0

How to use Worm Castings

Comprehensive Guide to Using Worm Castings in Gardening

General Planting

  1. Before planting seeds or seedlings, evenly spread 1 gallon of castings per 30 sq. ft. of garden area.
  2. Work the castings 2" deep into the garden soil.
  3. Thoroughly saturate with water to flush the microorganisms and minerals into the garden soil.

Potting Mix

  • Use 1 part earthworm castings to 3 parts soil.
  • Alternatively, use up to 40% castings with good results, though lower concentrations are very effective.

Potted Plants

  1. Add 1-2 inches of earthworm castings to the top of the soil.
  2. Mix in carefully, taking care not to damage shallow roots.
  3. Water thoroughly.
  4. Repeat every 2-3 months.

Transplanting Seedlings / Potted Plants

  1. Dig a hole 3 times the size of the potted plant or seedling.
  2. Put one large handful of worm castings into the hole.
  3. For plants in non-plant able pots:
    • Remove the plant from its container.
    • Place the plant on the castings at the bottom of the hole.
  4. For plants in plant able pots:
    • Simply place the plant on the castings at the bottom of the hole.
  5. Fill the remainder of the hole with garden soil mixed with worm castings.
  6. Water thoroughly.

Vegetables and Annual Flowers

  1. Line furrows and plant holes with 2" of earthworm castings before placing seeds and plants.
  2. Cover seeds and plant roots with soil.
  3. Side dress during growing seasons:
    • Apply 1/2 cup per plant or 1 cup per linear foot of row once every 2 months.
    • For larger growers: Use 60-100 lbs per 100ft row, or 7-15 tons per acre.
  4. Generally, vegetable plants need only one application per growing season.

Roses, Trees, Shrubs, and Berries

New Plantings

  1. Mix 1 part earthworm castings to 3 parts soil.
  2. Surround newly dug hole with this mixture.
  3. Spread roots over a mound of the mix in the hole and cover.

Established Roses

  • Mix 4 cups of earthworm castings into soil 2-3 inches below the surface for each plant.

Lawns

New Lawns

  1. Apply 10 lbs of castings per 100 sq. ft. into the topsoil.
  2. Mix in grass seed and water well.

Established Lawns

  • Top dress with 10 lbs of castings per 100 sq. ft.

Trees (fruit, citrus, nut, ornamental)

  1. Apply by top-dressing from the trunk to the edge of the drip line.
  2. For established trees:
    • Top dress with 5 lb castings per 1-inch diameter of the tree.
    • Apply two to three times a year.

It's important to apply during the spring blossoming period.