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In addition to improving garden soil in general, Vermi compost has a number of specific and specialized uses in the garden. Earthworm compost is more concentrated than most other composts so use it sparingly for best results.Vermi compost can be mixed directly into the soil, or leached in water and made into a worm "tea" by mixing some Vermi compost in water and steeping for a few days. The microbial activity of the compost is greater if it is aerated during this period, but mixing it with air using an aquarium or fountain pump. The resulting liquid is used as a fertilizer or sprayed on the plants.
• The dark brown waste liquid leachate, or worm "juice", that drains into the bottom of most worm bins, can be applied back to the bin when added moisture is needed, or it can be made into a very rich "tea" for watering fertilizing, or foliar feeding. Since it is very strong, it MUST be diluted before use.
• The pH, nutrient, and microbial content of these fertilizers varies upon the inputs fed to earthworms, but tends to be acidic. Test the acidity with a litmus paper and add lime to adjust the pH within a range of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Vermi compost can be used in potting soil mixes. For healthy seedlings, mix one part worm compost with three parts potting mix, or three parts sand and soil combined, or equal parts of peat moss, Perlite and earthworm castings.
• In the garden mix earthworm compost into the bottom of seeding trenches ortransplanting holes.
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• Earthworm castings can be used as a top dressing for house plants. Lay a thin layer around the plant stem covering the surface of your potting soil. Each time you water the nutrients will percolate into the plant roots.
• Vermi compost also makes an excellent mulch and soil conditioner for the home garden. Apply a one-inch layer to the soil around plants. Be sure not to pile it against plant stems.
• To amend soil, earthworm compost can be spread one-half to two inches thick over garden soil and mixed in before planting.
• Worm juice tea is an excellent booster for seedlings, and young transplants.
• Earthworm casting and worm juice teas are superior foliar feeds.
Tuesday, 7 July 2015
Benefits of Vermicompost
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The following are the plant growth Benefits of Vermicompost
• Enhances rates of seed germination. The germination rate was 65 to 70 percent higher in controlled treatments with earthworm compost as compared with soil that had no earthworms.
• Increased availability of soil nutrients results in superior plant growth and crop yields.
• Improves structure and growth of plant roots.
• Reduces transplant shock.
The following are the environmental Benefits of Vermicompost
• Reduces the waste stream by recycling food waste, and closes the energy/nutrient loop when used to grow food crops.
• Reduces contamination of other recyclable materials collected in conjunction with food waste.
• Production reduces greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitric oxide, which are produced in landfills and waste incinerators.
• Reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions required by transport of food wastes since waste products are consumed on-site.
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The following are the economic Benefits of Vermicompost
• Conversion bio-wastes to saleable products creates new business opportunities.
• Creates low-skill jobs at local level.
• Low capital investment and relatively simple technologies make Vermi composting practical for less-developed agricultural regions.
Benefits of Vermicompost - Plant Growth
The following are the plant growth Benefits of Vermicompost
• Enhances rates of seed germination. The germination rate was 65 to 70 percent higher in controlled treatments with earthworm compost as compared with soil that had no earthworms.
• Increased availability of soil nutrients results in superior plant growth and crop yields.
• Improves structure and growth of plant roots.
• Reduces transplant shock.
Benefits of Vermicompost - Environmental
The following are the environmental Benefits of Vermicompost
• Reduces the waste stream by recycling food waste, and closes the energy/nutrient loop when used to grow food crops.
• Reduces contamination of other recyclable materials collected in conjunction with food waste.
• Production reduces greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitric oxide, which are produced in landfills and waste incinerators.
• Reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions required by transport of food wastes since waste products are consumed on-site.
Benefits of Vermicompost - Economic
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The following are the economic Benefits of Vermicompost
• Conversion bio-wastes to saleable products creates new business opportunities.
• Creates low-skill jobs at local level.
• Low capital investment and relatively simple technologies make Vermi composting practical for less-developed agricultural regions.
Soil Benefits of Vermi compost
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Earthworms are accountable for a variety of soil elements including the amount of air and water that travels into soil. They break down organic matter and when they eat, they leave behind excrement that is an exceptionally valuable type of fertilizer. Worms, by simply eating, excreting, and living turn common garden soil into soil of superior quality.
• Increases soil fertility. Earthworm castings in the home garden often contain far more nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium than the surrounding soil.
• Secretions from the intestinal tracts of earthworms, along with soil passing through the earthworms, make nutrients more concentrated and available for plant uptake, including micronutrients, such as calcium, zinc and boron.
• Burrowing earthworms increase soil aeration and water transport. Worm castings when mixed with garden soil create better texture and soil-enhancing properties including increased porosity, aeration, and drainage.
• Enriches soil with micro-organisms, adding enzymes such as phophatase and celluase, and plant hormones such as auxins and gibberellic acid.
• Earthworms stimulate microbial decomposition and improve soil structure by encouraging aggregation of particles. Microbial secretions and growth of fungal hyphae stabilize the worm castings. Microbial activity in earthworm castings is 10 to 20 times higher than in the soil and organic matter that the earthworm ingests.
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• Improves water holding capacity. Worm-worked soil is relatively water-stable and will resist soil compaction and run-off due to rains.
• Vermi compost offers plants disease-fighting properties; lower anaerobic rotting odors; and enhanced microbial activity. Harmful organisms such as Salmonella bacteria are destroyed at a higher rate.
• Attracts deep-burrowing earthworms already present in the soil.
• Earthworm activity decreases the amount of heavy metals present in the soil.
Experiments have shown that as earthworms ingest soil particles they absorb heavy metals in their gut, decreasing bio-available metals between 35 percent and 55 percent in two months.
Earthworms are accountable for a variety of soil elements including the amount of air and water that travels into soil. They break down organic matter and when they eat, they leave behind excrement that is an exceptionally valuable type of fertilizer. Worms, by simply eating, excreting, and living turn common garden soil into soil of superior quality.
• Increases soil fertility. Earthworm castings in the home garden often contain far more nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium than the surrounding soil.
• Secretions from the intestinal tracts of earthworms, along with soil passing through the earthworms, make nutrients more concentrated and available for plant uptake, including micronutrients, such as calcium, zinc and boron.
• Burrowing earthworms increase soil aeration and water transport. Worm castings when mixed with garden soil create better texture and soil-enhancing properties including increased porosity, aeration, and drainage.
• Enriches soil with micro-organisms, adding enzymes such as phophatase and celluase, and plant hormones such as auxins and gibberellic acid.
• Earthworms stimulate microbial decomposition and improve soil structure by encouraging aggregation of particles. Microbial secretions and growth of fungal hyphae stabilize the worm castings. Microbial activity in earthworm castings is 10 to 20 times higher than in the soil and organic matter that the earthworm ingests.
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• Improves water holding capacity. Worm-worked soil is relatively water-stable and will resist soil compaction and run-off due to rains.
• Vermi compost offers plants disease-fighting properties; lower anaerobic rotting odors; and enhanced microbial activity. Harmful organisms such as Salmonella bacteria are destroyed at a higher rate.
• Attracts deep-burrowing earthworms already present in the soil.
• Earthworm activity decreases the amount of heavy metals present in the soil.
Experiments have shown that as earthworms ingest soil particles they absorb heavy metals in their gut, decreasing bio-available metals between 35 percent and 55 percent in two months.
Earthworms & Vermi composting
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In the animal kingdom, earthworms are the kings of composting. They simply eat all of the kitchen wastes and garden waste that we give to them and excrete an amazingly rich form of compost and fertilizer as their "castings". In addition to building a compost heap to process massive quantities of plant waste and animal manures, building a worm bin is the next best addition to your garden.
Vermi composting, or vermin culture, is the process of creating a comfortable home for earthworms; feeding them judiciously with rich succulent food, like kitchen waste; and harvesting the nutrient rich castings and liquid (worm juice) that they produce. Containing water-soluble nutrients and bacteria, earthworm castings, also known as vermicast, are perhaps the richest organic fertilizer and soil conditioner available.
Vermi composting is the easiest way to recycle food wastes and avoids the needless loss of vegetative food nutrients to the landfill or municipal dump. It is relatively easy, requires a simple setup and maintenance, can be employed indoors and out. Composting with earthworms is ideal for those who do not have the space or need for an ordinary outdoor compost pile. A small worm bin can be placed in your house or apartment, as well as in the garage, backyard, or garden.
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Vermi compost contains not only earthworm castings, but also bedding materials and organic wastes at various stages of decomposition. It also contains worms at various stages of development and other microorganisms associated with the composting processing. A worm bin is a community of hundreds or thousands of small but mighty soil builders.
Only a few things are needed to make good worm compost: a bin, bedding, earthworms, moisture, and a constant source of food.
In the animal kingdom, earthworms are the kings of composting. They simply eat all of the kitchen wastes and garden waste that we give to them and excrete an amazingly rich form of compost and fertilizer as their "castings". In addition to building a compost heap to process massive quantities of plant waste and animal manures, building a worm bin is the next best addition to your garden.
Vermi composting, or vermin culture, is the process of creating a comfortable home for earthworms; feeding them judiciously with rich succulent food, like kitchen waste; and harvesting the nutrient rich castings and liquid (worm juice) that they produce. Containing water-soluble nutrients and bacteria, earthworm castings, also known as vermicast, are perhaps the richest organic fertilizer and soil conditioner available.
Vermi composting is the easiest way to recycle food wastes and avoids the needless loss of vegetative food nutrients to the landfill or municipal dump. It is relatively easy, requires a simple setup and maintenance, can be employed indoors and out. Composting with earthworms is ideal for those who do not have the space or need for an ordinary outdoor compost pile. A small worm bin can be placed in your house or apartment, as well as in the garage, backyard, or garden.
[ad_right]
Vermi compost contains not only earthworm castings, but also bedding materials and organic wastes at various stages of decomposition. It also contains worms at various stages of development and other microorganisms associated with the composting processing. A worm bin is a community of hundreds or thousands of small but mighty soil builders.
Only a few things are needed to make good worm compost: a bin, bedding, earthworms, moisture, and a constant source of food.
Herbs from Seed
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Why not have a go at growing some herbs from seed. It is cheaper than buying your herbs from a Nursery. There is a bonus too in that you give your plants to family and friends.
What you’ll need – You don’t need to spend a fortune on all that fancy equipment at The Nurseries .
Compost. Use a seed compost as this has the right nutrient balance.
River Sand. Add this to the compost to aid drainage and use them to cover the seeds.
Pots. 10 cm pots are ideal, but plastic sweet boxes will do the job too just put some drainage hole in them.
Propagator. Helps with germination because you can control temperature. But a sunny window sill will do too.
Buy your seeds. And follow the guide to sowing on the back of the packet.
Sowing calendar for Herbs.
Chives. Sow in pots in March, and sow outside April to May
Coriander. Sow in pots in March, and sow outside April to May
Marjoram. Sow in March
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Oregano. Sow in March
Parsley. Sow in pots in March, and outside in May to June
Rosemary. Sow into pots in March
Sage. Sow into pots in March
Thyme. Sow in pots from February to March
Basil. Sow in pots in March
Fennel. Sow in pots in March and outside in April to May
Why not have a go at growing some herbs from seed. It is cheaper than buying your herbs from a Nursery. There is a bonus too in that you give your plants to family and friends.
What you’ll need – You don’t need to spend a fortune on all that fancy equipment at The Nurseries .
Compost. Use a seed compost as this has the right nutrient balance.
River Sand. Add this to the compost to aid drainage and use them to cover the seeds.
Pots. 10 cm pots are ideal, but plastic sweet boxes will do the job too just put some drainage hole in them.
Propagator. Helps with germination because you can control temperature. But a sunny window sill will do too.
Buy your seeds. And follow the guide to sowing on the back of the packet.
Sowing calendar for Herbs.
Chives. Sow in pots in March, and sow outside April to May
Coriander. Sow in pots in March, and sow outside April to May
Marjoram. Sow in March
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Oregano. Sow in March
Parsley. Sow in pots in March, and outside in May to June
Rosemary. Sow into pots in March
Sage. Sow into pots in March
Thyme. Sow in pots from February to March
Basil. Sow in pots in March
Fennel. Sow in pots in March and outside in April to May
Monday, 6 July 2015
Euphorbia obtusifolia
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The genius Euphorbia is a very large one with over 2,000 species. More than half of them are succulents and some are with very strange or unusual shapes and fleshy leaves and somas look like cacti with spines. Among the non-succulent plants are shrubs, annuals, and perennials like milkweed and Poinsettia.
When the leaves of the Euphorbia genus plants or stems are wounded they exude a poisonous milky sap or latex, which irritates skin and eyes.
The Euphorbia flowers are called as a cyathium or cyathia in plural. The cyathia are tiny and are without petals or sepals, but usually surrounded by colorful bracts, which last several weeks or even months.
All Euphorbia flowers are asexual, but most have both male and female flowers in one plant.
Most of the succulent Euphorbias need plenty of sunlight. These prefer full sun, but most can tolerate partial shades. The mature size varies with species, from a few inches to large shrubs or even trees.
Most Euphorbia plants bloom in summer and are dormant in winter.
Many of the Euphorbias are slow growing and make excellent container plants.
Euphorbias are easy to grow. They require a little water to get established, but once they get established, they are self-sufficient, requires no special care. As a matter of fact, more die due to too much care and watering but not out of neglect.
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Euphorbia plants can be grown from seeds, but it is difficult, as it normally does not germinate. It can be easily propagated by cuttings.
Euphorbias require well-draining sandy soil and more sunlight. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia cannot withstand long droughts. It needs weekly watering in summer. Water deeply, but let not the water get logged, which causes root rot.
Add some organic fertilizer on monthly basis. Euphorbia plants grow problem free, but sometimes some pests and diseases may attack.
Euphorbia obtusifolia is simply, an awesome and appealing rare plant of the genius Euphorbia. This Euphorbia obtusifolia hails from the Canary Islands, a place that excels in strange and unusual plants. The leaves are thin and grey green that makes a pleasant backdrop for the pale green or yellow flowers and the yellow to red seed pods.
This easily grows in free-draining soil and attains about 6 inches in height and width, depending on the climate. With age, it becomes tree like, with a symmetrical branch structure and has grayish trunk. This can be an excellent specimen for a key spot in a dry garden. In a shallow pot it makes a tempting bonsai! Like all Euphorbia plants, the sap of this plant is also poisonous.
The genius Euphorbia is a very large one with over 2,000 species. More than half of them are succulents and some are with very strange or unusual shapes and fleshy leaves and somas look like cacti with spines. Among the non-succulent plants are shrubs, annuals, and perennials like milkweed and Poinsettia.
When the leaves of the Euphorbia genus plants or stems are wounded they exude a poisonous milky sap or latex, which irritates skin and eyes.
The Euphorbia flowers are called as a cyathium or cyathia in plural. The cyathia are tiny and are without petals or sepals, but usually surrounded by colorful bracts, which last several weeks or even months.
All Euphorbia flowers are asexual, but most have both male and female flowers in one plant.
Most of the succulent Euphorbias need plenty of sunlight. These prefer full sun, but most can tolerate partial shades. The mature size varies with species, from a few inches to large shrubs or even trees.
Most Euphorbia plants bloom in summer and are dormant in winter.
Many of the Euphorbias are slow growing and make excellent container plants.
Growing Tips
Euphorbias are easy to grow. They require a little water to get established, but once they get established, they are self-sufficient, requires no special care. As a matter of fact, more die due to too much care and watering but not out of neglect.
[ad_ [ad_right]
Euphorbia plants can be grown from seeds, but it is difficult, as it normally does not germinate. It can be easily propagated by cuttings.
Euphorbias require well-draining sandy soil and more sunlight. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia cannot withstand long droughts. It needs weekly watering in summer. Water deeply, but let not the water get logged, which causes root rot.
Add some organic fertilizer on monthly basis. Euphorbia plants grow problem free, but sometimes some pests and diseases may attack.
Euphorbia obtusifolia
Euphorbia obtusifolia is simply, an awesome and appealing rare plant of the genius Euphorbia. This Euphorbia obtusifolia hails from the Canary Islands, a place that excels in strange and unusual plants. The leaves are thin and grey green that makes a pleasant backdrop for the pale green or yellow flowers and the yellow to red seed pods.
This easily grows in free-draining soil and attains about 6 inches in height and width, depending on the climate. With age, it becomes tree like, with a symmetrical branch structure and has grayish trunk. This can be an excellent specimen for a key spot in a dry garden. In a shallow pot it makes a tempting bonsai! Like all Euphorbia plants, the sap of this plant is also poisonous.
Friday, 3 July 2015
Panchagavya
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Panchagavya is also known as panchakavyam. Panchagavya is a mixture of five products of cow. The cow’s dung, cow’s urine and cow’s milk are the three direct constituents and the cow’s curd and cow’s ghee are the two derivative products. These five products are mixed in proper ratio and fermented. The mixture is usually made using yeast, bananas, groundnut cake and the tender coconut water. This is a potent organic pesticide as well as a growth promoter. The word Panchagavya means "mixture of five cow’s products," in Sanskrit and it has been in use traditionally in Indian rituals throughout the ancient times and is of religious significance Hinduism. Panchagavya is also known as Cow Pathy treatment in Ayurvedic medicine.
Panchgavya is in use as a fertilizer, pesticide and growth promoter in organic agriculture.
The standard of Panchagavyas are mentioned in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. CSIR is the patent owner of Panchagavya.
Panchagavya consists of nine products viz. cow’s dung, cow’s urine, cow’s milk, cow’s curd, cow’s ghee, banana, tender coconut, jaggery and water. The cow’s dung is mixed with cow’s ghee thoroughly and kept for 3 days. After 3 days, it is mixed for another 15 days at regular intervals and then added to the other 7 ingredients and kept for another 30 days. Panchagavya is usually stored in a wide open earthen pot in the open. Then it turns clear and it is used directly or sometimes diluted further with water before use.
Studies have been conducted to confirm the efficacy of Panchagavya for human medicinal use and have shown no positive benefits or significant side effects.
In gardening
As a fertilizer, pesticide and growth promoter.
As a pre treatment for seed germination.
As a pre treatment for rhizomes like turmeric and ginger.
As a plant growth promoter and immunity developer.
In Medicine
The medicinal use of panchakavya is practiced in Ayurveda. Cow’s urine therapy is recommended for curing several diseases such as certain cancer types, though these claims have no research or scientific evidences.
Do it yourself Panchagavya for Organic Gardening (DIY Panchagavya for Organic Gardening)
[ad_right]Ingredients for 5 liters
Cow’s Dung 500 gms.
Cow’s Urine 500 ml.
Cow's Milk 500 ml.
Cow’s Curd 500 gms.
Cow’s Ghee 500 gms.
Jaggery 250 gms.
Bananas (very ripe) 4 nos.
Water of 2 tender coconuts
Groundnut cake 500 Gms.
Yeast Tablets 4 Nos.
(Available as Vitamin B Complex supplement in Medical Shops.)
Water 8 liters
Mix cow’s dung with cow’s ghee and keep in the shade for 3 days.
Mix the above with all other ingredients in an earthen ware pot and mix well and tie with a cloth and keep aside for 10-15 days.
Everyday, morning and evening open the pot and mix 12 times clockwise and 12 times anti clockwise using a wooden stick and close well using the cloth.
After 10 days the mixture will turn colorless and become clear.
Then this can be filtered or the upper most solution can be alone siphoned out and stored in plastic cans.
When the fermentation is complete only , the mixture will turn colorless and can be stored for a year or so.
Note:
You will need a wide mouthed earthen pot with lid of about ten liters capacity for mixing and a cloth to tie the mouth before fermenting the mixture. Wash the pot carefully and store water for three days before using it for making Panchagavya. Alternatively plastic container can be used.
For Aerial spray
Mix 20 ml of Panchagavya in 1 liter of water (2% Panchagavya) and use for aerial spray.
For Grounded or Potted Plants
Mix 50 ml of Panchagavya in 1 liter of water (5 % Panchagavya) and use for ground or potted plants.
For Seed or Rhizome Treatment
Mix 100 ml of Panchagavya in 1liter of water (10 % Panchagavya) and use for seed or rhizome treatment.
Panchagavya – The Power House
Panchagavya is also known as panchakavyam. Panchagavya is a mixture of five products of cow. The cow’s dung, cow’s urine and cow’s milk are the three direct constituents and the cow’s curd and cow’s ghee are the two derivative products. These five products are mixed in proper ratio and fermented. The mixture is usually made using yeast, bananas, groundnut cake and the tender coconut water. This is a potent organic pesticide as well as a growth promoter. The word Panchagavya means "mixture of five cow’s products," in Sanskrit and it has been in use traditionally in Indian rituals throughout the ancient times and is of religious significance Hinduism. Panchagavya is also known as Cow Pathy treatment in Ayurvedic medicine.
Panchgavya is in use as a fertilizer, pesticide and growth promoter in organic agriculture.
The standard of Panchagavyas are mentioned in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. CSIR is the patent owner of Panchagavya.
Panchagavya Preparation
Panchagavya consists of nine products viz. cow’s dung, cow’s urine, cow’s milk, cow’s curd, cow’s ghee, banana, tender coconut, jaggery and water. The cow’s dung is mixed with cow’s ghee thoroughly and kept for 3 days. After 3 days, it is mixed for another 15 days at regular intervals and then added to the other 7 ingredients and kept for another 30 days. Panchagavya is usually stored in a wide open earthen pot in the open. Then it turns clear and it is used directly or sometimes diluted further with water before use.
Studies have been conducted to confirm the efficacy of Panchagavya for human medicinal use and have shown no positive benefits or significant side effects.
Panchagavya Uses
In gardening
As a fertilizer, pesticide and growth promoter.
As a pre treatment for seed germination.
As a pre treatment for rhizomes like turmeric and ginger.
As a plant growth promoter and immunity developer.
In Medicine
The medicinal use of panchakavya is practiced in Ayurveda. Cow’s urine therapy is recommended for curing several diseases such as certain cancer types, though these claims have no research or scientific evidences.
Do it yourself Panchagavya for Organic Gardening (DIY Panchagavya for Organic Gardening)
[ad_right]Ingredients for 5 liters
Cow’s Dung 500 gms.
Cow’s Urine 500 ml.
Cow's Milk 500 ml.
Cow’s Curd 500 gms.
Cow’s Ghee 500 gms.
Jaggery 250 gms.
Bananas (very ripe) 4 nos.
Water of 2 tender coconuts
Groundnut cake 500 Gms.
Yeast Tablets 4 Nos.
(Available as Vitamin B Complex supplement in Medical Shops.)
Water 8 liters
Panchagavya Preparation Method
Mix cow’s dung with cow’s ghee and keep in the shade for 3 days.
Mix the above with all other ingredients in an earthen ware pot and mix well and tie with a cloth and keep aside for 10-15 days.
Everyday, morning and evening open the pot and mix 12 times clockwise and 12 times anti clockwise using a wooden stick and close well using the cloth.
After 10 days the mixture will turn colorless and become clear.
Then this can be filtered or the upper most solution can be alone siphoned out and stored in plastic cans.
When the fermentation is complete only , the mixture will turn colorless and can be stored for a year or so.
Note:
You will need a wide mouthed earthen pot with lid of about ten liters capacity for mixing and a cloth to tie the mouth before fermenting the mixture. Wash the pot carefully and store water for three days before using it for making Panchagavya. Alternatively plastic container can be used.
Panchagavya in Organic Gardening
For Aerial spray
Mix 20 ml of Panchagavya in 1 liter of water (2% Panchagavya) and use for aerial spray.
For Grounded or Potted Plants
Mix 50 ml of Panchagavya in 1 liter of water (5 % Panchagavya) and use for ground or potted plants.
For Seed or Rhizome Treatment
Mix 100 ml of Panchagavya in 1liter of water (10 % Panchagavya) and use for seed or rhizome treatment.
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