Meet the Soil and the Worms

Soil is more than brown dust. It contains small mineral pieces, old plant material, water, air and living things.

Roots grow through spaces in soil. Those spaces can hold water and air, both of which most garden roots need.

Earthworms eat decaying plant material and make tunnels as they move. Their activity can help soil structure.

Try it: ask a grown-up to place a little garden soil on a tray. Look closely without touching unknown creatures. Can you spot different particle sizes or old leaf pieces? Wash hands afterwards.