Building Healthy Soil

Compost and Vermiculture Lab

Building Healthy Soil for Exceptional Grapes

To grow delicious, nutrient-rich grapes, we start with exceptional soil. Healthy soil is built through living biology—microbes and fungi that feed vines, improve nutrient availability, and strengthen long-term soil structure.

Our mulch is made from rich organic materials sourced locally, including leaves and tree ramial wood gathered from the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. These materials are transformed into biologically active soil amendments that return nutrients and life back to the vineyard.

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Vermicompost Lab & Natural Fertilizer Production

Our farming practices focus on creating and maintaining this living foundation through carefully managed compost and vermicompost systems.

At the heart of our operation is a dedicated vermicompost lab housing 100,000 red wriggler worms. These worms convert organic matter into high-quality vermicompost, creating powerful natural fertilizers rich in beneficial bacteria, fungi, and plant-available nutrients.

Our Composting Systems include:

Vermicompost lab

100,000 red wriggler worms

Natural fertilizer production

Tanks capable of holding nearly 7,000 gallons of compost tea

Aerated static beds

Oxygen-rich composting for active microbial growth

Windrows

Large-scale composting of organic materials

Johnson–Su bioreactors

Fungal-dominant compost for long-term soil regeneration

Come See

Our Lab

Take a tour of our facilities and see firsthand how we transform waste into rich, fertile soil. Discover the sustainable practices that make Union Grove Farm a leader in regenerative agriculture.

Schedule A Tour

1000 FARMS STUDY: UNION GROVE FARM PRELIMINARY RESULTS

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Meet Dr. Laura Kavanaugh, our soil health consultant. Laura was part of the initial UGF leadership team and led the way in building out our very robust composting operation, including the vermicompost lab. Video courtesy of Occudocs, a Thunder Mountain Media production.

We have over one mile of composting windrows across our farm.

Windrows offer significant value to regenerative farming by promoting soil health and enhancing ecological balance. By arranging organic materials, such as crop residues or compost, in long, narrow rows, windrows facilitate efficient decomposition and nutrient cycling. This process enriches the soil with essential organic matter, improves its structure, and boosts microbial activity. Additionally, windrows help control erosion, retain moisture, and support biodiversity by creating habitats for beneficial organisms. This method aligns with regenerative principles by fostering a resilient, self-sustaining farming ecosystem that enhances productivity and sustainability.