Earthworms For Aerating The Soil In Potted Plants And Hanging Baskets

Question

I’m thinking about adding some earthworms to the soil of my potted plants and hanging baskets in order to keep the soil aerated and non-compacted. Are you able to provide any guidance? Thanks !

Answer 1

This is a wonderful way to do so! You will want to keep many extras around, possibly in a worm bin, as they have a tendency to die off in containers sometimes. It is good to keep more around to replace them should the soil accidentally dry out all of the way.

Here are some articles that will help you with worm keeping:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/worm-composting-bins.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/creating-worm-beds-in-gardens.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/making-a-worm-house.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/benefits-of-garden-worms.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-attract-earthworms.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/worm-castings.htm

Answer 2

Worm castings no doubt are good for your soil. After a little research I came up with some points for you to ponder:

1. The red wigglers are the ones used for fishing and they stay near the top of the soil. The kind we find in our dirt can dig down several feet.

2. Since they feed on decaying leaves, etc., would they have enough of that in your pots?

3. Their tunneling may or may not be good for the roots of the plants.

Here is more info:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/using-worm-castings-in-containers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/vermicomposting/worm-castings.htm

https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=23945