Types of Soil Worms: A Simple Guide to Worms in Garden and Potting Soil

I get asked about soil worms all the time. People dig into their garden or open a pot and see worms they do not recognize. Some look white. Some are small. Some are big and pink. And the first thought is often, “Is this good or bad?”

In this guide, I will explain the types of soil worms, how to spot the differences, and which worms help your soil the most. I will keep this clear, simple, and easy to follow.

Why Soil Worms Matter

Worms are part of healthy soil. They break down dead plants, move nutrients, and help air and water reach plant roots.

When I see worms in soil, I usually see a system that is alive and working.

That said, not every worm you find plays the same role.

The 3 Types of Earthworms

Most soil worms fall into three main groups. These groups are based on how and where the worms live.

1. Epigeic Earthworms

Epigeic earthworms live on the soil surface. They eat decaying leaves and food scraps.

Key traits:

• Small and thin
  
• Red or reddish-brown
  
• Live in compost and mulch
  

These worms are common in compost bins. They are not deep diggers, and they do not live long in plain garden soil.

Examples include red wigglers.

2. Endogeic Earthworms

Endogeic worms live inside the soil itself.

Key traits:

• Pale or light-colored
  
• Medium size
  
• Move through topsoil layers
  

These worms eat soil rich in organic matter. They help mix nutrients and improve soil texture.

3. Anecic Earthworms

Anecic worms are deep burrowers.

Key traits:

• Large and long
  
• Dark head and lighter tail
  
• Build deep vertical tunnels
  

Nightcrawlers are the best-known example. These worms pull leaves down into the soil and create channels for air and water.

Types of Worms in Garden Soil

Most garden soil has a mix of endogeic and anecic worms. These are the worms that improve soil structure the most.

If your garden soil has:

• Organic matter
  
• Moisture
  
• Mild temperatures
  

You will likely see healthy worm activity.

This is a good sign.

 

Must Read : Best Worm Composting Bin: A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right One

 

Types of White Worms in Soil

White worms often worry people.

Most of the time, these are:

• Pot worms
  
• Immature earthworms
  

Pot worms are tiny, white, and thin. They show up in wet soil with lots of organic matter.

They are not harmful to plants. They usually mean the soil is too wet.

Drying the soil slightly often reduces them.

Types of Worms in Potting Soil

Finding worms in potting soil is common, especially in outdoor pots.

Common types include:

• Pot worms
  
• Small endogeic worms
  

These worms arrive through compost, garden soil, or outdoor exposure.

They are usually harmless and may help break down organic matter.

Bad Worms in Garden Soil

This is an important topic.

Most worms are helpful. Some organisms get called “bad worms” by mistake.

What people often confuse with worms:

• Grubs
  
• Maggots
  
• Larvae
  

These pests can damage roots and plants.

True earthworms rarely harm healthy plants. If you see plant damage, look closely at what you found.

 

Must Read : Indoor Worm Composting: A Simple Guide for Composting with Worms Indoors

 

Different Types of Soil Worms and Their Roles

Here is a simple breakdown:

Each type plays a role in healthy soil systems.

How to Identify a Type of Worm in the Soil

I use three quick checks.

1. Color – Red often means surface worms. Pale means soil dwellers.
   
2. Size – Large worms are usually deep burrowers.
   
3. Location – Surface, soil, or deep tunnels give clues.
   

These clues help narrow it down fast.

What Type of Worms Live in Enriched Soil?

Enriched soil is rich in organic matter.

This soil attracts:

• Endogeic worms
  
• Anecic worms
  

These worms feed on decaying plant material mixed into the soil.

The richer the soil, the more worm activity you will see.

What Type of Soil Do Worms Like?

Worms like soil that is:

• Moist, not soaked
  
• Rich in organic matter
  
• Loose and airy
  

They avoid dry, compacted, or chemical-heavy soil.

When soil improves, worms move in on their own.

 

Must Read : Worm Anatomy Explained: Complete Guide to All Essential Parts of a Worm 

 

Are All Worms a Good Sign?

Most of the time, yes.

Worms usually mean:

• Healthy microbes
  
• Good moisture balance
  
• Active nutrient cycling
  

Seeing worms tells me the soil system is alive.

Common Mistakes When Seeing Worms

I see these mistakes often.

❌ Killing worms out of fear
❌ Assuming all white worms are bad
❌ Overwatering soil

Most worm “problems” fix themselves when soil conditions improve.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different types of soil worms helps you work with nature instead of against it. Worms are helpers, not pests, in most cases.

When you know what you are looking at, soil care becomes simpler and less stressful.