Rob's Page

I'd been wondering how to build walls out of natural materials from my yard. I didn't have enough rocks, so adobe bricks came to mind. We definitely have enough caliche soil to make our own adobe - but how? Here's a great step-by-step guide, and it looks pretty easy. I'll definitely be trying this.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2314179_make-bricks.html

Over the summer I cordoned off about a third of the back yard and dug out six garden beds. I'm in the process now of building of soil.
Bed One: 40' long x 2' wide x 3' deep
Beds Two and Three: 17' x 3'9" x 3'
Bed Four: 17' x 3'9" x 2'
Bed Five: 5' x 3'9" x 3'
Bed Six: 5' x 3'9" x 2'
The strange wid… Continue

YAY! At long last I found my missing Week Four notes. Here goes:

Mulch doesn't have to be chopped or chipped plant matter - also consider using LIVING mulch. Not only will the plants roots break up the soil, but its leaves will shade the soil and help it retain moisture. Some plants that are especially good for use as living mulch include Apache Hubbard squash, Anazasi beans, amaranth, and native gourds. Note that beans (leguminous plants)will be especially helpful by adding nitrogen to the soi… Continue

Designing a Vegetable Garden Class, Week Three Notes

Need mulch? Tree chipping companies have to pay to dispose of their chips so may deliver to you free of charge as a win / win.

Rooftop gardening was discussed, and it was mentioned that some plants might hang from the roof. Important: the roof must be very well supported in order to carry the weight of earth, water and plants! Idea: we could plant native gourds in large containers on our 2nd floor deck, then let the vines hang rather than cl… Continue

The BBC had an interesting story today regarding efforts to begin reforesting a place with severe desert conditions. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7934406.stm