An Experiment with Biochar Hello everyone,
Lately I have been working on an experimentation with biochar. I excavated five square meters of soil and filled the bed with a layer of charcoal. I'll see if the vaunted attributes of charcoal are worthy of the efforts I put into hoeing so much soil.
Since eventually my goal is permaculture, I'm trying to grow food without the need to water it. I've had success so far with corn and tomatoes, which are both water-consuming plants. Although, I fear the heatwave sweeping all over France right now. In Dordogne and Gironde we're going to have temperatures topping 41°C (105°F), as though we were in Morocco, you know. But since I use a natural ground cover that gathers dew quite well, I think the plants have a great chance of survival.
Lately I have been working on an experimentation with biochar. I excavated five square meters of soil and filled the bed with a layer of charcoal. I'll see if the vaunted attributes of charcoal are worthy of the efforts I put into hoeing so much soil.
Since eventually my goal is permaculture, I'm trying to grow food without the need to water it. I've had success so far with corn and tomatoes, which are both water-consuming plants. Although, I fear the heatwave sweeping all over France right now. In Dordogne and Gironde we're going to have temperatures topping 41°C (105°F), as though we were in Morocco, you know. But since I use a natural ground cover that gathers dew quite well, I think the plants have a great chance of survival.
The Garden On the pictures you can see that I planted a hedgerow of Leyland cypresses. The goal is to have the trees act as windbreak. I've also planted bamboos at the Northern end of the property. I also have vines running on the façade of the house. They reduce the amount of heating in the summer and since they are deciduous, they allow the sun rays to warm up the house in winter.
The well is also quite useful. Water is needed in large amount when I need to sow seeds during hot seasons, without having to wait for autumn and the wetter period. I think there's a spring running below my property that recharges the well, slowly but steadily. I wonder if I could have someone dig a little further to see if I can reach the water table underneath.
The well is also quite useful. Water is needed in large amount when I need to sow seeds during hot seasons, without having to wait for autumn and the wetter period. I think there's a spring running below my property that recharges the well, slowly but steadily. I wonder if I could have someone dig a little further to see if I can reach the water table underneath.
Lacerta bilineata The green lizard is a Lacerta bilineata and is found in almost all of France, Italy, and Northern Spain. He is an avid hunter and targets insects, including the infamous flea beetle. You know, that little sucker that cuts tiny round holes in leafy plants and vegetables. I set up boulders here and there so that he can bask comfortably while "taking care" of the beetles.
That's it for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my stuff.
Be well.
Peace out,
Ugo
That's it for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my stuff.
Be well.
Peace out,
Ugo
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