Worm tea vs castings

littlejo 4/26/2012, 10:07 pm

Thanks to my worms, I have some worm castings to use on my SFG. Should I put some castings in each square, or should I make worm tea and water each square? Is there more benefit to one way or another? I've looked at info about worm castings, and folks use both ways, but is one better than the other?

Jo

cheyannarach 6/23/2012, 12:03 pm

I am no expert but I have read you get a lot more use out of them if you first make compost tea then put the castings into the garden! That's what I do with mine!

**llama momma** 6/23/2012, 12:29 pm

Agree! But you have the option to also use it straight from the worms. Sprinkle some around the plants and water it in. Remember the stuff is potent.

**Josh** 6/23/2012, 12:55 pm

I do both, I use the casting to spread around the plants in each square and I make a worm compost tea to spray on the plants, the worm tea is suppose to help keep aphids and other insects off the plants.

cheyannarach 6/23/2012, 12:59 pm

What's your recipe for casting tea Josh?

**walshevak** 6/23/2012, 3:16 pm

I don't have enough casting yet to add to all my squares, but I have had enough to make compost tea. My collards improved. To early to say about my beans.

Kay

**Josh** 6/23/2012, 6:30 pm

cheyannarach wrote:What's your recipe for casting tea Josh?

I use 1 cup of worm castings to 4 cups of water.

cheyannarach 6/23/2012, 7:29 pm

Thanks Josh!!! That's exactly what I do except I add 1 TBS of Corn syrup to feed the "workers" in the castings, have you ever done that?

JeanneRamick 6/23/2012, 10:13 pm

You know Josh, I've lived more than 70 years and I've seen all kinds of cruel things kids do or say to each other.

I admire the self-confidence you display, it is inspiring!

However, I'm pretty sure you suffer the torments of your peers. (Some things never change)

My advice to you is: ignore those who tease, torment, or hurt your feelings. There ARE those who feel the same passion you have ... and some of them are girls!

Imagine 65 years in the future ... while you and your wife (who shares your passion ... and all those memories you have togther!) celebrate you Diamond Anniversary. (It's likely many of your peers (who used to torment you) are divorced ... who knows how many times ... and are facing a future of loneliness.

You go, Josh!

MoneyMan94 7/12/2012, 6:26 pm

I do a bit of both.
First - I load 2, five gallon buckets, each with four cups of worm castings. The castings are put in a nylon bag. I mix with unsulfured molasses. I use it for deep watering right at the roots.

Second - I take the two bags of castings and put them into 1, five gallon bucket with molasses and blend it again. This I use in my sprayer to coat the plants and fruit on all plants in my garden, I also use it on fruit trees and bushes and flowers.

Third - I take the castings and let them dry out in the sun and spread them around the garden.

I know some will disagree with my method but I have looked for the bacterial activity on the fresh batch and on the second use of it under a microscope and although there is a decrease of microbe activity I feel it is well worth reusing it again.

**walshevak** 7/14/2012, 12:39 am

Do you use your tea immediately or let it sit for a day or so?
And I agree, the left over "tea grounds" improved the soil even if they don't have much OOOMPH left.

Kay

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