If you’re a lawn enthusiast, then you’ve probably heard of worm casts. Worms are great for soil health, but their casting can be a problem for lawn owners. Worm casts are essentially piles of worm excrement that worms leave on the surface of your lawn. While these excrement piles can be unsightly, there are ways to deal with them effectively. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about worm casts.
What are worm casts?
Worm casts are basically worm excrement or faeces. Worms digest soil and organic matter, and their digestive system breaks down and releases essential nutrients into the soil. As they come to the surface of the soil, they leave behind their casting. These casts are rich in nutrients and are excellent for the soil. However, they can cause problems for lawn owners when they accumulate on the surface. If the casts are not dispersed they can be compressed by mowers or feet and these areas then become “capped” (areas of soil which the grass plant cannot push through).
Are worm castings fertiliser?
Worm castings are an excellent source of fertiliser. They are rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. They are a natural and sustainable way to improve soil health and promote plant growth. However, when worm casts accumulate on the surface of the lawn, they can create an uneven surface, making it difficult to mow the lawn.
Can worm castings replace fertiliser?
Worm castings are rich in nutrients and can be a valuable addition to your lawn care routine. However, they should not be used as a replacement for fertiliser. While worm castings contain some of the essential nutrients that plants need, they do not provide a balanced blend of nutrients as fertiliser does. Instead, worm castings can be used in conjunction with fertiliser to improve soil health and promote healthy plant growth.
How to prevent worm casts on your lawn
Prevention is the best cure when it comes to worm casts. Here are some tips to prevent them from appearing on your lawn:
- Increasing the acidity of your soil is the number one way to reduce worm populations as they do not like acidic soil.
- Apply a sandy top dressing as the worms do not like the angular particles going through their system.
- Remove any available food sources, leaf litter etc.
- Reduce soil moisture: Worms are attracted to moist soil, so reducing soil moisture can discourage them from casting on your lawn. Avoid overwatering your lawn and improve soil drainage if necessary. Naturally worm casting will be more prevalent during the spring and autumn.
- Aerate your lawn: Aerating your lawn can help to break up soil compaction and improve drainage, which can discourage worm casting.
- Avoid excess fertilisation: Over-fertilisation can lead to an increase in worm activity and casting. Be sure to follow recommended fertilisation rates for your lawn type.
How to deal with worm casts
Dealing with worm casts can be a challenge, but there are ways to manage them effectively. The best way to deal with them is to rake the casts and spread them evenly across the lawn. This will help to distribute nutrients and improve soil health. Another option is to use a lawn sand treatment. Lawn sand contains a high concentration of iron sulfate, which helps to break down the casts and improve the appearance of the lawn.
Additionally, you can use a worm control product to reduce the number of worms in your lawn. However, it’s important to use these products responsibly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. These are often products to make the soil more acidic and have varying levels of effectiveness.
Conclusion
Worm casts can be a problem for lawn owners, but they are also a sign of healthy soil. While they can be unsightly, they are an excellent source of nutrients and organic matter. Therefore, it’s important to manage them effectively and use them to improve soil health. By using the tips outlined in this article, you can deal with worm casts and maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn.