Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Alachua County Office of Sustainability, Gainesville Urban Homesteaders, Florida Organic Growers, and Gainesville Compost are hosting a workshop on worm composting (vermicomposting) on May 19, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Downtown Farmers Garden on the west side of the Alachua County Administration Building located at 12 SE 1^st Street Gainesville.

Vermicomposting is the process of using worms and microorganisms to break down vegetable scraps into rich compost.  Chris Cano of local composting business Gainesville Compost explained, “Vermicomposting is a great solution for those who want to compost but only have a small amount of food waste or who do not have the space for a large compost pile.”  This workshop is free and open to the public. 

The workshop will include:

·         Everything needed to compost with worms whether at a house with a yard or an apartment

·         The biology of worms and their remarkable composting abilities

·         How to use worm compost in the garden

·         Demonstrations on how to make worm composting bins out of widely available materials

·         The sale of materials needed to construct a vermicomposter or warm bin

To insure the proper amount of materials and worms are available, preregistration is required for those wishing to make their own worm bin during the workshop.  Payment for materials can be made on the day of the event however, pre-payment is strongly encouraged.  The cost is $20 for 1 pound of worms and $30 for materials to build a three-tier bin including bedding.

Vermicomposting Workshop Registration and Pre-payment

Vermicomposting Workshop Flyer

Registration must be completed by May 14th at 9 a.m.

For more information, contact Sean McLendon, Alachua County Sustainability Program Manager, at 352-548-3765 or smclendon@alachuacounty.us