How to Dig Earthworms
Earthworms wriggle around in the ground, forming tunnels that help guide water to plant roots and loosening the soil so that the roots can grow. They also break down waste products in the soil and turn them into nutrient-dense food for the plants to use. Digging for earthworms is a fun and simple activity. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Locate a damp section of soil to dig for earthworms. Earthworms prefer a moist environment, so digging right after a fresh rain or in an area where the ground retains moisture is ideal. You can try digging in dry ground, but you'll have to dig quite a bit deeper to reach the worms.
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Locate a shady, cool area. If there isn't shade, try digging for earthworms under rocks and leaf piles. Earthworms especially love heavily treed areas, and can often be found under old logs or tree trunks.
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Start digging up the soil with a small shovel. Place the mound of soil on the ground, and use your fingers to sift through the soil for the earthworms.
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Place the earthworms in a glass jar. Make sure to put at least 4 inches of soil in the jar, so they don't dry out. Add coffee grounds or melon rinds to the top of the soil for food.
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Return the earthworms to the soil if you aren't keeping them for some other use. If you do want to keep them, make sure you cover the container with dark paper, since earthworms are sensitive to light. Earthworms often don't live long in small containers, so plan on transferring them to a proper environment within a few days.
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Tips & Warnings
Earthworms are most active during spring and fall, so dig during these seasons for optimal results.
If you can't find any worms, try digging a hole, then pouring in a mixture of 2 tbsp. mustard powder and 2 L of water. If there are worms under the soil, they should appear within five minutes.
