Until yesterday, I hadn’t ever really thought about worms…

Sure, we’d spotted a few the last time we dug around our veggie beds, but since adding mulch, they’re literally everywhere! So what’s the deal? What’s changed?

Curious, I turned to Google to help me work it out. Here’s what I uncovered about our new wiggly buddies!

Turns out mulch is basically worm heaven. That’s because:

• Mulch is worm food: it’s a bounty of organic material. Mulch also contains fungi, bacteria and other small creatures, which worms love.
• Mulch is an environment: it keeps the ground cool and moist, ideal for worm colonies.
• Mulch enables reproduction: Worms reproduce quickly in environments that suit them.

Worms aren’t flashy, they don’t demand attention, they just tirelessly work to help soil (and plants) thrive.

Why worms matter

• Aeration: As worms burrow through the soil, they create tiny tunnels that let air and water reach plant roots. Think of it as creating fluffy soil.
• Nutrient boost: Worms eat organic matter (like decaying leaves) and turn it into nutrient-rich castings, AKA worm pooh. Gross? Yep! Amazing for your plants? Definitely.
• Water management: Those tunnels worms make also help the soil drain better, so your plants aren’t sitting in soggy dirt.
• Soil structure: Worm activity helps bind soil particles together, improving texture and making it easier for plant roots to grow.

Benefits of a worm-filled garden

Ever seen soil that’s crumbly, rich and full of life? That’s the magic of worms. In a worm-rich garden, veggies grow stronger, healthier and happier. It’s a win-win: the worms get a cozy home, we all get happy, thriving plants.

Kath Irvine states that ****if you nourish the soil around your veggie beds, you also nourish the soil in your veggie beds.

Worms are the same: when they’re around your veggie beds, they’re also in your veggie beds

Worms are simple creatures with simple needs.

Here’s how to attract more of them:

1. Feed them organic matter. Clearly they love mulch. They also love decaying leaves and compost.
2. Keep soil moist. Worms need a damp environment to survive, but not too wet - they’re not swamp dwellers.
3. Lose the chemicals. Pesticides and chemical fertilizers can harm worms. Stick to organic options to keep your garden worm-friendly.

Worms aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential to creating successful edible spaces. So, the next time I spot one, I’m going to give it a tiny high five for all the work it’s doing!

By Sal at Sally Grows - 4th January 2025

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