Soil Health with Worms!

Let’s talk about building up the soil health here at Thistle Hill Farms!

Worm casting or also known as worm compost, vermicasting or vermicompost is a stellar way to improve anyones garden or house plants soil. We add a healthy amount into our potting soil every time we seed out or make up transplants plugs and on top any of our greenhouse or field rows. Dad sets up a compost tea waterer system every spring - fall to feed our starter and potted plants.

Why do we use this method to feed our soil?

1. It’s Considered a Natural Fertilizer - any helpful natural practices that we can adopt in our market garden we do! It’s really important to our family that we keep our food clean.

2. Contains beneficial bacteria and fungi that supports and heals the whole soil food web.

3. Improves Overall Soil Structure - helps aeration, increases drainage and enhances moisture retention. Making the soil much more loose and workable.

4. No Waste - feeding the earthworms with cardboard boxes, old food and even our daily coffee grounds.

5. No Down Time - it’s hard to over add or over feed the soil. It’s slow releasing and can be added at any time during the growing cycle.

6.The Ohio State University Soil Ecology Laboratory found that worm castings enhance seed germination, plant growth, flowering and fruit production overall.

7. Castings also curb certain plant diseases, including root and crown rots and wilt disease. It may inhibit some insect pests, including mites, aphids and mealy bugs.

The healthiest soil leads to the most nutrient rich foods. Nutrient rich foods that are grown locally is just about as healthy as it gets. That’s why we care to heal and rebuild our soils health each and every year.