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

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

Turn waste into wealth! Learn to compost with worms, grow rich soil, and start a side business—all from your porch. No experience needed!

By UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County Agriculture and Natural Resources

Date and time

Location

85831 Miner Rd

85831 Miner Road Yulee, FL 32097

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event.

Agenda

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Day 1: Welcome and Introductions


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

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Vermicomposting 101


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

12:45 PM - 1:15 PM

Materials & Setup


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

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Hands-On: Build Your First Bin


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

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM

Q&A + Daily Wrap-Up


Troubleshooting early issues. What to prep for Day 2.

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Day 2: Check-in & Recap


Review of Day 1. Share bin progress

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Feeding & Moisture Management


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

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

The Mother Pile & Multi-Bin Systems


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

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM

Q&A + Daily Wrap-Up


Tips for scaling. What to prep for Day 3.

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Day 3: Harvesting, Using, and Selling


Review of Day 2. Participant Questions.

Harvesting Castings and Worms


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

12:45 PM - 1:15 PM

Using and Selling Your Products


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

1:15 AM - 1:45 PM

Hands-On: Harvesting Demo


Live demonstration. Practice session.

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM

Final Q&A + Graduation


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

About this event

  • Event lasts 2 days 2 hours
  • Free venue parking

Turn Waste into Wealth

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

Workshop Purpose

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.

What you get with your ticket purchase

  • 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

Daily Breakdown

Day 1: Foundations & First Bin Build

• 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

Day 2: Managing Bins & Scaling Up

• 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

Day 3: Harvesting, Using, and Selling

• 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

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any experience to take this workshop?

Nope! This workshop is designed for complete beginners. Whether you're a gardener, a DIY enthusiast, or just curious about composting, you'll learn everything you need to get started.

What kind of space do I need to start worm composting?

All you need is a shaded, screened-in area about 10×10 feet—like a porch, patio, or carport. The system is compact and doesn’t require a backyard.

What materials do I need to bring?

There's no need to bring any supplies to the workshop. Your ticket purchase includes all supplies.

Will I get worms during the workshop?

Yes! You’ll receive a starter colony of red wiggler worms to begin your own composting system.

What if I don’t want to sell anything—can I still benefit?

Absolutely. Even if you’re not interested in starting a business, you can use the worm castings in your garden or raise worms for fishing bait. The system is flexible and useful for many lifestyles.

How much time does it take to maintain a worm bin?

Just 5–10 minutes a few times a week. Once your system is set up, it’s low-maintenance and easy to manage.

What if I have problems after the workshop?

You’ll get access to a private support group where you can ask questions, share updates, and get help from the instructor and fellow participants.

$55.20Dec 16 · 12:00 PM EST