14 August 2008

Inspiration

If ever there was a web site to spur you on to greater things in the vegetable garden, this is it. The Dervaes Family are on a mission to live as sustainably as possible – and we can learn a lot from them. Their plot of land is one fifth of an acre from which they squeeze over 6,000lbs of produce annually. And you thought you had a courgette glut! They have animals and birds, produce their own biodiesel and bake cookies in a solar oven!

This level of commitment is not going to be do-able – or desirable – for most of us, but their range of web sites offer a wealth of ideas, information and inspiration. Follow their journal for regular hints, tips and advice. Their current challenge is to raise that 6,000lbs of produce to 10,000lbs in one year. You can’t say they’re not ambitious.

In comparison, my little plot (approx 40m² including patio!) is insignificant to the point of ridiculousness, but I’m not afraid to pick up the gauntlet. SInce I started harvesting in June I have been weighing everything I have harvested (currently up to 31kg and counting). It’s going to be a pretty meaningless figure this year, but will give me something to improve on next year. It’s not really the amount that matters, of course, but if it encourages me to get as much as I can from my own small space then that’s no bad thing. Watch this space.

So, tell me, what will the Dervaes family inspire you to do?

Filed under: Mulch — Clare @ 2:37 pm