Worm Inn?

[Amy]

Has anyone ever used one of these? Looks pretty innovative. Just wondering how it works and - if it works. http://theworminn.com/default.aspx

[Amy]

Here's a pic:

[Carl]

Bentley, who is a member here, has a blog about his experiences (he also sells worms). On that blog he has articles about his experiences with the Worm Inn.

[Bentley Christie]

Hi Amy,
Funny coincidence that I should happen to login today (haven't had much time for participation here as of late unfortunately).
I JUST wrote a post about how I recently harvested vermicompost from my 1st Worm Inn. I was really impressed with it! Beautiful black gold, and no worms in it.
Here is the post:
http://www.redwormcomposting.com/worm-inn/worm-inn-journal-04-08-09/

Like any open system, there are some potential issues with the Inn - namely the increased chance of fruit fly and gnat invasion (I've had the latter but not the former). Robyn the creator of the Inn has actually come up with an even more innovative design that features a zippered, screen 'lid' (in the standard worm inn the screen is simply attached via four pieces of velcro).

I'll be writing about this 'pro' version very soon.

Thanks for your interest, and thanks Carl for pointing Amy towards me. :-)

Regards

Bentley

[Jason]

Robyn is also a member here if you want to ask her any questions, though I don't know how often she logs in...

[Robyn]

Hello All -
good to be back here. I had replied to Amy earlier this evening but just now got to this thread. I'm excited to read Bentley's post about the castings! What I like to mention is that this whole thing started because of Bentley's famous Creepy Pants experiment - you'll have to go to his site to get that story. I may be the one who sewed the Worm Inn together, but it was Bentley's creativity and inspiration. So thank you again Mr. B.
best to you all,
Robyn

[Amy]

Thanks everyone! I'm about to start a new vermiculture in my condo and was just about to get a Worm Factory when I saw this one online. It looks so very intriguing. Unfortunately, it won't fit in my kitchen as the Factory would, but I could get around that. It sounds like your experience has been great, Bentley. How would you compare the Inn to box-type (stacked) bins? What about tea? Does the Inn not produce any?

[Carl]

Actually no type of bin produces tea. The liquid that comes out of some bins is considered by some to be risky for use on plants since it may contain harmful by-products of active decomposition. Instead, tea is made by steeping finished vermicomposted in water, sometimes with bacteria food (molasses) and/or aeration (via fish tank air stones). The intent is to cause a bloom of beneficial bacteria while brewing the tea.

It is also possible to make your own. I based mine on one at Instructables.

[Amy]

Thanks Carl - I meant just liquid. I'm wondering if the bag produces much liquid. There's no collection tray - but there is a pocket for a water bottle. I asked Robyn on her own site. Bentley could reply too since he's had experience with the bag. Thanks everyone! Amy

[Susan Bolman]

The amount of leachate produced (drippings) in any system depends on the amount of water and wet food you put in. The inn probably has less problem with that than standard rubbermaid bins because of increased air flow, but you can get leachate with any system. Put something under the inn.