Hi there! My name is William the wiggly worm

I live here in the dark, cool dirt. I am a small worm, but I have a big job to do!

Winter is here!

Frost covers the land of the garden, and most of the plants have stopped growing. The air is cold, so I stay tucked deep inside the soil. Above me, the garden looks quiet, sleepy, and solid.

The garden is asleep, but important things are happening under the ground.  My friends and I break down decaying plant material, and make tunnels to help air and water move through the soil.  This makes the soil healthy so plants can grow when  warmer weather arrives.

I woke up one morning and the sunshine felt warmer. I hear heavy footsteps above my head. The farmer is back! She brings seed packets, a shovel, and a container of water. I wiggle with excitement. A new growing season is about to begin!

The farmer's wife went to the store and bought seeds. Some seeds are tiny, while others are a little bigger. She picked to grow carrots, lettuce, beans, and tomatoes. 

Each seed holds the beginning of a new plant. Can you imagine all the food these little seeds could make?

The gardener reads each seed packet to see how deep to plant the seeds and how far apart they should be. She covers each of them with soil and waters them gently. The seeds settle into their new dirt homes. Now we wait for the magic to begin!

under the soil, a seed absorbs water and begins to germinate. First, a tiny  little root grows downward. Then a shoot starts reaching up. I watch from my tunnel. Something wonderful is happening, even though the gardener cannot see it yet!

A few days go by, and little green sprouts poke through the top of the soil. The gardener smiles when she sees them. Their leaves reach toward the sun, the sun helps them make their own food. I cheer from below. Grow, little plants, grow!

Look at the tomato plants! Yellow flowers appear, and later, tiny  tomatoes begin to form. As time goes on, the tomatoes grow larger and turn deep red. A plant can produce delicious food, but it takes time, sunlight, and water.