Are your plants looking a little sad (seasonal affective disorder) this winter? Growing & blooming slower than usual? Leaves looking discoloured, shriveled, or stunted? 

It could be a nutrient deficiency. Like us, plants need both macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (magnesium, calcium, iron, sulfur and more) in the right amounts to thrive and stay healthy. 

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency 

• Nitrogen: yellow-green or yellow leaves or stems, withered leaf tips 
• Phosphorus: abnormally dark green leaves, incomplete, small or unusual flowers
• Potassium: withering yellow edges, yellow spots scattered around tips
• Calcium: curling and stunting at shoots and flowers, death at top of plant
• Magnesium: yellow lower leaves with veins remaining green (chlorosis)
• Iron: yellow or pale white new leaves
• Sulfur: small light green or yellow leaves, shoots stop growing 

Note that this is a general guide. You may also want to ensure the plant is in the right spot to receive the light, temperature/humidity, and watering they need. Look into care requirements specific to your plant.  

Have No Fear, Worm Manure is Here!

Jocelyn’s Soil Booster Worm Manure is a great way to correct nutrient deficiencies in plants. The wide range of available nutrients and beneficial microorganisms present in worm manure makes it a great general usage plant food. Having a wide range of biodiversity and nutrient sources will allow your plant to “choose” which nutrients it is in need of, reducing the risk of nutrient excess. 

Here are three ways to save malnourished plants with worm manure. 

#1: Top dress on Soil

To correct visible nutrient deficiencies, sprinkle a light layer on the top soil and water well once a week. Do this until your plant looks normal. For healthy plants, do this once a month or in times of stress (ex. seasonal changes, post-transplanting) to prevent nutrient deficiencies and give it an extra boost.  

#2: Repot with Worm Manure

If your plant is very nutrient deficient or is due for a repot soon, adding worm manure to your potting soil is a great way to give your plant lots of nutrients for months, or even years, to come. Worm manure is also great for aiding in air circulation and drainage which are key in preventing root rot. To repot with worm manure, simply repot your plant as you normally would using a 1:1 ratio of worm manure in potting soil. Water generously and let it drain for maximum benefits. 

#3: Use Soil-Aid Tea Kit

To give your plants extra nutrients and biodiversity, try my Soil-Aid Tea kit. This kit comes with two 700g bags of worm manure, one pack of microbial food mix, and 8 teabags. To use, mix worm manure and microbial tea, place in a teabag, let steep in water for 6-12 hours, and water your plants with it.