Comments for Red Worm Composting

Comment on Grass Clippings Homemade Manure – 06-27-24 by Bentley

Bentley — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 10:50:32 +0000

JOEY – That’s great! I’m not quite sure I have a handle on your volume reduction, though. 🙂
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TIM – Thank-you! Going to do my best to “spam” you more in the months ahead 😆
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BROOKE – Always nice to hear from you! There are definitely ways one could take a less “lazy” approach, and optimize the process. Something like partially composted leaf litter or some other decent living material (in larger amounts than what was added in this case) would likely make a big difference, with the added benefit of locking in more of that off-gassed N, rather than simply losing it from the system.
Seed-killing heat is certainly possible with a big enough system. In this case, I was using a modest sized HDX bin, down in my (cool) basement, so it definitely wouldn’t have reached those temps. As you know, I actually like seeds (considering the fact that I actually toss them into my systems regularly – haha), so it’s never something I worry about.

Comment on Grass Clippings Homemade Manure – 06-27-24 by Brooke Warkentin

Brooke Warkentin — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 04:01:24 +0000

Very interesting experiment.
I wonder if mixing the bin a couple times a week while it’s “cooking” would make a difference in the amount of ammonia it produces. I would think having some air added throughout would help it off gas a bit better so that’s it’s closer to worm ready from the start.
Definitely something to keep playing with since the materials are free, vs the original version that I use as a base for my worm bedding and supplemental feedings. The old version does have a smell too since the alfalfa can ferment as it’s breaking down if too much is added or it’s too wet. It’s something I’ve played with a lot and the worms really love it. If we didn’t have so many marrow weeds going to see right now I’d try it out. Maybe once I can manage to get them all pulled and cleared out. Although I’m sure the seeds would be easy to sift out if they don’t sprout in the bin…hum… On second thought I may just try this now even with all the possible seeds in the mix.
Do you think this produces enough heat to kill seeds? I know the other HMM can get up to 135F when using a compost tumbler indoors, not sure if this would as well.
Thanks B! Always look forward to your new trials.

Comment on Grass Clippings Homemade Manure – 06-27-24 by Tim McIlraith

Tim McIlraith — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 23:32:10 +0000

BentIey, I always enjoy your informative practical emails. There’s only one problem – they don’t come often enough.
Signed: Hungry Worm Tim.

Comment on Grass Clippings Homemade Manure – 06-27-24 by Joey Taylor

Joey Taylor — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 21:47:09 +0000

I started a HMM bucket a little over a week ago, the volume of materials has dropped about 2 percent inches since I began.

Comment on Simple Homemade Manure Using Grass Clippings & Cardboard by Bentley

Bentley — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:41:10 +0000

GEORGE – LOL, that’s funny. Just imagine if I had added comfrey? It would have looked positively delicious! 😉
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VINNY – Sounds great! I’ll be interested to hear how it works out for you! 😎

Comment on Simple Homemade Manure Using Grass Clippings & Cardboard by Vinny

Vinny — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:41:53 +0000

Going to try out this.
So much cardboard in green bin and the grass needs cutting so I ready 🙂

Comment on Simple Homemade Manure Using Grass Clippings & Cardboard by George Scherma

George Scherma — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 01:36:50 +0000

Some of the pictures look like dinner salads my wife makes, but other than that, it’s an excellent article. The pictures of how you layer your stuff are helpful. Good job!

Comment on Walnut Shells & Banana Peels – 3-07-18 by mjswider

mjswider — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:30:28 +0000

Thanks Bentley! I forget if it was walnut seeds or something else, but found a reference to someone saying they did hot soaks with some nut seeds (maybe peanuts?) and they had good results. Part of my goal is a bit of moisture absorption in the bin, but I could see if one did hot soaks in water of shells the decomposition would begin, or at least be prepared better. I did put them in my pre-decompose bucket for now with other scraps and carbon prior to putting them into my UWB.

Comment on Walnut Shells & Banana Peels – 3-07-18 by Bentley

Bentley — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:59:39 +0000

Hey Matt,
My recollection is that the shells ended up becoming quite dark and fragile over time, but it was pretty obvious that it would take a long time for them to get full broken down. I say toss em in (as long as not salty) – worst case, you end up with some extra living material which can be screened out or left mixed in with your castings.

Comment on Walnut Shells & Banana Peels – 3-07-18 by mjswider

mjswider — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:30:40 +0000

Hi Bentley, I’m wondering if you recall how this system ended up. I have some macadamia nut shells which I’m considering throwing into a bin and wonder if they will break down during my lifetime. Hope all is well with you.

Matt