The Worm Lady – Worm Composting Workshop Friday in Cambridge

On Friday, April 10, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, “Worm Lady” Anita Owings will host a free all-ages worm composting workshop in Cambridge. Attendees will meet at the Cambridge High School Commons at 10:00 a.m. The event is sponsored by Beyond the Bell.

“It’s a community event,” said Owings.

Anita Owings is a soil specialist who mentors worm farmers all around the world, offering workshops and support to gardeners who live as far away as New Zealand. This is Owings’ fourth year educating people about soil health and worm farming.

“I have been a worm farmer since I was seven,” said Owings. “My grandmother was a worm farmer.” Owings, the owner of Big O’s Worm Farm in Emmett, Idaho, strongly believes that worm castings are the perfect food for the soil.

Normally, Owings teaches a five-part workshop that covers everything from making worm casting compost “tea” to building your own worm composting bins. Friday’s workshop will be presented in a more streamlined format. Owing will also have worms available to purchase.

“I grow pure red wigglers,” said Owings. According to Owings, these worms are the best worms for composting and can live in a wide range of temperatures.

“Different worms have different environmental needs,” she said.

Owings explained that the fat earthworms commonly found in gardens are excellent for aerating the soil, but the red wigglers are best for feeding the soil with their castings.

“The enzymes in the worm’s gut feed the soil,” she said. “It’s kind of like the perfect food.” Worm castings are ph neutral and don’t burn plants. They also can be used as pest deterrent and work especially well at deterring aphids.

“It gives your plant an amazing defense against pests,” said Owings.

At Friday’s workshop, attendees will be making compost bins to house worms. They will learn how to make a habitat for worms that promotes their health, and, by extension, the health of the soil.

“Their bedding is the main part of their food, “ she said.The worm casting bins can contain cardboard, newspapers, coffee grounds, and wood chips.

“Worms have a sweet tooth,” added Owings, explaining that worms also like watermelon, cucumbers, and cantaloupe.”

Workshop attendees who make a worm composting bin and purchase worms to live in it, should have 20 to 25 pounds of worm castings in approximately six months, planting the seed for a healthy garden the following spring.

“The best time of the year to feed your soil is before winter,” explained Owings.

Friday’s worm composting workshop begins at 10:00 a.m. For more information, call or text (208) 352-2194 or email beyondthebell@cambridge432.org.