All about Earthworms.

Well, I have been thinking about how to make my gardening choirs a little
easier next year and specifically about how maybe to get out of rototilling.
I was thinking maybe I could simply hire a group of worms to do the deed. Not
much has been said here about earthworms. I began to read about them and
found it quite interesting. The following are some facts about these little
guys and I am wondering if anyone has additional useful information.

Most earthworms live in the top 7 inches of the soil. For them to survive,
the soil must have organic matter as a component. Earthworms do best in soil
where the pH is around 7. They are inhibited by acid soils and soils
deficient in calcium. 
Earthworms require moisture. They do not live in deserts. They love fertile
soils and their presence is an indicator of good soil. They eat decaying
organic matter and for the most part on the surface of the soil. Food supply
and soil conditions are the primary determinants of earthworm population. One
need not buy earthworms as their numbers can be increased tremendously by
altering the ground in which they live. Neutralizing the soil pH, adding
fertilizer as instructed by soil testing and adding organic matter for food
stimulates an increase in population. Too much fertilizer will kill them.
Most earthworm eggs are produced in the spring. Young earthworms hatch out in
the fall when the soil is cooling and moisture is high.  Rototilling will not
really harm the overall population. Earthworms are fairly inactve during the
warm summer months. Earthworms do most of their feeding on the surface which
was a suprise to me. They live for 18 to 24 months. Sevin is very toxic to
earthworms. Malathion is less toxic and it seems diazinon does not really
harm them. Earthworms are a valuable component of the pumpkin patch. They
definately aerate the soil and allow for better water perculation.

I think we take earthworms for granted. They are a valuable component of any
garden. Lets hear it for the earthworms !!!!!

Marv in Altoona PA    (Not totally beserk but maybe a little bored)

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