Earthworms in the Garden

       EARTHWORMS

         (Lumbricus terrestri)

Good garden soil should have ten earthworms per square foot.

The reddish-gray colored common earthworm, often called a night crawler in the United States, is familiar to anyone with a fishing rod or a garden. They are indigenous to Europe, but are now abundant in North America and western Asia.



Earthworms are vital to soil health because they transport nutrients and minerals from below the surface via their waste.  Their tunnels aerate the ground. An earthworm can eat up to one third its body weight in a day. A 'healthy' garden soil should have approximately ten earthworms per square foot.



Although not native to North America, earthworms are sign of healthy garden soil. 

Earthworms  burrow during the day, typically keeping close to the surface, but are capable of digging down as deep as 6.5 feet.



An earthworm can live six years in the wild.

Contrary to playground legend, if a worm is cut in half, two will not grow.  Therefore you are better off leaving your earthworm undisturbed to get the best results.  Amazingly earthworms can live up to six years in the wild.

Worm castings, also called ’vermicast', worm humus or worm manure, is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by an earthworm. These castings have been shown to contain reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than do organic materials before vermicomposting.

You can purchase worm castings or let your worms make it for you. 

To encourage as many earthworms in your garden as possible, add organic materials such as compost to your 
soil.  Scatter it on top or rake it in and the worms will do 
the rest.  This practice adds nutrients to your garden which 
is as good for your plants as it is for your worms. 

Earthworms help water move into the soil closer to the root systems of your plants. 

Most importantly limit the use of pesticides and insecticides as they can harm or kill your earthworms as well as your intended targets.

Although not the cutest critter on the planet, earthworms are worth their weight in gold. 

 The next time you dig up an earthworm while gardening
remember how essential they are and rather than just
tossing it to the side - cover it back up.  Earthworms 
wither and die quickly when left in the sun.

 Happy Gardening,

James

For more information on earthworms and other amazing creatures visit the National Geographic website

Caring for Poinsettia

Tis the season. Garden shops and department stores are full of Poinsettias for sale. It is hard to go anywhere without passing a bright display of this holiday favorite.

With tender loving care this tropical plant, native to Mexico,  will thrive well past 'Three Kings Day', January 6th.

First choose a healthy plant. Drooping leaves can be a sign of problems: exposure to cold, overwatering or lack of sunlight. The small yellow 'flowers' in the center should be bright and closed or partly opened. Dropped yellow 'flowers' indicate over-maturity and should be avoided.

Poinsettia are very sensitive to drafts and temperature fluctuations, therefore it is important to get your plant home from the shop without damaging it. Cover the plant with plastic or a paper bag, then move it from the store to a warm spot in your car, not the trunk. Once home remove it immediately from the wrapping and check the soil for moisture. 

Over-watering is a major problem for Poinsettia causing leaves to droop and roots to rot. Sticking your finger into the top inch of soil is the best way to tell if it needs watering.  If dry to touch, water the plant. If soil sticks to your finger, do not water. The colorful foil doesn't allow water to drain out. Poke a few holes in the bottom to permit drainage.

Poinsettia like bright light. If you have it displayed in a shady area, move it to a bright spot whenever possible, but not direct sunlight.

Keep your new plant safe from children & pets as the leaves are toxic. For more information see Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet #449 "Caring for your Poinsettia" 

Happy Gardening.