Blog
A visual diary...
Makeshift trellising for the grapevines along the north wall.
Makeshift trellising for the grapevines along the north wall.
Planting Jerusalem artichokes (topinambur).
Planting Jerusalem artichokes (topinambur).We have too many ducks already so we're not going to need the nursery space for a while. Thus, putting the good soil here to use.
Weeding the large berry patch.
Weeding the large berry patch.The soil here is surprisingly poor for some reason. Most of the things we planted either didn't make it or are struggling.However, volunteer poplars keep popping up (likely from the root systems of the large trees that used to be close to...
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Projeto de Reflorestação
Fase 1: Preparação do solo Floresta: eucaliptos, com tojo, silvas e alguns pinheiros Introdução Este projeto visa regenerar o solo e criar uma floresta produtiva, com benefícios claros para o solo, flora e fauna locais. Nesta fase, vamos concentrar-nos em preparar o...
Autumn is coming
October is gearing up to be a big month for our plot. We will be doing all the necessary earthworks, install swales and lakes, and plant a lot. We are also going to be some home improvements, so we have an efficient way of keeping the house warm throughout the winter...
Free the oaks
Oaks are considered a noble tree in Portugal. Spanning multiple species, they used to be widespread across the country. Nowadays the most common trees are Eucalyptus Globulus and, to a lesser degree, pines. Imported from Australia, eucalyptus is considered an invasive...
Dill vs Fennel
Herbs can taste and be used so differently and yet look so similar. A pair that often demands a second look to identify is Dill and Fennel. Here is a way to tell them apart. Dill vs Fennel: an overview Dill is a wonder herb. Packed with nutrients, it looks good, it...
On humility
As a kid, I was a smartass. I think it got less annoying to others as I got older, but it's still there on the inside: the tendency to learn about something, assume that it's Right, and that therefore others are Wrong.As they say, though: "It ain’t what you don’t know...
Courgette vs Pumpkin
Although we tend to think of these two vegetables as being very different, and cooking/eating them in distinct fashions, the reality is that they are both from the same family (gour/Cucurbitaceae), and genus (Cucurbita). So, in reality, they are quite similar....
Obtaining a yield
One of the first things you learn about Permaculture is its 12 principles, a set of guiding lights through this way of living. Principle number 3 is “Obtain a Yield“. It is quite powerful and active. It drives you into action with a purpose: to get...
Forest School – an update
Unfortunately, we won’t be continuing with the forest school. After a few sessions, it was clear this wasn’t what we were looking for. The summer break was also about to start, so there was a graceful exit, without the need to make it clear we aren’t...
Home energy audit
Mindfully using energy is a key tool in solving humanity's environmental problems (see also this amusing yet insightful test). Doing so begins at home by using:only the energy needed for reasonably comfortable living,converted in efficient ways,sourced from renewable...
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