Bear Proof Tuff-box Worm Bin

[Homesteader]

1. Dig hole about a two foot hole to fit Contico tuff-box up to the hinges. This one was military issued but I believe this is the same model at tractor supply or Walmart. You can lock this in the middle or put two padlocks on to make it bear proof.
   

2. Place two bricks in bottom to separate any liquids.

3. Put in stack and nest (fish tub) with ½” holes drilled in each corner.

I take the stack and nest tubs out every couple months, pull the tuffbox out and drain and clean, dump the worms and castings on a tarp and start over using a few shovels of worms and any compost that isn’t broken down.


http://www.bin-store.com/snt200

 

[LittleDabbie]

Interesting :D

 

[Homesteader]

Keeps the worms cool enough in the summer but because it is above the freeze line in my area I buried mine in a few bales of straw. Only have done this one season and enough survived to think it may work on a cold year. I have had ants get in if I don't keep the lid tight.

 

[G gnome]

Keeps the worms cool enough in the summer but because it is above the freeze line in my area I buried mine in a few bales of straw. Only have done this one season and enough survived to think it may work on a cold year. I have had ants get in if I don't keep the lid tight.

I have a purpose built worm bin 360. I reckon i paid $80 for it.....only thing is...not bear proof. I keep it in the basement

 

[Homesteader]

I had a small set up in my basement a few years ago but I started feeling creeped out about air quality in the winter, which may have been unfounded. The stackable type like you have I think is probably easier all around.

 

[Underthesun]

Have you had bears get in your bin before? I have bears all around here, I haven't had them get into my compost or worm bin yet. I always thought they would though. I always bury my food scraps about 5" to cover up the smell. But hey, good idea and I will keep this in mind if the bears come. I've found one of our bear proof trash cans that weighed at least 60 lbs or more about a 1/2 mile from our house once. Lots of work to not get it opened, haha.

 

[Homesteader]

We had a big sow gorge on rotten apples in our orchard about a decade ago and climb a big white pine at 5 am, too drunk to get out. I've had more problems with my lab when it comes to compost though but I don't doubt they would tear it up if they wanted in.