Why WOrms???
VermiComposting
The 5 W's: Who, What, When, Where & Why
Oh yeah...what about How???
Who?
The Eisenia foetida, or more commonly known as red wigglers, they are the most voracious eaters of the earthworm family. They can consume half their own weight in organic matter each day and leave behind fertile castings. Worms are remarkable creatures that provide a valuable service.
What? Why?
Worm Castings are the end result of worms composting organic matter. It is the richest natural fertiizer around! They are packed with minerals that are essential for plant growth, such as concentrated nitrates, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and calcium. It also contains manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, borax, iron, carbon and nitrogen. However, the best of all is that these minerals are immediately available to the plant, without the risk of ever burning the plant.
When?
Now is the time! Worms eat it up and we should let them! Each one of us discards about 6½ pounds of garbage every day. Even after separating items for recycling, there is still the problem of organic waste. Too often this type of garbage is washed down the food disposal drain, incinerated or buried in landfills where it may not decompose for decades.
Where?
Vermicomposting at home or work is simple, effective and convenient. Worms can work outside or inside your home or office. Vermicomposting allows households that don't have a yard, such as apartments, condominiums, and houses on small lots to reap the benefits of composting.
As little as 1 tablespoon of pure worm castings provides enough organic plant nutrients to feed a 6" potted plant for more than 2 months. So, with all of this wonderful information on the power of worms and besides fabulous lawns, bountiful vegetable gardens and an abundance of flowers all grown naturally...it saves water, energy, landfills, and soil. Wait...there's one more Why??? Surprising enough...it's also fun!
How?
A worm bin is a low maintenance & highly effective way to transform food waste into a valuable product. When ready use your castings:
For Germination
Use 20 to 30% Worm Castings with sand as an excellent germination mixture. It will also ensure continuous and lush growth for about three months, without you having to add any other plant food.
As a Soil Conditioner
If you hoe a layer of barren soil, add a layer of Worm Castings and give it some water, you will be surprised at the growth of your first season's plants.
As a Fertilizer
Sprinkle Worm Castings around the base of plants or lightly dig it in, and then add water. They can also be sprinkled on a large scale with a spreader. Remember: you cannot use too much Worm Castings – it cannot damage your plants.
As a Liquid Fertilizer
Worm Castings can easily be mixed with water. Use 1 cup Worm Castings for every gallon of water and wait 1 week. This liquid mixture can be used as an excellent fertilizer or leaf foliate spray. It also helps to control insects. Many people prefer this method of application.
We have known for hundreds of years that earthworms are the best way to improve plant growth and to increase plant yield, such as fruit. Earthworm castings are a wonder product of nature. So if you care about your soil, and your plants, then now is the time to get rid of your Miracle Gro and to use this 100% natural product.
So are we ready for some worms?
