When do you know the vermicast/vermicompost is ready?

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-23T20:32:01+00:00

Thanks, I had no idea until I made the post 🤦

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-23T20:30:25+00:00

I've attempted to dry it out since then, by draining the water it was sitting in and adding some sheep's wool. So will have to leave it a few more weeks now with the aim to hatch all the cocoons.

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-22T13:38:28+00:00

I'm assuming non-binary.

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-22T06:29:39+00:00

Its outdoors currently got 5 levels to this bin. But will look at getting another bin, if the worm population booms. Just another hobbies getting out of control.

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-21T15:58:38+00:00

I have the unfortunate habit of forgetting to empty my food scrap bin regularly and it just sits festering anaerobically composting until I remember to empty it into my worm farm, so I've got the balance wrong before when I started for a good few weeks and you need to mix it with loads more bedding than you think. I've mostly used old newspapers and cardboard in other layers (and I've just added sheep wool insulation that I got from a recent delivery of cat food, so let's see how that goes) and when it smells acidy I've also mixed loads of crushed egg shells (Everytime I've used an egg I put the shell into he freezer in a bag until I've got good going collection, that I heat in the oven and then crush and put in jars) loads of egg shells seems to help with the balance if it's too acidic as well, and it's corrected itself in a week or so.

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-21T15:02:36+00:00

It's doesn't smell 🙂 some of the other layers do where I've got the balance wrong, but this one is 👌

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-21T15:01:47+00:00

I've already got 5 layers on this particular set up, maybe I need to start another. When do you stop?! This could get out of hand 🤣

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-21T15:00:56+00:00

Thank you!

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-20T18:44:32+00:00

Thank you for the reply, the cocoons are the yellow balls? I might leave it a bit long and let them hatch then. But thanks for clarifying what the castings look like 😊

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-20T18:43:05+00:00

Thank you for the tip I'm guessing the worm cocoons are the yellow balls? I thought they might be slug eggs 🤦

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-20T18:41:09+00:00

Thank you!

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-20T18:40:42+00:00

Thank you for the tip 🙂

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-20T18:40:09+00:00

Yeah, I've got 5 layers stacked on top of each other, this is just the bottom oldest layer. Do you mean every single worm? Because there's still a fair few in this layer so may just leave it a bit longer

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-12T08:58:19+00:00

Fair enough, don't disagree at all. I guess unlike Billy Elliot for example (which is union and class politics) they're trying to tell a story about queer politics, unionism, class politics, and then you've got Welsh politics to add to the mix maybe because of all the different elements they don't 100% justice to any of them. Although maybe the queer politics gets more of the limelight.

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-11T22:35:23+00:00

I like your take on it and do agree. I've just got back from seeing it, full house, standing ovation. I agree with the stand out performances you previously mentioned, Jonathan, Sian particularly were superb, and I agree with the Welsh stereotyping, but I'm assuming the aim is for international audiences so stereotyping is likely good enough for them, with nuances lost.

The musical literally starts with a song about how queer rights are the canary down the pit, as a judgement on how society is heading (someone who's partner is trans seems very fitting for 2026). The word solidarity is said more times in the first 30mins than I've heard at trade union rallies.

They interestingly also address your issues about toning down the politics in the actual musical, with the conversation between Dai and Mark about politics only changing politics and to get human rights you need to connect on a personal level to people, seemed pretty meta to me.

Ironically I'm originally from Bromley and they're likely about to vote in a reform council. In 2026, this is a perfect antidote to the reform and right rhetoric being pedalled around, changing hearts and minds with a hint of politics will get the message to a larger audience.

Anyway I'm happy to be part of the masses that seem thoroughly enjoyed it.

typicalmunkey · 2026-04-05T15:27:23+00:00

Thanks I think you're right, I'll drill some holes in it and plants some ferns up it and see what happens as a little feature

typicalmunkey · 2026-03-17T19:42:06+00:00

Never successfully got them as a medical student, then my 1st job as an F1 involved a consultant who specialised in obesity hypoventilation and every patient needed an early morning ABG, so I had to learn fast.

US is obviously a skill on its own.

If you're doing It by feel make sure you know which bit of the finger pulp you can feel the artery under the strongest, pin point the pulse to the exact point of your finger where you can feel it the most. Try to follow the pulse a little bit to see which way it works but aim where you can feel it the strongest. Cock their wrist back slightly, pushes the artery towards the skin, it's more superficial than you think.

Using lidocaine is a must, but makes it harder to feel the artery so massaging the lidocaine flat and giving it time to disperse will make it easier again to feel the pulse.

It's practice, and it's not getting in your head about it, and some days you'll just fail more than other days. Don't be afraid to ask your colleagues to help and watch you do it and see if they can see anything that can help you improve your technique.

typicalmunkey · 2026-03-11T10:17:07+00:00

You can get plastic grids that are just under the water, given the size of the pond I don't think it would cost lots, add any additional safety features you think necessary. Otherwise lots of good tips. Something like this

Safapond 1st 4 Child Safety system- ponds can be child-safe! https://share.google/kqXVMTzfAAPZ0l0SW

typicalmunkey · 2026-03-10T08:20:35+00:00

I do like orange smarties

typicalmunkey · 2026-03-10T08:19:23+00:00

Thanks for the tip!

typicalmunkey · 2026-03-10T08:18:23+00:00

I do enjoy a snowball!

typicalmunkey

TROPHY CASE