In the world of gardening, there's a secret ingredient that's been hailed as nature's black gold: worm poo, also known as worm casts.
While the term "worm poo" may not sound particularly glamorous, these tiny pellets are packed with nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that can work wonders for your garden soil.
Worm poo, scientifically known as worm casts or vermicast, is the excrement produced by earthworms as they digest organic matter. As earthworms consume decaying plant material, microorganisms, and soil particles, they break down these substances in their digestive systems and excrete casts that are rich in nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms. These casts, which resemble small, dark pellets, are often referred to as "nature's fertiliser" due to their potent nutrient content and soil-enriching properties.
Worm poo can be obtained through vermicomposting. In a vermicomposting system, earthworms are housed in a suitable habitat, such as a worm bin or compost pile, along with organic waste materials such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and shredded paper. As the earthworms consume the organic matter, they break it down through digestion and microbial activity, ultimately producing casts.
Our Urban Wyrm Worm Casts offer a multitude of benefits for garden soil, making it a valuable addition to any gardener's toolkit. Some of the key benefits include:
Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendment:
Urban Wyrm Worm poo is packed with essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients. These nutrients are present in forms that are readily available for plant uptake, promoting healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and abundant blooms.
Improved Soil Structure:
Worm poo helps to improve soil structure by enhancing aggregation, aeration, and drainage. The fine texture of worm casts creates soil particles that are well-aerated and crumbly, allowing for better root penetration, water retention, and nutrient uptake.
Enhanced Microbial Activity:
Worm poo is teeming with beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, that contribute to soil health and fertility. These microbes help to break down organic matter further, release nutrients in plant-available forms, and suppress harmful pathogens and diseases.
pH Balance:
Worm poo has a near-neutral pH, which helps to balance soil acidity or alkalinity and create a favorable growing environment for plants. This pH balance ensures that essential nutrients remain available to plants, promoting optimal growth and productivity.
Using Urban Wyrm 'worm poo' Compost in your garden is easy and can be done in several ways:
- Top Dressing: Spread a layer of worm poo on the surface of your garden soil and gently work it into the top few inches of soil using a rake or garden fork.
- Incorporation: Mix worm poo into your garden soil when preparing planting beds or filling containers. Aim for a ratio of approximately 10-20% worm poo to soil volume, depending on your soil's condition and the needs of your plants.
- Worm Poop Tea: Simply steep 100ml of Urban Wyrm Worm Casts in 4.5 litres of water for several days to extract the beneficial nutrients and microorganisms, then use the resulting liquid as a foliar spray or soil drench for your plants.
