Inexpensive Worm Bin
A couple of weeks ago, I set up one of those cheap worm bins using the plastic containers available at Walmart and other such stores. There are many websites describing the process and the basic idea (as pictured) is to add a few inches of shredded, moistened paper as a bedding and then add the worms as they arrive. 
Here is a typical plan. As pictured on the left, the worms usually come packed in peat moss and a breathable bag for shipping. The type of worms that I ordered are the tradional red worms and the European night crawlers. These carry the scientific names of Eisenia Foetida and Eisenia Hortensis respectively. I will be adding a complete page on the different types of worms suitable for composting, and also their particular characteristics etc. I ordered these worms from “The kazarie Worm Farm” in Florida. I found them to have excellent prices and services. Their website is http://www.kazarie.com/.
My goal is to quickly increase the population such that I can produce enough castings to provide for the fertilizing and treatment needs of all my backyard farm. As such, I will be soon building some stackable bins using a new idea (using a free source of material!). 
Why go through so much trouble? Well quite simply, there is no substitute for vermicompost as it is spongy, light and absorbent, which makes it a great addition to any soil. It has beneficial microorganisms that combat plant disease and function as an insecticide (chitinase ). It contains growth hormones to make seeds sprout faster. And most vermicompost has 5 to 11 times more nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium than regular soil. Also, Because the castings absorb 10 times their weight in water, they can also enhance soil moisture levels. This is just for starters!
Stay tuned as there is a native species where I live that I am “rearing” in my existing backyard worm pit that I think is going to outperform the redworms in making vermipost. I will be adding some photos and information concerning this species and will be adding some to a separate bin.
