Comments on: Texas Vermicomposting

By: Stacie B.

Stacie B. — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:16:25 +0000

This is a few years after this posting but I wanted to see if anyone had experience with flushing vermiculture toilets. We will have to use a 275 gallon IBC tank and given this is central Texas it will be extremely difficult to get this into the ground. Anyone recommend a particular worm that would work best? I keep reading red wigglers and can find them locally. I appreciate any insight, help, good juju practices!
Thank you,
Stacie

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:23:05 +0000

Oh, and beware of fire ants invading your systems too.

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:22:40 +0000

After 5 years of vermicomposting in Texas, I have learned they can handle October -May in a trench system in the shade, but not the insanely hot heat of 100+ degrees days on end, even in the shade.

By: Dena

Dena — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:50:20 +0000

Hi, I am in the investigative process and have found all of your comments extremely helpful!! We have just moved to Waxahachie, Tx and for the first time in 30 years I have TONS of shade!! I’m thinking seriously about ordering the ‘Cedar Outdoor Worm Bin’ from Peaceful Valley Farm and garden supply- groworganic.com is their website. It works on the “dinner line” process which I find fascinating! I have a great SHADY spot behind the garage I’m thinking would make a great home for red worms. Please, any suggestions????

By: Candin

Candin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:06:08 +0000

Georgina,

That is a shame. Possibly they either escaped or an animal got into the bin. I too am trying to establish an inground bin in Central Texas. I have it all ready with a few redworms in there to try it out before ordering Wigglers.

Please let us know if you discover what happened.

Candin

By: Georgina

Georgina — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:58:39 +0000

I’ve had a worm bin for a few months now and my worms were thriving. I live in Southern California and the last few weeks have been especially hot, in the 100’s. I went away for a few days and when I came home all my worms were gone. I’ve kept my bin in a shady spot always. I have no idea what i did wrong. Please someone orient me.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:08:29 +0000

Thanks, Bentley…that helps a lot. The area is in a long established composting area, and may already have some “wild” reds? We’ll see. I plan to put a window screen mesh on top to keep out Robins, possums, the resident chickens and any other worm thief. That should help screen out the needles also.

By: Bentley

Bentley — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:05:11 +0000

Hi Heather,
If you REALLY want to hit the ground running, I’d suggest starting with at least 1/2 lb per sq ft. I’ve read about highly optimized professional systems that have contained more than 1 lb per sq ft, but in my opinion it is definitely better to let your worms to grow into a system rather than forcing them to live in extremely high densities right off the bat (will save you a LOT of money as well).

Your tannins question is a good one – I’m not really sure, but I would be a little nervous about the potent oils in the needles creating issues. Guess it depends on how much of this stuff is falling on the beds.

Your other two ideas sound fine – but not sure how these would stop the needles from falling in. Perhaps you could build a screen lid that would catch them. A system set in the ground somewhat should help to keep the worms cool, but of course it will make harvesting vermicompost a lot more difficult.

Your food ideas sound on target

The moving food line is also a great idea – there is a system (called the “Wedge”) that is based on this exact concept. Essentially you create a pile then extend it into a windrow, gradually leaving behind finished vermicompost and few worms.

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:09:51 +0000

I am planning on setting up a couple of large (20’x5′) outdoor vermicompost areas in the Sept./Oct. time frame.
Questions:
1.How many lbs of worms could I start with in an area that size? Is there some magic formula for optimal number of worms per square foot?
2.The area is shaded by a couple of evergreens–should I be worried about tannins or other residue?
3. Would it be better to dig a trench (how deep are you other Texans digging?), or to set up a straw bale bin and place compost within there?

4.I am planning on using mostly-composted horse stall waste (manure, wood shavings) and adding fruit and veggie waste–possibly from a restaurant. Any issues with that, as long as it is no longer “hot compost”?

I am in the hot Dallas area.

5. One last question…my thought is to add the worms to one end and then place new food scraps ahead of them each time, allowing them to leave vermicompost “behind” them for easier harvesting. Is that feasible or not a workable idea?

Thanks!

By: Bentley

Bentley — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:06:28 +0000

MARK & CHRISTY – thanks for sharing your experiences. Great info!
8)