Comments on: Crazy Q&A Podcasts – Session #14

By: Bentley

Bentley — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:42:55 +0000

LILLIAN – thank for the kind words. For a typical home bin like you described, I would probably split the pound between 2 or 3 of them – obviously you need to be careful about the amount of food getting added, but when you are spreading it between 3 bins that will obviously help.
As for harvesting, I would say once the bin is about half full of dark compost material (bedding in lower half is mostly processed) or simply after 3-4 months of operation (will depend on ambient conditions though – cool temps will really slow down process).
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INES – nice to see you here, and glad you found it helpful!
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TEXGAL – You may want t refer to this article: http://www.redwormcomposting.com/worm-farming/how-harmful-are-vermicides-in-manure/
This is an issue that can vary from location to location and farm to farm. I have had ZERO issues with aged horse manure. My suspicion is that some of the reported “vermicide” deaths have simply been the result of using manure that was too fresh (and/or too much urine in it)

Poultry manure is another kettle of fish altogether. Very dry, contains salts and has a high potential for ammonia release. In order for it to be usable you really need to soak it well, mix it with bedding materials, and let it compost/age (preferably outdoors) for a while.

Horse vs cattle is a tough one. I prefer horse for sure, since nice and fibrous – offers great habitat value along with food value. Bedded cattle manure can be excellent stuff as well, though. Just be mindful of age and urine content as always.

By: Texgal

Texgal — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 12:57:32 +0000

Bentley,

I have a question about horse manure. It’s my understanding that horses are given wormers. Any issues with that?

Also, what about poultry manure? I know it’s “hot”, but can it be used
after a certain period of time?

It horse manure better than cow manure?

By: Inés

Inés — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 08:53:46 +0000

Thanx a lot for this podcast Bentley. The part of mature worm bib syndrome was especially helpful.

By: Lillian

Lillian — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 23:49:47 +0000

Loved your pod cast thanks
i had a couple questions if i may
im fairly new to this wonderful experience as you might b able to tell by my ??
how many worms would you suggest for a rubbermaid type bin aprox 19 in long i started out with a lb per bin I have harvested once and kept some for a third bin
they are doing very well but maybe i have too many in one bin ?
also when do u know its time to harvest
thanks again for great info Lillian