Great things are happening in the polytunnel! Our new tomato plants are in and looking fantastic, already reaching for the sky. We’ve also been busy constructing brand new raised beds, which will allow us to grow so much more fresh produce for the community. A huge and heartfelt thank you goes to the Lostwithiel Plant […]
Project Update: We’re in Full Flow!
Exciting news on our water projects! The stream and both ponds are now up and running, and we’re already planning a third. In the polytunnel, the water pump is live – we just need to connect the soaker hose to get things watered. Up next this week
A Huge Thank You to Growing Better Gardens!
We’re absolutely thrilled to share some wonderful news and extend a massive thank you to the fantastic folks at Growing Better Gardens in Lostwithiel! Thanks to a generous grant we received from them, we’ve been able to purchase essential compost and materials to build more raised beds for our project. This support is already making […]
Cultivating a Thriving Orchard: The Magic of Fruit Tree Guilds
Creating a flourishing fruit tree isn’t just about planting a tree and hoping for the best. Imagine an ecosystem where your chosen fruit tree is the star, supported by a cast of hard working companion plants. This is the essence of a fruit tree guild – a permaculture technique designed to build a supportive, self-sustaining […]
Surprise Tomato Patch! 🌱🍅
Well, this was an unexpected delight! Back in November, Kieran and I had a little experiment with a tray of salad tomatoes. Our grand plan was to cut the tomatoes in half, pop them in the top and bottom of the empty tray, cover them with compost, and patiently wait for germination. To be honest, […]
Barberry (Berberis): A Prickly but Perfect Plant for Chickens and Gardens
Ever seen a shrub covered in small leaves and tiny thorns, sometimes with bright berries? That’s likely a barberry, or Berberis. While its thorns might seem off-putting, barberry is actually a fantastic plant to have around, especially if you keep chickens or love gardening. Why Chickens Benefit from Barberry Protection from Predators: Barberry’s dense, thorny […]
Bamboo: A Cool Plant for Chickens (and Your Garden!)
Ever seen those tall, swaying stalks of bamboo and wondered what they’re all about? Well, bamboo (especially the Phyllostachys variety) isn’t just cool to look at; it can be a super useful plant to have around, especially if you have chickens or a garden. Why Chickens Love Bamboo Shade and Shelter: Imagine being a chicken […]
Arborvitae: A Chicken-Friendly Tree That’s Great for Your Garden!
Have you ever heard of an Arborvitae? It’s a cool-sounding name for a really useful tree (or large shrub) – especially as we have chickens or we want to make our garden awesome. What is an Arborvitae (Thuja)? Arborvitae (pronounced ar-bor-VYE-tee) is a type of evergreen conifer, which means it keeps its leaves (or needles, […]
Is the Banana a herb or a fruit?
This is all about botanical classification! Why the banana plant is a herb In botany, a “herb” is defined as a plant that doesn’t develop a woody stem (like a tree). Instead, it has a soft, green stem. Banana plants have a “pseudostem” made of tightly packed leaf sheaths, which looks like a trunk but […]
Weekly Farm Update
One more week with the young people and then school holidays. This is what we have done this week.
Creating a permaculture farm for young people addresses several critical needs and problems
Disconnection from Nature Lack of Practical Skills Environmental Challenges Mental and Emotional Well-being Food Security and Access In essence, a permaculture farm for young people acts as a living classroom and a catalyst for positive change. It addresses the need for environmental stewardship, practical skills development, and improved well-being, empowering young people to become active […]
Unlocking the Farm’s Potential with Permaculture
Imagine a farm that works with nature, not against it. A farm where every element plays a vital role in a thriving ecosystem, boosting yields, reducing waste, and increasing biodiversity. That’s the power of permaculture, and it’s the key to unlocking this farm project’s full potential. Why Permaculture? Permaculture is a design system that creates […]