I am new to the world of vermicomposting (I just got my secret decoder ring even!), and that right there is the concept that I have yet to figure out. I can only imagine using my hands and wrangling out handfuls of worms (and poo) so as to be gentle enough. I fear a shovel would slice through them way too easily.
I am with CC in the horizontal flow looking like the easiest idea for sure. I may have to try to incorporate that into my process, which is a #20 (20 gallon) smart-pot for all-around air-flow.
And since it's "the thing to do", Hi Sean !![]()

First off i just had to! Ive never seen this before so lol.
JDG:
Welcome to the vermicompost club!
I'm still working out the kinks to a perfectly smooth running worm system, so your not alone lol. (oh, and i still didnt get my ring
But yeah, Hello! to you also!
Stack two rubbermaids on top of each other. Drill holes through the bottom of the upper rubbermaid straight through the lid on the lower rubbermaid. Attach the two together with wingnuts.The holes allow the worms to pass through. Drill some tiny holes in the bottom of the lower rubbermaid and on the lid of the upper rubbermaid. When one bin is done the worms will migrate to the other where there is more food.
RD:
Thank you for the design concept. I am currently running a bin almost identical to what you're describing. Although it's adequate for my current needs. I feel like it will not suffice for my long term needs. And the, "there has to be a better way" thought jumped into my mind...
I just made a new compost bin out of pallets, and I am putting them all next to each other with a shared wall so the worms can migrate from one to another.
I usually get so many worms in my compost, I was just treating the worm bin like another compost bin. I had no idea they didn't like fruit, anything else I should avoid, or anything in particular that is good?
For the most part it isnt just "fruit" they dont like but rather the anaerobic conditions and "soggy" situation that follows from fruits with lots of water capacities like, apples, mangoes, and others. In all reality you could throw those foods into a normal compost heap first and then add the "almost compost" or finished compost to your worm bin for further processing. Be sure to feed them adequately. Not too much, not too less, just enough.
Good luck!