DIY Worm Trough

28 Apr

I had been thinking of building a feed trough style worm bed for some time.  I found some plastic 55 gallon drums on Craigslist.  My dad had some pine 2X4s cut from his saw mill, and we were in business.  We began by cutting the 55 gallon plastic drums in half w/ a skill saw.

Materials: (2X4s, plastic 55 gallon drums, 3 inch wood screws, roofing screws, Thompson’s water seal)

Next we cut the 2X4s to border the open 1/2 end of the drum.  We used 3″ screws to piece the wood together, and galvanized roofing screws to secure the barrel to frame.  The height off the ground, we sized to about waist high for ease of use and for clearance underneath.
We had enough time and materials to build 3 bins.  When finished, I sprayed some wood preservative on the untreated pine, then I added compost and worms.  These bins are kept in a shaded area, and covered with plastic lids.  I set up a bin for each species we raise (Alabama Jumpers, Red Worms, European Nightcrawlers)
Thanks to my dad (pictured) for the pine, and skilled labor.
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8 Responses to “DIY Worm Trough”

  1. Jon June 3, 2012 at 2:21 pm #

    Would this work for fishing worms the big nightcrawlers. An yes I have questions to ask to thanks.

  2. prmartin September 16, 2013 at 1:49 pm #

    How do you manage the liquid in this bin? Do you have drainage holes in the bottom or do you just turn it regularly to control the moisture?

    • Texas Red Worms September 17, 2013 at 2:34 am #

      Fluffing and leaving a lid open will help dry up a wet bin.

  3. Denny March 19, 2017 at 1:13 pm #

    Do you have any measurements for the stand

  4. husky5040 May 15, 2017 at 11:47 am #

    Was wondering how many 2×4 did u have to use and if I can have the measurements of the box please.

  5. Rick January 2, 2018 at 10:04 pm #

    I can’t cut a straight line to save my life. I really want half’s to be exactly the same. Any ideas on cutting guide to help with doing this

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Protecting your worms from Summer heat. « Texas Red Worms - August 5, 2011

    […] My larger worm bins kept in full shade, have faired well.  Size of the bin is a big factor.  Larger bins or containers will naturally have more volume to allow for greater insulation and protection from extreme temperatures.  Smaller bins will “feel the heat” and not have as much buffer or room for protection.  I do keep old rugs on top of the bedding that I spray down daily to keep moist and cool.  Add a few more inches of mulch to in ground worm beds and keep as moist as possible in these tough conditions. The mulch added to worm beds or flower beds will add organic matter, protection, and an additional moisture barrier. […]

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