Why Are Earthworms Good for Gardens?
Earthworms are invertebrates that live in the soil. They are wiggly, slimy animals who are a key player in your garden soil health.
In simple words, earthworms break down old plant material into fertile composts. But it doesn’t stop there. They also help to increase soil porosity and allow oxygen into the roots. Let’s explore why earthworms are a gardener’s best friends.
Improve Soil Structure
As these creatures move through the soil, they build tunnels that allow water to penetrate the ground. In this way, they contribute to preventing soil erosion and waterlogging.
Favor Plant Growth
These amazing creatures burrow through the soil — they can burrow as deep as 30 cm into the ground. This breaks up compacted soil which it is difficult for plants to grow. The tunneling they leave as they move generates natural space for air to reach plant roots and for moisture to exit for easy access by plant roots.
Nurture and Fertilize the Ground
Earthworms eat organic matter such as dead roots, leaves, grass, manure, fungal spores and other debris. These materials then return to the soil in the form of castings (excrement) containing up to 11 times the amount of the nutrients they have ingested from the original matter. Casts help bind these vital nutrients —nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — to plant roots to plants roots and can prevent the occurrence of pests and soil-borne diseases.
Furthermore, when these creatures die and decompose, their protein-rich bodies return to the soil as nitrogen fertilizer.
Wondering how to propitiate worms in your garden? One of the best ways to attract them is by mulching in the fall with dried leaves or pine bark chips.
Don’t have mulch yet? Should you need supplies for your next landscaping project, contact All Around Soil & Stone. We are a family owned company helping Coloradans embellish their homes since 1994.
