Where did I order from:
I ordered 100 red composting worms online from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm. The purchase cost just over $20, including shipping cost. Also, I got a code for a free 1.4 pound of coconut coir brick.
Receiving the worms:
The company sent a package tracking code, so you knew when to expect the worms to arrive. Uncle Jim's sent the worms on 1/15/2019 and I received them on 1/17/2019. The worms came in a black fabric bag with peat moss, which was in a shipping box.
The company sent a paper with instructions and tips for the red composting worms. It stated to put the worms into its new environment ASAP. Then, add 1/2 of water for the worms to regain moisture. I put them into my DIY compost bin and they seemed very small and were very active. Next, I poured the 1/2 cup of water over the worms and covered them up with moist shredded newspaper. I checked on the worms often because I wanted to see if they were finding their way to the food. It took the worms a couple hours to get to the food level.
Worm composting progress (1/20/2019):
I read online that sometimes the worms try to escape the bin in the first couple of days, but mine did not, which I think is a very good sign that they seem to be very happy and settled well in their bin. I have yet to notice any worm castings as a byproduct. However, I think that I will be able to notice some castings in a couple weeks, for these worms are still very small and will not be eating a noticeable amount.
Please feel free to ask me ANY questions you may have about the process.
Interesting. Let us know how they do in a dorm.
ReplyDeleteYes, I will do an update within the next couple weeks.
DeleteVery nice blog, Becca! Have you read The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms? I very much enjoyed that book. Of course now gardeners are shivering in worry about invasive Asian jumping worms . . .
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have not read it, but thank you for the great recommendation, I appreciate it.
DeleteI am curious to know how the other students are reacting to this experiment.
ReplyDeleteMy friends are very supportive. Some of them have been saving their organic food waste for my worm bin. I think are pretty interested on how it works.
DeleteNice blog Becca with a catchy title. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I appreciate your support!
DeleteA funny worm story:
ReplyDeleteYears ago when I was a child, long before Fedex, my father drove a Greyhound bus. Back then companies used them to transport cargo because they were much cheaper and faster than the post office. A worm company was located on his route so he was always picking up boxes of worms to be transported. One day there was a new porter and rather than load the boxes of worms in the cargo bay below the bus where it was cool, he put them up in the luggage rack above the passengers heads. The boxes were only stamped with the company's name and no information as to the contents. As they began to move, the worms decided it was too hot in the top of the bus and all crawled out through the box air holes. The passengers were horrified when worms began falling on their heads. My Dad had to clean up the mess.
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
That is very amusing!I bet the passengers will never forget that bus trip!!! I am so happy you shared this story with me.
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