Worm
castings, your basic worm poop, is loaded with nutrients and other
components that promote healthy, chemical-free plant growth. There’s no reason
not to use worm castings in containers, and you may notice increased blooming
and considerable improvement in overall plant health. Read on to learn more
about this potent natural
fertilizer.
Using Worm Castings in Container Gardening
Worms create spaces for water and air as they tunnel through
the soil. In their wake they deposit rich manure, or castings, that look a lot
like coffee grounds. How do worm castings in containers help your potted
plants?
Worm castings are rich in nutrients, including not only the
basics but also substances like zinc, copper, manganese, carbon, cobalt, and
iron. They are absorbed into potting soil immediately, making nutrients available
to roots right away.
Unlike synthetic fertilizers or animal manure, worm castings
won’t burn plant roots. They contain microorganisms that support healthy soil
(including potting soil). They also may discourage root rot and other plant
diseases, as well as provide natural resistance to pests including aphids,
mealybugs,
and mites.
Water retention can be improved, meaning potted plants may require less
frequent irrigation.
How to Use Worm Castings in Containers
Using worm castings for potted plants is really no different than using regular compost. With worm castings fertilizer, use about ¼ cup (0.6 ml.) for every 6 inches (15 cm.) of container diameter. Mix the castings into the potting soil. Alternatively, sprinkle 1 to 3 tablespoons (15-45 ml.) of worm castings around the stem of container plants, then water well.
Refresh the potting soil by adding a small amount of worm
castings to the top of the soil monthly throughout the growing season. Don’t
worry if you add a little extra, unlike chemical fertilizers, worm castings
won’t harm your plants.
Worm casting tea is made by steeping worm castings in water. The tea can be poured over the potting soil or sprayed directly on foliage. To make worm casting tea, mix 2 cups (0.5 L.) of castings with about 5 gallons (19 L.) of water. You can add the castings directly to the water or put them in a mesh “tea” bag. Let the mixture steep overnight.
Worm
castings, your basic worm poop, is loaded with nutrients and other
components that promote healthy, chemical-free plant growth. There’s no reason
not to use worm castings in containers, and you may notice increased blooming
and considerable improvement in overall plant health. Read on to learn more
about this potent natural
fertilizer.
Using Worm Castings in Container Gardening
Worms create spaces for water and air as they tunnel through
the soil. In their wake they deposit rich manure, or castings, that look a lot
like coffee grounds. How do worm castings in containers help your potted
plants?
Worm castings are rich in nutrients, including not only the
basics but also substances like zinc, copper, manganese, carbon, cobalt, and
iron. They are absorbed into potting soil immediately, making nutrients available
to roots right away.
Unlike synthetic fertilizers or animal manure, worm castings
won’t burn plant roots. They contain microorganisms that support healthy soil
(including potting soil). They also may discourage root rot and other plant
diseases, as well as provide natural resistance to pests including aphids,
mealybugs,
and mites.
Water retention can be improved, meaning potted plants may require less
frequent irrigation.
How to Use Worm Castings in Containers
Using worm castings for potted plants is really no different than using regular compost. With worm castings fertilizer, use about ¼ cup (0.6 ml.) for every 6 inches (15 cm.) of container diameter. Mix the castings into the potting soil. Alternatively, sprinkle 1 to 3 tablespoons (15-45 ml.) of worm castings around the stem of container plants, then water well.
Refresh the potting soil by adding a small amount of worm
castings to the top of the soil monthly throughout the growing season. Don’t
worry if you add a little extra, unlike chemical fertilizers, worm castings
won’t harm your plants.
Worm casting tea is made by steeping worm castings in water. The tea can be poured over the potting soil or sprayed directly on foliage. To make worm casting tea, mix 2 cups (0.5 L.) of castings with about 5 gallons (19 L.) of water. You can add the castings directly to the water or put them in a mesh “tea” bag. Let the mixture steep overnight.