Worm castings, also known as vermicompost, are the rich organic material produced by earthworms as they digest organic matter.

These tiny pellets are packed with essential nutrients, beneficial microorganisms, and humus – the key ingredients for vibrant and healthy plant growth and long-term soil health. Castings are of great benefit to gardens, farms, indoor plants, and aquariums.

 

Benefits of worm castings 🌱

Supercharged Nutrients: Worm castings are a powerhouse of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. They slowly release these nutrients, providing a consistent and steady supply to your plants throughout the growing season.

Improved Soil Structure: The humus in worm castings helps to improve soil structure, making it more porous and able to retain moisture efficiently. This, in turn, reduces the need for frequent watering and minimizes soil erosion.

Enhanced Plant Growth: Enriching your soil with worm castings boosts plant growth and encourages stronger root systems. Healthy roots lead to more robust plants with increased resistance to pests and diseases.

Increased Nutrient Uptake: The beneficial microorganisms present in worm castings enhance nutrient uptake by plants, making them more efficient in absorbing nutrients from the soil.

Environmentally Friendly: Using worm castings in your garden is a sustainable and eco-friendly practice. By recycling organic waste, you contribute to reducing landfill waste and help create a healthier environment for all.

 

 

🪱 How to Use Worm Castings 🌼

 

Indoors:

Seedlings and Transplants

1. Fill 1/3 of a flower pot with worm castings
2. Fill the next 1/3 of the pot with the appropriate garden soil
3. Fill the remainder with more garden soil or mulch material after your plants have sprouted or acclimated

Indoor Plants

1. Add a 1-inch layer of castings around the base of each plant in the pot.
2. Mix castings with garden soil or coffee and sprinkle them around the remaining areas.
3. Place paper towels or more garden soil to protect your casting layer
4. Water normally

 

Outdoors:

Ground Plants

1. Mix castings into your garden soil to infuse it with rich organic goodness.
2. Best used under a layer of mulch or top dressing

Potted Plants

1. Add a 1-inch layer of castings around the base of each plant in the pot.
2. Mix castings with garden soil or coffee and sprinkle them around the remaining areas.
3. Cover in mulch or top dressing

Trees and Shrubs

1. Add 3 inches of worm castings around the base of the plant and cover it in mulch

Aquariums, Ponds, and Tanks

1. Add a layer of castings under your substrate material or mix them at a ratio of 1 part castings to 5 parts substrate.

Wild Flowers, Grasses, Native Plants, and Reforestation

1. Learn more about worms in North American ecosystems
2. Spread castings liberally
3. Focus on the bases of trees, uphill locations, flowering plants, and overgrazed land