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Ontario, Canada.

I have heard that up to 1/4 of the volume of soil can be used. How much do you add to amend soils? Has anyone tried using it extensivley in the patch to aid in root development and aeration?
Can building insulation grade vermiculite be used safely in the patch? It is much cheaper than what the Co-Op sells if for per bag.

11/28/2003 2:27:32 PM

Montoursville, PA

My two cents.......just add more leaves and manures. The worms will follow without purchase of anything. They will give you the aeration you seek and a whole lot more. Your humus in process to humates will evenly hold the moisture longer as well as utilize the fertilizer and biological support the worms add. Your roots and the water utilize the worm channels. This becomes more and more effective as the organic handling of your soil is continued from year to year.

I wittnesed one gardener's patch last summer that had a ten worm count in one square foot by six inches deep test area. The grower was extremely proud of his frog population. Neither worms or frogs can live in nuked soil area. That patch was nothing short of excellent. There had been no synthetic chemicals used on it for over ten years.

I only wish I could say I have done this well. I went there to learn and listen. It was an amazing two hours.

11/28/2003 7:29:28 PM