The Set Up and installation
The worm factory
Vermicomposting for newbies part 2
The first thing I noticed about the “Worm factory” was how easy it was to set up. The instruction book that comes with the unit is very easy to understand. There is a base piece and a collection try with a spigot coming out of the side. These pieces all come together with little effort and don’t require any tools. It also comes with three “working trays” that will be used to house your worms.
Unlike some men, I like to read directions and I would suggest every one do this because it is very informative. It not only gives you the step by step to setting up your composter it is also full of information on your new best friends and information about what, why, and when to feed your worms. The unit will come with a coconut coir brick that will be rehydrated and some paper shredding as well.
At first I was intimidated by the setup of the first working tray. I read the instructions probably a dozen times before I actually did it. I decide that my garage would be the ideal spot for my factory as it will provide easy access from the kitchen, it will be protected from the elements and I can elevate it so the kids don’t try to get into it. It could also be put outside but it would need to be put in the shade and need to be brought in during the winter so it doesn’t freeze. From here I simply followed the formula laid out in the instructions. Damp newspaper on the bottom, the rehydrated coconut coir with a little bit of leaf litter, then some protein like salad greens or some kitchen scraps, and the shredded paper. Then I gently dumped my worms onto the paper. I started with about 500 worms as this is about a pound and a good number to start with though you can start with more. Then you put a few more pieces of damp newspaper on top and put the lid on. It took about 10 minuets to get it set up.
From here I waited a few days until I added any more food. I would open up the lid once a day and move some of the material around to see how my worms were adjusting to their new home. Once I saw a lot of them eating the protein I started them with I began to add some more food and paper. I didn’t add too much, and I have been adding protein and paper at the same time to keep them balanced. So far so Good. The worms seam to be thriving and working the media well. I just hope I can keep this up.
To be continued….
Nolan