VERMICOMPOST

Worm Castings are deposits that once moved through the digestive tract of a worm. Castings are a biologically active mass containing thousands of bacteria, enzymes and remnants of plant material not digested by red worms (Eisenia fetida).

Vermicompost is a mixture of worm castings and organic material in various stages of decomposition. It is a dynamic, living entity, deriving its value from the millions of microorganisms present. Vermicompost provides binding sites for plant nutrients and these nutrients are stored and readily available to plants and are released when the plants require them. Vermicompost enhances permeability of the soil to water and air. It buffers the soil, helping to reduce detrimental effects of excessively acid or alkaline soils. Vermicompost stimulates plant growth and exerts a beneficial control of plant pathogens. When it is mixed into the soil it works its way throughout the plant via the roots.

Vermicompost Uses in your garden:

• use as a mulch to improve soil tilth
• work it into the soil by sprinking or raking it in
• add with transplants and seedlings. Place the vermicompost directly into the hole.
1. suggested use is a minimum of 5% vermicompost added to pots or garden soil.

Information supplied in Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhoff