Do you consider earthworms to be fascinating creatures that are enjoyable to interact with? Or do you find them repulsive, creepy, and slimy creatures that you prefer to avoid?

If you enjoy fishing, you probably appreciate earthworms because they can help you catch larger fish when used as bait. But what if you’re a gardener?

Anyone who spends time tending to a garden will attest to the fact that earthworms are a gardener’s greatest allies. In fact, earthworms may be the most crucial factor in the success of a garden. Some individuals even refer to earthworms as “nature’s original gardeners”!

If you’ve ever been near a farm in the spring, you know that farmers need to plow the soil. Plowing breaks up the soil, allowing air and water to reach seeds and plant roots. Earthworms act as miniature plows when they reside in a garden.

As earthworms navigate through the soil of a garden, they create tunnels. Similar to plowing, these tunnels enable air and water to reach plant roots.

Without access to air and water, plants would not thrive. This is why you may observe that plants sometimes wither and die if the soil they are in is too dry and compacted.

Virtually all soil contains earthworms. The quality of the soil determines the number of earthworms present. There are four common types of earthworms that you are likely to encounter: night crawlers, garden worms, manure worms, and red worms.

As earthworms go about their lives in the soil, they consume organic matter, such as dead leaves, grass clippings, and even soil itself. After digesting their unique meal, earthworms produce excrement that helps enrich the soil even further.

Their waste — known as “castings” when found on the surface of the soil — promotes the growth of gardens because it is rich in phosphorus, calcium, nitrogen, and magnesium. These are all vital nutrients that aid in the growth and health of garden plants.

Gardeners who wish to increase the number of earthworms in their garden soil can do so by adding more organic matter to their garden. Adding mulched leaves or grass clippings will attract more earthworms to the soil, and in turn, the earthworms will enhance the soil through their tunnels and castings.

Scientist Charles Darwin once expressed his thoughts on the significance of the humble earthworm:

“The plow is one of the oldest and most valuable inventions of mankind; however, long before humans existed, the land was effectively plowed and continues to be plowed by earthworms. It is uncertain whether there are many other animals that have played such a crucial role in the history of the world, as these lowly organized creatures have.”

Give It a Try

Are you eager to delve into more information about earthworms? Make sure to explore the following activities with a friend or family member:

Get Up Close and Personal with Earthworms

Are you interested in learning more about earthworms? There are a few ways you can start your exploration. You can either buy some earthworms from a bait shop or you can find them in your own backyard. If you need help finding earthworms, you can refer to the instructions in the Observing Worms activity. Take the time to observe the earthworms and make note of your observations.

If you want to take your study of earthworms further, you can try building a Worm Condo or making Worm Food. These activities will allow you to witness the amazing work that earthworms do as gardeners. Share your findings with a friend or family member. It’s incredible to think about all the hard work earthworms do beneath the surface!

If you’re eager to start a gardening project, why not build a worm composting bin? You can do this with the help of an adult friend or family member using the instructions in the PNC Grow Up Great® Lesson Center. Over time, you’ll see how earthworms can transform waste into nutrient-rich soil that you can use in your garden.

Wonder Sources

• http://www.backyardnature.net/earthwrm.htm
• http://www.gardenstew.com/blog/e3-17-earthworms-in-the-garden–earthworm-facts.html
• http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/2000-06-01/Earthworm-Garden-Benefits.aspx

FAQ

1. Why are earthworms beneficial for gardens?

Earthworms play a crucial role in maintaining the health and fertility of gardens. Firstly, they help to improve soil structure by burrowing through the soil, creating tunnels that allow air, water, and plant roots to penetrate deeper. This enhances drainage and prevents soil compaction. Secondly, earthworms consume organic matter such as dead leaves, plant debris, and animal waste, breaking it down into nutrient-rich castings. These castings are a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil with essential nutrients, promoting plant growth. Lastly, earthworms stimulate beneficial microbial activity in the soil, which further aids in nutrient cycling and decomposition. Overall, earthworms contribute to healthier, more productive gardens.

2. How do earthworms help to improve soil fertility?

Earthworms are known as “nature’s plow” due to their ability to improve soil fertility. As they burrow through the soil, they create channels that allow air and water to reach plant roots easily. This helps to prevent waterlogging and ensures that plants have access to oxygen. Additionally, earthworms feed on organic matter, such as dead leaves and plant debris. They consume this material and break it down into nutrient-rich castings. These castings contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are readily available for plants to absorb. By enriching the soil with their castings, earthworms contribute to improved soil fertility, leading to healthier and more productive gardens.

3. What are the benefits of earthworm castings for plants?

Earthworm castings, also known as vermicompost, offer several benefits for plants. Firstly, they are a rich source of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are present in a form that is readily available for plant uptake, ensuring that plants receive the nourishment they need for healthy growth. Secondly, earthworm castings improve soil structure by enhancing its water-holding capacity and drainage. This helps to prevent waterlogging and root rot, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth. Additionally, the castings contain beneficial microbes that promote soil health by suppressing harmful pathogens and enhancing nutrient cycling. Overall, the use of earthworm castings as a natural fertilizer can significantly benefit plant growth and overall garden productivity.

4. How do earthworms contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem?

Earthworms play a vital role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. Firstly, their burrowing activity helps to improve soil structure, allowing for better air circulation, water drainage, and root penetration. This creates an environment that is conducive to plant growth. Secondly, earthworms consume organic matter and break it down into nutrient-rich castings. These castings enrich the soil with essential nutrients, promoting the growth of healthy plants. Furthermore, earthworms stimulate beneficial microbial activity in the soil, which aids in nutrient cycling and decomposition. This helps to maintain a balanced and thriving ecosystem in the garden. Lastly, earthworms serve as a food source for other garden creatures, such as birds and small mammals, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the garden.