If you’ve been curious about vermicomposting or just want healthier, happier soil, now is the time to dive in—literally, with worms!
From July 20–27, Revival Gardening’s Urban Backyard Farm & Learning Center (7002 Westmar Dr, Orlando, FL) is hosting Worm Week, a week-long celebration of all things worms—vermicomposting, worm castings, and the art of creating living, healthy soil.
Whether you make the trip to Orlando or create your own mini Worm Week at home, here’s why these little wrigglers are about to become your garden’s best friends.
Why Worms Are the Unsung Heroes of Florida Gardens
Worms aren’t just creepy-crawly—they’re nature’s original soil engineers. Here’s what makes them so special:
They aerate the soil – Worm tunnels allow air and water to reach plant roots.
They enrich your beds with castings – Worm poop (yes, really) is loaded with beneficial microbes and plant-ready nutrients.
They speed up composting – Worms break down kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich humus faster than a standard compost pile.
They thrive in Florida’s sandy soil – With the right bin, you can raise worms year-round here in Central Florida.
How to Start Your Own Worm Bin
You don’t have to be a farmsteader to start vermicomposting. Here’s a quick beginner setup:
- Choose your worms: The best species for vermicomposting are Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida).
- Grab a bin: A simple plastic bin with air holes works fine, or buy a tiered worm bin.
- Add bedding: Shredded newspaper, coconut coir, or cardboard make great worm bedding.
- Feed your worms: Stick to veggie scraps, fruit peels, and coffee grounds. Skip meat, dairy, or citrus.
- Harvest the castings: Every 2–3 months, scoop out the dark, crumbly worm castings to sprinkle around your plants.
Easy Worm Tea Recipe
If you’re not ready for a full worm bin, you can still benefit from worm magic. Try this quick recipe:
You’ll need:
- 2 cups worm castings (buy from a local source or garden center)
- 5 gallons non-chlorinated water
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Steps:
- Mix ingredients in a bucket.
- Aerate by stirring or using an aquarium bubbler for 24 hours.
- Pour around the base of plants for an instant nutrient boost.
Attend Worm Week or Host Your Own
If you’re near Orlando, Revival Gardening’s Worm Week (July 20–27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) is the place to be. You’ll learn from vermicomposting experts, see working worm systems, and even bring home castings for your own garden.
Too far away? Host your own Worm Week at home by setting up a worm bin, trying worm tea, or teaching kids how worms help the garden.
Why It Matters
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving Florida garden. Worms create rich, living soil that helps your vegetables, herbs, and flowers flourish—even in our challenging Central Florida heat.