• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

A New Patch in the Neighbourhood

November 2, 2008 @ 19:02 By Gavin Webber 10 Comments

Danni & Dale from next door popped over the other day with some veggie scraps and a big bone for Butch, and were eager to take up my offer of helping them start a veggie patch.  We organised for me to pop around today at 1300.

Before I went around, I loaded up the wheelbarrow full of mulch from last weeks chicken run cleanup, a bucket of compost, two tomato seedlings, and a shovel!  Just as I was about to leave, Kim and Ben decided to tag along.  The more the merrier, and Kim said she would take the photos, which was fine by me.

The area that Dale had chosen for the patch was perfect.  It was just outside the kitchen door, a border was in place, and the bed was about 10 sqm in size.  Dale started pulling some weeds out, while I checked the condition of the soil. 

It had a a fair bit of organic matter in it, but was bone dry down to about 20cm.  At 20cm there the soil was damp, and had a few worms as well.  It looked fairly promising.

Once the weeds were all sorted, Dale begun to level out the bed, just roughly, so that the water wouldn’t pool in one place.

Then I sprinkled some compost on top of the small area that we decided to plant out first.  I suggested that we start out small first, and as they begun to have a few successes, then expand the planting area as they grew in confidence.

We decided that lettuces would be sown and planted in the shaded area, and the tomatoes would be placed just in the sun.

It was our allocated watering day, so I don’t think we broke many rules by watering at 1400 instead.  As these keen gardeners didn’t have a hose, I went and got mine out of the front yard, and gave the bed a good soaking to see if it would absorb the water.  Unfortunately, because the soil was so dry, it began to repel the water.

 

Only the top cm was absorbing, so I asked Dale to dig the soil over as I kept watering.  We eventually got the water to soak in, so it was on to the next step.

I now put the two bamboo stakes in the ground, and then showed Dale how to plant the tomatoes.  Dig a hole and bung them in!

I then put the mulch over the top and then wet it all down gain.  The soil was starting to absorb a lot more of the water now, so things were looking OK.  There was enough dry chook poo in the straw, so that we did not have to worry about nitrogen draw-down when the straw started to rot.  I explained all of this to Dale, and told him about the miracle of mulch.  I told him how the mulch acts as a barrier to evaporation, and helps keep the weeds from germinating.  It also rots after a while and adds nutrients to the soil.

I then popped home and grabbed a packet of lettuce seeds, and showed Dale how to scrape back the mulch, dig a small, shallow trench, and plant the seeds.  Then I simply covered the seeds with the soil and reapplied the mulch.

Here are the proud owners of a new veggie patch.

Danni was so excited, that she asked me heaps of questions about what else they could plant.  I suggested cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchini, and a few more tomatoes.  I also recommended that they either make or buy a compost bin so that they will be able to improve the soil, a 20m hose and a spray nozzle, a metal rake, a bag of dynamic lifter, a bale of sugarcane mulch and another bucket for the other shower.  I believe that Danni was going to rush over to Bunnings as quick as a flash.  I said to give me a yell when they got back, and I would help out again.

At about 1600, they returned from Bunnings with all the things on the list, and I helped them plant out all of the veggie seedlings, and Dale and I put the compost bin together.  It was a square one that you bolt together, and it looks sturdy enough.  I will check on them again in a week or so.

They are a lovely couple and it was fun helping them to start their very own vegetable patch.  I wish you all the best, and remember, I am only just over the fence if you need any advice.

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: community, Gardening, vegetables

← Frugal Princess Goes to the Ball My Minestrone →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. Kel says

    November 2, 2008 at 19:00

    hey, way cool Gav! Community in action. Love it, you great neighbour you!

    Reply
  2. wombat064 says

    November 2, 2008 at 19:52

    Its catching, soon the green bug will reach plague proportions YAY!!!!!

    Good on you for helping, sometimes the difference between starting or not is a helping hand and a friendly face.

    Reply
  3. Teena says

    November 3, 2008 at 10:26

    How wonderful a neighbour are you? That was so cool!!! Yes makes you wonder doesnt it Phill, just a little advice on “how to” and the magic of greening converts an eager couple! Well done Gav
    xoxox

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2008 at 11:43

    well done Gav I wish you were my neighbour LOVE MUM

    Reply
  5. greenerme says

    November 3, 2008 at 18:37

    Gav I wished we lived next door to you.

    Reply
  6. belinda says

    November 3, 2008 at 18:48

    WTG Danny, Dale,

    Hope you both enjoy the produce you get from your patch…

    Good work Gav for helping them over the first hurdle.

    Kind Regards
    Belinda

    Reply
  7. bayside gardener says

    November 4, 2008 at 07:29

    Your neighbours have so much room to garden. Plenty of room for fruit trees as well, even some nuts or maybe a passionfruit! The list goes on. Wish I had that space!
    Anita

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    November 4, 2008 at 11:29

    youve only got 3 neighbors Around you gav .we would all have trouble living next door to gavin. good thought tho john(dad)

    Reply
  9. Gavin says

    November 5, 2008 at 19:27

    Hi everyone, even though you all can’t physically be my neighbour, I always feel that even in this virtual realm, it sure feels like I have huge cool and green neighbourhood. Just imagine all of us at a BBQ. What great stories we would be able to share!

    Gav

    Reply
  10. The neighbours! says

    November 7, 2008 at 12:58

    We really are very lucky to be Gavin and Kim’s neighbours! We are both very excited at our plants and dying for them to grow.
    Thanks heaps again Gavin! We owe ya 🙂

    Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Curing Black Olives
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Curing Olives
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Black Aphids On Garlic
Strawbridge Family Inspiration

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023