Earthworm Castings better known as worm castings are the excretions deposited by worms after they digest organic material. This process is called vermicomposting and its the most efficient way of reducing kitchen,yard waste and or animal waste. The most common worm used to produce earthworm castings are the red wiggler. They can eat up to 25% their weight in food a day.
Benefits of Earthworm Castings
Earthworm castings are an excellent soil amendment and plant growth enhancer by improving the soil microbial activity, soil structure, tilth, conservation of water and improve overall health of plants. They are odorless, clean and can be used in any environment to enhance the growth of your plants.
Earthworm castings do not burn your plants and can be applied at the root zone or by foliar application.
Worm castings have been proven effective way to reduce damage by harmful insects such as the white fly, aphids, spider mites or any pest that feeds on the plant by increasing the production of enzymes that are offensive to insect.
Worm castings have millions of beneficial microbes and soil organisms which help your plants absorb the micro and macro nutrients in your soil. These microbes and soil organisms help restore and revitalize your soil.
Worm castings are a great source of calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphates and potash.
Using Earthworm Castings
Earthworm castings can be used as early as when you start your seeds indoors. It will enhance the size and growth of your seedlings. The ideal ratio is 1 part worm castings to 4 parts soil.
Earthworm castings can be applied to existing plants soil either by top dressing or mixing in with soil. Top dressing would let the nutrients soak down when you water. Should add worm castings every 2-3 months.
You can also make worm tea with worm castings. Worm tea is made by soaking 2-3 tablespoons of worm castings in oxygenated water overnight. Apply worm tea by foliar spray.
You can either buy worm castings or start your own composting worm bin with red wigglers