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earthworm care #867622

Asked May 08, 2024, 4:29 PM EDT

I have 12 HUGE plastic pots in my garden (18-20 inches in diameter and 24-30 inches high). There are no bottoms. Over the years the soil has settled, and i need to add more. However, I know there are earthworms in the pots and I don't want to suffocate them. How much organic composted manure or organic potting soil can I add each day to be sure my worms have a chance to tunnel to the surface before I add another layer, I'd really don't have the time to dump the dirt out of each pot and sort through the soil for worms. Thank you for your help! Laura Borghi

Olmsted County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Laura, 

Earthworms can live six feet underground, so you don’t need to worry about hurting them.

MJ Replied May 10, 2024, 7:36 AM EDT
So I won't smother them by putting 18" of soil on top of their air-holes? They are in plastic raised planters. I just cut off the bottoms several days ago, so I don't think they have established underground tunnel systems out of the planters yet?
Thanks for your help!
Laura

On Friday, May 10, 2024 at 06:36:17 AM CDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 1:01 PM EDT

They should be fine.

MJ Replied May 14, 2024, 9:57 PM EDT

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