Adding Worms to Soil
jrb451
3 months ago
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jrb451
3 months agoRelated Discussions
worm castings
Comments (13)Here is another link for worm products but I second the motion that fertilizing with some sort of meal will likely be more cost effective. If you feel it is necessary to get the microbes off to a good start you might try spreading worm castings but make sure the supplier doesn't do something to sterilize it before sale as that kinda defeats the purpose. As to if all worm castings are equal? Well probably not. The nutrients in the worm castings and liquids are going to vary depending on the food the worms eat. Some people add special grit that has lots of micro and trace nutrients while others probably just bed and feed the worms whatever is cheapest and will produce the most volume of castings. The real benefit in fresh worm castings is that they are alive with lots of wonderful microbes. Perhaps you could start a worm bin of your own this fall and have a supply of your own fresh castings for use in tea making come spring. Check out the Vermicomposting forum right here on Gardenweb. Here is a link that might be useful: Our Vital Earth...See Moreadding worms to the worm farm
Comments (1)Sure, as long as you have the space, which you probably do, since 1000 worms don't need a lot of space....See MoreAdding worms to mulch
Comments (3)Hey MP, You can add worms to outdoor compost piles. Whether or not they stay will be determined by whether or not the conditions in the compost is to their liking or not. They can definately survive on leaves mixed with grass clippings. And, they will find the food if you add it to the compost. That said, there are some things to consider when putting the worms into a compost pile. First, having your worms in an outdoor compost pile makes it easy for birds and other worm connoisseurs to get to them... unless you make it "critter proof." Next, when you add things to the compost pile, make sure it is done in such a manner that the pile doesn't get too hot and cook the worms. Make sure they have an area of the pile to get into and get away from the heat. Next, adding food to the compost IS GOING TOO draw other critters. I simply have not been able to find a way around this without having it in a container that is sealed. Even then, some varmits have a nose that can sniff out those tasty, rotting food morsels. Finally, will the compost pile offer enough protection to keep the worms from freezing in the winter? If not, something will have to be done to protect them. As for your question about the possibility of the pile getting too damp for the worms, I am sure it is possible... especially if you have several days of torrential downpours. And, even if that happens, you would be surprised how much moisture worms can tolerate provided they have a good air flow. I hope this helps. And, maybe someone else will come in with more suggestions. Good luck, Robert...See MoreCitrus soil? or regular potting soil with added perlite, etc...
Comments (2)Either way will be fine. I like a very light/airy mix...which says go with the extra perlite....See Moregardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 months agobeesneeds
3 months agoA Mat
3 months agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 months agojrb451
3 months agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 months agoannpat
3 months agoklem1
3 months ago
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mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)