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How to Separate Worms from Compost
When I use buckets or plastic totes as worm bins how do I separate my worms from the old bedding?
The most common method of separating worms from compost is the "dump & sort method." Dump the contents of your bin on a tarp and make several mounds or cone shaped piles. Allow the piles to rest a bit and then brush off the material on the top with your hands until you reach worms in the compost. Move to the next pile and do the same thing, brushing off the top-most material until you see worms. By the time you've done this to all the piles, you're ready to get back to the 1st pile and repeat the process.
It is best to do this in the shade, rather than in direct sun or with a light over a table, so you can sit comfortably during this tedious task. Worms do not like the light. They will wiggle down into the pile to avoid the light. By the time you have brushed off the majority of the compost, the worms will have gathered at the bottom of the pile. This is very time consuming and tedious.
Another method is to stop feeding for a month or so, then feed the worms a nice soft melon or banana in a mesh bag or basket. Leave the food on top of bedding and cover loosely with plastic or newspaper. Let that sit for a week or so and then gather the worms, which have found the food and set aside in the new bedding material. You can repeat this process until very few worms are found in the food that is placed in the old bedding material. Be sure to give the cocoons time to hatch out before using the compost in the garden. Then use the vermicastings that are in the old bin and place new bedding in it to start over. Other methods are discussed in the Worm Digest Special Issue entitled "The Art of Small-scale Vermicomposting."
Using a bin designed for worms is the easiest way to harvest or separate worms from compost. The Can-O-Worms & The Worm Factory have stacking trays that allow the worms to self-separate. The Eliminator allows you to harvest from the bottom because the worms will be at the top. Using Rubbermaid “tote” bins is a cheaper way to go as long as you don’t take into account your time and energy put into harvesting and chiropractor bills for getting your back in working order again.
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