AJuff Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Has anyone got an original wormery? I really like the idea of one but I have a few questions. Does the bin every get full? Can you turn it like an ordinary compost bin? Do you need to add more worms in time or do they breed? How do you get the compost out? How good is the liquid for the vegetable patch? Would it eliminate the need for other plant food? Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chooks Aloud Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 I have an original wormery as well as the wormery you can stack. It gets as full as you want to make it, depending on how much stuff you put in. I don't turn my, just let the worms do their stuff. You just add worms in the beginning and they breed like mad. The liquid is very good and there is loads of it. You just need to remember to tap it off. I do find the original wormery very heavy once full to empty and really it is better if there is another person available to help you to lift and tip it. It works very well and I get a good compost from it. Out of the 2 (the original and the can o worms) I prefer the stacking version as they are easier and lighter to empty you just take off the bottom layer empty and replace at the top. Both give good amounts of liquid for feed. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sage Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 I got a can o worms about 5 years ago. very easy to use. The only thing I had to do was lay a piece of old net curtain over the sump as I was forever saving worms from drowning. Sage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 The liquid makes fabulous plant food. I don't have one, but my friend has and gives me bottles of the stuff. Hers is not the stacking sort, and she was advised that when it gets full (no need to turn it, by the way) you tip it all out on to a plastic sheet on the lawn on a sunny day. The worms will dive for cover (but hopefully not into the ground, as the plastic sheet is there) and then you can scoop off the top layer of compost and start again with the worms and a smaller amount. Sounds good in theory, I don't think she's tried it yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted February 23, 2011 Author Share Posted February 23, 2011 I don't like the idea of tipping it out! I think I'll look at a stacking wormery. OH thinks they are pricey but it will save buying plant feed and pay for itself soon enough. I've found a space next to the bins at the side of the house where it will be super convenient Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 I've spent an hour on you tube and feel confident I can make my own worm bin for a fraction of the cost. It just leaves me with one silly question, are the wormery worms the same worms that are in my compost bin or are they different? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I have a Can-o-Worms that i bought cheaply from a friend, we've had it about 5 years now and apart from feeding them, emptying the bottom layer and lagging it in winter, it is really easy to maintain. I get lovely compost and lots of liquid 'worm wee' that I use to accelerate to compost heaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 We used to have an Original wormery and it was fine for the first couple of batches......then the tap got blocked and I didn't notice until it was too late. All the worms drowned and it resulted in a bin full of foul smelling evil gunge. It is now in service as a 'black jack' bucket at the allotment We now have a stackable one from Worm City and haven't had much joy with that at all, my fault due to neglect . I think I am just a bad worm wrangler I have just resurrected the worm city one and this time I am going to put it by the kitchen door so it gets the attention it deserves. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 I've had a good look at the worms in my compost bin and I still can't decide if they are the tiger/red worms suitable for a wormery. I started collecting together stuff to make my own wormery when I had an unexpected visit from two friends and their four children. So I had a lovely lunch and pleasant afternoon . . the wormery will have to wait now as we are away for the weekend. My plan is simple (I think) I have two stackable storage boxes, one with a lid. The bottom one has two upturned plant pots in it so that the second box sits on top of it creating a sump. I intend to attach a water butt tap to allow the worm tea to be extracted. The top box has 1/16th drill bit holes all around the sides and all over the bottom. Big enough to allow air in and fluid out but not big enough for worms to pass through. The worms with beddding and compost and kitchen s"Ooops, word censored!"s go in the top box and a lid goes on the top to stop escapee worms (the worms from the compost bin). I need a piece of carpet or something to go over the top as the lid is clear and worms won't come to the surface if it's too bright. When the box is full of lovely compost I can scoop the worms into a new box and empty the compost into the garden and start all over again. I'll store any excess worm tea in empty milk cartons. Any flaws in my plan? Also do i need to dilute the worm tea? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
