Using humus and vermicompost in the garden and vegetable patch

Natural fertilizers are excellent for producing abundant and healthy harvests. One of the most popular and convenient in this category is vermicompost. Let's take a closer look.

Description of vermicompost

Vermicompost is the excrement of earthworms. It is used as a fertilizer for seedlings when the soil is depleted. It is a completely natural, organic product, biologically active and pure. Its natural composition significantly improves crop yields without harming the plants. It appears as a crumbly, black mass, similar to black soil, and has a pleasant aroma.

The fertilizer does not contain weed seeds, eggs of various parasites or pathogenic microflora.

Features of the use of vermicompost

Vermicompost is typically added to the soil during tilling. The fertilizer is suitable for all types of plants and soils, and can be used in both open garden beds and greenhouses. Vermicompost can be applied in any season; it is resistant to dampness and cold. One thing to note: vermicompost is not suitable for peat soils. When combined with peat, the fertilizer will ruin the plants. Before using the fertilizer, make sure the soil is not based on peat.

Even a single application of fertilizer produces a good effect that lasts for 3-4 years (sometimes up to 7 years). However, for best results, annual application is recommended.

Vermicompost can be used both as a primary fertilizer and as a top dressing. It is also suitable for soil restoration and reclamation, insect control, and seed germination (vermicompost tea).

Garden and vegetable garden

Biohumus is suitable for garden plants, vegetable gardens, greenhouses, trees and shrubs (including forest ones), lawns and indoor flowers.

In the garden, it can be used for planting and subsequent fertilization of any shrubs, trees, flowers, and herbs. Among other methods, humus can be sprayed on flower buds, which increases yield. Fruit-bearing trees and shrubs can also be mulched annually with a layer of vermicompost (approximately 2 cm).

Using vermicompost on garden plants significantly increases yields. For example, tomato and cucumber yields can increase by 20-30%, potato yields by up to 40%, and green leafy vegetables by up to 45%.

Maintaining the norms for applying vermicompost

When applying vermicompost, follow the recommended rates. They are calculated for each plant:

• potatoes – 150-200 g in each planting hole;
• vegetables and greens – 0.5-1 kg per 1 sq.m.;
• tomatoes – 200-250 ml for each sprout;
• strawberries – 150-200 ml under each bush when planting, water thoroughly;
• winter crops – 700 g per 1 sq.m., mix with soil;
• fruit trees – 2 kg for each seedling, mix with soil;
• bushes – 1.5 kg in a hole under the bush, mix with soil;
• top dressing during the growing season – 1 l per 1 sq.m. monthly;
• Fertilizing indoor plants – 2-3 tablespoons per plant monthly.

Don't be afraid to use too much fertilizer. Vermicompost is harmless to plants, so exceeding the recommended dose won't harm them.

Application of water infusion of vermicompost

A vermicompost infusion, also known as vermicompost tea, is easy to make at home. Mix 1 cup of dry vermicompost with a bucket of room-temperature water and let it steep for 24 hours.

Soak plant seeds in the resulting solution for approximately 12 hours before planting. The infusion is also used to spray fruit trees, shrubs, and flowers at any stage of their development.

Liquid vermicompost – composition

Liquid vermicompost is an extract from dry vermicompost that retains all its properties but is even more concentrated. It contains:

• humates;
• useful microelements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, etc.);
• vitamins;
• fulvic acids;
• amino acids;
• hormones of natural origin;
• compost.

Liquid vermicompost is more popular than dry vermicompost due to its greater efficiency.

Instructions for use

Liquid vermicompost is used in 3 cases:

• for pre-sowing preparation of seeds;
• before planting seedlings into the soil;
• for spraying.

In the first case, liquid humus must be dissolved in water at a ratio of 1:20. The seeds are soaked in the resulting liquid for 6 (legumes) to 24 (parsley, dill) hours. It's worth noting that onions and potatoes should only be soaked for half an hour before planting.

Before planting seedlings, vermicompost should be dissolved in water in a ratio of 1:50 and poured into each hole.

Plants should be sprayed with a dilute solution of liquid humus and water (1:200 ratio). This method is suitable for all crops.

Making vermicompost at home

There are many ways to prepare humus. Here are the simplest instructions, so anyone can make the fertilizer.

1. Prepare the base. This may include vegetable and fruit peelings, seed shells, eggshells, bread scraps, and other food scraps.
2. Grind the mixture in a blender until smooth. Dry it.
3. Fill the bottom of the container with 3-4 cm of soil and add the worms. Mix the resulting mixture into the soil in equal proportions.
4. Punch holes in the bottom of the container (for drainage) and in the lid (for air). The humus "farm" is ready.
5. Add fresh organic matter to the soil every 2-3 weeks. Water the soil periodically with warm water to prevent it from drying out.

Now the worms will live in the upper part of the container, and vermicompost will form underneath. The container should be left in a warm place for 4-5 months until the fertilizer is ready for use.

You can dig up worms or buy them at the store. Californian red worms are best—they're the most active. Earthworms and earthworms are also suitable.

Precautionary measures

Vermicompost is non-toxic, so there are no special requirements for its use. However, hygiene rules should be observed. Wear rubber gloves before use and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Avoid getting any fertilizer particles on your skin or inside your body.

If humus gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap; if it gets into your eyes or on mucous membranes, rinse with plenty of water; if swallowed, induce vomiting using a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Rules for storing vermicompost

Store in a dry, closed area away from food, children, and animals. Humus retains its properties even after drying, freezing, and thawing. The formation of sediment in liquid vermicompost also does not affect its quality. Do not leave the fertilizer exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.

The substance is non-flammable and non-explosive. Shelf life is 1.5 years from the date of manufacture.

Reviews

Here's what gardeners and horticulturists are writing about vermicompost. It's worth noting that forum members generally prefer liquid fertilizer.

Milana, Nizhny Novgorod:

"We have a couple of greenhouses. The yield is small, but we wanted more. We bought vermicompost and sprayed it weekly on our tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants. The results are amazing; we've never seen such growth before! The peppers are now 1.5 meters tall, while they used to be quite short. And the harvest is absolutely wonderful! The peppers are gigantic (we planted giant ones, but they never grew like this before), and the tomatoes and cucumbers are 1.5 times bigger! I won't comment on the eggplants yet; this is our first year growing them, but we're already full. I recommend vermicompost to everyone and will be buying more!"

Venus, Bobruisk

"It's an excellent fertilizer if used on regular soil. If you use it on peat, the plants will simply burn. There's no problem with vermicompost; you just need to make sure it's the color of weak tea. Flowers love it, especially indoor roses. But my soil was peat-based, and after the first watering, my roses almost burned! I immediately pulled them out and put them in water, and they quickly recovered. So you have to be careful. I've been using it on regular soil for four years now, and it lasts a long time and produces good results."