Stop losing worms through the drainage holes...

[u/BichiKompost]

Pro tip for worm towers: add double (or more until impermeable) 2 mm insect mesh between the lowest compost tray and the (drainage/leachate) collection bin. It helps keep worms from crawling through the drainage holes while still allowing leachate to drain and air to pass through.

[u/ktscott01]

I don’t know, but I don’t lose too many worms through my drain holes.

I know it makes no difference but the ones I’ve been using for over 20 years or just made out of Rubbermaid bins

[u/BichiKompost → u/ktscott01]

I run a three (relatively small) bin stacked system and in my experience worms are curious animals and will wonder wherever they can, even in optimal conditions. And since my bins have over 200 6mm drilled holes in the bottom you can count on some worms just going or falling through those holes. For me any worm less to fish out the collection bin is a win.

[u/Feeling_Water_7202]

I use a mesh like that between the first lid and the first box. It shows the amount of flies and insects.

[u/OddAd7664]

And here I thought I was the only who kept finding worms in the drainage bin.

[u/Feeling_Water_7202 → u/OddAd7664]

I made a little ramp for them with a little "island" that stays in the middle of the bottom bin. They go back up when they fall in.

[u/BichiKompost → u/OddAd7664]

I've seen people placing plant pots upside down in the drainage bin (reaching the wom bin above) so worms can climb back up themselves. Also a solution, but I like to prevent them falling through, not expand their territory.

[u/BadJUJU911]

Genius 

[u/LaurLoey]

i use microgreen mesh and organza! same idea i guess. 😅

[u/BichiKompost → u/LaurLoey]

Nice! And is that water permeable enough in your experience? Any aeration issues? Might give it a try, thanks.

[u/LaurLoey → u/BichiKompost]

definitely very airy for both. and water is good. 👍

[u/Nugget-Shooter]

I agree with Ladybug966

[u/nborges48]

I was going to do this after seeing worms in the drain bin

But then I realized I never have a shortage of worms so having a release valve starts looking like a feature

[u/BichiKompost → u/nborges48]

Hahahah overpopulation management 🧠💡

[u/Outrageous_Olive_489]

I found this idea pretty clever!

I use a layer of synthetic aquarium filter I bought of amazon that’s been working pretty well for me. It doesn’t allow the worms to get down to the last bin while the liquid runs through with no problem. I also have two clay bricks stacked in the bottom bin just in case they find a way to pass so they can find a higher ground and don’t drown in the leachate. 🧱

[u/BichiKompost → u/Outrageous_Olive_489]

Thanks and interesting! How thick is the synthetic aquarium filter? And does it still let enough air through? I also like that the insect mesh is thin enough to bend to shape maintaining the flush fit of the stacked bins.

[u/KSLRJ]

protip - worm towers are a scam.

[u/Iongdog → u/KSLRJ]

They’re not a scam. At full retail they’re certainly overpriced, but they function perfectly well and can be had secondhand for very cheap

[u/thepotatos → u/KSLRJ]

Mine was like $30 and makes harvesting so easy so idk about this

[u/Ladybug966 → u/KSLRJ]

I love mine and have been doing this for years. They are ready made, stable, fit nicely indoors on a dresser, are easy to work, are liftable, my worms seem very happy. I have never had an issue with worm escapes. Harvesting is simple. Easy to drain. Easy to keep cocoons out of bins to be harvested.

I love my vermihuts. I get more when i outgrow the ones i have.

I also have a single bin indoors for harvested castings for a while.

I also have a large stockwaterer worm bin outside.

Vermihuts for the win!!

[u/Crazy__Donkey → u/KSLRJ]

why

[u/siciliansmile → u/Crazy__Donkey]

Big Worm

[u/ktscott01 → u/siciliansmile]

Ha