What's the fastest way to see results?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Utilizing worm tea produces visible results faster than any other method. To make an effective foliar spray, soak castings in water for 24 hours. Apply it directly to leaves for nutritional absorption within hours. You will see greener foliage in 7 to 10 days and accelerated flowering within 2 weeks. Applying directly to the soil is slightly more time-consuming, but you will have noticeably stronger roots.
Worm Tea Preparation
- Steep 1 cup castings in 5 gallons dechlorinated water
- Aerate with aquarium pump for 24 hours
- Strain through cheesecloth before application
Optimal Application Methods
- Foliar spray: Mist leaves until runoff at dawn or dusk
- Soil drench: Pour 1 quart per plant weekly
- Seed soak: Dip seeds before planting for faster germination
Fast-Response Plants
- Leafy greens show color improvement within 5 days
- Tomatoes accelerate flowering after 10 days
- Annual flowers bloom 7 days earlier with weekly sprays
The best time for speed is early in the day, when leaf stomata are at their zenith of openness. Avoid the broiling sun of noon when evaporation generally roller coasters. Spray after rain or watering when plants are in a receptive state. I have a spray schedule every five days during periods of rapid growth. The regularity of the treatments will yield cumulative results more quickly than the soil treatments.
Certain plants exhibit strong reactions. Leafy vegetables take on color within a week, ornamental plants, such as petunias, bloom one week earlier. Our basil plants increased leaf size by 100% in ten days. Seedlings get sturdier stems when sprayed at transplanting time. Check for visible growth when spraying new growth.
Brew Properly to Increase Potency. To protect the microbes, use non-chlorinated water. Increase temperatures to the 70° to 80° range during the brew. Constant aeration during brewing is recommended for the oxygen-loving bacteria. I test the readiness for use by smell: sweet earthiness indicates the maximum potency. Use it immediately after straining.
Read the full article: Unlocking the Benefits of Worm Castings
