Should I have my soil tested?

If you're worried about the condition of your soil before you plant your garden this spring, you may want to have it tested. many people who live closer to the city have found surprising levels of lead and metals in their soil. It is one of many things to consider. And just because you buy new soil from the store, DOES NOT make it safe. You can visit this blog for more of this blogger story of what she found in store bought soil.

I will tell you that worm castings are a easy and proven effect way of "cleaning" your dirt. Mixing the castings in makes a huge difference.

Last winter I showed you the picture of potting soil on the left and worm castings on the right, what a big difference! There are several soil testing labs in Ohio if you are interested.

Composting teabags

There are lots of thing you can compost that most don't think about.

one is teabags!

What about the string you ask?

For the most part, you can vermicompost entire teabags (tag, string, and bag) with the exception of the staple. Choose a tea bag with this in mind. The new tea bags that are triangle are no good, because they are almost a silk like bag. not good for composting.Celestial Seasonings is a good choice, as they refrain from using staples in their teabags; or I guess you can opt for a tag less teabag.

Worm Tea

Many people ask us what IS Worm Tea?

Worm Tea is when you put worm castings in a tea bag or straight in water and let it sit for 4 hours to 24 hours, this allows the castings to oxygenate. The extra oxygen causes a bloom of the good bacteria, plus the added benefit of nitrogen, phosphate, calcium, magnesium and potash. The liquid that drains out of a worm composting bin is actually called leachate because it is the result of liquid that leaches through the castings or compost bin.

In these two mason jars, I filled them with water, then put potting soil on the left and worm castings on the right. I let them sit over night. Look at the amazing difference. The left side is almost clear. the right is full of good stuff! all that nitrogen, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium!

I am going to take some samples to a soil tester this winter so I can tell you exactly what is in there. we are also planning some more comparison studies to stress the importance and value of these castings!

8 reasons why worm castings are important!

1. a natural repellent for scale, mites, white flies, and aphids
2. natural fungicide in soil and on plant surfaces
3. increase in plant stem size and foliage
   acts as a soil conditioner
4. will not burn plants
5. creates healthy soil for healthy plants
6. aides in the creation of colloidal humus
7. grows healthier fruits and vegetables than those treated with chemical fertilizers
   improves water retention in soil
8. reduces the amount of waste going to the landfill! Always good!
   

Did you know?...

« The microbes in Worm Castings and Tea turn organic matter into humus, storing energy for later use. This is the basic unit of soil fertility.
« The microbes in Worm Castings and Tea feed other organisms in the soil food chain.
« Plants grown in soil treated with Worm Castings and Tea are more nutritious than plants grown in soil treated with chemical fertilizer. The food value of these plants is increased due to the availability of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and amino acids. Worm Castings and Tea can remediate soil that has been damaged by agricultural chemicals.

www.one20farm.com

Did you know?...

« Worm Castings and Tea will out-perform chemical fertilizer and has been shown to increase plant size and yield.
« Plants grown in soil treated with Worm Castings and Tea are healthier. Why? This is because of the symbiotic relationship between the plant and the microbes in the root zone. Plants feed the microbes and the microbes produce or make available all of the food and medicine the plant needs to flourish.
« Worm Castings and Tea used as a fertilizer for potting soil will suppress airborne pathogenic fungi that can eagerly infect sterile potting medium. The organisms in Worm Tea also produce hormones, vitamins, nutrients, enzymes, amino acids and minerals needed by seedling cuttings and young plants.

www.one20farm.com