Yesterday I wrote about Robyn’s creepy-pants-inspired vermicomposting system – the ‘Worm Inn‘. Well, it seems Robyn isn’t wasting ANY time moving forward with this (whoohoo!) and I already have an update for everyone.
If you are interested in browsing Robyn’s selection of Worm Inn designs and potentially buying one, be sure to check out her shop over at Etsy.com: Nomad Needles. I didn’t realize just how large the system is until I saw one of the images with a person (Robyn’s friend, in case you are wondering) standing next to it. Now I’m even more impressed! It’s clearly more that just a fun little system for trying out vermicomposting – it looks to be comparable in volume to a medium-sized indoor worm bin.
Given the fact that Robyn is making these units individually by hand (well ok – using a power sewing machine – haha), and given how great they look (not just your average worm tub), $55 for one of these is an awesome price. There are plenty of small flow-through worm systems out there these days costing upwards of $100 (or more)!
In my opinion, a system like this would make a fantastic gift for someone thinking about getting into vermicomposting. Most worm bins are pretty ugly and/or boring, but that certainly won’t be an issue with the Worm Inn. I’ve never seen such a wide colour/pattern selection available for anything relating to worms!
😆
Robyn has informed me that she’ll be putting together an ‘official’ Worm Inn website before too long, so I will keep everyone posted on that. In the meantime, be sure to check out her Etsy store and help a budding ecopreneur out by buying one of these systems!!
[tags]worm inn, worm bin, worm bins, vermicomposting, worm composting[/tags]
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How do you protect the material so that it doesn’t mold (like the creepy pants did)?
Hi Kami,
This is yet to be determined. So far no mold has developed on my original bag and I’ve had it in action for a couple months. I chose the material (cordura) because of its moisture repellent properties and I’m hoping these properties will protect agains mold as well. I’ll give an update as time goes on. Thanks for asking.
When you empty the compost out of the bottom, how do you keep the worms from falling out and having to sort them out?
Hi Corina,
The idea is that by the time you start harvesting, the worms should mostly be near the top – well away from where you are taking out compost. Obviously this is an ‘in theory’ scenario, and of course there will end up being some worms in the mix.
To control the flow of materials out of the bottom I would simply constrict it with your hand before pulling the release strings – this way you are in control of the amount of material that falls out.
That’s how I thought it would be, just wasn’t sure. Thank you! :o)
Bentley and Corina,
I have just discovered your site and I am really excited! I have never vermicomposted before and your information has been quite helpful. I was getting ready to convert a rubbermaid into a compost bin but it sounds like the Worm Inn might be a better option.
Bentley, you mentioned that I will get muck at the bottom of a plastic compost bin, why is that?
What is the volume of the Worm Inn?
As a beginner do you think it might be better to get acquainted with vermicomposting using a rubbermaid bin?
I love the site and will be checking back in a lot. I am running a summer environmental education program in Philadelphia and our first lesson will be on vermicomposting. Your site will be a big help.
Thanks,
Luke
Not to take anything away from Corina (haha) – but this here site is MINE, ALL MINE!!
[insert evil laugh]
This might sound odd, Luke (coming from a guy that sells Worm Inns) but you might simply try using a regular ol’ Rubbermaid tub for your first system. They are very easy to set up, easy to find in local stores, and inexpensive!
To answer your question, the Worm Inn is approx 2 cu ft in volume.
Thanks for the quick reply Bentley.
I’m going to start it up next week. I will return with my problems.
So glad I stumbled on your site!
This is a great website…but I can’t take credit. My website is Design-and-Conquer . com
I’m using a rubbermaid container, but will probably buy a worm bin in the future so I don’t have to really dig to get to the good stuff. The worm bin is a great idea.
Corina