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One of my columns I like the best is the one about the lesser houseflies that invade area homes this time of year. You probably have seen some flitting about windowsills. If so, you would be astonished at their numbers behind your walls where they collect and spend the winter in dormancy.
Come spring, you will see them at windowsills again. They move back outside, find earthworms and lay eggs in them, thus repeating the cycle. It really is amazing that our homes are being used as part of all of this.
Ah, but what about the worms? Because of glaciation, earthworms are not native to Alaska. Well, there may be one or two native species, but what I am writing about are the worms brought up here in bagged garden soils and potted plants and that you and I would immediately identify as “earthworms.”
These are invasive species here, though they have not caused much of a problem save a few hotspots frequented by fisherman on the Kenai. (I didn’t know Alaska fish even knew what a worm was! Maybe that is why they get tossed.)
In cold temperatures, earthworms usually get stuck in their burrows, their exits filled with frozen water or soil. Under these conditions, they coil up into a ball and produce a slime with which they coat themselves so they won’t dry out during the winter. Then they go into a hibernation state known as estivation. The things you learn here.
Some worms lay eggs, called cocoons. These sit in the soil until temperature conditions are right and they hatch. Some even evade going dormant altogether, having snuck into an area which doesn’t freeze all winter, or at least not very deep, like the floor of your outdoor greenhouse.
You may have a worm bin and collect castings for use in your gardens. As winter approaches, you can let yours go dormant and repopulate with purchased worms next spring. Or, you can try and keep your worms over the winter by moving the bin to a non-freezing, indoor space. Some folks employ a seed heating mat to keep theirs at an above-freezing temperatures. I know a lot of bins have several trays. Move all the worms into one so you don’t have to use more than one heating mat.
Yes, I am aware of the Asian jumping worm which has people worried because they take down forest duff too quickly, impacting mycorrhizal fungi. I am pretty sure those that sell earthworms hereabouts know the difference and do not sell them.
Anyhow, back to the lesser houseflies. I know lots of folks get upset when they see them flitting about windowsills. I say not to worry. These are not like blow flies that can easily spread germs. They are not eating dead, rotting things and pose no harm to life or limb for you or your pets. They are a good sign.
In fact, the presence of lesser houseflies means your yard contains earthworms, the very same critters that make great soil as they forage for the bacteria, fungi and protozoa that keep them going … except when it gets really cold and they go dormant.
Jeff’s Alaska Garden Calendar:
Alaska Botanical Garden: The Garden does not go dormant during the winter. There are too many activities to list here, but you know where to find them: In your membership letters or at www.alaskabg.org. Better to get early notification by becoming a member.
Houseplants: Start watering more. Look for pests like spider mites. Neem oil products work great. Cover soil with a cut out newspaper or paper bag if thrips start flitting around.
Garlics: Now is the time. Hardnecks do best here. Search growing garlic in Alaska. One download should be the UAF co-op’s information on the subject. There are YouTubes as well.
Alaska Apple Tasting: The Alaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association (APFGA) is hosting at apple and fruit tasting Saturday, Sept. 27 from 1-3 p.m. at Mid Valley Greenhouse, 1346 Hyer Road in Wasilla.
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