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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 26, 2006 21:18:33 GMT
At the risk of appearing the Ghengis Khan of the GW club, another 'wildlife' problem that's plagueing me:
earlier in the year I created gravel paths over previously virgin paddock, stripping the turf with a machine - but I didn't lay matting before gravelling.
This was a "considered" choice - I have had experience where if you have gravel deep enough to keep the mat covered, it's too deep to comfortably walk over.
Weed control is not the problem - it's worms. The paths are hugely affected by worm casts.
Any suggestions to inhibit worm occupation - I have grass and/or box hedging bordering, so nothing toxic that leaches to the side, please - and I don't really want to kill them, just move them on!
OM
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2006 5:38:05 GMT
i use them as a sign that they're under there somewhere doing their work. I just pick them up and throw them on the border.
What surprised me most was the occasionaly cast appearing on the gravel in one of the greenhouses (and I used old compost bags as a liner). They must be finding their way through one of the forked drainage holes.
Doesn't help you one bit thought i'm afraid OM.
;D
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 27, 2006 6:24:31 GMT
Morning Ghengis! The only thing I can think of is perhaps the application of something slightly unpleasant along your paths via a watering can which might put the worms off a bit - very very very diluted vinegar or something similar maybe? Salt solution? Just a thought....anything stronger would affect the bordering plants. Personally I hate gravel as all it seems to do is get stuck in my wellies and end up on my floors. P'raps you could try a test patch somewhere and see what happens.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2006 6:47:25 GMT
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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 27, 2006 18:48:37 GMT
all, thanks for that train of thought - the concensus seems to be that grass likes acid treatment and worms don't... combine the two and... we're back to hot vinegar!!
Weedkiller/grass tonic/worm discourager all in one go - if box likes it as well, we're really in business.
OM.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2006 8:45:07 GMT
There has been lots of discussion amongst the members of the Parish Council here (I'm a councilor BTW) how to eradicate the village playing field/football pitch of moles. As trapping the moles didn't work it was decided to use a spray to kill the worms in the hope that the moles would go else where for their tea. But, 18 months later the moles are still wreaking havoc  |
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