Worms – enemy or friend?
Although worms may seem like they could damage your lawn, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Earthworms specifically are fantastic for the health of your lawn. They work away busily beneath the surface, providing the soil with a good balance of organic material.
The presence of worms is evidence that your soil is in good health. In fact, it is a concern if worms are not in your soil, as this likely indicates that the soil is lacking in nutrients.
What are the benefits of worms in my lawn?
Worms provide a whole host of benefits. They:
- break down the thatch
- aerate the soil
- create usable nitrogen in the soil, and
- help decompose the soil, liberating nutrients.
Why would people think worms were a problem in lawns?
People often feel concerned when worms come to the surface during spring and autumn. During these seasons in Melbourne, the moisture content in the soil increases. This makes it hard for the earthworms to breathe, so they rise to the surface, where they leaving “castings”. Also known as mud balls, castings are small mounds of worm excrement. This digested organic matter is highly beneficial for your lawn. So why do some people seem so concerned by it? It’s purely an aesthetic issue – many are turned off by the messy appearance of castings on their lawn.
Is their anything I can do about earthworm castings?
Yes! When the castings are dry, you can rake the lawn to distribute them. This is essentially like spreading free organic fertiliser, as the castings will settle down into the roots and provide nutrition for your lawn. You can also reduce the appearance of castings by mowing your lawn slightly higher.
So, though it may not be the cutest species in your garden, the humble earthworm is most certainly a friend to your lawn. Next time you see them in your soil, smile and give yourself a pat on the back for supplying the right nutrients for both them and your lawn to live happily ever after.