Composting with worms, also known as vermicomposting, has benefits for everyone, whether you want to divert kitchen scraps from the landfill, compost in small spaces, or create a natural fertilizer for your plants. In-ground worm composting is especially suited to San Diego County’s climate and is more resilient to the temperature extremes we face, especially during dry, hot months. Join us at the Julian Library to learn how to start and maintain a happy home for red wiggler worms.

All pre-registered attendees who are residents of unincorporated San Diego County can receive a free kitchen scraps container.

In this workshop, we will cover:

• Benefits of composting with worms

• Benefits of using an in-ground worm bin

• Tools, materials, and steps to start an in-ground worm bin

• How to feed your worms and which foods are suitable

• Troubleshooting and maintaining all worm bin styles

• Harvesting and using finished castings

Benefits of in-ground vermicomposting include:

• Greater resistance to temperature extremes

• Increased soil aeration in garden beds

• Save money on purchased worm castings and soil amendments

• Lower your contribution to landfills

• Increase soil health & soil microbiome

• Increase water retention in soil

Want to get started right away?

We can bring PRE-ORDERED compost bins and supplies to the workshop! Residents of unincorporated County of San Diego can purchase a subsidized bin with proof of residency.

View available products here. Order deadline: Friday, October 9.

To place your order:

1. Make a purchase on our online store.

2. Forward your emailed order confirmation to [email protected] by 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, and let us know it is a pre-order for this workshop.

3. Talk to the educator after the workshop to pick up your order.

Space is limited; first come, first served.

Recommended vermicomposting supplies:

• Best for families, people who produce lots of fruit & vegetable scraps; best deal with discount: Can O Worms Vermicomposter: $60 for unincorporated residents, $150 for other residents

• Best for apartments, individuals: Mini Worm Bin Kit: $50

• Best for raised garden beds, extreme climates: In-Ground Worm Bin: $35

Don't forget to add worms if your bin choice doesn't include them.

A store purchase is not required to attend the workshop. During the workshop, we will provide resources about how to purchase supplies when you're ready to get started. Items will not be available for same-day purchase.

Made possible through generous funding by the County of San Diego Department of Public Works.

Thanks to our host, Julian Library!