As promised in my latest newsletter (sent out yesterday), I wanted to share an exciting update from Joe Denial (designer of the VermBin series of DIY flow-through bins). He emailed me a little while back to let me know that he had started harvesting vermicompost from his system.

Let me start by pointing out that it’s certainly not mandatory that you wait as long as Joe did (the better part of a year) before harvesting from your VermBin – but as you’ll see below, Joe certainly ended up with some gorgeous compost.

Anyway – here is what he had to say:

3″ from the top.
Finally cut open the bottom of the bin and harvested 1.5″ of finished material. Only 5 worms.

Been at this bin, coming up to a year, diligently.

Couldn’t be happier with the results. After taking what I did, the upper 20″ settled to the top of the rods as hoped.
Perfect system, but you need to be patient about priming the pump.

I had to cut open the bottom because it never completely rotted (layered it heavily). Did this because of the escaping worms that I had at the beginning. Used a utility knife to cut between the bars and it easily came out. The rake I salvaged from a hand cultivator. Cut the handle down and cut the tines to 2.5″. Fits perfect and takes only what I want. I have 2 night lights on the shelf for insurance.

Have to say, that I was unsure of the harvesting process. Not how, but the idea that the material would just fall out.

The castings are so compacted and moist, that it doesn’t happen.

So glad to have this setup. Takes minimal effort and produces just like we thought.

This is really exciting news – and I certainly appreciate Joe allowing me to post it here!
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