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Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

I have been thinking about storage of compost tea ingredients like worm castings. In order to maintain a healthy population of organisms, it make sense to me that the material should be stored in a cool, dark place and kept from freezing, high temps, or bright light. I also wonder about storage containers. If the material is stored in an air tight container like a RubberMaid tub, is there a chance for anaerobic bacteria to form? Likewise is stored in a jute bag, the castings could dry out too much, killing off the organisms.
Any Thoughts?

4/23/2009 4:43:33 PM

I store mine in feed bags (breathable) kept moist in the basement,,,seems to work fine with no scientific research I'll stick with it. I have used castings in the past that were in plastic bags from the supplier, the tea also seemed to be fine, again no real science here I just looked at the results.

4/23/2009 5:54:08 PM

Ontario

I specifically asked that question when I picked up my castings from Cathy's this week and they said, in the basement cool and dry is how they store them. My 50 lbs came in the breathable feed bag from them, so that is how I plan to store them. They said they would be fine for making tea for years like this.

4/23/2009 6:01:21 PM

South East

Keep your stock low and use as fresh as possible. Theres anaerobic bacteria in your soil to, so a few in your castings shouldent be a problem.

4/23/2009 10:32:33 PM

Ontario

I am going to start making my own this year, the worms are not available yet...sometime in May, but once I get going I should have my own fresh supply available for next season.

4/23/2009 10:47:08 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

I started raising my own worms and making worm castings two years ago. Last year I was wondering about the same things as you posted here John. So I decided to write to several of the big companys that make worm castings. I told them I stored my finish castings in plastic rubber maid containers with the lids light placed on top. They all said, they will be fine in storage for even over a year. They all have taken year old castings and had the castings tested by labs and they were still full of life. So there is no need to worry.

4/24/2009 10:48:35 AM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

All good points...thanks all!

4/24/2009 6:29:31 PM