Cool Large-Scale Worm Bed

Someone recently shared this video (in a comment on my Super Simple Passive Worm Farm) and I thought it was really interesting.

A variation of this bed could be used as a great winter system, but I would recommend filling the air spaces with something (I dunno – sawdust?), or – even better – using straw bales for the walls. Also, I would recommend digging down at least a foot or two. This could be a helpful strategy in very hot locations as well.

If you have really heavy clay soil you may also want to create a drainage channel to remove excess liquid (from rain, snow melt run-off etc). Instead of the screen, a couple of layers of pond liner felt contoured to the shape of the depression (again assuming you are digging down) and secured under the walls, could work well.

NOTE: The average number of babies per cocoon for Red Worms is actually 3 (not 4-20) – to learn more about Red Worm growth rates be sure to check out this post: Will A Red Worm Population Double in 3 Months?

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Comments

  1. More about the mesh please? This design is better than my wood one, which suffers from rats.
    Is the mesh metal or plastic?

    And how about getting air to the deeper material? Enough through
    the gaps in the blocks?

    Thanks – v.interesting

    • Ray
    • November 26, 2014

    Dave P–I saw this video some time ago. It looks like the mesh is hardware cloth you would buy at any home improvement or hardware store. You’d probably get by with 1/2 inch, but 1/4 inch would be better, but more expensive.

    • Walt Pendleton
    • November 26, 2014

    I set up this system, I used quarter inch galvanized steel mesh to keep critters out. I did not cement the blocks to let some air in. Since I am in Arizona I only dug down a couple of inches. I fill half of it with aged horse manure. I bought a one inch Styrofoam to put on top. It is three feet by 10 feet which is the size of the mesh.

    • tom
    • November 28, 2014

    one of my out side bins is straw stacked 2 high for now straw can be added any time as it getting larger over time.

    • Peter
    • November 29, 2014

    For the drainage, if you’re willing to dig, could you do the construction method? A channel of gravel wrapped in landscaping cloth (water permeable). Might give a bit of aeration down there also?

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