More legwork set for… Vermicomposting!

Definition of “legwork” according to The Free Dictionary: Informal work that involves travelling on foot or as if on foot

After much extensive reading, research and sourcing online, Joe and I feel pretty confident about setting up our own low-cost vermicompost (worm compost) bin.

For now, we will be relying mainly on these easy-to-understand and reliable sources:

• Red Worm Composting: Getting Started
• The Bait-O-Matic 6000 Complete How-To Guide
• Here’s the Dirt: Worm Composting

I have prepared a list of items to source for tomorrow. Here’s a summary of items required to set up a basic worm composting bin:

1) Two plastic containers that can be partially stacked on top of one another

• Must be relatively shallow and wide for good aeration – a big surface area allows for greater oxygenation of bin and allows worms to spread out more
• A good depth would be about 20cm to 30cm deep (approximately able to hold 53 litres), or a 3 gallon “Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote” of dimensions 15.8″ x 10.3″ x 7″
• Each container should come with a lid that prevents water evaporation since compost worms need a constant moist environment. Alternatively, you may choose containers with lids that come with air vents (e.g. a hole through the lid)
• Opaque – light should not be able to penetrate most parts of the containers since light causes compost worms undue stress
• Durable – since there will be some drilling involved
• Lightweight

2) A tray to collect the worm tea (compost tea). However if the bottom container comes with a lid, the lid can be used as a collection tray instead.

3) A spray bottle to help moisten the bedding for the worms

Other things I will keep a lookout for in the event Joe and I would like to build…

…something more effective and complex:

• “Sterilite” 19 liter (5 gallon) bin – 16 3/4″ L x 12 3/4 W x 9 1/8″ H
• One 3″ plastic air vent (e.g. 3″ Duraflo “Mini Louvers” plastic vents)
• Four 1″ plastic air vents (e.g. 1″ Duraflo “Mini Louvers” plastic vents)
• Heavy duty produce elastics
• Drill with hole cutting bits
• Nylon stocking material

…something larger which will be good for breeding and harvesting more worms:

By the way, this instructional video totally cracked me up

• 14 gallon “Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote” (24” x 16” x 12.5”)
• Four 3” Plastic Air Vents
• Utility Knife
• Heavy Duty Produce Elastics
• OPTIONAL
  • Hole tracing tool
  • Drill with Hole Cutting Bit
  • Nylon Stockings

Lastly, my planned route for tomorrow would be to visit some of Singapore’s largest hypermarkets (e.g. Giant at IMM and Vivocity, Carrefour at Suntec and Plaza Singapura), Ikea at Alexandra, and Courts at Vivocity.

Oh yes, if you have any contacts on where I can get a 3 or 14 gallon “Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote”, and a 5 gallon “Sterilite” bin, do let me know! I have tried searching online but to no avail.

Hope I’ll have a fruitful trip! More updates coming up soon!

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