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Introducing worms to new build front lawn

Itoohaveagarden_21Itoohaveagarden_21 Posts: 26
in Problem solving
Hello all!
Just got our keys to our new build home and our front garden has been partially turfed (the rest is still to be done) I am planning on planting a flowering tree and a few other bits in the near future but I’m wondering whether now would be a good time to introduce some worms.
I’m considering digging down into the patch that has been unturfed (see pic) to see whether they’ve properly rotavated the soil and removed debris. And if they haven’t (highly likely) then I will take up the turf and do it myself.

I know there’s many wise people on this forum who might be able to advise what I should do?

thanks in advance!

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    There's no need to do that. If you add some well rotted manure to the area you want plants, that will  benefit the soil regardless of how good or bad it is, and will then be fine for planting into. You can add some multi purpose compost as well if you want, or you could do that when planting up. A slow release food will also help plants to get off to a good start in spring, but it's then a case of adding organic matter to keep the soil healthy. Mulching after planting a tree is also a good idea to keep weeds at bay. Compost, bark etc are all ideal for that.
    I'm not sure what you mean about the turfed areas though. Do you mean you wanted to add worms to those areas? That isn't necessary either  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Congratulations on your new home - I hope you have many happy years there.
    I completely agree with Fg - no need to add worms. The're will be worms already and if you want to increase their numbers , then as Fg says, just dig in rotted manure. That will attract more worms, fungi and bacteria which are the ingredients for a good fertile soil.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    edited December 2021
    I agree, worms will find their way there especially if you add organic material, the more the better.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • Itoohaveagarden_21Itoohaveagarden_21 Posts: 26
    It is a brand new build site, I’ve read that it’s highly unlikely they’ll be any goodness or life in the soil! 
    I don’t know how worms would survive a construction site for three years or more! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You'd be surprised @Itoohaveagarden_21  :)
    It isn't instant, but adding organic matter is the way to go. I've done it in several gardens which have had no sustenance and little to no planting in them.
    This garden I have now is a case in point. I had compacted grass at the edge of the pavement, which the world and his wife -and kids- schlepped over on a daily basis.  Boundary fence put in, turf cleared, and a load of fresh manure stuck on for over winter. Ready to plant up the following spring. The border is full of all sorts of stuff.

    Well rotted manure can be used right away. My oldest nephew moved into a new build [West Lothian too] about ten years ago. It's now all planted up too, after he did the same  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    My house is a new build, I've been there 6 years now but it is worm central! My grass is always covered in casts in Winter and I only have to lightly disturb the soil and they all come out. I've only this year started adding organic stuff as I was clueless before 😁
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I think that the worm eggs come in the well rotted manure. Mine is absolutely teeming with worms.
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