I add Azomite to my bedding mix and have been for several years. I find that it really helps my castings not get so caked and it is considered an “anti-caking” ingredient. Be careful where and how you store however, cuz when it gets wet it’s a real mess. I suggest storing in a bucket so you don’t have the bag rip and fall on you when you’re moving it, which is what I did once. I didn’t lose it all or anything, but it was a mess. I prefer to mix it in a bucket of soupy warm coco coir, coffee, humachar, egg shells and mycorrhiza fungi starter so as to not let these fine materials get airborne. Then I pour on to the dry carbon bedding. It mixes much better for me when it’s warm, as well as feels better on my hands.
Hi Marlene! That’s interesting! I like the idea of mixing it in with other fine particle additives in a wet mixture to better manage the dust. Better for your lungs too! To be honest I haven’t used the azomite very much yet. I have to put some into a container I can keep with the other things I add to the bedding when feeding the worms. Otherwise I forget I even have it 😆. Thanks for the warning on the bag breaking. I certainly don’t need that mess! I didn’t know it acts as an anti-caking agent. That’s good to know that it can be used that way in and of itself. Thanks for sharing so everyone can benefit from your experience!
Wanted to add that using warm liquids vs cold - which is what I usually use since it comes right out of the fridge - is something I’m going to try. It’ll make biota work faster too as they love the heat. A simple idea that can make a big difference! Brilliant!
@@RockinWorms since I don’t plan on feeding any of it to my worms for weeks, I just use hot tap water. Any chlorine will dissipate after a little bit. I mix in a wheelbarrow cuz it’s so big (surface area) and then I don’t fling it around, as well as it’s great to just let the ingredients get absorbed well, then mix again. I can leave it in the wheelbarrow for a day or two if I find I need more carbon (or am lazy), as well as, I can take it out back to the worm shed to refill the supply in there! Then I don’t have to lift and carry heavy containers around so much. I also use those little cheap furniture movers from Harbor freight under heavy bins and my bedding supply box in the shed. You can also put furniture sliders underneath and then moving your table around is a breeze. I added heavy duty caster wheels to my Vermibag frame because moving things around sometimes is required for my space.
Ack. I grabbed a box of azomite today from a local gardening store… it’s not micronized. Can I still use it or can I grind it myself? Or should I scrap it and buy some that’s already micronized?
Hi! I just read a bit on the 3 different ways azomite is sold. It all sounds good and should work on the worm bins just fine. The granular form is the powder held together with molasses. It didn’t say if the molasses is unsulfered though. You could call the company as ask. Or, is there the possibility of returning/exchanging the one you got for the micrnized version?
@@RockinWorms The azomite that I purchased is the granules, so no molasses. Only ingredient is “volcanic ash.” I think I’ll just go ahead and use this box and then get granulated azomite in the future. I’m glad to know that I didn’t poison my bins when I fed them yesterday!!
I have a 12 sheet Aurora brand micro cut shredder I bought used off of Facebook marketplace. I also have a smaller cross cut shredder also bought used. Amazon basics shredders get very good reviews if you need or want to buy new. 12 sheet minimum so it’ll take corrugated cardboard. A shredder is a life saver for making worm bedding! 👍🪱
Great video. I think you'll find the Azomite to be a big addition to the quality of your castings. I've been using it for almost 3 years now (every time I feed my worms) and have seen a significant improvement in my soil quality.
Hi Gary! Thanks for your comment. I’m eager to see if I spot a difference once the azomite gets thru my worm beds and into the garden. I’ve recently read articles reject the idea that it helps - it doesn’t hurt but it doesn’t help as it takes a loooong time to break down and become available to plants. I guess I’ll find out! I appreciate you sharing your personal experience :)
@powervoc I hope you are well 🤗. I have found an additional use for the azomite - my chickens! The older hens need extra calcium above what they get in their commercial feed. I sell most of the eggs so I don’t have eggshells to feed back to them (also why I’ve not been able to give my worms eggshells). I read a research paper that found azomite helps the health of chickens overall. I have seen a definite improvement in their laid egg eggshell!! Thought you might be interested in hearing this 🪱❤️.
@@johnwood1099 I add a medium sprinkle over the entire bin or bedding and mix it in for breeder bins. For grow out bins where I’m feeding in a zone I will sprinkle it over the food there. You’ll have to tweak the amounts as bin sizes and worm density is different for everyone 🪱😎
I've considered using Azomite, but have delayed ordering it because it's pretty pricey. Do you think that it's coarse enough to function as grit for the worms gizzard? That would help me decide whether the expense is justified.
I bought my azomite off Amazon. $44 for 44 pounds. Powdered. A little goes a long way. I’ve not used half of what I bought 6 months ago and I’ve got a lot of bins 😳🙄😎. The cost is worth it to me is all I can say. I’ve read both azomite and dolomite lime can be used as grit, in addition to the other benefits they provide such as trace minerals, pH buffering, etc. Since both are fine powders I’m kinda taking the reported benefits word for it regarding it being a grit as well. I don’t add eggshells as they go to the chickens. In fact I’m not sure what the worms are using for grit if it’s not the azomite and/or dolomite. If you feed your worms a variety of foods then azomite isn’t strictly necessary for the trace minerals. Grit can be simple sand. Or sifted gravel dust. I’m afraid you’re going to have to decide for yourself if it’s worth the cost. Do you have someone you could split a bag with, so you can try it for less of an investment?
Hi. I was unable to find brand name Azomite at my local big box stores. Local garden shops may carry it but I don’t have one close by me unfortunately. Best idea is to call around and see if you can find it locally and use Amazon as a back up source. Thanks for asking as others may be wondering the same thing. Take care!
@@crapton9002 what do you mean ‘hot cow manure’’? I feed mine cow manure bits it’s dried out and at least a few weeks old. They naturally eat manures that are much more fresh - a few days old by working from the outside cooler edges in. I need the manure older/drier because I sift it finely and wet manure doesn’t sift. Please share what you’re trying!
Exactly! Ann @PlantObsessed adds it to her work chow. Same idea! Check her worm videos out! I’ve sprinkled it over my existing worm beds and lightly mixed it in. I saw a soil analysis video a few days ago and the analysis showed very minor changes to the soil BUT they were clear to say it was over a 2 week period and they couldn’t say what possible longer term effects might occur. They also clearly stated that azomite did no harm at all. I have the bag and I’m going to use it 🤣. Thanks for sharing your method ❤️
Hello, my respected madam, a question, please, is it correct to use sawdust as a substitute for cardboard paper? What is the nature of the sawdust, is it alkaline or acidic?❤🪱❤
Hello! Sawdust is a carbon like paper and cardboard and can be used directly into a worm bin or as a carbon into making pre-compost. However, causation is necessary as sawdust, being very fine, can clump a lot and cause anaerobic pockets. Also sawdust tends to be slightly acidic. Using a lot can lower the pH more than desired. Using a modest amount and mixing it in well with chunkier materials is the better method. I hope this helps you! 🤗🪱❤️
I add Azomite to my bedding mix and have been for several years. I find that it really helps my castings not get so caked and it is considered an “anti-caking” ingredient. Be careful where and how you store however, cuz when it gets wet it’s a real mess. I suggest storing in a bucket so you don’t have the bag rip and fall on you when you’re moving it, which is what I did once. I didn’t lose it all or anything, but it was a mess. I prefer to mix it in a bucket of soupy warm coco coir, coffee, humachar, egg shells and mycorrhiza fungi starter so as to not let these fine materials get airborne. Then I pour on to the dry carbon bedding. It mixes much better for me when it’s warm, as well as feels better on my hands.
Hi Marlene! That’s interesting! I like the idea of mixing it in with other fine particle additives in a wet mixture to better manage the dust. Better for your lungs too! To be honest I haven’t used the azomite very much yet. I have to put some into a container I can keep with the other things I add to the bedding when feeding the worms. Otherwise I forget I even have it 😆. Thanks for the warning on the bag breaking. I certainly don’t need that mess!
I didn’t know it acts as an anti-caking agent. That’s good to know that it can be used that way in and of itself.
Thanks for sharing so everyone can benefit from your experience!
Wanted to add that using warm liquids vs cold - which is what I usually use since it comes right out of the fridge - is something I’m going to try. It’ll make biota work faster too as they love the heat. A simple idea that can make a big difference! Brilliant!
@@RockinWorms since I don’t plan on feeding any of it to my worms for weeks, I just use hot tap water. Any chlorine will dissipate after a little bit. I mix in a wheelbarrow cuz it’s so big (surface area) and then I don’t fling it around, as well as it’s great to just let the ingredients get absorbed well, then mix again. I can leave it in the wheelbarrow for a day or two if I find I need more carbon (or am lazy), as well as, I can take it out back to the worm shed to refill the supply in there! Then I don’t have to lift and carry heavy containers around so much. I also use those little cheap furniture movers from Harbor freight under heavy bins and my bedding supply box in the shed. You can also put furniture sliders underneath and then moving your table around is a breeze. I added heavy duty caster wheels to my Vermibag frame because moving things around sometimes is required for my space.
@@marlenen6130 Wait. Worm shed?? There’s no more conversation until I get the full details on the worm shed!
Ack. I grabbed a box of azomite today from a local gardening store… it’s not micronized. Can I still use it or can I grind it myself? Or should I scrap it and buy some that’s already micronized?
Hi! I just read a bit on the 3 different ways azomite is sold. It all sounds good and should work on the worm bins just fine. The granular form is the powder held together with molasses. It didn’t say if the molasses is unsulfered though. You could call the company as ask. Or, is there the possibility of returning/exchanging the one you got for the micrnized version?
@@RockinWorms Thank you for researching. I already opened it. I’ll take a look at the ingredients or call the company. I’ll keep you posted.
@@RockinWorms The azomite that I purchased is the granules, so no molasses. Only ingredient is “volcanic ash.” I think I’ll just go ahead and use this box and then get granulated azomite in the future. I’m glad to know that I didn’t poison my bins when I fed them yesterday!!
@@amywaggoner822 Micronized is what you want 👍❤️🪱
Sounds like they’ll be fine 😎.
What type of shreader do you use for that paper?
I have a 12 sheet Aurora brand micro cut shredder I bought used off of Facebook marketplace. I also have a smaller cross cut shredder also bought used.
Amazon basics shredders get very good reviews if you need or want to buy new. 12 sheet minimum so it’ll take corrugated cardboard. A shredder is a life saver for making worm bedding! 👍🪱
Great video. I think you'll find the Azomite to be a big addition to the quality of your castings. I've been using it for almost 3 years now (every time I feed my worms) and have seen a significant improvement in my soil quality.
Hi Gary! Thanks for your comment. I’m eager to see if I spot a difference once the azomite gets thru my worm beds and into the garden. I’ve recently read articles reject the idea that it helps - it doesn’t hurt but it doesn’t help as it takes a loooong time to break down and become available to plants. I guess I’ll find out! I appreciate you sharing your personal experience :)
@powervoc I hope you are well 🤗. I have found an additional use for the azomite - my chickens! The older hens need extra calcium above what they get in their commercial feed. I sell most of the eggs so I don’t have eggshells to feed back to them (also why I’ve not been able to give my worms eggshells). I read a research paper that found azomite helps the health of chickens overall. I have seen a definite improvement in their laid egg eggshell!! Thought you might be interested in hearing this 🪱❤️.
@@RockinWorms Very good info! Thanks.
I just got my Azomite today and I was wondering how much you put into your bins?
@@johnwood1099 I add a medium sprinkle over the entire bin or bedding and mix it in for breeder bins. For grow out bins where I’m feeding in a zone I will sprinkle it over the food there. You’ll have to tweak the amounts as bin sizes and worm density is different for everyone 🪱😎
I've considered using Azomite, but have delayed ordering it because it's pretty pricey. Do you think that it's coarse enough to function as grit for the worms gizzard? That would help me decide whether the expense is justified.
I bought my azomite off Amazon. $44 for 44 pounds. Powdered. A little goes a long way. I’ve not used half of what I bought 6 months ago and I’ve got a lot of bins 😳🙄😎. The cost is worth it to me is all I can say.
I’ve read both azomite and dolomite lime can be used as grit, in addition to the other benefits they provide such as trace minerals, pH buffering, etc. Since both are fine powders I’m kinda taking the reported benefits word for it regarding it being a grit as well. I don’t add eggshells as they go to the chickens. In fact I’m not sure what the worms are using for grit if it’s not the azomite and/or dolomite.
If you feed your worms a variety of foods then azomite isn’t strictly necessary for the trace minerals. Grit can be simple sand. Or sifted gravel dust. I’m afraid you’re going to have to decide for yourself if it’s worth the cost. Do you have someone you could split a bag with, so you can try it for less of an investment?
Can you only buy Azomite from Utah suppliers online or can you get it from local gardening shops as well?
Hi. I was unable to find brand name Azomite at my local big box stores. Local garden shops may carry it but I don’t have one close by me unfortunately. Best idea is to call around and see if you can find it locally and use Amazon as a back up source. Thanks for asking as others may be wondering the same thing. Take care!
I'm riding the Dolomite train right now. If what I learned works I will be able to feed my worms hot cow manure. This may be another mite I need.
@@crapton9002 what do you mean ‘hot cow manure’’? I feed mine cow manure bits it’s dried out and at least a few weeks old. They naturally eat manures that are much more fresh - a few days old by working from the outside cooler edges in. I need the manure older/drier because I sift it finely and wet manure doesn’t sift. Please share what you’re trying!
@@RockinWorms Jane I sent you 2 responses, did you get them?
@@crapton9002 Hi. I did. I can see my response to you on this thread , at least an hour ago. I asked you a question back. Do you see that?
I add it to my pre compost bedding when I start a new batch. It gives the microbes a longer time to make it bioavailability
Exactly! Ann @PlantObsessed adds it to her work chow. Same idea! Check her worm videos out!
I’ve sprinkled it over my existing worm beds and lightly mixed it in.
I saw a soil analysis video a few days ago and the analysis showed very minor changes to the soil BUT they were clear to say it was over a 2 week period and they couldn’t say what possible longer term effects might occur. They also clearly stated that azomite did no harm at all.
I have the bag and I’m going to use it 🤣.
Thanks for sharing your method ❤️
🙏🌹🪱👍🌹❤🥀
Hello, my respected madam, a question, please, is it correct to use sawdust as a substitute for cardboard paper? What is the nature of the sawdust, is it alkaline or acidic?❤🪱❤
Hello! Sawdust is a carbon like paper and cardboard and can be used directly into a worm bin or as a carbon into making pre-compost.
However, causation is necessary as sawdust, being very fine, can clump a lot and cause anaerobic pockets. Also sawdust tends to be slightly acidic. Using a lot can lower the pH more than desired. Using a modest amount and mixing it in well with chunkier materials is the better method. I hope this helps you! 🤗🪱❤️