Question
Is there some way to get rid of the slimy earthworms that are overrunning our yard?  Every time it rains, I see them crawling on the sidewalk, all over the grass, everywhere, and it is making me sick.  I would like to apply something to the grass to keep them out of there.  What do you suggest?

Answer
Know that famous gardener's saying, "Be Careful What You Wish For"?

Not that I don't understand your squeamishness over Night Crawlers... sort of sounds like something out of a horror movie, the way you are describing it.

Have you seen a doctor about this problem?

Sorry - I could not resist.

It's just that Earthworms are SO wonderful.  They are a sign that you are doing some wonderful things with your garden.

Sure, you may not have anything flowering there.  You may.  Or may not.

But the most important thing you have is a chemical free, organic-rich plot.  There's a reason Pearl Buck's book was called "The Good Earth".

Worm castings are INCREDIBLY good for your soil.

They're 50 percent HIGHER in Organic matter.  7 times richer in Phosphates.  10 times richer in Phosphates and Potash than ordinary Earthworm-free soil.  5 times higher in Nitrogen, 3 times in Magnesium, and 1 1/2 times higher in Calcium.

I could go on.

Darwin wrote a book about these garden fauna: "Formation of Vegetable Mould Throught he Action of Worms".  There are MILLIONS in an acre of healthy soil.

We need more people like Margaret H., Margaret.  Because people like you are good for all of us.

Next time you step on one of your Earthworms, Margaret, I want you to pick it up.... and kiss it!

EARTHWORMS ARE YOUR FRIENDS!

Thanks for writing.