AusBonsai

Hi guys, as you know, since I have been on this forum I have always tried to probe deeply into the big issues that affect us all. I have a lady who is getting into bonsai who also just happens to have a worm farm. She wants to know if worm castings make good fertiliser for Bonsai (That's EARTHWORMS Webos, not TAPEWORMS!! ).

Has anyone used this on their bonsai!! Does anyone roughly know it's NPK value??

Any reason why you would'nt use it?

I use compost in my mix, I know a lot of people are going away from the organic mixes, but I like it, and more to the point my trees are healthy (Ok, except the ones I forget to water) If I had a worm farm, I would use the castings, and of course the tea....

I love my worm farm. I tip in a watering can of water and get worm juice out the bottom. Too Easy!
Mix it to the colour of strong tea and it will be fine. Not sure of the NPK value but I just use it as extra in my normal fert mix.

I haven't gotten as far as getting the castings out yet I just like getting the worm juice it is so easy!

Hi Brett
Have you done a test of say two identical species beside each other to see whether there is a benefit of worm tea?

According to Don Burke there appears to be little benefit, but I struggle to see why there wouldnt be a benefit.

Would be interested in your thoughts and also what the outcome of a comparative test would be.
Regards
Steve

sreeve wrote:Hi Brett
Have you done a test of say two identical species beside each other to see whether there is a benefit of worm tea?

According to Don Burke there appears to be little benefit, but I struggle to see why there wouldnt be a benefit.

Would be interested in your thoughts and also what the outcome of a comparative test would be.
Regards
Steve

I have and I found no comparative benefit over two years. With two identical plants in identical pots side by side on the benches.

It was given to me to try so I did. I do find that as a soil improver like seasol it is of help. As a food source I have my doubts.

JMHO Pup

I have done the test on a pair of PJ Figs.
I didnt fertise the worm tree as it was called other than with the worm tea.
Clearly wasnt enough as the other tree which had dynamic lifter went ahead in leaps and bounds.

As for using the castings its no good either, it clogs the soil.
Makes it a sticky mess is about all.

In my house we use both on the veges. The patch is full of worms so maybe it helps attract them?

Hmmm, very interesting test Hartos!! I did'nt realise it clogged the soil.

Get a handful of the castings and mix it with a bit of water then let it dry out and it sets like clay!

Anybody used it as muck?

JayC

I've been using worm castings bought from a bonsai nusery for about three or more years now. Mainly used as an alternative to traditional clay and peat muck, it seems to hang together a lot better and dosen't dry out as much. I've used ratios of clay and peat in some mixes depending on the application, works well on root over rock. Also, it's a lot more user friendly and cleaner than the traditional mixture. I haven't tried it as a soil mix or additive as I think it would be too gluggy. No bad problems so far with this media.
Jodi

Why didnt I think of that!

Good idea. Have just the rock and a bunch of Ficus cuttings might try a few with Worm muck and some with clay.

See whether one is better than tother.

God alone knew the secret of good earth but he whispered it to the earthworm.
Its true that casts would interfere with drainage and airation but if the worms themselves are present, they open up tunnels and keepthe air moving. The answer is to have worms in your mix but not casts without worms.

I have had worms working for me for several years.
A few observations:- I agree the tea seems to be more of a soil conditioner rather than a potent fertiliser. The castings do contain nitrogen but I am sure the amounts would vary. I have read estimates of an NPK 3:1:1.5.
The castings and tea contain masses of potentially beneficial microorganisms and stuff, including the fabled humates.
The particle size of castings is very small (they have passed through the guts of a worm) and as a clump are very gluggy and moisture retentive. If they were to be used in growing medium they would need to be considered like peat. I have sometimes added them to pots in small amounts, mixed well. Ficus seem happy with them.
It is generally advisable to add dolomite or lime to worm farms. I haven't tested it but I suspect the pH of tea could be high. I avoid adding much to acid loving plants. My observation is that if I give too much to citrus they become prone to chlorosis.
You may find worms in your soil after adding castings because there are eggs and baby worms mixed in the castings. A simple way to see that is to check the type of worms. Compost worms are usually 'red wrigglers' and are different to your garden variety earthworm. If you have compost worms in the garden or pots they must have come with the castings.
In summary, like Hartos, I tend to mostly use the castings in the vege garden. I have added them to bonsai without seeing problems but have not tested it scientifically. I add diluted tea to pots from time to time.

just found this looking for worm juice npk

WHAT WORM JUICE IS NOT!!!!
Worm Juice is not a NPK fertiliser. Whilst it contains some Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium it’s major strength lays in it biological activity and complex range of other nutrients and minerals. Plants need more than NPK to grow well and we suggest you maintain your normal fertiliser program initially. However, once you have been applying Worm Juice for a while you will be able to reduce your fertiliser application as the soils natural processes will have re-established and the plants will be sourcing the Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium that was previously locked up in your soil. Remember, the value of Worm Juice is in the millions of beneficial bacteria that starts work in your soil and on your plants as soon as it is applied.

Thank you Brett as I said as a soil improver very good, as a food source .
If you have a good soil mix and a good fertilizing regime, that is all you need.