Master Gardener demonstrates worm composting as an easy way to make ‘black gold’

Larry, a long-time Master Gardener, demonstrated home vermiculture and described worm castings as a powerful soil amendment gardeners can produce at home.

"It's Black Gold it's magical," Larry told attendees as he explained composting bins, layering and the harvest process.

He said vermicomposting uses epigeic species such as red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and advised against buying worms from bait shops. Larry described a simple layered bin system: food scraps are added to the top tray, worms eat and migrate upward toward new food, and mature castings concentrate in lower trays for harvest. He recommended bedding materials such as shredded newspaper, peat moss or shredded leaves, keeping bedding moist but not wet, and avoiding meat, oils and strong alliums (onions, garlic) that can harm worms or attract pests.

Larry explained basic care: grind or shred food waste (e.g., in a kitchen blender) to speed processing, keep bins out of direct light, and maintain moisture so worms do not dry out. He said a modest indoor setup and starter worms can cost about $50–$100 and that worms typically live one to two years in outdoor conditions and longer indoors. He also noted broader uses of vermicomposting, citing large municipal and research examples and naming Ronda Sherman of NC State as an expert in municipal vermicomposting practices.

Audience members inspected Larry’s demonstration bin after the talk; he encouraged attendees to visit the display to see layering and moisture levels in person. The session closed with a reminder that worm castings supply micronutrients and improve soil water retention and structure.