
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 10, 1991                   TAG: 9102110376
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: E-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: John Arbogast
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

EARTHWORMS A PROBLEM

Q: The soil in my yard has been heaved into small mounds about 3 or 4 inches apart. Some of the mounds are almost the size of golf balls. I have been told that this is due to earthworms, and I have seen some that are almost as big as snakes. Earthworms are supposed to be beneficial to soil, but, in this case, the result is more like an infestation of moles. Somewhere I have heard that lime or limewater will reduce the earthworm population. Is that so? If not, what can I do? C.S., Salem

A: Earthworms are beneficial to the soil, so trying to eliminate them would be counterproductive. However, the presence of abundant earthworms at the soil surface as you have experienced could indicate soil or site related factors that you might need to modify to reduce the problem.

Lime may not be needed by your soil, although taking a soil test would be worth the expense to see if an acidic condition exists. It is possible that a soil pH that is off could contribute to incomplete decomposition of naturally occurring organic materials under the turf, so they are coming up to dine. Also, it is possible that your soil is holding too much water under the surface, and that would drive them upward. Thus, consider drainage problems that should be corrected.

If your lawn is shaded, it is possible that the evaporation of moisture from the topsoil is slow but yet the loose, constantly damp topsoil is perfect for worms. Maybe more sun is needed. Also, the lack of strong light at the surface can allow the earthworms to be busy there.

If this earthworm abundance continues, be prepared for moles who like to eat the worms.

Q: When should an arborvitae bush be trimmed? F.K., Natural Bridge Station

A: The best time to trim your arborvitae, as well as most other landscape plants grown for foliage, not flowers, is in the late winter or early spring, prior to the appearance of new growth. Keep in mind that most needle-leaf evergreens (including arborvitae) can only be pruned to the extent that branch ends remain that have greenery. These branch parts will be relatively young. Older branch parts that are bare and woody will be unable to produce new growth.

Got a question about your plants, lawn, garden, or insects? Write to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P. O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.

Gardener's checklist

> Vegetable transplants now being grown on a window sill, such as broccoli, cabbage, or Brussels sprouts, should be provided with very bright sunlight, a temperature in the 60s F., adequate watering and a weak diluted fertilizer solution that is applied every two weeks in order to prevent weak, spindly plants.

Check trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, for bag worm bags. These look like a pine cone hanging from branches. Remove bag worms now to reduce the number of eggs that will hatch this spring, thereby reducing the number of these pests this year.

Gardeners who like to start their own vegetable transplants should sow seeds of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage indoors or in a home greenhouse now in order to have strong seedlings to plant in middle to late March (based on Roanoke's average last frost date of April 30). These hardy vegetables must grow in the garden before the weather turns hot. Some suggested varieties (not a complete list) are: Packman, Green Valiant and Green Goliath Broccoli; Jade Cross Brussels sprouts; Stonehead, Round Up, Little Rock and Guardian Cabbage; and two Season Chinese Cabbage.

When planning for spring plants, remember that fruit trees, including those grown for flowers, such as Kwanzan cherry, are often subject to diseases and Japanese beetle infestation. Management of fruit trees with pesticides requires a genuine commitment of time and resources; do not try to get into this halfway.

by CNB