Are Wicking Beds Right for your Florida Gardeners

     A wicking bed is a type of sunken garden bed that uses a wicking system to deliver water to plants from a reservoir at the bottom of the bed. This system allows plants to get the water they need without the need for constant watering.

Wicking beds are a great option for anyone who wants to grow their own food or medicine but doesn't have the time or energy to water their plants regularly. They are also a good choice for people who live in areas with limited water resources, or people who live in hot southern areas like Florida and Texas.

How to Make a Wicking Bed

Building a wicking bed is a relatively simple process. Here are the basic steps:

Choose a location for your wicking bed. The location should be in a sunny spot and have well-drained soil.

Clear the area of any weeds or debris.

Lay down a waterproof barrier such as a tarp or pond liner that is at least 5 mils thick.

Place a layer of rocks such as tumbled river stones on the barrier, this is your reservoir layer.

Place a layer of wicking material in the bottom of the bed. The wicking material can be made from a variety of materials, such as geotextile fabric, coconut husk, or even old towels.

Create a bed of soil that is at least six inches thick. You can do this by layering a variety of materials, such as newspaper, cardboard, leaves, grass clippings, and compost.

Wet down the materials as you layer them.

Plant your plants in the top layer of the soil.

Water your plants regularly.

Fertilize your plants as needed.

Or you can use a large barrel, with the top cut off, a few pipes added, like in the diagram.

There are many benefits to using wicking beds. Here are a few of the most important ones:

Reduced watering. Wicking beds require much less watering than traditional garden beds. This is because the wicking system delivers water to plants from the reservoir at the bottom of the bed.

Reduced weeds. Wicking beds are less likely to be overrun by weeds than traditional garden beds. This is because the wicking system helps to keep the soil moist and prevents weeds from germinating.

Increased yields. Wicking beds can produce higher yields than traditional garden beds. This is because the wicking system helps to keep plants healthy and allows them to absorb more nutrients.

Improved soil quality. Wicking beds can help to improve the quality of the soil in your garden. This is because the wicking system helps to aerate the soil and break down organic matter.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your wicking bed:

Choose the right materials. The materials that you use in your wicking bed will affect the quality of your soil and the success of your garden. Make sure to use materials that are high in organic matter and nutrients.

Keep the soil moist. The soil in your wicking bed should be kept moist, but not wet. Too much water can cause the materials to decompose too quickly and can also lead to waterlogged soil.

Fertilize regularly. Your wicking bed will need to be fertilized regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer that is specifically designed for organic gardens.

Be patient. Wicking beds take time to establish themselves. Enjoy the process!

The Shotgun Approach to Buying Stocks

When it comes to investing in the stock market, there are two main schools of thought: diversification and concentration. Diversification is the idea of spreading your money across a variety of different stocks, while concentration is the idea of putting all of your eggs in one basket.

There are pros and cons to both approaches. Diversification can help to reduce risk, but it can also limit your potential gains. Concentration can lead to higher returns, but it also exposes you to more risk.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of holding small amounts of many stocks. We will also explore some of the risks associated with this approach.

Why Hold Small Amounts of Many Stocks

There are several reasons why you might want to hold small amounts of many stocks. First, diversification can help to reduce risk. When you invest in a variety of different stocks, you are not putting all of your eggs in one basket. This means that if one stock goes down in value, it will not have a major impact on your overall portfolio.

Second, diversification can help to increase your potential returns. By investing in a variety of different stocks, you are giving yourself a chance to participate in the growth of different industries and sectors. This can help to offset the losses that you may experience from other stocks. This can be a great thing if there is something going on, like a banking failure or an energy crisis. You may lose money on some of your investments in those classes, but since you were also invested in consumer goods and real estate, you did ok overall.

Third, diversification can make it easier to recognize and manage your portfolio gains. When you have a large number of stocks, it can be easier to see which stocks are performing well, which should trigger a wise investor to deposit more money into that holding.

The Risks of Holding Small Amounts of Many Stocks

While there are many benefits to holding small amounts of many stocks, there are also some risks associated with this approach. First, diversification can lead to lower returns. When you invest in a variety of different stocks, you are not likely to experience the same highs and lows as you would if you were concentrated in a few stocks. This can lead to lower overall returns.

Second, diversification can make it difficult to track your performance. When you have a large number of stocks, it can be difficult to keep track of their individual performance. This can make it difficult to make informed investment decisions. That is why using some of these new online tools can be very helpful, such as the app Stock Events.

There are both pros and cons to holding small amounts of many stocks. Ultimately, the best approach for you will depend on your individual circumstances and risk tolerance. If you are looking for a way to reduce risk and increase your potential returns, then diversification may be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for the highest possible returns, then you may want to consider concentrating your investments in a few stocks.

Here are some additional tips for holding small amounts of many stocks:

Do your research. Before you invest in any stock, make sure you do your research and understand the company's business model and financials.

Diversify across different industries and sectors. This will help to reduce your risk if one industry or sector experiences a downturn.

Rebalance your portfolio regularly. This will help to ensure that your investments remain diversified as the market changes.

Monitor your investments closely. Keep an eye on the performance of your stocks and make adjustments to your portfolio as needed.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risks associated with holding small amounts of many stocks and increase your chances of success.

Duckweed versus Water Hyacinth, Which is Right for Your Homestead?

Duckweed and water hyacinth are two aquatic plants that are increasingly being considered as potential sources of livestock fodder. Both of these plants are able to grow rapidly and prolifically in water bodies, making them attractive options for farmers and ranchers looking for cost-effective, sustainable feed sources.

In this blog post, we will compare and contrast duckweed and water hyacinth as potential fodder sources, looking at their nutritional value, ease of cultivation, and other important factors.

Nutritional Value

One of the most important factors when considering any feed source is its nutritional value. In this regard, both duckweed and water hyacinth have a lot to offer. Duckweed is rich in protein, with some species containing as much as 45% protein by dry weight. It is also a good source of essential amino acids, as well as vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, and calcium.

Water hyacinth, on the other hand, is high in fiber and also contains significant amounts of protein (up to 15% by dry weight). It is also a good source of minerals such as potassium and phosphorus. However, it is important to note that water hyacinth can accumulate toxic compounds such as heavy metals, which can make it unsuitable for consumption in certain areas. (They both bioaccumulate, though less research has been performed on duckweed and azolla for that purpose. It would be wise not to consume or allow animals to consume any plants that may be contaminated with large amounts of heavy metals.)

Ease of Cultivation

Another important factor to consider when comparing duckweed and water hyacinth as fodder sources is their ease of cultivation. Duckweed can be grown in a variety of water bodies, from small ponds to large-scale wastewater treatment systems. It requires relatively little maintenance, and can be harvested multiple times per year. However, it is important to note that some species of duckweed can be invasive and may require careful management to prevent them from spreading to other water bodies.

Water hyacinth, on the other hand, can also be grown in a variety of water bodies, but requires more maintenance than duckweed. It grows best in warm, tropical climates and can be sensitive to changes in temperature and water quality. Additionally, because of its potential to become invasive, water hyacinth may require more careful management than duckweed.

Environmental Impact

Both duckweed and water hyacinth have the potential to provide a number of environmental benefits in addition to their use as livestock feed. Duckweed, for example, has been shown to be effective at removing excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, reducing the risk of algal blooms and other water quality issues. It can also provide habitat for a variety of aquatic species.

Water hyacinth, on the other hand, can help to prevent soil erosion and reduce water evaporation in areas with high temperatures and low rainfall. It can also provide habitat for a variety of aquatic species, including fish, turtles, and birds. However, as mentioned earlier, water hyacinth can also become invasive and may require careful management to prevent it from spreading to other water bodies.

Cost and Availability

Finally, when considering duckweed and water hyacinth as fodder sources, it is important to consider their cost and availability. Duckweed is relatively easy and inexpensive to cultivate, and can be harvested multiple times per year. It is also available in a variety of forms, from fresh to dried, and can be fed to livestock as a supplement or as a complete replacement for other feed sources.

Looking to buy some live duckweed to try out at your homestead? Look no further than this excellent Etsy store, run by Knotty Pots.

Water hyacinth, on the other hand, may be more difficult and expensive to cultivate, depending on the location and water quality. It is also less widely available than duckweed, likely because it is illegal to buy/transport in some areas, including Florida. Water hyacinth may require more effort to harvest and process for use as livestock feed, as it is larger and heavier.

In conclusion, both duckweed and water hyacinth have the potential to be valuable sources of livestock feed, depending on a variety of factors such as their nutritional value, ease of cultivation, and local and regional laws.

Cyperus papyrus

Uses : Textile, Ornamental. Native to : Egypt
     The history of this plant is long and well-known, but did you know that it has become an exotic invasive in Florida? Once, long ago, someone planted one of these in the shady part of our yard underneath several Cherry Laurel trees, and years later there is still 3 or 4 stalks surviving.
     It is known to grow in areas like ditches and swamps, where abundant moisture can be found.
     Historically, the young shoots can be roasted and eaten much like bamboo. I have fed the stalks and leaves to the rabbits, and they aren't dead yet, so I must be doing something right.
     Unfortunately wildlife seem to have no interest in this unusual plant. It flowers in the spring, but the flowers are green and right in the middle of the big green fan fronds, so kind of easy to miss.

You can cultivate Papyrus like I do, as in, with abandon. Since they are in the grass the family they are very forgiving. What I like to do with them is put a bunch of dead leaves and mulch in he bottom of a 1 gallon pot, then put the piece of plant in, then put mulch and leaves all around the sides of the plant to hold it up. Then stick the whole thing into one of my mini ponds because papyrus loves water. I have literally grown papyrus in rocks in pondwater before. I stopped using rocks because they became annoying when it was time to divide up the papyrus stems and roots.

This plant is part of my master plen to take back the front of my yard, which is a great big mess. But papyrus is sweet and beautiful, and the rabbits like to eat it so I'm going to keep this well-haved permaculture fodder source around as much as I can.