How to Add Earthworms to Your Garden
Earthworms do more than most of us realize to improve soil. As they tunnel through the soil, they bring virgin, nutritious soil from below the surface. And their castings are actually a nutrient-rich fertilizer, containing nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and many other micro nutrients essential to healthy plant growth. But not all earthworms can be added to garden soil. Purchase an endogenic variety of earthworm like Lumbricus terrestris. Other types, like those used for vermicomposting are unlikely to survive for long.
Fertilize the soil. If earthworms are not present in your soil, it's likely the soil is too poor to support them. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches with a pitchfork or hand tiller. Then spread 3 inches of compost over the soil and dig it in to a depth of 8 inches. Tilled, enriched soil can support up to 25 earthworms per cubic foot. Once your soil is fertilized, the earthworms will probably find your garden on their own.
- Earthworms do more than most of us realize to improve soil.
- As they tunnel through the soil, they bring virgin, nutritious soil from below the surface.
Spread purchased earthworms over the surface of the soil. Space them out so that there are only two or three per every square foot of soil.
Spread a 1-inch layer of organic mulch (dried leaves are ideal) over the soil. It will keep the soil cool and moist and provide the worms with food.
Earthworms Damage A Garden?
Earthworms improve soil quality or tilth in a number of ways. In addition, breakdown of organic matter as it passes through the intestines of earthworms increases soil water-holding capacity. While earthworm castings improve soil quality and fertility, when they are brought to the surface and deposited in large piles, such as those left by night crawlers (Lumbricus terrestris), they can be unsightly and cause lumps on the lawn or in the garden. Moles eat earthworms, grubs and insects. Presence of moles is indicated by upheaval of soil in stretches a few inches across and several feet long. In addition to plant root damage through tunneling, the presence of moles poses a threat for other small mammals to use mole tunnels in search of food.
- Spread purchased earthworms over the surface of the soil.
- Spread a 1-inch layer of organic mulch (dried leaves are ideal) over the soil.
Tip
Avoid using chemical fertilizers, as they may actually drive away earthworms.
References
- University of Saskatchewan: Earthworms
- County of Santa Cruz Home Composting Program: Attracting Worms to your Garden
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Earthworm
- University of Illinois Extension: Can't Live Without Me
- Marin Rose Society: Garden Good Guys: Earthworms
- United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Services: The Living Soil: Earthworms
- Ohio State University Extension: Effective Mole Control
- Pennsylvania State University: College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension:
Tips
- Avoid using chemical fertilizers, as they may actually drive away earthworms.
Writer Bio
Based in Houston, Texas, Meg Butler is a professional farmer, house flipper and landscaper. When not busy learning about homes and appliances she's sharing that knowledge. Butler began blogging, editing and writing in 2000. Her work has appered in the "Houston Press" and several other publications. She has an A.A. in journalism and a B.A. in history from New York University.
