I don't have any pictures--my son is now 31. There is a lot of info on the web under the book 'Worms eat my Garbage' We had another teenager at church that made spending money with an old chest freezer that he had modified and grew worms in and sold for fishing if you want to get into it big time. When we had the rubbermaid set up I worked w/four 2nd grade classes that set up mini worm farms in their classrooms in cafateria ice cream buckets. They kept them from Christmas until the end of the school year and I brought them home to their rubbermaid friends.

I guess I'll be the one to do the experiement to see how it performs here. I forgot to say this is the dark reddish chocolate colored one. It's very pretty and and I'm looking at the tag right now. It says it grows fast -- 12' high and 6' wide!!! LOL! I neglected to read that part before buying. That puts a whole new spin on planting it in the pot I had in mind. Anybody need a 12' grassy plant of a chocolate color? Oh well, it might work in the pot for a few months ... Here is a link that might be useful: Lowes photo ...

Ok thanks. I did some additional reading since I posted and I think I'm going to stay away from newspaper/newsprint just to be safe and use left over cardboard paper towels rolls and toilet paper rolls as well as things like egg cartons when available. Next question: Hermit crabs are sensitive to things like coffee. As long as they worms completely process the grounds there shouldn't be an issue but if there are some left over bits in their castings that are unprocessed this could potentially be unhealthy for the crabs. What is the risk of leftover unprocessed bits ending up in the castings and what is the best way to ensure that the compost is fully processed into castings so I can eliminate this potential risk but still use worm "favorites" in my farm.

If you are moving from a colder area where winter cold checks everything - you will be really excited by how fast things grow. Then you will realise that this goes double for the weeds and despair! Some of the familiar cool-climate plants will probably be hard to grow. However they grow some fantastic plants in Northland. I've never lived and gardened in Northland but grew up in Auckland which is similar. From Dargaville, it isn't far to get to the native forest with the giant kauri (Agathis australis) trees. I recommend a visit - they are fantastic. Not that you will be growing kauri in your greenhouse. But yes, orchids do well. So do many ferns. Also, you won't be too far from Koanga Gardens. They are a big organic garden and sell heirloom seed varieties, mainly vegetables. I'll try and think of some other favourites from the north. Here is a link that might be useful: Koanga Gardens