This summer, you can join in with the exciting collab between Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op, Rhyze Mushrooms, and worms at Lauriston Farm!

As you might know, Rhyze Mushrooms is a not-for-profit worker’s co-op situated here at the farm. They harness the decomposing power of mushrooms to grow food from local waste, and are in the early stages of developing a vermicomposting (or, worm composting) enterprise.

Last year, we worked together to build a vermicomposting system for the Market Garden. This year, we’re making one for the Community Allotments & Garden.

Vermicomposting is a sustainable and efficient method of composting with worms. When we feed our food waste to the worms in the composting system, they convert it into fertiliser we can use to grow more food. Red wigglers and European nightcrawlers are two common types of composting worm who feed on decomposing life forms, and also digest the microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa) feeding on that same decomposing organic matter. Once digested, the broken-down organic matter and microorganisms are excreted as worm castings (also known as vermicast or worm poo). This is a valuable resource – it supports soil fertility because it is rich in nutrients and microorganisms, and for growers, it significantly enhances plant health and yields.

We’re looking forward to getting more people (and worms) involved in this powerful circular system.

Join us this May and June to discover how to build a vermicompost system, learn more about composting bays, Bokashi, and compost teas, and participate in our big W.O.R.M.S Appreciation Day (because Worms Obviously Require Motivation Seasonally!) We will have practical, creative activities and opportunities to learn about the power of compost and worms.

Compost and Castings Programme 2025

Build a Vermicompost System with us!

Saturday 31 May 10am-4pm

Join us for this hands-on-tools workshop for ages 16+ where we will teach you all the ins and outs of the vermicomposting system as we build a second one at the farm.

Standard rate tickets are £10 with solidarity options of £5 or £15 + fees

Click here for more details and to book the Build workshop on Eventbrite

Paint Our Vermicompost System with us!

Sunday 1 June 12 noon – 4pm

Join us to weatherproof the new vermicompost system – we will share the ins and outs of how it works as we paint. This session is for ages 16+ and is free to attend but spaces are limited – please book a place to attend.

Click here for more details and to book a free space for the Painting session on Eventbrite

Introduction to Composting (Bays, Vermicompost, Bokashi, Teas!)

Saturday 14 June 10am-1pm

In this workshop for ages 16+, we will cover how to get compost using bay and bokashi set-ups (led by farm team), how to make compost teas (Grass Roots Remedies) and how to vermicompost (Rhyze Mushrooms).

Standard tickets are £10, with solidarity options of £5 and £15 + fees

Click here for more details and to book your Composting Workshop tickets on Eventbrite

W.O.R.M.S Appreciation Day

Saturday 14 June 1.30pm-3.30pm

Because Worms Obviously Require Motivation Seasonally! Join us in the Community Garden & Allotments for a fun celebration of compost and worms for all ages, with activities and performances, a ceremonious opening for the new Vermicompost system, and hot soup.

Click here to book your free tickets for W.O.R.M.S Appreciation Day on Eventbrite

The Introduction to Composting Workshop, and W.O.R.M.S Appreciation Day are part of The Power of Food Festival 2025 – look out for other events at growing projects around Edinburgh