At a recent Gardener’s Question Time that I took part in with Terry Walton, several people asked why their seeds and seedlings were struggling to develop. They apparently had sufficient warmth, light and moisture so that only left one aspect – the growing medium. And indeed Terry confirmed that as the compost we use today has to meet so many regulations it is pretty useless and very much lacking in nutrients. He reckoned that the biggest component in most compost is often paper, cardboard and even wood bark to bulk it out. I have also found the last few bags I have used resemble mulch rather than compost.
But fear not! I have also found a damn good solution. Worms. Worms are responsible for my latest exciting ‘miracle’ product discovery. And not only is it fab’luss, effective, and natural, it is also local! All in all, the very best type of discoveries.
Packaged and marketed as Eco Wormpro, (formerly Eco Charlie) the range is not only effective but also extensive. You can choose from granular or liquid feeds for roses, tomatoes and peppers, fruit and veg, hanging baskets, lawns and there is even an ericaceous feed. And I can vouch for the strap line, ‘It is the feed that the professionals are using!’
The wonderful worm wizardry adds beneficial micro-organisms to growing medium, stimulates rapid root growth which results in tastier, larger produce, helps germination of seeds, increases drought resistance of plants, provides plants with all the nutrients needed to produce more full flavour crops and has Soil Association approved Organic Status.
And it is available locally – from the Old Railway Line Garden Centre in Three Cocks (just outside of Brecon). Tel: 01497 847055 or email info@oldrailwaylinenursery.co.uk
I don’t want to give too much a way about how the product is made (I might get shot) but it’s safe to say that the most industrious part of the workforce are worms … long, thin, slimy ones, and short, fat, juicy ones, (you have to know the song to appreciate that line). And that makes it far more special and super-brilliant than any other plant food I have tried.
As I get older I freely admit to becoming more and more disillusioned by people and more and more impressed by bees, leeches and now, worms! If you share my sentiments and/or interest, I am also trying to get the owner of the company to offer guided tours of the worm farm, so do let me know if you are interested.
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