Earthworms, the unsung heroes of our gardens, often get a bad rap. Perhaps it is because they are a little slimy and dirty. Maybe it is because Aristotle called them “intestines of the earth.”
However, earthworms play a crucial role in our ecosystem, aiding in soil health and decomposition. Let’s learn a few facts about earthworms.
Earthworms are a type of worm in the phyla Annelida. Annelids are segmented worms with more than 22,000 species. Some live in marine environments, while others live in moist, terrestrial environments. Several species of earthworms live in Colorado, including the nightcrawler and the red earthworm.
Earthworms are hungry. Their diet consists of dead plants, fallen leaves and even dead animals. They need a relatively moist soil environment that has a near-neutral pH. Worms improve soil structure and can even help to clean contaminated soils by breaking down environmental pollutants and turning them into nontoxic molecules. They burrow channels, leaving space for water to be drained away from the surface and stored in the soil. The more worms, the healthier the soil. Worms are also important in the food chain as they provide a protein-rich source of food for animals such as our local robins.
Worms can be a helpful component of your garden for all the reasons mentioned above. They can also make great composters, eating your food scraps and creating a natural, odor-free compost. Vermicomposting is a fun, easy way to recycle your food scraps and create compost that enriches your soil and promotes plant health.
Your CSU Extension office will be offering a vermicomposting class on June 28 at 10 a.m. You will learn about the biology of earthworms and the benefits to composting. You will also build your own worm composting bin that is easy to maintain.
The class will take place at the CSU Extension office, and preregistration is required. The class is free, but there is a $20 materials fee to build a worm bin. To register, please call us at (970) 264-5931 or visit https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/.
Email list
Do you want to be added to our email distribution list to learn about upcoming programs and the latest resources? Email cindi.galabota@colostate.edu to be added to our list.
Or, to learn more about the many programs, resources and services offered by Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, visit https://extension.colostate.edu.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension office, generally on the third Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/.
