UC Master Gardener Talk: Vermicomposting for Small Urban Spaces

This is a free community program. Please consider supporting the Gardens of Golden Gate Park with a recommended donation of $5-20. Your support helps us connect people to plants, the planet, and each other. 

Saturday, June 14, 2025
11am-12pm
San Francisco Botanical Garden — Plant Shop

About the Program

Curious about composting at home but don’t think you have the right space or materials? Come learn how to compost your kitchen food scraps in a bin the size of a shoebox! Join us for an introduction to composting with worms — a low-maintenance and efficient way to turn green kitchen waste into a high-quality soil amendment for healthier plants. UC Master Gardeners will discuss its many benefits, including family fun, and demonstrate how to set up a new bin, maintain it, and harvest the vermicompost for use in your garden. There will be time for worm bin troubleshooting, too. Come see a working worm bin!

About the Speakers

Kathy Ryan has been vermicomposting off and on since the mid-70s. She describes herself as a lazy composter; the worms do all the work! She’s learned a few things along the way. (#1. Don’t leave on vacation and leave the worms in 90 degree weather. It’s not pretty!) Kathy is a 2024 graduate of the UC Master Gardener program and spends as much time as possible in her local community garden watching the plants, native bees, and butterflies.

Kelly Torikai grew up believing a compost pile is a regular part of every family garden. Learning about the soil food web and all the critters that create compost and vermicompost inspired Kelly to share her fascination and knowledge with others. She focuses on soil, compost and sustainable gardening through the UC Master Gardener and San Mateo County Master Composter programs and dreams of the day when everyone will have their own worm bin.

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RSVP Required. Heavy rain cancels. Admission to the Garden is free for San Francisco residents, veterans, Museums for All/EBT participants, and Gardens members.

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.