Vegetables
Last year we started making irrigated raised vegetable beds, reusing roof tiles that were left over from a renovation project. The beds are not very high, but have some subtle advantages. Being above ground greatly improves drainage, which is poor in our heavy clay soil where roots easily drown. It also keeps fertile soil and mulch together, preventing it from washing away in heavy rains. And on a sloping terrain it is a form of terracing - the horizontal beds prevent irrigation water to run to one side, leaving the other side dry.
Last year we started making irrigated raised vegetable beds, reusing roof tiles that were left over from a renovation project. The beds are not very high, but have some subtle advantages. Being above ground greatly improves drainage, which is poor in our heavy clay soil where roots easily drown. It also keeps fertile soil and mulch together, preventing it from washing away in heavy rains. And on a sloping terrain it is a form of terracing - the horizontal beds prevent irrigation water to run to one side, leaving the other side dry.
Olives
The property had fifteen old olive trees with mostly large dead branches that we removed two years ago. New branches started growing quickly and now give a lot of fruit. This year we harvested about 70 kg olives. It involved several days of patient handwork by volunteers. After rinsing the bitter taste out, changing the water about 5 times over two weeks, the olives are preserved in purified water with 10% sea salt. Now we can serve these tasty home grown olives at every lunch.
The property had fifteen old olive trees with mostly large dead branches that we removed two years ago. New branches started growing quickly and now give a lot of fruit. This year we harvested about 70 kg olives. It involved several days of patient handwork by volunteers. After rinsing the bitter taste out, changing the water about 5 times over two weeks, the olives are preserved in purified water with 10% sea salt. Now we can serve these tasty home grown olives at every lunch.
Grapes
We planted one grape vine and the first year already it gave a good harvest, so now we planted twelve more. Next steps: the art of pruning, the correct irrigation and controlling pests and diseases without using pesticides and chemicals. It takes time and attention. There is so much to learn about every type of fruit and vegetable. But it is fun, and being outside in the sun, fresh air and seeing your harvest growing, it all feels very nourishing.
We planted one grape vine and the first year already it gave a good harvest, so now we planted twelve more. Next steps: the art of pruning, the correct irrigation and controlling pests and diseases without using pesticides and chemicals. It takes time and attention. There is so much to learn about every type of fruit and vegetable. But it is fun, and being outside in the sun, fresh air and seeing your harvest growing, it all feels very nourishing.
Forest Garden
More than a hundred fruit trees were planted since we arrived here in 2016 and many grape vines and berry bushes, bananas and other tropical fruit, all with the help of many volunteers. Now we are in a step by step process of creating a forest garden. The first step is to improve the soil around the trees, by creating borders, composting, mulching and planting peas and beans. It is our contribution to a greener world, and a healthy diet for all of us. Be welcome to participate and share your experience or to help, learn and enjoy the process.
More than a hundred fruit trees were planted since we arrived here in 2016 and many grape vines and berry bushes, bananas and other tropical fruit, all with the help of many volunteers. Now we are in a step by step process of creating a forest garden. The first step is to improve the soil around the trees, by creating borders, composting, mulching and planting peas and beans. It is our contribution to a greener world, and a healthy diet for all of us. Be welcome to participate and share your experience or to help, learn and enjoy the process.
To be continued....