The Dundee Fresh Grocery, Inc. will be having a plant and seed swap on October 5 from 10 am - 12 pm.
If you recall, it had been scheduled for May...but invasive jumping worms changed all that...
As our spring swap was approaching, Dundee Fresh Grocery, Inc, got word from our local Cornell Cooperative Extension specialists that jumping worms have been observed locally and were becoming a problem. We were informed that waiting until the fall was a better idea.
So, we followed the advice of our specialists and will be holding the swap next month.
But what's the big deal? Here's what you should know about these pesky crawlers.
What's an invasive jumping worm?
So, what is an invasive jumping worm exactly?
Well, we're glad you asked.
Jumping worms look very much like any other worm you'd find digging through your lawn or garden. However, these worms, which are a species that's been introduced from Asia (scientific name, Amynthas spp.), doesn't burrow very far down into the soil, instead they stay mostly at surface-level.
This is a problem because other earth worms, as they burrow through the soil, leave castings (or poop, if you will), which adds nutrients to the soil. They also aerate the soil as they burrow around. This aeration helps plant roots grow.
Jumping worms don't do that. Their castings are very dry (often described as being similar to coffee grounds) and don't promote plant growth. Their castings are also found on the top few centimeters of the soil. This means they aren't burrowing through the soil, moving it, aerating it, and helping our plants grow.
What specialists are finding is that the ground under the jumping worms' layer of casting is hard and compacted. Not so good for growing things.
Actually, sometimes it leaves the area bare of plants. Not good for lawns and gardens, right?
How can I identify an invasive jumping worm?
Jumping worms look pretty similar to other earth worms, but there are a few ways to tell the difference between the two:
Invasive Jumping Worms | Earthworms |
White collar | Flesh-colored collar |
Shiny appearance | Soft and moist appearance |
Very active, like a snake when disturbed | Wriggles along, in no apparent hurry |
Usually an abundance of worms in one spot | Solitary |
Dry, grainy castings on top layer of ground | Normal ground |
What do I do if I find jumping worms?
According to Cornell Cooperative Extension, there are a few things you can do if you find invasive jumping worms.
If you find them in potted plants: dispose of the potted plant and its soil in the garbage. If you can't part with the plant, thoroughly remove all soil from the roots by rinsing with water, and replant in clean potting soil.
If you find them in potting soil, dispose of the soil in the garbage.
If you find them in your yard or garden, manually remove them and soak them in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or alfalfa pellets to dry them out. Dispose in the garbage.
If they're in a large area, solarize them by placing a tarp over the area for about 4 weeks.
DO NOT put them in your compost pile, garden, nor use them for fishing bait - this will promote their spread!
We can still hold our October 5th PLANT and SEED SWAP!
Dundee Fresh Grocery, Inc. is hosting a plant and seed swap on October 5, 2024, behind Dundee Central School.
While we had originally been planning to host the swap in May, the worms can still be in their cocoons or too small to see with the naked eye at that time. By October, they are easily visible and we can feel more confident in knowing whether they are in our plant soils or not.
Dundee Fresh Grocery, Inc.'s goal with the plant and seed swap is to help our community grow their own, share their own, and beautify their spaces. Bring out your cuttings, divided plants, bulbs (potted or unpotted), and saved seeds to exchange for something else you might want.
Before you come, check your soil for jumping worms. If you see 'em, please don't bring 'em for trading! Follow the above steps to dispose of the worms.
Not sure if you have the worms or not? No problem! We'll have a wash station on site to cleanse swapped plants in an effort to minimize spread.
Specialists from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Lydia Williams and Caroline Boutard-Hunt will also be on hand to answer questions and check our plants.
Plant and seed swap details
When: October 5, 2024 10am-12pm
Where: Dundee Central School basketball court
Hosted by Dundee Fresh Grocery, Inc
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