Whether you are a farmer or a home gardener, the best worm castings in this article will cover all your needs. While all the products are excellent, we find Wiggle Worm Soil Builder the best overall worm manure available.
This natural fertilizer contains the highest nutrient content because it is 100% pure worm poop without impurities. The earthy smell and moist texture, and ease of application rate Wiggle Worm at the top list of organic earthworm castings.
Our reviews give you 7 optimal options along with their advantages and disadvantages.
No products found.
In-Depth Reviews Of Top 7 Best Worm Castings
Wiggle Worm Soil Builder GMWW30 – Best For Soil Drainage
- Most Pure - Wiggle Worm is Pure worm castings, not...
- A Little Goes a Long Way! - All you need is a small handful...
- Improves Soil Structure – Wiggle Worm Pure Worm Castings...
The best thing that Wiggle Worm Soil Builder does for your garden is its ability to prevent waterlogged soil. Earthworm castings contain absorbent organic matter that holds only the amount of water needed by the roots.
But the particles that come in miniature football shape allow for easy drainage, preventing root diseases. This property plays a vital role in healthy root development.
Also, the refined earthworm castings feature balanced nutrients for instant and long-term absorption. A high concentration of bacteria and microorganisms is added during the decomposition process of bedding materials.
Therefore, this worm manure is rich in minerals and trace elements that help improve soil amendment, making it the best worm castings fertilizer.
Besides, the smell is not bad, so it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. But we observed a layer of white mold appearing on the top layer of the soil after applying this product – something we didn’t like.
Although our Broccoli still grows, the above defect causes a lack of aesthetics if you use worm castings for indoor planting.
What We Like
- Pure and organic content
- Balanced nutrients for instant and long-term absorption
- Rich in minerals and trace elements
- Non-toxic
- Indoor and outdoor application
- Excellent for vegetables and flowers
What Can Be Improved?
- White molds on the top layer of soil
Brut Worm Farms Organic Worm Castings – Best For Impurity-Free
- Supercharge Your Garden: Elevate your plants' growth with...
- Pure Organic Goodness: Crafted in-house at Brut Worm Farms,...
- Lush & Vibrant Plants: Experience the magic of mineral-rich...
Brut Worm Farms Organic Worm Castings must undergo a high-end process, so you cannot find sticks, sand, and other contaminants in the product. It is best because of its pureness and nutrient abundance.
There is no scent, clumping-free, and no rock dust. The product is moist worm poops, containing a multitude of beneficial microorganisms and enzymes.
The natural ingredients are ideal for planting edible food. This product is the best worm castings fertilizer for vegetable gardens you can have. The plants seem to grow healthier and more vibrant.
However, you might be spooked to see worms crawling around in your potted plants. This drawback might be a deal-breaker for some people.
Those things are proof of the existence of worm droppings and real worm eggs in this worm casting. We recommend not using it for houseplants if you don’t want to see worms crawling on the floor.
What We Like
- Balanced beneficial microbes and bacteria
- Works well with indoor or outdoor plants
- Non-toxic
- Odor-free
- Clumping-free, and no foreign material
What Can Be Improved?
- Worm eggs in the product
Verm’s Premium Worm Castings – Best For Non-GMO Organic Fertilizer
- ORGANIC SOIL BUILDER naturally conditions your soil or...
- IMPROVES GERMINATION AND ROOT HEALTH: Earthworm castings...
- PROMOTES STRENGTH AND VIGOR: Nutrients and trace minerals...
Earthworms of Dr. Verm’s are raised with a vegan diet that is 100% organic and non-GMO. Their growth takes place on a controlled farm.
They never have to worry about enemies and weather changes. Their entire life cycle has only one mission: to produce an all-natural and nutrient-rich organic manure.
Their castings are free from harmful pathogens and compounds. Besides, the superior quality of life of the worms helps them produce pH-balanced products, ensuring root development.
If you do not know how much worm castings to add to the soil, we have a recipe that you can try. It includes 1 part cast worm, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part biochar, 2 parts compost, and 4 parts coir.
You will see a difference within a couple of days after mixing into the soil. Your houseplants will begin to bloom and fruit.
Unfortunately, we observed weeds growing on the worm casting soil after applying the above formula. Although the quantity is enough to affect the quality of flowers and fruits negatively, they make your pot look messy.
What We Like
- Non-GMO castings
- Product of natural vegan diet
- pH-balanced fertilizer for root development
- No sand, rocks, dirt, or fillers
- Non-toxic
- Indoor and outdoor use
What Can Be Improved?
- Weeds might show up after the application.
Life Cycle Organic Worm Castings – Best For Living Nutrients
Life Cycle Organics come with living bugs and organisms. You can even see them moving inside the bag.
But these baby earthworms will not harm your sensitive plants. Their movement promotes air circulation in the ground that keeps the soil healthy and free from waterlogging.
They continue to reproduce and maintain their excretory products for a long time. This fact helps enrich your soil and provide energy sources for the plants even when you forget to take care of them.
To get this result, you need to make sure a microbial count occupies at least 10% of the target soil structure. We recommend you dress a 1/4″ – 1/2″ layer of Life Cycle Organics worm castings over the plant base, then water and cover with mulch.
The above mixture stimulates the germinating ability of plants and seedlings. After 10 days, we saw new branches and blooms.
Unfortunately, this organic plant food is slightly pricey. When you look at the price, you might not think so. But if you look at its volume, you will wish there was more content in the bag.
What We Like
- Living bugs and organisms
- Enriches soil
- Prevents waterlogging
What Can Be Improved?
- Slightly expensive
Vermisterra Earthworm Castings VTWC-10 – Best For A Fresh Scent
- Improves soil structure for better water retention and...
- No odor, natural and gentle. Will not burn plants.
- Has long term benefits to health of soil and plants.
Vermisterra – Standard Earthworm Castings feature the greatest scent among all the picks on this list. These items smell like fresh rain in the forest.
While the scent is not for those with a sensitive nose, it helps attract bees and butterflies to stimulate pollination. You will get to see more flower and fruit production.
The castings are also fresh and not laden with moisture. They come in a dry and fine powder that mixes well with other potting materials.
We recommend a mixture of VermisTerra worm castings, coconut coir, pumice, peat moss, and compost for herbs and tomatoes. They will thrive; there is no root rot and mold.
Similar to the product of Dr. Verm’s, you should expect to see weeds appear around the plants. Therefore, you may want to combine them with herbicides if you want to beautify your pot.
What We Like
- Pleasant smell
- Non-toxic
- Safe for pollinators, pets, and children
- Comes in a resealable bag
- Odor-free
- Certified organic by USDA and CDFA
What Can Be Improved?
- Encourages weed development
Plantonix Worm Bliss Vegan Worm Castings – Best For Large-Area Application
- Organic Worm Fertilizer for Plants - Worm castings are a...
- 100% Vegan & Manure-Free - We raise our worms in a climate...
- Supports Microbial Activity - Using earthworm castings for...
The large bag holds 1 gallon of high-quality worm castings at an attractive price. So, it is best for large-area applications, for example, on lawns and golf courses.
Earthworms of Worm Bliss are raised in a climate-controlled environment, so its products are rich in nutrients. Therefore, a small amount of worm castings is enough to enrich a large area of soil.
Specifically, a 1-gallon bag of Plantonix can cover 80 square feet. It delivers over 60 micronutrients and minerals, providing long-term nutrient uptake and resistance to pests and diseases.
The finished product adds tiny worms to its composition. You may not like seeing these living things in potted houseplants. It’s still best for outdoor use.
What We Like
- Ideal for lawns and golf courses
- No harmful chemicals
- 60 micronutrients and minerals supplement
- Vegan and non-GMO
What Can Be Improved?
- Inhibits the reproduction of worm eggs
Worm Gold Plus Worm Castings – Best For Preventing Bug Attacks
No products found.
Worm Gold Plus contains 200 million CFU of Chitin decomposer to destroy fungal cell walls and insect exoskeletons. Thus, these worm castings work as an insecticide that protects plants from arthropods.
This product adds volcanic rock to its ingredient for underground mineral supplements. They work well to support plant growth.
Thus, these igneous rocks are an ideal fertilizer for your garden. They tend to release faster than other forms of rock for plants to take up instantly.
The packaging is the only defect of this product. As it does not come with a sealed zipper, you will find it challenging to store it for later use.
What We Like
- Protects plants from arthropods
- Adds volcanic rock for supporting plant growth
- Fast release for instant absorption
What Can Be Improved?
- Without sealed zipper
What Are The Benefits Of Worm Castings?
Strengthen Soil Health
Enrich Soil
Organic matter should make up 5% or more of the healthiest soil mixes. But modern farming techniques have robbed the soil of this precious resource.
Worm castings are an organic content that can enrich the soil. They boost plant growth hormones, minerals, and beneficial microbes. Microbial action converts Nitrogen into Nitrate that the plant can absorb.
Enhance Soil Aeration And Water Retention
This organic content contains football-shaped particles that improve the ability of soil to retain water and air circulation. It agglomerates the soil to prevent runoff and washing away minerals.
Long-Term Plant Growth
Stimulate Germination
Worm poop can retain moisture, stimulating plant growth and germination. However, studies suggest that vermicompost should not be more than 20% in seeding mixes.
Prevent Plant Diseases And Pests
Fulvic Acid humus in a worm casting product eliminates toxins, harmful fungi, and bacterial content in the soil. Therefore, worm humus helps protect sensitive plants from pests and diseases.
Additionally, it contains Chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down chitin – a derivative that forms the backbone of beetles. Adding worm manure is one way to prevent harmful insects from getting close to the plants.
Increase Production
Vermicompost contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and copper in the form that plants can absorb immediately without burning the plant roots. This instant absorption stimulates the plant to flower and fruit.
Using worm castings minimizes chemical odors in your garden. It results in the reappearance of the pollinators that increases the rate of pollination to boost plant yield.
A Buying Guide For Good Worm Castings
Maturity Of Worm Castings
The maturity of worm castings is the most critical aspect that customers need to consider.
Raw worm feces are products that the gastrointestinal system of worms has not metabolized. Not only does it contain suboptimal nutrients, but it also contains harmful bacterial activity.
Humidity Of Vermicast
Humidity determines the weight of vermicompost, so it also makes out the price of the product. Worm castings stored on shelves for long periods can become dehydrated due to temperature and improper storage.
Dry manure can kill bacteria or stop them from working. The worm manure you buy should have a moisture content of about 55-70%.
Purity Of The Product
Some customers buying worm castings for the first time often worry about whether it is 100% pure or comes with fillers. One way to tell this is by looking at the color of the product.
Pure worm composting comes with a dark brown cocoa shade, depending on the production facilities. If you see a yellow-brown product, it’s not vermicompost.
Additionally, non-uniform colors indicate that the product contains foreign materials.
Level Of Product Refinement
You will spot some objects in some products, including sand, food wastes, and worm bedding. The reason may be that the composting process is not strictly controlled.
As a rule of thumb, the fewer impurities a product has, the higher the price, but the value it brings is also higher. Besides, high-end products will have finer and more porous properties for easy application.
Are worm castings helpful to your vegetables?
Frequently Ask Questions
Are worm castings any good?
Yes.
Worm castings are a fantastic source of key nutrients for plants in your garden or in your potting mix. We have compiled a list of just a few good things worm castings do for your yard.
Worm castings enrich the soil, act as natural fertilizer, act as an ideal additive to make any plant healthier, and serve as food for worms (another important part of the ecosystem)!
What is the best food to feed worms for castings?
The best thing to feed the worms is a nutrient-rich source that is easy for them to digest.
Raw or cooked vegetables would be a good choice. Avoid meat, processed foods, and sugary snacks as these are hard on the digestive system and may result in poor egg production.
What are the disadvantages of worm castings?
The disadvantages of worm castings are the time it takes for them to break down (2 – 6 months) and how much they cost ($3 per pound).
You can also be left with “large poops” in your garden if you use too many.
The other disadvantage is scalability; there simply aren’t enough worms in the world to compost all our waste (which is around 600 million tons every year!)
Final Words
Above is an overview of the 7 best worm castings. Wiggle Worm Soil Builder is our favorite for its moist and fine texture and consistent quality. It also smells earthy and pleasant.
If you still do not know where to buy worm castings, our buying guides will help. An ideal option should boost crop yield and meet your affordability.
Last update on 2024-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API