Winter Vermicomposting Wrap-Up

Not sure what’s going on with the weather this year, but here in the middle of March we’re getting daily highs comparable to the middle of May (not sure if I should be happy or scared! LOL). This past weekend I decided I’d better convert my “winter windrow” bed into a regular outdoor worm bed so as to avoid having it completely overheat on me!

This was a pretty simple process, really – all I did was remove the tarp and cover the bed with a bunch of straw. Apart from helping to release heat, I think the added air flow (and occasional watering when we get rain) will also help to improve the quality of the habitat for the worms.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Mother Nature has a cold weather surprise or two in store for us during the next month or so, but I’m not particularly worried. We’re certainly past any chance for extended winter-like conditions.

Maybe next winter I’ll actually get the chance to test out the effectiveness of this system!
😉

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Comments

    • Rob Carr
    • March 21, 2012

    Utah Winter Garage Test
    This is the first winter that I have had a vermicompost bin in the garage 40 – 50 degrees (never freezing, but never optimal temperatures. In the summer I rotated my bins every week but through the winter months I have watered, emptied the water bin, and feed the worms, and at that only minimally. This Saturday March 24th 2012 I will add another bin for the worms to crawl up into, and check the lower bins.

    My goal is to have accumulated a large amount of worms (live) to start a 2X2x6 foot trench in the garden the end of May.

    Any guesses as to if I will have any worm survivors?

    • Elias Gootzeit
    • September 30, 2013

    I volunteer with a Mount Vernon, NY community garden where none of us know when, whether or not we should… We have 20 4’x8’x9″ raised boxes. Is there any reason why I can’t/shouldn’t make all of the boxes worm habitats in which I plant fruits and vegetables also? Can I start now?

    • Bentley
    • October 2, 2013

    ROB – sorry I missed your comment! My hunch is that the worms would do just fine (assuming Red Worms or Euros). If you signed up for new comment notifications perhaps you can let us know how you made out!

    ELIAS – Not sure what the climate is like in Mt Vernon NY, but I don’t imagine it would be too much warmer than up here in Southern Ontario (CAN). I’ve had composting worms survive in a raised bed that only received some coffee grounds and misc yard waste prior to the onset of winter weather. But if I was going to purposely try to keep a thriving population of worms going I’d probably mix in a huge load of horse manure, maybe some corrugated cardboard – then cover with a thick layer of straw/hay (maybe even secure a tarp over top). By spring the bed should be very rich, and loaded with worms.

    • Elias S. Gootzeit
    • October 11, 2013

    If I want to use Red Worms, how many per square do I buy to start an 8? x 4? x 9? box?

    • ELIAS S. GOOTZEIT
    • April 15, 2015

    I am President of a 501 c 3 called Neighbors That Care, Inc. We’re paying every thing by check. Can we give you an order by sending it to you? Would you need to receive such payment before fulfilling the order? If so, where should I send it; how will I confirm the order with you? Can we speak on the phone? My number is 914-469-1672.

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