Earthworms in the vegetable garden are not only useful but also incredibly fascinating creatures. Many people wonder whether they should be fed in winter, when the temperature drops and the soil freezes. I decided to answer this question using information I’ve gathered over the past year — because who wouldn’t want to know how to pamper an earthworm in January?

Earthworms can survive in very low temperatures, even below freezing. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need any help. In winter, their activity drops significantly, and food becomes limited. That’s why it’s worth providing conditions that help them survive this difficult period — ideally a spa-style setup for invertebrates.

One way to feed them in winter is, of course, an earthworm feeder. It’s also important to cover vegetable beds with a layer of organic mulch — leaves, grass, straw, bark, sawdust, or compost. This mulch not only protects the soil from frost but also provides a food source for earthworms. Additionally, it insulates the soil, keeping the moisture level just right.

Another way to feed earthworms in winter is sprinkling sugar or molasses on the beds. These substances are easily digestible by our underground friends and give them energy. But remember — don’t overdo it, or instead of happy earthworms, you might end up creating a sugary paradise for ants.

Besides feeding, it’s also important to provide earthworms with shelter from predators such as birds, hedgehogs, shrews, or moles. You can do this by creating small mounds of soil, stones, branches, or planks in the garden beds. This way, our useful little creatures will have a place to hide and rest — like a forest hotel.

In short, earthworms in the vegetable garden are indispensable helpers that improve soil quality and support plant growth. To repay them, it’s worth taking care of their well-being in winter by feeding them and protecting them from the cold and predators. This way, we ensure healthy and abundant harvests in the next season!

End of lecture!