This is an update on my previous report about vetiver/compost trenches. Our first attempt at making these trenches was a big success. Surprisingly so, because the compost in the trenches kept going down, down, down to where it looked like very little was left after 6 months. This was a little discouraging at the time because I used five pickup loads of manure and rice hulls, plus I was watering it fairly often. The surprising part was how much compost I got at the end of summer.
Landscaping
The Forest Man of India
“Since the 1970’s Majuli islander Jadav Payeng has been planting trees in order to save his island. To date he has single handedly planted a forest larger than Central Park NYC. His forest has transformed what was once a barren wasteland, into a lush oasis. Humble yet passionate and philosophical about his work. Payeng takes us on a journey into his incredible forest.”
Rooftop Gardens – Healthy Food for Cities
Rooftop gardening is a simple idea that could help billions of people worldwide. It’s actually an ancient idea that’s already common in Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Rooftop gardens are gaining traction in other places as well. The concept involves growing food on top of flat roofed buildings, primarily in urban areas where growing space is limited and the need for fresh food is greatest. France has just signed into law that all new commercial buildings incorporate green roofs.
Curtis Stone: Passive Solar Greenhouse
Curtis Stone, The Urban Farmer, explains how he built his cold climate greenhouse in Canada. As usual for The Urban Farmer, the video is packed with interesting details. Note his comments on how he saved $10,000 by avoiding the common trap of overengineering. Curtis Stone’s videos and book explain how to make $100,000 farming ½ acre you don’t own.
Building Garden Soil — Throw the Sink at It
Here’s a brief list of things we’re doing to boost the quality of our soil in our forest garden. I’m writing this because I saw a video a while back that explained why they don’t use worm castings, compost tea, leaf mulch, rock dust and so on any more. That video might confuse some people into thinking these things aren’t helpful. What actually happened is their soil has become so good (by using these materials!) in their small backyard garden raised beds that these soil amendments are no longer necessary. Since they’re only dealing with a few pickup loads of soil, it’s not overly difficult to create that much high quality soil.
Our Mesh Hoop House is Finished
We recently completed a mesh hoop house in our forest garden. Our climate is tropical, so we wanted a mesh fabric covering that blocks the intensity of the sun and allows plenty of ventilation. The hoop house will be used to grow vegetable starts for the garden, microgreens and tomatoes in large containers. The project … Read more