1008 - Worm Castings, Compost & Regenerative Gardening

In this Episode - What if the key to growing healthier, more productive gardens isn’t more fertilizer, but healthier living soil? Ben Lederer, co-founder of Regenerative Soil Company in North Phoenix, joins Greg to explore how compost, worm castings, mulch, and beneficial biology can transform the soil beneath your garden. You’ll learn simple ways to start composting, use kitchen scraps and chickens to build a regenerative cycle, and improve your soil while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. Ben and Greg also share practical ideas for taking one small step toward a healthier garden and a more resilient community.

Our Guest: Ben is the co-founder of Regenerative Soil Company, a small batch amendment company based in North Phoenix. A longtime gardener, chicken keeper, and compost enthusiast, Ben is passionate about helping people grow healthier plants naturally through worm castings, regenerative gardening practices, and living soil biology. He also works in turf grass management and enjoys teaching practical, approachable ways to build healthy soil at home

Key Topics

Ben LedererRegenerative Soil CompanyWorm castingsLiving soil biologyRegenerative gardeningCompostingGreen mulch and cowpeasChickens and backyard food systemsLocal soil amendmentsTurf grass and soil managementPermaculture and closed-loop gardeningArizona Worm FarmCommunity gardeningThe Worm Farmer’s Handbook

Key Questions Answered

How did Ben Lederer get into regenerative gardening and soil health?

Ben grew up watching his parents garden and became fascinated by how plants grow. His experience in landscaping and turf grass management eventually led him to question conventional practices and look for ways to build healthier soil naturally.

What are worm castings, and why are they useful in the garden?

Worm castings are worm-processed organic material that contains microbes and nutrients. Ben describes them as a gentle organic fertilizer that can help plants grow stronger and handle environmental stress, while Greg shares his experience using them to reduce heat and transplant stress.

What are some natural ways to improve garden soil?

Ben recommends compost, worm castings, mulch, and green mulch. These practices can add organic matter, support soil biology, retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and improve conditions for future plantings.

How can cowpeas function as green mulch?