Vermicompost Workshop

Hand holding rich soil with an earthworm and sprouting seedling, symbolizing healthy compost and growth.

Lincoln University Horticulture Program presents a Vermicompost Workshop conducted by Dr. Touria Eaton and Bleu Moore, Lincoln University.

Participants will learn the basics of turning food scraps into nutrient-rich compost using worms. The workshop will cover bin setup, worm care, feeding practices, moisture balance, and troubleshooting common issues.

Each participant will leave with their own vermicompost system, including a starter bin, bedding, worms, and guidance to confidently continue vermicomposting at home.

This is a great opportunity to connect with the local Area Horticulture Educator from Lincoln University of Missouri, Bleu Moore. Educational resources from Lincoln University of Missouri will be available to take home.

Schedule of Events

10:00 AM Welcome and Introductions – Bleu Moore and Touria Eaton, Ph.D., LU

10:15 AM Soil Health Fundamentals: Understanding and Improving Your Soil – Nathan St. Clair, LU

11:00 AM “That Worm Guy” My Experience Starting a Vermicomposting Business – Brandon Cottey, Soil House

11:30 AM The Basics of Vermicomposting - Bleu Moore, LU

12:15 PM Lunch

1:15 PM Hands-on Demonstration of Vermicompost System Setup

2:00 PM Evaluations and Adjourn

Presentations

Soil Health Fundamentals: Understanding and Improving Your Soil - Nathan St. Clair
Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden or farm. This presentation explores the basics of soil chemistry, the key components of healthy soil, and how soil health influences plant growth. Participants will learn practical strategies for building and maintaining fertile, resilient soils using compost, organic fertilizers, cover crops, mulching, and crop rotation. Whether you're a beginning gardener or an experienced grower, you'll leave with actionable techniques to improve soil quality and support long-term productivity.

“That Worm Guy” My Experience Starting a Vermicomposting Business – Brandon Cottey
An informative presentation on how to turn vermicompost into a source of income by raising worms and marketing worm-related products. Topics include selling composting worms, producing and selling worm castings and microbe rich worm castings tea, identifying local markets, basic startup considerations, and practical strategies for building a profitable worm-based business. Ideal for gardeners, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in sustainable side-income opportunities.

The Basics of Vermicomposting – Bleu Moore
An introductory presentation on the basics of vermicomposting, exploring how worms transform food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for gardens and plants. Topics include the benefits of vermicomposting, setting up a bin system, selecting worms, proper feeding, moisture and maintenance needs, and simple tips for avoiding common problems. Ideal for beginners interested in reducing waste and creating natural fertilizer at home.

Hands-on Demonstration of Vermicompost System Setup – Bleu Moore
A practical, hands-on demonstration showing how to set up a successful vermicompost system from start to finish. Participants will learn how to choose a bin, prepare bedding, add composting worms, balance food scraps and moisture, and maintain proper airflow for a healthy compost system. Each attendee will leave with a starter vermicompost system and the confidence to successfully produce their own vermicompost at home.

Organizers and Presenters:

Touria Eaton, Ph.D.: Associate Professor of Horticulture and State Horticulture Specialist at Cooperative Extension and Research at Lincoln University of Missouri; She joined Lincoln University in 2014. The focus of her research and extension work is sustainable production of Horticultural crops. Her research includes agricultural strategies to increase the nutrients’ concentrations in vegetable crops, potential of growing Brussels sprouts in the Midwest, and high tunnel production of tomatoes. Her extension work includes development of educational programs aimed to help underserved and unserved farmers increase income and profitability through sustainable agricultural practices. Eaton is Missouri NCR-SARE Co-Coordinator, and she is native to Morocco. EatonT@lincolnu.edu

Bleu Moore: Area Educator of Horticulture, Lincoln University of Missouri and Co-owner, Moore Roots Farm, MooreB@LincolnU.edu. Bleu holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental plant science with a minor in horticulture and a certificate in sustainable food production from Missouri State University. With extensive hands-on experience on farms and in greenhouses, she promotes sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. Through her work with Lincoln University of Missouri, she works with underserved farmers to provide educational resources and technical assistance aimed at increasing profitability and sustainable agricultural practices. She and wife, Nikki, co-own Moore Roots Farm, a small family farm in Southwest Missouri focusing on sustainable produce and egg production.

Nathan St. Clair: Area Educator of Horticulture, St.ClairN@lincolnu.edu. Nathan previously owned and operated St. Clair Farmstead, a diversified market garden producing vegetables and cut flowers for direct markets. Drawing from both Extension work and hands-on farming experience, Nathan brings a practical, real-world perspective to improving growing practices, strengthening farm business management, developing effective marketing strategies, and implementing sustainable, natural approaches to production. He remains actively connected to production agriculture through growing cut flowers and vegetables on a small scale using urban and leased land.

Brandon Cottey: Soil House, info@soilhouse.net. Brandon Cottey once edited videos in a darkened, windowless office until the wee hours of the morning until he decided to take the leap of faith and start a business that would allow him more time with family, friends, and the long-missed outdoors. He now tries his best to be a good dad, farm his small backyard, and cultivate healthy microbial populations with the help of thousands of worms.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided for people with disabilities and special needs. To make arrangements, please contact Bleu Moore at MooreB@lincolnu.edu.

As an equal opportunity employer and provider, Lincoln University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, services, admissions, or employment practices.