I am in mid-week #8 and just flushed my 3 plants. While dumping the run-off, I noticed what looked like 2 dead small worms (could have sworn 1 moved). I have been using worm castings as a top dressing and wondering if there could be eggs that developed into worms within my soil. I purchased the castings. Has this ever happened to anyone? Woot woot if they are in there, eh?
Worms in soil from castings?
- Thread starter LizC
- Start date
-
- Tags
- earth worm castings worms
Oldbear
Well-Known Member
Im researching worm composting now in prep for spring grow. The marketing info says there will be eggs and babies in the the mix when it comes. I dont know how they could remove them from the castings so Im not surprised you hatched a couple. I think its good they are in with the plant.
I rely a lot on @Blew Hiller for worm info so perhaps he'll chime in.
I rely a lot on @Blew Hiller for worm info so perhaps he'll chime in.
What nutrient line are you running? If you're flushing and I assume running synthetics then it's not from the EWC. I don't think so anyway.
- Thread starter
- #4
I'm a first time grower and yes, I used Advanced Nutrients PH Perfect 3 part nutes (hind sight and all that...) and also incorporated the castings. It's week 8 of flowering so I'm flushing with plain filtered water and a touch of molasses. Holy crapiola the Internet is full of so much info, some contradicting others, makes my head hurt. Molasses for sweetness. This is an experimental crop and yes I'm keeping a journal.
Yes, you likely had worms at one point from the eggs in the castings.
- Thread starter
- #6
Indeed...if they are alive, it means the plant is also happy!
Interesting. Id assume being nitrogen rich that you'd have put the castings down kinda early. And, Advanced is a synthetic so it beats me. Not saying it's not possible it just seems weird. But, that's not unusual to hear something weird. Enjoy the harvest! Thanks for the feedback!
seaofgreen18
Well-Known Member
The eggs (really cocoons) are a different size (bigger) than the castings so they can be screened out by the maker, but not all of them do. The eggs look like little yellow (eventually turning a dark brown) balls.
When I harvest my castings I try to gather as many as I can and spread them around my various pots including houseplants and veggies. Each cocoon can have several worm babies in it.
When I harvest my castings I try to gather as many as I can and spread them around my various pots including houseplants and veggies. Each cocoon can have several worm babies in it.
seaofgreen18
Well-Known Member
Howdy yes when I was purchasing castings Id get a few worms in the bag but I take them out and put them in my bin because they won't survive in your containers not the right environment for them as far as putting cacoons in your containers I don't believe they'll even survive and if they do they won't be much benefit I use a 1/4" screen to screen my castings and whatever doesn't go through the screen goes back into the bin cacoons and all so they can multiply in my bin where they will be much more useful not to mention these are living creatures it's NOT FAIR to them to just stick them in a container composting worms only stay in the first couple inches of soil if you want worm's in your containers you need a vertical earth eating earthworm not composting worms hope this helps Good luck 
Ron from Michigan
Ron from Michigan
seaofgreen18
Well-Known Member
I'm sorry need to amend the post I use a 1/4 screen first then an 1/8 screen for my finished product Ron from Michigan
Ron from Michigan
greenjeans
Well-Known Member
Hey @seaofgreen 18 - I love to see them in a big glob when they find something they really like !!! Gotta be quick tho - they can scurry away pretty fast!!! 
seaofgreen18
Well-Known Member
Breeding and eating I LOVE IT!! Shredded cardboard Neem seed meal and Alfalfa HAPPY HAPPY! 
greenjeans
Well-Known Member
I have 8 bins on the go so I built this trommel - it has 1/4" screen and I'm surprised how few worms get thru!!
seaofgreen18
Well-Known Member
SWEET MAN! I shake mine I need to fix myself up with something like that!! Nice. I use a 1/8 screen much finer results keeps the cacoons in my bin
greenjeans
Well-Known Member
Wow - must be pretty dry to get it thru that 1/8" - If mine is a bit wet I run it thru 1/2" and mix that with shredded newspaper to dry out then run it thru the 1/4".
seaofgreen18
Well-Known Member
I let it sit out to get it to sift through
seaofgreen18
Well-Known Member
Not to long though like I said what won't go through goes back in the bin I only produce enough for home use but thinking about expanding
greenjeans
Well-Known Member
I had built a couple of shakers - but - the last one really didn't do a good job and NOISY - what a racket!!!!
This trommel is soooo quiet!!! The shaker made me tense and nervous!!! I have so much to run that doing it manually, well, it probably wouldn't get done!!
