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How to Breed Predatory Nematodes

There are over 28,000 known species of nematodes, also known as roundworms. In fact, there may be as many as 1 million species on the planet. Nematode species are found all over the globe, from tropical to polar climates. Some can thrive in a saltwater environment, while others live in freshwater. Some species are helpful to the plants around them by attacking microscopic insects; these predatory nematodes are possible to breed if you're wanting to practice green gardening.

Things You'll Need

Compost
Rock dust
Molasses (sulfur-free)
Bucket
Liquid seaweed
Fish tank air pump

Instructions

- 1
  Add 2 or 3 gallons of water to a bucket. Then add compost to the bucket until the water level is only a couple of inches below the rim. Place an air pump from a fish tank into the bucket and turn it on.
- 2
  Add 1/4 cup of liquid seaweed.
- 3
  Pour in a handful or two of rock dust and 1/4 cup of sulfur-free molasses.
- 4
  Let the mixture sit for a day or two. When you see foam forming around the edges of the bucket, you'll know that the nematode population from the compost has exploded in number. After you notice the foam, use the mixture within 3 hours to get the maximum benefit.
- 5
  Spray the mixture onto the soil around the plant you want to help. Do not spray the nematodes directly onto the leaves.

Animals & Science