Worm castings can be used up to the drip zone approx 2 - 5 litres per square metre.
Fork into the soil and water in. Excellent results can be achieved by adding a 5cm or more layer of compost or mulch on top of the castings, or mixed in with potting mixes (1part castings to 5 -10 parts soil or potting mix).
Screening the castings through a 10-13mm sieve will remove inorganic waste and/or larger organic material which then can be returned to the bin for further composting.
Liquid Castings Recipe
Remove any inorganic material i.e plastic etc.
Use approx 50-100 litre container (drum) for mixing
Add 15 – 20 litres volume of worm castings to mixing container
(mixing ratio 1 part worm castings to 3 parts water)
Stir well
Strain mixture through a pool leaf scoop or a soil sieve i.e (5mm diameter)
Stir strained mixture and bottle (reusing 2 litre milk bottles are ideal).
Label Details
Also known as worm tea, liquid castings etc.
Shake contents well
Mix 1 part contents to 5-10 parts water
2 litres can make up to 20 litres.
Pour around plant root zone.
1/2 cup ideal under or around each plant
or 2 litres per metre in the garden (apply fortnightly}.
Store contents away from direct sunlight .
Shelf life 1-2 months
Equipment required
Open top mixing drum, 10 & 20litre buckets, pool leaf scoop, stirring pole, 2 fish bins for bottle filling, funnel, gloves , old cloths, bottles
Collecting / Mixing Liquid Worm Castings
Liquid worm leachate can be collected from the base / tap of some worm farms or by using the process of liquefying worm castings (vermicast).
The ratios are mixed 1 part to 5 - 10 parts water.
This solution may further be diluted until resembling a brown colour.
Stir contents well.
Store from direct sun light, ie (Placing the container in a black rubbish bag)
Using Liquid Worm Castings
The liquid worm castings can be used as a plant fertiliser (indoor / outdoor plants). Plants are able to absorb the nutrients from the castings and soil, which contain millions of beneficial organisms, trace elements, plus encourage high populations of beneficial soil bacteria.
Worm castings can dramatically increase soil health when used in conjunction with compost or mulch in gardens or potting mixes (other main trace elements can be added, garden lime etc)
Apply liquid worm castings fortnightly. Once applied, water in the areas under the plant / tree drip zone. For the best results try applying before rain or in the late afternoon.
What else can liquid and castings do for me!
* Help the plants obtain nutrients from the soil
* Builds soil structure (humus) so that nutrients and water are easy for the plant to obtain and easy for the roots to move through.
* Contains a blend of natural plant growth hormones
* Prevent root disease organisms, reducing the use of pesticides.
* Improves nutrient retention
* Breaks down toxic compounds which inhibit plant growth.
* Improves nutrient cycling (reducing fertiliser applications)
* Builds soil aggregate structure, improving water holding capacity.