Earthworms for your plants?

C.Indica

Well-Known Member
Is there any reason why collecting earthworms and putting them in your pots/garden is a bad idea?

All I could think of is contamination, but it couldn't be too bad could it?

I got the idea because I threw a worm in my jade plant, and said "wait a minute, people buy their shit all day online, why not just put them in the dirt?"
 

Hotsause

Well-Known Member
Ive heard its because worms will eat your roots(Some Say they eat Decaying Roots) but its a back a forth argument some say they are good some say they aren't. Ive never personally tried them so i cant give you any facts just stating what Ive heard. Hope this helps
 

C.Indica

Well-Known Member
So wouldn't it naturally root prune ineffiecient roots that aren't strong enough to defend themselves against a worm of all beasts?
 

Vindicated

Well-Known Member
I've purchased worms at Osh Hardware and put them in my raised bed. Lots of gardeners (the non-cannabis type) sware by them. I didn't notice anything one way or the other, but its common knowledge around here that soil with a high concentration of naturally occurring worms is considered good farming soil.
 

Jeffdt1966

Active Member
ironically .... I have tried this and it didnt seem to hurt the plant any at all - but we fed the worms coffee grounds and such...probally tasted better than the roots ...............
 

C.Indica

Well-Known Member
How do you feed the worms? Leave a layer of foodmulch on the surface?

I want to do organic next go around..

But, do worms die if you hit them with ferts?
 

Vindicated

Well-Known Member
They like newspapers and mulch. I just burry the dead leaves and add scraps of food like apple peels and banana peels. If you don't burry them the ants will get to them first.
 

kushking42

Well-Known Member
its the castings that are beneficial not the worms. if you want to harvest castings then you need to start a worm bin. it takes a certain type of worm and they are particular about their environment. lots of good vermicompost info out there.
 

Jakabok Botch

Well-Known Member
naw....theyre good....the eat the dead material in the soil and shit out new....plus their tunnels help aerate the soil for ur roots
 

C.Indica

Well-Known Member
Well I already leave dead leaves on the soil, but I don't bury them.
Also being indoors I don't have any ants.. so that's not a problem.

But I'm not planning on worms for a while so plans can still be flexible.
I understand that living worms aren't going to feed my plant.
The soil aeration is DEFINATELY a bonus for having live worms though.
If you don't believe me, then plant your seeds in clay next time.

But I still need to know if veg/bloom commercial ferts are going to fry the worms.

I guess I could always test it outside or something..
 
nah man i don't think worms eat roots, plus there are worms under the soil to begin with anyways. Worms are very beneficial for the soil and worms also help keep are planet together.
 

sharpshoota

Active Member
worm will not eat living roots! they dont have teeth! they suck in organic matter and decaying (dead) food particles

the worm castings are whats good, and the worms help aerate the soil and help the roots dig into the native soil (nightcrawlers aka super reds) better for plants in the ground with unlimited root space

red wigglers are smaller and do not burrow down in the soil. better for containers.
 

C.Indica

Well-Known Member
The whole point is I want some effin' worms in my dirt haha.
I like using nature to help me, instead of pre-packaged (& taxed) worm shit.
 
Top