[chopkins1313]

hi all,

Well the sun finally came out up here in Newcastle at the weekend, and glorious it was too.

I was digging in the manure I'd put on last autumn and I notice hundreds upon hundreds of earth worms. Now I know these are what keeps our soil in fantastic condition, but is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Are they likely to start having a go at living plants etc or are they really just programmed to munch on rotten vegetation?

Chris

[8doubles]

The worst damage a worm will do it put a worm cast on your lawn.

The redworms and brandlings you get in large numbers in manure or compost tend to move away  soon after their food gets mixed with the soil .

[prakash_mib]

what is worm cast?
Tell me "Are they with us or against us?"   

[Starling]

I think it's worm poo Prakash. Digested earth and I think it's good 

[DD.]

Worm cast is what comes out of the back of the worm, having gone in the front.

It's good.

It's unsightly on lawns as stated. But still good.

[bigben]

Think of the worms as tiny cows munching thru organic stuff - just like cows, the stuff that comes out of the back looks a mess but is good for the soil.

[DD.]

Ahem - for the sake of the planet, I'd like to say to can have too many cows.

As I type this, no one has come up with a reason for having too many worms.

[JayG]

As I type this, no one has come up with a reason for having too many worms.

You mean you've never smelt a worm-trump?   

[DD.]

I have a bad cold and no sense of smell.

[bigben]

As a commited carnivore who likes his steak - keep the cows - I dont fancy worm steak. It would be tricky to cook for a start.

[prakash_mib]

hmm...
Last year when i dug my plot it was easy where I found ants nest. Are they good or bad  ?

[JayG]

Ants are more of a nuisance than a pest.

[peapod]

 Ants are a bit of a pain, but I found mine easy to move on.  I did feel a bit mean though 

[prakash_mib]

They have one beautiful egg nest. I watched gordon had ant egg chutney in his indian tour. I would dare try it!! it is still Yuck 

[aelf]

worms are only attracted to decaying matter so as long as your plants are growing, the worms will leave them alone.

worms are good 
lots of worms are very good - means that you have a rich soil