Thanks to Bryan in San Antonio for keeping us posted with all the cool worm composting projects he and his family have going.
From Bryan:
I wanted to up date you on how things are going with my worms. The worm tube in my planter seems to be functioning although managing the moisture level needs a bit more attention then I had expected. The high watering needs of the plants dictates that no extra moisture can be added to the tube, at lest for now. Like you said, you have to experiment. As you can see in the picture I had sent you earlier, I had placed a piece of panty hose over the top to keep out flies and other insects. A small number of gnats and ants have managed to get in. The worms in the tube are thriving and multiplying so that’s a good sign. Taking your advice of dividing the worms has helped to continue their rate of reproduction so much in that we have started our third bin two days ago, and probably have enough to start two more. We are all having a fun time of it.
Soon after starting the first bin I decided to place two worms in a potted pineapple head that I had started. The soil in the pot had become hard and I wanted to see if adding some worms would help, and also if the worms would survive. After a little over a month, the soil is soft and the plants growth has accelerated and the new leafs look great. As of yesterday, we have started brewing worm tea in the typical fashion, 5 gal bucket, aquarium pump and aeration stones and molasses.
The collecting of coffee grounds from Starbucks has begun, so far I have filled a new 30 gal trash can that I purchased at Wal Mart for around $10.00 about half way. We are also saving our egg shells as well as collecting them from a local bakery. We use a blender, small food processor, and a mortar to grind them to a fine powder allowing for almost instant availability to the worms. I guess I’ve crossed over the sanity line somewhere. I do have one question you might be able to answer? Question* If compost worms i.e. red wigglers were thriving in a plant, flower or vegetable bed would they at some point start eating the roots of the plants?
Looking forward to hearing from you soon your friend.
BRIAN
Wow. You are a worm farming machine. That is outstanding work.
I have some worms in some potted plants, as well. There is a chance they could eat some of the roots. Just keep adding organic matter so the worms will have plenty to eat. Keep an eye on the plants health, and thin out the worms from time to time. I think that kept in check the plants will benefit more from the worm castings than harm can be done.
Thanks for the update,
Kyle
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