Organic gardeners love the word "free." So, today we will talk about free organic fertilizer. You ask, "Where can you find free organic fertliizer?" Well, there are several places, including horse stalls, chicken pens, cattle pens, ect..., and then there is the variety that you already have in your soil; a type that has been classified as the richest form of natural fertilizer known to man.The problem is, it is not in the best concentrated form. I am talking about worm castings (poop). These castings are much more rich in nitrogen, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium than the very best top soil.
Okay, now that we have concluded how important worms and worm casting are to our soil, how do we entice them into the soil. Well, we can place their favorite food items in our gardens, such as table scraps (excluding, meat and dairy products), leaves, grass clippings, ect.., but another, more sure way to get more pure concentrated worm castings, is through raising you own earthworm for thier natural fertilizer. This is called "Vermicasting, or Vermicomposting," and by following a few basic steps, it is really simple to setup and start your own worm farm. This can be done in a garage, basement or anyplace that you have room. You can also upsize or downsize, depending on the crircumstances.
It is also important to start out with the right kind of earthworms. If you plan to keep them in an uncovered container, you need to use “epigeic” earthworms. This group normally lives in rich organic material (not soil), and are adapted to crowding and warmer temperatures. You can obtain a starter kit from a number of local worm growers. They multiply rapidly, so you will have an abundant supply before you know it.
Please, continue reading this series on "Vermicasting/Vermicomposting," where you will learn how to establish and maintain your worm farm, and also, learn how you can sell your castings for a substanial profit.
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So, until next time, "KGO" (Keep Growing Organic).
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