Welcome, eco-enthusiasts and garden gurus! If you've ever wondered about the secret behind thriving, bountiful gardens, the answer lies beneath the surface, in the unassuming power of worm castings. These casting are the poop of earthworms called “Red Wigglers” and not your ordinary compost.

Black Gold for All Gardens

Worm castings have several names - the “Black Gold” of gardening and “Vermicompost”. They're a testament to the incredible, natural process that has evolved over millions of years to offer a safer, more effective alternative to chemical fertilizers.

The Science Behind the Soil Superfood

Worm castings are the end product of the decomposition process carried out by worms. As they consume organic matter, their gut microbiome—a bustling ecosystem of bacteria and fungi—transforms this material into nutrient-rich, easily absorbable plant food. This process not only creates a powerhouse of essential minerals like calcium and potassium but also improves soil structure by increasing aeration and water retention capabilities.

Not All Worm Castings Are Equal

Why do some worm castings produce better harvests? The answer is manure. Worm castings made from a high percentage of livestock manure, especially cow and horse, have more nutrients that boost plant growth and harvest yields.

Most worm castings sold in stores and online contain no manure. At Deep Roots, our worm castings come from red wiggler worms fed 100% livestock bedding, a mixture of straw and manure, ensuring a nutrient-dense product for your garden.

How our farmer makes worm castings

1. Pre-composting: The livestock bedding (straw, urine, and manure) is composted for 2-3 months before worms are added. This step helps break down tougher materials and kills harmful pathogens while keeping beneficial microbes alive.

2. Worm Feeding: Once the bedding is partially composted and cooled, red wiggler worms are introduced. They consume the decomposed material and convert it into rich, nutrient-dense castings over the next 2-4 months.

3. Harvesting: After about 4-6 months, we harvest the dark, crumbly worm castings, ready to enrich your soil and feed your plants.

The Ultimate Boost to Your Garden’s Growth

The magic of worm castings lies in their comprehensive benefits:

• Enhanced Plant Growth: They contain a rich mix of nutrients and active biological agents that stimulate plant growth, increase yield, and strengthen root systems.

• Disease Resistance: The microbial life within castings boosts plants' immunity against diseases and pests, promoting healthier, more resilient growth.

• Soil Structure Improvement: Their texture helps soil retain moisture and air, crucial elements for root development and health.

Applying the Black Gold to Your Garden

Worm castings can be used across all types of gardening projects, from fruits and vegetables to ornamental plants. Their versatility makes them ideal for:

• Vegetable gardens and raised beds: Boost your edibles with this natural, organic matter.

• Houseplants and hanging baskets: A gentle, effective way to nourish your indoor oasis.

• Lawns and landscape plants: Promote lush, green growth without chemical runoff.

Practical Tips for Using Worm Castings

Depending on your gardening needs, worm castings can be mixed into potting soils for new plantings or top-dressed around established plants. Here’s a quick guide:

• For edible plants: Add a half cup of castings to seedling (transplant) holes for a small or medium size adult plant like peas. Add one cup to seedling holes for large adult plants like tomatoes and squash. Add more castings to seed furrows for large adult plants,

• For new plantings: Incorporate a 15-20% ratio of castings to soil to provide a nutrient-rich base.

• For established gardens: Apply a 1-2 inch layer around plants, gently working it into the soil, to rejuvenate and enrich your garden beds.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are worm castings suitable for all plants? Almost all plants! They're a universal growth booster for anything with roots. A few native and ornamental plants prefer low nutrient soil. Some root veggies like onions grow bigger if they have less nutrients and are stressed near harvest time.

• Can I use too much? It's hard to overdo it with worm castings. Plants will take up what they need, but a balanced approach (15-20% mix) is recommended for optimal results. The farmer who made our worm castings said he has grown veggies in 100% worm castings.

• Do all worm castings have the same quality? No, the quality can vary based on the worms' diet and the composting process. Look for castings that are rich in beneficial microbes and nutrients for the best outcomes. Our worm castings were made with a huge pile of decomposed manure and straw. When the worms finished eating the whole pile in months the castings were done.

Storing Your Black Gold

Storing worm castings is easy. Just put them in a non-airtight container with the lid slightly ajar, or with a couple holes drilled into the lid for airflow. Next, lightly spray the castings with water every few days to keep them from drying out. Or store a large pile outdoors so they get rain and air.

Happy Gardening!

By integrating worm castings into your gardening practice, you're not only enhancing your plant's growth potential but also contributing to a more sustainable, chemical-free environment.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.