How to Use Worm Castings

Worm Castings

NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Southeast Worms does not use animal manure to generate worm castings. Unfortunately many hay fields are now treated with persistant herbicides that kill flowering and vegetable plants. These herbicides can remain active in compost and worm casting even after the hay or livestock manure is composted and processed by worms.  An online search for “herbicide contamination” will generate numerous online sources that address the issue

How to Use Worm Castings

Worm castings are best applied in the morning , or late afternoon when the area is shaded.

EXISTING PLANTS: Top or side dress existing plants every 2 – 3 months with a handful of worm castings, then gently work it into the soil, and lightly water. Castings will feed the plants whenever it rains, or when the plants are watered.

🌱 1. For Seedlings

Mix 8% to 10% castings with the soil or potting mix and plant the seeds or seedlings.

 

🌱 2. For Garden Beds (Vegetables, Flowers, Herbs)

Application rate: ½–1 inch layer or 1–2 pounds per 10 square feet

How to apply:

  1. Before planting — mix castings into the top 3–6 inches of soil.

  2. After planting — sprinkle a handful (about ¼ cup) around each plant base every 2–3 months.

  3. Water after applying to help nutrients move into the root zone.

🪴 3. For Potted or Indoor Plants

Application rate: 1 part castings to 4 parts potting mix

How to apply:

  • When potting: Mix into your potting soil (e.g., 1 cup castings per gallon of soil).

  • For existing plants: Add 2–3 tablespoons on top of the soil every 2–3 months and lightly mix in or water in.

🌾 4. For Lawns

Application rate: 10–20 pounds per 1,000 square feet

How to apply:

  1. Spread evenly across the lawn (a broadcast spreader can help).

  2. Water thoroughly afterward.

  3. Apply 2–3 times per year — early spring, mid-summer, and early fall.

🌳 5. For Trees and Shrubs

Application rate: 1–2 pounds per inch of trunk diameter

How to apply:

  1. Spread in a ring around the base of the tree, staying a few inches away from the trunk.

  2. Work gently into the topsoil.

  3. Water well.

💧 6. Worm Casting “Tea” (Liquid Fertilizer)

NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

Great for foliar feeding or gentle watering.

Recipe:

  • 1 cup worm castings

  • 1 gallon dechlorinated water

  • Optional: 1 tablespoon molasses (feeds microbes)

  • Steep 24 hours with gentle aeration (use an aquarium pump if possible).

How to use:

  • Water plants with it weekly.

  • Spray leaves for a foliar feed every 2–4 weeks.