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If there are worms in your garden, chances are the soil is healthy, says Barry Draycott, owner of Tech-Terra Organics.
"Soil must have living microbes to be soil," he explains. "Microbes (fungi, bacteria, amoebas, etc.) break down everything, and worms eat the microbes. Nature takes care of itself by recycling everything. This is the natural system, which will result in healthy trees, shrubs, and plants."
In order to help it along, Mr. Draycott's company offers a worm castings treatment which can reduce the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Castings are the waste products excreted by worms, and Mr. Draycott's company creates a "brew" that feeds roots and strengthens plants' immune systems.
"Using worm castings is a relatively new procedure," says Mr. Draycott, who has been in the tree care industry for 25 years. "It started on the West Coast and has only recently come to New Jersey."
Tech-Terra opened three years ago. Mr. Draycott purchased it this past April, and now has locations in Lawrenceville and Mount Laurel.
Using environmentally-friendly products is important to him. "For the past 20 years, I managed plant health care, and I have always tried to find safer methods. Those years of using pesticides didn't feel right. Now, we are treating the cause of the problem, not the symptoms."
Red Wrigglies
"Also, now people realize that there is an option to pesticides and something that works. Organics is the fastest-growing part of the landscaping business. It is becoming the treatment of choice. We are putting natural materials back into the soil, so they can feed the soil. And it has brought down the price of organics. Because of new techniques, organics are easier to use now and more effective than they were before."
Lots and lots of worms are needed for a proper brew, and Mr. Draycott's castings are obtained from worm farms, which are home to a myriad of "Red Wrigglies", a type of earthworm.
"They are in a controlled environment and given a special diet," he explains. "Then, the castings are captured and shipped to me as needed."
Special machinery at his plant turns the castings into the finished brew in 24 hours. It can then be sprayed on the trees and plants, or applied to the roots, says Mr. Draycott, adding that it must be done quickly while the organisms are still fresh and vigorous.
Strong and Healthy
"Trees are stronger and healthier after the treatment and can fight off disease and insects," he reports. "The number of treatments depends on the condition of the tree and the soil. Typically three times a year is appropriate. Treatment is very customized depending on the type of plant, and it can be done anytime of year, as long as the ground is not frozen."
In addition to the liquid Worm Brew, Mr. Draycott offers dry worm castings, a "compost with the consistency of potting soil". He hopes to have this available at local nurseries for customers. He also has a wholesale operation for landscapers, providing worm castings and other organic products, as well as doing applications for landscaping companies.
"These organic soil amendments enable plants to choose the nutrients they need, when they need them, as nature intended,'" explains Mr. Draycott. "In the natural system, nutrients are held in place in the soil until the plants need them."
He is very encouraged with the response to Worm Brew, and has an increasing number of clients in Princeton and the area. With more and more concern over the state of the environment today, this is an idea whose time has surely come.
"I look forward to getting even more people involved, and I am doing outreach," he says. "Recently, we had a booth at the Earth Fair in Burlington County, and it helps to educate people about this.
"It's fun, too. Worm castings are wonderful. I love this work. I wake up ready for the day, and go to bed happy!"
The next time you see those worms in the garden, smile at them!
Tech-Terra Organics can be reached at 609-468-1905. email: techterra@comcast.net.
