Worm excrement, otherwise known as worm castings is a very potent, organic fertilizer for gardens, potted containers, and container or raised bed gardens. Worm castings also really help to amend garden soil structure and increase garden yields by nourishing the ground and plants.
Red worm castings contain beneficial microbes and nutrients necessary for almost any plant. A properly maintained red wiggler worm bin will not have any odor whatsoever. You can keep a bin in your house, basement, or garage, and it will take up only a few square feet of floor space.
Build Your Garden: Get a FREE Subscription to PREPARE Magazine
There are a number of different brands of multi tray worm farms and they are only different in the size of the actual trays, including depth and circumference. You may also get an option of choosing a 3, 4, 5 (or more) tray worm farm, the one you choose will come down to the amount of scraps you produce and will need to get processed. If your family produces a lot of kitchen scraps on a daily basis, then you will most likely have to get a 4 tray worm farm. The number of worms that will populate the farm will grow to accommodate the available space. So if you supply plenty of food, the worms will thrive, reproduce and be capable of turning over even more scraps. The result will be even more worm castings that make beautiful, rich compost.
A stackable worm farm such as The Worm Factory is ideal for a family that produces a medium to large supply of kitchen scraps. The Worm Factory can accommodate around 12,000 when it is in full operation and will produce a tray full of worm casting each month. You will find that the worms will go through around 5 pounds of waste per week. An even more attractive draw-card with this kind of multi tray worm farm is that you don’t necessarily have to stop at 4 trays, if you have the spot for it you can keep stacking if you need to process more scraps.
As a general rule, you can spread 10 pounds of worm castings over 150 foot to 200 foot area and be assured that this will properly fertilize your soil in the days to come as it begins to break down in a natural way. Many people that have large gardens or if they are growing crops on a commercial level may have their very own red worm compost generating system where they can access thousands of pounds of castings in order to maintain the vast spread that they are growing.
Redworm compost is used by many people as a source for organic compost. By simply feeding them some organic scraps from their garden, over a period of time these scraps are processed into a compost that can be used as a mulch or a fertilizer. As the worms process the waste into compost, they also create what are called worm castings. Basically, the poop of the worm, castings can be used for a variety of reasons.
When preparing to make this vermicomposting tea product, you can start by setting up the necessary materials and ingredients for it. This tea product needs worm castings of course; castings that you’ve purchased or grew at home. You will also need a paint strainer cloth, a 5-gallon bucket that is filled with well-water, or water that you’ve left overnight (make sure it’s chlorine free), an air pump, two airline tubing’s, air stones, and molasses.
Build Your Garden: Get a FREE Subscription to PREPARE Magazine
If you ever do decide to create a little organic garden, be sure to find a way to get worm castings for your garden. If you like the aspect of doing very little manual labor to achieve compost and fertilizer for your garden then create a supply of vermicompost and spread the compost and castings over your garden soil. Then let nature begin to naturally decompose these castings, through regular watering, so that your soil will have the optimum amount of nutrients necessary for a successful organic crop.
Popular Questions
How do worm castings help increase garden yields?
Worm castings add gentle, slow-release nutrients and organic matter to the soil, supporting stronger plant growth and better harvests. They can improve moisture retention while keeping soil loose enough for roots to expand. Mix castings into garden beds before planting or add a small amount around established plants during the growing season.
How much worm casting should you use to increase garden yields?
For new garden beds, blend about 1 to 2 inches of worm castings into the top several inches of soil. When planting individual vegetables, mix a handful into each planting hole without placing a thick layer directly against the roots. For established plants, spread a thin layer around the base and water it into the soil.
Can worm castings help increase yields in container gardens?
Yes, worm castings can improve container soil by adding nutrients and helping the potting mix hold moisture without becoming as compacted. Mix roughly 10 to 20 percent castings into a quality potting mix before planting. Refresh containers with a thin top-dressing during the season, and continue regular watering because castings do not replace moisture management.
When should you apply worm castings to help increase garden yields?
Apply worm castings when preparing beds, filling containers, or transplanting seedlings so plant roots can access the added organic matter early. A second light application during active growth can support vegetables that produce over a long season. Avoid piling castings against stems, and water after applying them to distribute nutrients through the root zone.
