How To Use Worm Castings In Your Vegetable Garden

One of the popular things that most gardeners use to grow their plants beautifully is by using earthworm castings. What exactly are worm castings?

In a nutshell, earthworm castings are worm manure or worm dung. If we are to compare worm dung to the usual manure from cows or horses, worm manure doesn't give off the same offensive smell. It is also safe to carry around and isn't a threat to the environment, unlike synthetic fertilizers. You also don't need to use as much of it as compared to horse manure wherein you need a fertilizer spreader.

earthworm castings

Pile of worm castings can be found in the soil along the green grass.

How to Use EarthWorm Castings

There are many ways to use worm castings for your garden. The way you use your worm castings would depend on the type of garden and the plant you want to grow. The application technique and amount will all depend on the situation. Here are some of the most common situations wherein you may use worm castings and some tips on how to use earthworm castings properly:

Seedling Growth

When you are growing seedlings or starting seeds, you'll notice that worm castings are extremely effective on them. Here are some tips on how to use earthworm castings on seedlings. Not only do they serve nutrients for the seed, but they also keep the roots safe from fungus or any other harmful substances. To use worm castings for seedling growth, use a mix of 2 part coco coir and 1 part worm casting. Place the mixture in a cup or pot and plant your seeds there.

earthworm castings

Bunch of seedlings growing in their own respective pots of soil

Container Plants

Worm castings are also really good for container plants. To use worm castings in your container plants, you first put around 3 tablespoons of worm castings on the base of your container plant. After that, put some worm tea over the plant regularly and wait for it to grow.

earthworm castings

You can add worm tea on your beautiful indoor plants growing in metal and steel containers.

Garden Beds

If you have garden beds, then using worm castings will help with the survival of the plants by making your soil healthier. To use worm castings for garden beds, you may just sprinkle around 3 tablespoons on the soil directly. Don't forget to water the soil with some worm tea.

earthworm castings

Worm castings act as a natural fertilizer for your garden beds.

Indoor Plants

If you have some indoor plants (both potted and indoor garden beds), then you may also use some worm castings. To do this, you simply have to add the worm castings to the soil. As you water the soil, you'll notice that the worm castings will just slowly seep down into the base of the soil. All you need to do is add some of the worm castings every 2 months for your indoor plant to grow strong and healthy.

earthworm castings

If you like to have an indoor mini garden, then earthworm castings are a great option to condition the soil.

Roses

You may also learn some tips on how to use earthworm castings to grow your roses. If you happen to grow roses in your garden, then all you have to do is mix a total of 3 to 4 cups of worm castings and place them into the soil of each rose bush. Now, if you don't want to place the worm castings at the base of the plant because you're wary about damaging the roots, you may also place them at the top and water them down regularly.

earthworm castings

Roses will bloom even more if the soil condition is healthy and packed with nutrients.

New Lawns

Worm castings are also great for new lawns that you want to grow. In order to do this, you simply add 10 pounds of worm casting in every 100 square foot of land. Don't worry about digging them into the ground. Once you water your lawn, the worm castings will seep down slowly. To be more effective, you can use an expandable hose or a pressure washer to push down the worm castings down to the earth.

earthworm castings

Beautiful lawn filled with trimmed grass and flowers can be achieved through earthworm castings.

Perennials

For perennials, you just have to mix one cup of worm castings into the soil just right above the roots. It is more effective if you spread them around in spring or summer.

earthworm castings

Growing perennial flower needs extra attention; hence, the soil condition should be suitable for each type of plants.

Conclusion

These are some of the ways to use earthworm castings. Don't expect, though, that worm castings will give you magic results. You need time and patience, as well as consistency when using worm castings. As long as you are patient and understanding with your plants and give them the right amount of worm castings, then you'll definitely see tangible results that you can add to your gardening milestones.

Have you tried earthworm castings before? Feel free to share your experience by commenting below. Have a nice day!

About The Author, Lucy M. Clark

Hi there! I'm Lucy – founder of GardenAmbition.com and I'm a self-confessed garden fanatic. Gardening has always been a passion of mine and will always be my favorite pastime. Now that I am married and have one adorable son, I have the time to write and share my personal experiences with other garden enthusiasts like me.