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Steep Sites
As bare land becomes more scarce steep gardens are becoming more common. Here are some ideas on how to successfully develop these sites.
To make use of as much of the site as possible terrace using small retaining walls or rocks (remember that any wall over 1 metre requires engineering advice). Use local rocks if possible as this will give a more natural effect.
To ensure plants do not dry out, plant them in hollows dug into the slope. These hollows will collect rainfall. A deep mulch around each plant will keep it moist and help prevent soil erosion.
It is often better to lay lawn turf, as lawn seed can be washed away. If necessary secure turf in position with pegs until established.
Chicken wire pegged across site can help to hold soil and mulch in place. Plants can be planted through it.
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Green garden » veges » small space gardening
Sprouting - the best small space gardening there is!
This must be the best sort of crop to grow. These vegetables will grow in any climate, rivals meat in its nutritional value, is ready to harvest in 4 days, can be planted year round, does not require soil or any electricity and can fit neatly on the kitchen bench. Sprouting is almost too easy to be believed and more and more studies prove that they are one of the ultimate health foods. Studies have shown that sulforaphane, found in broccoli, helps boost the body’s defenses against carcinogens. Researchers report that 3 day old broccoli sprouts contain the same sulforaphane chemicals as full grown spears but at concentrations up to 50 times as high!
It is so easy to start sprouting by using a large glass jar and some fine mesh held with a rubber band to cover the opening. I use a glass preserving jar and clean pantyhose as a fine mesh filter. All you need to do is wash sprouts at least twice a day (three to four is better) with clean water and drain. Keep in a spot out of direct sunlight so the sprouts don’t dry out. In three to four days you will have some yummy sprouts. You can place the sprouts in some sunshine for a few hours prior to harvesting to green them up. Place in fridge to slow down growth. Once you are hooked, you can buy elaborate sprouting trays which maximize humidity and enable easy rinsing. Sprouting seeds can be bought over the internet or at many garden centres.
Eat the sprouts uncooked to obtain their highest nutritional value. Add to stir fries at the last moment, use them in Vietnamese spring rolls, in burgers instead of lettuce, through miso soup or try to sneak them into the kids sandwiches.
What Can you Sprout?
Grains:- barley, quinoa, rye, popcorn, wheat
Greens:- alfalfa, clover, canola, radish, mustard, lentils, mung beans, broccoli, sunflower, peas, lettuce, rocket, onion, chick peas
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