Tag: repurposing

Sliding Hitch and Shackle

Since making the video (see below), I’ve switched to rattail cord which is a little thicker and handles better. I’ve decided to offer it as a handmade product, and I’m willing to make some for those who are interested. The lines can shackle objects up to 7ft away.  This picture shows the black rattail line and the carabiner (bamboo pole not included). There are a dozen lines in all. Two of the lines are shackling plants to the left and right of the pole.  Cost is $50.00 USD plus shipping if it’s outrageous. You are welcome to throw money my way here: http://paypal.me/ShaunMoen and email me your address/information to shaun@dittyjamz.com.

IMG_20160417_152010


The video supports HD. Select it if you have it :)

I’m currently growing Florida Everglades tomatoes which I let grow a bit too long without any supports. At first I ran some lines horizontal and tried to prop them up by hand.  It worked, but I ended up breaking a few branches which I didn’t like.  After some thought, I came up the idea shown in the video.

As a bonus, I was able to use some old music of mine for a sound track.

This idea hasn’t stood the test of time yet but here’s my thinking for benefits:

* Flexibility and reach
* Adjustability
* Reusability
* Small foot print
* Quick strapping and release

Sliding hitch and Shackle tied in larger rope
Sliding hitch and Shackle tied in larger rope

Here are some interesting links:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BxxLD1TT4NI

Garbage Day Garden

I posted an article on constructing a garden from 2 litter bottles.  I like 2 liter bottles for their uniform look, and thought they would work well to make a kind of a modular garden which is easy to water. In reality, there are a lot of caveats.

So you can read about the basic construction here:

http://www.moderndaydads.com/garbage-day-garden/

Also, you don’t have to buy pipe strap.  You can cut straps from other 2 litter bottles, which is how I do it now.

Here are some of the problems I ran into using 2 litters as pots in this tower fashion.

Drainage and PWT( perched water table).  It’s was easy to overwater my plants because the soil on top felt dry long before the soil on the bottom dries.  Poking holes all around the container helps, adding a wick helps, mixing pine bark into soil helps, and having awareness of root depth and the plant type helps. Also it helps to buy a moisture meter :) – They are cheap.

 As a software architect it was tempting to try to automate watering.  By design you can water all plants simultaneously, but that doesn’t mean all plants want water at the same time.  To close the gap, it helps to group plants of the same type and size in one column.  It also helps to sort the plants so thirstier (or well drained) plants are on the bottom. 

See the following link for more information about PWT:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/527353/#b

Plant Types – don’t expect grow lots of tomatoes, or peppers, it can be done, but they like more room.  Here’s some plants that I’ve had success with:

  • cilantro (I grow a lot this)
  • scallions (I grow lots)
  • basil
  • parsley
  • oregano
  • ground cherries,
  • lettuce,
  • lemon balm,
  • blue porter weed,
  • thyme
  • pineapple sage (needs lot of water)

Algae – you might read that algea grows in clear containers and competes with the plant’s growth. If your worried about this, you can leave the labels on or paint the outside of the bottles. I’m happy regardless of the algae, but it’s worth noting.

…More to come…