Mart Hale

I have been testing more with the wicking rope for watering plants.     I wanted to see at what rate the water was moving at different heights of the water source.      The ½ inch rope moved  ¼ cup water in  24 hours….   that is with the source side by side.     The one elevated about 8 inches from there moved ½ cup of water in 24 hours…      

Now…   I want to test going from below to above which should take longer to move the water…   I believe in doing this test I need to do this with soil to get a better idea of the amount of water that is making it to the soil which is different than an empty cup.      I think I will weight the soil before and after to get an idea of the rate of water is moving.

To me it is ALL HYPE.    I love my Asian jumping worms, excellent for my plants, if they eat the fallen leaves that means I get VERMICOMPOST woo hoo which makes the plants grow more!    More food for the birds....      

So,  I have them all in my aquaponic systems and my plants are thriving...  I encourage more of them....

They have been around Florida for years, and I hope they stay they are most welcome here.

Storing heat chemically....

Testing an idea… I make about 3 loaves of bread every 2 weeks. I was thinking about making my own pizza, but then an idea hit me, why not use the bread I already make to make pizza… So.. I am testing out using my mini oven to heat the bread + sauce and goodies… Also I am putting a slice in the freezer to freeze it, then once frozen I will wrap it, and perhaps vacuum seal it. I have been spending about 10$ for small pizza that has few toppings… I should be able to make better pizza for less than the cost of that…. is the way I am thinking.

Rico Loma wrote:I bought a similar heater in 1992 for my off grid house, made in Mexico, I think the manufacturer was Paloma.  I was happy with its performance and low cost, about 95 clams.  

Fine for a few years, but I later shifted to solar input to propane water heater, as I was working 60 hour weeks while wearing a coat and tie.  My timing became very tight especially leaving for school at 5 am.  
As the video points out, its success hinges upon your ability to plan ahead.  

Yeah...  I have hot water heated directly from the solar panels for after the batteries are charged....     I do have propane for  the times that we have we have cloudy days here in Florida...      There are times propane is wonderful for backup, for like when you are sick and can't think straight and just want a shower...

I am impressed with how long the wood heated hot water tank unit lasted....   I was also thinking would not be too hard to convert that to a rocket stove ;-)

But I am hard pressed to beat solar panels heating water..... for where I live, once setup I don't think about it....    

Were you aware that they made hot water heaters that were heated with wood ?

I would also suggest bamboo for your thicket.    Clumping bamboo is not invasive and can provide building materials.


Choose plants like cassava, and true yams for crops,  I have found the critters in my area leave them alone.     But I don't have deer.

Might also consider growing on your roof ....

Wicking rope + river rocks in tub.  I have the water filled to just under the river rocks in this setup.      this is working great for the alfalfa,  rooting sweet potato vines,  okra...

Jen Fulkerson wrote:wow that's so cool. I don't even plant mine until May. I thought okra required pretty warm temps. Maybe I need to start a little sooner. Enjoy your okra.

Yeah I think it is best to start with temp is warm,   I am in Florida, so that makes a difference.