This makes them a prized choice for vermicompost systems. Worm castings used for horticulture either come from commercial compost worm farms, or from a personal worm bin that is maintained at home – like we do! All earthworms generate castings, but these specialized compost systems generally utilize a certain species of worms (Eisenia fetida, aka “reg wigglers”) that have a faster metabolism and larger appetite than common earthworms. The prefix “vermi” means worm, so the process of composting with worms is known as vermicomposting. You may also hear them referred to as vermicast or vermicastings. When worm castings are added to soil, it provides valuable nutrition to plants as well as enhances the overall soil quality and structure.īecause of the vast array of outstanding benefits they offer (described more to follow), earthworm castings are often called “ black gold” in the horticulture world. As worms digest food or other material they consume, they break down complex nutrients into more bioavailable forms then found within the castings. But keeping it that brief is greatly selling them short, because worm poo is extra-special excrement. In the simplest terms, worm castings are worm poop. Homemade or store-bought, I know you’ll want to get your hands on some worm castings after hearing all these poo-tastic facts! So let’s dig in. If you’re looking for information on how to start your very own worm compost bin at home, see this step-by-step tutorial, followed by this guide on how to harvest worm castings. Read along to learn answers to frequently asked questions about worm castings, including what they are, the benefits they offer soil and plants, how and when to use them in the garden, where to get worm castings, and more. If I had to choose just one, I’d say earthworm castings are my top-favorite soil amendment!

We use this form of natural fertilizer extensively in our organic gardens – including for seedlings, raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, perennials, and more. Welcome to your crash course in Worm Castings 101! If you’ve poked around our neck of the woods much, you likely know that we’re mega-fans of worm castings here at Homestead and Chill.

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