I have two bins with drainage holes and two without. You have to be more observant if there are no holes, but otherwise they've worked fine for me.

Mariann

Excellent! Thanks kitten!

I like the bottom holes wiht the bin lid as a catch tray. (I use a plank or something for the lid)

if you overfeed and it gets too hot, they have a quick way out. Ive not tried without a bottom hole. I usually check about once a week for stragglers in the bottom, and mine is consistently moist enough (or too moist!)

good luck!

Im probably starting a second tomorrow, for quick foods, coffee grounds, tea leaves, bread, cantelope rinds... going to try to have a harvestable occasionally and a longer term bin...

Thanks Moth, I'm going to give the no-drainage system a try, the weather has cooled down here in so cal a bit, and I can always do an emergency rescue if I need. Actually, it gives me an excuse to get down and dirty with them on a regular basis. I do agree that having drainage holes is probably best, but my own experience is that when they're trying to escape, it needs to be fixed immediately anyways, then i'm dealing with escapees and sludge nasty, and moving them anyways, drainage and all.

I've got one of those little 'wriggly ranch' stackable dohickeys that isn't even coming close to my waste needs. My kids eat about 2 lbs banannas in a day, and I jack it all up when I add the second tier, not enough air flow or something.

Good news though, I was digging around the ranch seeing if they're ready to move to the 'worm disco' as I am now calling my roughneck (my husband calls it worm ponderosa, I guess thats a worm ranch that's...big) My kids found a few coccons in the only area I disturbed (I guess I'm getting old, having trouble spotting them), so it looks like they're happy. I may wait a little to move them. I have the shreaded trader joes bags soaking.

Good luck with your second bin as well. Keep us posted on what works best for you. I think a second one in the kitchen for all your quick items stuff is a great idea. I'm now curious on what you would consider your not-so-quick items!

You use the Trader Joe bags too.
I haven't been using them as much lately in the bin, but they are used to collect shredded junk mail and newspaper.
Also use them to put recycables in them and then walk them to the recycle bin.

Will do!

the longer items are citrus (I know, the supposedly dont like citrus, Might just start putting them in the hot pile), carrot peels, raw sprouted potatoes, paper towels, radishes...

I missed Trader Joes (just moved from Santa Barbara- school)

Swamp Boogie- I have seen bins without drainage holes, with a stocking full of peat or shredded coir to catch the goo. Might help to add a bit of Horticlutrual Charcoal to catch any stink. ?

again, excellent tips, thanks garnetmoth!

I don't do drainage holes -- don't want to deal with yucky mess -- and my worms are doing great. I monitor them frequently.

One quick solution, if you do get a "wet bottom", is to insert a piece of tygon tubing (clear aquarium air line 3/8" dia.) and syphon out the moisture. A friend of mine used to do this with a cut-off piece of garden hose but he occasionally got a mouthful of watery goo. Said it really didn't tast "too" bad. Clear tubing lets you see when to stop sucking on it!!

I, myself, prefer at least one drainage hole!;o)

bruce

If I get a wet bottom in my worm bin without drainage I pull all the muck up and put dry shredded newspaper underneath. It soaks up all the extra moisture. I also leave the lid off for a few days while it dries out a bit.

Again, thanks! I think I'll stick with mkittens idea! Yours is great bendback, but last time I syphoned gasoline, I swore never again!

I don't have drainage holes in my bin. It's elevated slighty at one end and I use a turkey baster to suck up any excess liquid that collects at the lower end.

Here is a link that might be useful: Boreal Wormer

Excellent idea..I was thinking of something similar!