Potted Plant Worm Castings - Using Worm Castings In Container Gardening

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.

Can you plant directly into worm castings?

The only wrong way to use your castings is to use them without mixing with potting soil at the bottom of a planting hole. Doing this can create a barrier between the roots of your plants and the soil. It is perfectly fine to add straight worm castings to the top off your plants or the bottom of a potted plant.

How long can worm castings be stored?

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

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.

Can I put worms in my container garden?

Worms are beneficial for container plants. Red worms or regular earthworms can be used in plant containers (although earthworms should not be used in the vermicomposting bin because they will die).

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.

Can you use worm castings as potting soil?

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.

How often should you use worm castings?

For Compost Bins

Apply a 1/8- to 1/4-inch layer of earthworm castings between each layer of compost materials (i.e., layer castings as you build your compost pile). Enrich your bin with fresh castings every two to three months.

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.

Are worm castings high in nitrogen?

Worm castings contain five times more nitrogen, seven times more phosphorus and 11 times more potassium than ordinary soil. Worm castings or vermicast are both just another way to say worm manure. It turns out this stuff is awesome for your soil and plants.

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.

What is the pH of worm castings?

The castings have a neutral pH of 7.0. The process of making worm castings is commonly known as vermicomposting or vermiculture.

How do I get rid of worms in my potted plants naturally?

Harmful pests such as cutworms and leafminer larvae should be submerged in warm, soapy water to kill them so they don't harm other plants. There are a range of insecticidal soaps that are effective at killing pests. Use a ready-to-use insecticidal soap and spray the worms, repeating the application as needed.

Should you add worms to your potted plants?

Adding earthworms to your potted plants can be beneficial for the plant. Worms aid in aerating the soil which can help it grow faster. Care should be taken to ensure the right types of worms are added and that the soil is monitored for worm overpopulation.

Is it good to put worms in your garden?

Healthy soil needs 5 to 10 worms per square foot of surface area. ... To add worms, place them on top of the soil on a dry day and they will dig down. Once they are comfortable, they will reproduce. If conditions remain right, they and their descendants will aerate and fertilize your garden for years to come.

What is the best brand of worm castings?

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

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.

Are there worm eggs in worm castings?

What Are Worm Castings? Worm Castings contain a highly active biological mixture of bacteria, enzymes, remnants of plant matter and animal manure, as well as earthworm cocoons (while damp). ... The cocoons in Worm Castings each contain between 2 and 10 eggs that hatch within 2 weeks.

Can worm castings go bad?

They don't expire in the traditional sense of that they're bad.. they'll always have nutrients but worm castings are high in microbial content. Let it sit around to long, dry out and lots of the microbes will die.

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 I put worm castings in my garden?

To apply the worm castings as side dressing, pick one of these methods:

Place a small handful of castings at the base of the plant. ...
Dig a narrow furrow down a row, or around each plant. ...
When plants begin to bear fruit for the first time, sprinkle worm castings over the whole bed.