Vegetables and Annual Flowers

• Line bottoms and sides of plant holes and seed furrows with 1-2 inches of earthworm castings. 

• Set seeds or plants in place and cover with soil. 

• Side or top dress at a rate of 1/2 cup per plant or 1 cup per linear foot of row once every 2 months.

(Our raised bed with spinach, lettuce, onions, and broccoli.)

Perennials

• Work 1/2 cup into the soil above their root zone
  
  
• Take care not to damage shallow roots 

• Apply in spring, early summer and early fall.

(Our beautiful oak leaf hydrangea)

New Potted Plants and Seeds

• Use 1 part earthworm castings to 3 parts soil.

 (Funny thing... he wasn't eating the plants... he was after the soil)

Established Potted Plants
 

• Add 1-2 inches of earthworm castings to top of soil. 

• Mix in taking care not to damage shallow roots. 

• Water. 

• Top dress every 2-3 months. 

• Also applies to window boxes or hanging baskets.

(This is even more beautiful in person... if you can imagine that)

New Roses, Trees, Shrubs and Berries
 

• Mix 1 part earthworm castings to 3 parts soil. Surround newly dug hole with mixture. 

• Also applies to freshly transplanted items. 

• For established roses - Mix 4 cups earthworm castings into soil 2-3 inches below the surface for each plant.

Lawns

• New Lawns - Apply 10 lbs per 100 sq. ft. Work lightly into the topsoil. Mix in grass seed and water well. 

• Established Lawns - Distribute as top dress.  Apply 10 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

Casting Tea

• Soak 1 part castings to 3 parts water for 12-24 hours. 

• Stir well and water as usual. 

• Great for indoor plants and is also excellent for fruiting, flowering, or difficult to access potted plants.

(Casting tea is great for plants that prefer water from the bottom)

Compost Piles

• Spread a thin layer of earthworm castings between each new layer of materiel to be composted.