planting in worm castings

Can you plant directly into worm castings?

You betcha! Organic worm castings are excellent for plants. ... Not only can this fertilizer be used on nearly any type of plant, it can also be used directly on plants without burning them. Worm castings manure can be applied as top dressing, side dressing, or worked into the soil.

Are worm castings good for plants?

Earthworm castings provide substances that directly influence healthy plant growth. Research conducted over several years at The Ohio State University Soil Ecology Laboratory found that worm castings enhanced seed germination, plant growth, flowers and fruit production.

How do you apply worm castings to plants?

Mix the castings into the potting soil. Alternatively, sprinkle one to three tablespoons (15-45 ml.) of worm castings around the stem of container plants, then water well. Refresh the potting soil by adding a small amount of worm castings to the top of the soil monthly throughout the growing season.

Are worm castings a complete fertilizer?

Worm castings are not a “complete” fertilizer for certain plants. And growth of some plants can be inhibited by some salts. Acid-loving plants will also not do well in the pH of 7-8 range of earthworm castings. The solution to these issues would be to mix the castings with another potting material.

What is the NPK of worm castings?

Analysis of earthworm castings reveals that they are rich in iron, sulfur, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK rating: 5.5.

Is worm castings better than compost?

Because worm castings contain high levels of nutrients and are beneficial for plant hydration and aeration, they're a great choice for smaller-scale vegetable gardens. However, worm castings can vary quite a bit in quality, and they are usually more expensive than compost and other soil additives.

What can I use instead of worm castings?

Well-Known Member. Best substitute for worm castings is plain old compost... This should be available just about anywhere in the world.

Are worm castings good for soil?

Earthworm Castings are the rich digested soil that worms leave behind. Gardeners know them to be rich in nutrients and microorganisms. The beneficial microbes (as many as 10,000 different kinds) aid plant growth, help fight off disease and nourish your plants.

Can worm castings go bad?

They do not go bad or expire. In fact, they get better with time. Worm Castings become moist or dry based on the surrounding humidity. You can rehydrate by misting with water.

How long do worm castings last?

How long do worm castings last? Worm castings can last up to 6 months – and sometimes longer – depending on the method of storage.

How do you amend soil with worm castings?

Soil Amendment

So, dig 2″ to 4″ down and throw in the finished compost. Mix the soil and worm castings. Break up the larger lumps. Using an amendment while breaking up the soil adds air pockets and nutrients.

What is worm poop called?

The technical word for worm poop is castings, and the composting method is called vermiculture, or vermicomposting.

Can you top dress worm castings?

Adding nutrient-rich worm compost is a great, organic way to help your garden vegetables grow. To top dress garden plants with vermicompost simply spread a thin layer (1/2 inch to 1 inch) of compost around the stem of each plant.

How do you make worm tea from castings?

Place the bag of castings in your container of water and let it steep overnight. In the morning the water should be light brown and that water is your worm tea! After the bag of castings is 'spent', you can add it to a potted plant or to your garden because it has finished its tea making job.

How much Azomite do I add to my soil?

Apply ½ to 1 teaspoon every three months to the soil surface of the soil and water in. Greenhouse and Potting Soil: Add 7 -10 lbs per cubic yard of potting soil, and add to the irrigation water when possible, on a weekly basis, at a low rate.

Which worm castings are best?

Black Castings™ - Widely Recognized As The Best Worm Castings - Monroe Works.

What is NPK value?

NPK stands for "nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium," the three nutrients that compose complete fertilizers. ... Also implied is a percentage symbol after each number because each of the three numbers represents the percentage of that nutrient in the makeup of the fertilizer.

Is worm tea a good fertilizer?

Worms can create an effective organic fertilizer for your plants. The process of vermicomposting—using worms to decompose organic matter and food scraps—allows you to make a worm compost tea that serves as a non-toxic alternative to chemical fertilizer.

How much is a pound of worm castings?

For high-end worm castings made by earthworms eating a controlled diet, you might pay as little as $. 18/pound if you buy in bulk, or as much as $5/pound if you buy in small bags.

Can you add worm castings to compost?

The castings can be added to regular compost - about 25 percent - and used to build up beds. Or spread them around plants and dig in slightly. Sprinkle castings on potted plants and over garden beds.

Will compost worms eat my plants?

Red worms are excellent at breaking down decaying organic materials, creating a nutrient-rich substance for your garden. ... With the addition of plant scraps or composting trenches around the garden, the red worms will not only thrive but will turn the garden soil into a healthy environment for your growing garden.