Comments on: Turbo Light Harvesting Method

By: Carly

Carly — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:16:52 +0000

i just harvested for the first time, I also use the rubbermaid bins. The method I used was kind of a mash-up of this and David’s method. From a local wormer I picked up a frame/tray made of wood and 1/4″ hardware cloth ($7). Lay the tray on top of the new bedding, dump a 1″ layer of compost and worms on top and expose to the light. It worked pretty well. I posted photos on my flickr page, linked from my name above.

By: Bentley

Bentley — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:03:14 +0000

MARA – The fruit fly trap is very easy to make. Simply pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bottle or jar, with a drop of detergent (dish soap etc). Put plastic wrap over the opening and punch some small holes it (I use fork tines). Swirl the cider around to release more smell and there you have it – all done.

As for your worms not wanting to go down – that likely means the material they are in now is not far enough along (still plenty to feast on) and/or the new system is not tempting enough (as you suspected). If you look at the photo of the material David was removing worms from, it basically looked like pure vermicompost (all dark soil-like stuff) – worms should be happy to abandon this stuff in favor of a new (yet aged – haha) system.
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JEFF – glad you liked it. This method does obviously take up some room, and potentially require some purchases being made. But fluorescent fixtures really aren’t all that expensive (definitely doesn’t need to be a grow light like the one I have), and any old table will do.
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KIM – I remember you wanting a bit more info about the tub systems I use. Glad this video proved to be the missing link for you. I find that Rubbermaid bins with the dimensions mentioned in David’s tub harvesting method post, sitting without a lid, are just as good as these black bins though – no mucky stuff.

By: Kim from Milwaukee

Kim from Milwaukee — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:11:58 +0000

OMG Bentley! You Rock! I think I learned more from this vid than from anything I’ve read up until now! I’ve been using the rubbermaid bins and I’ve gotten really disgusted with it, because, like you said, the compost is horribly wet and muddy and a total mess, and having to sit on the cold basement floor separating out the worms was something I dreaded.

I’m sooo gonna use these new bins! You make it look simple! And the compost looks wonderful!

Thank you again for taking the time to shoot and share.

By: Jeff Richards

Jeff Richards — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:04:17 +0000

Great video!

I knew there must be a faster way to harvest worms/casting from my worm bin, but I was having a tough time seeing how I could speed it up! Thanks for the demo!

By: Mara

Mara — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:13:37 +0000

Fruit fly trap! That sounds wonderful! Can you give us instructions on making that?

I will have to try this method. I have been using David’s method (first time harvesting) and I have not had much movement and its been about 2 weeks. Maybe the holes are too small or the material in the new bin is not appealing.

Thanks Bentley!