Southern Cali sustainability starter help

[ChiknGordonBlu]

I was going to mention hugulculture. If you're in CA I imagine drought is an issue? There was an AWESOME episode on Homestead Rescue where they featured Hugulculture. Next thing is look for plants that mature within your growing seasons, and if it's a HOT season, make sure they are relatively heat tollerant as well. If you're hugulculture is successful, than needing drought tolerant plants shouldn't be an issue.

I was thinking that water would be an issue as well. So I have decided to do the hugelkulturs at the bottom of a pretty steep 10ft hill that way I can get some 55 gal drums and use them for a gravity fed watering system

 

[littledog]

My area unfortunately is pretty much free of and reasonable sized trees, the area had a fire back in 2009 so things are still pretty small tree wise.

Sad about the fire, so destructive - but can you collect wood ash from around your area? It can be a good addition to your compost, also for making soap.

 

[ChiknGordonBlu]

Sad about the fire, so destructive - but can you collect wood ash from around your area? It can be a good addition to your compost, also for making soap.

Really? I will have to look into that. Not much to speak of left as far as ash is concerned, but good to know the extra uses should I come across any. Thanks