A worm is an elongated cylindrical-bodied invertebrate with no legs. The most commonly known worm is the earthworm, a member of phylum Annelida. However, there are thousands of different species that live in a wide variety of habitats such as on land, and in marine or freshwater.

Most worms live underground in our gardens and  fields. Worms do not have bones or limbs to help them move through the earth, instead they have a soft, segmented body covered by tiny bristles that help to move them. Worms breathe through their skin and it must be kept moist to help them absorb oxygen so they can survive.

Worms have been called “ecosystem engineers” because their presence and behavior have such a great effect on the soil. The underground burrowing systems that these worms create increases the amount of air and water that reaches the roots of plants which encourages growth.

Worms also help shred and mix organic matter into the soil, increasing the speed with which this matter decomposes. In many ways, worms are some of the most eco-conscious recyclers on the planet!

Worms are hungry creatures and can consume half of their own body weight per day. Worms eat while they pass through the soil and leave behind nutrient-rich worm castings as they travel. The soil and organic matter they eat passes through their body and becomes crushed and compacted by the worms' powerful muscles. The end product is the worm castings which help to promote growth in the soil. This is why worms living in your garden is considered such a good sign  and indicates that that your soil is healthy.