Cross-posting

We've just planted a new mini-orchard with mini-swales. Check it out here

http://margoandjerry.blogspot.com/2009/07/mini-orchard-update.html

More produce no waste

I just need to say again how much I love my tip. Here's the result of our last trip - meet my new garden sink.

In a past life they used to be a kitchen sink, and a BBQ. However, the BBQ had no grill part left, so was effectively just a frame. A frame which happened to fit the kitchen sink perfectly. So now I can rinse my veg in the garden using the garden hose (once Jerry organises a hose/ tap stand) and by placing a bucket under the sink outlet I can recycle the water back in to the garden.

It also fits perfectly in the spot next to the hose....three cheers for recycling free stuff!

Small and slow solutions / Apply self regulation and accept feedback

I've just posted the results of our last 2 years of power saving efforts here:

http://margoandjerry.blogspot.com/2009/02/cutting-back-kilowatts.html

although there is still work to do, I'm pleased with a 23% reduction in the past 2 years - and particularly with a 29 - 39% reduction in winter power use - mostly by using simple, 'slow' solutions.

Mini-permablitz garden update

The mini-permablitz garden is struggling along. The beans haven't done at all well - I think there's not enough soul to stay moist enough to keep them happy. It's also a windy spot in the garden which adds to the drying effect. The zucchini and squash are coming along, but the pumpkins aren't going anywhere in a hurry, alas.

The 40+ temps this week won't be helping either........

Produce no waste

..or perhaps make use of other people's waste would be more appropriate. This is a picture of a new "shelving system" we created using items salvaged from our local tip. The stainless steel frame is one of about 10 we salvaged - ex shop fittings - because we thought they would be useful in the shed. Then we realised that the door shelves and butter container from an old fridge (also dumped at the tip), sit neatly on the fittings to make shelves.

Voila! Practical new shelves from waste. Cost - about 25c in petrol to get to the tip.



In the past I've collected these fridge door 'shelves' and used them to grow seedlings (drill holes in the bottom for drainage) - they are very sturdy and work well.

Harvest a yield

Some of this year's garlic crop


A HUUUUUUUUUGE loganberry.


So far this year on the berry front we have harvested

• 19kg (!!!!) brambleberries
• 4.5 kg redcurrants
• 1kg blackcurrants
• 1.9kg raspberries
• 1.6kg loganberries
• 200g (!!) cherries - the tree is only a baby :*)
  

Mini-permablitz garden progress

The beans, pumpkins and squash have almost all come up, and are growing well, and both the tomatillos are flowering.