Can You Add Earthworms to Potted Plants?

If you are a gardener, you may have heard of the benefits of adding earthworms to your garden soil. Earthworms help aerate the soil, break down organic matter, and release essential nutrients for plants to absorb. But can you add earthworms to your potted plants? The answer is yes, you can. In fact, adding earthworms to potted plants can improve their health and growth. In this article, we will discuss why earthworms are beneficial for potted plants and how to add them to your pots.

Why Are Earthworms Beneficial for Potted Plants?

If you have potted plants at home, you may notice that they can sometimes become waterlogged or compacted. This can happen if the soil in your pot is too dense, or if you are overwatering your plants. When the soil becomes too compacted, it can be difficult for the plant roots to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth and even plant death.

This is where earthworms come in. Earthworms create tunnels in the soil, which helps to aerate it and improve drainage. They also break down organic matter in the soil, such as dead roots or leaves, into nutrients that are available for plants to absorb. This can help potted plants thrive and grow more vigorously.

How to Add Earthworms to Your Potted Plants

If you want to add earthworms to your potted plants, it's important to choose the right type of earthworm. You should never use earthworms that are intended for fishing, as these worms can be harmful to your plants. Instead, you should use composting worms, such as red wigglers or European nightcrawlers.

You can purchase composting worms from a garden center or online, and they are typically sold by weight. You will need about 1 lb of worms for every 2 square feet of soil, or approximately 100-200 worms per pot.

To add the worms to your pots, you should first prepare the soil. Remove any dead leaves or plant debris from the top of the soil, as this can attract pests or diseases. Then, dig several holes in the soil and place the worms in the holes. Cover the holes with soil and water the pot well.

You should only add worms to pots that have drainage holes, as the worms require oxygen and can drown in waterlogged soil. You should also avoid using chemical fertilizers or pesticides in your pots, as these can harm the worms.

Conclusion

Adding earthworms to your potted plants can be a simple and effective way to improve their health and growth. Earthworms can help aerate the soil, break down organic matter, and release essential nutrients for plants to absorb. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can add composting worms to your pots and enjoy healthy, thriving plants.