1. Worm Castings –The Original Soil Conditioner And Other Conditioners Chris Franco, Gateway Rose Society

2. Program Agenda Castings-The “Original” Soil Conditioner Nutritional Information Benefits Fungal Control Uses & How to Apply Other Soil Conditioners Sources References

3. Castings-What are They? It starts with the dirt and an appetite – Earth worms consume “dirt” for the plant and animal organic matter it contains.

4. Eat, Eat, Eat… Earthworm Anatomy 101

5. After Meals… – Earthworms excrete “castings”

6. About Castings… – About Castings… Castings contain >10,000 different biological organisms. Microbes in the castings further breakdown organic material to so that it is available to plant root feeder cells.

7. Castings and Nutrition Unlike “Soluble” fertilizers – Organic matter nutrients are not “lost” to leaching – Hyphae “wrap” nutrients Transport nutrition to plants For “aggregates” build soil structure

9. Castings and Nutrition The N and P and K of it all? – About 3-1-1.5 (varies) Organic source – Acts like higher concentration – Steady absorption – Long lasting nutrition Guaranteed Analysis – pH about 6.7 to 7-GREAT!!

10. Benefits of Castings Low Nitrogen is non burning-can be applied in root zone Slow release nitrogen & Over 60 high quality micronutrients pH friendly and no odor Repel pests that feed on plant juices (via plant enzyme production)

11. As little as 5% worm castings added to plants can increase there vigor and flowering. Plants on left without. Plants on right with

13. Castings and Fungal Control Castings have 10,000 souls on board – Bacteria, molds, beneficial fungi, etc. Plant fungal infections occur due to fungal imbalance – The wrong fungi bind nitrogen -> impaired growth, weakness, etc. Traditional approaches to control? – chemical fungicides

14. Castings and Fungal Control Key point: Casting introduce beneficial soil organisms Theory: castings bring soil with fungal problems into balance Field studies indicate castings restored balance to soil high in phytophora and fusarium Casting applied – Vigor returned – phytophoria and fusarium levels reduced

15. Uses & How to Apply Application for established Roses – Mix 4 cups 2-3 inches below the surface for each plant once per year. How much for new Roses – One part castings to three parts of your preferred soil mix.

16. Uses & How to Apply Compost Tea – One part castings to three parts water – Stir well and allow to sit for 12-24 hours. Stir well again. – Water as usual…

17. Soil Structure and Conditioners Soil Types – Sand – Silt – Clay

18. Soil Range

19. Types of Soils What type of Soil do you have?? Measure! – 1 Quart Jar with Lid and a hand trowel – At 4 inches down, take 4-5 scoops from different spots in your yard or bed – Fill the jar 1/3 to ½ full. Add water to an inch below the top – Mix like crazy!! – Let the mixture settle (might take overnight)

20. The Results!!!

21. So, Now What? What do roses like? 1/3 clay, 1/3 course sand,1/3 decomposed organics matter

22. Conditioning Your Soil For new roses: – Follow the above recipe For existing roses: – Add conditioners as needed by soil type – If roses are growing poorly, replant Soil Testing – Soil testing measures the results of general soil fertility. – Test results include essential nutrients for plants, pH, – Will provide suggestions for fertilization applications.

23. Local Sources for Castings Gateway Rose Society!! Castings Happen in Racine – 262-323-1975 – www.flowersonspring.com www.flowersonspring.com Local Garden Shops

24. References www.stclaireseeds.com/worm_castings www.wormsetc.com/worms-etc-blog/2010 www.organicrosecare.com/articles/worm www.sdhydroponics.com/resources/articles www.mypeoplepc.com/members/arbra www.wormcompostingblog.com/worm http://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/

25. Thank you!!