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TCarmichael
- Casa Grande, AZ
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Is this what is called "landscape fabric"?
You have to figure out a way to stop the sun from hitting the base of the planter. Otherwise, the dirt and roots heat up and your plants will just croak. It isn't just about the surface parts of the plants.
What about those straw filled portable be…
Then I hope you have a welder and design engineer, because the only thing that will hold volumes of dirt (I'm assuming they won't let the dirt hit the ground, either) and survive moving is going to be a hard metal or concrete or both. You could prob…
Depends on your definition of portable.
You can use wood and removable "corners" to make raised beds... but honestly I wouldn't "raise" the bed much at all, if any. Dig down 6 inches, make a 12 inch bed - 6 inch sunk, 6 inches raised. When you move…
Well, having completed the PDC and used my yard as my project I can say this....
You already have a vision. Great. First step down. Stick with it.
Second, use a permaculture guidebook to walk you through your site analysis: sun, wind, water and an…
You know, I don't know if I'm imagining this... but this seems to have slightly morphed into a "throw rocks at other countries, we're so evolved" post.
Hate that I contributed to it with my Chania post. Especially since as a whole, Crete was pretty…
I fell asleep halfway through pot. Not because it was boring, but because I was so tired :).
Same thing in Chania, Crete. Beautiful little town, beautiful harbor - with a floating island of trash that circulates around it daily. No rain needed. I have no idea if they go out there and clean it up regularly, or if it's the same trash every da…
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What I've learned lately, Entry 1
1. When you call AZ Blue Stake and they ask you if you are digging within the next 15 days you say yes. If you don't... then hang up and call back.
2. Evidently people "blast" holes in residential lots.
3. I don't know what "boring" is, in relation to making holes on a lot but I assume I won't be doing it (this could be a problem, see #5).
4. I do NOT live on a perfectly rectangular lot, thanks Google Earth.
5. Assume nothing, what you think you know you really don't, and measuring the dista… Continue
2. Evidently people "blast" holes in residential lots.
3. I don't know what "boring" is, in relation to making holes on a lot but I assume I won't be doing it (this could be a problem, see #5).
4. I do NOT live on a perfectly rectangular lot, thanks Google Earth.
5. Assume nothing, what you think you know you really don't, and measuring the dista… Continue
Posted on February 3, 2009 at 6:30pm — 4 Comments
Someone kick my butt, please.
Ok,
The weather is cooling and I'm sitting on my butt.
I've been staring at the yard so long, killing bermuda for so long... that I find myself in a strange state of paralysis now that the surface bermuda is almost gone and the weather is getting mild enough to work in.
It's like I lost my inspiration.
I was set to go all spring and summer... now I just don't care.
I have a lot to do... earthworks, submitting plans to the HOA, finalizing paint colors, figuring out if I can put a mulch bed a… Continue
The weather is cooling and I'm sitting on my butt.
I've been staring at the yard so long, killing bermuda for so long... that I find myself in a strange state of paralysis now that the surface bermuda is almost gone and the weather is getting mild enough to work in.
It's like I lost my inspiration.
I was set to go all spring and summer... now I just don't care.
I have a lot to do... earthworks, submitting plans to the HOA, finalizing paint colors, figuring out if I can put a mulch bed a… Continue
Posted on October 2, 2008 at 11:28am — 10 Comments
Still on Chapter 1 of The Bermuda Murder
Well, after Sunday's monumental rains washed all the poison off, we waited til Tues to reapply. There was absolutely zero browning from Sunday's app.
Now, after Tuesday's round and a lot of watering, this is what it looks like.
Interesting note - it got MUCH browner after I watered on Thurs morning. And even more after last night. I applied a bit more liquid fertilizer tonight, and am giving it a DEEP watering. Hopefully on Sun we can do this again.
… Continue
Now, after Tuesday's round and a lot of watering, this is what it looks like.
Interesting note - it got MUCH browner after I watered on Thurs morning. And even more after last night. I applied a bit more liquid fertilizer tonight, and am giving it a DEEP watering. Hopefully on Sun we can do this again.
… Continue
Posted on August 22, 2008 at 10:25pm —
The Bermuda Murder, chapter 1 (of book 2)
Well, tonight hubby sprayed the bermuda with the second round (first round was in June and it took til now to get it healthy enough for the second round... which will really be the first round... but anyway...).
This is a pic a few hours later, along with Moose - and evidently a garden fairy (bright light).
In a few days, round two (or three depending on your pov).… Continue
This is a pic a few hours later, along with Moose - and evidently a garden fairy (bright light).
In a few days, round two (or three depending on your pov).… Continue
Posted on August 17, 2008 at 9:00pm — 2 Comments
Comin' along...
Well, I am happy to report that after over a week of nightly 2-hour waterings my half-dead bermuda is finally starting to perk up so I can KILL IT.
I am going to buy some spray on fertilizer today and give it another boost and I am HOPING in a week I can put the second round of poison on.
I can tell a difference in the ground, BIG TIME. I started watering at night instead of morning and after cumulative waterings, the ground is staying moist into the mid-morning and is overall much "springier"… Continue
I am going to buy some spray on fertilizer today and give it another boost and I am HOPING in a week I can put the second round of poison on.
I can tell a difference in the ground, BIG TIME. I started watering at night instead of morning and after cumulative waterings, the ground is staying moist into the mid-morning and is overall much "springier"… Continue
Posted on August 7, 2008 at 11:54am —
Comment Wall (16 comments)
- At 9:20am on August 3, 2009,
VYNNIE said… - Native trees can be planted pretty much anytime, but summer is best - it's their growing season. Ideally, I recommend more trees when/where you can. When you order them from the nursery, request/pay for delivery and install. It's quite worth it (especially if you have crappy dirt). Plan to be present when they install. Request that they double-stake the tree (it's for storm security). Orient the tree for best spread of canopy (ideally, width should be east-west where possible). And the rootcrown of the tree should be set high, about 2-4inches above ground level. You can later mulch to cover rootball. The tree will settle a bit, plus, if you landscape around the tree, the new ground level will likely be higher than previous.
But before you select your trees, do you know what your overall design will be??? Contact me and we can discuss details. But for best results, plan to use a fine gravel (DG or 1/2"inch). It cleans best. So think about the tree litter (leaves and pods), bloom cycle, and deciduousity. Well, and size too. Size always matters.
- VYNNIE
602.770.1613
terrafirmaaz@yahoo.com
phoenix, 85021
- At 12:53pm on April 20, 2009,
Ericka Cero Wood said… - Yes, sorry I guess looking back I never formally introduced myself :|
Ryan is my hubby :)
What kinds of trees are you thinking?
Hope you enjoyed the PDC, I haven't taken it -YET. Ryan has of course so I picked up a lot from him. Hope to see you around like a doughnut!
- At 7:35pm on March 31, 2009,
Ericka Cero Wood said…
- how you been? still cursing bermuda and yanking weeds? Just poking fun at you :)
When are you going to plant a tree in that there yard lady? You need a "pump" to get things started! holler back sometime...
- At 9:24am on February 12, 2009,
Macey said… - I am starting my first garden using the biointensive method and am looking for help (if I run into issues...lol). Can I contact you if I need to?
Thanks,
Macey
- At 6:52pm on January 18, 2009,
Cris said… - What's it like in Casa Grande? We were out there last month, but I didn't get much of a look around. Do most people commute to Phoenix and Tucson for a living?
- At 2:19pm on January 15, 2009,
Harry Harrison said…
- Ah yes we have them in abundance on the northern areas of Adelaide. They are a declared noxious weed having taken over vast areas of Queensland in the first half of last century. The government introduced the Cactoblastus moth as a biological control which has done the job up there. We have varieties with red and yellow fruit but not the deeper color of yours.
Do you have the prickleless variety? The pads can be eaten also, fried!
What wre you doing with them? Jam making? I'd love to hear.
cheers Harry
- At 5:37am on January 15, 2009,
- Water infiltrating the sewer lines? First I've heard of that. If your sewer lines are ceramic with loose joints and you saturate the soil to the depth of the sewer quite possible. In a dry climate that's quite hard to do but I don't know you soil types or ground water conditions and dynamics. If your sewer lines are PVC or polyethylene then they should be water tight. Jim is certainly right about the negative consequences of using herbicides on the local level. Most herbicides do affect the soil biology and are more persistent than the manufacturers like to suggest. They have banned glyphosate in Denmark in part due to finding it in the water table (wet country). It is also a fungicide so kills off your mycorrhiza and other useful soil fungi. Trizines-simazine and atrazine are also on the nasty list. The EPA has concerns with aqifer recharge (via wetlands) in Adelaide because of simazine. It is a persistant herbicide giving months to a year of kill off so is popular with councils. My local council stopped using it themselves a few years ago but have only just stopped the private contractors, who do most of the herbicide spraying for them, from using it. It is still available in the shops tho for home use. Of note is that trizine tolerant canola is a commonly grown non-GE variety being replaced with the GE roundup (glyphosate) ready canola. Bit like replacing one evil with another!
Bermuda grass isn't the deepest rooted stoloniferous grass. Buffalo and kikuyu are much worse. To kill it off without chemicals start the same way. In warm weather fertilize (plenty of nitrogen to get it growing) and water well. Then cover with an impenitrable layer right away. This could be cardboard, thick layers of newspaper or even better black plastic. You need to stop the grass poking thru completely. In the darkness the grass will continue to grow but will lack chlorophyll and this will eventually weaken the roots. Leave for 3-6 weeks then on a really scorching day remove the cover. The grass will burn off (no chlorophyll means no sun protection=sun burn). The plants depleted of energy and with weak roots will die off. You may have to repeat this in a patch or two if it re shoots. This is a much better way to kill it off than using herbicides. Better for your soil and the plants that follow, better for your own health and better for the environment also. Even to the level that it takes a deal of energy to produce the chemicals.
The eggs on your plant are certainly from a beetle (bug). Probably a shield bug of some form. We have spined citrus, shield and bronze orange bugs that are in this group. Often called 'stink bugs' cos when you squash them they stink! They use the stinky liquid as a deterrent to predators and can squirt it a few feet. It is caustic so care with your eyes if you come across them. They are hard to kill as adults-squash em. The nymphs hatch from the eggs in adult form, smaller tho usually a different color pattern to the adult. As nymphs they hang out in groups then as they grow and moult a few times they disperse so the adults are often harder to find. Damage on a large scale is rare but if you only have a few plants then any damage is large scale! Go out at night when they are less active and do some bug hunting with a torch. Knock them into a container and dispose of.
Love the fruit pictures and jam making. Also the wind farm. What is the purple fruit? The calyxes look similar to persimmon but I haven't seen a persimmon with purple skin and green flesh.
Keep up the good work on the yard.
Harry
- At 7:40pm on January 12, 2009,
Doreen Pollack said… - Yah - I have a bunch of weeds and something that looks like grass - I don't think it is bermda, Bermuda needs HEAT to grow. And when I pull it up it doesn't behave like bermuda. Someone called it 'false' grass. I think it is a seaonal weed that takes hold in dirt like most weeds. One solution is to cover the bare soil with wood ships, which can the be tilled back in later. I want to put wood chips in my walking path - which is now covered with weeds!
- At 9:46pm on January 11, 2009,
Lisette Volkmar said… - Glad to see you back!
- At 3:58pm on September 10, 2008,
Jennifer said… - Hey Taiji:
In that pile of stuff from your parents, you don't happen to have any vintage kitchen appliances do you? I know folks looking for Hamilton Beach citrus presses and other things.
Also, did you ever hook up with Eric (EM guy) about the buckets?
Jen
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Lylah - likewise to you and Michael - I feel connected through our tweets and on this site - one day we will meet in a class! Another hands-on Herb Planting class is coming in 2010!
Happy holidays and a peace-filled new year to all.
Doreen
Friend request sent...thanks Chris. I will be responsible for sending you a reminder Lee.
The Permaculture Design Course is a Gift to yourself and to your community [from you]. Empower yourself with the Permie Knowledge!!!
Ten Days left for the discounted rate of $650.....just send in your $100 deposit and have $550 left to pay before c…
I think we should meet by the knife sharpening van or the meat guy. Anyway, they are right next to each other and are closest to the north entrance. I think it's the north entrance. Anyway -- the knife sharpening van. I sure do hope I remember to br…
I have not met many of you because I am always so busy with school, work and kids. But I am so very grateful every time I do get the privilege to meet someone involved in the guild. I am from Oregon and often feel out of place here in NE Phoenix. Th…
wow that is awesome!
Hi Lylah,
My friend Jennifer and I met you and your husband at the home tour in North Scottsdale a few weeks ago. We visited for quite a while in the front before the tour started. I am also appreciative of the wonderful community of people who shar…
Dana- having the girls in the compost area makes the dogs even MORE jealous! LOL it's fun to watch all the animals interact...
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