Vermiculture (Worms) and Freezing Temps

maddy · #21 09/21/13, 07:13 AM

I really like the concrete block idea. Nice and neat, and it gives you walls against which you could lay a greenhouse-type cover.

I've never worked with those hollow concrete blocks before--Do you simply stack them and pour cement into the open spaces? Do you need to stick vertical rebar through them first?

TnAndy · #22 09/21/13, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maddy

I really like the concrete block idea. Nice and neat, and it gives you walls against which you could lay a greenhouse-type cover.

I've never worked with those hollow concrete blocks before--Do you simply stack them and pour cement into the open spaces? Do you need to stick vertical rebar through them first?

Typically, block are laid with a bed of mortar between the layers ( courses ) and also the vertical ends ( head joints ). That is how mine are done. Look at the picture and you can see that. Also, there is a concrete 'footer' about 12" wide and 4-6" deep under mine you DON'T see that the first course starts on.

You'd need the footer, but for a short wall ( say under 4-5 courses ), you could simply stack and pour concrete mix in them, or you can use a surface bonding cement ( brand name: SureWall ) that has mortar mix with fiberglass fibers in it, and gives a stucco appearance when finished....you simply stack the blocks, and plaster the outside with it.

The issue you get into with not using the traditional 'lay with a bed of mortar' is that block are not 100% uniform, and after a few courses, you can have humps and dips in the wall...the traditional method takes that out by the amount of mortar left in the joints.

Rustaholic · #23 09/21/13, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retire2$

You could get an old freezer or refrigerator (maybe free off Craigslist) and put it in a sheltered place. Put your worms in plastic totes and put them in the outside freezer. Don't forget to put a pad lock on the door.

Thanks, I am going to try doing it in a fridge.
I just happen to have a couple laying around.
I do not lock the doors I remove the hinges.
Besides if the fridge is full of worms. worm food and bedding then what kid would get into it?
I will just put it where the snow drifts deep.
Hummmmmmmmmm, If we do happen to get a low snow very cold spell,,,, maybe I could put a small wood stove in the freeze compartment.
Then run it up to temp then put the fire out and shut the door.
Sand bags next to the stove would store heat and let it out slow.
I am thinking about three 55 pound bags of sand between the stove and the worm compartment.
With an arrangement like that I could drill a hole in the freezer door then set it down over a small chimney and just left the fire go.