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Vermicomposting

do worm bins have to have holes in the bottom?

16 years ago

If you closely control the environment, are they neccessary? I've found some 55 gal drums with resealable lids that will hold a lot of worms but I hate to drill holes in them because after I get enough worms growing I'm going to move them to a 10 cu yard compost pile and let them go. I can use the drums for rainwater collecting and other uses after that.

tia, mp

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Comments (5)

vermiman
16 years ago
I find that when good moisture levels are maintained there are no need for drainage holes.
flatlander
16 years ago
yikes! you better watch it closely!
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greengrass12
16 years ago
I thought at least 1/4 inch holes were needed in the bottom for ventillation.
renais
16 years ago
I used to regularly grow worms in large barrels as you describe. The biggest issue is making sure there is not too much water accumulation at the bottom, or not enough water in the bin. I found there is not a need to have any holes, and in fact, I also did not want holes in my containers because I was going to use them for other things later. I found that either tipping the barrels every few weeks to let any excess water drain out, or just pushing something down to the bottom to check wetness was sufficient. Note that even if there is some small amount of water at the bottom, it is not a particularly big issue. It just means the worms won't be active in that very bottom layer.
Renais
boreal_wormer
16 years ago
If you want a few 1/4" holes in the bottom for drainage they can be resealed with a hot screwdriver later. Should be OK as a rain barrel. For ventilation consider using a pipe with holes drilled in it and wrapped with landscape fabric. It could be placed upright in the barrel and supported by the bedding.

Here is a link that might be useful: Boreal Wormer

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