gremmy Hatfield

H Ludi Tyler wrote:
I'm not convinced its an appropriate permacultural response to run away from challenging environments.  Not everyone can live where its perfect.

and the second verse is I'm not sure I'd want to live where everyone else does!!!

Ruso ~ what growing zone please?

H Ludi Tyler wrote:
I've become convinced the key is buried wood pits or similar ways to store moisture in the soil.  I wish I had the energy to produce biochar, but I need to be realistic about my abilities, as a not very robust woman approaching 50.  Digging holes and burying wood is about the most I can manage.     I plan to do as much of this as possible, as my kitchen garden where I have buried wood did quite well throughout our insane summer (100F for days or weeks and no rain).  Though I had to irrigate, the plants in the "hugel beds" actually grew and produced whereas the parts of the garden where I had only added organic material to the surface (sheet mulching) all died.  I'm totally sold on the hugelkulture idea and owe a huge debt of gratitude to Paul Wheaton for informing me about the practice. 

I can appreciate that having done two small experimental beds this past spring.  Who would have guessed they received such a test this summer with the drought and incredible temps. 

I wonder if you had planted any annuals in your Hugel bed?  If so, did you dig them up to see where/how the roots to those plants performed?

I will agree, it was likely needing relief from the sun and moisture more than miracle grow.

I am in a similar climate and similar drought in east TX.  I've found the two things that help are providing improved composted soil to plant in and shade until your plants are established.  If you don't have shade, improvise by making it. 

I have found a spot that receives evening shade and you can see the plants sigh in relief in the afternoon. 

Very small dill plants can be transplanted carefully.
Carefully meaning not to disturb the root system.
Dill has a long taproot and normally does not relocate well.
It is best seeded in ground where it will live.
Keep in full sun and cooler temps.

How tall is your plant?
How large is the container?

I'm not sure what your zone is but dill is an annual.
Lower leaves yellowing is normal.
In a container, you will have to be careful to provide adequate water and yet not over water it.

I pay 3 bawks for a dozen.  Purchase from a customer who thought he should just give them away.  I insisted on helping defray the cost of keeping them and it guarantees that I will get eggs first.

I hope to someday have a few hens again but for now am satisfied with this arrangement.

As Terri said, I recently read that the corn the Indians grew was a type that had developed deep roots ( up to 12 feet in depth) with a low profile so the wind wouldn't blow it down or cause more unnecessary evaporation.  It didn't produce ears of corn as we know it today, but rather a few ears with few kernels.

We normally have more rainfall than you but this year has been severely lacking with many trees dying also.  The optimistic side is the dead wood will be fodder for more hugel beds.

Most of the onions, garlics will do with minimal or no moisture.  Both will be perennial in this zone.  In particular, I find the multiplier onions are a perennial that is very drought tolerant. 

Portulaca or purslane would be another green that is drought tolerant (not necessarily perennial) but reseeds freely. 

For herbs (I know this was a request for vegetables) but rosemary is totally drought tolerant in this zone.

Suffered with these since childhood.  My triggers are food, stress and oral injuries.  I didn't realize there were different types but I have endured both.

As a child, the treatment received was alum which is wicked. 

As an adult at the GP, I casually asked if any new treatment had been found for canker sores.  My Dr recommended B complex with C. 

I could hug his neck!  I have been on that many years now and find I can eat all the fresh fruits and vegetables now that would previously trigger these canker sores.  The rare one I get is due to an injury (like a bit lip) and is quickly healed by rinsing with plain old Listerine.

Works for me!

Equally rural here.  No HOAs ~ and we don't want any!

OTOH there are downsides.  One is neighbors.  A person will be truly blessed to have good neighbors. 

If not, good fences make for good neighbors.

Been here in excess of 30 years and civilization is beginning to encroach on us. 
Some of it is necessary albeit unwelcomed.

Good for you on your land acquistion.  I hope to follow your trials and tribulations!

I would vote for a 22 caliber rifle in the action of your choice.

A bolt action, lever action or single shot requires a bit less maintenance than an automatic would be easier and safer for a novice (spouse or child) to use.

Most bolts, levers and single shots are capable of functioning with 22 shorts, 22 longs, 22 CBs, 22 long rifles and 22 caliber shotshell ammunition.  Automatics are generally limited to one cartridge length, most commonly 22 long rifle.

A 22 caliber rifle is inexpensive to learn to use not to mention great fun.

Ammunition is common.  In this area you can usually find it in most convenience stores, gas stations, groceries and maybe a box or two in most pickups.

You can purchase a large amount of 22 ammunition economically. 

It is easy to carry and store a large amount of ammunition.

And for versatility, you can feed, defend or entertain yourself!


If you opt for a shotgun or a centerfire caliber rifle, purchase ear plugs or muffs.  When you learn to use it, use the hearing protection and wear glasses ( sun, shooting or prescription ).  The ear and eye protection with help with what most people consider 'recoil'.  If you need to use a gun in the field, you don't notice the noise or muzzle blast but shooting recreationally will bother the ears as well as the pocketbook on large caliber or gauges.

I'd also recommend ear protection for shooting a rimfire rifle.  It will allow you to concentrate on shooting accurately without anticipating the noise each time you pull the trigger.

Another add on to purchase regardless of what you choose, would be a universal cleaning kit.  It should include a cleaning rod, oil, patches and a bore brush.  The universal kit will work on pistols, rifles (including rimfire) and shotguns.  In most cases all you need to add is whatever caliber or gauge bore brushes you need.

Good luck with whatever you choose.  You are going about it correctly by doing the research and as someone said in an earlier post, shoot different guns if you have an opportunity and that will help you make an educated choice.