A lot of earthworms - is it a problem?
By Fanwandango
United Kingdom 
I know earthworms are essential for the garden however I have a small yard that has two little beds in it - I seem to have an excessive amout of earthworms - and I am not sure if it is a problem or not. Sometimes when I look at the bed you can see the earth moving! I think one of the reasons is because one bed has a large established buddlia in it (8/9 ft) I have been having problems getting anything else established in it which I thought was due to the buddlia - I have put a lot of compost/manure in this bed over the last 3 1/2 years in order to encourage other growth (which has worked to an extent). I believe compost attracts earthworms which may explain why there are so many - but I want to know if it would cause a problem if there are too many?
Thanks
2 May, 2009
Answers
They will not do any harm at all. they are probably still enjoying all the compost.
2 May, 2009
They'll be doing a super job of incorporating all your compost, hun.
If you're still having trouble growing stuff, are you choosing plants for that particular aspect? Some don't like over rich soil and it sounds like yours could be quite 'meaty' for want of another word. Maybe the manure is still a bit strong.
2 May, 2009
I think the earth worms are a sign of water content in your soil. They thrive in damp soil. They will only do good for your plants. You may want to consider that amount of light and drainage being a factor in your plant issues as the worms wouldn;t flourish like they are if the ground was allowed to dry in sun?!?!?!
3 May, 2009
I'm not aware that they are harmful at all, just enjoy them working so hard for you!
2 May, 2009