You can certainly make your own bin, no need to be terribly handy. (I just built a wood bin and had most of the cutting done for me right at Home Depot.)

You can make stacking bin systems yourself with plastic bins, wood and mesh, or probably several other methods. I've not used a stacking system yet myself.

Some of the things that could affect your decision as to what kind/size of bin to go with include; where will the bin be located, how much do you plan on feeding it, temperature/light in the bin location, etc.

If you want a bin that can go in your kitchen, you probably want something a little smaller than what I built for outdoors (2' x 4' on legs.)

It seems that you can use just about anything for a worm bin and drainage/air holes are really optional (If you are able to keep the bin moist yet not wet and fluffy enough then you might not need the drainage but for most people it is easier to have drainage holes and a catchment for excess liquid.)

I've heard that wood bins tend to breath/insulate better than plastic but they will eventually start to decompose. You don't necessarily have to build anything, some people say to use an old dresser drawer or something.

Anyway, where are you planning to locate the bin? In or out? If out, what kind of climate? How big a bin do you want?

We went with a big wood bin outdoors, (hot climate so a big bin will help keep a steady temp better than a small bin would) We also have a lot of stuff we can feed the worms as the population grows since we have a garden. We started with a 2' by 4' bin but divided in half and are only using one side right now. We started with 2# of worms and want to keep them close enough together so they will find each other to breed. Later we can let them spread into the entire bin as the numbers increase.

Please, more discussion!!!!!

Does that 2' x 4' on legs bin have a cover on it. If not you can put several layers of newspaper over and in contact with the bed and the worms will party under there like you aint never seen before! Even with the lid some newspaper will keep them from being disturbed while you mess with the bed. I think the damp newspaper gives them the humidity that they like or something. Don't know why but you will notice it right away.

We are using shredded paper and cardboard as bedding. I also lined the bin with cardboard and have a layer of it over the top of the bedding as well. (the place I got the worms said they like cardboard.) I've read about keeping newspaper over the top as well.

My particular 2' x 4' bin has a screen cover and it is under a roof so it doesn't get full of rain. I've seen other bins like mine built with solid lids or something with tarp and pvc that looks a bit like a covered wagon to keep the rain off and shade the bed while letting plenty of air in.

I definitely think that keeping at least part if not all the bedding covered with something that breaths but will help conserve moisture is a good thing. I like the thick cardboard since the multiple layers will do a better job of keeping the light out. Be ware though that the worms may decide to crawl into the corrigations, they love those.

Would you post some pics of your 2'x4' bin, please?

Thanks.

Hi All! Heres a stackable plastic bin link. this page also has a adobe reader down load link so you can get and save the instructions on how to make this bin system. You can also google OSCR Jr.

http://www.klickitatcounty.org/solidwaste/ContentROne.asp?fContentIdSelected=991251662&fCategoryIdSelected=965105457

larry

I had some leftover 2 x 6 wood pieces laying around, so I framed out a box (30 x 18"), and nailed some composite 3/8 plywood to the bottom. Put in all the bedding, with guidance from posts on this forum, and after a month my worms seem happy and growing. However, on the next try, I'll use 1 x 8 for the sides to make it lighter. Otherwise, I'll continue what I'm doing.