Redgum sawdust used on paths

[Kevin W]

Does anyone see any problems using redgum sawdust as the basis of paths around raised no dig vegie patches?

[ecodharmamark]

G'day Kevin,

Welcome to the PRI Forum :)!

Concerning your question: Providing the sawdust is free from pathogens and toxic chemicals, I can't see a problem with it. Sawdust is used extensively for garden paths in many of the vege gardens I have ventured into. It provides a good barrier to slugs and snails, and is good for supresing grass and other unwanted (nutrient-sapping) plants from growing between your beds, and it feels great under bare feet!

I'm pretty sure there have been discussions on this topic before. Maybe you could try searching for them an see what comes up?

If you have a ready supply of bulk sawdust, maybe you could incorporate it into a composting system and then feed this into your vege garden? Sawdust is basically carboniferous, so you would need to add the appropriate amount of nitrogenous material for a good mix. A good mix is about 30 parts of carbon to 1 part of nitrogen, or C/N ratio 30. Eucalypt sawdust is rated at about a C/N ratio of 500, so you would need to mix it with a low C/N ratio substance such as poultry manure (C/N ratio 7) or lots of green grass clippings (C/N ratio 22) for example to get a good, 'hot ' compost going.

Sawdust is a great resource. I observed a machine at the Seymour (Victoria) Alternative Farm Expo earlier this year compressing the stuff into little 'brickettes', just the right size for dropping into a little heating/cooking device.

Good luck with utilising your supply, let us know how you get on.

Cheerio, Mark.