Basil Gardeners use Worm Castings

Basil Plants are great companion plants for Tomatoes and other vegetables.  You can keep your Basil plants healthy and strong with just a little extra nutrition.

As explained by Jerry in this interview, Worm Castings are excellent nutrition for Basil plants too. They will grow 30 to 300% faster.

There are 2 ways to feed your Basil plants the worm castings.  You can apply directly in the soil, or you can make Worm Casting Tea.

Let me explain.

I use worm castings in the soil when I plant the basil seeds.  When I transfer the seedlings into small pots I put about a tablespoon of worm castings in the hole that I am going to put the seedling into.  I then use some more when I transplant into either the ground or into a larger container that I am going to raise the Basil plant in.

This is the time that I start the Worm Casting Tea.  You can not give your Basil plants too much worm castings.  It is not like regular fertilizer at all.  You can not over fertilize with worm castings.  That is the beauty of using worm castings, Nature”s Superfood.

I also, put some live earth worms in each pot.  You need to feed the worms a little extra nutrition, so each month, I put some used coffee or tea grounds on the soil before I water.

You can purchase Worm Castings from Ramona’s Basil Garden Gifts.

My Worm Casting Tea Recipe is just a little different than Jerry’s.

Worm Casting Tea Recipe

1 tablespoon Molasses
1/2 cup Worm Castings
1 gallon cool water

Directions

Place all the ingredients in an airtight container and store in a cool dark area over night or up to 2 days. Before watering your plants, stir and then water as you usually do. If the Worm Castings settle, just stir them up. After you have used all the water and there are some Worm Castings remaining in the bottom of your water container. You can either make more Worm Casting Tea, or you can swish some water and pour in your potted plant.