ON THE TOWN: Sunken Gardens' worm composting class

Our On the Town’s Virginia Johnson is giving us a preview of a worm composting class Saturday at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. 

• Sunken Gardens' worm composting class
• Learn how to make your own compost with red wiggler worms
• RELATED: On the Town events

Master Gardener Debra Black says the red wiggler worm is perfect for creating your own home compost.

Black is teaching people how to raise wiggler worms at a Sunken Gardens Horticulture Class on Saturday.

“There's a big desire for it believe it or not. People want to get their hands dirty,” explained Jennifer Tyson, the Garden’s Volunteer and Education Coordinator. “They also want to find a way to get rid of some of the waste from their kitchen that's beneficial to their environment and not just going into a landfill.”

During the class, Black will show participants how to make a suitable home for the worms mimicking the garden floor. 

You can start with a dark colored, aerated square tub and bedding.

“You can use newspapers, coconut coir, or cut-up cardboard,” Black explained.

Next, you add crushed up eggshells or chicken grit.

"It helps the worms digest their food because they have no teeth," said Black.

Then, spread on untreated dirt, which means no herbicides.

"You want to be sure that there's no magnolia leaves or bay leaves because the oils in the leaves will kill the worms,” said Black.

Next, you’ll want to bury the worm food in the corners.

"Because the worms are so light sensitive, they are going to gravitate to the bottom of the bin,” she said.

Black says kitchen scraps like grapes and lettuce are good for the worms, but she warns to avoid citrus because the oil in citrus will kill them.

Also avoid using meat, fat fish, or dairy products.

After adding the food, you can add in the worms themselves and cover them with dirt and a generous layer of dried leaves.

After that you can close the bin with the lid and wait.

Black said the worms don’t live very long, only a few days, but are prolific.

"The worms multiply very quickly and they spend most of their time eating and defecating," said Black.

After about four months, the container of worms will transform into a rich and potent compost—a free fertilizer.

The composting class is just one of Sunken Gardens programs. They usually have one every weekend.

“We're a roadside attraction and have been for over 100 years, said Tyson, “and our mission has changed as the city's taken over to more education.”

The class today is free with garden admission.