Rebuild the Worm Farm

We are Kala and Rorie Nelson, together we are the mom and son team of Fly High Worm Farm. I became a Master Gardener in 2020 where I was introduced to worm farming and how worms heal our soil. As a single mom of a then, 12-year-old son, I took the opportunity to expand our love of gardening by starting a worm bin. At that time, we knew little about worms or their benefits. I have to say, down the wormhole we went. It didn't take long for me to earn the name, Kala, the Worm Lady; and I began teaching 4H and youth summer program classes. Rorie is a natural, but, when you love something so much, it is hard to contain your passion.

Our mission is to rescue our soil using worm castings. Worm castings you say - what is that? Worm manure, worm poo, aka Black Gold. Worm castings is great plant food without adding harmful chemicals into our soil and eventually our bodies through the food we eat.

We opened our worm farm to the public in December 2021. Since that time, we have become an At-Ease Veteran therapy farm which is a cause near and dear to both of us because I am an Air Force veteran. Helping our veterans has given us a chance to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Our farm was doing very well. We began shipping our worms and castings along with other beneficial organisms all over the US. We were well on our way in the pursuit of this endeavor until March 3, 2023. That’s the day when an extreme windstorm, with up to 85 mph strong winds, wiped our little worm farm off the face of the earth. We had managed to purchase and build a hoophouse over the winter with plans of using the covered area to expand our farm. The storm also took our grow out bins and worm cocoons.

I realize that a hoophouse may not seem like a big deal to some. But, to us, it is our future. Since the storm happened, we have considered throwing in the towel because the task of rebuilding is overwhelming. But I know that I cannot quit because my son is watching. I want to teach him that you don't give up on your dreams. You follow your passion and continue with such important work.

We are calling on organic gardeners and nature lovers out there, we need your help to rebuild our worm farm so we can continue making our world a better place by supporting sustainable, and regenerative agriculture. Help us keep spreading global worming.