A previous post detailed a simple worm bin that can be made out of recycled materials and kept right inside your home. But not everyone wants to take care of worms or have them in the house, in spite of the benefits gained through recycling kitchen scraps and producing a wonderful plant fertilizer in the process.
Even gardeners who are committed to making and using worm castings may find it challenging to produce enough castings to supply all their gardening needs. Fortunately VermisTerra by JL Organics LLC is now supplying earthworm castings and teas that allows everyone access to the great benefits that worms have to offer the soil, and research at Cornell University even shows that earthworm castings can suppress plant disease and regulate nutrients.
Using VermisTerra Earthworm Castings in the Vegetable Garden
VermisTerra offers pure earthworm castings in a dry form that can be mixed with seed starting or potting mixes, be applied as a side dressing around plants in the garden and containers, or be added to growing beds along with or in place of compost and other organic amendments and fertilizers prior to planting. Also in their product lineup is a stabilized compost tea that is diluted in water and then sprayed onto the garden with a sprayer, via watering cans, or through irrigation systems.
The VermisTerra castings seem to have a finer texture than other castings that I have used, and they are very clean, and easy to handle and apply. I used them both as a stand-alone amendment and in combination with other powdered or granular organic fertilizers. As a side dressing I spread the castings around the base of my veggie plants and then scratched it lightly into the surface of the soil layer.
Applying Worm Teas and Custom Fertilizer Combinations
VermisTerra earthworm casting tea is easy to apply, you simply mix it with water and
then feed and condition your soil at the same time that you are watering the plants in your garden. Like with the castings, I used the tea separately, as well as in combination with other organic amendments. JL Organics does not recommend adding raw materials directly into your soil as it can cause a burn or nutrient lockout. However in your garden, you can experiment with what works for you. Liquid foliars that I used with the casting tea included; seaweed, fish emulsion, and even powered water-soluble organic fertilizers. Once mixed with water, it is best to use the tea mix within a couple of hours.
VermisTerra tea differs from compost tea because it will not become anaerobic. Also, buying this pre-made tea can save time over brewing your own compost tea and maintain a quality, consistency, and high standard. The casting tea is a concentrate of dormant microbes that is diluted at a general rate of three ounces per gallon of water. Up to six ounces per gallon is recommended for fruits and vegetables. VermisTerra is not chemical fertilizer so the tea doesn’t burn even when applied during blooming and fruiting. The castings are odorless, and along with the tea, are loaded with beneficial bacteria and fungi, which are important for optimum soil health, resulting in improved plant health and growth.
Seeing the Results of VermisTerra Products in the Garden
A few crops that I focused on with the application of the castings and tea in my garden this past season were eggplants, ginger, and peppers; and the results were great. I did not do any type of control and can’t claim that the results were due solely to the castings and tea, but this was the best crop of eggplants that I have ever seen in terms of the size and health of the plants and the fruit production from the peppers was incredible as well.
Next season I’m planning to conduct my own backyard trials with controls to better isolate the results. But in the meantime I’ll trust the experience that I had with the crops in last summer’s garden and will continue using the VermisTerra products. For more scientific results here is a link to a recent NPR article that explored some of the benefits of worm castings; The Power of Worm Poop.
Ideas and Strategies for Utilizing Worm Castings
I’ve read from other reports that earthworm castings are great for improving seed 
germination and for helping to promote the health of young seedlings. Castings can be applied at any time during the growth cycle without the risk of burning young plants or roots. And a little does go a long way, making the use very economical. Heavy feeders and specific crops such as ginger and turmeric that respond well to increased levels of soil microbes will also especially benefit from the application of worm castings.
My personal tips and recommendations include using distilled, well, spring, or rainwater when mixing up a batch of the tea. It just seems intuitive to avoid mixing the tea in treated water that contains chemicals like chlorine, which are intended to kill microorganisms, since that is a major component and aspect of using worm castings in the first place. I always use water from my pond or rain barrels to dilute and apply materials that contain living biology of any type.
More Tips for Using Worm Castings in the Garden
When applying compost or worm teas I make it a point to spread the finished tea over the plant foliage as well as the soil since I have heard from one soil scientist that the microbes provide benefits and protection above ground to the plant’s leaf matter in addition to working within the soil itself.
In the case of worm castings I prefer to apply them just before or after a light rain if possible in order to help the organisms become established without drying out too quickly. I also apply teas and castings during the early morning hours or in the evening when temperatures are milder. The VermisTerra products work great on houseplants and patio plants in containers also. These environments may be in even more need for the increased soil microorganisms that castings and teas provide.
VermisTerra’s Product Quality Standards
The team at VermisTerra takes the extra step of getting certified with the USDA and CDFA. This makes their earthworm castings and nutrient tea certified organic for your farm or garden. And you can be confident that you’re not adding any toxins or heavy metals into your garden. VermisTerra products are also lab tested to ensure they are free of pathogens so your garden receives only beneficial microbes, and not those that will cause disease.
So if you are looking to give your soil, plants, and garden a boost consider trying out VermisTerra’s worm castings or worm teas as a convenient and easy amendment that is natural, safe, and compatible with other organic fertilizers and soil conditioners.
Disclosure: This article is a sponsored post and I have been compensated for trying out the VermisTerra worm castings and teas and then afterward sharing my honest impressions of the products and the results that I saw.
64 Responses
Very useful!
Yes, after experiencing this for myself, I completely agree with it 100%. All the best, Mike HALE TREE & STUMP REMOVALS
Avoiding chemical poison is good to hear. https://www.northwichtreesurgeon.co.uk
I totally agree, chemicals are not good when consumed, go organic.
Greg Warrington Handyman & Property Maintenance Service
I tried this process and it totally works! Many thanks to this article.
Liverpool Handyman & Property Maintenance Services
Earthworms will help your plants grow faster and healthier, this product covers it all. Very informative!
Bradford Handyman
I started gardening on my teenage years, now all my friends are asking me to do the design on their lawns. I agree with this article because we have the same concept in making the soil fit for the plants. Birmingham Handyman Service
This product works 100%, I’m growing plants for 6 months and just a week ago I came across on this blog and applied it. The results today is perfect. Manchester Loft Conversions NW
Nice tips in using this product, I’m looking forward to try this one.
Let me try this now. Great blog you get there!
Sunderland Plumbers
Nice tips in using this product, I’m looking forward to try this one.
Kitchen Fitter Bolton
This is great information for boosting soil and plants. I believe that this product is also safe and natural.
It is true that earthworm castings are great for improving seed germination, combine it with a healthy soil then it will be perfect. Great Tips.
It is true that earthworm castings are great for improving seed germination, combine it with a healthy soil then it will be perfect. Great Tips. Bolton Electricians 24 7
There are many reasons for why some plants don’t grow properly. This content answered all the questions I have in curing a soil.
Swansea Tree Surgeon
Remove toxins from the soil, by using this product I’m sure planting will be easy.
Earthworms is essential in keeping the soil healthy. Nice blog!
Leicester Handyman
Remove toxins from the soil, by using this product I’m sure planting will be easy. Liverpool Conservatories, Roofs & Windows
This is great information for boosting soil and plants. I believe that this product is also safe and natural. Swindon Decorators
Try this easy mix product to your plants! Keep them healthy.
Emergency Plumbers Stockport
Earthworm castings has been my main process in plant maintenance.
Earthworm castings has been my main process in plant maintenance.
Emergency Plumbers Stockport
I think this is a very effective method of curing the soil. Nice work!
Manchester Joiner
Location is key. Most vegetable plants do best in full sun and with this product you can achieve the best results in this.
Salford Decorators
Greatest gardening tips, I tried growing a plant in my back but if failed. Let see if this one will work. Thanks
Wythenshawe Handyman
Plants are everything to me, this the best tip for soil enrichment!
Manchester Cellar Conversions
I haven’t tried using worm casting and teas for soil enrichment, let me try this one.
I haven’t tried using worm casting and teas for soil enrichment, let me try this one.
Stockport Man And Van
These steps really makes sense, I have to do this one.
Bolton Handyman
I never thought worm castings would help, this is a good thing to try.
Stockport Man And Van
Worm castings and using teas for soil enrichment have been my strategy for a long time.
Worm castings and using teas for soil enrichment have been my strategy for a long time.
Emergency Wigan Plumber
Soil enrichment has been a puzzle to me, I totally agree with this content.
Manchester Roofers 24 7
The best advice in using worm castings and teas for soil enrichment. Growing plants has been a huge challenge for me. I think with this process it will work.
Manchester Electricians 24 7
I thought people are not using teas for soil enrichment these days. Nice writing.
M.T. Locks Ltd Rochdale
I applied work castings the wrong way before, let me see if this stuff will work.
I applied work castings the wrong way before, let me see if this stuff will work.
M. T. Locks Ltd
The best tip that I encountered when it comes to worm castings and soil enrichment.
MD Electrics
I find using distilled, well, spring, or rainwater when mixing up a batch of the tea very helpful.
The Hull Handyman
Worm castings is an effective way to cure soil.
Liverpool Decorators
Soil enrichment is the first step every time I plant in the garden. Thank you!
Liverpool Cleaners
Worm casting takes time and patience. Planning ahead will provide great help.
Sunderland Handyman
I’ve read from other reports that earthworm castings are great for improving seed vermisterra productsgermination and for helping to promote the health of young seedlings.
Manchester Electrical – Electrician Urmston
In the case of worm castings I prefer to apply them just before or after a light rain if possible in order to help the organisms become established without drying out too quickly
ETS Ltd Locksmith Oldham
One of their most interesting features is their level of microbial activity. Castings have a unique combination of helpful enzymes and positive bacterial activity. Nice content
ETS Ltd Locksmith Bolton
Worm castings is the main thing I always do for my gardening.
Bury Handyman
Soil enrichment is the key to every plant treatment.
Salford Handyman
All livestock manures can be valuable additions to soil — their nutrients are readily available to soil organisms and plants.
Radcliffe Handyman
Worm castings are the gardener’s secret weapon and nature’s most perfect plant food wrapped into one. They’re a natural soil supplement and the most potent organic fertilizer in the world.
ETS Ltd Locksmith Manchester
Unlike other compost, worm castings also contain worm mucus which helps prevent nutrients from washing away with the first watering and holds moisture better than plain soil.
Manchester Electrical – Electrician Salford
Advantages of natural fertilizers. Adding organic material to the soil increases its ability to hold water; reduces erosion from water and wind; decreases compaction and crusting of the soil; and raises soil pH
Manchester Electrical – Electrician Stretford
Some of the most common castings are produced by meal worms, white worms and red wigglers. The castings may seem expensive at first but know that what you purchase is a very concentrated fertilizer.
Manchester Electrical – Electrician Irlam
Very interesting article. It is good to share. Thanks for the information. I will try this at home.
– Planet Green Irrigation
Now i know that worm has many benefits.Thank you for sharing. Charlotte Septic Services.
When soil is tilled and bare, as we see in the picture-perfect rows, the ground dries out (and we pump millions upon millions of gallons of water onto it).
ETS Ltd Locksmith Blackburn
Sprinkle Worm Castings around the base of plants or lightly dig it in, and then add water. They can also be sprinkled on a large scale with a spreader. Remember: you cannot use too much Worm Castings, they cannot damage your plants.
ETS Ltd Locksmith Huddersfield
Soil Enrichment is the solution. By adding Lawn Doctors Soil Enrichment program to your service it will improve your soils physical properties and microbial activity while enhancing the uptake of fertilizer and making nutrients more available to the plants.
ETS Ltd Locksmith Middleton
Soil can be wasted, lost, deteriorated, and eroded. On the other end of the spectrum, it can be built, developed, enhanced, and conserved.
ETS Ltd Locksmith Halifax
This technique is really helpful most of the time. Thank you for sharing. Handyman Nottingham 0115
Worm castings are the perfect soil supplement for your garden, yard, or farm. If you’re tired of messing around with second-rate fertilizers, it’s time to step up to nature’s perfect plant food – worm castings.
Roofers Sunderland 0191
Its a great product! We started using it last season and our compost is much richer which has produced better goods!
Daniela, Tree cutting specialist.
Worm casting are used to treat any soil. It will help a newly planted seed.
Soil enrichment is needed when growing plants and recycling waste.
cheap locksmith Crewe
Great advice on having a worm castings for soil enrichments.