The MGS Forum

Gardening in mediterranean climates => Pests and diseases => Topic started by: Alice on April 18, 2013, 01:16:12 AM

Title: Compost worms?
Post by: Alice on April 18, 2013, 01:16:12 AM

I have just discovered some thread-like transparent worms (up to 1cm  long) in the compost I have been using for germinating seeds. What are they? Are they likely to damage seedlings (or humans)?

Title: Re: Compost worms?
Post by: Alisdair on April 18, 2013, 11:26:29 AM

Alice, I don't think you should worry. These are probably Enchytraeid worms, which don't eat living plant tissue. Most live on dead plant material, some live on the funguses which grow on such material. They thrive in acid conditions, which may be quite likely with your compost.

Title: Re: Compost worms?
Post by: Alice on April 18, 2013, 03:56:38 PM

What a relief! Thanks, Alisdair.
The compost was John Innes and the bag hadn't been opened for long, so there shouldn't have been nasties in it. But one never knows.