Comments on: Wooden Stacking Bin-08-17-10

By: Kator

Kator — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:54:24 +0000

Hi Karen: I was reminded about this project yesterday after experiencing a minor mutiny in two of my bins, one of which had coffee grounds added. It occurred during Hurricane Igor’s visit to our fair province. Bentley and I are debating possible causes for the mutiny or walkout or whatever (so far Igor is taking the blunt of blame).

In any event, since the beginning of the coffee related blog, I’ve had this picture of an army of red wigglers marching out of Bentley’s coffee grounds bin – rushing to the nearest Tim Hortons or Starbucks for a caffine fix. Can’t wait to hear the outcome of this experiment 🙂

By: Bentley

Bentley — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:40:22 +0000

Hi Karen,
Just checked on the bin this morning and the worms seem to be thriving. I wish I had started this earlier in the season though – I think our coolish temps (especially at night) these days are slowing things down a fair bit.
Hope to post an update next week.

By: karen

karen — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:02:24 +0000

I have just been wondering how your ‘coffee only’ worms are doing.

By: Bentley

Bentley — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 03:22:52 +0000

Hi Matt,
Guess I should have elaborated a bit more on the second tray situation. I only added it because these trays are so shallow, and I had basically filled up the first one already. It definitely wasn’t “finished” or anything like that (although the worms are certainly going to work in there).
I find having the second tray going at the same time works well in this case since a lot of coffee grounds (the only type of “food” I am adding) are dropping down into the first tray.
Will aim to include a pic of the 1st tray contents when I next add an update.
8)

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:49:33 +0000

Just out of curiosity Bently, did you take a picture of the initial bin right before you added the second tray? I am new to this, and into my third week of my first bin… WF 360.

If my calculations are close, you had the first bin going for about 11 days before adding the second… wow that is fast. Since being so new I was curious what the first bin looked like.

Thanks for adding some (a lot) knowledge to this addiction, I have been bit and plan on doing a lot more. In the last two weeks I have gotten two small pickup loads of well aged and composted horse manure.

Thanks again,
Matt

By: Bentley

Bentley — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:55:10 +0000

Hi Jacob,
The trays are about 3″ deep – very shallow!
I would definitely recommend making them 6-10″

By: Jacob

Jacob — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:42:25 +0000

Bentley – How deep are the trays on the one you have? From the picture they look to be 1×6 sides with 2×4 legs. How deep do you think the trays should be?

By: Kator

Kator — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:14:09 +0000

Bentley – Sorry for the 1 1/4 typo. I meant 1/4″ for screening size (pondering Mark’s experience in looking to the heavens while examining bin bottom 🙂 ). I picked up the supplies yesterday and assault .. er .. assembly .. will begin tomorrow.
————-
Larry D. – Excellent point. I was initially considering cedar (being an aromatic wood) but decided on pine for the very reason you raise. I’m seeking optimum living conditions for the lil critters. Thanks for reinforcing my decision.

By: LARRY D.

LARRY D. — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:08:11 +0000

Kator-sorry i responded late.they say cedar is bad.So i had to build mine out of cedar.But use pine.I haven’t had problems yet.The screen is 1/4 for sure.1/8 will work.But be aware these dry out readily.Keep a check on it.Also if it goes outside,ants love mine.Guess they know dryer times are coming soon!

By: Bentley

Bentley — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:19:13 +0000

Just to be clear, Kator – I was suggesting 1/4″ mesh (not 1 1/4″).
I think your stacking bin will work very well inside, and your logic (re: putting it inside right away) is definitely sound. There are lots of other critters outside that you won’t want inside, and I would imagine that the weather will be cooling off a fair bit in your neck of the woods before too long!
8)