The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
A series of weather systems brought precipitation to Foster County at the end of April, boosting our monthly total to well above normal.
Farmers had a small window of time to plant small grains before the rain started on April 26. Over the next four days many parts of the county received 1.2 to 1.3 inches of precipitation. The rain put a halt to all fieldwork.
Total rainfall amounts in April were 2.6 inches at the Carrington REC, making it the eighth wettest April on record since 1967.
Temperatures were near normal for the month.
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My wife, Melissa, and I have enjoyed watching robins hopping around our lawn this spring eating worms and other insects. The earthworms remind me of a family story.
One day, my brother-in-law took my young nephews fishing in the coulee behind their land. The small pool where they were fishing only yielded fingerlings. As they threw the fish back into the water, my brother-in-law told the boys, “This is called ‘Catch and Release.’”
A couple of days later the boys came to the shop and asked their dad if they could go fishing again. “Not today,” he said. “I need to work in the field while the weather is good.”
When he finished repairing the farm implement, my brother-in-law thought he should check on his sons. He found them digging earthworms behind the barn.
“Boys,” my brother-in-law said, “I told you that we can’t go fishing today.”
“We know,” they replied. “We’re playing catch and release.”
A homeowner recently asked a question about earthworms. He wanted to know if there was a way to control them in his yard.
The worms were creating small mounds of soil that made the lawn rough, bumpy and difficult to walk on.
I’ve heard similar complaints from other homeowners in Carrington.
There are no pesticides labeled for the control of earthworms; however, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the annoyance that they cause.
The first step is to establish a healthy lawn through proper fertilization and mowing.
Turfgrass experts say that mowing grass too close to the ground is one of the most common mistakes that homeowners make. Mower height should be set at three inches or higher.
Mechanical means such as core aerating and power raking can be used to reduce bumpiness. Rolling is not recommended because it compacts the soil.
Although homeowners may not like walking across a bumpy yard, it is important to point out the beneficial effects of earthworms.
The burrowing action of worms alleviates compaction and facilitates air and water movement in the soil, creating a good environment for the growth of plant roots.
Earthworms also help decompose thatch.
Given their importance, scientists widely regard earthworms as reliable indicators of soil health.
If you have questions about your lawn or garden, please contact me in the Extension office (652-2581, jeff.gale@ndsu.edu).
