How To Use Worm Castings

In general, the four most basic approaches and all that is needed to know about using worm castings is this. The first three are: Mix into your earth or soil at a 15-25% ratio, side dress a hole you are transplanting into with a cup or good handful (for most smaller sized plants), or top dress with a cup or two around an already existing plant (work in with a fork or garden tool if possible, and give a good water).

The fourth, if you really want to take it to the next level is creating worm tea. This can be done in two ways. First by soaking one part castings to three parts water for 12-24 hours (after you have let the initial water you plan to saturate sit out for a day evaporating any chlorine that might be present, which can kill off the microbes and bacteria if to strong). Give the water and castings a stir every so often to mix things up a bit.

The second option is creating air agitated worm tea, by aerating the bucket of water and castings over the same period of time. With this method you start with 2-3 pounds of castings within in old sock, or paint strainer to create a tea bag you'll hang over the side of the bucket. Use an aerator to oxygenate the bucket, and introduce a sugar based additive to act as a feed for all the microbe and living organisms that will be present swimming around the bucket. Not only are you preserving the microbe count, you are allowing them to reproduce (and this happens rapidly) to create an even more potent and full of life liquid ready to jump start your soil, in turn you plants! Check out our Paramount Green Home Tea Brewer for an all in one kit with everything you need ready to go at a great price!

Either tea method is creating a concentrated full of life and nutrients liquid that will provide amazing natural results to your growth. You can either water directly onto your plants, or spray on the leaves and flowers (remember the finer the spray, the easier it is for the plant to absorb!). Always use each batch within 24 hours, and if something doesn't seem right, or smells funny discard that batch and start over. Give it a shot, you'll love the results!

Worm Castings Storage: Indoors at room temperature is always recommended, to preserve the life presence within the castings as long as possible.

For more industry standard application uses, please see below, and always feel free to call or email with any questions.

**Approximately Three Cups per Pound**

Vegetables and Annual Flowers - Line bottom and sides of plant holes and seed furrows with 1"-2" of earthworm castings. Set seeds or plants in place and cover with soil. Side dress during growing seasons at a rate of 1/2 cup per plant or 1 cup per linear foot of row once every 2 months.