I just saw 4 rat-tailed maggots in my vermicompost which I have in the Netherlands. We usually have the bin inside during winter but due to flies we put them outside during the day, maybe that's how these maggots came in. I don't know if we got rid of them and I would like to know how to do so; they are so gross. Also, I guess that my vermicompost is too wet, but I'm not sure how to make it drier, as it rains frequently here so I can't keep them outside to let the soil dry.
Fly's can easily be attracted to the decomposing foods, especially meat.
Most maggots are not an issue, they are helping break down the material.
The worms may even carried the eggs when you received them.
It's not an issue, unless you can't tolerate them!
You could remove the unprocessed food scraps to another container and as many maggots as you can.
This will give the worms time to break down the material, then add in the scraps slowly.
This should help change the environment to a more unappealing place for the fly's and maggots.
We bought a horse tank and wanted to use that for a worm bin. We have drilled holes in the bottom and built a wooden top. We have it placed on the east side of our barn but upon checking it noticed it was very warm inside even as I dug down into the casting which fills about 20 inches from the bottom of the bin. We've had a wooden bin for about 10 years. Wondering if this horse trough will work and how to keep it cooler? Thanks
You should avoid a metal container.
Here is an article with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/worm-composting-bins.htm
I don't have a supply of any type of worms needed for the vermicomposting in my area. But i do see couple of worms in my garden, some of them are red color but are very slim. Is there a way that i can use them. Need your guidance in this. Thanks
As long as they are worms, and not grubs, then they should be fine. Make sure that they do not have any legs before you put them into your compost. The larger the worm, the faster they compost, though. If you can't find any larger worm species, then any worm will do.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/care-and-feeding-of-worms.htm
How deep to worms go in the winter in NJ? Can tube feeding be used to feed them if the tubes are kept warm?
They burrow very deeply - hard to say exactly how far down. However, when the soil warms up to around 50 degrees F they begin to make their way back up. Research says they shouldn't be fed much if anything during the winter.
Here's an article for you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/care-and-feeding-of-worms.htm
I have just found a 12 foot by 4 foot garden has no worms I want to plant flowering plants in that area.
You can! It is best if you leave some leaf litter to hide them from the sun until they can get underground, though. These articles will help:
I live in South Africa. I have had a worm bin for many years and find it an excellent way to get rid of kitchen/vegetable scraps. Although the scraps break down quickly and successfully the castings remain very wet. The consistency remains muddy and pasty; it is very sticky and when I do dry it out it hardens into stoney clumps. Putting that dried matter through a garden sieve is labourious and not very successful. What am I doing wrong and how can I improve matters?
You may be adding greens but no browns. Besides fruits and vegetables you need to add the browns such as newspaper, egg cartons, copy paper, and cardboard.
This article tells more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/care-and-feeding-of-worms.htm
Hi I’m curious as to why when making the worm jar you put an additional smaller jar filled with water and then sealed inside the other jar? Thanks Natalie
This is so that it will force them to travel around the outside of the jar. This is more for kids' entertainment purposes, rather than a useful purpose.