Arizona Worm Farm

08/29/2025

We have a bunch of tomato starts available for you to plant this weekend. It used to be we recommended Monsoon Planting of tomatoes in early August and a "main planting" in February.

As our monsoons have become less productive and our evening temperatures have warmed, now becomes a really good time to get a Fall crop of tomatoes planted. We have some new heat tolerant varieties (especially "Jolene") that are performing well in our low 100 degree temperatures and will fruit well into our now-normal temperatures in November and early December.

But, as always, a hard frost will wreck these guys. And a freak freeze is not out of the question. But, Jolene should produce 30 to 40 pounds of tomatoes from each start by the end of November. And, you can be snacking on cherry tomatoes planted from our mature starts as soon a the beginning of November.

08/27/2025

Thanks to for this profile:

From Backyard Chores to Sustainable Solutions On a 10-acre site tucked into South Phoenix, the Arizona Worm Farm is quietly transforming the way Arizonans think about food waste, composting, and soil health. The farm’s mission is simple: take organic waste, add sunshine and water, and turn it into...

08/21/2025

Looks like we could get some rain next week. Even though it will be hot this weekend, consider getting a jump on your Labor Day fertilizing. Put down compost and worm castings in advance of the rain!

We get super busy here at the worm farm in mid-September. Come in early to beat the garden rush.

08/18/2025

The headline: Biochar is now available at the worm farm. It has become popular on lots of garden blogs - before you buy any, read this long post...or come have a chat with one of our team.

We have a locally produced biochar from a reliable company – and with all the talk about its benefits, we have brought it in to make it available to you if you want it and to test it ourselves. We are offering it in 1.5 CF bags for $25, which we think is inexpensive.

Biochar is a carbon-rich substance that is created through pyrolysis – basically, you burn waste (in our case Pine wood) with limited oxygen. It has received a lot of PR as a soil amendment. We have been told it improves soil health, boosts agricultural crop yields, and facilitates carbon sequestration (all good things!).

Our early testing is showing a few things we like:

• When we add about 10% to our Growing in the Garden Raised Bed Mix, we find that the soil holds water even better than the RBM does without it.
• Many studies seem to suggest that it will balance pH. When I used in (again at 10%), I found that my roses did really well. Our water comes in at a pH above 8, so it is hard to grow plants that like acidic soil (like roses and a lot of tropicals).
• It provides a spectacular environment for the growth of microbes. When we look at teas made from soils mixed with biochar we saw improved fungal and bacterial colonies.

However, the more studies I read, the less enthusiastic I get.

Lots of studies confirm that it sequesters carbon. Even more studies show it will safely increase pH (towards alkaline) – but that is not our problem here in the Phoenix area. Biochar is spectacular in some micro-conditions (but, to be clear, I don’t care what improves flowers in Costa Rica – I care about tomatoes in Phoenix!). What yielded terrific results in Costa Rican soil may not generate the same results in Mesa.

What are the benefits of biochar in soil?

There are benefits associated with biochar. It’s an excellent waste management tool that converts waste into something potentially useful. According to the USDA, “biochar can improve soil health, raise pH, remediate polluted soils, sequester carbon, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil moisture.”

Should you try it?

We are and we have it significantly cheaper than any other source we have found. I think it will add even more life to your soils and I think it will retain water. That makes it a great product to add to those containers (especially fabric ones) that seem to need to be watered all the time. In my testing, it helped my roses. I am testing it now on other tropical plants.

If you do try it, please let us know your results.

08/15/2025

🌧️ BOGO Monsoon Planting Sale! 🌱
Perfect time for succession planting heat-loving crops!

Summer squash:
Zucchini -Noche, Mexican Grey & Golden
Yellow squash
Scallop patty pan

Winter Squash:
Butternut
Spaghetti
Pumpkins

Okra:
Emerald
Clemson spineless

Legumes:
Python pole bean
Tepary bean
Cowpeas

08/02/2025

We are quite proud of our Worm Castings Tea. Our brew team works really hard to get a diverse family of microbes in our tea that can easily colonize in your gardens and soils.

Bacterial and fungi are easy. Higher forms, like Protozoa (for nutrient cycling) and Nematodes for pest control, are harder - but every once in a while we see them under a microscope.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (like the one we captured in the video), are microscopic worms that live in the soil and attack and kill various insect pests. They are a natural form of biological pest control and can be used to manage pests like grubs, weevils, and fungus gnat larvae.

Mostly we know the teas work because our most successful customers come back regularly to show us their results. Late August into early September is the perfect time to refresh your soil for Fall planting. We brew it for sale by the gallon every Friday and Saturday.

We also will send our commercial spray out to do your whole yard or garden. Details here: https://arizonawormfarm.com/mobile-tea-sprays

A question we get all the time: is it worth it to buy specific microbes (most common is mycorrhizae to help extend the reach of roots) and while that works and can be helpful, our research suggests that a family of microbes - like what we are able to brew in our teas - will colonize better and live stronger and longer in your soils. You will get better results for less money with a broad-range aerated tea like ours.

07/30/2025

A teaser and a recommendation:

This is Dr. Adams - a vet that knows chickens and will make "coop calls". She has visited us several times to help check on and take care of our flock. We have around 45 hens - so this is a big deal for us. If you have backyard chickens and need someone for care or just a routine check, I strongly recommend Dr. Adams and https://azlivestockvet.com/

The teaser: Dr. Adams has agreed to do an introductory class on backyard chickens here at the farm in October. I have spoken with lots of you about how much I enjoy our hens, how easy it can be, and (at the very same time) what a pain in the neck these dumb birds can be. We are going to be able to teach you what it takes to be successful and connect you with a great local resource.

We will post much more as we get closer, but the link is: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=23178578&appointmentType=81640477

07/29/2025

I loved this class so much last Saturday I put another one on our calendar for the very next available slot.

The class is a basic introduction to how to put in an automatic sprinkler system in your raised bed. When you register, you get the option of purchasing a complete irrigation system kit including an automatic timer.

The very best part of this class is VV, our instructor and SprinklerWord representative Not only is she a great communicator (and hysterically funny teacher), she invited all participants to come get personalized assistance from her at SprinklerWorld.

You get a class, a kit (if you want to buy one), and your own irrigation advisor who happens to work in the best sprinkler supply store in Phoenix!

07/27/2025

Our of our goals at the Arizona Worm Farm is to turn garbage into food. We are now using Black Soldier Fly Larvae to turn kitchen waste into a fertilizer that is better than Fish Hydrolysate in almost every way: It is sustainable, provides similar NPK, and provides a host of enzymes that are not present in fish that trigger healing, flowering, and fruit production in plants.

We have found that it works especially well in tomatoes. If you are planting a monsoon garden, we encourage you to include Nutrient+ in your watering every other week.

Whether you're growing juicy cherry tomatoes on your balcony or giant beefsteaks in the backyard, choosing the right fertilizer is key. Our time-tested sustainable favorite? Nutrient+. Here's why:

1. Packed with Essential Nutrients

Nutrient+ is loaded with key plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — the perfect trio for tomato plants:

Nitrogen fuels leafy growth early in the season.

Phosphorus helps roots and flowers thrive.

Potassium builds strong stems and juicy fruits.

Plus, it contains natural micronutrients like calcium and magnesium to help prevent issues like blossom end rot.

2. Fast-Acting & Gentle

Unlike chemical fertilizers that can burn your plants, Nutrient+ is gentle but effective. It’s quickly absorbed by both roots and leaves — perfect for giving tomatoes a nutrient boost during flowering or fruiting.

3. Feeds Your Soil Too

Healthy tomatoes start with healthy soil. Nutrient+ feeds beneficial soil microbes, improving soil texture, drainage, and nutrient availability over time. That means better tomatoes now — and even better ones next season.

4. 100% Natural & Eco-Friendly

Made from local food waste kept out of our local landfills

Safe for pets, kids, and pollinators

A smart choice for sustainable gardeners

It’s good for your plants — and good for the planet.

5. Bigger, Better Tomatoes

Gardeners consistently report:

More blossoms and fruit

Richer flavor

Improved size and color

Used regularly, Nutrient+ supports vigorous, productive plants that deliver a tasty harvest all season long.

🛠 How to Use It:
Mix as directed (typically 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of water)

Water at the base of your plants or apply as a foliar spray

Use every 1–2 weeks during the growing season

Ready to grow your best tomatoes ever?

🌿 Feed them Nutrient+!

Available at our farm, at all SummerWinds Nurseries, or by mail here:

https://arizonawormfarm.com/nutrient%2B