Worm Bin Update: Migration Done Right

This worm bin project has been one of the most enjoyable (and luckily successful) garden experiments I've ever taken on! And after a bumbling attempt at bin migration last time , I finally got it right! It seems that you have to wait until both bins are full to harvest the castings from the bottom bin, otherwise you leave too many worms behind. So after separating the bins, here's my prize-a bin full of rich worm castings (a.k.a. poop! :)

There were a few wormies hanging out on top of this layer, but I dug around and found that none were below the surface. That's because I let the top bin get full and the bulk of the population are happily eating and residing up there. I gathered the stragglers and put them in the top bin...

.....which is resting here on the extra lid saved for this transition. I made these bins myself from the plans here , and it was really easy! You can certainly spend the $100 or so for a pre-made bin, but making my own was much more satisfying.

Next step is to remove the liquid from the bottom catch-bin. According to the folks in the "worm forums" and other informational websites , this liquid is called "leachate", and not as good for plants as "castings tea"  (but my plants didn't read this). I water my houseplants with this leachate and they seem to really enjoy it. Hey, the proof is in the results!

There! All put back together for now, I'll add the top bin soon to begin the migration process all over again. This bin is pretty large, so it sits in a spare room out of the way. It doesn't smell, gives me a place to toss veggie scraps year-round (when my outdoor composters are under snow), and provides an endless supply of fishing worms! (Shhhh....don't tell the worms about that part :)

If you've ever wanted to build your own bin, I say go for it! It's fun, easy, and educational for children ("vermicomposting" is a great science project). There are lots of great resources on the web, and I'm always happy to help in any way I can as an "experienced" worm-wrangler. (I've had this bin going since 2006 with just a few startup "blunders" :)

Meh....I'm kinda off plants lately....

...."Really?!"  Naw Gizmo, I'm just kidding. I'm simply frustrated with my slow internet connection, and busy with other things lately. But I'm excited for the upcoming growing season...

 ....particularly since the catalogs have begun pouring in. I mean, just look at this purple swiss chard!

 Plus I still want to blog about last year's season! I'm just rather overwhelmed lately, so if you can just bear with me.....okay Bentley?

"Zzzzzzzzzz" .........I'll take that as a "yes".

What Do You Want For Christmas?

Now I love snow....I really do......but while looking through some pictures today I felt a twinge of wistful desire for something really different this Christmas.

I felt that a glimpse backward might be nice....

....maybe a colorful blast of sunshine....

...I mean, we all seek it from time to time......

...that delightful color explosion.....

....we just want to immerse ourselves in it.....

 ...long enough to feel those simple pleasures of warmth and relaxation...

....that make up this fabulous life we all cherish.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!  *~<]:-)

Just in time for Christmas!

Here's a gift idea for the gardening and outdoor-loving friends on your Christmas list, courtesy of my friends at Allsop Home Garden products : Solar glass string lights!

The website says:  "Are you preparing for the holiday season? The Aurora Glow Solar Glass string lights are a great alternative to the traditional Christmas lights! You can string them along your eve, hook them around your deck, wrap them around your wreath or give as a great gift!
Illuminate your outdoor spaces with beautiful and festive solar powered hand-blown glass string lights. Six lights crafted from colored and clear hand-blown glass and luminescent details adorn a clear wire and come complete with six high powered LED lights and copper hanging hooks. Aurora Glow string lights are powered by the sun, with a solar panel located nearly 15 feet away from the first glass globe. Plant or mount the solar collector away from the lights and enjoy the glow at night while collecting the maximum amount of sunlight during the day.
The hand-crafted Aurora Glow string lights are beautiful wrapped amidst the greenery of an arbor, archway, tree or deck railing. Perfect for an outdoor room or beneath an umbrella! Equipped with a photo light sensor, the lights will turn themselves on at dusk and off at dawn. Totally sustainable, hang beautiful Aurora Glow string lights once and enjoy their artisan glow every night!
Dimensions
Six 2.5" globes spread 22 inches a part with the solar panel up to 15 ft away. Total string length is 25 ft."

They come in several beautiful colors.....

...I got this string of six "Sea Glass" lights with a solar collector that can be placed well out of sight. Considering my current temps are well below zero, I thought it unwise to try them out right now....

...but look how gorgeous they are!!

Disclaimer: Allsop Home Garden gave me these complimentary lights in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed here are honest and all my own.

Checking In

Wow, I certainly haven't been here in awhile! Looks like things are getting kinda dusty, like this squirrel...

.....oh wait-that's snow (and LOTS of it!) Guess it's time to work on my gardening "year in review" posts....

.....this could take awhile. May as well get comfortable!