I tried it, but stopped when I got beetles under the bin. I think the reason for the bugs was that I had the vermiculture outside, then brought it inside.

You have to make sure that you keep the new food under the dirt or you will get little flies. This is if you are keeping it inside.

I don't think there would be any problems if you could keep it outside.

It's a bit of work when you want to use the compost since you have to get all of the worms and eggs out.

It's really cool to watch, and my kids loved it, although I was the one who ended up doing all the work.

Carol

I always thought it was gross, and had no interest in doing it, although I have regular compost piles outside.

Then I decided to do it so I'd have some good quality stuff for my roses. I really enjoy it! It's weird, but you start getting fond of those little wormies. :-)

I have 4 vermicompost bins now, and encourage others to try this as well. It's not only excellent for your plants, but it's a great way to dispose of your food waste and junk mail without contributing to landfill waste.

If you decide to start doing it, this is a good website to go to for help:

Deanna

Here is a link that might be useful: Vermicomposting Forum

I read a wonderful book called "The Earth Moved." Truly, appreciated best by gardeners, since it is a book about earthworms. Well written, and facinating to boot.

The author uses a four-layer type bin, which, essentially, moves all the worms into a new layer when one is finished, then you simply take of the (bottom? top?) layer and add it to your garden.

WHEN I get into vermicomposting this is the bin I will be using. It seems expensive compared to usig any old bucket or whatnot, but pretty streamlined and easy.

Here is a link that might be useful: multi-level worm factory

Greenhaven, I have seen some online that are the tray system. That is what I wanted to order. They are about $100, but if I have to dig through worms to seperate the dirt I know I won't do it. I'm glad to hear that you have read it's good! I'm probably going to ask for one for Christmas from my inlaws so it will be a while before I get to start. How long from the starting point does it take to get "dirt"?

I'm not real sure, maybe a few weeks? That website I linked to has some great information...poke around there a little and I bet you will find an answer to that question.

We tried vermicomposting several years ago. There was no odor or flies but the worms didn't make much compost. I'm happier composting garden waste and vegetable scraps on a compost heap and recycling paper. YMMV.

I have been doing it for 2 months and it is going really well. I was able to get the tray system (worm ranch) for $30 through our local recycling center. Lots of local centers will sell the vermicomposting systems at a discount.

I keep my worms outside and they are doing well. I think I have doubled my amount of worms and I already see a good amount of castings.

My kids were into at first but now I do all the maintenance.
It's been pretty easy and I can't wait to see what those castings will do for my roses!

Here's a rather interesting site that gives pretty detailed information on worm composting and a source for the worms..

Here is a link that might be useful: New York Worms.

This is something I've been wanting to do. They are welcome to live in my basement. Worms were my first pets, much to the horror of my poor mother and I still like them and handle them without hesitation. I just haven't figured out how to get the castings off of the plastic swimming pool I plan to use.

I've included the link to Earthworm Digest. They have a forum where you can get your questions answered.

Here is a link that might be useful: Earthworm Digest

Aggierose,

You will have to harvest the vermicompost (separate the worms from the good stuff) no matter what system you use. It's really not necessary to invest in a fancy setup in order to do it.

Deanna