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Lessons Learned


 

Date Comments
6/7/00 Initially, green grass clippings were placed on the surface for food. The clippings rapidly soured and didn't appear healthy, some even starting to grow mold. They were eventually removed. The food material should be dry to start off.
6/7/00 I don't think the single hole drain system is adequate as the soil is staying a bit wetter than anticipated. I am considering cutting multiple 3 inch holes in the bottom and covering these with plastic screen and including a sheet metal addition to catch the water that drains through. I am also considering replacing the PVC plumbing with a length of gutter material to collect the water draining from the sheet metal.
6/7/00 The beds were initially populated only with "night crawlers". Since that time we have learned that this type of worm doesn't eat the food we are providing. "Red Wigglers" are needed to eat the food provided. They then excrete the food that the "night crawlers" eat. Red Wigglers have been added to each bed.
6/7/00 Since setting up the initial 4 beds with 2 parts native soil and 1 part partially composted material, we have learned that the partially composted material is only of benefit to the Red Wigglers, who feed on top. In addition, this material tends to retain water which is keeping the soil in the entire bed unduly wet. The next set of 4 beds will be filled with 3 parts native soil and 1 part construction grade sand. Compost and other food will be applied only on top. This should help with the drainage and also put the food where it will be eaten.
7/20/00 When properly cleaned, worms are entirely tasteless
   
   
   

This page was produced by Ron Darby.