Stockists, Information and FAQs

Worm Castings

What are worm castings?

Worm castings are the rich digested soil that worms leave behind (essentially worm poo). It is a 100% organic form of fertilizer composed of high levels of plant available nutrients, active soil bacteria and microbes. 

Worm castings aids plant growth. Using castings results in healthier plants with stronger root systems that are more resistant to disease and pests.

Worm castings makes soil more absorbent. This makes moisture more available to plants and prevents soil from completely drying out.

Worm castings are safe on all types of plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. Castings won’t burn your plants and can be used regularly. Castings are odourless and suitable for outdoor gardens, potted indoor plants and everything in between.

How do I use worm castings?

Worm castings can be used in a variety of different ways.

Potted plants: Mix at a 15-20% ratio with your chosen potting mix when repotting indoor or outdoor plants.

New plants (potted or in the ground): Place 2 cups of worm castings into the hole and around the plant to encourage stronger root growth and minimize stress.

Established plants: To give established plants a boost, spread a layer of worm castings around the base of the plant and water in. Cover with a thick layer of mulch to protect the bacteria and microbes. Repeat as often as required especially during flowering or fruiting.

Seed germination: To increase germination rate of seedlings mix worm castings at a 50% ratio with soil or potting mix and cover with a light layer of mulch to lock in moisture.

Soil rejuvenation: When rejuvenating tired soils spread worm castings at a rate of 4-6Kg per 1m squared and mix in to a depth of 10cm. If soil condition is poor a higher rate of application may be needed. Repeat each planting season. Be sure to mulch well to lock in the moisture and nutrients.

Can castings be used to brew a tea?

Yes, Our high quality castings is ideal for brewing worm tea liquid fertiliser.

Place the castings in a bucket of water at a ratio of 1-part castings to 5-parts water (1:5). Soaking time can vary but anywhere between 12 and 24 hours is ideal. Because of the tea’s natural ingredients it will not burn or harm the leaves or flowers of plants. It has been known to be used as an insect repellent.

Be sure to use the tea straight away, due to the live bacteria in the water the tea can turn anaerobic very quickly if stored. Please also be aware that the tea can stain some flowers.

How long can castings be stored for?

Sealed bags: Castings can been stored for up to three months in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Once opened: To prevent the castings from drying out we recommend that they are used within a week.

Compost Worms

What species of worms are in the compost mix?

Our compost worm mix contains Reds, Tigers, African Nightcrawlers and the occasional Blue.

Reds and Tigers are fantastic composters, they thrive in a variety of temperatures and are prolific breeders under the ideal conditions. Africans and Blues are larger worms and fantastic for fishing and pet food.

Why do we only pack adult worms?

Our experience in worms both farming and shipping them has lead us to filter out the babies and only send mature worms.

This serves many benefits:

  1. The worms travel and establish in their new home better.
  2. The worms will already be depositing cocoons (eggs). You will see your worm population increase quicker.
  3. Worms reach maturity (develop their Clitellum) in 40-60 days depending on species so we have done the hard work for you.
  4. Adult worms eat a larger volume of food scraps per day than hatchlings and juveniles.

Can compost worms be used in composting toilets?

Our compost mix is suitable for use in composting toilets and Biolytix systems. Worms are fantastic poo recyclers and will happily convert you waste into beautiful castings.

Other information:

How to care for your worms

We have written a detailed guide and are happy to share it with you. Leave a note at checkout and we will send you a copy.

The guide covers:

  • Worm anatomy
  • Bedding
  • Feeding
  • Watering
  • Temperature
  • Castings and cleaning out farms.

Shipping, collection and refunds

POSTAGE:

Worm orders that are received by Sunday afternoon will be packed and sent via express post the following Monday or Tuesday. You will be sent either an email or text message with the tracking details for your order.

COLLECTION:

Worm castings are packed fresh to order and are usually ready for pick up within 2-4 days.

Worms are packed weekly, each Monday.

You will receive a text message when your order is ready. Pick up is via appointment.

REFUNDS:

We offer a live worm guarantee.

Very rarely, but sometimes there are issues outside of our control with shipment and your worms arrive dead. We offer a live worm guarantee. Upon delivery please check your worms and advise us within the same day if they have not arrived in a healthy condition.

If you are unhappy with your worms condition please:

  1. contact us via phone: 0415 058 618 or email ruralearthworms@gmail.com.
  2. take photos and videos for proof.
  3. We will be in contact with you within 2 business days.
  4. If we deem that your worms arrived dead due to postage we will happily send you are fresh box of worms, including free postage. You are also welcome to a refund if you prefer. 


PLEASE NOTE:

  • We will not be responsible for worms that die after they have been safely delivered into your care. 
  • All worm orders are packed on Monday morning. Changes or cancellations to your order are not possible once it has been packed for shipment.
  • Live compost worms and castings are unable to be returned due to change of mind. If the product is faulty we will happily work with you to find a resolution.
  • All orders require signature on delivery. Please ensure someone is home to sign, or use a alternative address. We do post to a PO BOX.

Stockists

The Plant Shack: 2 Krause St, Deception Bay QLD 4508. (07) 3888 3737

Australian Landscape Supplies: Unit 1/360 Fison Ave E, Eagle Farm QLD 4009. (07) 3667 7009

Bamboo Downunder: 930 Tamborine Oxenford Rd, Wongawallan QLD 4210. 0421 465 146

Peadon Rural: 10 Industrial Rd, Crows Nest QLD 4355. (07) 4698 2299

Yandina Hardware: 22 Farrell St, Yandina QLD 4561. (07) 5446 8588

With a growing demand for our worm castings, we are looking for stockists to help make our castings more available to customers. If you think this might be you please contact us for more information and pricing.