Tiny worms on nasternum leaf

[Sally674]

Hi everyone, please can you advise me. My kind neighbour gave me some Nasternum plants from his garden. I noticed a cluster of tiny white bugs that looked like rice but one was moving. I had planted them in my bedding, but have taken them out. What are these please and might they have now infected the soil? I am new to gardening and am worried. Thanks so much for your help.Sally

 

[Oliver Buckle]

If they were on the leaves that is probably where they live, and they are unlikely to survive in the soil. The commonest pest of nasturtiums (?) I know of are cabbage white caterpillars, and at this time of year they would quite likely just be hatching out.
Moving the plants and then moving them again will put a strain on them which will make them more vulnerable, better to kill the little varmints, if not with your thumb with a bug spray.