This is for all the gardeners who have started worm farming in the last year and are wondering how to use all the rich black castings that have accumulated over the winter. Perhaps the best use of this precious resource, is to incorporate it at a rate of about 25% into a rich organic seed starting mix that will grow strong healthy seedlings, and transfer beneficial micro-organisms to you garden when the seedlings are transplanted. ...This is what to start with, black muddy worm castings... This is what to start with, black muddy worm castings with a few worms left in it. We are going to amend it with potting soil and a few organic fertilizers to improve air content of our mix and address any trace minerals that may be lacking or biologically unavailable in the casting. I add a few handfuls of perlite and vermiculite to the worm bins over the winter as I add food and bedding, so I'm ahead on the aeration. I cannot stress the importance of aeration enough, roots need air spaces to grow into! ...Mix by hand and repeat... These are the products I have chosen to amend the mix with, Gaia Green All Purpose 4-4-4 (an excellent all-round fertilizer for the garden. It is designed to meet specific requirements and to improve the general vitality of the soil), as well as Gaia green Kelp Meal 1-0-3 (One of the richest known sources of biologically balanced trace elements, providing over 70 elements, amino acids and natural growth stimulants. Improves soil structure and water holding capacity). I will be using 4 table spoon of each of these in approx 50 liters of soil mix. I find it easier to add a couple spoons of the Gaia Green products, then a few coffee cans of potting soil to the castings. Mix by hand and repeat. This ensures an even mix and no fertilizer " Hot-spots". ...Well rinsed Coco-coir mixed with perlite would work just as well... I used Sunshine Mix for my potting soil portion of the mix. Well rinsed Coco-coir mixed with perlite would work just as well and would be a bit more environmentally friendly.
...Mix well. The castings are heavier... Mix well. The castings are heavier and will migrate toward the bottom. Keeping the mix moistened as you go will keep dust down, a spray bottle or watering can with a misting head works well for this. ...let it sit for a couple of days before putting it into seed starting trays... Finished soil (pictured below). I water this really thoroughly and let it sit for a couple of days before putting it into seed starting trays and starting my seeds. This mix will need no additional fertilizer for 4-6 weeks. Works very well for heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, and brassicas like kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kohlrabi to name a few. By Nathan Nicolas What you will need in a glance: Ingredients: Worm castings Perlite (or Vermiculite) Sun Shine mix potting soil Gaia Green kelp meal 1-0-3 Gaia Green all purpose 4-4-4 Or replace potting soil with well rinsed coco-coir (Beyond Peat) and Perlite or Vermiculite. Tools: Some where to mix it all, Rubbermaid totes work great Measuring spoons Spray bottle, or watering can with spay attachment A couple coffee cans for scooping (or other jars/scoops) More worm info from us in these articles: http://burnslakecommunitygarden.weebly.com/gardening-in-burns-lake/winter-composting-what-are-your-options http://burnslakecommunitygarden.weebly.com/gardening-in-burns-lake/composting-oh-so-many-options
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