UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Aug 13, 2023 7:06:59 GMT
More about hydroponics
There is a big advantage to growing plants hydroponically in that they take up much less space than soil-grown ones do: their roots don't need to spread out to get nutrients from the soil. The plants can be grown indoors or outdoors, horizontally or vertically, with the nutrient-rich water in pots or in tubes. The necessary kits can be bought online or home made. An impressive outdoor, pipe-based system:
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Aug 23, 2023 6:41:51 GMT
Financial aspects
“I again say people need to get debts cleared.” Being debt free, thrifty and frugal is indeed the ideal to aim for. It is also good to have savings in the bank and cash on hand. However, preppers may get into debt just to pay for all the extra stuff they have bought; some of them are spending huge amounts of money. But then, they may not need to spend nearly so much in future so will be able to pay off some debts. Debt can be a good thing, in terms of improving a credit rating. But always have your debts manageable. I also advise people to look at debts as one category, and assets as a second. If you can start to save a little money, even if you have large debts, you are doing yourself a favour. You are adjusting your mindset, and are generating something you can rely on in an emergency, thus helping to prevent further debt. Also, prioritise your debts. If a debt has interest accruing, that needs to be top priority. If a debt has no interest, still put in payments, but make it minimal to stop any legal recourse against you. Always talk directly to the debt holders, and not debt collectors. They are very good at using scare tactics and intimidation to make you pay, and could frighten you into paying more than you can, worsening your position. Always negotiate directly with the debt holders. You can then build good relations, and they might have some ideas on how to solve the debt. You likely will hardly the first time for them, so will have experience in handling the matter. Also, they want their money back. Having you bankrupt or financially ruined is not going to help them. Just some thoughts on the matter.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Aug 23, 2023 6:43:42 GMT
More about hydroponics
There is a big advantage to growing plants hydroponically in that they take up much less space than soil-grown ones do: their roots don't need to spread out to get nutrients from the soil. The plants can be grown indoors or outdoors, horizontally or vertically, with the nutrient-rich water in pots or in tubes. The necessary kits can be bought online or home made. An impressive outdoor, pipe-based system: This is really impressive. It also means you can work towards year round growing, which will stabilise your food supply. You also have to admire human ingenuity!
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Aug 23, 2023 6:46:06 GMT
I really must get back to this. How are your ginger growing activities doing? I have the soil basically ready. I need to now work out on a "pot" for them, which could end up being a plastic container. Then it will be planting the ginger, and see if it will take. It is still in the fridge, so who knows if it is still viable for growing. If not... I will get more ginger, and try again.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Aug 23, 2023 7:27:46 GMT
I don't know why I have only just thought of hydroponics as a possibility, but it does look very interesting. I need to look a bit more closely at the beginners' aspect.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Aug 24, 2023 17:44:01 GMT
Rocket leaves and mung beans
Rocket leaves grown from seed and sprouted mung beans are my two main success stories. They are both quite cheap when bought ready to eat so growing them won't save lots of money: their main advantage is that they would be a good source of green vegetables and certain vitamins in times of shortages in the shops. I just had a small sample pack of each; I will investigate good deals on larger sizes. Wild rocket leaves are a cut and come again crop. I have had four handfuls so far, and they keep on growing.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Sept 4, 2023 6:40:08 GMT
At the moment, I have managed to keep a pot of parsley alive. There was also a pot of coriander, but that has sadly died. I will likely reuse the pot for trying something else. Having some sort of regular supply if some things is always handy. The big question is soil depletion. I have a feeling that this is something that needs to be worked on. Then again, thongs like incense Ash can provide some nutrients back into the soil. There is also the danger if giving too much of a particular nutrient, and accidentally poisoning the plant in question. Good luck with your hydroponics experiment, UnseenI!
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 4, 2023 17:13:25 GMT
Growing edible things: a few points
Congratulations on growing some parsley. Starting small and building on success one step at a time is a good idea. You could try planting spring onion roots next. I got a small bag of multi-purpose compost from LIDL. It was enough for a whole row of pots and planters. Buying in bulk or quantity of course gets a lower price per item or 500g etc. That isn't much use to small scale growers: huge sacks of mung beans for sprouting for example just wouldn't be suitable for me. Some seedlings that were on my balcony withered and died when the temperature dropped suddenly overnight, and some got scorched and shrivelled in a heatwave. Taking extra care of tiny plants is important, but inside plants often attract 'floot fries'! The Internet is full of clever, money-saving suggestions. I like this one:
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Sept 6, 2023 6:52:57 GMT
Eggshell pots... clever idea. The calcium will likely help to stabilise soil PH, and might leech into the soil, and give it a nutrient boost.
Spring onions is an idea, for sure. Just cut the tops every so often, and get a mean that way.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 6, 2023 17:47:39 GMT
Spring onions again
I have found that spring onions like sunlight. The second batch of roots that I planted were in the shade and didn't produce anything like as many long green shoots as the first lot. Some people grow them in water! You buy a bunch, remove the green leaves to about an inch above the white roots and put them in a jar of water. You need to rinse the jar and put fresh water in every few days. It is a bit like hydroponics, but you don't add nutrients to the water. You may need to remove duds that don't develop. I will give this a go soon. The ones on the left have been in for a few days; the other lot are two weeks old:
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 7, 2023 17:09:47 GMT
Grow bags
Grow bags are yet another possibility to investigate. They are said to be perfect for growing vegetables such as potatoes and tomatoes. They are a kind of planter, a plastic or fabric sack with compost. They have many advantages, but one drawback is that unlike pots and planters they need to be replaced after a few seasons.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Sept 11, 2023 6:52:38 GMT
Spring onions again
I have found that spring onions like sunlight. The second batch of roots that I planted were in the shade and didn't produce anything like as many long green shoots as the first lot. Some people grow them in water! You buy a bunch, remove the green leaves to about an inch above the white roots and put them in a jar of water. You need to rinse the jar and put fresh water in every few days. It is a bit like hydroponics, but you don't add nutrients to the water. You may need to remove duds that don't develop. I will give this a go soon. The ones on the left have been in for a few days; the other lot are two weeks old: That means they are very easy to grow and maintain, then. We all get glass jars, and no soil? That makes them easier to grow. This is quite the eye-opener, thanks. Oh, and the coriander has still a slight bit of life in it, so I am seeing what becomes of it.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Sept 11, 2023 6:55:10 GMT
Grow bags
Grow bags are yet another possibility to investigate. They are said to be perfect for growing vegetables such as potatoes and tomatoes. They are a kind of planter, a plastic or fabric sack with compost. They have many advantages, but one drawback is that unlike pots and planters they need to be replaced after a few seasons. I would argue nutrient depletion. This is why you should do crop rotation, and use things like manure on your fields. I grew up near farms, and travelled to school for a bit on paths between fields, so noticed a few things. It might be an idea to mix in some rotten cabbage leaves into the depleted soil.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 13, 2023 16:13:57 GMT
The spring onions are growing fast
I change the water in their jar every day as it gets a bit clouded. The new shoots are around two inches long now. The green leaves will be useful for flavouring soups, scrambled egg, potatoes and other things. I hope that you have managed to save the coriander! By the way, I think that grow bags have to be replaced not so much because of soil depletion but because the bags eventually disintegrate.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 14, 2023 17:43:49 GMT
Living walls
Living walls or vertical gardens, which use pockets of soil and can be installed inside and out, are yet another possibility to investigate. Many people use them for decorative flowers and plants; they are also used for growing edibles. This one contains herbs:
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 17, 2023 18:03:53 GMT
A tip for tap water users
Growing vegetables in water is a great idea, but there is a drawback: tap water contains chemicals that are no good to plants. This applies to plants grown in soil too. Many of us will not have access to springs or wells or even be able to collect rainwater, which is the best option. However, if tap water is left to stand for a day the chemicals will evaporate. I will start doing this from now on. Spring onions are far from being the only option by the way. Celery stumps for example grow well in water:
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 19, 2023 18:43:45 GMT
Growing lettuce in water
You just need the bottom bit, the stub or stump that normally gets thrown away.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 21, 2023 17:16:42 GMT
Growing carrot tops in water
I put two carrot tops in water this morning. It may be my imagination, but it looks as though the tiny green shoots have already grown a little. The green fronds are said to be edible and taste like parsley. A shallow tray is all you need. Here is an example of a starter set and some tops after a few days:
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Sept 30, 2023 6:40:08 GMT
The spring onions are growing fast
I change the water in their jar every day as it gets a bit clouded. The new shoots are around two inches long now. The green leaves will be useful for flavouring soups, scrambled egg, potatoes and other things. I hope that you have managed to save the coriander! By the way, I think that grow bags have to be replaced not so much because of soil depletion but because the bags eventually disintegrate. The coriander has sadly died, but I can use the soil to try and grow some ginger. The parsley is doing fine, though. I should cut some, and put it in my lunches. I am currently eating through my food stocks, because some stuff is going past the Best Before date. Besides, we now have a clearer idea what the nature of any potential emergency is going to be, as things stand. Good to see the information about the spring onions, as I have some I should try to grow myself.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Sept 30, 2023 18:53:27 GMT
Carrot top greens and spring onion shoots
“The parsley is doing fine, though. I should cut some, and put it in my lunches.“ Yes, that is the whole point of growing these things! So far, I am very pleased with the results of growing small amounts of greenery in water. Apart from having to buy the spring onions and not eat the bulbs, it has cost me nothing. At the moment I just get a few leaves for flavouring; if I expand a bit I could have enough greenstuff to use in a meal or two if I am out of vegetables and don't want to go shopping. ALDI have a special offer on celery, so I will get some and put the stub in water. Cabbage is yet another option:
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 1, 2023 18:21:32 GMT
Some herbs can be grown in water
This is something else to experiment with. Apparently you just need stems not roots. Information and tips can be found online. I will give this a go soon.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 5, 2023 18:32:05 GMT
Growing flowers in water
Flowers may not be edible, but they do increase morale. Some varieties are suitable for growing in plain water. Only the roots should be in the water: the bulbs need little pebbles to stand on. Hyacinths are one example:
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 6, 2023 6:50:32 GMT
Carrot top greens and spring onion shoots
“The parsley is doing fine, though. I should cut some, and put it in my lunches.“ Yes, that is the whole point of growing these things! So far, I am very pleased with the results of growing small amounts of greenery in water. Apart from having to buy the spring onions and not eat the bulbs, it has cost me nothing. At the moment I just get a few leaves for flavouring; if I expand a bit I could have enough greenstuff to use in a meal or two if I am out of vegetables and don't want to go shopping. ALDI have a special offer on celery, so I will get some and put the stub in water. Cabbage is yet another option: I have started the cutting process. From people at work, I have learned that the more you cut it, the faster it grows. I also have started with the spring onions, which are now growing rather quickly, it looks like. I also have started to use the food stocks from 2020, because they are starting to go past their best before date. Besides, we have the supply chains to keep a resupply, so might work towards having winter stocks, so I don't have to travel so much in the winter.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 6, 2023 18:13:52 GMT
Best-before dates etc.
“I also have started to use the food stocks from 2020, because they are starting to go past their best before date.” This is a big issue. I am doing this too. Much of it is items I would not normally buy, at least in any quantity. If we only knew exactly what to expect, we could make better decisions. At least my stock is much better organised than this:
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 9, 2023 18:52:52 GMT
Success and failure
“I also have started with the spring onions, which are now growing rather quickly...”
This is very true. I have been taking green onion shoots for a while now, and new ones appear quickly.
Unfortunately, the orange carrot tops started to go all slushy and the green shoots stopped growing. Maybe I put too much water in their tray. I have transferred them to soil, and the green bits look better now.
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 12, 2023 18:03:49 GMT
Personal security
There are times when staying in or at least avoiding demonstrations, busy places and key locations is advisable. Tomorrow may be one of those days.
Luckily, I am prepared for such unexpected dangers. I have no need to go out for supplies.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 13, 2023 7:17:04 GMT
MI5: an information source to monitor
MI5 keep their warnings updated, This is the current situation: “The threat to the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) from terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL.” www.mi5.gov.uk/threat-levels
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 24, 2023 17:56:13 GMT
Bank branch closures
I went to get some cash today, only to find that the local ATM that I have been using for many years has gone. The entire branch has closed.
I was just going to top up my stash of cash, I have a debit card and I found somewhere else convenient to withdraw cash from, but it was still rather a shock.
This branch is in a very busy area. They say that they analysed the usage and found that most customers have and use other options.
It is a good idea to list places that we use regularly or rely on and find alternative options just in case.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 29, 2023 19:19:32 GMT
The carrot tops didn't make it
I will try again, with less water next time. Some people are growing carrots in soil inside plastic bottles, which act as greenhouses. They can also be grown in small plastic bags. I wonder what you have to do to get one that looks like a foot!
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Post by UnseenI on Nov 1, 2023 18:43:14 GMT
Storm Ciarán
Maybe it won't be as bad as predicted, especially in London. Even if the weather does get very bad, my stockpile of supplies will see me through it. Apart from some fresh fruit, I didn't need to buy much in preparation. No panic buying here! Those were the days:
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