I wonder if it might go faster if you set it aside to pre-wilt for a day or more before putting it in the bin. The worms were probably finding some tasty slime to eat on the surface of the plants right away, but it might take a while for the plant's own cells to die and start breaking down, since it's adapted to live in water and goes in the bin whole. Unless you want to sit there with teeny-tiny dollhouse scissors cutting it all up :-)

Harry, did you get them from your pond? If yes, I would still use them in the worm bin because a pond has good MO population.

My guess, by the time you add other food and some heat built up, your duck weed will start to go too.

Parsley, I'll bet your right about letting it start to decompose a bit first. Even single leaves seem content to just stay green in the bins, especially in the cooler weather we have been having lately.

Otis, I wish it was from a pond but I'm afraid not. Our pool pump has been out of commission all summer so haven't been able to vacuum, backwash etc. The duckweed started to show up about a month ago and now covers the entire surface. Not to worry though I'll put it to good use in the compost bin unless someone has a better suggestion.

Harry

Just an update on the duckweed........it's still sitting in my compost/worm bin almost unchanged since I put it in about 8 wks ago. That stuff is a lot tougher than it looks. Appears so delicate floating on the water surface.

I'm planning to build a new lasagna bed using some of the leaves I've gathered this fall and was thinking of using some of the duckweed. But having witnessed how slowly it breaks down, now I'm not so sure it would be a wise choice for green material. Any thoughts?

Harry

It probably has an especially solid outer membrane on the leaves. I'd try crushing or squishing it in some way to hasten decomposition in the worm bin. Maybe use a blender? Or a rolling pin?

Not sure how I'd explain that particular use of the blender to my lovely wife. She'd want to put me in the blender for that one! Not sure a rolling pin would do much either - think a sledge hammer might be the tool of choice here. Maybe I could just make a big pile on the driveway and run the tires back and forth over it.......that will sure give the neighbours something to talk about!

Harry

Parsley, your smoothy idea made me smile, and it could actually work............ until she suddenly goes on a health-kick and asks to have some......ewwww!

Love the garage sale concept, there's always someone wanting to give up a perfectly good appliance for the latest model with all the bells-and-whistles. I should try a search on CL as well.

Have to admit, if I'm blending-up something questionable I usually just wait 'til my wife is out for a while.........then make sure the blender is cleaned really well and put away. Why arouse any undue concerns right? hmmm........now you've got me wondering when she's going out next. = )

Harry