November 18, 2021
Workshop on raising and composting with worms today at Willow Lake Student Farm
The Sustainable Food Production Systems Lab in the horticulture and natural resources department, in partnership with the Worm Hippie Worm Farm, will present a "Fireside Workshop: Grow Your Own Worms — Vermiculture and Vermicompost" at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at K-State's Willow Lake Student Farm in Manhattan.
Worms, some of nature's most efficient first-line decomposers, break down large organic matter, making it more accessible to the microbes that unlock nutrients essential to soil health and plant growth. As worms move through the soil profile, they leave behind tunnels that increase soil porosity and water infiltration rates.
During this workshop, you will learn the basics of worm farming — or vermiculture — from Manhattan worm farmer Kelly Hammel, also known as the "Worm Hippie." You will also hear about the worm composting project Joseph Ekdahl, senior in horticulture production, did as part of his Small Farm Practicum, HORT 591, at Willow Lake Student Farm this summer.
Willow Lake Student Farm is situated below the Tuttle Creek Dam and can be accessed through the state park. View a map.