are these garden pests

can someone please help! I have a large container which i use as my herb garden, but have recently noticed worm like creatures poking out of the soil.  I thought at first one was an old coil spring from a pen,sort of browny in colour,  long and slender and very very quickin movement, to disappear when distured. I really dont know what they are and wether i shud disposed of my herb garden and start again.