Frequently Asked Questions
Can Worm Castings Chemically Burn Plants?
Worm castings cannot burn plants, lawns, anything that grows, or anything alive. They are perfectly safe for plants, people, and pets since there are no chemicals in our worm castings, you can’t harm or burn your plants.
Do Worm Castings Contain Nitrogen?
Yes, worm castings contain some nitrogen, but only the nitrogen that is found in the decaying manure and detritus that is used to feed the worms.
How Many Bags Do I Need?
Most producers of worm casting suggest 10lbs for 100 square feet. If you have an established yard or good soil conditions, you can cut back about a third on that amount. If you live in a place with poor soil (hard packed, clay, sandy, or depleted from overuse) or a new lawn, you should consider the 10lbs. to 100 square feet as about right.
Do Worm Castings Have Anti-pest Properties?
Yes, worm castings have anti-pest properties because they contain chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down chitin, the main component of insect exoskeletons, causing them to dissolve and potentially killing the pests. Applying worm castings to soil or spraying a worm tea solution can deter and repel insects like aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, thereby reducing pest infestations on plants
Are Your Worm Castings Organic?
Worm Wizard’s castings have not been listed with a regulatory body as organic. This is because we use recycled and precomposed horse manure and plant silage, which are better for the environment in the long run, but because of these inputs, we cannot gain organic status.
What Do Worm Castings Look Like? Do They Smell Bad?
Typically, worm castings look a lot like coffee grounds. Those castings are from adult worms. Younger worms produce castings that are smaller and finer, but still have a bit of a rougher appearance. The castings from any age worm are full of microbes which is what produces the nutrition for your lawn and plants. They do not have an odor beyond the smell of healthy dirt.
Can I Use Castings In My Herb Pots, Vegetable Garden, And On My Front Lawn?
Castings can be used on any plant life. The only caution would be herbs. Our herb customers usually cut the amount used in half from what any other plant would use. Too much can make the herbs grow too quickly and get somewhat woody. So, for herbs, less can mean more.
How Do You Store Worm Castings, And Do They Go Bad?
Worm casting can be stored anywhere. They will not produce any gas and will be fine at any temperature. They are nature. Put them in the garage and pick up later where you left off when ready to use again. If they dry out completely, (This takes a long time, as they retain an amazing amount of moisture.) open the bag, sit the open bag outside, let it rain or snow on the castings. Microbes will be present almost immediately and they will be ready to go. If you forget about them and notice, when ready to use again, that they are dry, just give the castings some extra water. Additionally, if you have a compost pile you want to speed up, mix them in.