


This can include things like leaves, grass clippings, and fruit and vegetable scraps. But what exactly is compost? Compost is simply organic matter that has been broken down into smaller pieces. Most people know that compost is great for plants. Now that we know that plants need to thrive, how do compost and worm castings fit in? As a result, annual plants generally do best in soils that are rich in bacteria. Bacteria also help to aerate the soil, making it easier for roots to spread and grow. This is because bacteria help to break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that the plants can use for food. In other words, they thrive in environments where there is a lot of beneficial bacteria present. Preparing your garden beds with compost, worm castings, and organic fertilizer is a recipe for a successful and thriving garden!īut, the one thing that is not shared nearly as often is that annual vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and more) prefer a bacterial environment. Microbes help to break down organic matter in the soil, making it easier for plants to access essential nutrients and help to protect plants from disease-causing organisms. Microbial Life: Just as humans rely on microbes to maintain a healthy digestive system, plants rely on them for a variety of functions.To grow lush and vibrant, they also require micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and manganese. Micronutrients: But, plants need more than just the big three macronutrients.For plants, these consist of Nitrogren, Phosphorous, and Potassium (commonly referred to as NPK). Macronutirents: To grow big and strong, plants need macronutrients to survive just like humans need essential vitamins and minerals.Specifically, for a plant to thrive it requires: Beyond temperature, sunlight, and watering, the soil plays perhaps the largest role on a plant's growth. To create an ideal environment for plants, there are many factors to consider. If there's one thing gardeners love more than planting seeds and watching them grow, it's debating what's best to add to the soil: worm castings or compost? In truth, both have their pros and cons, but let's take a closer look at each to see which comes out on top. In the 101 guide we cover multiple topics about worm castings, so if you'd like a more thorough walk through of what worm castings are and what they have to offer then click through to read more!
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This blog post is a subsection of our Worm Castings 101 - Everything You Need To Know guide.
