Just when you thought it was safe to go back into your garden….
If you thought we’d hit “peak 2020” already, guess again. First, we had the global coronavirus pandemic. Then it was murder hornets invading the United States. Then bubonic squirrels. Even bears practicing martial arts with weapons.
https://youtu.be/EmLUUqqOcZc
Now the New York Times reports an invasion of Asian jumping worms that destroy soil and make it impossible for plants to grow. This species of earthworm absorbs all the nutrients in soil and composting material leaving just minerals, ruining the soil for growing vegetables, flowers and other flora.
While earthworms are typically beneficial to gardening, these worms can destroy a garden plot in days, turning the topsoil plants rely on into coffee ground-like pellets unsuitable for growth.
But before you eliminate all the squiggly things you find in your flower bed, be aware that another version of the same worm is beneficial to plants. The European jumping worm, which has a “saddle” marking on its body instead of a milky-white band all the way around, should not be feared.
If you have any questions about what you find in your garden, contact your local soil conservation district.