We hope you are well and have had a good start to the year.
We currently have over-wintered spring cabbage and Hungry Gap kale available. Also a wide variety of seeds, garlic plants and bulbs, sweet pea plants, onion sets and shallots, alpine strawberry plants and peat free compost.
The importance of earthworms!
We have nearly 30 species of earthworm in the UK, 16 of which may be found in your garden. They help create healthy soils by eating decaying plant material. They do not damage growing plants and are vital for soil structure and fertility. As they feed on decomposing organic matter like dead leaves, this is then excreted as nutritious casts, high in nitrogen and phosphorus, that plants can take up via their roots. Their burrowing tunnels can also benefit the movement of nutrients and water within the soil so plants can access them better. Therefore the soil's water filtration and drainage is improved too. They are also massively important as a food source for other animals.
There are 3 main types of worm that have different roles in the soil. Composter or epigeic worms can be found on the surface and do not make burrows. They break down organic matter in your compost area and the leaf litter. Endogeic worms can be found in the upper layers of the soil and help to mix minerals and air, aerating the soil. Anecic worms live deeper in the soil and create extensive burrowing systems. They come to the surface for food such as fallen leaves.
The more worms you have in your garden, the better your soil is for growing plants! Why not help them out and if you haven't already, create a compost heap which will benefit the epigeic worms and will add organic matter to the soil.
For more information on how are good for your garden, visit https://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=2ef99fff-3902-4386-b125-1e8ce933ba9b
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