Turn Waste into Wealth 3-day Workshop: Composting for Profit & Purpose

Dates: December 16–18, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM daily

Location: 85831 Miner Rd., Yulee, FL 32097

Format: Hands-on, in-person workshop

This 3-day workshop teaches you how to build and manage a worm composting system from scratch. Whether you're interested in personal use or starting a small business, you'll leave with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to turn food waste into valuable compost and income.

• 5 gallon "mother bin" main composting bin
• Starter colony of composting worms (over 100 red wigglers)
• Custom no see-um mesh-topper (helps reduce flies)
• 1 year supply of pulverized eggshells (for grit)
• 20 gallon "finishing bin" to prepare worms for storage/sale/utilization
• Small handheld cultivaor "hand rake" to mix worm bins
• 25 live bait containers to store/sell/utilize worms
• A printed guide and bin log
• Knowledge to grow, scale, and sell
• Access to a private support group for follow-up

What You'll Need

• A shaded, screened-in porch, garage, or shed with decent airflow and workspace
• Space to store worm bins, supplies, and tools nearby
• Cardboard (such as package/delivery boxes) and food scraps

• Introduction to vermicomposting

• Worm biology and composting ecosystem

• Benefits: gardening, fishing bait, and income

• Materials overview and sourcing

• Hands-on: Build your first worm bin

• Feeding routines and moisture control

• Troubleshooting pests and fly prevention

• Creating and maintaining a “Mother Pile”

• Exploring different bin types (totes, tanks, buckets, kiddie pools)

• Hands-on: Feeding and maintaining your bin

• Harvesting worm castings and worms

• Using compost in your garden or for bait

• How to package and sell worms/castings

• Business basics: pricing, marketing, and scaling

• Hands-on: Harvesting demo and Q&A

Info: Overview of the workshop. Welcome and Introductions. Pre-evaluation. Participant goals.

Info: What is vermicomposting? Worm biology & compost ecosystem. Benefits: gardening, bait, business

Info: Types of bins (totes, tanks, buckets). What worms need to thrive. Sourcing materials affordably.

Info: Step-by-step bin assembly. Bedding, moisture, and airflow setup.

Info: Troubleshooting early issues. What to prep for Day 2.

Info: Review of Day 1. Share bin progress

Info: What to feed (and what not to). How to monitor and adjust moisture. Preventing pests and odors

Info: Practice feeding and turning compost. Identifying healthy vs. unhealthy bins.

Info: Tips for scaling. What to prep for Day 3.

Info: Review of Day 2. Participant Questions.

Info: When and how to harvest. Separating worms from compost. Storing and using castings.

Info: Using compost in gardens. Selling worms and castings. Packaging, pricing, and marketing

Info: Live demonstration. Practice session.

Info: Participant feedback. Certificates. Next steps and follow-up group info.

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Host or Publisher UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County Agriculture and Natural Resources