Yes the early morning sounds of the birds greeting the day, is so welcoming and so precious. Brings such beautiful memories of growing up on the ranch. That's what I love about you Danou, You walk your talk, and you are not afraid to speak out about your values, which you do practice in your daily life. In other words you are being true to yourself. Loved your little dance you performed in front of the camera. And of course the lovely happy dance with Lucus Freely give freely receive. I heard someone state. "When you have a closed hand, you can't give and neither can you receive. Because you have a sense of lack. My mother I remember, saying "Complaint is a poverty of thought" Your life is a reflection of your thoughts. It's so exciting to see the unfolding and progress of every day action. It's wonderful to see people from all walks of life, and from all over the world supplying you, with what is needed I love to watch your videos 😍 Thank you for sharing your daily activities and developments and the interactions with your family and your team working with you. So happy to see Lucas had seen how important to cover and protect the soil around the maize 🌽 with mulch. 🌿🌽💚🌽🌿
The chickens love the foraging - and they're helping keep the bugs at bay! Haven't seen the ducks in a few videos - are they doing well? When you do bulk mulching like you did in Damien's Forest you should broadcast grass seeds before you put down the mulch as a cover crop. First couple of years it might look ugly, but the long-term benefits are insane! I'm glad you are having fun with the whole RUclips things - your happiness and joy are infectious!
@@thefoodforestnamibia I would not sow anymore seed until you get rain or you can commit to watering so the seed never dries out. There is no rain in the forecast until February Danou.
@@stevejohnstonbaugh9171 seed is cheap and can lay dormant in the ground for years - waiting for the right conditions to sprout. Over seeding - even if half or more fails still feeds the ground, birds, insects, etc. Normally the plants will make seed, the seed will drop, and will survive the dry season until the next wet season. Just hoping to get more green going in the next 3 months before the dry season hits. Since these are annuals nearly all will die in the dry season, but the biomass in the soil will improve water infiltration and retention year over year. It's not a "quick fix" but one that attempts to restore the soil after hundreds of years of overgrazing. A 25kg bag of millet costs less than US $20 so it's really not expensive - 25kg would go a really long way to potentially providing more biomass to his farmstead.
@@mekon1971 Just trying to maximize the bang for your buck. No rain forecast for the rest of Jan. But there is rain forecast throughout Feb. The other consideration is the surface of the soil reaches 140 degrees F almost every day. That's enough temp. to cook an embryo.
Nice to see that lukas is wearing his new overall that i donated. nice detail that he is wearing an orange shirt, real dutch orange. thank you. The Tall Dutchman.❤
I am torn on the termite, after reading about the benefits of the frass, the stuff left from the termites, I think you should do a test, mulch and boric acid one pile and termites the other and compare over time.
yeah, I am also not sure. I don't think getting rid of ALL termite mounts would be wise but perhaps the one nearest just so that some of the trees can grow up a bit more....
You have a very soulful voice, brother! Your happy dance is great! I enjoyed watching Lukas dance with you. Seeing your farm change makes me very happy. Here's to a lot of rain soon!
You might know this already; rocks/boulders can be used as mulch around a plant keeping moisture in the ground and keeping the soil cool. Using redly available local materials is a clever and sustainable way to go. Keep up the good work bro.
Its surprising how much water you can get into limestone country if you hold it on it and direct the extra water There it yealds extremely well in some parts of Australia 🤔✌️
It's great to see you getting back to the basics... also. Your party was fun to watch, but seeing each bug and worm is wonderful. Thumbs up on producing various types of videos. 🖖 Congratulations on hitting 5K. 🎉
another entertaining and educational video. I love a good country and western song nice stick dance liked the corn comparison Iam sure Loukas gets it he seems a character, I like the practical way of learning. Iam sure your other workers will learn a lot from seeing what happens at Emmanuels place. Love the birds, the chooks out after insects, all the different living things.
It's not cheating it's an awesome experment to see what works better. That's awesome you both did your own way to see and learn more about growing the corn in your area. Keeping the options open teaches us so much more. ♥much love♥
@@Power_Prawnstar I'm suggesting it is important that Danou clear that misstatement up right away. Danou did not "cheat" because of some racial or class privilege. Danou simply followed the permaculture path that was offered to Lukas equally. What will Lukas do the next time? Which path does Lukas want to follow? Does Lukas want to be empowered?
@stevejohnstonbaugh9171 I think u misread my comment, it was just about the mulch. If mulching is cheating then we need to be all cheating, all the time. Not sure how went down that rabbit hole? 😆
@@Power_Prawnstar My reply was not directed to you. It is a response to Lukas explanation to Danou that his corn looks better because Danou cheated. This would be a non-issue if Lukas said I'm going to use mulch all the time. But that is not what he said. Remember, magic is often used in the native cultures to explain different outcomes.
@@Power_Prawnstar lmao to funny how people latch onto a word and then abuse it to make an ass of themselves. rofl it wasn't that damn important. i love how people use words depending were they are from. Cheat to some seems to be used negatively. I do not think in the video it was meant that way at all. I'm going to cheat in my garden now ;p
When termites eat mulch, they create fertilizer. If termites get under the layers of mulch, it seems to me that the chickens will find them and turn the termites into fertilizer.😎
Chickens can't control the termites? You might consider importing seeds of Raspberry Jam Tree acacia from western Australia, which are drought-tolerant and grow very fast. The wood, besides smelling like jam when sawn, lasts centuries as fenceposts. There are literally millions of century-old jam-tree fenceposts in Australia.
Although I understand the sentiment, most countries don't allow you to import non-native plants/seeds because of the risk of accidentally introducing an invasive species, displacing native flora, disease vectors, etc. It looks like there are plenty of native candidates for Danou's projects (including native acacia varieties).
Danou - IPM (Integrated Pest Management) tip of the day; If you find a caterpillar on one citrus tree, you will find them on all of the citrus trees. This is an "all hands on deck" situation when physically removing the insect. All trees should be checked daily until the trees have been pest free for one week.
I love your videos and the journey of re-greening you take us with you. Suggestion: Can you put a counter on the screen to show us how many days have past since the last rain? Like _"5 days since last rain fall"_ This would put it more in perspective for us from around the world.
Ta the update. Once I asked if there is calcrete underlying the property, and this answers the question. In the Otjiwarongo District, underlying the calcrete are possible old Kalahari age fossil river courses. What rocktypes underly the calcrete? The area has quite a mix of geology and bedrock can be quite deep. All the best.
Is old man Saltbush (Artiplex nummularia) a plant that you'd be able to grow there (is it even available?). It is an Australian native plant that thrives in hot dry conditions and has many beneficial uses especially in the kitchen. It can also be used as stock feed when times are tough. Keep up the good work.
We have a Saltbush here in Arizona. Sheep like it. It also harbors beneficial endophytes. It's a medium sized bush that can provide a little pool of shade and windblock. 😊
@@1millionpumpkins542 Danou, this sounds like another shrub you should investigate for your understory. All of the shrubs mentioned can also be used for forest fodder.
I’m currently reading a book ‘Natural farming’ by Pat Coleby and she says termites like copper rich timber, generally a sign the copper in your soil is locked up due to lack of calcium and magnesium ie dolomite. Might be a good idea to put it around your trees.
Congrats on 5k subs. :) You are my after work treat. When I tjaila at 7 am NZ time, I smile because I can se the video you posted yesterday, 1 hour after you did. Time lines are magic. Thank you for the beautiful African sunrise and morning sounds and for the happy dance Winter is coming What will happen to the smiles and the pits in the dry winter time?
i'm curious if those small rocks could still be useful for something. e.g. helping to fill the check dams in the ravine. or even as one-rock tall water slowing structures. *shrug*
Absolutely! Those rocks are valuable. I would be gathering them in wheelbarrows and taking them to the erosion gully weirs or to the rock weir in the river. Use them to chink the big gaps.
Also, not all catapillars are bad. Most plants can handle pests eating them without affecting growth. Pest pressure on plants often helps the plant to grow stronger. If they aren't eating your vegetables or grains (or affecting your crops financially), they aren't hurting anything. If the catapillar is the pupil of a pest, go ahead and get rid of it. However if it is a pupil of a harmless bug, or a beneficial bug, I'd leave them be. Nature works best when you let it.
The markup on Alcohol may be high, but the damage to the community is higher. Keep on taking the high road and doing good in all things. BUT I agree that you should vary what you are propagating to include many different benefits. Some may be resistant to certain bugs/pests, some may weather the drought better, etc. Starting way more plants than you can use is also good as some may die and you can always give some away to friends/family if you have too many. I would suggest training the kids on how to do it, let them make a game out of it (who can raise the most) and if they make a few or thousands it's still a win and will benefit them the rest of their lives.
It was never my intent to suggest propagating raisin berry for alcohol production. That use could not be further from my desire. Don't put my name and alcohol in the same sentence.
Hope that Lucas understands why mulch versus no mulch. Perhaps ask him why the corn needs to be naked so the moisture evaporates faster. Perhaps he could understand it if he equated it to a person - is it more comfortable for a person to stand without clothing and shade for the whole day and very little to drink, or is it better to have a bit of shade, some water all day, and clothing to protect them from the sun? With a thermometer you would be able to see the temperature difference of bare ground, and ground covered by mulch. It would be one more thing to show them and include temperatures that plants grow best. No plant grows well when the soil is over 100F.
9:30 Raisin Bush propagation clarification; I believe you interpreted what I wrote differently than what I meant to communicate. Let me try again; Suggested Action: Time Estimate: 4 labor-hours Tasks: Clear Competition: Remove vegetation within 1 meter of the center of each Raisin Bush. Pruning: Prune out dead or broken wood from the bushes for rejuvenation. Mulching: Apply worm castings as mulch beneath each bush. Cuttings Propagation: Take 20 cuttings from each of several different Raisin Bush varieties. Mass plant the cuttings in plastic bags filled with blended potting soil. Place the bags in the shade house. Goal: Establish 3 specimen Raisin Bushes of different varieties. Obtain 60 cuttings in the shade house for future planting in living fences. Rationale: Ecological Benefits: Raisin Bush is a hardy native shrub that attracts birds and provides food for chickens and humans. Food Forest Diversity: Incorporating useful shrubs is essential for a complete and productive Food Forest. Clarifications: "Labor-hours": This term assumes a single person performing the work. If multiple people are involved, the actual time taken will be shorter. Shade House: This likely refers to a protected area with shade, such as a greenhouse or a shaded outdoor area. Living Fences: These are likely rows of shrubs and trees planted for various purposes, such as windbreaks, privacy, or wildlife habitat. Overall: This plan seems reasonable addresses the need for Raisin Bush propagation within your Food Forest. By combining specimen plants with a large number of cuttings, you're ensuring both immediate and long-term diversity. Possible Considerations: Cutting Selection: Consider the timing of cutting collection (e.g., early spring or late summer) and the specific type of cuttings (e.g., hardwood, softwood) for optimal rooting success. Cutting Care: Monitor the cuttings regularly in the shade house for signs of rooting and adjust watering or ventilation as needed. Pest and Disease Control: Implement preventative measures to protect both the specimen bushes and the cuttings from potential pests and diseases. I hope this clarification is helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions or would like to discuss these points in more detail.
Why I follow you and why Iam a member SueB From Brighton permaculture uk As new to permaculture done some reading .support the ethics 1. Rebuild natural capital. The environment. 2. Provide for people’s needs. Access to good food.water.air.companionship. Build community. 3. Redistribution of surplus. Fair share of goods. Glad to be a coffee member . 5$ us.
10:51 The difference between the 'local tradition' corn and the permaculture corn is remarkable. I hope you successfully navigated the conversation from 'you were cheating' to 'there is a better way - are you willing to consider it?'" I suspect that outcome is overly optimistic, but it was still a worthwhile exercise for all parties." I suggest employing a similar approach in future situations of this nature. However, it's crucial to clearly establish at the outset that Lukas has a choice in this matter. Emphasize that this is his decision, and that you will proceed with the permaculture method regardless of his choice. It's essential for Lukas to acknowledge that he has made a conscious decision and that your success is not attributable to any form of privilege. The unseen movement toward living soil is a result of the worms and cocoons that you dropped into the planting holes. The area you planted has now been opened vertically by the roots and horizontally to a depth of up to 12" by worms burrowing. Lukas soil has not improved. There are fewer nutrients in the soil because corn is a heavy feeder.
8:15 Fine illustration of why grazing animals and seedling trees are not compatible. What you have here, Danou, is the remainder of a lemon tree. You have likely lost at least 3 years of growth due to the sheep damage. This is a rule to live by: NEVER plant seedlings in an area to which grazing animals have access. If you want to plant in such an area, you must have a round basket fence made of 3"x6" welded wire fencing, 5" tall. Secure the cage with 2 pieces of rebar threaded through the fence openings, pounded into the ground, so the animals cannot topple the cage. To get this lemon tree back on track, you must: Select the sprout that will be the new central leader. Prune away all of the remaining sprouts as close to the ground as possible. Immediately take the cuttings to the shade house and mass plant them according to your established propagation method in prepared potting mix in large plastic grow bags. They must remain in the shade house. You can start to think about pruning for proper branch scaffolding when the leader reaches about 6' in height."
test plots may be a good educational tool: e.g. a square meter with no added water, compost, manure, etc. One next to it with manure. One with deeper water retaining pits. One with all the interventions, etc. This way it's easier for people to see the results. just a thought.
Not knowing much about your area I'm not sure if this is of any help to you or not but English Country Life just posted a video titled Bargain DIY Chicken Fodder (Sprouted Wheat). I wasnt sure about including the link🥰
Termites in the garden can be a challenge, but there are several natural methods to manage them without chemicals. Here’s what you can do 1. Introduce Nematodes Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that prey on termites. Apply them to the affected soil in the early morning or evening when the soil is cooler. Water the soil well before and after application to help them move through the soil. 2. Use Diatomaceous Earth Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around termite activity. This natural powder dehydrates and kills termites when they come into contact with it. Reapply after rain or watering. 3. Expose Them to Sunlight Termites dislike sunlight. If possible, dig up affected areas and expose them to direct sunlight for a day or two. Turn over mulch or compost to reduce shady, damp hiding spots.(this might not be to helpfull, since you want to keep the ground damp) 4. Plant Termite-Repelling Plants Certain plants like vetiver grass, marigolds, or mint can deter termites due to their strong scents. Incorporate these into your garden layout to discourage termites from settling. 5. Apply Orange Oil or Neem Oil These oils are natural insecticides. Mix a few drops of orange or neem oil with water and spray it on areas where termites are active. Reapply weekly for the best results. 6. Use Cardboard Traps Wet a few pieces of cardboard and place them near termite-infested areas. Termites will be attracted to the cardboard. Once they gather on it, remove and burn the cardboard. 7. Encourage Natural Predators Birds, ants, and certain fungi can prey on termites. Encourage birds by installing feeders or nesting boxes. Avoid using measures that might harm beneficial predators. I hope there is something useful here you can make use off 😊
@@hotbit7327 Yes, both neem oil and beneficial nematodes work well. In my experience, nematodes tend to be more effective, but they are also more expensive. As for the list, it was generated with the help of AI. I’ve been growing plants in the UK for nearly 9 years, sharing my journey through over 600 videos with a community of 22k 😊 subscribers. While I’ve learned a lot, I’m still growing (pun intended!) and always open to new knowledge. My intention was simply to be helpful, and I meant no offence or disrespect
@@hotbit7327 I have seen the birds eat the caterpillars from the invasive buxus moth in my garden. And they spread nutrients and the seeds from the trees.
I didn't sleep much last night, so in my delirium I had a thought. Can you teach your wifes' horses to plough the ground? That way when you come to dig over an area it is already loose for your guys.
I also had a sleep deprived thought but nothing to do with horses. Yet! It's about your project in the township and the cultural acceptance of mulch. Well over a decade ago I studied cultural anthropology and we discussed the importance of spaces: private, open to guest, public... and the importance of boundaries, even if symbolic. To put it shortly, would it help if the mulched areas were 'contained' by a boundary of rocks, in a similar way to your trees in the video? (Someone else mentioned this too) I think Emanuel had started to gather some rocks in his front yard for that purpose? The idea is to have a clear delimitation between mulch (disorder, hidden) and sweeped soiled (order, public, for guests). Also are there front- and backyards in namibia's towns? In western cultures it seems that vegetable gardens are usually kept in the back where the space is more private and mess is allowed. In such cultures, starting small permaculture projects in "back yards" might go smoother. I don't know if it is relevant for Namibia? Just a thought I had in my brain and it wouldn't leave before I wrote it down here.
@@thefoodforestnamibia Save the energy Danou. You do not want to be plowing this land under any circumstances. Best to take plowing and rototilling out of the picture all together.
Yes they speak Afrikaans to various degrees. Always broken and never the same as a native speaker but we understand one another. The different tribes vary between English and Afrikaans. Damara by far speak Afrikaans as the second language and vambo mostly speak English as their second language. But they all speak at least three languages.
@@thefoodforestnamibiaOver the course of my life time I have spoken an additional 3 languages over and above my natural English ( Afrikaans in SA, French and German in UK, but all at school) with a smattering of tourist Greek. Sadly I now only have tourist knowledge of Greek and German but have been applauded on my French pronunciation by a waiter in a restaurant 😂. I really wish that I could speak at least 1 more language fluently.
Is it possible to have some cows or other animals who will come and eat all the greens along the river before you have planted something so you'll have some good cough or animal poop and some greens on soil?
Did you see what the sheep did to the lemon trees? Growing a forest and browsing animals are not compatible. The owner has to choose. A or B but not both.
It’s Beshy using my wife’s phone because my comments aren’t posting, I must be shadow banned for spamming comments sections, I’ll msg with buy me a coffee about the lemon tree, Damien’s soil and the termites
Happy Dance? Stick to permaculture! You really don’t drink? That would have been an acceptable excuse for that dancing skill level! Was that you trying to imitate the chickens pecking the ground or dancing? Spend time with your daughter, she will be able to teach you how to dance! Were you dancing or did step on a fire ants nest? These jokes are from a person whose musical and dancing skills are the same as yours. Go RUclips algorithm.
If you are still interested in Johnson-Su compost to try then send your address with a postcard or letter to John Wilson 415 Texas street Weatherford Oklahoma USA. When I get your address I will send you a fair amount and instructions on how to use it. Everything is looking great there at your place Keep up the good work!
Propagation and cultivation of the marula tree (How-to Guide) ruclips.net/video/xcfqvkc4wUQ/видео.html Please note Danou; The majority of the participants in this video are women. I think that is is noteworthy. And they mulch trees when they are planted out. You have mentioned that have not had a chance to see a tree nursery up close. This video gives some good detail.
Thank you so much for watching with me. Hope you enjoyed my singing 😂😂😂 where are you viewing from?
From RSA, Limpopo.
We enjoyed your singing and dancing 😁 greetings from Ireland
Your singing is better than mine! Cheers from Sweden
@@Imalittlecloud hahahah thanks!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Yes the early morning sounds of the birds greeting the day, is so welcoming and so precious. Brings such beautiful memories of growing up on the ranch.
That's what I love about you Danou,
You walk your talk, and you are not afraid to speak out about your values, which you do practice in your daily life.
In other words you are being true to yourself.
Loved your little dance you performed in front of the camera. And of course the lovely happy dance with Lucus
Freely give freely receive.
I heard someone state. "When you have a closed hand, you can't give and neither can you receive. Because you have a sense of lack.
My mother I remember, saying "Complaint is a poverty of thought"
Your life is a reflection of your thoughts.
It's so exciting to see the unfolding and progress of every day action.
It's wonderful to see people from all walks of life, and from all over the world supplying you, with what is needed
I love to watch your videos 😍
Thank you for sharing your daily activities and developments and the interactions with your family and your team working with you. So happy to see Lucas had seen how important to cover and protect the soil around the maize 🌽 with mulch. 🌿🌽💚🌽🌿
every video seems to be getting greener and greener, its good seeing your effort pay results.
Loving the happy dance
Those bird sounds are wonderful. And your land continues to get more lush every week!
Love the happy dance. Greetings from Crete Greece 😊
Waking up to the sound of birds noises is really wonderful 🎶🐦🌝👍
Let those raisin berries ripen and your wild bird population will explode.
The chickens love the foraging - and they're helping keep the bugs at bay! Haven't seen the ducks in a few videos - are they doing well? When you do bulk mulching like you did in Damien's Forest you should broadcast grass seeds before you put down the mulch as a cover crop. First couple of years it might look ugly, but the long-term benefits are insane! I'm glad you are having fun with the whole RUclips things - your happiness and joy are infectious!
The grass seeds plan is excellent! We stil have some grass seeds left that I bought with you donation.
@@thefoodforestnamibia I would not sow anymore seed until you get rain or you can commit to watering so the seed never dries out. There is no rain in the forecast until February Danou.
@@stevejohnstonbaugh9171 seed is cheap and can lay dormant in the ground for years - waiting for the right conditions to sprout. Over seeding - even if half or more fails still feeds the ground, birds, insects, etc. Normally the plants will make seed, the seed will drop, and will survive the dry season until the next wet season. Just hoping to get more green going in the next 3 months before the dry season hits. Since these are annuals nearly all will die in the dry season, but the biomass in the soil will improve water infiltration and retention year over year. It's not a "quick fix" but one that attempts to restore the soil after hundreds of years of overgrazing. A 25kg bag of millet costs less than US $20 so it's really not expensive - 25kg would go a really long way to potentially providing more biomass to his farmstead.
@@mekon1971 Just trying to maximize the bang for your buck. No rain forecast for the rest of Jan. But there is rain forecast throughout Feb. The other consideration is the surface of the soil reaches 140 degrees F almost every day. That's enough temp. to cook an embryo.
@@stevejohnstonbaugh9171 Maybe sorghum would be a better choice - since it's more heat tolerant?
Nice to see that lukas is wearing his new overall that i donated. nice detail that he is wearing an orange shirt, real dutch orange. thank you. The Tall Dutchman.❤
Thanks again!
🧡💚
nice
@@thefoodforestnamibia I think all of your regular workers should be offered the same clothing Danou. Favoritism is bound to spark resentments.
The coveralls sure do look sharp!
Seeing so much mulch on a ground makes me happier!
happy dance made me happy =]
The corn patch. Proof positive of the the gains available when a soil is healthier. Nice moves by the way.
I am torn on the termite, after reading about the benefits of the frass, the stuff left from the termites, I think you should do a test, mulch and boric acid one pile and termites the other and compare over time.
yeah, I am also not sure. I don't think getting rid of ALL termite mounts would be wise but perhaps the one nearest just so that some of the trees can grow up a bit more....
Leave the termites alone for now. Let the chickens and ducks eat their fill. There are much more important things to focus on.
I've been thinking this as well, once you have enough bio-mass they seem to break up all the woody stuff fast, soil builders
Welcome to all the new members. 👋🏼🙋🏼♂️🎉
You have a very soulful voice, brother! Your happy dance is great! I enjoyed watching Lukas dance with you. Seeing your farm change makes me very happy. Here's to a lot of rain soon!
All da our if willie Nelson sings so can you helping the algorithm
Danou, it truly is a happy dance and I am sure that all who see it will have smiles as big as your African smiles.
love the dance
You might know this already; rocks/boulders can be used as mulch around a plant keeping moisture in the ground and keeping the soil cool. Using redly available local materials is a clever and sustainable way to go. Keep up the good work bro.
Its surprising how much water you can get into limestone country if you hold it on it and direct the extra water There it yealds extremely well in some parts of Australia 🤔✌️
Hou aan dans my vriend. Dit ist goed vir die siel 🎉😀🕺
It's great to see you getting back to the basics... also.
Your party was fun to watch, but seeing each bug and worm is wonderful.
Thumbs up on producing various types of videos. 🖖
Congratulations on hitting 5K. 🎉
another entertaining and educational video. I love a good country and western song nice stick dance liked the corn comparison Iam sure Loukas gets it he seems a character, I like the practical way of learning. Iam sure your other workers will learn a lot from seeing what happens at Emmanuels place. Love the birds, the chooks out after insects, all the different living things.
Love to see how much joy this is all bringing you!
Viewing from San Diego!❤️
It's not cheating it's an awesome experment to see what works better. That's awesome you both did your own way to see and learn more about growing the corn in your area. Keeping the options open teaches us so much more. ♥much love♥
Going to have to "cheat" all the time now 😂
@@Power_Prawnstar I'm suggesting it is important that Danou clear that misstatement up right away.
Danou did not "cheat" because of some racial or class privilege. Danou simply followed the permaculture path that was offered to Lukas equally.
What will Lukas do the next time?
Which path does Lukas want to follow?
Does Lukas want to be empowered?
@stevejohnstonbaugh9171 I think u misread my comment, it was just about the mulch. If mulching is cheating then we need to be all cheating, all the time.
Not sure how went down that rabbit hole? 😆
@@Power_Prawnstar My reply was not directed to you. It is a response to Lukas explanation to Danou that his corn looks better because Danou cheated.
This would be a non-issue if Lukas said I'm going to use mulch all the time. But that is not what he said.
Remember, magic is often used in the native cultures to explain different outcomes.
@@Power_Prawnstar lmao to funny how people latch onto a word and then abuse it to make an ass of themselves. rofl it wasn't that damn important. i love how people use words depending were they are from. Cheat to some seems to be used negatively. I do not think in the video it was meant that way at all. I'm going to cheat in my garden now ;p
I love the happy dance🎉
'n Namibiese sonsopkoms is die beste in die wêreld
When termites eat mulch, they create fertilizer. If termites get under the layers of mulch, it seems to me that the chickens will find them and turn the termites into fertilizer.😎
Chickens can't control the termites?
You might consider importing seeds of Raspberry Jam Tree acacia from western Australia, which are drought-tolerant and grow very fast. The wood, besides smelling like jam when sawn, lasts centuries as fenceposts. There are literally millions of century-old jam-tree fenceposts in Australia.
Although I understand the sentiment, most countries don't allow you to import non-native plants/seeds because of the risk of accidentally introducing an invasive species, displacing native flora, disease vectors, etc. It looks like there are plenty of native candidates for Danou's projects (including native acacia varieties).
@@Marc-ww7ccabsolutely
😂 I have a street fighter style kickboxing air move I do when no one's around and something awesome happens. 😎
I also can't sing well, but that doesn't stop me. The point is the joy, not the skill.
Exactly!
I'm envious. I sing so bad I really don't want to hear myself.😂
Perhaps you should let your chickens and ducks wander further afield to make sure they are able to snack on all the catapillers you keep finding.
Danou - IPM (Integrated Pest Management) tip of the day; If you find a caterpillar on one citrus tree, you will find them on all of the citrus trees. This is an "all hands on deck" situation when physically removing the insect.
All trees should be checked daily until the trees have been pest free for one week.
That’s hilarious!
I was raised with that music, always played at our rodeos!
I love your videos and the journey of re-greening you take us with you.
Suggestion: Can you put a counter on the screen to show us how many days have past since the last rain?
Like _"5 days since last rain fall"_
This would put it more in perspective for us from around the world.
I wanted to do that since yesterday but struggling to figure out when was the last rain. I should go throught old videos.
@@thefoodforestnamibia
Thank you for your kind response!
I'll wait patiently ;)
Ta the update.
Once I asked if there is calcrete underlying the property, and this answers the question.
In the Otjiwarongo District, underlying the calcrete are possible old Kalahari age fossil river courses.
What rocktypes underly the calcrete? The area has quite a mix of geology and bedrock can be quite deep.
All the best.
We also have granite in the area and a couple reefs poking out the ground.
@@thefoodforestnamibia Municipal water or borehole? How deep is the water table?
@@lineinthesand663 Municipal
😊☘️🌿🌳
Is old man Saltbush (Artiplex nummularia) a plant that you'd be able to grow there (is it even available?). It is an Australian native plant that thrives in hot dry conditions and has many beneficial uses especially in the kitchen. It can also be used as stock feed when times are tough. Keep up the good work.
We have a Saltbush here in Arizona. Sheep like it. It also harbors beneficial endophytes. It's a medium sized bush that can provide a little pool of shade and windblock. 😊
@@1millionpumpkins542 Danou, this sounds like another shrub you should investigate for your understory. All of the shrubs mentioned can also be used for forest fodder.
Alien invaders can be a curse. You Australians should know... .
Rats rabbits goats
I’m currently reading a book ‘Natural farming’ by Pat Coleby and she says termites like copper rich timber, generally a sign the copper in your soil is locked up due to lack of calcium and magnesium ie dolomite. Might be a good idea to put it around your trees.
Very interesting indeed!
Congrats on 5k subs. :)
You are my after work treat. When I tjaila at 7 am NZ time, I smile because I can se the video you posted yesterday, 1 hour after you did. Time lines are magic.
Thank you for the beautiful African sunrise and morning sounds and for the happy dance
Winter is coming
What will happen to the smiles and the pits in the dry winter time?
Ah you a kiwi beloved cousin from Aussie helping to push algorithm by commenting
Not sure how they Wil turn out. This is our firs rain season that things are realy up. It wil be a steep curve
Grapes do really well on lime rich soils; think the grapes around Bordeaux, Francesco.
i'm curious if those small rocks could still be useful for something. e.g. helping to fill the check dams in the ravine. or even as one-rock tall water slowing structures. *shrug*
Absolutely! Those rocks are valuable. I would be gathering them in wheelbarrows and taking them to the erosion gully weirs or to the rock weir in the river. Use them to chink the big gaps.
Also, not all catapillars are bad. Most plants can handle pests eating them without affecting growth. Pest pressure on plants often helps the plant to grow stronger. If they aren't eating your vegetables or grains (or affecting your crops financially), they aren't hurting anything. If the catapillar is the pupil of a pest, go ahead and get rid of it. However if it is a pupil of a harmless bug, or a beneficial bug, I'd leave them be. Nature works best when you let it.
The markup on Alcohol may be high, but the damage to the community is higher. Keep on taking the high road and doing good in all things. BUT I agree that you should vary what you are propagating to include many different benefits. Some may be resistant to certain bugs/pests, some may weather the drought better, etc. Starting way more plants than you can use is also good as some may die and you can always give some away to friends/family if you have too many. I would suggest training the kids on how to do it, let them make a game out of it (who can raise the most) and if they make a few or thousands it's still a win and will benefit them the rest of their lives.
It was never my intent to suggest propagating raisin berry for alcohol production. That use could not be further from my desire. Don't put my name and alcohol in the same sentence.
Hope that Lucas understands why mulch versus no mulch. Perhaps ask him why the corn needs to be naked so the moisture evaporates faster.
Perhaps he could understand it if he equated it to a person - is it more comfortable for a person to stand without clothing and shade for the whole day and very little to drink, or is it better to have a bit of shade, some water all day, and clothing to protect them from the sun?
With a thermometer you would be able to see the temperature difference of bare ground, and ground covered by mulch. It would be one more thing to show them and include temperatures that plants grow best. No plant grows well when the soil is over 100F.
I found some info. Most soil microorganisms require temperatures between 10°C and 35.6°C for optimal activity.
At 100°F (38°C), plants cannot absorb enough moisture since as much as 85% is lost due to evapotranspiration.
The temperature of the soil under mulch is typically 40F degrees cooler than soil in full sun. Which would you prefer? might be a good question.
Having followed danou and Lukas I think lukas does get it
9:30 Raisin Bush propagation clarification; I believe you interpreted what I wrote differently than what I meant to communicate. Let me try again;
Suggested Action:
Time Estimate: 4 labor-hours
Tasks:
Clear Competition: Remove vegetation within 1 meter of the center of each Raisin Bush.
Pruning: Prune out dead or broken wood from the bushes for rejuvenation.
Mulching: Apply worm castings as mulch beneath each bush.
Cuttings Propagation:
Take 20 cuttings from each of several different Raisin Bush varieties.
Mass plant the cuttings in plastic bags filled with blended potting soil.
Place the bags in the shade house.
Goal:
Establish 3 specimen Raisin Bushes of different varieties.
Obtain 60 cuttings in the shade house for future planting in living fences.
Rationale:
Ecological Benefits: Raisin Bush is a hardy native shrub that attracts birds and provides food for chickens and humans.
Food Forest Diversity: Incorporating useful shrubs is essential for a complete and productive Food Forest.
Clarifications:
"Labor-hours": This term assumes a single person performing the work. If multiple people are involved, the actual time taken will be shorter.
Shade House: This likely refers to a protected area with shade, such as a greenhouse or a shaded outdoor area.
Living Fences: These are likely rows of shrubs and trees planted for various purposes, such as windbreaks, privacy, or wildlife habitat.
Overall:
This plan seems reasonable addresses the need for Raisin Bush propagation within your Food Forest. By combining specimen plants with a large number of cuttings, you're ensuring both immediate and long-term diversity.
Possible Considerations:
Cutting Selection: Consider the timing of cutting collection (e.g., early spring or late summer) and the specific type of cuttings (e.g., hardwood, softwood) for optimal rooting success.
Cutting Care: Monitor the cuttings regularly in the shade house for signs of rooting and adjust watering or ventilation as needed.
Pest and Disease Control: Implement preventative measures to protect both the specimen bushes and the cuttings from potential pests and diseases.
I hope this clarification is helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions or would like to discuss these points in more detail.
Try planting Garlic. The termites hate that.
Why I follow you and why Iam a member SueB
From Brighton permaculture uk
As new to permaculture done some reading .support the ethics
1. Rebuild natural capital. The environment.
2. Provide for people’s needs. Access to good food.water.air.companionship. Build community.
3. Redistribution of surplus. Fair share of goods.
Glad to be a coffee member . 5$ us.
Did you get lucerne seeds? Should get some papaya seeds too ask they can get dwarf red lady it’s light frost resistant
10:51 The difference between the 'local tradition' corn and the permaculture corn is remarkable. I hope you successfully navigated the conversation from 'you were cheating' to 'there is a better way - are you willing to consider it?'"
I suspect that outcome is overly optimistic, but it was still a worthwhile exercise for all parties."
I suggest employing a similar approach in future situations of this nature. However, it's crucial to clearly establish at the outset that Lukas has a choice in this matter. Emphasize that this is his decision, and that you will proceed with the permaculture method regardless of his choice. It's essential for Lukas to acknowledge that he has made a conscious decision and that your success is not attributable to any form of privilege.
The unseen movement toward living soil is a result of the worms and cocoons that you dropped into the planting holes. The area you planted has now been opened vertically by the roots and horizontally to a depth of up to 12" by worms burrowing.
Lukas soil has not improved. There are fewer nutrients in the soil because corn is a heavy feeder.
8:15 Fine illustration of why grazing animals and seedling trees are not compatible.
What you have here, Danou, is the remainder of a lemon tree. You have likely lost at least 3 years of growth due to the sheep damage.
This is a rule to live by: NEVER plant seedlings in an area to which grazing animals have access. If you want to plant in such an area, you must have a round basket fence made of 3"x6" welded wire fencing, 5" tall. Secure the cage with 2 pieces of rebar threaded through the fence openings, pounded into the ground, so the animals cannot topple the cage.
To get this lemon tree back on track, you must:
Select the sprout that will be the new central leader.
Prune away all of the remaining sprouts as close to the ground as possible.
Immediately take the cuttings to the shade house and mass plant them according to your established propagation method in prepared potting mix in large plastic grow bags. They must remain in the shade house.
You can start to think about pruning for proper branch scaffolding when the leader reaches about 6' in height."
Your mother in law seems such a fun lady
test plots may be a good educational tool: e.g. a square meter with no added water, compost, manure, etc. One next to it with manure. One with deeper water retaining pits. One with all the interventions, etc. This way it's easier for people to see the results. just a thought.
Not knowing much about your area I'm not sure if this is of any help to you or not but English Country Life just posted a video titled Bargain DIY Chicken Fodder (Sprouted Wheat). I wasnt sure about including the link🥰
Wil search for it thank you!
😎👍
Leave the termites alone for now. Let the chickens and ducks eat their fill. There are much more important things to focus on.
Are the termites really doing damage? Eating the mulching sticks, is that it? Allow the ducks and chickens free range. Don’t kill the termites
One major benefit of Mulch is breaking the Wind and reducing evaporation.
Termites in the garden can be a challenge, but there are several natural methods to manage them without chemicals. Here’s what you can do
1. Introduce Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that prey on termites. Apply them to the affected soil in the early morning or evening when the soil is cooler.
Water the soil well before and after application to help them move through the soil.
2. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around termite activity. This natural powder dehydrates and kills termites when they come into contact with it.
Reapply after rain or watering.
3. Expose Them to Sunlight
Termites dislike sunlight. If possible, dig up affected areas and expose them to direct sunlight for a day or two.
Turn over mulch or compost to reduce shady, damp hiding spots.(this might not be to helpfull, since you want to keep the ground damp)
4. Plant Termite-Repelling Plants
Certain plants like vetiver grass, marigolds, or mint can deter termites due to their strong scents.
Incorporate these into your garden layout to discourage termites from settling.
5. Apply Orange Oil or Neem Oil
These oils are natural insecticides. Mix a few drops of orange or neem oil with water and spray it on areas where termites are active.
Reapply weekly for the best results.
6. Use Cardboard Traps
Wet a few pieces of cardboard and place them near termite-infested areas. Termites will be attracted to the cardboard.
Once they gather on it, remove and burn the cardboard.
7. Encourage Natural Predators
Birds, ants, and certain fungi can prey on termites. Encourage birds by installing feeders or nesting boxes.
Avoid using measures that might harm beneficial predators.
I hope there is something useful here you can make use off 😊
I like option 7 a lot, because birds add a zillion more beneficial factors. And they also eat caterpillars 👍
Have you tested any of these AI-advised methods?
@@hotbit7327 Yes, both neem oil and beneficial nematodes work well. In my experience, nematodes tend to be more effective, but they are also more expensive. As for the list, it was generated with the help of AI.
I’ve been growing plants in the UK for nearly 9 years, sharing my journey through over 600 videos with a community of 22k 😊 subscribers. While I’ve learned a lot, I’m still growing (pun intended!) and always open to new knowledge. My intention was simply to be helpful, and I meant no offence or disrespect
@@hotbit7327 I have seen the birds eat the caterpillars from the invasive buxus moth in my garden. And they spread nutrients and the seeds from the trees.
I like it. Worth a try
😂❤
1:07 looks like a buddleja maybe davidii or Madagascariensis but I’m not a botanist
😂😂😅😂😊
I didn't sleep much last night, so in my delirium I had a thought. Can you teach your wifes' horses to plough the ground? That way when you come to dig over an area it is already loose for your guys.
Working on a plan to get a plougjt that Wil work on a horse. Make him multy purpose
@@thefoodforestnamibiagreat minds and all that. ❤
I remember some use pigs to turn the soil...
I also had a sleep deprived thought but nothing to do with horses. Yet! It's about your project in the township and the cultural acceptance of mulch. Well over a decade ago I studied cultural anthropology and we discussed the importance of spaces: private, open to guest, public... and the importance of boundaries, even if symbolic. To put it shortly, would it help if the mulched areas were 'contained' by a boundary of rocks, in a similar way to your trees in the video? (Someone else mentioned this too) I think Emanuel had started to gather some rocks in his front yard for that purpose? The idea is to have a clear delimitation between mulch (disorder, hidden) and sweeped soiled (order, public, for guests). Also are there front- and backyards in namibia's towns? In western cultures it seems that vegetable gardens are usually kept in the back where the space is more private and mess is allowed. In such cultures, starting small permaculture projects in "back yards" might go smoother. I don't know if it is relevant for Namibia? Just a thought I had in my brain and it wouldn't leave before I wrote it down here.
@@thefoodforestnamibia Save the energy Danou. You do not want to be plowing this land under any circumstances. Best to take plowing and rototilling out of the picture all together.
Swakopmund
So the guys speak Afrikaans or speak with them in their local language?
Afrikaans.
Yes they speak Afrikaans to various degrees. Always broken and never the same as a native speaker but we understand one another. The different tribes vary between English and Afrikaans. Damara by far speak Afrikaans as the second language and vambo mostly speak English as their second language. But they all speak at least three languages.
@@thefoodforestnamibiaOver the course of my life time I have spoken an additional 3 languages over and above my natural English ( Afrikaans in SA, French and German in UK, but all at school) with a smattering of tourist Greek. Sadly I now only have tourist knowledge of Greek and German but have been applauded on my French pronunciation by a waiter in a restaurant 😂. I really wish that I could speak at least 1 more language fluently.
Also passing greeting in tourist arabic
Is it possible to have some cows or other animals who will come and eat all the greens along the river before you have planted something so you'll have some good cough or animal poop and some greens on soil?
Did you see what the sheep did to the lemon trees?
Growing a forest and browsing animals are not compatible. The owner has to choose. A or B but not both.
Glue the termites. Use biological one so th Chicken can eat
m.ruclips.net/video/5IRly3djY8Q/видео.html&pp=ygUJZW50ZW50YW56 so your Mother does the middle Part of the Little bird dance...
ruclips.net/user/shortsG_wyNBudegU?si=UAczxUvcFlLFMtCT
It’s Beshy using my wife’s phone because my comments aren’t posting, I must be shadow banned for spamming comments sections, I’ll msg with buy me a coffee about the lemon tree, Damien’s soil and the termites
Happy Dance? Stick to permaculture!
You really don’t drink? That would have been an acceptable excuse for that dancing skill level!
Was that you trying to imitate the chickens pecking the ground or dancing?
Spend time with your daughter, she will be able to teach you how to dance!
Were you dancing or did step on a fire ants nest?
These jokes are from a person whose musical and dancing skills are the same as yours.
Go RUclips algorithm.
Hahahahaha made my day!
Ha ha ha
If you are still interested in Johnson-Su compost to try then send your address with a postcard or letter to John Wilson 415 Texas street Weatherford Oklahoma USA. When I get your address I will send you a fair amount and instructions on how to use it. Everything is looking great there at your place Keep up the good work!
Happy dance :ruclips.net/video/JGMoKCHSGuc/видео.htmlsi=5g75-MRmYxkPjMMc
Hahaha so it must be the Dutch blood in us!
Seeing my dad's moves, I would agree flemish/dutch ancestry is to blame
@Imalittlecloud 😂😂😂
Lol had one more for dessert 🍨
Propagation and cultivation of the marula tree (How-to Guide) ruclips.net/video/xcfqvkc4wUQ/видео.html
Please note Danou; The majority of the participants in this video are women. I think that is is noteworthy.
And they mulch trees when they are planted out.
You have mentioned that have not had a chance to see a tree nursery up close. This video gives some good detail.