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Permaculture
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22 guidesCompost
Plants need food, just like animals do. To have a productive farm, you need to focus on feeding the soil in which the plants grow. Luckily we can make our own plant food cheaply with compost, worms and mulch. In this document we focus on compost. Especially in the desert where you don’t have great […]
Mulch
What is mulch? Let’s talk about mulching, which is a helpful gardening technique that you might find quite interesting. Imagine you have a beautiful garden with some plants growing in the soil. Now, mulching is like giving your garden a cozy and protective blanket. Just like you cover yourself with a warm blanket to feel […]
Companion planting
Companion planting is a cool gardening technique where we grow different plants together to help each other out. It’s like being good friends with your plants! Let me break it down for you: What is Companion Planting? Companion planting is all about choosing specific plants to grow next to each other because they have positive […]
Critical Guide to Organic Pest Control in Southern Africa: Proven Natural Solutions for Healthier Crops
Organic pest control is a way of managing garden pests without using harmful chemicals. It’s like finding nature-friendly solutions to keep those pesky critters away from our plants. Let’s explore some cool methods and recipes: Organic Pest Control Methods: Organic Pest Control Recipes: Remember, organic pest control is not only effective but also safer for […]
Building/sealing earth dams
Building and sealing earthen dams is a vital aspect of water management in farming and agriculture. Earthen dams are constructed using soil, clay, and other materials to store water for irrigation, livestock, and various agricultural needs. Here are several practical methods to build and seal earthen dams: 1. Site Selection and Survey: Choose an appropriate […]
Agroforestry: Revolutionary Farming with Trees for Soil Health & Climate Resilience
Syntropic Agroforestry in Namibia: A Sustainable Oasis in Dry Conditions What is Syntropic Agroforestry? Syntropic agroforestry, also known as agroforestry mimicry or syntropic farming, is an innovative and regenerative farming practice that mimics natural forest ecosystems. It involves planting a diverse mix of fruit trees, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables in multi-layered, harmonious arrangements. Unlike traditional […]
Conservation Agriculture
Conservation agriculture is an innovative and sustainable farming approach that focuses on preserving natural resources while enhancing agricultural productivity. It involves three key principles: minimal soil disturbance, continuous soil cover, and crop rotation or diversification. Conservation agriculture aims to promote soil health, reduce water usage, and protect the environment, making it highly relevant in Namibia, […]
Rain fed crops in the desert
Growing crops in the desert can be challenging due to the extreme heat, limited water availability, and sandy soils. However, with careful planning and the right techniques, it’s possible to cultivate crops successfully even in arid regions. Here are some methods to consider for growing crops in the desert: 1. Choose Drought-Tolerant Crops: Opt for […]
Chinampa
A chinampa is a traditional Mesoamerican agricultural system used to grow crops in fertile, man-made islands or raised beds in shallow lakes or swampy areas. It was developed by the Aztecs and other indigenous groups in ancient Mexico and is still practiced in some regions today. The construction of a chinampa begins by driving wooden […]
Permaculture
Overview Permaculture is a holistic and sustainable approach to designing systems that work in harmony with nature. It is based on observing and mimicking natural ecosystems to create regenerative and resilient environments. The key concepts of permaculture revolve around three main principles: Key techniques and strategies used in permaculture include: Permaculture encourages us to observe […]
Terracing
Imagine you have a small piece of land where you want to grow crops, like vegetables or fruits. Now, terracing is a smart way to use that land effectively, especially if it’s on a hill or slope. Let me break it down for you: What is Terracing in Small-scale Farming? Terracing is like creating steps […]
19+ Important Dryland Strategies
From a permaculture perspective, there are several dryland strategies to increase water retention and availability on dry lands. These strategies aim to maximize water use efficiency, reduce evaporation, and encourage natural water infiltration and retention. Here are some dryland strategies commonly used in permaculture: It’s essential to adapt these dryland strategies to the specific climate, […]