New Compost Bin, Add Worms??

Kadeeae

We are setting up a compost bin, the ground here is very poor (seaside) and don't know that I've ever dug up a worm. I've read on here that you should set the compost bin on the ground - possibly on some mesh - which would allow the worms in.

Can you add some worms to the bin or no? Would they be helpful, really? Ages and ages ago we had a bin and occasionally added some sort of purchased liquid . . . is this really necessary and would it do any harm to the worms?

Sorry, lots of questions there - just want to get it right on the first go

Lotus-eater

Put it on the soil, stick some mesh under it to minimise the chance of any furry visitors.

Don't purchase worms yet, fill the bin as quick as possible, add urine to it (acts as the starter, the liquid you bought before) and stir, you need to try and get it as hot as possible as quick as possible.
When the main heat has gone out of it, that's when you need the worms. I'd be suprised if you didn't have some arrive at the right time. But if you don't, look at buying them then.

jeferey

I've had a compost bin for years and I've never added any worms. As you say they should find their way in. Whenever I take the lid off mine, I see loads around the rim and quite often flick them back in. I have never had to add any purchased liquid (up on the allotment where I go they swear by an old favourite of human urine :eek:) but my compost bin always makes some nice crumbly stuff without it :rotfl:.
There is no harm adding worms to the bin and you can buy them off the net from various reputable sellers.
Apparently worms don't like excess moisture so make sure you have a lid.
I use wire mesh on the bottom of my bin - keeps out rodents.
I don't rotate mine as often as I should but I try and separate layers - not too much grass at once, etc.
Good luck

Mojisola

If you put the worms in before your compost has heated up, they will all leave as the heap warms up. As Lotus-eater says, be patient!

Kadeeae

Thank you, think I've got it now . . .

On the ground, mesh underneath, hold up on the worms just now - wait and see, may not go down the urine route - feeling a bit iffy with it atm

The help is much appreciated!

Lotus-eater

Kadeeae wrote: »

Thank you, think I've got it now . . .

On the ground, mesh underneath, hold up on the worms just now - wait and see, may not go down the urine route - feeling a bit iffy with it atm

The help is much appreciated!

Well if you don't want to go down the urine route, then you could use nettles instead, they are full of nitrogen which gets the heap going, just bung a load on.

But, you are missing out on natures, sterile, free, unlimited availability, ingredient in your compost

When you are a gardener, you can't be too squiffy or girlie about these things.

savemoney

I add them to mine also add composter power to composter to make it rot quicker. I find I get a lot of new worms in composter

I as water and or paper if compost appears to wet/dry and also I put a thick stick on mine and prod it to allow air in

Kadeeae

Lotus-eater wrote: »

......When you are a gardener, you can't be too squiffy or girlie about these things.

:rotfl:

If not girlie than whatever shall I do with these lovely flowered gardening gloves I've bought? Not to mention the pink floppy hat!

christineperseus

Can't beat the odd drop of horse poo in there as well! there are many sources of 'free horse sh*t' bags by field gates/freecycle etc.

Lotus-eater

Kadeeae wrote: »

:rotfl:

If not girlie than whatever shall I do with these lovely flowered gardening gloves I've bought? Not to mention the pink floppy hat!

Oh that's OK, just learn to be hard when squashing bugs with your fingers and when dealing with smelly garden things and you'll be fine.
Urine isn't a problem at all, making your own fertiliser can cause sinus twitches. :shocked: