Let’s talk about worms, shall we?
And these aren’t your grandmother’s basic slimy worms that help your garden grow. We are talking jumping worms, and they are as strange as they sound. Not only are they a detriment to your garden, they are also a bit terrifying. #zombieworms #biblicalplague
Producer Alejandro Alonso Galva reached out to Bernadette Williams of the Department of Natural Resources to learn about the creepy crawlers.
These worms, native to Asia, have found their way into Wisconsin soil and are causing some problems for gardeners. The over-active nature of jumping worms turns the soil granular. This makes it difficult for plants to take root.
There are some precautions that you can take to help keep jumping worms away from your garden. First and foremost, Bernie suggests simply asking questions. When purchasing mulch and plants from nurseries, make sure that you ask whether or not proper protocol was followed to ensure you are not getting jumping worms in these products. She also suggests making sure you are using clean equipment. The worms lay cocoons in the soil, and these cocoons are easily transported from place to place. Cleaning shoes and materials can minimize this contamination.
Although there is no quick fix if you should find them in your yard, there are some tactics that could help. Research shows that Biochar, which is essentially charcoal, seems to be the most promising solution. Bernie also reminds folks that they can contact the DNR at invasive.species@wisconsin.gov with any questions or concerns.