Worm Poop, What Is That?
May 31, 2023 09:31AM ● By Master Gardeners Mark and Christian Robinson of Revival Gardening
Worm
Poop (also known as Worm Castings) is actually a fantastic natural fertilizer
for plants. As more people turn to organic gardening and farming practices,
worm castings have gained popularity as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly
alternative to synthetic fertilizers. In this article, we will explore what
worm poop looks like and why it is so beneficial for your garden.
What Does Worm Poop Look Like?
Worm
castings are a type of organic fertilizer produced by composting worms. They
are essentially the waste product of worms, which have been broken down by
bacteria and fungi in the soil. Worm castings are often described as being
dark, crumbly, and rich in nutrients. They have a unique earthy smell that is
different from other types of fertilizers.
The
appearance of worm castings can vary depending on the type of composting worm
used and the conditions in which they were produced. However, there are some
general characteristics that are common to most types of worm castings. These
include:
Texture: Worm castings
have a crumbly texture that makes them easy to work with. They can be mixed
into soil or applied as a top dressing, and they will not clump or compact like
other types of fertilizers.
Color: Worm castings
are usually dark brown or black in color. This is due to the presence of humic
acid, which is a natural compound that is formed during the decomposition of
organic matter.
Nutrient
content:
Worm castings are rich in nutrients that are essential for plant growth,
including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They also
contain trace amounts of other micronutrients that are important for plant
health.
Benefits of Using Worm Poop
Now
that we know what worm poop looks like, let's explore some of the benefits of
using it in your garden:
Improves
soil quality:
Worm castings are a natural soil amendment that can help improve soil
structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability. They also promote
the growth of beneficial soil microbes, which can help suppress soil-borne
diseases and pests.
Boosts
plant growth:
Worm castings provide a slow-release source of nutrients that can help promote
healthy plant growth. They are especially beneficial for plants that have high
nutrient requirements, such as tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting vegetables.
Enhances
plant health:
Worm castings contain beneficial microorganisms that can help improve plant
health and protect against pests and diseases. They also have a natural pH that
is close to neutral, which can help balance soil acidity and alkalinity.
How
to Use Worm Poop in Gardening and Farming
Now
that we know the benefits of using worm poop in our garden, let's
explore some practical ways to use it:
Top
dressing:
Apply as a top dressing around the base of plants. Simply sprinkle a thin layer
of worm castings around the plant and water it in. This will help provide a
slow-release source of nutrients that will feed the plant over time.
Soil
amendment:
To improve soil quality and nutrient availability, simply mix a small amount of
worm castings into the soil before planting or transplanting.
Compost
tea:
Worm castings can be used to make a nutrient-rich compost tea, which can be
used to water plants or applied as a foliar spray. To make compost tea, simply
steep a small amount of worm castings in water for several hours or overnight.
Where
to Find Worm Poop
There
are several ways to source it:
1.
Make
your own: You can create your own worm composting bin using kitchen scraps and
a container with some holes in the bottom for drainage. The worms will eat the
scraps and produce worm castings that can be harvested and used in your garden.
2.
Purchase
from a gardening store or nursery: Many gardening stores and nurseries carry
worm castings for sale. Look for products that are labeled as 100% worm
castings or vermicompost to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.
3.
Buy
online: There are many online retailers that sell worm castings, but you
have to be careful about the quality! Be sure to read reviews and check the
product description carefully to ensure that you are getting a high-quality
product.
Not
So Disgusting, eh?
Worm
Poop pretty much just looks like the rest of your soil but it packs a natural
punch! It's a highly effective fertilizer which is easy to include in your
organic garden. Now, you should have a clear idea of what worm poop looks like
and how you can use it to benefit your garden. So, what are you waiting for? A
2 lb bag is great for a few plants; however, a 5 lb bag is the best buy.
Master Gardeners Mark and Christian Robinson at Revival Gardening share, “Not all castings are the same, only a lab test will determine the quality.” At Revival Gardening, they specialize in producing premium worm castings that are the Best in Central Florida. For more info, pricing, upcoming events and plant sales, visit www.RevivalGardening.com or call 407-538-7343.
