Earthworms
might be slimy and gross, but they are handy dandy helpers!
We
recently got two large containers of red wigglers from our friend, Rhonda. We set them up in our worm composter
and they are at work right now breaking down banana peels, egg shells and
coffee grounds and turning them into wonderful compost!
When
we planted peas and potatoes last week, we saw lots of squirmy wormies at work
in the garden too!
Did
you know that worms have no gender?!
They also lack legs, eyes, ears and teeth. They do have lips if you can figure out which end they are
on! The head end is usually darker
and pointier.
Red
wigglers and earthworms are segmented worms. Their body looks like it is made of rings. Each segment has
four grippy bristles on the underside to help them move.
Since
they have no eyes or ears, they have cells in their skin that are sensitive to
light, vibration and touch. When a
bird or mole tries to eat them, they insert their bristles into the ground to
try to win the tug of war.
Sometimes
in the battle they get torn in two, but never fear! The mighty earthworm is
able to grow a new tail!
Thanks
to worms, our soil is rich, aerated and healthy – perfect for little seedlings!
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