worm castings (flower, fertilizer, grass, snakes)

[FlightAttendant]

Do any of you use commercially sold worm castings? Do you think it is worthwhile adding it to my raised beds? If yes, can I put it on top of the existing soil, or do I need to dig it in? Thanks.

[aquietpath]

Lots of info here: Worm Castings - The Tasteful Garden

How to use Worm Castings:
For Germination

Use 20 to 30% Worm Castings with sand as an excellent germination mixture. It will also ensure continuous and lush growth for about three months, without you having to add any other plant food.
As a Soil Conditioner

If you hoe a layer of barren soil, add a layer of Worm Castings and give it some water, you will be surprised at the growth of your first season's plants.
As a Fertilizer

Sprinkle Worm Castings around the base of plants or lightly dig it in, and then add water. They can also be sprinkled on a large scale with a spreader. Remember: you cannot use too much Worm Castings, they cannot damage your plants.
As a Liquid Fertilizer

Worm Castings can easily be mixed with water. Use 1 cup Worm Castings for every gallon of water and wait 1 week. This liquid mixture can be used as an excellent fertilizer or leaf foliate spray. It also helps to control insects. Many people prefer this method of application.
We have known for hundreds of years that earthworms are the best way to improve plant growth and to increase plant yield, such as fruit. Earthworm castings are a wonder product of nature. So if you care about your soil, and your plants, then now is the time to get rid of your Miracle Gro and to use this 100% natural product.

[FlightAttendant]

wOW, thanks for the info. I had heard it was very beneficial....I will put it in the garden this week!!!

[WhoDatInMD]

I put some in my garden on Saturday and yesterday when I checked, noticed most of the veggies grew more than normal since then. I sprinkled it on the soil and lightly worked it into the soil. I also added a bit of vermiculite to offset any soil compaction that adding the castings would cause. I just wish I knew about it sooner as I could've added it when I first set up my beds and my plants would be far along than they are now.

[Luvvarkansas]

Oh boy, is it good stuff.

I've never bought any commercial worm castings, but I have earthworms the size of baby snakes in my flower beds, and they really pour out the poop!

You will naturally have worms also if you keep the soil covered with leaf litter, or even better, a mixture of leaf litter and dried grass clippings (that have not been treated with any weed/feed stuff)....that's what brought the earthworms in droves in my flower beds long ago! Since then I let the leaves that fall stay in the beds (and actually add the ones from the grassy areas nearby).

If you have more "formal" beds, you can always cover the leaf litter with a prettier mulch. In the past, I used pine straw for a natural look. Don't have the energy to spread pine straw every year any more.