Well Teacher Linda, harvested my first worms-thinking I would have at least another 500 over my original 1000 so prepared a new bin to take on the 100's more worms! A rough estimate would be -perhaps a total worm population of between 500-700. So, I am wondering what things I might have done wrong. As I took out the globs, it was very wet. The layers of newspaper had to be separated to dig out the worms. ;\ Could I have kept the bin too wet? "( I still separated the babes and began fresh but am trying to figure out why I didn't end up with at least a couple of hundred more than I started with. ?:| Any ideas? There was one short period during the holidays that they may have gone 3-4 days without additional coffee grounds, etc. but generally made sure they had lots of food. Thank you for any suggestions.

How long have you had your habitat set up now? I usually wait about 90 days before considering dividing my worms. Do you have a pressing need to get 2 habitats set up? Sometimes they take a little time to settle in. The population is definitely also controlled by the size of the container, & so you may never actually SEE your population double, as they die off (like fish would in an aquarium) to stabalize the constant population, to fit their litle world. If you have 700 worms, you could conceivably split them & in the 2 larger spaces they would double in number more quickly. I really don't think that you did anything wrong. I never hesitate to split my worms with anyone who comes over & seems sincere about starting a habitat, even if it drops my numbers down because they re-populate so quickly. You're doing fine.

Thanks Linda, Began my composting on 12/15. My bins are plastic storage boxes about 18"X20" and about 10" deep. So they were in the first box about 3 1/2 mos. I really appreciate all your direction. r.

Hi- just waiting to get the nerve to start my worm beds. I keep hearing about things that can go wrong. I am one of those people who have to learn everything about a subject before I start but sometimes I just keep reading and NEVER get started. You have encouraged me. Here I go!!!

If I can help you at all, don't hesitate to email me. This is really so easy easy easy,..once you get started you'll wonder why you haven't always done it. I've had 1000 worms living under my kitchen sink in a converted 5-gallon Joint Cemment bucket for over 3 years now,...& no one knows it except fellow organic gardeners. (People think I'll eccentric enough; I don't need to give them MORE ammunition!

Linda,
I'm just impressed that you have room under your kitchen sink for a five gallon bucket! Between my regular garbage can, paper recycling bag, worm food container and dish soap, I can barely close the door!!!

Well, my regular garbage can is by the door, my paper recycling is in the laundry room, & my dish stuff sits out on the counter. So my worms really only share space with stuff I NEVER use, (like silver polish & that stuff you get label glue off with. I really don't want anyone else to have any reason to go under there & bother my worms.) I have a HUGE country kitchen in my old house & could really put TWO 5-gallon worm habitats under there,..& someday will.

I just joined (so I hope I'm not rehashing old stuff), but it seems that lindp is the worm expert. You say that you keep yours in a converted 5 gal bucket. How did you convert it? I have an extra one of those around and would like to use it rather than make a wooden container like I've read in some worm info tips. Thanks for your help.

Albitar, If you decide you don't want to use the 5 gallon bucket; I purchased plastic boxes, (like sweater boxes). They are opaque so I can check the level of shredded paper, and food etc. Total investment for both boxes-$10.00. They are about 18"x20". We just drilled lots of holes in one box and placed it in the second box. Drilled holes in one lid and threw away the second lid. I now have two bins; found it is fairly easy to add food, check on the worms, etc. Ask Linda to e-mail her article she wrote on how to set up the bin. I constantly refer to that. Good Luck!