Question from David's Talk -- Worms

[Jen]

During David's "Alcohol Can Be a Gas" talk here in New Zealand, he mentioned having garden pathways created as worm trenches. I've been planning on creating worm trenches, but I can't imagine how it could be done in a way that it could also serve as a pathway (getting walked upon). Could someone please point me in the right direction to get more info on this?

Thanks,
Jennifer

[Chris Scanlan]

I have sawdust paths and the worms breed in the paths, I don't know what Dave said but worms love organic matter paper and wood waste etc.

Regards,

Chris Scanlan

[Jen]

So, you don't dig a trench, fill with straw and food waste? Dave wasn't specific but I got the idea it was more of a real worm-farm scale operation, but instead of moving the castings, the plant roots just reach into the pathways for a feeding.

I wonder if the compost red-worms would be okay under a layer of wood chips or sawdust, as they're more surface feeders. I'd think the worms in your sawdust would be earthworms.

I use Bokashi to innoculate my kitchen waste and need to dig it into the soil. Would be great if I could combine this with a worm trench in my garden paths.

Thanks,
Jennifer

[The Future]

Jennifer,
Just dig a trench where you paths are. Use this soil to raise your beds a bit. Then throw you compost directly in the path. If you are growing in an area that is sensitive to aesthetics, you will need something to cover the compost such as shredded paper, cardboard or sawdust. It's that simple. I do this with my mandala designs.

[Jen]

Thanks, I'll give it a go and stop worrying about walking on the poor little wormies. I have better access to woodchips than sawdust, so I'll cover the trenches/paths with this (and layer the food with cardboard for a bit of fiber).

Jennifer