When we garden, we spend a lot of time trying to get rid of weeds, annoying pests, and even wandering critters. But one small, slimy, slithering group of invertebrate animals you actually want in your garden are earthworms. Having no legs, earthworms wiggle their way through water, soil, and other terrestrial areas.

Confirmed over the years, the benefits of earthworms continue to be talked about today. Acting as a natural fertilizer, the digested excretion by worms, called earthworm castings, are an excellent organic soil enhancer. Unless you are specifically looking, worm castings are barely distinguishable from the soil. (The next time you're out in your garden, look for a small pile of tiny brown granular pieces. Who knows, they may already be working their magic!)

Remarkably, earthworm castings contain nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphates and potash and microbes that enrich soil and keep plants growing strong. The casting is also active with beneficial bacteria.

Earthworms also play a very vital role in maintaining the ecosystem under the soil. For example, by ingesting and breaking down organic materials, worms create a simple, more usable nutrient mix for the soil and plants.

As they tunnel through the soil of gardens, earthworms increase the drainage of the soil, making it easier for the plants to retain moisture. Earthworm tunnels even allow plants to grow deeper and allow for the expansion of the roots. Even when worms die, their corpses release nitrogen back into the soil which plants can use to grow bigger and stronger.

Although a rich source of slow releasing nitrogen, decaying earthworms will not cause nitrogen burn and thus gentle enough to give to flowers and seedlings a growth boost. It is also thought there is a type of adhesive in worm casting that helps soil particles stick together, giving the soil better water retention, protection against invaders and also more structure.

When you use earthworm castings sprinkle around the base of the plants, bushes, shrubs or flowers that need treated. Earthworm castings can also be mulched directly into the soil to any depth or used as potting material for indoor plants. One 25 lb bag can treat up to 1000 feet of topsoil so it goes a long way and is an affordable way for home gardeners to "go natural."

Continue to take advantage of ways to naturally fertilize your garden through the use of earthworm castings, bat guano, or fish meal. All three have proven to be effective, all-natural and eco-friendly, able to do wonders for your growing garden.