IMAGO Organic fertilizer

Frass is the byproduct of insect farming. Mealworm frass is from the Tenebrio molitor species, and includes particles of shed exoskeleton, feed remnants, and digested matter. In short, it's bug droppings. And because it is from insects, it contains chitin. It's also rich in essential nutrients and beneficial organic matter, making it a unique organic fertilizer to support strong, healthy plant growth.

Our mealworm frass is sustainably harvested from our farm, collected in its natural form, with no additives or fillers.

We are updating our application information to reflect the latest research findings and local guidelines for garden beds, potted plants, lawns, shrubs and trees, fruiting plants, and more. Please check back soon!

There is a growing and substantial body of research demonstrating the benefits of mealworm frass for plants and soil. Research on application rates for specific crops and use scenarios continues to evolve.

We use the K-State Research & Extension program's publication "Fertilizing Gardens in Kansas" (MF2320, 2018) as the gold-standard for our area. We use it as the benchmark for our application rates. That said, the usual recommendations for fertilizer application apply: for best results, soil test first, seek advice from your local extension office, and start with a low level application before proceeding.

Note, too, that guidance regarding mealworm frass application rates you can find on the internet vary widely, often with little or no explanation of how the rates were determined, source citation, or mention of the geographic area or soil type for which the rates are provided.

There is nothing wrong with sharing how a product is used with others - in fact, we look forward to sharing information and results with you and hearing how you're seeing results in your gardens - we just want to be open with you that usage guidelines continue to evolve as more research is done on a wider variety of plants and crops in a wider variety of situations. (For updates, feel free to subscribe to our email - we'll notify you when we post new research findings, tips, practical lessons learned, etc.)

Be on the lookout for our upcoming guide on how mealworm frass compares to other commonly used organic inputs.

The texture of frass is very fine - similar to fine sand particles. We recommend these precautions when applying frass:

• wear gloves and an N95 mask,
• avoid applying it outside on a windy day,
• wash hands after use, and (obviously)
• don't eat it.

Frass can be an allergen to some people. Those who are allergic to insects or crustacean shellfish seem to be more likely than others to have allergies to mealworms and mealworm frass, and should handle it with caution.

It's nutrient-rich:
Mealworm frass contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - nutrients that plants need to grow. These nutrients are released slowly, making them easier for plants to absorb over time.

It supports healthy soil life: Frass helps good microbes in the soil thrive. These microbes break down organic matter and help plants get nutrients more easily.

It improves plant resilience: Plants grown with frass often handle stress like drought better. That’s because frass contains natural compounds that trigger plant defenses.

It's sustainable:
Frass is a byproduct of insect farming, so using it helps reduce waste and upcycle a valuable natural product in an eco-friendly way.

NPK ratio varies based on the insects' diet and other factors. Typical ranges are:

• Nitrogen (N): 2-5%
• Phosphorus (P): 1-5%
• Potassium (K): 0-3%

The NPK of our's is 3.0 - 4.5 - 2.5, as tested by the Kansas State University Soil Testing Lab.

Yes. These nutrients are also typically present in mealworm frass:

Macronutrients: calcium, magnesium, and sulfur

Micronutrients: copper, zinc, iron, manganese, and sodium

The total organic carbon (TOC) content range of mealworm frass is 39% - 49%. Again, insect diet and rearing conditions influence the TOC range. When integrated into the soil, the favorable organic matter content of frass may contribute to improved soil structure and microbial activity.