Texas Vermicomposting
Here is a question from Wayne:
I would like to start a worm composting bin. I want it
outside. I have a lot of scrap lumber laying around. My qestion is how
big? Also I live in Central Texas so is the heat going to be to much
for them. I would love to do it indoors but my wife is having none of
it including the garage. Any advice on size would greatly help. Thanks
Hi Wayne,
I’ve heard that the heat of summer can get pretty crazy in Texas (and other southern states), so site location will certainly be a very important consideration. For starters, I’d strongly suggest constructing the bin in a full-shade location – preferably as spot that still gets a decent breeze.
A wooden system is definitely a great idea since it will ‘breathe’ much better than something made out of plastic (I would never, ever recommend putting a plastic worm bin outside in Texas summer heat). As long as you keep the material nice and moist, the evaporative cooling should really help to lower the temps inside.
I would also make the system partially in-ground if possible – even if this simply meant digging a pit below. The subsurface soil should be a fair bit cooler than the ambient air temps. Perhaps partially embedding the bin into a north-facing hill (if you happen to have one of your property) would be another option.
Size of the system is an important consideration. I’d recommend a fairly large bin (perhaps a cubic yard or bigger) since this will help to prevent rapid temperature and moisture fluctuations. Of course, with larger size you will need to be a lot more cautious about what, and how much you add to the bin – particularly when you first set it up. You should definitely start with a really high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio habitat – lots of shredded cardboard, newsprint, peat most etc. Mix in some food materials as well, but definitely don’t fill the entire thing with manure for example, or you’ll end up with even more heating concerns. Bulky materials like the shredded cardboard will also help to increase airflow (and evaporative cooling) in the bin.
When all else fails, you might also try various artificial cooling techniques. One of the easiest methods is to simply rotate a bunch of frozen water bottles in the bin. If on the other hand you are looking for something a little more high-tech, perhaps Nathan’s ‘Counter Current Soil Cooler‘ on the Vermicomposters Forum would be up your alley.
Hope this helps, Wayne!
Written by Bentley on June 18th, 2009 with
8 comments.
Read more articles on Reader Questions.
Christy Olson
Bentley
Heather
Georgina
1937 lb of Organic Waste, and Counting!
#1. June 18th, 2009, at 9:11 PM.
Wayne,
I would suggest that you start small. The Rubbermaid tote and 1000 worms is an inexpensive start. I started my first bin in the garage in the middle of winter (I didn’t want to upset my wife). Well, after tons of research, I moved it inside. I was able to prove that my bin does not smell like anything. Letty agreed that I could move it inside as long as it wasn’t in her way.
I eventualy moved everything outside due to the population explosion of worms. Today the heat index is 105 degrees, my bins are 80 degrees.
My wife now brags about me at work and now people walk past our house and admire her gardens (could it be because of the fertilizer she uses?)
I recently started a new bin with the feeedstock from my composter, it smelled really, really bad and had a lot of bugs in it. In 24 hours the smell was gone and the bugs were to, the outside microwave took care of the bugs and a balanced system never smells. Odors are a sign of something is wrong.
I recently sent off a sample of vermicompost to K State for nutrient values, if the values are as high as I want, I can start selling the vermicompost for about 10.00 a pound. What was once our garbage may be worth 10.00 a pound. Something to think about.
Good luck!