Worm composting or vermicomposting is the practice of using worms to decompose or break down organic materials such as yard debris and food scraps. The end product is called worm castings, which is full of beneficial microbes and nutrients. Worm castings are similar to compost and make a great soil amendment to grow bigger and healthier plants. For people with no backyard, limited space, or minimal amount of organics, worm composting is an alternative solution as bins can be kept indoors or anywhere that is dark and quiet.
The videos below are recorded workshops (in the English and Spanish language) with instructions on how to set up a worm bin at home. If you generate a large amount of organic material or want to create compost more quickly, please visit our home composting webpage for information on creating a backyard hot pile.
The map and list below the videos offer some resources and locations where you can purchase red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida) for your own bin at home, or finished worm castings for your garden. You can also find assistance in setting up vermicomposting for your organization.
These virtual workshops were conducted by Sonoma County Master Gardeners and translated by Soluna Outreach Solutions.
Recorded workshops are also available for creating Backyard Hot Piles, which are great for people with more space. It is better suited for composting larger amounts of material and produces compost more quickly.
The following resources are provided in English and Spanish language. Click on the image to download the .pdf
Ask an expert! The Sonoma County Master Gardeners are available at (707) 565-2608 or mgsonoma@ucdavis.edu. Master Gardener volunteers are trained and certified by the University of California, Cooperative Extension. Workshops and seminars are given regularly at various libraries.
Reuse organization
Compost Giveaway - Sebastopol
DateMay 11
425 Morris St
Sebastopol, CA 95472
DescriptionFree compost available for pick-up; first come, first served. Bring your own shovels and buckets as the compost will be loose. Compost is certified USDA organic and CDFA approved, from Napa Recycling facility. This event is organized by the Sebastopol Climate Action Committee in partnership with Zero Waste Sonoma. For more events: https://zerowastesonoma.gov/compost-giveaways
Compost Giveaway - Santa Rosa
DateMay 11
3565 Standish Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
DescriptionOrganized in collaboration with Recology Sonoma Marin and the City of Santa Rosa, Zero Waste Sonoma is offering free compost for pick-up; first come, first served. Bring your own shovels and buckets as the compost will be loose. Compost is certified USDA organic and CDFA approved, from the WM Redwood facility. For more events: https://zerowastesonoma.gov/compost-giveaways
Mass Wiggle
6155 Lakeville Highway
Petaluma, CA 94952
NotesBulk worm castings available for sale. Visit the website to order, or call or email Dave for a tour of his facilities.
Sonoma County Master Gardeners
133 Aviation Blvd, STE 109
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
NotesMaster Gardener volunteers are trained and certified by the University of California Cooperative Extension. Call or email your home composting questions.
Sonoma Valley Worm Farm
1777 Watmaugh Rd
Sonoma, CA 95476
NotesRed wriggler worms, worm castings, and vermi-extract for sale. See website for more information or call to place an order. Worms shipped to Northern California locations only.
The Compost Club
NotesOrganization assists schools and businesses in setting up vermicomposting systems. Visit the website for more info and educational resources..
