Andrew ... thanks for the synopsis of economic start up methods.

There are some differences in requirements/challenges/expectations/methods between in-ground 'beds' and man-made 'bins'.

My in-ground bin started with worms harvested from my compost pile and horse manure pile. So I can verify those sources. My sister started her in-ground pit with 'red wriggler' bait worms from WalMart. In both of our cases, the population increase has been amazing.

What you said about bagged steer manure is interesting. I've been feeding my worm pit a combo of steer,kitchen scraps, and paper products and the rapid populatin increase might be, in part, due to cacoons in the steer manure.

Andrew..I applaud your coverage. I can not think of another cheap source of worms other than talking to a coworker over coffee and find they are into vermicomposting. (Which is rare indeed.)

Personally I think anybody considering worms should consider a couple thoughts. 1. Are they in it to get rid of stuff that might be filling landfills (the 'save the planet' idea) 2 Do they want vermicompost/castings for their own organic gardening efforts. or 3. Are they into the fishing/commercial aspect by either growing their own bait or selling bait/worms for composting to to others. or like me, a combination of the above who really has no idea of direction...

The answer to the question should clarify the approach. If they want a flow thru or a simple bin. Outside or inside. Haphazard or controlled. Which brings me to my next thread.... I have been asked what is the best way to utilize the cocoons you have sent me?

My reasons for composting are:

First, to help my own gardening efforts. Not so much for the sake of saving the planet (although that's nice too), but for the sake of saving some money! Having dual control of the finances with my wife, we at times disagree about where the money should be spent. If I can get fertilizer for no expenditure of money, then I get as much room in the yard as necessary for my gardening adventures. Vermicomposting is just another extension of this system - but she'd prefer it be outside. So, an outdoor space is to be dedicated to worming!

Second, for school the vermicomposting (and standard composting) are in an effort to teach students the beauty of the carbon cycle in a much more elegant and convincing way. We currently have a small veggie garden, and adding the composting piece is just the next logical step. Having vermicomposting available will enable the students to study composting up close, even in the winter months. Who knows, maybe some students will like the idea enough to actually do it themselves at home. And maybe they will see how easy a "Victory" garden can actually be, and more importantly (at least for me) how much better the veggies taste straight out of your own garden, when you grew them yourself!

I wonder if I start vermicomposting and add orchard waste, leaves and fallen fruit, would I get double benefit? In addition to composting might it help in pest control for the orchard. Normally it is suggested to clean up and dispose of fruits and leaves to reduce infestations. Would the pest insects, fungus etc return from the compost to reinfest my trees?
Dan

There has been research to show that passing stuff (even pathogen containing material like human waste) through worms or by hot composting will or can 'detoxify' the material. Would I trust that completely? Not me.

I figure some material is not going to be composted completely. However, that being said, I would not hesitate to use all the orchard waste I had for worm food.

My present system is to put all my compostable garbage into a bin. I use a tumbler so it is well mixed. As I need worm food, I pull a bucketful out of that bin and feed my worms.

I will use any of that vermicompost or castings on food crops for my own consumption.

"Would the pest insects, fungus etc return from the compost to reinfest my trees?"

Dan, my policy has been to let my county yard waste recycling system process leaves, branches & trimmings from diseased plants. You could try hot composting such material first if you don't have a local recycling program. I may try spraying with vermicompost tea next year to see if that helps prevent certain diseases and pests.

Cheers,
Andrew

I was lucky to start last spring with some local worm composters that I found on craigslist. They sold me some worms and a bin for a very reasonable price (one was $35 and one was $20). Not free, but almost.

My worms must be very happy, all they do is eat and reproduce to their hearts content. Now I have four bins and I've set up three other teachers at school with bins as well. Now that my kids are older, I'm recycling the old RM totes that we used for toys.

If you can drive over and pick them up then I'm happy to set up any newbies with worms in the DC/Balt area. Just send an email.

The cheapest worm farm is the traditional tire stack.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stacked Tire Worm Farms