Many types of Earthworms (such as Red Wigglers) and plants evolved together in perfect symbiosis. Earthworms are adapted to eating decaying organic matter. As plants grow and stems, leaves, roots, and other plant tissues are shed, they mix into the soil, where the worms thrive on a steady diet of decomposing foliage. In turn, the worm castings (AKA worm poop) left behind are a perfectly balanced, fertile manure that provides nutrients in the way that easily accessible to plants of all kinds.
What are Worm Castings?
As we already mentioned above, worm castings are worm poop. Worm castings, or worm compost as it’s also called, is an all-natural, organic soil amendment. It’s treasured by professional gardeners and landscapers alike, as it has 10 times the nutrients of regular compost, including 5 times as much nitrate, 7 times as much phosphorus, and 3 times as much magnesium. In fact, in research from the University of Ohio, Dr. Clive Edwards found that vermicompost can outperform any commercial fertilizer.
How to Use Worm Castings.
As a soil amendment, worm castings should be used in a ratio of 1 part worm compost to 4 parts high quality garden soil. But worm castings can also be used to top dress lawns or to side dress existing flower beds and gardens. Side dressing refers to placing premium fertilizer on the ground near existing plants. It must be done carefully with only the best and gentlest manure, so as not to burn any of the plants. Worm castings are perfect for side-dressing as plants are perfectly adapted to worm compost, which naturally occurs in the soil already. Pure worm castings will not burn even the most delicate plants.
Where to Use Worm Castings.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Worm castings are nature’s perfect plant food. As such, they can be used anywhere and everywhere you want plants to flourish. Professional landscapers love sprinkling our worm compost into new flower beds before planting, because it helps their clients’ new plants flourish and thrive — leaving a lasting positive impression. Worm castings are also used by landscapers to top dress tired lawns and to revitalize trees and shrubs.
At Soil Kings, we’re pleased to offer 6-liter pails of worm castings —- available for pickup or delivery. Call Soil Kings at 403-452-LOAM (5626) to learn more about this premium soil amendment or order worm castings online today for your clients and have them delivered tomorrow!
