Everyone can be happy about worms in the garden soil. Because they are constantly refining the earth. The plants grow better, deliver more magnificent flowers or plenty of healthy fruit. That's why we should make life easy for them in our gardens. These are the three main types of worms.
Anyone who has earthworms in the garden soil can count themselves lucky
enchytraea
Enchytraeus reach a length of up to 50 mm and have a white-yellow color. Unlike earthworms, they cannot burrow through the soil. They use cavities in the ground as well as existing tunnels of other worms.
The humus-rich topsoil is a typical habitat where they feed on bacteria, fungi and dead plant material. They have a high metabolic activity and thus drive the decomposition process in the soil significantly. They are of particular importance as humus builders in acidic soils. Their absence in such soils could be an indication that they are chemically contaminated.
nematodes
Nematodes are known to some hobby gardeners as useful helpers in the fight against all kinds of pests in the garden. As such, they can be specifically purchased commercially. But they also occur naturally in the soil, very often in fact. They are also known as roundworms.
- up to 1000 nematodes live per gram of soil
- they are usually between 0.5 and 2 mm long
- are mostly colourless
- move meandering
- are also found in deeper layers
- feed on microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae
- get rid of some pests in the garden soil
worms
It is well known that earthworms are useful for the garden soil. More than 30 species are known in this country. Their length can be a modest 2 cm but also up to 30 cm. They dig holes in the garden soil, mixing up the soil in the process. In this way, humus reaches deeper layers from above. So you can improve the garden soil with earthworms without doing anything yourself.
The activity of earthworms increases the water permeability of the soil. Perforated by them, it can absorb rainwater much better than earthworm-free soil.
Notice:
Did you know that earthworm droppings are a very special fertilizer? Its enrichment with nutrients surpasses the compost that is so popular in the home garden.
Avoid chemicals
Worms in the soil are sensitive to anything that doesn't come from nature. Frequent use of chemical pesticides can significantly reduce their number. Over time, this has a detrimental effect on soil structure and composition. So avoid chemicals. Many pests can be combated with ecologically friendly household remedies.
When fertilizing garden soil, you should rely on "worm-friendly", organic long-term fertilizers.