GOLD THAT IS - BLACK GOLD/100% Organic - Castings
This is natures way of returning beauty to your plants, as it should be. Castings contain a highly active biological mixture of bacteria, enzymes and plant matter. They are rich in water-soluble plant nutrients and contain more then 50% more humas than what is normally found in top soil. They contain 5 times more nitrogen, 7 times the available potash and 1 1/2 times more calcium than found in 12'' topsoil. In addition, castings also have small amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, borox, iron and carbon.
Castings promote rapid growth due to the natural nutrients they contain. As earthworms digest their food, a coating is formed around the grain, which allows the nutrients to ''time-release'' into the soil so it is readily available when the plant needs it. These mineral clusters combine in such a way that they will withstand water erosion and compaction, and also increase water retention. Thus, when castings are incorporated into your soil, less water will be required to promote growth. When new plants are watered frequently, growth rate is substantially increased.
Many people use fresh manure as a fertilizer. Unlike worms, horses and cows do not digest 100% of their food. This allows undigested seeds to produce unwanted plants in gardens. Since worms completely digest everything they eat, there are never weeds or unexpected plants in amongst your plants. Fresh manure, used in large quantities, can "burn" delicate plants and new root systems. Worm castings will not burn - no matter how much you use. Fresh manure also tends to have a distinct odor. Castings are odorless (they smell like a forest after a hard rain - wet dirt). You can use castings indoors or outdoors on any plant.
PUTTING WORM CASTINGS TO USE:
1. Potting mixes - Mix 1 part worm castings to 3 parts potting mix.
2. Flower beds, shrubs, roses, vegetables - Top dress with 1" - 3" of worm castings and incorporate into the soil with a fork or spade.
3. House plants - Spread 1/2" - 1" of castings around established plant, scratch into the soil, every 2-3 months.
4. New lawns - apply 10 pounds to 100 square feet. Work lightly into the top.
5. Established lawns and grasses - Top dress at 4 pounds to 100 square feet.
6. Perennials - Top dress 1"-3" in spring, early summer, and fall.
7. All plants and vegetables - apply every 30 days.
CASTINGS ARE ALSO GREAT FOR STARTING SEEDS.