Worms, weeds and thefts

Dear Gardeners,
The harvests are really coming in now. The squash plants are growing daily and threatening to take over. I see lots of beans and squash and even some peppers and eggplants. Just a few cherry tomatoes so far but the vines are looking great.
There is a new invasive species of earthworm coming into Wisconsin and we have now had a confirmed observation of them in the Gardens. For background, all earthworms are introduced (not native ) in Wisconsin and we generally think of them as beneficial in gardens. These new earthworms ("crazy" worms or" jumping" worms) are a big problem in forests and natural areas since they have large populations that eat all the material on the forest floor. They will eat the organic material in gardens too and will change the soil texture. A gardener in University Houses gardens took some in for diagnosis and had confirmation but we have had several reports from Eagle Heights as well.
More info and pictures here:

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/invasives/documents/JumpingWormFactSheet.pdf
http://dnr.wi.gov/wnrmag/2015/06/worms.htm
The cocoons can be spread in soil, transplants, on boots and tires and tools and with discarded fishing bait. To avoid spreading these around to natural areas or your home landscaping, please clean your tools and boots. Otherwise, be aware that you might want to mulch more heavily to increase the organic material in your soil. Pulling weeds and using them as mulch around the plants is certainly easier than taking them away to the weed pile and you should consider this as a way to keep soil and organic material in your plot.
Sometimes, I worry about the weekly message about pests in the gardens, but then I look around and see all the production. There are strategies to work on the pests and to encourage predators to keep them in balance. We have a very active ecosystem and pests are just a part of it. Each year, some crops suffer, but others do very well. Don't get overwhelmed by the ups and down and just enjoy the vegetables that are thriving.
Finally, I am discouraged by the report of thefts from the gardens and the food pantry bins. This is despicable behavior and our best way to prevent this is to watch out for each other's plots and the food pantry bins. Please get to know your garden neighbors and question people if you see them in someone else's plot. If you are going to be away on a trip and ask someone to watch your plot, please make sure they know the location and the boundaries so they are not harvesting in someone else's plot. You are responsible for getting this message to all the gardeners in your plot and there are serious consequences for thefts including loss of gardening privileges and possible police involvement.
The middle of July is usually the last point to plant additional summer crops, but from now until the end of August, you can plant fall vegetables: bok choi, napa cabbage, arugula, lettuce, beets, carrots, broccoli raab, turnips  and many more.
Don't forget to enjoy your gardens as you are working. The flowers look so great now and the smells (basil and dill and cilantro) are heavenly and the bees are busy and buzzing. This is a great time of salads and curries and stir-fry with real abundance. We all await the tomatoes and cucumbers that are not far away.
Gretel, Garden Registra