(2-2-2), 16% Chitin. As if “darkling beetle” didn’t already sound like the nightmare invention of a fantasy novelist, the manufacturers of this fertilizer have dubbed their darkling beetle larvae “superworms.” We see a Hollywood blockbuster in the making! On a dark and stormy night, an evil band of fungus gnats swarms toward your Conspiracy Kush. Superworm to the rescue! By the power of chitin, the good will prevail!
“Darkling beetle” is the common name for the Tenebrionidae family of beetles, which comprises over 20,000 species living all over the world. The name signifies “seekers of dark places” and most of these beetles do avoid the light. Their “frass” (a polite word for insect poop) is a respectable source of N-P-K, but more importantly it is a rich source of plant-available chitin. Frass nourishes chitin-feeding bacteria and fungi, which in turn devour gnat eggs and root-feeding nematodes. Chitin also fortifies plants’ cell walls, stimulates their immune systems, and fosters healthy blooms (think more and bigger and stickier buds!) Not just for cannabis growers, either: frass is a useful addition to potting soils and an excellent sidedressing for any producer. No New Hampshire SalesMOFGA
Frass can be used in several ways:
For soil mixes: Incorporate ½-1 cup frass per cubic foot of media.
For fertigation: Add ½ cup per gallon of water, shake well, and apply every 3-4 weeks.
For sidedressing: 2 Tablespoons per plant before watering every 2-3 weeks.
For foliar feeding: 1-2 Tablespoons per gallon of water; steep 30 min, screen solids, and spray onto leaves.
8351 Superworm Frass
Additional Information
Organic Certification
Inoculants, soil amendments, fertilizers, livestock supplies and pesticides are labeled as: OMRI: Organic Materials Review Institute. Most state certifying agencies, including MOFGA, accept OMRI approval. MOFGA: Reviewed and approved by the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association Certification Services. Allowed for use on MOFGA-certified farms. Check with your certifier. WSDA: Listed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Organic Certification division for use in organic agriculture in Washington State. MOFGA has indicated that they will accept products on this list for their certification program. Check with your certifier. Nat’l List: One-ingredient products on the NOP* List of Allowed Substances (subpart G of the Organic Foods Production Act, sections 205.601-606). Check with your certifier. AYC: Ask your certifier. Has not been reviewed by a certifier, but the active ingredient is allowed. Ask your certifier. Not Allowed: A few of the products we list are not allowed for organic production but we think they have a place in sensible agriculture and can be used when certification is not an issue.
