|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on May 21, 2008 9:07:46 GMT 1
I bought a wormery from Malvern Spring Gardening Show and as requested have finally (!) started a thread!
I've wanted one for a long time and took the plunge. It is from Wiggly Wigglers and was £75 - this was complete with bedding (honestly), worm treats, acidic regulator and of course the unit and the worms. Full instructions are included.
I assembled it on the afternoon and away we went!
It takes 4-6 months for your first tray of compost, I'm not sure how long for the liquid feed. This is a benefit of a wormery over a compost heap and the unit has a collecting sump and tap for this. You dilute it with 10 parts water - it can, so they say, be used on house or garden plants.
You start by adding a little and often and they like variety in their food as well! The scraps have to start to go mouldy for the worms to do their work. Ours was too wet last week and some of the worms were congregating in the lid (some did escape!) but some shredded paper and leaving the lid off for a couple of hours sorted it out. Worms will burrow down as they don't like the light, but will come to the surface if it is too wet as they don't want to drown - sensible really.
Things to put in:
Cooked food scraps, tea leaves, tea bags, coffee grounds, veg peelings, dried & crushed egg shells, shredded & scrunched paper or cardboard (not glossy printed paper), vaccuum cleaner dust, hair, wool & cotton, hamster & gerbil droppings, horse & cow manure.
Things not to put in:
Citric fruits - not in quantity as it will be too acidic for them, plant seeds (not dead so not eaten), diseased plant material, glossy printed paper, grass clippings & leaves, glass, plastic & metal, dog/cat droppings or anything in excess.
They work their way through each tray and you add a new tray at the top.
If anyone has any tips, I would be grateful. Hubby has already told me to stop clucking over them ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by emseypop on May 21, 2008 9:27:49 GMT 1
It sounds great but £75 is out of my price range. (I don't think we payed that much to set up with the hens) I was watching its not easy being green and some students made their own wormary. Not sure how they did it but I think they used some black washing up bowls. I'll have to have a google. Keep us updated on the progress! Thanks for starting the thread ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by debbiem on May 21, 2008 9:33:55 GMT 1
It sounds fantastic Myrtle. When you first mentioned a wormery I had a picture in my head of something like a glass tank with lots of tunnels etc for no purpose other than the fascination of keeping worms, like a formicary, which would have been interesting enough. But to get so much out of it I feel very tempted myself but I'll have to wait a while until finances allow. It's like a composter with a lot more benefits and a lot more interesting too. It's the kind of thing you could get into in a big way, isn't it?  |
|
|
|
Post by emseypop on May 21, 2008 9:39:32 GMT 1
It sounds fantastic Myrtle. When you first mentioned a wormery I had a picture in my head of something like a glass tank with lots of tunnels etc for no purpose other than the fascination of keeping worms, like a formicary, which would have been interesting enough. But to get so much out of it I feel very tempted myself but I'll have to wait a while until finances allow. It's like a composter with a lot more benefits and a lot more interesting too. It's the kind of thing you could get into in a big way, isn't it? Maybe you were thinking of an ant farm Mrs B? That gives me an idea! What about the Autum fruits travelling flea circus!  |
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on May 21, 2008 9:48:10 GMT 1
It sounds great but £75 is out of my price range. (I don't think we payed that much to set up with the hens) I was watching its not easy being green and some students made their own wormary. Not sure how they did it but I think they used some black washing up bowls. I'll have to have a google. Keep us updated on the progress! Thanks for starting the thread ;D The price was the reason I dithered for so long (we are talking some 4 years or so!) as I had to justify that I would use it, not run a mile when handling the amount of worms (you don't really see them when they are in there, it was the thought more than anything). It is made up of 3 (I think) trays, the lid and the sump at the bottom with 5 legs. The bedding (coir block) is a one off included and the treats and acid regulator are also included. By buying them at a show, you save on postage and a small amount off the price but they are bulky to carry (something to bear in mind) - hubby carried ours. You could do one with bowls - we're probably not that good/clever at making things like that, but have never tried! Hubby is practical though, perhaps a second one later on! |
|
|
|
Post by goth on May 21, 2008 9:48:20 GMT 1
Our school has one of those, it's called 'Can 'O' Worms' ;D I have no advice to give as I know nothing about them really. I know the resulting compost is very rich and needs to be mixed with 'normal' compost. I believe the liquid feed takes around a year to 'produce'. If you have any other questions, I can ask our deputy head for you if you want They keep it outside during the school day but fetch it back in in the afternoon. It smells, leaks and is surrounded by little midges....and I have to clean around it  LOL |
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on May 21, 2008 9:54:07 GMT 1
Our school has one of those, it's called 'Can 'O' Worms' ;D I have no advice to give as I know nothing about them really. I know the resulting compost is very rich and needs to be mixed with 'normal' compost. I believe the liquid feed takes around a year to 'produce'. If you have any other questions, I can ask our deputy head for you if you want They keep it outside during the school day but fetch it back in in the afternoon. It smells, leaks and is surrounded by little midges....and I have to clean around it LOL Hi Goth  Ours is a Can-O-Worms, It's down the side of the house in the shade. The worms are more active in the heat and I wouldn't suggest it being in strong sunlight. Is that why they bring it in? They can be left outside all year but in the winter would need some protection (fleece or something similar) or can be put in a greenhouse. Havn't noticed it leaking or smelling - eary days yet though ;D |
|
|
|
Post by goth on May 21, 2008 10:07:45 GMT 1
The worms are more active in the heat and I wouldn't suggest it being in strong sunlight. Is that why they bring it in? No...it's in case someone pinches it during the night LOL ;D |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on May 21, 2008 10:58:19 GMT 1
I really wanted to buy one for the school but there wasn't enough money left...  I am VERY interested to hear how it goes though Myrtle - please keep this thread going. Maybe I can persuade the PTA to buy one - they are soo educational, aren't they? And good fun for the children.  |
|
|
|
Post by madonplants on May 21, 2008 14:11:03 GMT 1
Our school has one of those, it's called 'Can 'O' Worms' ;D I have no advice to give as I know nothing about them really. I know the resulting compost is very rich and needs to be mixed with 'normal' compost. I believe the liquid feed takes around a year to 'produce'. If you have any other questions, I can ask our deputy head for you if you want They keep it outside during the school day but fetch it back in in the afternoon. It smells, leaks and is surrounded by little midges....and I have to clean around it LOL If it smells Goth, it's probably too wet! I contemplated getting one many years ago, but seemed too complicated. I still have the leaflet somewhere. I was going to reply to this thread, earlier, but fell asleep. Only woke up 30 minutes ago!!  |
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on May 22, 2008 8:45:32 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on May 22, 2008 9:13:52 GMT 1
It's £89 now!  We bought ours from the Malvern show and they do special offers there and we took it away with us so no postage. I was carrying a bag of approx. 1000 worms in a paper carrier bag - imagine if someone had a opened it ;D |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on May 23, 2008 13:20:11 GMT 1
I asked the Headmistress and the PTA chairlady about buying a Wormery for the school and they said yes! Coo, how exciting.......thanks, Myrtle for starting this thread, it's galvanised me into action... Um, how easy are they to transport once set up, do you think? I shall have the perennial problem of the school holidays to deal with...are they very heavy? Will I be able to get it in the car to take home? I don't think I've even seen one actually...
OO! Just had a thought! I could buy one at GWLive......... ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on May 23, 2008 13:41:08 GMT 1
I asked the Headmistress and the PTA chairlady about buying a Wormery for the school and they said yes! Coo, how exciting.......thanks, Myrtle for starting this thread, it's galvanised me into action... Um, how easy are they to transport once set up, do you think? I shall have the perennial problem of the school holidays to deal with...are they very heavy? Will I be able to get it in the car to take home? I don't think I've even seen one actually... OO! Just had a thought! I could buy one at GWLive......... ;D Great news! Educational for the children as well as providing the compost! They are easier to transport when set-up than the bulky box to carry! Do you want me to measure the dimensions for you? How heavy it would be when all the trays are being used I don't know. I don't think Wiggly Wigglers are at GWL (at least I haven't found them on the trade list but you could call them and ask) but I'm sure there will be someone there selling them When you are at GWLive you can pop in and see it if you like, we're not that far away. |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on May 23, 2008 13:45:31 GMT 1
Thanks Mytle, I might have time...if I do, I'll turn up on the doorstep shall I? ;D "Show us your wormery BogMyrtle!" I shall screech through the letterbox.. The neighbours will call the police...who is that scruffy herbert covered in mud and talking gibberish....? ;D
I think I may have to ask for a key to the school gate so I can get in to do things like water the GH and feed the worms..it would be MUCH easier wouldn't it?
Don't worry about the measurements, thanks, I'm sure they have the dimensions on their website.
No Wiggley Worms at GWLive?? I wonder why not...their stand/garden is always really good. That's a shame.....
|
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on May 23, 2008 13:51:05 GMT 1
Thanks Mytle, I might have time...if I do, I'll turn up on the doorstep shall I? ;D "Show us your wormery BogMyrtle!" I shall screech through the letterbox.. The neighbours will call the police...who is that scruffy herbert covered in mud and talking gibberish....? ;D I think I may have to ask for a key to the school gate so I can get in to do things like water the GH and feed the worms..it would be MUCH easier wouldn't it? Don't worry about the measurements, thanks, I'm sure they have the dimensions on their website. No Wiggley Worms at GWLive?? I wonder why not...their stand/garden is always really good. That's a shame..... You are welcome any time - just turn up! Neighbours - don't worry about them, we live by them not off them! I think there is something in the water at the moment in our road or so I've been told by one of the others- thankfully stops when you come into our end of the close - they are all arguing and splitting up! You would set the curtains twitching though - could have some fun and lead them up the garden path so to speak! ;D Wiggly Wigglers could be listed under another company name I suppose. |
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on Jul 3, 2008 8:52:04 GMT 1
Well, an update on the wormery!
I thought I would check the sump last night. Any normal person would have put something under the tap wouldn't they, but I didn't expect to find much in there. So, smelly brown liquid down the side entrance! It was quickly turned off! There were also some small worms in it.
No wonder they say dilute it - it was strong! The plants would run a mile if used undiluted!
I've put a bucket under it this morning and drained it off and diluted it ready to put on the garden. The inside isn't that wet but I am going to add some newspaper tonight.
It is doing its thing and the compost is there but still haven't got the first tray full yet - it can take 4-6 months!
|
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on Jul 3, 2008 9:17:13 GMT 1
Ooops! ;D Good to hear it's working though Myrtle - how much and how often to you feed the worms what? They say not to feed them too much to start with The witch but I think I have done that sometimes! They had an awful lot of broad bean pods - well our meat farmer gave us a big bag full of broad beans free! They have the potato peelings, veg bits, tea bags, coffee grounds, etc as you would put in a normal compost bin really. I have found that banana skins are quite good as they start to rot down quickly and the food has to rot for the worms to start eating it (they have no teeth). They do have worm treats every 10/14 days - pellets which also soak up some of the moisture, about a handful. I haven't had to put any ph balance pellets in it as I haven't been putting citrus fruist or onions in as yet. You need to put in about 25% dry paper/cardboard type of materials, but not shiny printed like magazines. Although the liquid was very strong smelling, there is no smell from the compost part of the bin. There are some little flies in there but they all add to it. They do say to put cooked scraps in as well, but I'm a little hesitant until I am more used to it and it has had more time working. |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Jul 3, 2008 14:38:13 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Jul 3, 2008 14:42:18 GMT 1
Big question though Myrtle - is having a wormery cheaper than buying Tomorite or Miracle Grow? I don't know if you could work it out pound for pound, or if it would be relevant anyway, The witch - it's not just about the cost IMO. It's about recycling home waste to help your garden flourish, not being dependent on products which have been driven for miles and produced at an unknown cost to the environment, about the satisfaction of producing your own fertiliser from waste products etc etc. Those things are hard to quantify |
|
|
|
Post by emseypop on Jul 3, 2008 17:48:33 GMT 1
Thanks for the keeping up this thread Myrtle ;D Thanks for the link too 4P I was trying to find something along those lines as I'd see someone making a wormary on TV and knew it was possible. |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Jul 3, 2008 20:18:51 GMT 1
Shall we give it a go, Emsey? I don't often go into town but there must be somewhere local I can find some stacking plastic crates with the right base..I shall ask eldest - she knows these sorts of things....I think it's fascinating, this.
You'll have to make yours chicken proof, if you make one.... ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by emseypop on Jul 4, 2008 9:29:26 GMT 1
Shall we give it a go, Emsey? I don't often go into town but there must be somewhere local I can find some stacking plastic crates with the right base..I shall ask eldest - she knows these sorts of things....I think it's fascinating, this. You'll have to make yours chicken proof, if you make one.... ;D I'll have a proper digest of the link when Louis is out this arvo 4p, the one I saw being made on tv used washing up bowles  |
|
|
|
Post by emseypop on Jul 5, 2008 12:05:45 GMT 1
It looks easy doesn't it? I think they have some plastic box's with lids on like that in the £1 shop. It doesn't look like you'd get much liquid feed doing it that way tho-I wonder if I'd be able to but a tap kit and put that on? I think down the side of the house would be the best bet for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by bogmyrtle on Jul 7, 2008 8:46:00 GMT 1
I don't know if you could work it out pound for pound, or if it would be relevant anyway, The witch - it's not just about the cost IMO. It's about recycling home waste to help your garden flourish, not being dependent on products which have been driven for miles and produced at an unknown cost to the environment, about the satisfaction of producing your own fertiliser from waste products etc etc. Those things are hard to quantify I agree with you 4P - but my home waste does get recycled in my brown bin which is collected by the council every 2 weeks. I'd have a go at making one if I had somewhere to keep it, rather than buy Tomorite or the like. Sorry I have taken so long to reply The witch! I agree with 4pygmies, I don't know how you would be able to work it out or quiye how much you would get yet! The liquid feed is a bonus really as you would not get that with a normal compost heap. At the moment, we have a bucket full of it (ready diluted). With all the rain we have covered the bin but still letting the air get to it and left the sump tap open (don't want any drowned worms). Did you know that is why they come to the surface when it rains, because they are afraid of drowning. |
|
LOL
I am VERY interested to hear how it goes though Myrtle - please keep this thread going. Maybe I can persuade the PTA to buy one - they are soo educational, aren't they? And good fun for the children. 
