When you go long distance backpacking, Trail Angels leave water and snacks for you at points where access to civilization is near. Five gallon water jugs help hikers refill canteens etc...
So my Swale Angels left me a skid loader (Bobcat like) for a week. (Pictures to follow) Went out last morning and the yellow bugger was sitting out back with forks and two buckets. I have a week to do some serious earthworks and mulch hauling while learning how to use it. Doing no harm.
Dan
Jul 10, 2008
Jul 1, 2008
Micro Irrigation Blues
That fateful hiss. The obscure little spot of moist soil which should not be there. Two winters and three summers makes for a well buried water line and the aging of a few weak spots in the system. Whenever I find the crack or pinhole, its time for a small drip line to go somewhere. Next summer I plan on removing the lines as the plants should be well established in the berms. Most do not need it now and their roots have long extended past the drip area. A few plants put in last summer are my only concern during these hot July days. The Kiwi, Peach, and Reliance Grape had a long and rough winter. I want to give them all the growth they can get done this summer. Maybe I'll use bucket drip lines next summer.
The Sea Berry runners love the drip lines and send up shoots along its length. Great for me, I pull, pot and propagate hoping to plant them all along the fences. Someday replace the fences with them.
Emitters 0, Scythe 8.
TONS of Wild Blue Indigo. Huge plants are taking over the paths. Their canopy now matches the trees. Some 4 feet across. I must find a way to measure the pounds of Nitrogen per acre they are putting out. I know what the trees need. Their roots are well intertwined by now.
Not many cherries this year.
I will start bagging the pomes next week. Apples and Pears are growing fast.
Red Currants and Strawberries are ripe for picking.
I picked up three solar panels last week. Another project!
The Sea Berry runners love the drip lines and send up shoots along its length. Great for me, I pull, pot and propagate hoping to plant them all along the fences. Someday replace the fences with them.
Emitters 0, Scythe 8.
TONS of Wild Blue Indigo. Huge plants are taking over the paths. Their canopy now matches the trees. Some 4 feet across. I must find a way to measure the pounds of Nitrogen per acre they are putting out. I know what the trees need. Their roots are well intertwined by now.
Not many cherries this year.
I will start bagging the pomes next week. Apples and Pears are growing fast.
Red Currants and Strawberries are ripe for picking.
I picked up three solar panels last week. Another project!
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Permaculture and Polyculture Consulting and Design
Getting to know your property, the plants you have and those you can grow, is a fulfilling endeavor. With most I am the steward of the land. I give them good soil biology and they do the rest. If I group them in cohesive plant communities, they respond with greater yields. If I encourage the micro-organisms (Fungus and bacteria) , the roots obsorb more nutrients making a pest and disease resistant plant. A stronger plant that gives us more organic food and takes less energy.
Workshops
A Ten Acre Farm Transformed to an Edible Forest Garden
Self Renewing Fertility, Soil Building, Water Catchment, Tea Trail Swale, Erosion Control and Native American Medicinals