|
|
|
|
Home / Home / Gardening
Earthworm Friends in the Garden
By:Marilyn Pokorney
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish
this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter,
ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it
remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author
information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use
this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).
You may retrieve this article by:
Autoresponder: earthworm@getresponse.com
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/earthworm.txt
Words: 341
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Please leave the resource box intact with an active link,
and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the
article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net
----------------------------
Earthworms are a gardener's best friend.
Research has shown that earthworm excrement, also called
castings or vermicompost, improves the aeration, porosity,
structure, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity of soil.
Many studies prove that when compared to conventional
composts, vermicompost is less variable and much more
stable. Mixing vermicompost into the planting medium
essentially eliminated the need for additional fertilizer in
the production of tomato plugs as one example.
Studies show that earthworm castings increase height, stem
diameter, enhance root growth, increase dry weight, and
produce more flowers per plant than peat moss.
Redworm castings are the richest and purest humus matter in
the world. Humus is believed to aid in the prevention of
harmful plant pathogens, fungi, nematodes and bacteria.
One pound of worms can convert one pound of pig manure into
compost in 48 hours!
Worms consume three times their weight a week or more. Red
wrigglers are very active, reproduce quickly and consume
their own body weight of waste every 24 hours. Therefore ten
pounds of worms will eat ten pounds of waste in 24 hours!
Worm castings provide a rich source of a variety of
essential plant nutrients.
Microbial activity in worm castings is 10 to 20 times higher
than in the soil and organic matter that the worm ingests."
How to use worm castings:
When planting vegetable and annuals line the rows and holes
with about two inches of castings. About every eight weeks
side dress the plants with one-half cup of castings per
plant or one cup per foot of row.
For perennials work one-half cup of castings into the soil
in the spring, middle of summer, and early fall.
For pots and hanging baskets add one-half inch castings to
the top and water in. Then reapply every eight weeks.
Roses appreciate four cups of castings per plant.
If starting a new lawn add 15 pounds of casting per 100
square feet when sowing. Once established use seven pounds
per 100 square feet.
For more information about vermicompost and castings visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/earthworm.htm
About the Author
Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Article Source: http://www.dailynewarticles.com
More Articles from Gardening Category:
An Overview Of The Worlds Most Beautiful Flowers - Australian Orchids
Some Basic Facts about Lawn Mower Parts
Handy Tips On Buying Lawn Mower Parts
House Plants and their Bugs, Pests and Insects
How To Make Sure Your Wildflowers Survive In Your Home Garden
Perennial Gardens That Stay Healthy All Year Round
The Ideal Greenhouse Heaters To Choose From
Gardening: Blue Lobelia and Its Gorgeous Twin Sister
Save Time And Labor With A Garden Hose Reel
Organic Fertilizers Are Becoming More Popular In The Garden
If You Want To Drink Fresh Healthy Juice You Need A Quality Juicer
The Beauty Of Iron Arbors
Organic Indoor Gardening
Lawnmower Battery Buying Guide
Why The Beauty Of Roses Is Hard To Resist
|
|
