Life 101 – Earthworms

Rocks, clumps of stubborn grass, broken glass, and an endless supply of gooey earthworms were in the patch of fertile ground we’re calling Edgewater Farm’s “vineyard.” 75 vines arrive in early May and, oh, the prep work. Scott was excited to see each worm since the grape vine catalog said “earthworms mean great soil.” Every time I see an earthworm, I have a flashback to the one and only time I ever baited a hook. I squealed like a girl, but my dad forced me. I may of cried. I vividly remember wailing: “it knows to be afraid!” My dad thought I had a head full of worms. Come to find out: Scientists have just discovered that worms make “group decisions” and travel in herds! “Our results modify the current view that earthworms are animals lacking in social behaviour,” says Ms Lara Zirbes, a PhD student at the University of Liege in Belgium. Dad, I told you so! (Oh, and don’t even get Scott started on the benefits of earthworm poop.)