Liz Bewell

I make laundry detergent with wood ash.
Once I’ve sieved the ask I put it in a bucket so it’s half full. Fill it to the top with water, preferably rain water. Give it a stir then leave it for a couple of days, stirring it everyday. There will be a clear liquid above the sludge which is what you want. Gently take this away and store it. You can add more water and repeat the process.
Add the sludge to the garden or compost.
When using I add a few drops of essential oil for a scent.

Hi! We have a huge pile of top soil which was dug from the road going to our new house site. The road is at the side of a piece of land which I intend to make into several keyhole vegetable beds. The land has been left for quite some time and is covered in long grass. What is best, putting down cardboard directly on the grass then pile the top soil onto then add stable litter or put the soil down directly on top of the grass? Or should I cut the grass first? We do not have a machine for cutting grass just a good old fashioned scythe. Thanks in advance for any advice/ ideas. Any questions please ask! Cheers!