Worm Castings

/

Worm Castings

You’ve probably seen them advertised recently by home and garden centers. Where I live, we used to buy small bags from a local worm farm that catered to recreation outlets selling fishing worms. Regardless of where you buy them, worm castings are a secret garden weapon. If you don’t know what they are, they are worm poo, nutrient-rich waste produced by earthworms. It’s a mix of beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and nutrients that significantly enhance soil health and plant growth.

I consider worm castings my plant medicine. If I have ailing plants, I give them a dose of worm castings. Within a week or so they seem to improve.

How to Use Worm Castings in the Garden

  1. Soil Amendment:

    • Mix worm castings into the soil before planting. Use about 1/4 cup of castings per square foot of garden space. For larger areas, use 10-20% worm castings by volume in the top 6-8 inches of soil.

  2. Top Dressing:

    • Sprinkle a thin layer of worm castings (about 1/2 inch) around the base of existing plants. This will provide a slow-release of nutrients as you water.

  3. Worm Casting Tea:

    • Ingredients:

      • 1 cup of worm castings

      • 1 gallon of water

      • Optional: 1 tablespoon of molasses (to feed beneficial microbes)

    • How to:

      • Place worm castings in a porous bag (e.g., a cloth bag or pantyhose).

      • Submerge bag in water and let it steep for 24-48 hours, occasionally stirring or aerating the water.

      • Use the tea to water plants or as a foliar spray. This provides a quick nutrient boost and helps ward off pests and diseases.

  4. Seed Starting Mix:

    • Mix worm castings into your seed starting mix at a ratio of about 1 part worm castings to 3 parts seed starting mix. This enhances germination rates and early growth.

  5. Compost Pile Enhancer:

    • Add worm castings to your compost pile to boost microbial activity and accelerate the composting process.

Once you start using worm castings in your garden you’ll want to raise your own. I have two worm farms in my utility room that consume kitchen scraps and keep me supplied with my plant medicine of choice.

 For more gardening, beekeeping, cooking and easy home decor tips, subscribe to Garden Notes.

Charlotte