How to Encourage Worms in Your Garden

Have you ever wondered why worms are so special, and how you can encourage their population in your garden? Worms play an important role in maintaining soil health, breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich humus that plants love.

This article will delve into why worms matter, how they differ from other organisms, and practical ways to attract them to your garden.

The Benefits of Worms in Your Garden

The Role of Worms in Soil Health

Worms are one of nature’s little ploughs. They tunnel through the earth, aerating the soil and improving its structure. This activity not only allows for better water infiltration but also makes it easier for plant roots to penetrate the ground.

But their role doesn’t stop there. Worms are part of an ecosystem of decomposers that includes insects like flies and beetles, as well as fungi and bacteria. These organisms work together to break down dead matter into nutrients that plants can access.

The individual microbiome of each of these decomposers, including worms, enriches the soil in the same way that a probiotic is good for our general health as humans.

The Impact of Worms on Plant Growth

The activities of worms have a direct impact on plant growth. Their tunneling improves soil structure, which benefits plant roots. On top of this, their nutrient cycling role means they help make essential nutrients available to plants.

Plants can’t intake nutrients from a banana peel any more than we could gain sustenance from eating soil. Worms are part of the community of organisms that break organic matter down into a form that plants can access.

Healthy plants start with healthy soil, and healthy soil starts with healthy soil ecology.

Understanding Different Types of Worms

Earthworms

Earthworms, scientifically known as Lumbricidae, are a diverse group with over 700 species worldwide. They vary in size, colour, and habitat preference.

Some, like Lumbricus terrestris (the “common earthworm” originally from Europe), are deep-burrowing and create permanent burrows in the soil. Others, like Eisenia fetida (red wiggler), are surface-dwelling and prefer decaying plant matter in America and Europe.

Compost Worms

Compost worms, such as the red wiggler (Eisenia fetida), thrive in compost bins, breaking down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. While they may be found in the upper layers of garden soil, they thrive in the conditions of a compost bin, which is typically more moist and rich in organic matter.

Australian Native Earthworms

Australia is home to a wealth of earthworm species, with over 1,000 identified native species. Here are some specific ones:

Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis)

The Giant Gippsland Earthworm is one of Australia’s most well-known earthworm species due to its impressive size. This species can grow up to 3 meters long and is found only in the Bass River valley of South Gippsland, Victoria. It’s currently listed as a vulnerable species under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Terriswalkeris terraereginae

Also known as the North Queensland Blue Worm, this giant earthworm can grow up to 1.5 meters long. It lives deep in the moist soils of tropical North Queensland. The worm’s blue colour is another distinctive feature that sets it apart from other earthworm species.

Heteroporodrilus spp.

These are smaller earthworms that are common in Western Australia.

Spenceriella spenceriella

Spenceriella spenceriella is a native Australian earthworm that’s often found in paddocks in northeastern Victoria and southern New South Wales. This species is also common in many gardens across the region.

Anisochaeta traegardhi

Anisochaeta traegardhi is a widespread species found throughout much of southern Australia, including parts of Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. It’s a medium-sized worm that usually grows to around 20-30cm long. Like other earthworms, it prefers moist, fertile soils and can often be found in gardens and compost heaps.

Spenceriella gigantea

Spenceriella gigantea is a large species that can grow up to 80cm long. It’s found throughout the eastern coast of Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. This worm prefers wet environments and is often found in compost heaps or under logs and rocks.

Digaster longmani

Digaster longmani, also known as the Brisbane worm, is common in many parts of Queensland. It’s a smaller species, with adults typically reaching lengths of 15-30cm. This worm is often found in garden soils, especially those rich in organic material.

How to Attract Worms to Your Garden

Creating the Right Environment for Worms

Worms prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can help improve soil structure and provide food for worms. Maintaining a balanced pH level, around neutral (pH 7), will also create a favourable environment for worms.

Providing Nutrient-Rich Food for Worms

Worms will eat most types of organic waste, including vegetable scraps, leaves, dead roots, insect droppings, and other organic matter. In amenity landscapes, they play an important role in breaking down these materials into a form that plants can use.

Avoid incorporating harmful materials into the compost bin or landscape, such as salt, vinegar, and excessive citrus and onions, which can harm worm populations.

Incorporating Worm-Friendly Practices into Gardening

Using Organic Mulches

Organic mulches, such as leaf mould, wood chips, or straw, not only help conserve soil moisture but also provide a food source for worms. Chunky mulches are less likely to become hydrophobic, meaning they won’t repel water, which is beneficial as worms need a moist environment.

Avoiding Chemical Fertilisers and Pesticides

Some types of chemical fertilisers and pesticides can harm worm populations. Instead, opt for organic fertilisers and consider using an Integrated Pest Management approach to control weeds, pests, and diseases.

This approach combines various strategies, including biological control, habitat manipulation, and responsible pesticide use, to manage pests in an environmentally friendly way.

Daniel’s Wrap

Worms are an important part of any healthy garden, playing a positive role in soil health and plant growth. By understanding their needs and incorporating worm-friendly practices into our gardening, we can encourage a thriving worm population. So why not give these tips a go and see the difference worms can make in your garden?

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