General Can-O-Worms maintenance tips.

Once established, Can-O-Worms requires little maintenance, but regular observation and maintenance makes the system function more efficiently and maximises the productive output of the system.

Tap off the worm tea regularly so that it does not accumulate in the Collector Tank. Vermitea is best when it is fresh, and some earthworms may not be able to find their way up the worm island if the vermitea is deep.

Maintain a layer of newspaper that has been torn into strips and moistened on the surface of whichever Working tray you are working in.

Always keep the lid on.

Usually when the top Working tray is full, and active with earthworms, then the bottom Working tray (the first Working tray used) is ready for harvesting.

Harvesting your vermicompost

Lift the bottom Working tray on top of the other two Working trays.

Leave the lid off and expose the vermicompost to bright light.

You want to use the light to drive the remaining earthworms down into the Working tray below.

Use one of our handy grubbers to help encourage the earthworms to move down.

When they have all moved down remove your full Working tray of vermicompost and apply to your garden or potted plants or where-ever you intend to use it.

Remember, unlike vermitea, vermicompost is not perishable and can be stored for long periods before use.

Once the vermicompost is removed this now empty Working tray becomes the top Working tray.

Replace this Working tray, feed your earthworms and the cycle begins again.

Rinsing the Collector Tray.

A small amount of vermicompost falls into the Collector Tray through the holes in the base of the Working tray above.

This can block the tap and it is a good idea to give the Collector Tray a rinse and check the tap and legs while the Working trays are off.

Rinse the vermicompost out with a hose or watering can, and rescue any earthworms that may have found their way into the Collector tray, placing them back into the Working trays.

Wash out the tap in its open position. If it is stiff, hold the stem and pull the handle section upward to separate the two pieces (don't pull on the stem). Remove any dirt and use a water-based lubricant on the sliding surfaces if the mechanism is still stiff when re-assembled, or if the tap drips.

Check that the nut is tight (not to tight or the rubber o-ring squeezes out or breaks) and that the legs are correctly positioned between the plastic ribs.


Fitting the lid

Make sure that the lid is correctly aligned when you replace it after feeding or harvesting the worms or vermicompost - the slightly recessed sections of the rim should be over the handle of the tray below.

Check for excess vermitea regularly to ensure that the Collector Tray is not full - particularly if you have added lots of moist food (lettuce, tomatoes, watermelon etc.).

Some people prefer to place a suitable container below the tap and leave the tap open. This acts as a handy visual reminder to harvest the vermitea.