Are you concerned about whether your plant growth is average or not? Are you sick of ordinary fertilizers doing nothing but destroying your plant roots? There are many organic fertilizers on the market. If you’re debating about worm castingsvs. seaweed, continue reading to find out which you should use.
Why Organic Fertilizers?
What nutrients promote leaf growth? Organic fertilizers have trace minerals like nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and other elements. Moreover, organic fertilizers are full of organic matter and plant growth hormones which aid in healthy and lively plant growth. Common organic fertilizers are fish emulsion, cottonseed meal, kelp compost, worm castings, and bone meal.
Fish emulsion is an animal-based organic fertilizer and is a byproduct of fish meal, and cottonseed meal is a byproduct of cotton processing. In addition, bone meal is high in phosphorus and calcium but lacks other trace minerals for optimum plant growth. However, it is low in nitrogen, so it does not burn plant roots.
What Are Worm Castings?
Worm castings are a type of organic fertilizer left by earthworms. Worm castings manure, sometimes known as vermicast, is simply earthworm excrement, often known as worm poo. These critters eat compost; thus, their feces acts as an excellent soil enricher. Worm casting is best for soil amendments and is the best organic fertilizer for healthy plant growth.
This organic fertilizer helps repel pests while delivering essential nutrients. Additionally, earthworm castings are available at most garden shops, or you can manufacture your own at home using the vermicomposting process.
Manufacturers use special worm farming techniques for gathering worm castings. First, they place a layer of sand and moist newspaper strips at the bottom of the earthworm castings bin. Then another layer of damp newspaper strips and soil are added into this worm bin.
In addition to this, the manufacturer adds a layer of the compost heap, manure, or leaf compost. They add all the worms and food, such as kitchen scraps or garden debris. Next, the working worms will eat the organic matter and defecate as the days pass. Those are the feces that will begin to fall into the storage pan or compost pit. The worm casting is a dark, fresh-smelling substance that resembles soil.
What Is Seaweed or Kelp Meal?
Seaweed extract or kelp meal is a form of brown seaweed found near rocky beaches. Its composting process is a bit complex as it is hand-harvested, carefully processed at low temperatures, dried, and finely milled into a powder-like substance known as kelp compost.
Kelp or seaweed compost is a great way to boost plant growth hormones. You can use it for your vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perennials in the garden or almost everywhere. The liquid form of this fertilizer is called seaweed. Both have the same saltwater composition, and the difference is that the kelp meal is powdered, whereas the seaweed is in a liquified state.
Seaweeds, such as kelp, improve the structure of nutrient-depleted soils, increase water retention rates, and eventually decompose, adding organic matter to your garden beds, pots, composts, or other fermented fertilizers. Applying seaweed as a foliar spray in the middle of the day or during windy seasons may result in plant tissue burning; instead, apply early in the morning or late in the evening.
Worm Castings vs. Seaweed
Both of the fertilizers have their benefits to the soil. Let us have a look at how one is better than the other.
Advantages of Worm Casting
Worm castings have a trace mineral ratio of 60 micronutrients and contain trace elements. By adding worm castings as an organic fertilizer, you will aid your plants by:
- Adding organic matter to the soil
- Increasing the fertility of the plants
- Improving soil aeration
- Decreasing the chances of soil erosion
- Improved texture to the soil
- Eliminates flaky soil
- Helps in water retention
- Maintains the pH level of the soil
- Keeps your garden green and lively
Disadvantages of Seaweed
The trace mineral ratio of kelp or seaweed is not the best. It is low in nitrogen and other minerals. Seaweed or pre composted kelp has the following disadvantages:
- May have excess salt content and disturb the soil's pH
- Expensive
- Not as rich in nutrients as other organic fertilizers
- Deficient NPK value
Worm Castings or Seaweed? Which One Should You Choose?
Worm casting is the best organic fertilizer. They are high in nutrients and can offer your plants an immediate boost while providing long-term nutrition than seaweeds or kelp meals. Besides, they have no added chemicals, additives, or potentially harmful components. With all organic materials, you will have the garden of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do worm castings work?
Yes, worm castings are an excellent fertilizer. As an organic fertilizer, it has trace elements, nutrients, and minerals that directly impact root growth and is an excellent foliar feed for leafy growth. Moreover, worm castings improve seed germination, plant growth, and fruit production, thus giving a complete package for your garden.
2. Can I put seaweed or kelp in my worm farm?
Yes, you can put seaweed or kelp on your worm farm. However, you have to remove excess salt as worms may not be fond of it. Also, try to add animal manure and food compost, which will provide much richer nutrients than organic fertilizer.
3. What are the disadvantages of worm casts?
In providing essential nutrients and trace elements, worm castings do not have disadvantages. However, it has some other downsides, like it may take a longer time to prepare.
4. Can you grow plants in 100% worm castings?
Yes! Unlike some high-nitrogen fertilizers, pure worm castings, whether solid or liquid fertilizer, do not shock or burn seedlings or plants. One of the best things about them is that earthworm castings are a gentle, slow-release fertilizer, but have a higher concentration of nutrients than bulk compost.
Final Words
So, worm castings vs. seaweed? We have concluded that worm casting is an excellent organic fertilizer that most plants will benefit from. Moreover, the trace minerals and high nitrogen content are suitable for plants. In addition, do a soil test before using any worm castings as a foliar feed. What is stopping you from having that dreamy garden? Get up and start working on it!
