Different types of worms live in soil, with various effects. Corn earworms, tomato hornworms, cutworms and cabbage loopers are a part of the dirty dozen of bad bugs that eat or suck the juices out of your backyard plants, and because they go from plant to plant, they can also spread diseases.
Meanwhile, nightcrawlers, which are large earthworms, are incredible for your garden, as they aerate the soil and convert dead plant matter into nutrient-rich super soil. Red wigglers are another variety of earthworm that are beneficial to your prized plants, serving as the ideal composting bug—ingesting food scraps and other organic waste at a rapid pace.
Keeping the “bad guys” away is a matter of first being sure to keep an eye out for garden worms regularly, then employing beneficial insects, like green lacewings, minute pirate bugs and damsel bugs. You can also use a spray with the ingredient spinosad, like Monterey Garden Insect Spray.
To introduce the “good guys,” you’ll want to wait until spring when the soil is warm, and then sprinkle one to two pounds of cornmeal over about 18 square feet of your garden, ensuring there is a noticeable dusting that covers the surface of the soil.
Use a shovel to mix the cornmeal into the top three inches of your soil, and then water the area until it is just moist. Having soil that is too wet will actually work against your hard work, merely drowning out the garden worms instead of helping them stay alive and thrive.
Waiting for the earthworms to do their thing is going to be like watching paint dry, so give it time! After about 30 days, your garden should produce enough bacteria to attract garden worms. At this time, add one to two pounds of cornmeal about every two weeks, checking every so often for earthworm activity.
Another great option is to add organic material such as manure or compost to your garden, which garden worms will seek out from near and far. The organic material also adds its own nutrients and moisture to your soil. It’s a win-win!
Worms are great in compost too but do you know these 12 tips for successful spring composting
Collect everything from vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, shredded paper towels and eggshells. Keep a covered container in your kitchen to help collect these scraps. The cover will help cut down on odors. When the container is full (or if it starts to smell or attract flies) empty it into your outdoor compost bin. Follow these tips for creating countertop compost.
If you find your compost is too wet, add some dry material and cover it. Use "brown" materials such as strips of newspaper and dry grass clippings or straw to help absorb the moisture. You can also add dried leaves to help cut down on moisture.
There's a good chance you have some pesky animals near your home, whether they're squirrels, mice and rats or raccoons. You can limit animal visits to your compost by turning it frequently and keeping a good green to brown ratio (wet material to dry material). Also, make sure to keep meat and any leftovers with oil and dairy out of your compost bin. Keep unwanted animals away with these helpful tips.
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Keep Insects Under Control
You will have some bugs in your compost pile, but all those scraps can become a breeding ground for unwanted insects. Some flies and beetles are common, but if bugs get out of hand, increase brown material and try turning the compost more frequently. You can also bury new food waste under the compost to discourage bugs. Try these nine natural remedies for pest control.
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The Smell Test
Your compost should smell "earthy," not foul. While the point of composting is to generate good bacteria to help your plants and flowers, if your compost smells bad it could mean you're growing the wrong kind of bacteria. If your compost produces a foul smell, try increasing brown matter and turning it more frequently. Also, make sure you aren't adding meats, fats or dairy. If your dishwasher smells bad, here's how to freshen it up.
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Is There Enough Heat?
Keeping enough heat in your compost can be a problem when it comes to winter and early spring composting. If the material isn't breaking down in your compost bin, it may not have enough heat. Try adding more moisture and turning it more often. You can also use a tarp to cover the compost and attract heat, just make sure the pile doesn't surpass a temperature of about 170 degrees F, as that's when the heat can start to kill off beneficial microorganisms.
Alexa is an experienced lifestyle and news writer, currently working with Reader's Digest, Shape Magazine and various other publications. She loves writing about her travels, health, wellness, home decor, food and drink, fashion, beauty and scientific news. Follow her traveling adventures on Instagram: @living_by_lex, send her a message: [email protected] and check out her website: livingbylex.com
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