I have often mentioned worms and worm casting
as a way to feed your landscape in a few of my posts. Although my worm
knowledge is limited I thought it was time to pass on what I know about worms,
worm casting and worm tea. I also use worm tea from furnished by my neighbor
and my plants are healthy and productive.
● Worms:
Worms eat organics in the soil and release a by- product called casting. Worms
have the unique ability to eat compost materials and deposit an amazing array
of beneficial nutrients that are water soluble and extremely nutrient rich.
● Worm Castings: Worm
castings have an amazing amount of nutrients that add a diverse population of
microbial life. Worm casting are the by product that when left behind add
beneficial organisms in soils, promote soil structure and aid in disease and
pest suppression. These amazing nutrients come from the way a worm uses enzymes
to break down what they eat turning their droppings into food for plants.
● Worm Tea: Worm tea is made when
water runs off or drips over worm casting. This can be in a bucket of water, or
in manufactured worm bins. The tea is a rich thick liquid that is diluted in
water. It can also be applied with a spray applicator directly to the leaves.
Nutrients from worms
casting are highly soluble which means they are broken down by water easily.
Using a liquid application benefits the plant quickly, and feeds continually
without burning the plant. You can either make a worm tea, or add the casting
to the planting area. It is very easy, and so beneficial.
Worm casting are naturally
5 times higher nitrogen, 7 times richer in phosphorus, 3 times richer in
magnesium, 11 times richer in potassium and 1.5 times richer in calcium.
Most organic bagged soil products and organic
fertilizers will have worm casting as part of the menu. Have a look at Kellogg's Garden Products, link below to check out there great products.
Some garden centers may carry bagged worm
casting and even bags of worms for you to get started raising your own worms
and harvest the casting for your garden.
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