Worm poop! Yup, that’s what we’re talking about here.
Worm castings are the byproduct of vermicomposting (composting with worms), and this stuff does amazing things when you stick it in the dirt with your plants.
Of course, these little miracle poos do much more than what I’m covering here. If you want the full story of what this natural wonder does for your garden, you can read about it here. But in this article, I want to focus on what happens when you add worm castings to the hole right before you transplant your seedlings in the spring.
Grab yourself a bag, and let’s discuss what you can expect because some serious garden magic happens.
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, we can give our plants a boost right from the start by putting amendments or fertilizer directly in the hole before transplanting seedlings. Doing so puts all of these good things right where your plants need them—in the root zone.
Trust me on this one: Don’t mess around with the little bags they sell at home improvement stores or Walmart. You’ll want the big 30-lb bag. Once you start using worm castings, you’ll go through it fast!
4 Things Happen When You Put Worm Castings in the Ground with Your Seedlings
1. You provide slow-release nutrients that can’t easily be washed away.
They stay right there, at the roots, breaking down over the entire season, providing your plants with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and even trace nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Along with the big three that all plants need, these trace nutrients play an important part in the cellular structure and enzymatic functions of plants.
It’s also important to note that, unlike many commercial fertilizers, it’s safe to put worm castings directly around your tender seedling’s roots. Worm castings are a no-burn fertilizer, making them safe to add directly to the planting hole.
And if you tend to be a bit heavy-handed with fertilizer, that’s okay, too. When it comes to worm castings, you don’t have to worry about the risks that come with overfertilizing with standard fertilizers, such as run-off.
2. You boost the microbiome beneath your feet.
More importantly, you boost the microbiome in which your plant’s roots grow, which in turn boosts your plants’ growth, vigor and productivity.
Beneficial bacteria present in worm castings help break down nutrients into forms that plants can readily absorb. These microbes improve the overall health of the soil, meaning you’ll see bigger yields and healthier plants. If you want bigger yields, then worm castings are an easy step to achieve them.
3. You Improve the Soil Structure and Water Retention
Experienced gardeners will tell you that soil health is the key to lush gardens big harvests. That means adding back to the soil each year. Worm castings can play a crucial role in improving your soil quality. Whether you have sandy, clay-heavy, or compacted soil, incorporating worm castings can make a significant difference.
Worm castings have a light, crumbly texture that helps give the soil structure, adding tiny air pockets. This improved aeration allows roots to penetrate more easily, ensuring they receive ample oxygen and nutrients. This benefit is especially important in clay soils, which tend to become compacted and restrict root growth.
Another essential benefit of worm castings is their superior water-holding power. Worm castings act like tiny sponges, absorbing and retaining moisture, which prevents the soil from drying out too quickly. This is particularly beneficial for sandy soils, which drain too rapidly and struggle to retain nutrients.
You can probably see where this is headed. With better soil structure and moisture retention, plants are more drought tolerant and require less frequent watering. Worm castings offer a measure of drought protection when Mother Nature decides to hold out on the rain.
And finally…
4. Worm Castings Provide Natural Pest and Disease Resistance
I know it sounds too good to be true, but there is research to back this up. You can find it all here.
We all know how challenging it can be battling whatever pests and diseases pop up that year. By adding worm castings to the planting hole when you plant your seedlings, you’re getting ahead of the game.
There are specific microorganisms in worm castings that actively suppress some harmful soil-borne pathogens that cause plant diseases such as:
- – Root rot (caused by Pythium and Phytophthora fungi)
- – Fungal infections such as powdery mildew and damping-off disease
- – Bacterial plant diseases that stunt growth and reduce crop yields
These microorganisms create a competitive environment, making it harder for these pathogens to grow and flourish in the soil.
Repelling Pests Naturally
Worm castings also contain natural compounds such as chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down the exoskeletons of insects like aphids, whiteflies, and root-knot nematodes. When absorbed by plants through their roots, chitinase enhances plants’ ability to repel these pests naturally. It’s wild.
This spring, when you’re out in the garden digging holes to transplant seedlings, add a couple of tablespoons of worm castings to each hole. You’ll be ensuring your seedlings are off to a great start and a flourishing season.
It’s not lip service to say that worm castings are one of the most powerful, all-natural amendments you can add to your garden. Their ability to improve the soil and benefit your plants in so many ways makes them an indispensable tool for gardeners looking to grow stronger, healthier plants.
And if you think worm castings are incredible, you should check out mycorrhizae. Adding these two together is the one-two punch your seedlings need for a great season.
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