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6 Feb 2010

Why grow your own food? Why grow in raised beds?

Posted by Jake. No Comments

Had to do another post on John Kohler’s project…INSPIRING!!  John’s really doing IT WELL.. and PASSIONATELY.  Thanks for sharing.. SO much info John..these videos are a HUGE resource for all those wanting to do the same!!

 

 

 

growingyourgreens.com

remineralize.org

3 Feb 2010

Sepp Holzer – Farming with Terraces and Raised Beds

Posted by Jake. 2 Comments

Sepp Holzer..is one of my HEROES.  He’s growing in one of the highest, most northern..and COLDEST climates to grow in..the mountains of AUSTRIA.  He’s a Permaculture designer..taking it to the EXTREME!  Passionate..Genius!!!  If he can do it in that environment..everyone around the world can do it also! 

Sepp…our…HUGE gratitude for setting the pace!

 

  

 

2 Feb 2010

Ordering Seeds for your Spring Garden

Posted by Jake. 2 Comments

In this video, John Kohler, from GROWINGYOURGREENS, shows a couple of seed companies he uses.  His videos are absolutely some of the best urban gardening videos on the net…SO INFORMATIVE!!

Thanks John..I’ll definitely be picking up these suggestions…..very SOON!!

REALLY like that he’s sharing wild strains and diverse greens!  Here’s the sites he mentions:  That Egyptian Spinach sounds amazing!

BOUNTIFUL GARDENS

TERRITORIAL SEEDS

WILD GARDEN SEEDS

BAKER CREEK HEIRLOOM SEEDS

2 Feb 2010

Introduction to Permaculture Design

Posted by Jake. No Comments

Geoff Lawton..inspires me beyond measure!!  In my opinion.. this message should be spread as fast…and as far…as possible!!  Our backyard grow project is inspired by Permaculture design..can’t wait..to get my hands on a copy of thisnew DVD.  SO much to learn..I’m LOVING every minute of the process.. it’s fascinating information!  Click the giant image below..to scoop it up.. THANKS GEOFF!! 

 

 

www.permaculture.org.au

This message is incredible!!

1 Feb 2010

Winter Update

Posted by Jake. 9 Comments

Here’s the Winter update..in photos and video.  So many plants to play around with!!  Getting ready for Spring..by amending soil in current beds, creating more soil for future beds and selecting, starting and planting more seeds and seedlings!!!  We’re also building swales on contour.. and putting in more nitrogen fixers.

oh..and.. I did a lady bug release last night..in the dome..go get em ladies!

 

Building my first swale in the front yard..FOOD FOREST! The rain..comes out of the gutter to the right..and hits the swale.
Instead of running straight down the hill..to the street..it fills the swale..especially the middle..then sinks in..keeping nutrients on the property and builds up a water “lens” underneath the fruit trees.
One of the many simple techniques of Permaculture. I love SWALES! SO much WATER SAVED. We will be planting fruiting/nitrogen fixing plants on top of the swale very soon..
Early in morning..7AM..still frozen

Later in the morning..10AM..venting the tunnels

 

Mixed heirloom romaine lettuces..Jericho, Paris Island, Freckles

The brassica bed, still growing..but frozen in the morning.
I love seeing the Kale’s freeze back..then warm up..greeting the sun!

 

….one hour later..unfrozen and happy!

 

Mixed greens..still coming up..spinach, arugula, lettuce, tatsoi, bok choy, kale, chard, collard

 

Garlic starting to show her aerial parts…so tasty..to even eat the leaves. It’s China Rose.
Asian Pear..this one is Shinseiki
Tunnel growing in a few beds..and building soil for future beds.
Under Porch..microclimate..winter refuge..for succulents and other plants
Red Wiggler..surfin..on the plastic hoop tunnel. Tons of them came out of the beds during the rains..to surf..it appears.
Succulents..my sweet aloe. Goji seedlings wintering over in the little pots to the left.
Inside..the Growing Dome

Have FUN..GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD!