Meal worm castings

Better in what way, I wonder? Mealworms are worms on their way to becoming beetles, which are then used to feed various types of pets including birds. Castings form as a gray sludge in the bottom of the containers the worms are raised in. They are fed grains mostly which seems like it would be a good thing. Earthworm castings vary in quality depending on what they are fed.

For me the nutrition content of castings is a minor benefit compared to the ability of castings to create a living potting mix by adding beneficial microorganisms to the potting mix. These colonize the roots and help plants by fending off disease causing organisms and by helping the plants use or convert fertilizer to plant useable form.

I have no idea how well mealworm castings do this but they could be excellent. In contrast, earthworm castings are much used and the benefits are established both by experience and scientific studies.

One of the organic fertilizer companies touts mealworm castings and they could well be on to something. On the other hand, they are creating a product for themselves so I think they should be willing to provide whatever "proofs" or positive anecdotal experiences that they have documented and not just claim "better".

We are always looking for improved ways to do things but at the same time don't want to see people waste money and get worse results. Thanks for bringing mealworm castings up and please let us know if you have any experiences with them.

Charlie