I inherited a new worm bin.

I haven't started using it yet because I don't like the 2-3" layer of plastic packing peanuts between the lining and the bottom of the bin. I know why they're there, I guess. But I really hate those things. This bin was made by a semi-famous local girl, about 11 years old, who sells the bin and a supply of worms for a reasonable price, which I've forgotten. Isn't her hand-made label adorable?

Top, Eisenia foetida (redwiggler). Middle, Eisenia hortensis (European nightcrawler). Bottom, Lumbricus terrestris (Canadian nightcrawler).

I can't see much if any difference. But every worm "expert" says never bring nightcrawlers, the worms found in your garden, into a closed vermicomposting system. I can't remember why. But will find out. Again.

Worm juice. The stuff of much controversy.

I added this juice (I should think of a better word) to a watering can nearly full of water and sprinkled it over some of my plants. I do this from time to time. I have no idea if it helps the plants but I think it can't hurt them, especially considering how infrequently I do it. Compost tea is controversial. Much more interesting than whatever CNN decides is controversial.

My original vermicomposter system on the right; my inherited system on the left.

The details of my inheritance can be found here.

About worm eggs (I found this on some forum somewhere and liked it):

"Worms lay eggs. You know that saddle in the middle of them that looks like they've been chopped in half and restitched together? That slides off their body and forms an egg sack (which looks like a tiny onion - or fertiliser pellet) which will eventually produce between 12-20 young un's. When you go through the bedding next time you should look for those too.

"So a population of 21 worms can multiple into many thousands if given a few good months.

"I teach highschool enviro. science and we breed worms in class - my students have turned 10 or so worms into hundreds in just weeks. They each count their own pet worms before making mini Coke bottle worm farms. We have a competition to see who has the most sexy worms."

Fresh castings.

I'm on youtube! A friend gave me her worm composting setup and she recorded the moment of adoption. Go here.

Cleaned out my little pond. Not sure if these worms want to be submerged.

I've been scooping them out every day and placing them on the ground. Next day I find more. When it got hot today (high 70s) they turned white.

Harvesting Day. Pictures are in no particular order.