There is very little hassle if you do it right. There are many post with different ways to accomplish the task. If it doesn't go below freezing very often, with the box partially buried, they will be fine. Realize though that they will slow down guite a bit during cold weather. Feeding seems to be where most of the questions are. Again read the post on feeding to determine what is best for your situation. The one rule I follow is have the bin set up at least a few days before the worms arrive. I like to wait a couple of weeks. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks for the info Bill!
So does using the worm casting in your garden make
a big difference?

I can say one thing and that is when I have plants or bulbs ready for the compost pile I first throw them in the worm bin and quite a few have revived and come back with a vengeance.
The bulbs I peeled off the rotten layers and in weeks new bulblets developed.
I also used the castings to save a miniature rose that my mom overwatered.
Right now I am using tea for my orchids to revive them as I bought them on clearance and in sad shape.

It's true that the worms won't freeze in your locale, but they will become very lethargic when it gets cold. They like the same temps you do. I live in NE Texas and use plastic bins so that when it gets cold I move them into the garage. They take up little space. In the spring, when I harvest and separate the worms and eggs, I move them to an outside bin and then when winter comes, I harvest and separate and move them back into the plastic bins.

Chuckiebtoo

I use worm castings when I am planting new plants. Otherwise, I usually use worm tea. I water existing plants, including indoor plants. Overnight the things getting the tea treatment seem to square their sholders and stand up straighter. There really is a visible difference that quickly. It is most dramatic when something has not been thriving or growing as it should. But, don't expect worm castings to do anything about a sick or diseased plant. Carmellia

I had a neglected holly bush that I am bringing back from the brink with lots of attention and worm casting tea. Also when I moved in a year ago, my front garden was a wasteland of clay, pachysandra and chip mulch. After only a year of coffee grounds, mushroom soil and lots of worm castings, it's turning into a beautiful healthy garden that gets compliments. Worm castings don't make miracles, but it's like anything else - over time, bit by bit, it's a healthy approach to gardening that yields results in the long term.

I brought kitten back to life with casings.

(Nah, but wouldn't that be a testimonial...)

I find vermicompost significantly better for my plants than regular compost. And much better to use on indoor/container plants.

I really like my worm bin. It is low maintenance, fun, and relaxing to work with. The more I leave my worms alone, the better they seem to do.

I want a bigger system eventually.

Vicki