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Summary
part 2 of a 2 part podcast
Paul continues the consultation with Bonnie Bassan.
Bonnie wants to have
trees, Paul likes that idea and suggests planting apple seeds about a foot up on a north facing hügelkultur. Apples grown from seed will create a tap
root and can hopefully find groundwater which will help other growies nearby.
Bonnie has only one tree at the moment, an old elm. Paul doesn't know much about elms, but says that maybe one day when everything else is up and running she might want the space it's occupying. Eric in the chat says elms have a tap root as well, which may be a good sign for the groundwater thing.
There's a chance that an apple grown from seed might be a "spitter" because as everyone will tell you apples grown from seed don't grow true. Paul comments that neither do people. If the
apple tree happens to grow apples you don't like you can always graft on a variety you like.
Bonnie asks about
irrigation: Paul admits that drip is effective and good for conserving water but he doesn't like the plastic. A hose and sprinkler is better, but his preferred method is a stainless steel
bucket. He does imply that it's more work until the hügelkulturs are fully established.
It looks like Bonnie will have to import
wood to make hügelkulturs. Cottonwood is good for that, if she can find someone who has surplus cottonwoods they don't want, and are not contaminated with herbicide.
Bonnie also wonders about
chickens: she likes eggs. Paul suggests the plot could be divided into quarters, and the
chickens let out into 1 quarter for 7-10 days, then moved to the next, etc. Eventually, the plot will grow food for both
chickens and people, initially might need to harvest before the chickens are let in to an area. The chickens will eat weeds and bugs and so on.
Paul also suggests learning
Ruth Stout composting method which is a great easy way to
compost kitchen scraps.
Bonnie asks Paul discuss how he remains optimistic. Paul says having a nice big garden and growing food in it helps.
Relevant Threads
Southwest USA regional forum
ruth stout composting advantages and how we do it - Youtube video
Ruth Stout style composting (2 spots) - PEP BB
Hugelkultur forum
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This podcast was made possible thanks to:
Dr. Hugh Gill Kultur
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Weston prestage
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