The system (Vermiculture)

 

 

The can-o-worms unit

The can-o-worms is the easiest to use and most efficient wormery for handling kitchen waste, designed from the ground up as a superior wormery. It’s innovative layered structure lets you see at a glance what the worms are doing and harvest your worm casts more quickly and efficiently than ever before. Because you can see the normally hidden process of composting in action can-o-worms is ideal for first time compostors. Unlike conventional wormeries the four storey tray structure allows access to worm free compost, waste and liquid separately.  The worms climb constantly upwards, searching for organic waste, leaving behind fully worked worm casts. As each bottom tray becomes full, simply harvest it and put the empty tray back on the top of the tower; Simple! Every can-o-worms is made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic Each can-o-worms unit contains: collection tray: five push fit legs: plastic drain tap: three interchangeable trays with perforated mesh bases for worms to pass: lid: bedding block: comprehensive instruction manual.

We also recommend adding a moisture mat, worm treat and lime mix to help ensure that things go smoothly, all of these extras are included in the can-o-worms unit provided! And of course a 1000 live native composting worms.

 

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Some Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is the can-o-worms (unit) Safe and Hygienic Will the System smell Can I put worms from my garden into the Unit Does being in the System harm the worms Will the worms breed Will I ever get too many worms How long do worms live Will my worms die What will the worms compost What should I not feed them

How much waste will a unit compost How much compost will I make How do I use the compost Why does the System produce liquid Does it matter where I keep my System What happens when I go on holiday What happens if the System freezes What happens in hot weather What can go wrong What will I need to replace

 

Is the can-o-worms Safe and Hygienic Worm composting is a natural process and the resulting worm casts are rich and pleasant to handle soil like substance. However it's a live process and casts are not sterile. You should always wash your hands after working with the System.

 

Will the System smell Bad smells arise when food is allowed to rot; worms work quickly enough to prevent this eating haft their body weight every day. Worms also eat the micro-organisms that cause decay, anaerobic bacteria. You can help by stirring in some lime mix as supplied, to aerate any uneaten food waste and regulate their feeding to allowing the worms to digest food before it rots. Your bin should have a pleasant earthy smell, like a fresh wet garden after rain.

 

Can I put worms from my garden into the System The many species of worms can be divided into two broad categories; Compostors and Earth workers. The chances that your garden contains enough of the right type are very slim. You really do need the specialised composting worms supplied with the System.

Does being in the System harm the worm The System is designed to be the ideal environment for worms.

 

Will the worms breed In a well maintained Systems they will happily breed. Worms can double in population every 2-3 months and after several years the can-o-worms unit should be home to 15,000 - 20,000 hard working worms.

 

Will I ever get too many worms No. A colony of worms regulates its numbers to suit the available resources.

 

How long do worms live They can live for 15 years or more.

 

Will my worms die Worms are living creatures and will die if their living conditions are unsuitable e.g. in a dry environment worms which absorb oxygen through a layer of moisture on their skin, cannot breath. However their eggs can survive harsh conditions for long periods of time.

What will the worms compost Almost anything which has lived and died can be composted by worms, but best results will be obtained from soft organic waste such as left over vegetable scraps, fruit and vegetable peelings, tea leaves/bags and coffee grounds, vacuum dust and hair (including animal) shredded newspaper, egg box type cardboard (pre-soaked) crushed egg shells and stale bread etc. The greater the variety of organic waste the worms are feed the better the castings will be.

 

What should I not feed them Worms cannot eat material such as glass metal or plastics. You should also avoid some organic material such as animal manure (the animal may have been 'wormed' and the residue can kill your worms) highly acidic fruit such as citrus fruits and onions should be avoided.

 

How much waste will the system compost The System is designed to cope with the kitchen waste produced by an average family. Initially, waste should be added in small quantities and you'll soon get a feel for their appetite. Adding large quantities of waste at one time is not advised. As a rule 500 worms weigh 1/lb or 450g and can process haft their weight per day.

 

How much compost will I make The multiple level trays in the System hold 60 litres of compost, 20 litres in each of the three stages. Under normal circumstances, your first compost will be ready in 12 to 20 weeks.

How do I use the compost The compost is a pure organic fertilizer with a neutral pH level. It is a ideal mulch around the base of trees and shrubs and can be dug in to enrich soil, particularly for growing vegetables.

 

Why does the System produce liquid Worms breathe through a layer of moisture on their skin and therefore the contents of the bin should be kept moist at all times. The collector tray is there to collect any excess liquid. As it passes through the bin this liquid becomes enriched with nutrients and therefore makes an excellent plant feed. Drain it off from time to time and diluted, can be used to feed your houseplants.

 

Does it matter where I keep my System It can be kept almost anywhere. Worms prefer a temperature of between 13C to 20C. They are best kept where the temperature doesn't vary too widely; a utility room, garage are suitable and they don't require light. They can also be kept outdoors so long as they are kept in a sheltered position.

 

What happens when I go on holiday You have a wonderful time! Your worms, given a good feed making sure the contents are suitably moist. Keep the System out of direct sunlight, put a tray underneath the open collector tray tap and enjoy your holiday.

What happens if the System freezes Worms can freeze solid but they should thaw out and carry on composting! They will not breed however. This should not happen if the System is kept in a suitable location.

 

What happens in hot weather Very hot conditions can dry out the contents, which should be kept moist.

 

What can go wrong Follow the instructions, which come with the System, you should not have problems. Sometime the contents can become a little too acidic but this can be remedied with the lime mix supplied with the System.

 

What will I need to replace You may wish to replace the moisture mat from time to time, effective moisture mats can be produced from layers of damp newspaper cut to shape. A handful of the lime mix should be used every other week and worm treat to give your worms a good start.     Prices and Shopping at zero-2-land

 

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Contact; Stephen J Coleman . zero-2-land . 01452-307778 . steve@zero-2-land.com 55 Victoria Street, Gloucester, GL1 4EP.

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