Jumping Worms | Protecting Our Garden Spaces: Tips and techniques for managing our gardens and sharing plants

In spring 2020, just as we became aware of how quickly Asian Jumping Worms (Amynthas species) were infesting our local gardens, Wild Ones Twin Cities considered canceling its popular donated plant sale, hosted by Julia at her private home. While not wanting to unknowingly spread an invasive species, we believed we were thorough in our efforts to minimize any risk. As we continue to learn more, we can no longer make that assumption. Even the nursery trade can no longer guarantee their products do not have cocoons. In an effort to find a way to safely share plants we love, Julia began to experiment transferring plants via bare roots. As this technique is new to many of us, she developed a system and leads Bare Root Clinics and Demonstrations.

In her presentation, Julia will focus on best practice methods for protecting your garden, including risk assessment, early detection and how to prevent further spread. She will also share what we’ve learned about safely transferring and sharing plants during the active growing season via bare root techniques.

The $10 registration fee* is to cover materials for the class. Participants will receive a 5 gallon bucket and 2 bucket filter to take home for cleaning plants for bare root transfers.

*Jack’s is an inclusive community and does not believe that income should be a barrier to learning. If you are interested in this workshop but unable to pay the full fee, please email admin@jacksfarmsupply.com

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Julia Vanatta has been a homeowner in Minneapolis since late 1970s. Getting serious about gardening over 20 years ago, she uses her own gardens to experiment and learn all she can about native plants and the wildlife they support, especially insects. Julia has been active as a leader in various capacities for Wild Ones Twin Cities for many years. More recently she started the Facebook group, Native Plant Gardens in the Upper Midwest, a discussion group where members engage in an exchange of ideas and practices for local ecosystem gardening.