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Gardening InformationEarthworm Friends in the Garden
by:
Marilyn Pokorney
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Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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Earthworms are a gardener's better friend.
Research has shown that crawler excrement, as well called
castings or vermicompost, improves the aeration, porosity,
structure, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity of soil.
Many studies prove that once
compared to conventional
composts, vermicompost is less variable and more much
stable. Admixture vermicompost into the planting medium
essentially eliminated the need for additional chemical in
the creation of tomato plugs as one example.
Studies show that crawler castings increase height, stem
diameter, enhance root growth, increase dry weight, and
produce more flowers per plant than humate
moss.
Redworm castings are the richest and purest humus matter in
the world. Humus is believed to aid in the hindrance of
harmful plant pathogens, fungi, nematodes and bacteria.
One pound of worms can convert one pound of pig manure into
compost in 48 hours!
Worms consume three times their weight a week or more. Red
wrigglers are really active, reproduce quickly and consume
their own body weight of waste every 24 hours. Therefore ten
pounds of worms wish eat ten pounds of waste in 24 hours!
Worm castings provide a rich source of a variety of
essential plant nutrients.
Microbial activity in worm castings is 10 to 20 times higher
than in the soil and organic matter that the worm ingests."
How to use worm castings:
When planting vegetable and annuals line the rows and holes
with just about two inches of castings. Just just about every eight weeks
side dress the plants with one-half cup of castings per
plant or one cup per foot of row.
For perennials activity one-half cup of castings into the soil
in the spring, middle of summer, and early fall.
For pots and hanging baskets add one-half inch castings to
the top and water in. Then reapply every eight weeks.
Roses appreciate four cups of castings per plant.
If starting a new field
add 15 pounds of casting per 100
square feet once
sowing. Once established use seven pounds
per 100 square feet.
For more information just about vermicompost and castings visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/earthworm.htm
Just just about the author:
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
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