[radiohead]

  .....Bit of an odd one this, but lately I've found all of the savoys I've picked have been full of small red earthworms.....Not eating their way in but lodged in the folds of leaves right into the heart of the cabbage.....This makes prep a real pain as you cant simply slice into the cabbage without ending up with loads of sliced worms as well .....Not the end of the world..(well,it is for the worms )...cos the sliced cabbage gets a really good wash before use.But a little offputting,and I know if the sprogs see it that will be the end of any enthusiasm they may exhibit for produce from the lottie .........anyone else get this,and is there a fix to stop the little blighters???......more in desparation than anything else I ask the question

[prakash_mib]

eeewwww...
certainly not a great sight on your chopping board. I can understand the science of the earth being frosted/cold too early the worms laid eggs in your cabbages (warmer) and the wormlings are there waiting for the less cold ground.
I may be wrong but I read somewhere the red worms are more rogue worms and they even displace/cannibalise other worm species. they are good because they can feast on fresh organic matter. I was always concerned when I bung in horse manure I see lots of red worms and I am sure that I am creating an imbalance in the system in the plot.
out of interest: are there worms up untill the heart of cabbage or just inside the first few layers (which were open at the top)
 

[Springlands]

If you put your cut cabbage into salted water it will kill the worms and make it much easier to wash out the worms. This also applies to most of the bugs that you may find on veggies.

[savbo]

could it be the cold, driving brandling worms into places they wouldn't usually go?

[billathome65]

I grew some peas years and years ago and when I opened the pods some had maggots in them that was enough to put the wife off 

I'm hoping that this time round I can get lots of veg without unwanted guests 

Bill

[radiohead]

Thanks for the replies all,
Prackash.....the worms get right into the heart of the cabbage....if it was just the outer leaves I wouldnt worry,but they are right in there .
The bed was well manured last spring,so a lot of red worms were introduced....
I dont expect perfect veg off my plot...or worry about a few slug holes on the outside etc....but this is ridiculous, and I doubt I'll be growing winter cabbage next year as a result.