Making our soil richer for better quality foods.
I know what you are thinking but don’t let this picture gross you out. These little guys are actually helping our herbs, fruits, and veggies to be of better quality by providing them with the right conditions to thrive in.
Worm Casting
Worm casting may not be a pretty sight but the benefits these little guys bring to our gardens are pretty amazing. What is worm casting and how does this relate to our garden plants?
The methods that are involved in worm casting are providing worms with what they need In order for them to accomplish this goal. The worm’s POOP is what makes worm casting possible. This poop helps to make your garden soil richer which in turn will give you a better yield of harvest.
Worm casting not only enriches garden soil but also helps in better airflow, where oxygen can get to other soil microbes that are hard at work on our behalf, improving the water holding capacity and improving drainage.
The finished product from worm casting is really beautiful with that dark rich soil that our plants will truly love.
How to harvest worm casting for your garden
How to make worm casting pens or boxes
Here are a few simple steps that can give you great results.
1. Choose a rubber or plastic bin that is square, drill a few holes to the bottom for drainage or if you prefer to, purchase the worm bins or boxes from your garden center.
2. Next, add sand and shredded dampened newspaper at the bottom.
3. Next, add leaves and compost.
4. Repeat step two. What you’re actually doing is building your worm cast in layers. Also, add some good garden soil.
5. Add kitchen scraps, for example, leftover vegetables, fruits, crushed up eggshells, etc…. do not add meat products because adding meant products can bring rodents, dogs, cats, flies, and other wildlife.
6. Then add the worms and let the FUN begin.
What is also important is to keep the soil damp at all times to increase worms activity and population.
How long does worm casting take?
Worm casting takes anywhere from 3-6 months.
How to harvest worm casting for your garden
Worm casting finish product
Mixing worm casting with soil will
A. Improve the quality of your soil.
B. Sprinkle in a circular pattern around the base of your plant for healthy plant growth.
C. Using worm casting can help bring balance to Soil PH.
D. Worm casting helps to hold fertilizers for plant uptake.
E. Worm casting helps to improve sandy soils.
F. Provides proper air circulation for soil microbes.
G. Increases soil nitrogen level.
The final word
Worm casting may not be that inviting but the benefits far out ways the looks, so get involved in this awesome project that so many people take delight in and find to be so beneficial to plant life.
In the end, you will love the results and your plants will surely love you for providing them with the right condition to yield their best in an environment that is so pleasing. Give it a try and reap the benefits of a great harvest.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
This is a fascinating way of improving the soil. I do have a couple of questions, though.
Do the worms leave the box through the holes in the bottom? The other question is: I live in southern Georgia and it gets quite hot in the summer, so would the worms die in that box?
This does look like a good way of getting extra nutrients for the garden.