UnitedNatures Edible Garden by Erik van Zuilekom | Other
UnitedNatures Edible Garden by Erik van Zuilekom
Phone: +61 414 978 794
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16.01.2022 The heavy work for this portion of the new vegetable garden is mostly completed. Next we’ll lightly excavate the foot paths to aid drainage of excess rain towards the back garden, lay cardboard over paths to suppress weeds and mulch all exposed soils. We will likely leave these raised garden beds fallow until spring whilst we convert the two beds closest to the house into wicking beds and focus on starting the food forest. Once the espaliered fruit trees are dormant in winte...r, I will prune them and lift them, moving them into locations where we can use them as living fences. Until then, I will excavate swales, possibly a rain-harvesting pond and commence planting the food forest.
12.01.2022 ‘Java Blue’ and Red Dacca’ bananas, Ginger, Tumeric, Yacon and Papaya growing on in preparation for planting... I pick up an excavator this Saturday in preparation of starting works on the subtropical food forest. I’ll complete the structural works, a small pond, overflow channel and mini-swales.... Trees will go in prior to compost sheet mulching. Exciting times.
10.01.2022 Edible Aroids: In this case the edible (underground) corm of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius is known to grow to circa 8kg and be eaten in a manner akin to potato. This is one of the edible Aroid species to be incorporated into the tropical food forest I am developing utilising ecological principals, discussed in my second Instagram page: @unitednaturesdesign This tropical species is cultivated through Africa, a large portion of India and eaten in Malaysia through New Guinea to... Australia. Few people are aware this species is native to the tropical Northern Territory and Queensland where it is found in rainforest to woodland. A. paeoniifolius produces a large, single, leaf which can be cut into pieces and potted to propagate in a manner similar to African Violets, many Begonias and Zamioculcas zamiifolia (‘Zanzibar Gem’). The vast majority of Aroids contain calcium oxalate crystals which may cause swelling, pain, respiratory or kidney issues if eaten raw, thus this species simply requires cooking or steaming to neutralise these compounds prior to eating. Spinach also contains calcium oxalates in smaller quantities, which is partially why this vegetable requires heat treatment prior to eating. Amorphophalus paeoniifolius produces a corm to allow it to revert to dormancy (deciduous) during winter which is its dry season in the tropics. Although this species produces a massive, fascinating, triffid-like inflorescence with a putrid odour, the foliage alone is beautiful enough to motivate me to grow it. The edible corm is dug from the ground, washed, peeled and treated in any manner that potatoes may be, to be eaten. Aside from cutting leaves into sections, this species can be propagated via separating secondary corms produced around the ‘mother’ corm as the species develops into a clump. Coming from rainforest ecologies, this species requires semi shade, ample moisture during summer & an organic-rich substrate. Expanding ones palate to include a diverse range of plants is a vital component in the development of a wholesome & sustainable diet. This influences retail supply, farming & all allied industries. Be diverse, generate flexible culture
08.01.2022 Down-to-earth work. Not quite so beautiful to behold though these hobbit-like feet of mine have carried much weight, preparing the garden for significant transitions. Updates will be forthcoming.... A rainwater catchment pond is excavated Swales are lining up Vegetable gardens are being configured Pollinator zones are being prepared Pathways are being excavated and lined Fire pit area has been levelled Grass areas are being converted into garden, etc.
