When it comes to organic fertilizers, few options stand up against worm castings. They
- do wonders for your plants
- completely organic
- available in stores
Learn more about worm castings in this article.
What exactly are worm castings?
Worm castings are a completely organic material full of:
- Enzymes
- Good bacteria
- Animal manure
- Plant matter remnants
While damp, they also contain earthworm cocoons.
Why do gardeners choose earthworm castings?
Many organic gardeners choose earthworm castings because of the following advantages it delivers:
- Contains numerous minerals
- Rich in water-soluble plant nutrients
- Have up to 50% more humus than the average topsoil
What minerals are contained in earthworm castings?
Castings are rich in minerals that boost plant growth. Some of these minerals include:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Nitrogen
They also have high counts of concentrated:
- Iron
- Nitrates
- Carbon
- Copper
- Borax
- Zinc
No wonder it is referred to by many as the organic Miracle Grower for gardens.
What are the advantages of worm castings over traditional fertilizers?
Many gardeners use worm castings as an organic fertilizer because unlike using traditional fertilizers, there’s no risk of burning your plants. Animal manure and chemical fertilizers have to be broken down by the plants before they can absorb the nutrients but worm castings are immediately available to plants.
Gardeners who are new to worm castings are often surprised by the fact that there’s no odor. This is due to the digestion process. The bacteria within the alimentary canal of the earthworm transforms organic waste into natural fertilizer. While this is happening, the matter undergoes a deodorizing and neutralizing process.
What are worm castings used for?
Worm castings are completely natural and organic. This makes them an excellent addition for potting soil. Include it as an ingredient in the soil for your potted plants in and around the house and watch them flourish. It also support:
- Vegetables
- Shrubs
- Flowers
- Trees
Why should you start adding worm castings to your mulching materials?
We suggest adding worm castings and other organic fertilizers you like to work with to your mulching material to ensure the minerals are absorbed directly into the soil when you water the mulch.
1.Extracts toxins from the soil
Do you need to adjust the pH of your garden soil?
You can do so organically by using earthworm castings. The humus in the castings extracts harmful toxins, bacteria, and fungi from the soil so your tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and beans can grow comfortably.
Worm castings will also give your plants a fighting chance against disease. While we encourage you to use them during any growing season, give them a try when blights are a problem.
2.Fix heavy metals in waste
Sometimes organic waste is loaded with heavy metals. Fortunately, worm castings have the ability to fix that. Add castings to your soil to slowly release chemical compounds your plants need as they grow.
3.Help with pH and the growing process
Want to give your plants a shield against pH levels that are too high or too low?
Worm castings will do just that while making it possible for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need. In addition to nutrients and minerals, castings are also rich in humic acid which stimulates plant growth. Humic acid will grow the microflora population in your soil, so feel free to be generous when adding them to your organic garden and potted plants.
4.Enhance water and soil retention
When added to your garden, worm castings form aggregates (mineral clusters) that combine in such a way that allows them to withstand water erosion and compaction. This means your soil will retain water more efficiently, which means less watering for you.
Conclusion
Earthworm castings are highly beneficial for your garden. They extract unwanted materials from the soil, fix heavy metals found within waste, adjust your soil’s pH, and assist with water and soil retention. As you continue to work with your summer garden, consider placing an order with MCG Biomarkers today!
