It is often common knowledge that outdoor gardens need to be fertilized every season. However, when it comes to indoor plants, many growers overlook this vital nutrient-boosting process. Each year, our potting soil contains less and less naturally occurring nutrients for plants. Fertilizer not only boosts fruit and vegetable yields but gives tropical indoor plants the boost they need as well. One of the best ways to revive a lackluster potted plant is with the right kind of plant food. After all, indoor plants need to eat, too!
Here is a full guide to worm casting fertilizer: what it means, why they are beneficial, and how to apply the mix to your indoor plants.
What are Worm Castings?
In essence, worm castings are the excrement from earthworms in an organic fertilizer mix. There is a complex scientific definition that goes into detail behind the science of it all. In a nutshell, worm castings are worm poo, also called “Worm Tea.” Regardless of how unappealing this may sound, worm castings are a fan favorite for indoor plants. Here is how it works.
If you have ever started your own compost pile, you have seen this process firsthand. First, worms are fed organic matter. This matter may include dead leaves, watermelon rinds, or vegetable scraps. The worms eat the compost, breaking down the organic matter in the soil. During the decomposition process, what they have eaten is excreted as waste.
Once passing through the worm’s digestive system, microbes are left behind as well. These microbes break down the nutrients into a digestible format that plants can readily use. This process is like cooking raw meat before eating it: a chemical change converting food into an edible and digestible format.
While it may sound unappealing, the process is crucial to our ecosystem. This process harbors a mutually beneficial environment where we all benefit. The worms receive a free meal, and we receive healthier soil and composted waste.
To make the process even easier, you can utilize the power of worms without the mess and hassle of compost. Here is Dirty Bil’s; we have collected the worm castings for you!
Why Should I use Worm Castings?
Now that we have established where worm castings come from, here is why they are second to none.
The most common reason to use worm castings is for organic fertilizer. Each time you water your potted plants, nutrients are washed from the soil. During the spring and summer, it is important to replace these nutrients with a slow-release fertilizer mix. Our plant parents love our worm castings mix to keep their houseplants happy and healthy!
Our worm castings also come in a natural and safe formula. Chemical plant food is often heavily concentrated, having more in common with a bottle of cleaner than a digestible plant mix. These formulas often need to be diluted to the correct amount and can cause more harm than good. With worm castings, what you see is what you get: a natural, digestible, and safe plant formula. Not only is the formula balanced into a health dosage, but the formula is already broken down to nutrients the plant can digest. It’s a no-brainer!
How Do I Use Worm Castings?
Applying the mix does not have to be complicated. Mix a portion of your worm castings into the soil. Depending on the size and type of plant, you may need to adjust the amount added to the pot. Our instructions on the label will help guide you in the right direction. Above all, feel free to experiment and learn as you go – this is what indoor gardening is all about!
Are you ready to hop on the bandwagon? Discover the power of worm castings for your indoor and outdoor plants. Here at Dirty Bil’s, we are excited to share our worm casting mix with you. Check out our newly launched formula here. Happy fertilizing!