tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9865050718215747692024-02-03T07:53:18.278+10:00Bits out the BackFrom Garden to plate..bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-26074257575114282482017-05-13T14:59:00.001+10:002017-05-13T14:59:41.350+10:00Rob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics 100,000 SUBSCRIBERS THANK YOU GIVEAWAY Hi folks & THANKS for all the support YOU have shown us over the past 6 or so years. 👍😊 To celebrate hitting the 100,000 subscriber mark on our YouTube Channel we've decided to hold a bit of a giveaway.<br /><br />
Those that participate will also get the chance to have a picture or short clip included in an upcoming video posted to our channel.<br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EYudUkUTAUE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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Cheers & hope you all have a top weekend.<br /><br />
Rob & the Family.<br /><br />
🐟🐔🍅🌱bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-89895029152601116472016-12-11T13:54:00.003+10:002016-12-11T13:54:42.468+10:00<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Was asked last week by a fellow YouTube gardening friend Stephen from the </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/stephenlegaree14" target="_blank">Alberta Urban Garden YouTube channel</a> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">if I could do a clip showing the perennial plants we have on the go here in our small backyard farm. At first I didn't think we had that many but once I took pen to paper it turns out we really do have quite a number growing around the patch here as you'll see in the clip bellow. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-size: 14px;">Here's a few more perennial plants we have on the go that didn't make it into the clip,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Kang Kong AKA Water Spinach</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Duck Potatoes AKA Arrowhead</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Red vein Sorrel</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Strawberry Guava</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Welsh Onions</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Garlic</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Pigeon Pea</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Black Pepper Vine</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Comfrey</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Aloe Vera </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">+ I'm sure I've missed a few more. 😉</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Would love to know what your favourite perennial food plants are that you're growing or would like to grow in the comment section below. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Hope you enjoyed the clip & your garden is booming.</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none 0px;" /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Cheers all,<br />Rob.</span>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-9296849495901629592016-11-20T13:22:00.000+10:002016-11-20T13:22:25.667+10:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi folks.<br />Kira & I turned a stock tank into a self watering wicking garden bed/sub irrigated planter. Have included some ideas on different ways the plumbing can be set up as well as alternate media & reservoir configurations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully there will be a few useful ideas in there that will help you with your own self watering garden build. Have included some helpful links below as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can <a href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=bnbob01" target="_blank">Subscribe to our Backyard Farm & Aquaponics channel</a> if you're interested in getting more clips covering what we get up to here on our small block land. It w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ould be great to see you come along & say "G'Day" when we post a clip. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you <a href="http://www.patreon.com/RobsBackyardFarm" target="_blank">become a patron on Patreon</a> you'll get access to our member only feed with early access to clips, daily picture/video updates & monthly online hangouts depending on your level of support. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you enjoyed the clip & your garden is booming.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers all,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rob</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tilkey.com.au/" target="_blank">Tilkey drum reconditioner</a> for SE QLD readers.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wickingbed.com/" target="_blank">Colin Austin's wicking bed site</a>, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dave's <a href="http://www.venetogardens.com/" target="_blank">Veneto Gardens site</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheVenetoGardens" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few clips mentioned in this video.</span><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PIEsgCJ0fc" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Expand Holes with Hole Saws</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGF72sOwgJI" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Build a Wicking Barrel</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAFyB35yVeA" target="_blank">How to Build a Wicking IBC Bed</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBcWprMIwYYizRYZra6RRbe_mrPdnXu4G" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wicking How to Build Build Playlist</span></a>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-60918744259985795232016-10-30T14:13:00.001+10:002016-10-30T14:13:29.253+10:00Backyard Farm & Aquaponics Spring Tour Oct 2016 - Solarizing Pest & a Fe...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey folks. Took the camera for a spin around the backyard to give you a look at how the aquaponics and the rest of the backyard farm is going in our Spring here in Ipswich Australia. There are a few plants that are booming and a few that needed to be "retired" due to infestation. Had a quick look st the new Root Pouch gardens and went through a few of the changes that have been made to the patch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one's a bit longer than normal due to having a fair bit to cover folks. Will take it easier on you next clip ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would also like to give a huge shout out and thanks to all the folks that are supporting our channel through a small monthly contribution on our <a href="https://www.patreon.com/RobsBackyardFarm" target="_blank"> Backyard Farm & Aquaponics Patreon</a> page. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was also great chatting with a few of you today in the hangout and am looking forward to the next in a few weeks time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you're all well and your gardens are booming,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rob.</span>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-40698130428588694082016-10-23T13:54:00.000+10:002016-10-23T13:54:09.627+10:00Moving the Silver Perch & Genetic Abnormalities. An Aquaponics Update<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi folks. <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);">Moved 24 of the silver perch into the old jade perch tank so they have a bit more room and decided to bring you along for a look. Found a few genetic abnormalities along the way and thought it may interest folks that also keep silver perch in their own aquaponic systems. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't see abnormalities mentioned a lot but it is something you may come across when buying in fish for your system.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This </span><a href="http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/209309/Silver-Perch-Diseases-Manual.pdf" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">"Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of the diseases of the Australian Freshwater fish Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus)"</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PDF download from NSW Department Of Primary Industries (DPI) may be of interest to folks that are keeping Silver Perch and want some information on disease and deformity diagnosis. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you'd like to get other aquaponic video updates in your inbox you can </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=bnbob01" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also <a href="http://www.patreon.com/RobsBackyardFarm" target="_blank">find us on Patreon</a> where I post mini updates on the aquaponics, chooks, worms, wicking bed gardens and other small tidbits daily.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Hope you enjoy the look at the Silvers and your systems are all Booming. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers and all the best folks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rob.</span><br />
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<br />bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-68369767227543464472016-10-15T12:59:00.002+10:002016-10-15T12:59:38.164+10:00Aquaponic Updates. Harvesting some Fish & Cleaning the Beds<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have managed to knock off a few jobs to do with the aquaponics over the past week or so and Thought Id share them with you all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Harvesting the Fish </span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was asked if I could film a clip the next time I harvested some Jade perch from the aquaponics so folks could s</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ee how we do it here. I know it can be a bit daunting for new comers to aquaponics so I hope this helps you folks out. Have added in a quick look at some meals we make with the perch at the end of the clip for those that are curious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hopefully we'll have some free time next weekend to separate the silver perch between the 2 tanks. Am looking forward to trying them to see how they compare to the Jade perch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cleaning Out some Grow Beds</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few of the plants in the grow beds have gotten a bit unruly lately, so I decided they needed to be cut back a bit. All didn't go to plan but am happy with the results. Also planted out some seedlings to fill in some of the gaps the clean out created. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Was hoping to sow out a few seeds this week but that wasn't to be. Will pop in a few Asian Greens as well as a few other seedlings through the week I think. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />I hope you found how we harvest and process the fish interesting and enjoyed the look at some of the maintenance that was done. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Feel free to share the clips if you found them helpful and you can also check out our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/robbob" target="_blank">YouTube home page</a> for other useful Aquaponic and Backyard Farming playlists. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Thanks for stopping by folks and I hope all your gardens are booming,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rob.</span><br />
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bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-17918214980624269602016-10-02T14:48:00.000+10:002016-10-02T14:48:28.761+10:00Insect Netting Hoop House For Fruit Fly & Cabbage Butterflies<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Folks. Have rebuilt the insect netting hoop house to keep the Queensland fruit flies and cabbage butterflies from a few tomato plants and the remaining cauliflowers we have on the go in the backyard wicking beds. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was just in time as I found two Queensland fruit flies buzzing around while I was setting up the netting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They're an easy little build that really doesn’t cost a lot to make if you shop around and use recycled materials.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cz3d93pA3fw" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're interested in seeing one get knocked together let me know in the comment section below and I'll pull the camera out when we make up the next one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you're having fun in the patch and your plants are booming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rob.</span><br />
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<br />bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-618359294457379572016-09-18T12:18:00.001+10:002016-09-18T12:18:42.718+10:00Harvesting Purple Congo Potatoes and Turmeric from the Poly culture Wick...Hi Folks. I set about harvesting the volunteer Purple Congo Potatoes and turmeric from one of our polyculture wicking beds. What makes this harvest a bit of a bonus is that both plants are volunteers that have grown fairly well with little to no attention from us.<br /><br />
Have included a look inside the cooked spuds at the end & how some were used to make a potato salad.<br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PLw98S5nW5Q" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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Thanks for stopping by to check out our small harvest & feel free to share the clip with folks you think might be interested. 👍😊<br /><br />
Hope you're all well & your gardens are booming,<br /><br />
Rob. bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-21819246945248061002016-09-17T12:44:00.002+10:002020-09-24T15:40:36.241+10:00Homemade Chicken Soup With Home Grown Veggies<span face="helvetica, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Hi folks. Here's a look at our Homemade Asian style chicken soup using homegrown veggies & spice. Its a great recipe as you can adapt it to fit whatever veggies or flavourings you have on hand. It's very popular with the family & is made quite regularly here. We also use a similar base to make up our "Short Soup" with homemade wontons. Feel free to share it along if you think others might like to have a crack at cooking some up.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;" /><span face="helvetica, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Cheers.</span><br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nAhcReAgwtM" width="480"></iframe>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-81947136606803147902016-07-03T14:33:00.000+10:002016-07-03T14:33:52.909+10:00Front yard, Backyard & aquaponic Winter Update 2016Hi folks. Had a few people on Patreon ask for more update clips on the yard so here you go. 👍😊<br />
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This one is an overview on how the patch and aquaponics is going now we’re almost in the middle of winter here in subtropical SE Queensland Australia.<br />
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I think doing these video updates will help to keep me focused on the larger picture so am looking forward to getting back into them. Will be keeping future update clips a bit shorter but wanted to give an over view to kick things off.<br />
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New Duds and pH meter</h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;">Received a beauty of a pH meter from Bluelab and an AWESOME "Aquaponic, Grow Different" T Shirt from Root and Ramble and thought I'd give you folks a bit of a look. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jxrl1QmhEdU" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;">As you may have noticed I normally only wear plain shirts but will happily wear this </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;">"Aquaponics, Grow Different" shirt</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;"> around town, as I'm sure it will start a few conversations about aquaponics and backyard farming. 👍 </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;">Just a quick heads up, Root and Ramble were kind enough to offer a 15% discount code to our YouTube and social media audience which will be valid until August 1st 2016. It's not just on this T but on all goods.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;"><a href="http://www.rootnramble.com/">www.rootnramble.com</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;">Discount code </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">GROWBOSS15 </span><b>
</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;">You'll need to enter promo code at the checkout. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #232d32; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line;">👍</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Hope all your gardens are booming along and I'll catch you later.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Cheers all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Rob.</span></div>
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<br />bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-65174877845024055892016-03-27T01:47:00.000+10:002016-03-29T13:36:06.153+10:00Design Submission for PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate) Hi folks.<br />
Thought it was about time a post was made on the original design we came up for the block here. This was the design I submitted to the online Permaculture design course run by Geoff Lawton in 2015.<br />
Probably not the best example of a Permaculture design but thought it would help give folks some idea on what we have planed for the site here.<br />
I have included a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa6XqM0qYTo" target="_blank">video below the design</a> that has a full walk through of the block as it stands today if you want to see what it looks like now before too much work has been carried out.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Permaculture Design Plan for <i>"Bits Out the Back" </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Urban Farm</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">North Ipswich, Queensland Australia</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">May 2015</span></b></div>
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This North Ipswich property is home to a family of four that have a keen interest in growing as much food (fruit, veggies and animal protein) as possible and practical on an average urban block.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Location and orientation</u></span></i></b><br />
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The site is a 680m² urban house block located in North Ipswich, SE Queensland Australia (27°36'12.14"S - 152°45'52.36"E).<br />
Highest position on block is 28M and the lowest is just over 24M above sea level.<br />
The block is orientated NW to SE with an average slope of 6.6%.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Solar position map provided by sunearthtools.com Flood map provided by http://flood.dnrm.esriaustraliaonline.com.au/floodcheck/)</span><br />
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Climate</span></u></i></b><br />
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Ipswich is considered to have a subtropical climate with average Summer temperature ranges of 19.2-30.8°C (65.6 – 87.44°F) with a maximum sun angle of 85.75°.<br />
The average Winter temperature range is 6.2 – 21.8°C (43.2 – 71.24°F) with a maximum sun angle of 38.9°.<br />
The average rain fall is 854mm/33.6”, the majority of which falls between November through to May.<br />
The majority of rain events come in from the NW to SSW, with the Summer afternoon thunderstorms coming from W to SSW.<br />
The prevailing winds are generally from the West in the mornings, with a swing to the East in the mid to late afternoon.<br />
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">History of the site</span></u></i></b><br />
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Most of the history of this property comes from talks with an elderly neighbour whose family has lived in Ipswich since the early 1900’s. The property was once part of a farm dating back to the late 1800’s that was progressively broken up in to smaller lots.<br />
Land just to the south east of the property was once used as a refuse tip by local residents during the late 18 and early 1900’s. The blocks were terraced off using soil from the refuse site leading to large amounts of fragmented solid waste being deposited in the top soil. The current residents have unearthed such “relics” as old cutlery, a penknife, crushed food tins, medicine bottles, fuel tins, many pieces of broken glass, ceramic stone wear and china.<br />
The house is a timber weatherboard on concrete stumps that was built in the mid 1950’s and was purchased by the current owners in 2002. It had several small ornamental gardens installed in the front yard. One ran the length of the front fence, 2 ran either side of the front path leading to the house and the fourth was a small square bed in the centre of the yard, all of which were in disrepair when the current residents moved in.<br />
The backyard contained 3 mango trees and numerous Chinese elm trees that ran the length of both sides of the property. The 2 stringy/turpentine mangoes were removed along with all but 4 Chinese elm trees which are being coppiced and used to make compost since.<br />
All current gardens, chicken pen/yard and aquaculture systems have been constructed over the past 6 years.<br />
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Desired outcomes of design.</span></u></i></b><br />
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The main focus of this design is on the rear yard of the property with a few changes/additions being carried out in the front yard.<br />
The requested outcomes of the design were;<br />
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<ul>
<li>A better utilisation of natural energy resources, in particular rain water collection and solar energy.</li>
<li>Become self reliant in compost/vermicompost creation via organic material grown or collected on site.</li>
<li>Enhancement of onsite soils through various composting and mulching methods.</li>
<li>Inclusion of more perennial food producing plants.</li>
<li>Inclusion of more flowering/beneficial bug attracting plants and herbs.</li>
<li>Inclusion of shitake mushroom logs</li>
<li>Encourage more native wildlife into yard including the addition of a native bee hive to help in pollination.</li>
<li>Providing space for the education of others in the production of food/resources through open days and workshops.</li>
<li>Increase the available yield with the intention of on selling excess to supplement income.</li>
</ul>
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Substantial inroads have already been made towards these ends with a number of vegetable beds, a few fruit bearing perennial plants, aquaponic system, aquaculture system and egg laying chickens already on site. Not all of the elements are in their optimal positions so a redesign is called for.<br />
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Some elements will need to be removed or relocated with new elements added to help increase the yield potential and functionality of the property.<br />
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Current layout of block</span></u></i></b><br />
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Existing Elements</span></u></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Soil</span></i></b><br />
As mentioned above, extra top soil was brought in many decades ago to help terrace the property and as a result is deeper at the rear of the block.<br />
This sample of soil was taken from the centre of the back yard lawn, where the majority of the new plants will be situated. It was tested for pH using a chemical test and came back with a reading of 6.5. All other samples taken were between 6-7.<br />
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The soil sample was given the “Jar” test and the results indicate that the soil is a silty/loam with very little clay or organic matter present.<br />
The soil around the existing lime tree and herb bed suggests that both earth and compost worms are present in healthy numbers which will help condition the soil around the new plantings. Numerous varieties of mushrooms also appear after rain events indicating mycelium are present in the soil.<br />
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One concern is the level of lead that has been deposited in the soil close to the house.<br />
A DIY swab test has been carried out to confirm the use of lead paint on the house itself but no testing has been carried out to find out at what levels are present in the soils due to flaking as of yet.<br />
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Due to this no food plants have been grown in this soil near the house. It has been suggested that a comprehensive soil test be carried out on the soil surrounding before leafy greens and root crops are planted out.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Plant elements</span></i></b><br />
These are the available plants that are currently on site;<br />
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<ul>
<li>>40m² of wicking garden beds/barrels</li>
<li>Banana patch</li>
<li>Moringa tree</li>
<li>Dwarf Red papaya</li>
<li>Tahitian lime tree</li>
<li>Bowen/Kensington Pride mango tree</li>
<li>Ice cream bean tree seedlings</li>
<li>Multiple juvenile dwarf fruit trees currently in air pruning pouches until they can be planted out</li>
<li>Chinese elm trees (coppiced for compost production)</li>
<li>Flowering herbs and plants</li>
</ul>
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Many of these will be used to propagate new plants for the proposed plan.<br />
Owners also have an extensive seed library and are members of various plant/seed sharing and trading groups.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Animal elements</span></i></b><br />
Owners are restricted in the number of poultry that are allowed on the property so have ventured into aquaculture to help provide animal protein on site.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Chicken/poultry enclosure with 3 laying age chickens</li>
<li>2600L aquaponics system with 80+ mixed native perch (Jade and Silver perch)</li>
<li>2000L aquaculture system with 36 Jade perch</li>
</ul>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Structure elements</span></b></i><br />
Raised house with;<br />
<ul>
<li>Electricity from the grid</li>
<li>1.5kW grid tie in solar system</li>
<li>Town water</li>
<li>Small 1000L makeshift water storage system</li>
<li>Hoop house structures</li>
<li>Chicken pen</li>
<li>Fences</li>
<li>2 x 1m³ compost cages</li>
<li>2 x bathtub compost worm farm</li>
<li>Clothesline</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Construction resources on hand</span></i></b><br />
Various resources have been accumulated and stored on the property for later use.<br />
These include;<br />
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<ul>
<li>2 x IBC tanks for new aquaponic grow beds</li>
<li>20M of chain wire fencing for chicken pen/yard renovation</li>
<li>5 panels of “school yard” fencing for chicken pen/yard renovation</li>
<li>Reclaimed galvanised pipe for building grow bed racks and plant trellises</li>
<li>40M x 50mm/2” rural grade irrigation pipe</li>
<li>Sheets of reclaimed corrugated roofing iron</li>
<li>4 x 500L stock tanks to use as ponds, red claw rearing tanks or garden pond</li>
<li>Bathtub</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The Design plan</u></span></i></b><br />
The majority of the property has been designated Zone 1 due to the elements it contains and as it will be visited a minimum of once a day to feed animals and harvest food. A small zone 2 food forest has been incorporated at the rear of the property.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Zone 1</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The front yard, side yard and front entrance</span></i></b><br />
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The major changes recommended for the front section of the property are;<br />
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<ul>
<li>Remove and compost banana clump in front right corner after propagation material has been collected. This will allow more Winter sun to enter the front of the property.</li>
<li>Plant a row of blueberries and a dwarf fig tree across the centre of the front yard. Compatible understory plants to be included under these trees.</li>
<li>Build an arbour across front path, planted out with grape vines. Wicking barrels will also be situated under arbour for other climbing annual crops such as beans and sweet potato.</li>
<li>Construction of a swale on contour across front of yard to collect and soak water. This will also help alleviate the flow through and washouts under the house during heavy Summer rain events. The swale will only be planted out with edibles if lead test comes back clear, if not it will be planted out with bird and bug attracting ornamentals.</li>
<li>A small front deck to be added with an open rafter roof containing a small trap door. This will allow easy access to the roof for solar panels and roof maintenance. Deciduous vines will be grown over the rafters to provide afternoon shade from the Summer sun to living areas of the house.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>3 slim line 2500L tanks will be hooked up in series to give 7500L/1980gal (US) of water storage capacity. Water from these tanks will be used to supply the washing machine and planned down stairs toilet via gravity.</li>
<li>Pineapples will be located next to water tanks. They will be grown in air pruning pouches raised off the ground and irrigated via Wetpots.</li>
<li>The clothes line will be moved to the NE side of the house to free up growing space in the back yard. In this position it will still receive 6+ hours of sun a day during Winter.</li>
<li>Existing wicking IBC beds may be clad with reclaimed pallet timber as it becomes available to help protect them from UV degradation.</li>
</ul>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Rear deck and backyard</span></i></b><br />
The residents will be building in under the house to provide extra office, kitchen, bathroom and communal workspace. An upstairs extension is also planned to increase the family living area with an extra room and a semi covered deck. Two rain water tanks will be housed under the deck on the NE side. The open space on the SW will be paved with reclaimed bricks from the current garden and used as a communal workspace/entertainment area.<br />
The deck itself will be home to a 1200L/320gal (US) aquaponic system used to grow culinary herbs, greens, salad tomatoes and strawberry plants. It will also serve as an outside living/entertaining space.<br />
Redirection of water flow from the driveway has been taken into consideration. It shall be redirected, slowed and soaked using the raised wood mulch paths.<br />
The final redirection of surface storm water will be addressed upon completion of the renovations.<br />
Changes made to the yard itself include;<br />
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<ul>
<li>Removal of current hoop house, wicking beds and barrels.</li>
<li>Inclusion of a wood chip path linking different elements allowing surface water to slow and soak into the ground.</li>
<li>Ponds to be added for both wildlife and edible water plants.</li>
<li>Pergola to replace current shade structure over aquaponic area.</li>
<li>Aquaculture system will be removed to make way for more aquaponic grow beds.</li>
<li>Installation of a compost heater to warm the water of the aquaponic system during Winter, keeping the fish actively feeding.</li>
<li>Chicken pen to be moved to the opposite side of the yard for better access to sunlight during winter and renovated to include new access points.</li>
<li>Include larger day yards for the chickens extending into Zone 2.</li>
<li>Compost cages moved closer to source of materials i.e. chicken manure, green manure crops and pruning’s from Chinese elms.</li>
<li> A self harvesting black soldier fly farm to be set up next to the chicken pen to provide extra protein to the chickens.</li>
</ul>
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The new wicking beds will be made using reclaimed building materials and soils from the existing beds. Due to the slope of the land and the need for wicking beds to be level, some beds will need to be placed on small terraces.<br />
Reclaimed materials from the existing hoop house will be utilised to build a new hoop house to cover these new beds.<br />
Shade cloth will be used through the hottest periods of Summer, and insect cloth to be used to exclude Queensland fruit fly in Summer and cabbage moth in Winter.<br />
Woodchips to be used as paths between the various beds, and once the materials are broken down it can be reclaimed as garden bed mulch.<br />
Wicking beds are chosen due to their water saving capability and their low maintenance of only needing to be watered periodically, saving time spent in the garden.<br />
A tap will also be plumbed into the hoop house to service the wicking beds and chicken pen.<br />
Ponds will be made out of 100L/27gal ½ barrels and tubs that are already on hand. It was required by the owners that any body of water is elevated from the ground to exclude cane toads from breeding in them. The barrels will contain native blue eye fish to feed on any mosquito larvae that may breed in them.<br />
Plant selected for the ponds are water chestnuts, azolla and duckweed. More ponds made from reclaimed wicking barrels may be installed at a later date for duck weed production for use as chicken, fish and compost worm feed.<br />
The existing Tahitian lime tree will be left in place and will have various other citrus such as; lemon, orange and mandarin grafted onto it, in an attempt to make a citrus “fruit salad” tree. The intension behind this is to allow different branches of the tree to be espaliered.<br />
The new pergola over the aquaponics will replace the existing hoop house. This will prevent overflowing of the system during heavy rain events. A small tank will be used to collect rainwater from the structure and the solid roof will also provide a place to mount solar panels to power some aspects of the system, such as the air compressors.<br />
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The chicken pen itself will be renovated with main door opening at the end of the pen, making access from the pen easier. Two new day yards will be created with separate doors leading to each<br />
from the night pen. These new day yards, with the inclusion of a “living greens” fodder feeder will flow into Zone 2.<br />
Discussions have been had in regards to installing a grey water treatment system. For now that improvement has been shelved until plumbing for renovations has been taken into account.<br />
The plantings in the centre of the yard will be stacked to help allow for optimal sunlight penetration during the shorter cooler months, including a deciduous dwarf mulberry on the north east corner of the aquaponic system. Plant elements in this section of the zone will include,<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dwarf fruit trees including; mulberries, fig and papaya.</li>
<li>Various berries including; blueberries, raspberries, native raspberries, strawberries</li>
<li> Fruiting plants such as; pepinos, melons, pumpkins, squash, cucumber and cape gooseberry/ground cherry.</li>
<li>Root/tuber crops including; sweet potato, QLD arrowroot and ginger family spices.</li>
<li>Chop and drop green manure crops such as; pigeon pea, comfrey and field pea.</li>
<li>Herbaceous culinary, medicinal and beneficial insect attractant plants such as; rosemary, tarragons, basils, nasturtiums, yarrow, marigolds, dill, lavender, chamomile, lemongrass, cumin, aloe vera, calendula and cloves.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Zone 2</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Zone 2 is situated at the back of the property and expands into the neighbouring yard to the NE. The neighbour allows grasses to be collected for the chickens and a number of “weed” Chinese elm trees to be coppiced for use in compost making.<br />
While the chicken pen itself is visited daily and is considered to be in Zone 1, the day pens are treated as being in Zone 2 as the plants located there only required attention every few weeks.<br />
Following on from the Zone 1 chicken pen alterations, the “livings greens” fodder feeder is to be removed from inside the chicken pen and one will be installed into each of the day pens. This will allow them to have access to fresh growing greens without them scratching the plants out and extending the life of the food source.<br />
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<br />
Other fodder and fruiting crops will be grown close to the fence lines, allowing the chooks grazing access without damaging and digging them up. These will reduce the need and reliance on purchased feed.<br />
The SE corner is to be fenced off to prevent access by the chickens.. This area will also be home to<br />
the shitake mushroom logs & included food crops.<br />
Chop and drop crops have been included to reduce the movement of mulching materials through the yard. The plants in this zone will be stacked according to size.<br />
Canopy plants;<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Existing Bowen mango</li>
<li>Bananas</li>
<li>Native finger lime</li>
<li>Moringa</li>
<li>Ice cream bean tree</li>
</ul>
<br />
Understory plants;<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dwarf lychee</li>
<li>Dwarf mulberry</li>
<li>Dwarf macadamia</li>
<li>Dwarf coffee</li>
</ul>
<br />
Bushes, climbing and ground cover plants;<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Turmeric</li>
<li>Various gingers</li>
<li>Galangal</li>
<li>Queensland arrowroot</li>
<li>Pigeon pea</li>
<li>Comfrey</li>
<li>Sweet potato</li>
<li>Lemon grass</li>
<li>Cucurbit</li>
<li>Dragon fruit</li>
<li>Shitake mushroom logs</li>
</ul>
<br />
The finger lime and dragon fruits have been placed into this zone due to safety concerns for visiting children.<br />
The ice cream bean and Moringa will be used in the beginning as chop and drop crop, so may not be a permanent feature of this design.<br />
A native bee hive is being sourced and will be installed into this zone.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Time line for works</span></i></b><br />
<br />
The majority of the work will be carried out by the residents as time permits. Some help will come from friends and family that have the skill sets required to complete the tasks.<br />
Plans are yet to be drawn up for the major renovations to the house, therefore the works will commence in locations that will not directly affect the construction process to the house.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">______________________________</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some tweaking has been done to this plan but nothing major so far. A few elements have already been removed like the chicken pen & fish farm. A hive of native Tetragonula Hockingsi bees has also been added with plans to add more in the future.<br />
<br />
Hope this clip will also give you a better idea of what we have to work with,<br />
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Hope you've enjoyed the read folks.<br />
Cheers & all the best.<br />
Rob.<br />
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<br />bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-49907353464528868782015-11-28T22:59:00.000+10:002015-11-28T22:59:58.562+10:00Aquaponics Workshop & System build for Savour Soil Aquaponics.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fair few months ago I was asked to put on an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SavourSoilPermaculture/posts/423306391200092" target="_blank">Aquaponic Workshop</a> by Michael from <a href="http://www.savoursoilpermaculture.com.au/" target="_blank">Savour Soil Permaculture</a> at Laidley in SE Queensland. Was a bit hesitant at excepting the offer as I haven't had much experience at teaching but must say I'm pleased I did. <br /><br />The workshop was held last weekend (<span style="font-size: x-small;">21st Nov 2005</span>) & covered the basics of setting up an aquaponic system for folks interested in expanding their food production in their backyards or small holdings.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A basic split flow aquaponic system was assembled from recycled components on site for Michael & his family. It made a great teaching aid on the day to help explain some of the basic construction methods & parts of a working aquaponic system. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a bit of a look at the system as it stands today. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1NXGL1cTLlU" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Must say that I was very pleased with how the system went together. It's also fantastic to see Michael's family's enthusiasm in learning about the system as well as their eagerness in wanting to stock it with fish & plant it out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the clip above I mentioned a suppliers list of sorts provided to the attendees & have also included it here below for those that might be interested. <br /><br />Hope you enjoyed the clip & find the info useful.<br />Rob. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Suppliers information for SE Queensland & Australia. </b></span><br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fish Hatcheries & Feed Suppliers.</span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have bought from
the first 2 and had no problems whatsoever. Ace Aquaculture has been
recommended to me by a few folks that have used them. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.seqfish.com.au/2.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.seqfish.com.au/2.html</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.ausnativefish.com.au/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.ausnativefish.com.au/</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://aceaquaculture.com.au/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://aceaquaculture.com.au/</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When ordering your
fingerlings it is a good idea to ask if they sell small amounts of feed for
your new swimmers. They grow so fast that it doesn’t pay to buy too much at
once. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.primo.net.au/shop/Ridley-AquaFeed">https://www.primo.net.au/shop/Ridley-AquaFeed</a>
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These folks supply
Australian made Ridley aquaculture feed. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.bignutrition.com.au/shop/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.bignutrition.com.au/shop/</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stock smaller 4kg
buckets of fish feed. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Farm supply store
will also often stock some aquaculture feed as well. It isn't always out on
display so it pays to ask the sales folks. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0in; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pumps & Plumbing.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've bought a few
air & water pumps from Guppys Aquarium & found them to have great
prices.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/index.php"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/index.php</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've bought other
pumps like the Jebao (the one used in Michael's system) from a few reputable
Ebay stores that deal in aquarium goods. It's always an idea to check out their
rating before buying from them though. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "Irrigation
Store" is an online based site I buy my bulk PVC, barbed irrigation &
bulkhead fittings from. They have a fixed $20 delivery fee on all orders. Works
out a lot cheaper than the 2 big box hardware stores,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.irrigationstore.com.au/PVC-Pipe-Fittings"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.irrigationstore.com.au/PVC-Pipe-Fittings</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njtyh3OG_7Q/VlmU2Yzk7sI/AAAAAAAAK5E/G3zowFO7BRo/s1600/valve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njtyh3OG_7Q/VlmU2Yzk7sI/AAAAAAAAK5E/G3zowFO7BRo/s200/valve.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valves with
removable blue handles are purchased at Trade Link Plumbing supplies for those
that are concerned with little (or big) fingers fiddling with the system ;-) </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sell Uniseals,
venturis & Root Pouches <b><i>Australia wide</i></b> through our small "Bits Out the
Back" blog store. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ordering info can be
found in the link below,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.bitsouttheback.net/p/bits-out-back-store.html#.U9bi2fmSyVU"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.bitsouttheback.net/p/bits-out-back-store.html#.U9bi2fmSyVU</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OR you can PM me at </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bitsouttheback"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/Bitsouttheback</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OR Email me at </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rb@bitsouttheback.net</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remind me you’re
from the workshop & I’ll work out a bit of a discount for you ;-) </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best place I've
found for IBC's is on Gumtree & have picked up a few really cheap ones
through there. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barrels
can be found at markets, farm supply stores like Sprengers (<a href="http://www.sprengersproduce.com.au/">www.sprengersproduce.com.au</a>), Gumtree & also recycle stores/centres like
Reverse garbage (<a href="http://www.reversegarbageqld.com.au/">http://www.reversegarbageqld.com.au/</a>).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My preference is for
IBC's & barrels that have had food stuffs in them as they are normally
easier to clean out.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0in; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing Media.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're in the
Ipswich area H2Gro are a local hydroponic store that sell the clay based media
& will offer a discount depending on how many bags you're buying,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://h2grohydroponics.com.au/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://h2grohydroponics.com.au/</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last time I checked
they were selling 45L bags for $25 each with is almost half the price at other
retailers. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're after
growing medium other than clay many folks recommend road base AKA blue metal
here in SE QLD as mentioned in the workshop. Please keep an eye out for
contamination like concrete that both Michael & I found in the blue metal
at our suppliers. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a good idea to
do a vinegar test on any rock you want to buy to see if it will raise the pH in
your system. You can do this on site at the landscape suppliers with a jar full
of white vinegar. Pop a handful of rocks into the vinegar & if it starts to
bubble it's best to discard it as it may keep the pH constantly high in the
system. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0in; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Backup Air System.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did mention that
I've made up my own 12V Backup air system in case of blackout. I followed the
plans on the link below.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9805"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9805</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLEASE NOTE</span>, any work on 240V electrical
circuitry <span style="font-weight: bold;">HAS TO BE</span> carried out by a
licensed electrician. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Useful Sites, Forums & YouTube Channels.</span> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a playlist on
our YouTube channel with some of the projects/builds that have gone into our
aquaponic & aquaculture systems which may help you out with a few ideas, </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBcWprMIwYYh9C2BDFMnIGeLdI6mfDpUe"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBcWprMIwYYh9C2BDFMnIGeLdI6mfDpUe</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also have other
playlists covering different aspects of our urban farm if you’re interested in
a look. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nate Story from
Bright Agrotech has some great info on some of the finer points of aquaponics, </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/BrightAgrotechLLC"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/user/BrightAgrotechLLC</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.brightagrotech.com/blog/aquaponics/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.brightagrotech.com/blog/aquaponics/</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Backyard Aquaponics
forum is one of the oldest aquaponic forums & has a load of enthusiastic
members posting about their own systems & helping others. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul Van der Werf
from Earthan Edge is one of the world leaders in integrated aquaculture &
is a local to boot. Have found his site to be jam packed with ideas on DIY
backyard builds, commercial systems & technical help. He has made it a
subscription site but is well worth checking out if you're interested in
building a small commercial aquaponic system. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://articles.earthanedge.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://articles.earthanedge.com/</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His Facebook page
has some useful posts as well & is well worth checking out. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/earthanedge"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/earthanedge</span></a></div>
bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-30758087084150375352015-10-30T15:18:00.001+10:002015-10-30T15:18:23.776+10:002015 Seed Draw / Give Away / Lucky Dip. Chilli, Carrot & Tomatoes.Hi Folks.<br />Thought this might interest a few folks that still read my poor neglected blog ;-) <br />I'm holding a bit of a seed give away through our YouTube channel.<br />Please check out the description below the clip if you're interested in participating.<br /><br />
Good luck to those that enter.<br /><br />
Rob.<br /><br />
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<br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RPBVOwwDoHY" width="480"></iframe>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-6887675167143592242015-09-02T15:10:00.001+10:002015-09-02T15:36:05.274+10:00Lemongrass & Ginger Veggies. The fresh flavours of Spring. <br />
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Lemongrass and Ginger Veggies. </span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncvb7nnvy2M/VeZ0R9KurFI/AAAAAAAAKu4/aVdBSNLg94Q/s1600/IMG_20150901_150450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ncvb7nnvy2M/VeZ0R9KurFI/AAAAAAAAKu4/aVdBSNLg94Q/s320/IMG_20150901_150450.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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Finally got around to harvest the ginger from the aquaponics yesterday. It smelt so sweet and fragrant I had to use some in dinner last night so made up a quick veggie dish on the spot. </div>
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Posted a picture of the meal to our Facebook page where a friend ask for the recipe (Cheers Sarah) so thought I'd share it here too.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dish was made using all home grown ingredients except for the oil, garlic, sugar and mountain sauce.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the ingredients included some freshly picked snap peas from the aquaponics as well as a carrot and a lemongrass stalk from wicking barrels. Some leftover cauliflower and broccoli harvested on the weekend were also used.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some of the measurements and cooking times are just guesstimates as I tend to add things as I go but am sure they're fairly close to the mark ;-)<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> It was enough to give us 3 adult and one child serves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1
lemongrass stalk, chopped VERY finely as it can be very stringy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1
thumb size piece of ginger, chopped finely</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3
cloves of garlic, crushed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3
head of cauliflower, broken into small florets and stems sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1
large carrot, sliced 3mm thick</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp Thai Golden mountain sauce (soy or Ketjap manis would work well too)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 - 1/3 cup of chicken stock</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About 1 tsp
of raw sugar or honey (I find a bit of sweetness helps to bring out the flavour of the lemongrass)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 head of broccoli, broken into medium florets and stems sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few
small handfuls of snap/snow peas</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat
1 Tbsp of oil in hot wok then add garlic, ginger and lemongrass, stir for 2 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add in cauliflower, carrot and sliced stems, stir fry for 2-3 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add
in sauce and ½ the stock and cook for 2-3 minutes while
stirring</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taste sauce in bottom of wok (careful not to burn yourself) and if it needs sweetening add sugar/honey to taste (probably won't
need any if using Ketjap manis)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add in in broccoli and peas, Stir and add in more stock if wok is drying out</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cover for a few minutes to lightly steam broccoli and peas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toss veggies through the sauce in the base of the wok and serve.</span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRpPFvmHOkI/VeZ0R-5ZtRI/AAAAAAAAKu0/sovHDDmGgHg/s1600/IMG_20150901_194908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRpPFvmHOkI/VeZ0R-5ZtRI/AAAAAAAAKu0/sovHDDmGgHg/s320/IMG_20150901_194908.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fresh flavours of the lemongrass and ginger together make a fantastic combination. M</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ust say that I impressed myself with this one and will be making it again very soon. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one stand out flavour that was missing for me was Thai basil. T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he girls have suggested that I add some finely sliced beef and chopped green onion stems to the next batch too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would love to know what you think if you have a crack at making this yourself.<br />Cheers and have a great one.<br />Rob.</span></div>
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bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-12703099005282693332015-07-25T00:59:00.000+10:002015-07-25T00:59:27.760+10:00Front Yard Veggie Patch. Feeding the wicking beds & a small harvest. It's mid Winter here in the patch so last weekend I knocked over a few jobs that needed doing before the weather starts to warm up. <br />The asparagus plants got a good trim & the beds were feed some home made compost & aged horse manure. Also planted out a few extra broccoli to see if we can squeeze in another crop before summer.<br />
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This weekend it will be a few beds out the back that get the same treatment. Also have some ginger & turmeric to harvest so am looking forward to that.<br />Cheers all.bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-25069479697287957372015-06-13T12:51:00.000+10:002015-06-13T12:51:42.670+10:00Aquaponic update vlog with lazy fish & winter tomatoes. Has been nearly 3 months since the last aquaponic vlog update so here you go folks.<br />
Winter has struck here & the fish are starting to get a tad lazy due to the cold water but the plants are still growing strong.<br />
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The tomatoes have had another trim today with a few branches strung up due to the weight of the new fruit forming.<br />Have noticed that the water level is dropping a bit more than normal so shall be investigating to see if there are any leaks developing on the pipe work. I'm hoping that it's just just the growth spurt we've seen over the past week or so that is causing the increased water usage.<br /><br />Best be off & start working in the patch.<br />Cheers & all the best folks.bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-65977072148792338832015-06-11T19:27:00.003+10:002015-06-11T19:27:58.542+10:00A wander through our Subtropical Veggie Patch. The early Winter edition 2015. <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Hi folks. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Had a few people ask how things are going in the veggie patch & finally managed to do a "quick" clip on the hoop house section of our veggie patch. Funnily enough our </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Winter veggie patch here in the Subtropics looks very similar to many friends that are growing in North America, the UK & Europe at the moment.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D_Pe5irZTxo" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Am looking forward to harvesting the first of our winter veg like cauliflower & broccoli. Still have a few summer crops that need to be harvested like the yacon, turmeric & ginger as they take a bit longer to mature in our climate. Hope to post some harvest clips on them soon.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Hope everyone else is having a great season,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Rob.</span>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-34248341072978463702015-05-03T23:17:00.003+10:002015-05-03T23:20:43.831+10:00A wander through the small urban farm, May 3rd 2015.. Happy Permaculture day all.. Hi there folks.. <br />
Has been a few months since a post was made on this poor neglected blog, so here you go.. <br />
Took the camera for a walk around the yard yesterday to do a bit of an update on the various gardens in the patch.. Didn't show much of the aquaponics as that would of turned it into an epic ;-)<br />
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Am looking forward to the upcoming changes & sorting out some more fruit trees for both the front & back yards.. Once the PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate course) has been completed I hope to have time to sort out a workable plan with Bianca so we can get cracking..<br />
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Hope to have a few more updates posted here in coming weeks..<br />
Cheers all..bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-41731106119926748042014-12-29T16:55:00.001+10:002014-12-29T16:55:52.940+10:00A New Year Message from Dr. Vandana Shiva for 2015We Are All Seeds - A New Year Message from Dr. Vandana Shiva for 2015...<br /><br />
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As 2015 has been declared the Year of Soil, let us recognize that in the seed and the soil we can find answers to every one of the crisis we are facing.<br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fX5jsq74fAo" width="480"></iframe>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-38983513307482781322014-12-21T18:58:00.000+10:002014-12-21T18:59:42.064+10:00Backyard Farm garden update. Air Pruning, Compost & plans for the patch, 18th Dec 2014.. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for a bit of an update on the veggie patch in our little Backyard Farm now that Summer has well & truly hit SE Queensland.. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was working on a few clips but they unfortunately got lost when the hard drive crashed so I thought I'd give you a quick look at a few of them all in one clip.. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will have a follow up post on the wicking beds & how they fare during the high temperatures we had during Spring posted in the next day or so ;-)<br /><br />If anyone in Australia is interested in purchasing the Root Pouches you can find a tab to our small store under our banner above..<br /><br />Cheers all & have a great one.. </span>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-37751507927731313822014-10-07T19:43:00.000+10:002014-10-07T19:43:55.289+10:00A wander around our Backyard Farm.. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.0300006866455px;">Hi there folks :-)<br />Has been a while since posting an update here so thought I might cheat & post our latest walk around clip <b>;-)</b> <br />Decided to show a little bit of everything we have on the go this time round to give people a better idea of how our Backyard farm is set up.. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.0300006866455px;">Hope you enjoy the tour folks..<br />Cheers..</span></span></div>
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bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-11738521815724202142014-08-14T09:33:00.000+10:002014-08-14T09:33:21.287+10:00Update on the Backyard Aquaponic system build 12th Aug 2014Time for a bit of a look at where we're up to on the Aquaponic build.. This first clip was posted 20th July & covers a change in the plumbing that should make the system run a lot smoother.. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Since then not a lot of progress has been made on the build itself until last weekend, early this week when the filters & sump were fitted out then connected together..<br />
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I do like the slower pace of this build as it has given me time to consider other options..<br /><br />Have also made a few clips on small parts of the build that might give folks a few helpful ideas..<br />The first is on using thin walled PVC pipe with Uniseals.. Due to the thin wall of the pipe it can be very difficult to use..<br />
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The second is just showing a few different ways to make up the drain fittings used in the base of tanks & filters..<br />
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Hope you like that quick round up of the system build & it gives folks a few ideas that may be helpful.. Should have enough time this weekend to glue it all together & give it a bit of a trial run if all goes well.. <br /><br />Cheers folks & have a great one..<br />
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<br />bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-26244296914149696892014-07-17T11:59:00.000+10:002014-07-17T11:59:09.446+10:00Coconut & Prawn Curry with home grown spice..<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have been teasing folks with pictures of our Coconut & Prawn/Shrimp Curry on Instagram & FaceBook so thought I would put a bit of a clip together as well ;-) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While its great to be able to walk out the back & pick the spices fresh it can also be made with store bought ingredients as well.. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b><i><u>Curry paste..<br /></u></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chillies to taste (we use 2) + some for garnish if desired</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Large thumb sized piece of ginger or about 2tsp of ginger paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Large thumb sized piece of galangal OR 3 heaped tsp powdered (not necessary but a favourite spice of mine)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Large thumbs of turmeric OR 3 heaped tsp of powdered</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 med cloves of garlic OR 2 heaped tsp garlic paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tbsp oil</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chop spice into small pieces then pound all ingredients into a paste with a mortar & pestle OR you could cheat & use a food processor like me ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few tsp of water can be added if you are using powdered spice..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>Coconut Prawn/Shrimp Curry..</u></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serves 2<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">oil for cooking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curry paste from above or a good quality yellow curry paste..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ cup Shredded coconut </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 med onion sliced into thinly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150-200g peeled prawn/shrimp </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 water chestnuts, sliced or ½ small tin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ med head of broccoli, cut into small florets & stem sliced thin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large handful of honey pod/sugar snap peas, sliced in half</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ capsicum/red pepper, sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200-250ml of coconut cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Heat 2 Tbsp oil in Wok/large fry pan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Fry curry paste for 1 minute then add shredded coconut, cook for another minute.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Add onions & cook for 1 minute.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Add in prawns & mix well with curry paste/onions. Some extra oil can go in if needed as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- When Prawns look ½ cooked add in veggies & mix well for 1 minute.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Pour in coconut cream, mix through well then cover top of wok/fry pan & let curry simmer for 3 minutes to heat veggies through & finish off the prawns..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Serve garnished with more chilli..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- ENJOY!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some optional extras to add would be a stalk of lemon grass added into the curry paste & a kaffir lime leaf added into the main dish with the onions</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you enjoy the dish as much as we do if you have a crack at it..<br />Cheers all :-)<br /><br /></span>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-22416796165482128132014-07-15T21:14:00.001+10:002014-07-15T21:14:05.172+10:00Backyard Aquaponic system build vlog.. 15th July 2014 Thought we would post a few mini updates on the new Backyard Aquaponic System build.. This 2000L/350gal system will probably be built over the next month or so & hope to do at least 1 update a week.. Will do a proper walk through at the end once all the beds are made up..<br />
<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mRJLNC3z0Ss" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Feel free to make suggestions as nothing is set in concrete at this point..<br /><a href="http://www.earthangroup.com.au/the-evolution-of-aquaponic-systems/" target="_blank">Here is an explanation of "Modern Man" & other styles of systems</a> from Paul at Earthan Group..<br />
The Earthan Group website as it has loads of useful articles & calculators that can help folks wanting to build their own backyard system..<br />
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You can also find <b><i>Bits Out the Back</i></b> on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Bitsouttheback" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/bits_out_the_back" target="_blank">Instagram</a> & <a href="http://plus.google.com/u/0/+RobBob/posts" target="_blank">G+</a> if you would like more regular updates on how we're going on our backyard farm.. We post mini updates on the aquaponics/aquaculture, chooks, worms, wicking bed gardens & other small tidbits..<br />
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Have a great one everyone...bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-986505071821574769.post-77663595067062865362014-05-20T19:46:00.000+10:002014-05-20T19:46:42.189+10:00Bathtub worm update & some worm filled compost<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Missing worms..</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The bathtub worm farms that we keep under the house have been slightly neglected for a few weeks.. We currently have an aquaponic system taking up a lot of space & blocking walkways under
the house making it hard to check up on the squirmers.. Knowing that the farms were going to be cut off for a while they were both fed ½ a garbage bag of wet shredded paper, a litre of coffee
grounds & some leafy greens scraps from the patch to see them through until we could get back
to them.. I wasn't overly concerned as they also had their manure & compost based bedding to feast on if the other food ran out.. Was hoping to harvest a load of castings
for a few projects but got a bit of a shock when I opened the farms up..</span></span></div>
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The first farm I looked into was the newer bathtub farm.. This farm is located underneath the
"S" bend for the bathroom sink, which had unfortunately sprung a leak
over the past few weeks without us knowing.. I have a feeling the worms weren't
very partial to the mint toothpaste or soap flavoured water that had been trickling into the
farm.. No bodies could be found in the farm so I think they decided to jump ship..
<br />½ of the castings in the farm were collected to be used around the patch.. I decided to leave the worms & cocoons in there so they
would have a chance at a better soap free life elsewhere.. The rest of the "minty fresh"
castings are being used to feed a few dead spots on the lawn.. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The second, older farm had what looked like a mass exodus of worms from it & I found evidence for
this in the leachate bucket where I found a few dried out, crispy
worms.. We did have a bit of rain but have never had issues with damp weather causing
worms to leave in large numbers before as I have seen occur in other farms..
The only thing I did differently in this farm was to use mushroom compost bedding in one end of the farm
where as before I had just used it as a top dressing.. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">About 90% of the compost had been processed & the castings contained a good amount of cocoons so am not
100% sure as to what the problem was that caused the mass exodus.. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The worms that were removed looked nice & fat which has puzzled me further.. We do have 2 rather fat skinks that frequent the worm farm but don't think they would of consumed a few thousand worms over the past few weeks.. <br />These red wrigglers have been added to a worm barrel under one of the lime trees down the back for
the time being.. I have plans to add them to a much larger farm in a few months time ;)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kislzXF3jyE/U3qkOawm7lI/AAAAAAAAENk/7yb6ONFlnQ8/s1600/BOTB+IMG_6757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kislzXF3jyE/U3qkOawm7lI/AAAAAAAAENk/7yb6ONFlnQ8/s1600/BOTB+IMG_6757.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With all the castings removed from the farm, I took the opportunity to make up some top
notch castings tea from the castings that had collected in the drainage
rock.. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was as easy as
piling the rocks up one end & hitting it with the hose once we had collected
as many worms as we could from it.. The tea drained straight into a few buckets
& was used to water the beds in the garden down the back.. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />I haven't made the farms up again as of yet & am not sure I will straight away.. While the bathtubs have worked fabulously for us up until now,
I'm not sure if I will use this style of farm again as our main worm farm.. I
think I have stumbled upon a far better way to get the worms to work for us in
the patch..</span></span><br />
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Last November I made up a compost pile inside an unused IBC cage using shade cloth to line it & help keep the
compost contained.. It was filled with layers of mulched up weed trees (Chinese
elm), horse manure, lucerne/alfalfa hay & scraps from cleaning out a few
garden beds.. Has to be the best compost we have made to date but you can see
that for yourself in the clip below ;) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have already started to harvest some of the worms & compost from this pile to add into a holding farm until the next compost pile has cooled down & is ready for them to move in.. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hope to have the next compost pile on the way by the weekend.. This time I will be using lucerne/alfalfa hay, horse manure, mulched pigeon pea, mango trimmings & corn stalks to build the pile up.. Hope to have that lot of compost ready to add to the patch by Summer if all goes well..<br /><br />Cheers folks & have a great one,<br />Rob..</span>bnbob01http://www.blogger.com/profile/03547138866448495441noreply@blogger.com0