GArdener’s best friend

Dubbed ‘nature’s ploughs’ by Charles Darwin, earthworms play a vital role in improving the quality of soil. Moving through even densely packed earth, they mix and aerate layers and improve drainage. After consuming decaying organic matter, they pass it out as nutrient-rich ‘casts’. This enables microorganisms and fungi to feed, which in turn makes the nutrients more available to plants. Feeding the soil with peat-free compost and conserving moisture by mulching will help encourage worms. Plants, leaves and sticks allowed to break down naturally will provide a good, attractive food supply. Worms also attract wildlife to the garden, for which they are an essential food source.