5

I understand the value of vermiculture, and grew up with a wormbox on the back patio that made beautiful castings. What I don't understand is the purpose of the bin.

If I kept a heap of worm-friendly scraps, mixed with some dirt and kept moist, and covered with a layer of dirt to keep pests away, wouldn't that accomplish basically the same thing as a worm bin?

In other words, wouldn't a poorly run compost heap that doesn't get hot basically turn into a worm heap anyway, no need for a bin?

I feel like I might be missing something important, but a heap is a lot cheaper and simpler than a bin, and wouldn't dry out as quickly or have as much susceptibility to temperature swings, and wouldn't rot and need replacing every few years.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6

Basically you are right. The processes in a compost heap are a bit more complex than in a worm bin, because worms should be a part of a (only warm, not hot) compost heap among other, way smaller microorganisms.

The main advantages of worm bins are that they are way smaller and fit easily even on a balcony and that the worms inside (and you have a much larger worms to organic matter ratio) are better protected.

Do not underestimate the number of predators that would love to snack on your precious worms, though. I've watched backbirds in my backyard dig fist-sized and larger holes in loose material on our compost heap and depending on the wildlife in your area you might be surprised who stops by. A badger won't hesitate turning your heap upside down, but there are a few smaller wormlovers like moles that shouldn't be overlooked either. Of course a reasonably stable worm poplation in your compost will recover and if your compost sits on bare soil, it will "fill up" again from below.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    This all makes sense, thanks. Let me pick your brain some more -- aside of predators (don't think that's much of a problem, I can look at a heap and tell it is undisturbed), why is it that bins supports such a higher ratio of worms to organic matter? I know what you're talking about, because I've seen teeming masses of worms in bins, and never nearly so many in compost piles. Is the bin artificially forcing a higher population density than worms naturally go in for, or is there something about bins that helps them grow more densely?
    – jpadvo
    Mar 18, 2015 at 23:59
  • Perhaps one thing to consider is compaction. A large enough pile will begin to compact on the bottom fairly quickly. Especially in wet weather. The worms do not like heavily compacted soils. That's one reason that the worm towers do well. As the bottom layers compact the worms go to easier foraging layers. The idea is that as you add things to compost the worms chew it up and move up leaving the bottom layers compost. As Stephie mentions you're also protected from other wildlife. Plus it is easier if the bin is closer to the house vs a pile in the back yard.
    – Dano0430
    Oct 16 at 21:21

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.