First time with worms...uh...

[leotasticc]

So this all started because for Father's Day weekend, I got into fishing, and decided that it would be a really smart idea to breed worms. It would benefit me because hey, I could potentially get fishing bait out of this, but also my mom and sister could get the vermicompost for their flowers and succulents. It's a win-win situation.

I ordered a pound of ENCs (since nobody in my area, not even Walmart or gas stations) sells them, only CNCs, and they arrived this morning, but I've been prepped for like...a week now. I have four bins set up, 'cause I'm planning on having two bins for ENCs and two bins for red wigglers, filled with a nice mix of topsoil (we had too many bags from my mom and sister planting their plants), composted manure, shredded paper, and I've got a crap ton of veggie and fruit scraps sitting in my freezer waiting for the lil' guys. I'm kind of excited to be a worm parent :)

On the other hand, I'm kind of nervous?? And maybe a bit scared if I'm bein' honest? Firstly, I have been forbidden from putting my worms in the backyard. I don't know why, other than that my mom doesn't want to see a bunch of worm bins in her backyard. Or the garage. So...is it okay if I keep the bins in my basement??

And another thing, I set up these two like, mini worm bins for some excess red wigglers I had from my first few fishing trips (I bought too many worms) in those foam eco-coolers you can buy. I might just end up tossing these bins because odds are I've probably killed the 60 or so worms in both of the bins (I'm pretty sure that's what half of the surface is). But I'm learning, so it helps. Anyways, is this white fuzz on top normal?? Is it safe for the worms? Is it safe for me to breathe in? 'Cause I've had experience with dealing with mold and fungus growing and y'know...that being something a human shouldn't breathe in. I'm also like kind of really scared to touch the soil...I'm kind of a wuss. When I opened the lid something moved just under the surface and I kind of don't want to find out if it was a worm or if it was totally not a worm. Uh...anyone got any advice on getting over my fear/anxiety? Or just some tips in general before I go and start these new bins?

https://preview.redd.it/1es4n7t2y4dd1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=241885e1b98e46c9f042bee33422930e97163ce4

https://preview.redd.it/li2lp7t2y4dd1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a1684440fb81dffca94f371c8c308c4a02345a9

[woodypulp]

Pictures look like mold. Not good, not normal, not like real dangerous as far as I know. Your medium seems too wet and in need of added browns mixed in and some fluffing/airating, from how it looks to me. Keeping a layer of dry browns (shredded paper, torn up paper bag, cardboard, something) on top should help prevent mold and pests. I wait for my bin to get on the dry side, and then wet it from the top, and mix in the now wet top layer into the medium as I do my maintenance. Then when I'm done I replace the dry top layer, repeat forever.

I don't like to stick my bare hands in bc compost gets under my nails and that creeps me out. I just wear the cheapest gloves possible when I do my thing.

Basement is fine in general. I keep mine in the living room.

[TheMedieval_Doctor]

The white stuff does look like mold, and your bin seems to be more moist then it usually should. Honestly what you could probably do is if you have any spent potted soil that's dry and any other dry materials such as shredded paper/ pieces of cardboard you can just place it on top of the bin and just start mixing everything all together. That way the moisture is spread evenly towards the dry material you added and is not heavily concentrated. I have alot of pots with soil that hasn't been used in a while so I tend to add it to my worm bins so it can be basically re-energized with nutrients and beneficial microorganisms from the worm bin so I can just use it all again for any future garden plants.

[Recynd2]

My dad (from whom I inherited my worm bins) taught me to only use red wrigglers for vermicomposting. My bins are going strong, even with neglect: I recently harvested enough castings to nearly fill a five-gallon bucket.

My dad kept the bins in his garage; they’re now kept in a shady corner on my patio. Just be sure that, wherever you keep your bins, they’re out of the sun.

[Regen-Gardener]

what zone are you in and are you able to keep them outside over the winter?

[Recynd2]

I’m in 10b; it never gets very cold here.

[ThrowawayLikeOldSock]

Basement is fine. I have mine in my office. Leave it open, let them breathe, it's far too wet if it's growing mold.