Gardening is a passion for many people- be it sowing seeds or taking care of plants. If you want to make sure that your garden is healthy and productive, then you need to add worms to your soil. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on why and how to add worms to soil, and the benefits that come with it.
Detailed discussion on adding worms to soil
Adding worms, also known as vermicomposting, to your soil will take your gardening game to the next level. These little creatures come with great benefits that you wouldn’t want to miss.
What are worms?
Worms are invertebrates that belong to the family Lumbricidae. They come with several benefits and play a crucial role in breaking down organic materials in the soil. They are commonly used in farming and gardening, and they come in different varieties.
The benefits of adding worms to your soil
– Vermicomposting provides your soil with nutrients: Worms are great decomposers and will break down any organic matter (leaves, vegetable peels, and fruits) in your soil, creating “nutrient-rich castings.” Castings are excrement that contain vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. Regular fertilizers require a vast amount of resources to produce, while worm castings are a much more sustainable alternative.
– Increases soil drainage and aeration: Worms’ tunneling activity helps to aerate the soil, which in turn stimulates microbial activity. This activity will boost your soil’s ability to absorb and hold water, making it an efficient drainage system.
– Worms create a healthy soil environment: Worms consume harmful bacteria and fungi and in the process create a pesticide-free environment.
How to add worms to your soil
Before you add worms to your soil, ensure that you have the right conditions for the worms to thrive. Vermicomposting requires moist soil that contains enough organic matter to feed the worms.
Here are the steps to follow when adding worms to your soil:
– Select the right kind of worms: Not all worms are suitable for composting. Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are commonly used in vermicomposting.
– Prepare the bedding material: The bedding material that the worms require should be moist, fluffy material like coconut coir.
– Add food scraps in moderation: Once you have prepared the bedding, you can add organic materials that will feed the worms, such as kitchen scraps, shredded newspaper, and cardboard.
– Add the worms: You can give the worms a little kickstart by adding a few handfuls of soil to the mix.
– Make sure your worm bin is adequately ventilated: Worms require air circulation, so make sure that your worm bin has adequate ventilation.
Concluding thoughts on adding worms to soil
Adding worms to soil is a sustainable way to create high-quality compost and create a healthy environment for your plants. By breaking down organic matter, they not only add important nutrients to the soil but also aid in its drainage and aeration.
FAQs about adding worms to soil
What is vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting is the process of feeding organic materials to worms which in turn creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Can I use regular earthworms for vermicomposting?
No, only specific types of worms, such as Red wigglers, are suitable for vermicomposting.
How many worms should I add to my soil?
You should add about 500-1000 worms for every square foot of soil.
What should I not add to a worm bin?
Avoid adding dairy, meat, citrus fruits, and oily foods, as these foods can create an odor and attract pests.
In summary, adding worms to your soil will improve soil health, boost plant growth, and provide a sustainable way to make compost. By following the steps provided in this article, you will have a healthy garden that your plants will thrive in.
