We all learned as school kids that worms performed important tilling procedures that benefited the soil. But the Asian Jumping Worm is different because it consumes so much of the woodland leaf litter that the soil becomes depleted. These worms are believed to, most frequently, be transported by fisherman who like these violent squirming invertebrates! Master Gardeners can take precautions to not contribute to their movement via compost or soil pots if they know some of the key identification characteristics. See our specimens in the video.

Joyce Browning Horticulturist, Master Gardener Coordinator Video credit: Bethany Evans Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program Alumni; CPH