I have furnished a whole two bedroom house on giveaways and roadside finds. There is nothing to be ashamed of here, it is clean and tidy and quite respectable. I deplore consumerism but have to admit I have benefitted from other people’s. But lots of leftovers I don’t know what to do with, some of it broken and it’s beyond my capability to fix…[Read more]

I am in the not so fortunate position of having moved 3000 kms with very little and generously having so many people’s ‘stuff’ dumped on me to help me out. Too polite to say no. Now I have to deal with getting rid of it instead of it being their problem. I am more of a minimalist and even the op shops wouldn’t want some of it. Sigh

New address so just building beds for veg and planting, planting, planting. If it all produces what will I do with it? Don’t know many people around here but I just love growing stuff.

Hi snags. Don’t know if you remember me? Good to see you are still here.
If you are on a property like I used to be you can put them in the paddock and then when the slasher comes through it shreds them nicely. Not an option for everyone I know.

Great advice above but one tip I find invaluable. Keep a bucket in the shed for a temporary toilet so you don’t have to either track mud inside so often or change shoes every time you need to tinkle – so tedious. Bonus fact. Urine diluted with water is great nitrogen and minerals for the garden. It doesn’t have germs unless you leave it lying…[Read more]

Hey I’m back. Don’t know if anyone remembers me? I’m enjoying seeing a lot of the familiar names. I got so much help and knowledge here at one time as well as friendship. Just off to read and catch up. X

Hi Claire, sounds like you are living the life I used to when I was living in the north. I miss it and wish you luck.

Good timing, this post. I have just been given a horseradish root and wasn’t sure what to do with it or how it grew.

Not yet but I hope to in the future. I’m glad you like it.

You’re just too sharp Snags, lol. Yes I was living in the tropics when I wrote it and a lot of the wisdom comes from the wonderful people here plus my own experience and research. Permaculture principles apply to all climates though and there’s a bit on each. Definitely written for those on a budget or who want to reduce, reuse and recycle. Also…[Read more]

Easy Home Permaculture – No Money, No Muscle, No Worries by Gail Billing at Amazon.com. Its a good introduction for beginners, is Australian and has some good tips for everyone. Its available only as an ebook and is quite cheap.

I find it hard too Len on a small income. Its often more expensive to be ‘green’ especially if you can’t make it to a dump shop or have osteoporosis like I have or other health probs that stop you from making bricks or digging much and no one to help. Good luck with your new projects and good on you for trying to be as green as you can.

I’m glad your chicken was ok after that Seedling. I just lost a hen from the same thing and as I only had two hens and they were pets it was a bit upsetting. I have just taken on two older discarded hens as company for the remaining girl and they are all happy together and laying enough eggs for my small needs. Happy chooking

Hi Gary sounds like a good idea for those of us who are maturing well and love country living but are lonely at the same time. I live in a very small town and don’t really fit in with the local culture and being single doesn’t make it any better. If you went ahead with this would you allow dogs? Mine are my companions in daily life and make the…[Read more]

Interesting thread, though its not always war that you need to stockpile for. I had a good taste of what it would be like just over 12 months ago when Yasi hit FNQ. I live about 15 minutes out of Tully so we were not a priority for any help or to get services resumed. I spent months without power and clean drinking water and no physical help, it…[Read more]

Yes as a pensioner I live on less than that and I do have rent to pay. Its tough.

Bird aviary wire around the perimeter of anything you want toad free works pretty well. It doesn’t have to be high because they can’t really jump high. It works well to stop them digging up seedlings in your garden too. Also dig a toad trap – a hole in the ground with a solar light in it, they fall in going after bugs and can’t jump out. Also keep…[Read more]

Yes true Learning. You need to get as many as you can from other beds and add them so they can breed.

Five spice plant can be shredded finely and used sparingly as a substitute for oregano.

I have just taken a leap of faith and started another lot of herbs in pots. I have planted oregano and parsley and will dig up some gotu kola out of the lawn and get that going. Next I will go the markets and see what tropical herbs and plants I can source. I have had to leave a few collections behind since Christmas as I move around so I really…[Read more]