Worm Castings –The Original Soil Conditioner
And Other Conditioners
Chris Franco, Gateway Rose Society
Program Agenda
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Castings-The “Original” Soil Conditioner
Nutritional Information
Benefits
Fungal Control
Uses & How to Apply
Other Soil Conditioners
Sources
References
Castings-What are They?
• It starts with the dirt and an appetite
–Earth worms consume “dirt” for
the plant and animal organic
matter it contains.
Eat, Eat , Eat…
Earthworm Anatomy 101
After Meals…
–Earthworms excrete “castings”
About Castings…
–About Castings…
• Castings contain >10,000
different biological organisms.
• Microbes in the castings further
breakdown organic material to so
that it is available to plant root
feeder cells.
Castings and Nutrition
• Unlike “Soluble” fertilizers
–Organic matter nutrients are not
“lost” to leaching
–Hyphae “wrap” nutrients
• Transport nutrition to plants
• For “aggregates” build soil
structure
Castings and Nutrition
• The N and P and K of it all?
–About 3-1-1.5 (varies)
• Organic source
–Acts like higher concentration
–Steady absorption
–Long lasting nutrition
• Guaranteed Analysis
–pH about 6.7 to 7-GREAT!!
Benefits of Castings
• Low Nitrogen is non burning-can be
applied in root zone 
• Slow release nitrogen & Over 60
high quality micronutrients
• pH friendly and no odor
• Repel pests that feed on plant juices
(via plant enzyme production)
As little as 5% worm castings added to plants can
increase there vigor and flowering. Plants on left
without. Plants on right with
Castings and Fungal Control
• Castings have 10,000 souls on board
– Bacteria, molds, beneficial fungi, etc.
• Plant fungal infections occur due to
fungal imbalance
–The wrong fungi bind nitrogen ->
impaired growth, weakness, etc.
• Traditional approaches to control?
– chemical fungicides
Castings and Fungal Control
• Key point: Casting introduce beneficial soil
organisms
• Theory: castings bring soil with fungal
problems into balance
• Field studies indicate castings restored
balance to soil high in phytophora and
fusarium
• Casting applied
– Vigor returned
– phytophoria and fusarium levels reduced
Uses & How to Apply
• Application for established Roses
–Mix 4 cups 2-3 inches below the
surface for each plant once per
year.
• How much for new Roses
–One part castings to three parts of
your preferred soil mix.
Uses & How to Apply
• Compost Tea
–One part castings to three parts
water
–Stir well and allow to sit for 12-24
hours. Stir well again.
–Water as usual…
Soil Structure and Conditioners
• Soil Types
–Sand
–Silt
–Clay
Soil Range
Types of Soils
• What type of Soil do you have??
• Measure!
– 1 Quart Jar with Lid and a hand trowel
– At 4 inches down, take 4-5 scoops from different
spots in your yard or bed
– Fill the jar 1/3 to ½ full. Add water to an inch
below the top
– Mix like crazy!!
– Let the mixture settle (might take overnight)
The Results!!!
So, Now What?
• What do roses like?
1/3 clay, 1/3 course sand,1/3 decomposed organics
matter
Conditioning Your Soil
• For new roses:
– Follow the above recipe
• For existing roses:
– Add conditioners as needed by soil type
– If roses are growing poorly, replant
• Soil Testing
– Soil testing measures the results of general soil
fertility.
– Test results include essential nutrients for plants, pH,
– Will provide suggestions for fertilization applications.
Local Sources for Castings
• Gateway Rose Society!!
• Castings Happen in Racine
–262-323-1975
–www.flowersonspring.com
• Local Garden Shops
References
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www.stclaireseeds.com/worm_castings
www.wormsetc.com/worms-etc-blog/2010
www.organicrosecare.com/articles/worm
www.sdhydroponics.com/resources/articles
www.mypeoplepc.com/members/arbra
www.wormcompostingblog.com/worm
http://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/
Thank you!!