Earthworms: The Good, and the Destructive

Host Jeff Poppen, a biodynamic farmer, uses a lot of compost. By doing that, he is rewarded with a plentiful amount of earthworms that aerate the soil and leave nutrients behind. However, not all worms are beneficial. Jeff meets up with an entomologist to learn about a destructive species known as the crazy jumping worm.

Post author By NPT Editorial
Post date September 26, 2024
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Gardener Extras

Worms don't have eyes, but can sense light and dark.
Charles Darwin's last book, 'The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms' was published in 1881. It was his best seller.
Over 10,000 years ago, glaciers from the last ice age wiped out most soil-dwelling earthworms in the northern half of N. America.
Worm species from Europe and Asia, most likely introduced unintentionally in ship ballast or imported plants, have spread throughout the country.
Bagged compost should be placed in the sun for several days to heat up to 105 degrees F or more to kill worms and their cocoons.
Jumping worms (crazy worms) have been documented in 35 states. They have also been observed in Australia, France, Germany, the U.K. and the Netherlands.
The cocoons, which are about the size of a mustard seed, will survive the winter to hatch in mid-April. One worm produces many cocoons without mating.

Jeff Poppen

Jeff says his parents loved growing plants on their Illinois farm, and he credits them for his passion for growing. He’s made his living growing the best organic vegetables he can. Jeff acknowledges he has learned through experience over four decades. He is also an avid student of old-time farming methods, the way folks grew stuff before all of the chemicals in farming. He is compelled to try and shorten the learning curve for other gardeners. Jeff adds, “My wish is that my love for growing organically inspires others.”