Comments on: Over-feeding Challenge Update

By: Susan Bolman

Susan Bolman — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:49:17 +0000

Sorry I forgot to add, do mould and mushrooms also fall into the category of helpful, just ignore them?

By: Susan Bolman

Susan Bolman — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:44:47 +0000

Bentley, am I correct in thinking that with a few exceptions, it doesn’t matter what or how much you have of other critters? Even that all of these critters are beneficial for the system? Your photo reminded me to ask this question. I recently read of someone rinsing the worms off to get rid if mites and that they are her ‘bane.’ The woman who is teaching and promoting worms in my city says they are all ‘residents in good standing’ and speed up the process. I do draw the line at things that fly and take their nutrients away from the system (and come visit me in the kitchen!)

By: Bentley

Bentley — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:27:31 +0000

Kim – I have multiple ‘open bin’ systems. I have my vermicomposting tray systems (have written about them before – pretty sure you commented on that thread), open Rubbermaid tubs, as well as my Worm Inns. I am not using any systems that have an actual lid on them. I do not have any drainage holes. The Worm Inns have an opening at the bottom, but there is very little (if any) drainage. I used to use only covered bins for the most part – this is totally fine, but you have to be a bit more careful with these systems since excess food etc can really cause issues.

Sara – If the system is outside there probably isn’t a LOT you can do to protect it, other than adding a nice thick layer of bedding over top of the composting zone. If indoors, the key is to avoid letting these critters get established in the first place. Make sure all your fruit/veg waste is either cooked or frozen to ensure that no viable fruit fly eggs end up being added (can be present in fruit skin). Really, a well ventilated system is not going to protect you against these pests anyway, since they will eventually fine the air holes and get in that way.

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:26:48 +0000

Bentley ,

How to deal with the fruit flies larva / maggots , when we practice the open bin system as of yours. Exposed fruit waste always attracting the fruit flies.

By: Kate

Kate — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 03:28:43 +0000

Gorgeous picture there Bentley. Most of my worms are more stripy. Hehe, natural variation. I think everything I’ve learned about biology and ecology I’ve been able to apply to my worms – except maybe invasive species, knock on wood

By: George

George — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:12:28 +0000

Kim and Bentley

I just came to the comments section to ask that very question. I am having second thoughts about the COW.

Thanks 2

By: Kim from Milwaukee

Kim from Milwaukee — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:01:37 +0000

That is one gorgeous worm picture, Bentley!!! What color!

B, when you say ‘open bin system’, what exactly are you doing differently? Maybe I’m a little dense, but are you just using Rubbermaid bins without a cover, or are you using a different bin without a cover? Do you have drainage holes? I’d appreciate as much detail as possible….I’m looking to switch gears a bit with my bins, to avoid mass suicides or any other mysterious historical wormicide events.

Thanks!