What does Vermicast composed of?
Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm manure, or worm feces) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. These castings have been shown to contain reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the organic materials before vermicomposting.
How do you mix Vermicast?
When creating a potting mix, we use about 20% vermicast and 20% compost mixed with our regular Hanover County (loamy/sandy) soil. This works well for potted plants and container gardens. For new garden beds, we typically throw a handful of vermicast into the planting hole.
What is the NPK of Vermicast?
The NPK in vermicast runs at a minimum of 0.50/0.70/0.40, when compared to chemical fertilizer it seems quite low. Your soil and fertilizer will work in harmony forever. Worm tea is an ideal delivery method for vermicast; because the bacteria associated with vermicomposting are aerobic any tea should be freshly brewed.
How can you tell pure Vermicast?
Here’s a little test you can use to check out the quality of your castings; place around a table-spoon of castings in a small jar of water, shake it up. The vermicast should separate into layers with castings on the bottom and lighter organic materials rising up.
Is Vermicast a good fertilizer?
Vermicast enriches the soil and helps to ensure that plants receive all the nutrients they need to grow successfully. Vermicast is considered a soil conditioner and is often used as a natural fertilizer in rough soils.
How often do I put Vermicast?
Apart from being part of the potting mixture, most potted plants should be given an extra dose of vermicompost during their various growth stages. A handful of vermicompost can be added to a pot every 2-3 months. When vermicompost is superficially mixed with the upper surface of the soil, it is known as Top Dressing.
Can Vermicast burn plants?
Vermicast or worm cast will not and cannot create Nitrogen burn in your plants. It will never happen. Chemical fertilizers are like junk food, a quick form of sustenance that passes through the plant and growing medium to head down the drain within hours. Slow release organic fertilizer does so much more.
Is Vermicast rich in nitrogen?
Vermicompost is rich in NKP (nitrogen 2-3%, potassium 1.85-2.25% and phosphorus 1.55-2.25%), micronutrients, beneficial soil microbes and also contain ‘plant growth hormones & enzymes’.
What is a Vermicast soil?
Vermicast is an organic/natural fertiliser that is created by using composting earthworms. Vermicast renews the soil and is used as a natural fertiliser. It is made by recycling organic waste which is transformed into natural fertilizer by using earth worms.
Is vermicompost the same as worm castings?
It is a term that can be used interchangeably with worm composting. Vermicompost is the materiel left behind after worms eat and digest kitchen scraps and other types of organic matter. It is aged worm poop, also referred to as worm castings. Over many months the organic matter is converted into vermicompost.
Is Vermicast good for all plants?
Dr. Arancon states that vermicast provides the greatest benefit to plant growth when it makes up 10 to 40 percent of the growing medium by volume. Although many effects of vermicast are independent of nutrient availability, vermicast also does make two important nutrients more available to plants: nitrate and calcium.
Does vermicompost contain earthworm eggs?
Although vermicompost is derived from the involvement of earthworms, the final product does not contain any earthworms. However, it may contain earthworm eggs. An ideal ready to use Vermicompost is free of any adult earthworms.