July 25, 2012

Upkeep in the Bin- This Week's Tips

If you've already started a worm bin or are thinking about it, you might be wondering what the upkeep is like and how much time you are going to have to devote to your new project.

Great news! Not much.

The best thing about worming and maintaining your bin is that it takes hardly any effort once it's up and running- but there are lots of small things you can do to keep you and your new herd happy.



Every week, I'll give three tips to maintaining or taking advantage of your bin that I discovered along the way. This week's tips are:

1.  Place the bin on top of something like a tarp or sheet that can easily be changed or shook out. Keep the outside of the bin and the area around the bin neat and clean- the worms, scraps, and compost are inside, so no need for it to be funky outside. I mentioned this last month during Lessons Worm Wigwam-ing, but really it's applicable for any worm bin.  

2.  Keep large, clearly marked (mine say "worm bowl") containers in the fridge for scraps. From my experience this not only keeps me from having gross warm scraps potentially attracting unwanted guests or stinking up the joint, but also serves as a more visible reminder to me to feed when full. It's also an easy way to get friends and family involved with keeping your herd fed.

3. Once every month or so, wet a section of the Sunday paper (black and white print only preferred) and unfold on top inside the bin. Worms love to stay current. Just kidding! It helps keep moisture in and the worms eat through it in no time.

Happy herding- and another compost experiment update is coming soon...there are baby peppers on guess which plants...

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