The date has been set: Thursday, March 6th, they will arrive in Mableton, GA. Email me with any interest!
Also Jason assured me that as long as they don't freeze solid, the castings will be fine.
But if you are storing them a couple of weeks, keep them in the shade and wet the bag down if you feel they might be drying out.
I'm talking with Jason (Compost Wizard) from Douglas, GA about having him bring up some 50 lb bags of worm castings early to mid March. I live in Mableton, GA. The bags are $20 each and he said shipping would be $5 a bag. If anyone near me would like some, let me know and I'll have him bring them up. I've had him bring them to me for the last 3 or 4 years and they are GREAT!
I only need people who definitely want them to respond, because I don't want to be on the hook for hundreds of dollars.
Plus, you would need to come and get them from me as soon as you could.
Let me know if you are interested.
This message was edited Mar 3, 2008 10:17 AM
worm castings coming to Mableton (in March!)
Here's some info in case you aren't familiar with worm castings.
(lots of info. actually, but I think they are gardener's gold!)
Worm castings are the richest natural fertilizer known to humans. That's right: as little as a tablespoon of pure worm castings provides enough organic plant nutrients to feed a 6" potted plant for more than two months. Worm castings stimulate plant growth more than any other natural product on the market. Unlike animal manure and artificial fertilizers it is absorbed easily and immediately by plants. But Worm Castings don't only stimulate plant growth: they also enhance the ability of your soil to retain water (because of its texture), and it even inhibits root diseases such as root rot.
Benefits of Worm Castings
1. The humus in the worm castings extracts toxins and harmful fungi and bacteria from the soil. Worm Castings therefore have the ability to fight off plant diseases.
2. The worm castings have the ability to fix heavy metals in organic waste. This prevents plants from absorbing more of these chemical compounds than they need. These compounds can then be released later when the plants need them.
3. Worm Castings act as a barrier to help plants grow in soil where the pH levels are too high or too low. They prevent extreme pH levels from making it impossible for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil.
4. The humic acid in Worm Castings stimulate plant growth, even in very low concentrations. The humic acid is in an ionically distributed state in which it can easily be absorbed by the plant, over and above any normal mineral nutrients. Humic acid also stimulates the development of micro flora populations in the soil.
5. Worm Castings increase the ability of soil to retain water. The worm castings form aggregates, which are mineral clusters that combine in such a way that they can withstand water erosion and compaction, and also increase water retention.
6. Worm Castings reduce the acid-forming carbon in the soil, and increase the nitrogen levels in a state that the plant can easily use. Organic plant wastes usually have a carbon-nitrogen ratio of more than 20 to 1. Because of this ratio, the nitrogen is unavailable to plants, and the soil around the organic waste becomes acidic.
Recommendations and Quotes about Worm Castings
"Worm Castings outperform any commercial fertilizer I know of. The key factor is microbial activity. Research that I and others have done shows that microbial activity in worm castings is 10 to 20 times higher than in the soil and the organic matter that the worm ingests..."
"Earthworm castings are the best imaginable potting soil for greenhouses or house plants, as well as gardening and farming. It will not burn even the most delicate plants and all nutrients are water-soluble, making it an immediate plant food. The effect of earthworm castings used in any of these ways is immediately visible. They make plants grow fast and strong."
"Castings contain 5 times the available nitrogen, 7 times the available potash and 1 ½ times more calcium than that found in 12" of topsoil. Therefore, castings are supplied with available nutrients. The nutrients are also water-soluble and immediately available to the plant. You will find that most potting soils have a nutrient life for 2 to 5 days, where worm castings will last up to 6 times as long. You will need 5 times as much potting soil to do the same job as worm castings. So in the long run, worm castings are much cheaper and do a much better job. Also, castings hold 2 to 3 times their weight in water. That means you water less and the pot will stay damper for a longer period. Worm castings will not burn your plants; unlike using any fresh raw manure (cow, horse, etc.) which can burn root systems if not applied properly. . . . The manure passes through the worms' digestive system producing rich organic plant food and a slow releasing fertilizer which allows for better growth."
How to use Worm Castings:
For Germination
Use 20 to 30% Worm Castings with sand as an excellent germination mixture. It will also ensure continuous and lush growth for about three months, without you having to add any other plant food.
As a Soil Conditioner
If you hoe a layer of barren soil, add a layer of Worm Castings and give it some water, you will be surprised at the growth of your first season's plants.
As a Fertilizer
Sprinkle Worm Castings around the base of plants or lightly dig it in, and then add water. They can also be sprinkled on a large scale with a spreader. Remember: you cannot use too much Worm Castings – it cannot damage your plants.
As a Liquid Fertilizer
Worm Castings can easily be mixed with water. Use 1 cup Worm Castings for every gallon of water and wait 1 week. This liquid mixture can be used as an excellent fertilizer or leaf foliate spray. It also helps to control insects. Many people prefer this method of application.
We have known for hundreds of years that earthworms are the best way to improve plant growth and to increase plant yield, such as fruit. Earthworm castings are a wonder product of nature. So if you care about your soil, and your plants, then now is the time to get rid of your Miracle Gro and to use this 100% natural product
This message was edited Feb 22, 2008 6:12 PM
Hey girl,
Have you thought about coming to the RU in April? Jason is speaking about chicken compost & Mr. Brantley on his worm casting. I hear the 2 together make some nice golden soil mix!! Come on and join us if you can!
Donna
I can't make it to the RU this year. Mr. Brantley is actually the one that I made first contact with back in 2004. But I have only talked with Jason since then.
I'm glad I was able to hook you two up so that you were able to get him to come to the RU last year. That was great and I think helped bring worm castings into the lives of many more gardeners!
Anyway, since I can't come to the RU, I need to go back to having him bring me some up. Plus, I need about 20 bags and I couldn't have brought that back from the RU! And certainly not with any plants! I'm sorry I'm going to miss it, but I have too many things going on this year. Last year I skipped a wedding to come! I don't think the family would excuse another dodge. :)
Y'all have a great time and SELL THOSE CASTINGS!
Catherine
P.S. I 'm sorry I'm going to miss the chicken and worm poop mixture info. Maybe he will print something up and I can get him to send it to me.
Last call, they arrive tomorrow.
3gardeners,
I emailed Jason (found his name on the net) this morning about obtaining a small amount of worm castings for my earth boxes. He has not responded yet. Do you have any to spare? I live in Marietta and will travel to get a 50 lb bag or less.. I have eleven home made earth boxes, traditional shape, and six planters around 15 " in circumference in which I need to use the castings (about 6 cups of castings needed per regular box and 3 cups per round container - a total of around 84 cups to be totally exact.). I could find a way to use more if necessary.
I know I'm late and this is a shot in the dark, but I just saw your post a few minutes ago. Can you possibly help me?
Lilygardener
I'm sorry, but I've used all 20 bags of mine. I certainly would have shared if I had known. $25 a bag is out of my budget, but I made it work!
He comes up often in the summer to deliver worms to fishing places. The shipping is WAY too high to have him just bring some of them to you. And he would only do it for large quantities anyway. But castings are catching on and if he can combine orders with someone else, y'all can split the shipping.
For one bag, you'd probably have to know of someone bringing in a large amount and ask them if you can buy a bag. When mine were delivered (30 bags) he, coinsidentally, had just taken an order from a lady down the road for about 10 bags too. That's the best way to get them so they are affordable.
Good luck and enjoy your spring!
Thanks 3gardeners,
Too bad for me that I waited so long to look for castings. Have you thought of starting a co-op thread for next year? I ordered some plant markers last year on a co-op. I was very happy with the savings.
I know a castings co-op would have to be limited to DGer's in our area, but maybe enough of us would join to make it worthwihile for Jason to ship, without individuals having to order more than they really want. Also, participants would have to pay up front, so no one would be stuck.
Lily
I think that would be a great idea. I just didn't have any interest in the previous offer. And like you mentioned, the cost is so high, I'd be nervous.
It would have to be limited to this area, because everyone would need to pick them up within days of them arriving. I'd have them in my driveway and I'm in a subdivision with covenants.
Great! I hope this comes together.
I heard back from Jason and he will ship a small amount of castings to me but has been up front that the shipping would cost more than the castings. I'm going to skip them this year and use conventional container mix with some ammendments.
I would love to go organic next year if possible. Almost eveything will have to be shipped in however. We just arent's all that organic here in Georgia yet.
I'll try to keep and eye on the co-op threads but it is not one I follow regularly; only when I am looking for something. Would you keep me informed what you are doing? In return I will be happy to help you where I can (making calls, posting on other sites that there is a co-op happening on Dave's). I can't do the co-op myself, I have a daughter graduating high school next year (looking for colleges, etc,) and a mother living with me who is in a wheelchair and basically helpless.
About the cost. If everyone pays up front at least you won't be stuck. As long as anyone who orders knows when they must pick up it will be fair. We will just have to pick up the casting within your parameters.
Lily
I'll let you know if I try to take this on and if there is enough interest.
Enjoy your spring,
Catherine
I just noticed this thread. I got products from both of these gentleman at the recent round up. I blended them with an organic fertilizer that I developed and I am very happy for with the results so far. I may make a run down there for more before market season opens and would entertain picking some up for folks
BB
That sounds like a greaat idea. I'd start a new thread before you do it though. This one is old and has a March date on it.
Hi BB and 3gardeners,
I agree, I almost skipped this one because I thought it would be too old. I also got one bag worm -castings and 3 bags of chickenfert. from our RU. Did you mix those 2 together also BB or did you mix with your own fert.?? Just curious. I have started some planting and have used the worm castings only. It feels beautiful. You think I should mix the worm and chicken stuff??
If and when you go, you should indeed start a new thread or... if we have enough customers for either one fertilizer maybe delivering is a better option? We just need to decide where, so all of us can pick it up easy. I would be in either way.
Tuliplady
Hi Tulip:
I made my own
5 Parts Worm Castings
3 Parts My Natural Fertilizer recipe.
2 Parts Chicken Litter
My 50 pound bag is almost gone. If I do go down, I'll start another thread
BB
BB, any idea what your mix would be in terms of nrs? Like 10-10-10 or more likely 15-15-15. I haven't opened my chicken stuff yet actually. Should I mix the 2 together - then also in ratio of 4:2.
Yes, by all means when you're out of stuff start a new thread maybe we can work something out. I have toonnnnns of planting still to do. Really don wanna wait till Fall.
Tulip
That's a good question. I'll have to look into it.
The fertilizer recipe is one I adopted from on that was published in Mother Earth News. It was developed by the President. I can post it if you'd like.
The tomatoes I fed using just the natural fertilizer are beautiful. Nice and stocky with a healthy green color. Looking to see what results I get from the new blend.
BB
Hey Yall,
Just spoke with Mr. Brantley he sell his casting for $300 per ton. It's the delivery that will cost dearly!
I mix 1 bag worm casting to 2 bags farmers organic and add about 1- 2 cups per 1 gallon container ~ all my perennials. And those coleus LOVE it!!
Glad to hear you all are wanting more!
^_^
Donna
Is anyone else having problems envisioning a TON of worm poop? LOL
Just curious Donna... What would delivery cost to say the metro Atlanta area?
BB
not sure but I could find out, give me a few days.....
Hey.
BronxBoy, Jason quoted me $1.50/loaded mile back in February. To my house that made it $220 a load. That was too much for me alone, but would have been more cost efficient if I had ordered a lot more and spread the cost over more bags. That's why if you find another couple people to order 10 - 15 bags with you, it makes it much more cost efficient. The loads that are not bagged are cheaper, but the shipping was the same and now that gas has gone up, who knows.
Donna, what is farmers organic?
I've used all my castings, how does Black Chicken work for y'all?
Here's Farmers Organic site http://www.farmersorganic.com/
Chad Herd owner of FO was also a Guest Speaker @ RU along with Jason and Mr. Brantley. FO is out of Newton,Ga. he's looking for dealers.
Donna
Thanks!
Thanks
I think I will make a run down there when I need some more. 1 ton of the bagged material would be 50 40 pound bags which I think I could get in my Suburban.
BB