Sunbirds & Spiderwebs – Something Special

We have a few residential sunbirds in the neighbourhood - not the very flashy ones like those in the fynbos areas of South Africa, but none the less gorgeous little birdies. The Whitebellied sunbird, Nectarinia talatala is a common sight for those living close to bushveld towards the northern parts of southern Africa. It is…

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The C Files: How to raise chickens – Feed & Water

The C files are an article series I started on how-to-keep chickens. This will be another regular feature about backyard chickens that I will rotate with the existing how-to-grow series. Here I will cover chicken feed and water provisions. Feed rations: Biology – Chickens are a prey species and have evolved a digestive system that…

Solar Power in South Africa Part 2: Battery Basics, Living with Solar in Gauteng, South Africa.

 Global horizontal irradiation is the most important parameter for evaluation of solar energy potential of a particular region and the most basic value for PV simulations.The maps are free for public use, their reproduction and adaptation is authorised provided the following source is acknowledged: SolarGIS © 2015 GeoModel Solar Must know facts about Solar Batteries…

Sustainable, Productive and Economical Vegetable Gardening (Part 2): Conservation Agriculture

Sustainable*: 1 maintained for long periods of time 2 use of natural resources without environmental damage   Productive*: 1 producing crop yield abundantly and efficiently 2 being worthy or satisfactory   Economical*: 1 making the most of resources 2 inexpensive 3 avoid unnecessary waste 4 efficient use of time and energy * Definitions according to…

DIY Bird Deterrents

There be Bulbuls (Round 1...) During the summer growing season we have had some problems with Black-eyed Bulbuls that help themselves to our tomatoes, raspberries and figs. The nasty little buggers always managed to get to the fruits just when they’ve ripened – the cats aren't doing their jobs of scaring the birds away! So…

Carrot: How to Grow – Vegetable of the Month

Carrot stats/requirements at a glance Ease of Raising: 4/5 – Easy, monthly check up Water: 3/5 – Moderate (high heat, every second day) Sun: 5/5 – Full sun, no shade Training: 1/5 – None Fertilise/Feeding: 3/5 – Moderate (growing, monthly) to Minimal (during root set, none) Time to Harvest: 4/5 – A long time (3-4…

Lunar Gardening Revisited & Biodynamics

Before I dove into lunar planting back in 2014 I first wanted to see whether there are any proper scientific studies done on lunar gardening that indicates whether it has a beneficial effect or not. I searched all the dungeons of the internet and didn’t have much success. Most of the scientific papers either investigated…