[compost_tea] Re: new design for kitchen worm compost / extract bin - under $4.00

From: John Potts <johnpotts55_at_hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:42:55 -0000

Hi Gail,
Love the microscope images - did you say that Elaine will be doing voice-ov=
ers describing the critters? - what a great learning tool. www.TheEarthPro=
ject.org, 'Identify these critters' Great clarity on the images, hard to =
believe the microscope was so inexpensive and a trinocular to boot!

Would love to help with the worm bin testing, let me know what kind of info=
rmation you are collecting, I have a 5 gallon mesh filter and worms waiting=
.
John Potts

How is Elaine doing?

--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Gail" <gailswithenbank_at_...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> I could use some feedback and help testing on a new vermicompost bin suit=
able for kitchen use.
> Link to page with pics of system - http://www.TheEarthProject.org/id58.ht=
m
>
> The system involves using a mesh filter bag inside a regular garbage bin,=
 available at any paint store (5 gallon paint strainer mesh -apx. 70 mesh, =
under $4.00 at paint stores) to hold the worms. The mesh bag filled with t=
he worms and vermicompost can then be used as a straining bag to produce an=
 extract. The bag with worm intact is used like a large tea bag dipping it=
 in and out of water (chlorine free) to dislodge the organisms. The worms =
don't seem to be affected by the bath, actually seem to like it. The resul=
ting extract can be used directly or in an AACT process. The same bin can b=
e used for the extract process. After draining (clip the bag on the side t=
o drain), I continue the regular system of adding food scraps to the bin. =
Having un-processed food in the bag doesn't seem to affect the result, the =
mesh strains out the unprocessed food)
> I have been experimenting with one stlye of the Simple Human garbage can,=
 but the 5 gallon or 2 gallon bags fit most of their styles. The mesh bags =
also work with a regular 5 gallon bucket, and should work with most kitchen=
 garbage containers. The mesh bags can be bought in packages of 25 for und=
er $1.00 each.
> I have been monitoring the process with a microscope, and so far things l=
ook good. I was testing the liquid in the bottom of the bin for microorgan=
isms, and found that I could prevent the liquid from going anaerobic and sm=
elly by adding lactobacteria (some of the liquid from my yoghurt container =
- basically making it into EM) it stops the smell.
> The website www.TheEarthProject.org has images of the new design and pro=
cess, as well as useful information on soil restoration. It is still somewh=
at under construction, but worth keeping an eye on as it grows. These proj=
ects are being done with Elaine Ingham under the umbrella of The Sustainabl=
e Studies Institute and this website with eventually be merged with the SSI=
 site.
>
> Feedback and independent testing would be appreciated.....
>
> Gail Swithenbank
> Sustainable Studies Institute
>
> link to page - http://www.TheEarthProject.org/id58.htm
>




Received on Wed Mar 09 2011 - 14:04:29 EST

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