good luck with your worms. Keep us informed on your progress.

Marshall Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill
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WormMainea
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A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 149
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 Re:newbie question - 2006/09/30 07:58 For indoor bins, I have found that you do not need holes in the bottom of your bin if you have adequate shredded paper on top, good ventilation, and monitor the conditions so that you don't let the bin get too wet. WormMainea.com
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widfam
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A Fertile Cocoon
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 Re:newbie question - 2006/09/30 11:30 Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a shot and see what happens. Yes my neighbor raises rabbits and I have a few cows. By the way I always put my manure on the garden it is the best organic fertilizer you can get. If I was planning on allowing childen to play in the compost I wouldn't use manure in it either. I have just a half pound of worms because my daughter bought some for a school project and had them left over and I thought I would give a try to raise them and if it worked out then maybe I would get some more.
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Boardwalk :: Forum List Six (6) New Worm Digest Forums 1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum

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