Freds P.I gardening thread

[fred]

Actually Ive not been that much of a gardener in the past but since living here its starting to become a bit of a hobby..
The biggest problem though is our location.. Rock island!! Not only that but we can have 3 months here with no rain which turns the clay soil here to concrete..So..The stuff that grows on its own with harly any maintenance..
Certain things like Bourgainvilla which are definitely drought proof make excellent fence climbers and they have nasty thorns..(good for exterior fences).. Easy to plant,easy to grow and maintenance proof,although I have read that I should feed them every now and then... "Feed them",I thought? What with? A piece of steak or what ?
Didn't they ever see day of the Triffids?

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/274/triffid.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/201/triffid.jpg/)





http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/8509/pc130015.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/824/pc130015.jpg/)

Pineapples..
Plant them and leave them till you get one of these babies!! Im sure I could learn how to care for them with different types of Fertilizer etc but why when the one below got exactly naff all?

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4631/p6151884.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/145/p6151884.jpg/)





Orchids..

Another really easy plant to have around as all you need to do with these things are tie them onto a tree with coconut husk around the plant base and fertilize them once a week in growing season.. Apart from that they are maintenance free!! This one we bought in the market for P 150.00..
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8342/pc072636.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/20/pc072636.jpg/)
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5600/pc072638.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/401/pc072638.jpg/)


http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/2772/pc072649.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/849/pc072649.jpg/)



http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9431/pc072637.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/pc072637.jpg/)

Local roses

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4272/pc072643.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/255/pc072643.jpg/)













Other maintenance free flowers can sometimes be found on trees... This one is on our Chi chi tree..
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7460/p6010059.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/4/p6010059.jpg/)

[fred]

Im getting a bit fed up with eating the local tomatoes and chillies that are not bad but sometimes lack flavour.. Here you can see my method of planting both New Mexican chillies,Scotch bonnets (Hotter than hell) and Beef steak tomatoes..
Everything is planted in pots or sacks in pure compost and cow manure and set in a concrete tray with about 2" of water.. The water wicks up from the bottom(Sub irrigation) and is hassle free as I stick in about 5 gallons of water mixed with Miracle grow once a week only.. They seem to be doing alright..Have to wait and see but I will keep this thread updated as they grow.
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9127/pc120006p.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/pc120006p.jpg/)


http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/3333/pc120002n.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/268/pc120002n.jpg/)

Red and green New Mexico chillies (not sure of proper name but pretty damned hot)

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/1985/pc120004.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/pc120004.jpg/)

Jalapenos...,below #$%%%%#@ Hot!!
http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/411/pc120003.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/600/pc120003.jpg/)

[Terpe]

Nice thread.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'm looking forward to more. Hopefully I'll also try my hand and growing in the Philippines.

Ever-so slightly off topic Fred, but recently we visited Eden Nature Park & Resort in Davao City.
Actually a very interesting and relaxing day trip. Well worth it if you're ever in the area.
Anyway they grow huge amounts of vegetable and also flowers.

They have some very tasty tomatoes and lettuces.
They have a pretty large hydroponic vegetable garden and all this produce is used in their dining areas.

I don't know much about hydroponics, but it does seem an interesting possibility.

[fred]

Terpe.. Although I have never been to Mindanao,I joined a Filipino Yahoo group a few years ago to find out more about hydroponics in the country. These guys had a huge huge poly tunnel in Bukidnon and were producing some fantastic looking stuff.. Now here`s the thing..Bukidnon or (Bukid) means mountain or mountainous.. They told me that this elevated height was the main reason they could produce nice looking iceburg lettuce and even strawberries.. I kept some of their photo`s..Here they are.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/9cf4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/fc93.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/dacb.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/6031.jpg

I asked them about where they purchased hydro nutrients from and they told me all is ordered from Manila.. A lot of knowledge required as these nutrients dont come ready mixed..You buy each mineral by the sack load and mix them yourself..Obviously this mix changes depending on what you grow..
I have recently discovered a technique that an American fella invented .. Absolutely fantastic IMO.. Im gonna build my own version pretty soon.. The system is totally self watering all season.. More time for me to water self with SMB nutrients!
Here`s the videos..

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRQzhFBCot4">
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRQzhFBCot4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRQzhFBCot4)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqalnlEar-0

[Terpe]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:
Thanks, some nice pics and nice info.

Interesting point about the elevation.
Eden Park is at about 3000 feet above sea level.

[grahamw48]

Fascinating thread Fred. Great pictures too. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

A major interest of mine when I was living there....particularly in Angeles, where the soil/ash mix is really fertile.

I also used the cleanings from my aviaries to good effect as fertiliser.
Nice bit of re-cycling too, as some of the crops were actually grown for my birds as well as for family consumption.

We were also fortunate enough to have three large and incredibly productive Avocado trees in our 'yard', plus one large Mango, a couple of Coconut trees and the usual Papayas
Also the one that produces the little miniature Cucumber-like fruits along its trunk. :smile:

Anyway Fred, keep the gardening posts coming . Most interesting. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Dedworth]

Great pics :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Thanks DEd... Glad you enjoyed..

Graham.. Got some pics somewhere of some young Avacado`s we are growing plus some chocolate trees Ive just got hold of from Loboc.:xxgrinning--00xx3:..Also my Calamansi tree that I grew from seed..
Watch this space!

[grahamw48]

Will do Fred. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Ah yes...forgot about our Calamansi tree.

I also grew a small one back here in York, in the kitchen. :icon_lol:

[Tawi2]

to find out more about hydroponics in the country
I knew an israeli guy who grew vegetables Hydro style in luzon,had a poly-tunnel etc :smile:

A lot of knowledge required as these nutrients dont come ready mixed
Fairly easy to mix Nutes fred,get yourself a PPM pen and it takes the guesswork out of it :smile: Hydro you only really need to check Nute strength and PH.

[fred]

I knew an israeli guy who grew vegetables Hydro style in luzon,had a poly-tunnel etc :smile:

Fairly easy to mix Nutes fred,get yourself a PPM pen and it takes the guesswork out of it :smile: Hydro you only really need to check Nute strength and PH.

OK..Im in town tomorrow.. I`ll get the PPM pen at my local local Garden supply store.
Lets Hope they are not out of stock!:doh
To be honest,I think I`ll stick with compost and cow manure.. Im pretty sure it has all the nutrients My plants will need...For now.

[Tawi2]

Fred,whats the medium in those sacks any ideas?Looks like a simple drip-feed system,is it?

[Tawi2]

OK..Im in town tomorrow.. I`ll get the PPM pen at my local local Garden supply store.
Lets Hope they are not out of stock!
I have never saw a PPM pen in tagbilaran fred :Erm::anerikke:

[fred]

Yes its a drip feed of exact nutrients from Manila..Problem is the nutrients are bought as a single mineral in separate sacks and then mixed by the Gardeners... Ready mixed stuff may be pricey.. Thats what they tell me.
Way over my head.. Leave it to the experts eh?
Good to see you back again BTW Tawi..Long time!
Just a guess but the medium looks like Palay to me..

[Tawi2]

Theres a number of Hydro sites Online Fred,I used to subscribe to Maximum yield before it became an internet mag,been to a few hydro tradeshows in the past,you could probably get almost anything you wanted equipment wise from Hong Kong Hydro,its where a lot of the european equipment is sourced as the chinese are flooding the market with NFT systems,HPS growlights etc,I was told of a small hydro store in manila,cant remember exactly where now,he had some equipment but its not big business yet in Pinas,surprised really as once you get a hydro garden dialled in it looks after itself with minimal care :smile:
http://www.maximumyield.com/

[grahamw48]

Hmm. Fascinating stuff. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I was looking into the possibility of INDOOR intensive food-fish rearing at one time (in the Phils), after being put off conventional fish-farming there because of security issues.

Apparently they go in for it in Japan.

I had a very interesting guided tour round the Agricultural and Fisheries research centre in Los Banos, Laguna, with the head of the place. :smile:

[Tawi2]

possibility of INDOOR intensive food-fish rearing
People have fed indoor hydro gardens with the run off waste from indoor tanks of tilapia,what sort of fish were you thinking of rearing G?

[grahamw48]

Well yes...most likely Tilapia, and that's the sort of system I was envisioning...using the very nutritious water for other plant-growing purposes. It makes so much sense.

In some countries they combine the fishponds with duck rearing...the ducks fertilising the water (and algae) with their waste matter during the day, then taken in at night.

[fred]

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1214/calamansi.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/145/calamansi.jpg/)http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9079/pc130020.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/pc130020.jpg/)





Calamansi tree is about 4 years old and 15ft high (from seed).. It started producing last year.
These picture`s dont do it justice as the tree is packed with them..
I have a couple of grafted bushes but these dont seem to produce very well..

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8245/p5310053.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/152/p5310053.jpg/)


Pappaya.
The trees did well the last few years and I had enough of them over to make 10 gallons of wine.
The Pappaya and Bananna vino came out spectacular after about 3 rackings over 6 a months period. the clarity and taste was stunning ..The Alcohol content above 15%..
This year they dont want to grow for some reason.. I miss the old ones..They produced for 3 straight years and then died.. Pretty sure that is the life cycle.

Pics below are of first test batch.. Second batch made in 2 X 5 gallon drinking water containers.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3732/p8240207.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/p8240207.jpg/)

[grahamw48]

Great stuff Fred. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I hadn't considered the wine-making aspect. :Erm: :Cuckoo:

[Terpe]

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1214/calamansi.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/145/calamansi.jpg/)http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9079/pc130020.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/pc130020.jpg/)





Calamansi tree is about 4 years old and 15ft high (from seed).. It started producing last year.
These picture`s dont do it justice as the tree is packed with them..
I have a couple of grafted bushes but these dont seem to produce very well..

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8245/p5310053.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/152/p5310053.jpg/)


Pappaya.
The trees did well the last few years and I had enough of them over to make 10 gallons of wine.
The Pappaya and Bananna vino came out spectacular after about 3 rackings over 6 a months period. the clarity and taste was stunning ..The Alcohol content above 15%..
This year they dont want to grow for some reason.. I miss the old ones..They produced for 3 straight years and then died.. Pretty sure that is the life cycle.

Pics below are of first test batch.. Second batch made in 2 X 5 gallon drinking water containers.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3732/p8240207.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/p8240207.jpg/)

Now that got my attention :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I used to do wine making in quite a big way. Really interesting hobby.

Tried doing beer and lager a few times but never totally happy with the results. Just about acceptable for personal consumption but that's it.

[fred]

Great stuff Fred. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I hadn't considered the wine-making aspect. :Erm: :Cuckoo:

Graham/Terpe..
Thats the aspect that interests me most... Im gonna try to make wine from the closest thing to grapes here in the near future.. Lansunes..
Yeah I can get grapes here but right now its cheaper to just buy a bottle of wine.

[grahamw48]

Well, certainly 'different'.

My meat rabbit farming in Bicol raised a few eyebrows at the time too.

I had to tell the locals it was chicken, when made into tasty little pasties. :icon_lol:

They loved them. :)

[fred]

Well, certainly 'different'.

My meat rabbit farming in Bicol raised a few eyebrows at the time too.

I had to tell the locals it was chicken, when made into tasty little pasties. :icon_lol:

They loved them. :)


Ive got a huge pregnant Rabbit in the cage right now..
Dont worry... It wasn`t me!

[Terpe]

Graham/Terpe..
Thats the aspect that interests me most... Im gonna try to make wine from the closest thing to grapes here in the near future.. Lansunes..
Yeah I can get grapes here but right now its cheaper to just buy a bottle of wine.

I don't think I've come across Lansunes before.

[grahamw48]

Those little cream-coloured fruits that you peel to reveal sticky translucent segments Peter. :smile:

http://www.mixph.com/2007/12/production-of-lanzones.html

[jake]

We have one hectare of lanzones and normally buy the rights to another 10 to 20 hectares every year. The fruits in our area are normally ready from the end of August until October. When the flowers first appear in April/May we estimate how many fruits each tree might produce at harvest time and put in our bid accordingly. It is always a bit of a gamble as sometimes nature plays tricks and the yield is not as much as you had estimated. Price can also be a major factor as it starts of high then goes down as more fruits are harvested during the season. Have had a couple of very good years when we have doubled our money. Will post some pictures of our trees tomorrow.

[jake]

Sorry got carried away talking about business instead of lanzones fruits. Usually at the start of the season the fruits harvested are quite sour and by the end they become a lot sweeter. The outer skin is not edible and there is also a stone/seed in the middle. Difficult to describe the taste but its similar to lychee. There is also another tree called Rambutan that fruits at the same time which looks more like lychee and also has a similar taste and texture.

[grahamw48]

Hmm...love those Rambutans. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Goes back to when I used to munch on lbs of them as a kid in Malaya. :smile:

They go by the same name there.

[Tawi2]

:smile:

[fred]

Do you think Rambutan would be a better choice for wine?
Ive never tried on BTW.

[grahamw48]

They're certainly a lot sweeter and 'fruitier' than Lanzones Fred. :smile:

[jake]

Try both and send the samples to Graham and myself:smile:
I'm not that familiar with the Lanzones from the Davao area but have tried them on a couple of occasions and i think they are sweeter than the Luzon ones so they may be worth a try. I prefer the taste of Rambutan so id go with them.
Have seen and tasted all the different things they put in lambanog ( coconut wine) to disguise the lovely taste but have never seen Rambutan or Lanzones. Wonder why?
Are the Lanzones about to bear fruit in your area?

[jake]

[QUOTE=jake;407473]Try both and send the samples to Graham and myself:smile:
Maybe you can add a sneaky packet of 50p fags in grahams parcel as well!

[grahamw48]

:icon_lol::xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'm stopping smoking though. :doh Only 5 a day now.:smile:

[fred]

Ampalaya.. Part of Last years crop.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/P5300027.jpg

[fred]

Local tomato.

7903


7904

Got the seeds for the Tomatoes below from someone from the Czech republic!!

7905

Below.. Got seeds from a Yank from Arizona..
Scotch bonnets..Worlds 7th hottest chilli.
When these babies turn red they will blow your brain out!!

7906

Brown eggs from Kabir chickens
7907

Tomatoes in self watering containers.

7908


Mango on left.. About another 3 years before harvest.
7909

[fred]

Something was eating the light green leaves on this tree..



7910


So we gave it a good shake and these fell out..




7911

The chickens ate the lot.

[grahamw48]

Really interesting stuff Fred...great pictures.

I so much enjoyed cultivating fruit and veg out there too, and rearing livestock.

Most rewarding. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Nice pics Fred :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Great thread this, thanks for updating.

[fred]

Nice pics Fred :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Great thread this, thanks for updating.


Walang problema Pare.. Will update as stuff grows for you,Graham and Steve who wants to save a few Bob and grow your own!!

[Terpe]

Walang problema Pare.. Will update as stuff grows for you,Graham and Steve who wants to save a few Bob and grow your own!!

Have you tried making wine from any of your veggies?
Sometimes easier and quicker than with fruits, more difficult to make one that tastes like wine though. Good for mixers or cocktails :icon_lol:

[fred]

Have you tried making wine from any of your veggies?
Sometimes easier and quicker than with fruits, more difficult to make one that tastes like wine though. Good for mixers or cocktails :icon_lol:
Ill google it.. See what`s what..
If it has an alcohol content it sounds good to me..
BTW... Are you trying to get me drunker than I already am Terpe?

[stevewool]

Local tomato.

7903


7904

Got the seeds for the Tomatoes below from someone from the Czech republic!!

7905

Below.. Got seeds from a Yank from Arizona..
Scotch bonnets..Worlds 7th hottest chilli.
When these babies turn red they will blow your brain out!!

7906

Brown eggs from Kabir chickens
7907

Tomatoes in self watering containers.

7908


Mango on left.. About another 3 years before harvest.
7909

the second picture is that a spider

[imagine]

interesting thread fred, this is the 1st time iv noticed it, i will follow it with great interest,
my girl wants to grow flowers to sell as people pass by her road on the way to the cemetary,a good idea, but im more interested in growing veg myself, mainly for our own use, there is enough land so perhaps i can do both,
about veg, over the past few months i had been thinking, of taking veg seeds in my suitcase and or send some in with items i want to send by balakbayan boxes, but im unsure of the legal side of this,

i was thinking rhubarb seed, tomato,peas,carrot, cabbage, lettuce, green beans,herbs ect,maybe turnip but no point taking those which are easy enough to source there,

years ago i was well into wine making, rhubarb, elderflower dandlion,and lots of others anything that grew free lol,always had a good success,with a large airing cupboard full to the brink of bubbling ferment bottles, done the homebre beers too , but wasnt like the pub beers, better doing the wine:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[sars_notd_virus]

wooow fred all fruits and veg looks lush thanks for posting...I am missing my backyard in Batangas now:bigcry:...mangoes,rambutan, kalamansi, string beans , tomato, squash,radish, turnips, peanuts, kangkong,papaya, bitter gourd, cocoa, etc etc everything!!... including my pet cows and chickens!!:bigcry:

cheers to a good harvest soon!!

[jake]

The Good Life!

Nice looking garden :xxgrinning--00xx3: That is how mine SHOULD look :icon_rolleyes:

Are you vegetables grown organically?

[fred]

The Good Life!

Nice looking garden :xxgrinning--00xx3: That is how mine SHOULD look :icon_rolleyes:

Are you vegetables grown organically?

At the moment they are Jake as I hot compost just about everything..Even seaweed.
The biggest hurdles here are bugs and keeping everything watered so Im gonna build a netted tunnel with self watering beds.. That will have to wait as we have quite a few different projects going on at present including digging out a koy carp pond .. Really looking forward to that being finished.

[fred]

the second picture is that a spider

Yes...It is a spider..
They usually set their webs about face height.
I know this as I usually walk into them as I wonder round the place with my coffee around 5.30 AM!! (Coffee goes everywhere)

[grahamw48]

At the moment they are Jake as I hot compost just about everything..Even seaweed.
The biggest hurdles here are bugs and keeping everything watered so Im gonna build a netted tunnel with self watering beds.. That will have to wait as we have quite a few different projects going on at present including digging out a koy carp pond .. Really looking forward to that being finished.

What about putting something edible in the pond, like Tilapia Fred ?

Ducks apparently go well with Talapia too. Their :censored: is a great fertiliser/food for the algae and other organisms that the Tilapia and their young eat....or you could just add chicken :censored: to the pond instead. :smile:

[imagine]

just dont eat them yourself

Tilapia, Contains Potentially Dangerous Fatty Acid Combination

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708092228.htm

[grahamw48]

Interesting report that Stewart. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Maybe just eat the Ducks then, and sell the fish. :icon_lol:

[Terpe]

just dont eat them yourself

Tilapia, Contains Potentially Dangerous Fatty Acid Combination

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708092228.htm

Yes, that really is a very interesting report. I'll have to do some serious research on this.
Why? Because we both like Tilapia and had aspiration of a small Tilapia fish pond just for family use.

Maybe Rabbit farming is better :Erm:
How about snake farming :biggrin: Tastes just like chicken :biggrin:
Eats rats :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[imagine]

Yes, that really is a very interesting report. I'll have to do some serious research on this.
Why? Because we both like Tilapia and had aspiration of a small Tilapia fish pond just for family use.

Maybe Rabbit farming is better :Erm:
How about snake farming :biggrin: Tastes just like chicken :biggrin:
Eats rats :xxgrinning--00xx3:

just eat the rats, as far as i know they taste like chicken too :biggrin:

[imagine]

seems all food has its bad content as well as good, knowing what they are then decide if you eat or not, if we took total notice of all the bad, would there be anything left safe to eat:Erm:

[jake]

At the moment they are Jake as I hot compost just about everything..Even seaweed.
The biggest hurdles here are bugs and keeping everything watered so Im gonna build a netted tunnel with self watering beds.. That will have to wait as we have quite a few different projects going on at present including digging out a koy carp pond .. Really looking forward to that being finished.

Pests and diseases are a major problem when growing vegetables here. I found out the hard way a few years ago when planting egg plants. Had a couple of good years planting small areas and decided it was time to plant one hectare. The whole crop was devastated by shoot borer. Lost 40,000 pesos and even worse a 'told you so' from the wife!

Like your idea of using nets and self watering beds as then the crop will almost look after itself.

We live at the foot of Mount Banahaw and the climate is very good growing vegetables. In the past i have been able to grow lettuce, cauliflower and cabbage outdoors between November and February. Only sprayed them twice with pesticides.

The biggest problem i have is time. Usually deliver very early in the morning and get home around 10am each day. Missing the best hours for gardening in the Philippines!

Hopefully one day i will have more time to experiment.

Great thread and keep the ideas and pictures coming so we can all keep dreaming!

[fred]

Pond and aquaculture project.

Building a pond with raised beds around it with the idea of using pond water from it to water plants..
Never done this before but as always... Google is my friend!!

Forms almost ready for concrete..

7972797379757976
79777974
Bottom drain leading to first and second stage mechanical filter and a sump for the submersible pump which will feed water into my trickle tower filter leading to a small stream and back into the pond.
Intending to keep Koy carp in this one..
If its successful,I might talk the Mrs into letting me build another one for Tilapia.


Below is a picture of the trickle tower biological filter I will build as the 3rd stage wet n dry filtration process.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4W6bj6SQp2PouABVeodjiKuEItmB3qJgpZaELudLdxZtuTSC4zQ

[fred]

http://filipinaroses.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7906&d=1363595711&thumb=1

Remember I told you about these??

Had an Aussie here the other day drinkin cold beer.. He reckoned he eats chili sandwiches at home as Hot chili doesn't bother him...
Bit of a tough nut eh?
I disappeared into the garden and picked him a red Scotch bonnet and sliced it up and served it with cheese and home grown/made pickled Gherkins..
As if to prove his original point he ate 3 slices of Scotch bonnet and commented on how good the flavour was whilst again explaining how tolerant and resistant his body is to the effects of hot chilli..

We had to wait approximately 30/40 seconds to witness the awful but inevitable pained screams as the powerful capsaicin particles of the earths 7th hottest chili irritated and slammed into the nerve endings in his mouth and finger tips.
On and on it went for about 10 agonizing minutes until he frantically wiped the sweat from his brow with his hands obviously touching his eyes in the process..
Then the pain really began..
After we all giggled a bit,I offered to put the last two pieces between two slices of bread for him..
He started spouting all kinds of strange Aussie profanities at me .
I can only assume that he was trying to tell me that his chili sandwich days are now over??
What do you reckon?

[grahamw48]

hahaha...that'll teach him. :icon_lol:

Love the pond-building Fred...right up my street that. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Fred, I don't know if this is a silly question, but I'll risk it anyway.
Is there a reason why you used concrete construction rather than a premium grade RPE Liner? Was it just down to cost?

[stevewool]

all looking good Fred, so if we decide to lease a plot from you do we get to use the lake, either by rowing boat or fishing for our dinner, and even swimming/floating in it too

[fred]

Fred, I don't know if this is a silly question, but I'll risk it anyway.
Is there a reason why you used concrete construction rather than a premium grade RPE Liner? Was it just down to cost?


As far as I know there is no liner available here... But even if there were I would use concrete every time because of the bottom drain system.. The bottom drain is at the deepest part of the pond and everything slopes downward towards it..Just before the drain inlet there will be a small concrete vortex.. That vortex will pull in fish waste and algae when the pump operates which then goes into the concrete settling tank..
You can do this with a PVC liner but imagine the nightmare if you ever had a tear or leak??
Absolutely no reason not to use concrete IMO although some say it raises PH.. This is completely untrue.
Concrete ponds done properly should last a lifetime and are pretty much maintenance free.

[imagine]

As far as I know there is no liner available here... But even if there were I would use concrete every time because of the bottom drain system.. The bottom drain is at the deepest part of the pond and everything slopes downward towards it..Just before the drain inlet there will be a small concrete vortex.. That vortex will pull in fish waste and algae when the pump operates which then goes into the concrete settling tank..
You can do this with a PVC liner but imagine the nightmare if you ever had a tear or leak??
Absolutely no reason not to use concrete IMO although some say it raises PH.. This is completely untrue.
Concrete ponds done properly should last a lifetime and are pretty much maintenance free.

in past concrete or cement work iv done, to waterproof i added pva to the mix, also when the cement or concrete drys it is much tougher and less likely to crack,

but if you use it find out if it is none toxic once dry, i think myself because it is hard and water tight, it wont contaminate the pond water

[fred]

in past concrete or cement work iv done, to waterproof i added pva to the mix, also when the cement or concrete drys it is much tougher and less likely to crack,

but if you use it find out if it is none toxic once dry, i think myself because it is hard and water tight, it wont contaminate the pond water

Cheers for that... We are mixing a waterproofing here with the concrete called Sahara..Also the final 1/2 inch will be close to neat cement with the Sahara mixed in too..
I`ll let it all cure for a couple of weeks before putting in water and then I`ll run it through the pump and filtration with loads of charcoal to get rid of the nasties..Probably for another 2/3 weeks.. Then I`ll stick the plants in and let them develop before adding fish..
Hopefully it should be OK by then..
What do you think?

[imagine]

i think you got it well sorted fred :xxgrinning--00xx3:

know anything about getting rid of moles, iv been blessed with one in my lawn, my gardens beginning to look like chocolate hills

[fred]

i think you got it well sorted fred :xxgrinning--00xx3:

know anything about getting rid of moles, iv been blessed with one in my lawn, my gardens beginning to look like chocolate hills

Yes I do... Same thing...Lots of cement!

[imagine]

Yes I do... Same thing...Lots of cement!

:icon_lol::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Concreting and render done on the pond..We just finished an hour ago!! Whew.. Too damned hot for manual work me thinks!
Now the Mrs has seen it she wants it as a kids swimming pool..
Not going to happen!!

799779987999

[grahamw48]

Going to be lots of mozzies ! :biggrin:

[Terpe]

Going to be lots of fishing :biggrin:

Hope it's not dynamite :yikes:

[imagine]

looking good:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Going to be lots of mozzies ! :biggrin:

Actually Graham,I reckon a pond reduces Mozzie population... They lay eggs in water yes but guess what eats the eggs and wrigglers?? Fish!
The mozzies will hang around and lay more eggs until they eventually receive their pension and give up the ghost..
I may have to net the pond as we have a littl`n here but that should keep out the frogs and Heron too..

[fred]

Going to be lots of fishing :biggrin:

Hope it's not dynamite :yikes:


I wish I had dynamite just before we did the small amount of solid rock excavation..
Probably illegal ano?

[fred]

looking good:xxgrinning--00xx3:


Cheers Imagine.. Actually,Im really proud of this one as I did most of the render myself..
No small feat in this climate.:NoNo:

[grahamw48]

Actually Graham,I reckon a pond reduces Mozzie population... They lay eggs in water yes but guess what eats the eggs and wrigglers?? Fish!
The mozzies will hang around and lay more eggs until they eventually receive their pension and give up the ghost..
I may have to net the pond as we have a littl`n here but that should keep out the frogs and Heron too..

Absolutely right Fred (I was just joking of course).

That's why you can find millions of those little 'Mosquito Fish'....a variation on the better-known 'Guppy' living in some bodies of fresh water in the Phils...originally imported from Central America in hopes of cleaning up the mozzys. :)

Oh and yes, safety of the little ones has to be paramount where water is concerned. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Anyway, well done in all that heat. I'd love to be there getting my hands dirty doing that kind of thing.

[stevewool]

Concreting and render done on the pond..We just finished an hour ago!! Whew.. Too damned hot for manual work me thinks!
Now the Mrs has seen it she wants it as a kids swimming pool..
Not going to happen!!

79977998http://filipinaroses.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=4286917999

looking good there Fred

[fred]

803080318029

[tiger31]

wow that looks great fred how long before you stock up

[fred]

wow that looks great fred how long before you stock up

Ive got a few minnows swimming around in their now to help start the nitrification process.. I will add 2 small koi a month..Not too many whilst the system is still not mature.. That could take 6 months to achieve I reckon..
Me and the kids went for a dip in it after we first filled it up...Even my Aussie neighbour jumped in with a cold beer!! Its amazing how a bit of water livens the place up..
Definitely a people magnet.
There`s a bloke selling Koy and gold fish on the roadside in Tag.. 2 "long ,50 Pesos each..
Ive been told that it takes about 5 years till they get really big..
Never had a pond before so a bit of a learning curve for me..
Good fun though.
Im thinking my next project somewhere down the road is a swimming pool.. Cant be that hard to DIY for around 150,000 K..

[grahamw48]

Looking good Fred. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Good approach to stocking too, to allow time for the water to become 'balanced'.

I'd quarantine any new stock too, preferably in a glass-sided aquarium so you can get a good look. Treat for parasites like white spot etc while isolated in a small quantity of water...much cheaper than trying to treat a whole pond further down the line. :doh

Likewise with plants (bath of Potassium Permanganate, or even just strong salt solution for a few minutes if nothing else to hand).

You get more pathogens coming in on plants and snails than anything else. :NoNo:

[fred]

Salt Graham?? Should I do that now or only if I see problems with fish??
So I have about 9,000 liters of water..How much salt approx? Any idea?

[grahamw48]

Don't worry too much about the existing water Fred, as long as you leave it a few days to evaporate (?) off any treatment chemicals like chlorine.

Concentrate on treating any additions to the pond...ie, plants and fish, by immersing them in trays for instance (plants) or glass/clear plastic sided tank (fish or plants) of treatment I suggested. Much easier and cheaper to treat in the small containers BEFORE risking getting diseases and pests into the main body of water. :smile:

4 essential treatments always to have if you keep fish:

1. White-Spot treatment.

2. Fungal infection treatment (though salt may do in an emergency).

3. Non-Iodised salt.

4. Potassium Permanganate (for sterilising equipment and plants).

+ QUARANTINE tank . Put new fish in for at least one week.

[grahamw48]

Did I read that you have Ozone filters too Fred ?

They hopefully will take care of most of the pathogens already in the pond of course.

[tiger31]

is there going to be no shade at all in the pond ?because the algea will grow rapidly i think .A friend of mine built a pond in uk similar size to yours uncovered after 12 months the water was like pea soup lol and could,nt see his fish .so he put up a tarpulin and added a U.V light and the problem went away .

[fred]

Did I read that you have Ozone filters too Fred ?

What?? You mean my pond has an Ozone layer?? :yikes:
That should stop the UV making Algae!!
I used to keep a marine tank in the UK so I do have some understanding of water Chemistry how to convert Ammonia/ nitrites to nitrates which is then consumed by plants like lillies ect..
http://filipinaroses.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8031&d=1365821167&thumb=1
Those crates are full of plastic shreds and as the water runs over them the Good bacteria starts to colonize and its these that convert Ammonia and nitrite into nitrate..
I have heard that pond keepers occasionally "salt their ponds" and never really looked into it..
I will now so thank Graham.


is there going to be no shade at all in the pond ?because the algea will grow rapidly i think .A friend of mine built a pond in uk similar size to yours uncovered after 12 months the water was like pea soup lol and could,nt see his fish .so he put up a tarpulin and added a U.V light and the problem went away .

Yeah I know! Not full sun as we have tree shade but we are looking at different types of cheap tarp and fishing nets till the Talisay tree covers the whole pond..

[fred]

Huge algae bloom a week after water went in so covered the pond with a kubu.. water almost clear now after 2 weeks in shade..
Bro in law is using pond water for his veg.. I cant believe the crop results so far! Amazing..


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/newpond4_zpsa9f59c1e.jpg


New stream under construction.. Lots of plants and veg going in this area for obvious reasons.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/newstream1_zpsae53eebf.jpg

[grahamw48]

Looking great Fred. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Yes, you'll certainly find that the water from the pond will be very rich in nutrients for vegetables and other garden plants etc.

I always used water out of my fish tanks for irrigation in the garden and for pot plants. Also in my (separate) aquatic plant tanks.

Partial water changes are a must to maintain water quality in a 'closed' aquatic environment if you want to have a decent stocking level, so being able to use the old water productively is a bonus. :smile:

[fred]

Our local curry house has to travel to Cebu to get hot pepper ingredients, so I thought I would help out by growing some rare peppers here on this island.. Bhut Jolokia (Ghost peppers) that are over 1 million on the Scoville scale to help them out.
I`m 5 months on into growing this plant which by all accounts can live and produce for 10 years and beyond..
I think I need a bigger pot as this one is now root bound.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/JOLOKIA%201.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/JOLOKIA%202.jpg

[Terpe]

Looks great Fred :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I've been growing some of those regular small chillies. Recently my plants have been attacked and eaten by ants I think. Any idea how to stop that ?

I'd like to grow some banana also, any ideas on that ?

[fred]

Thanks Peter.
I might make some fruit into a pepper spray in preparation for our next trip to Manila!:icon_lol:

[fred]

Also you will all be glad to see that I recycled a paint pot from the construction thread.:biggrin:
Hopefully that will help my carbon footprint given the bonfires I have once a week.

[Terpe]

We have a shop a few minutes away that makes pots from recycled tyres.
They makes rubbish bins in various sizes too. Our large main roadside rubbish bin is a recycled re shaped tyre :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I've noticed quite a few folks use old paint pots around here too :icon_lol:

[fred]

We have a shop a few minutes away that makes pots from recycled tyres.
They makes rubbish bins in various sizes too. Our large main roadside rubbish bin is a recycled re shaped tyre :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I've noticed quite a few folks use old paint pots around here too :icon_lol:

We have those here too.. If I get the time I`ll post a pic of our table and 4 garden chairs made from old tires..

[fred]

https://scontent-hkg3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11133824_10153217085019705_1403279794418511100_n.jpg?oh=993a457641ac2c50a8f5a78ec558976d&oe=561B6927

[fred]

Unfortunately the Koi all died because I forgot to take Grahams advice...
I put in 3X 1" new Koi that were obviously infected with parasites.
R.I.P.

[grahamw48]

Oh really Fred ?

That's a hell of a shame.

Unless you're dead set on Koi (which are really more of a temperate climate fish), perhaps try something colourful and more local, or at least tropical in origin ?

Cichlid species are tough, also larger Gouramis. The 3 spot Gourami (Trichogaster Leeri) can be found wild there ...certainly in Bicol. Just be careful with catfish, as they can snaffle up other fish during the night. :smile:

.

[fred]

Happy new 2016 everyone!!
Anyone guess what this flower turned into??


(http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/pumpkin%20flower_zpsfobyupfj.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/550f995e-7e89-40cd-940d-7fede9a09c32_zpswxdmoanw.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/550f995e-7e89-40cd-940d-7fede9a09c32_zpswxdmoanw.jpg.html)

[Michael Parnham]

Happy new year to you and your family Fred, regarding your question, it wouldn't be some kind of fruit, would it?:Erm:

[fred]

Happy new year to you and your family Fred, regarding your question, it wouldn't be some kind of fruit, would it?:Erm:

Yes Micheal,botanically speaking ...It is a fruit..But which kind?
Bit of a clue...It is not necessarily thought of as a Filipino fruit but grown in my garden here in the R.P
never the less!

[SimonH]

Passion fruit?

[fred]

Passion fruit?

Simon.. This is a Passion fruit flower.....So no.Not quite.:cwm25:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/a1/be/78/a1be7812b748e5c7d7e5a02f3b1314bf.jpg

[Michael Parnham]

Oh you've got me there Fred:Erm: Tomato?

[fred]

Oh you've got me there Fred:Erm: Tomato?

Much better guess than Simon,Micheal but alas....No.
That said...They go well with tomatoes in a sauce.

[SimonH]

Cucumber?

[fred]

Cucumber?

Are cucumbers a fruit Simon??? I have no idea..
Anyway....No..Not a Cucumber.:cwm24:

[Trefor]

Aubergine/Eggplant

[fred]

BTW Simon...This is my revenge for that word game of yours.(that you never gave an answer to):Rasp:

[SimonH]

Are cucumbers a fruit Simon??? I have no idea..
Anyway....No..Not a Cucumber.:cwm24:

They certainly are :biggrin:

[SimonH]

BTW Simon...This is my revenge for that word game of yours.(that you never gave an answer to):Rasp:

Fair enough, I'll post another simple quiz just for you in that case :wink:

[fred]

Aubergine/Eggplant

Aubergine flower..

https://sparrowgrass.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dsc05180.jpg

[Terpe]

I've checked all the similar whitish flowers around. nothing is quite the same. The petals of your flower much too pointed.

I give up :doh

[fred]

Dont give up Terpe.. Its no fun if you give up..
Cmon...You can do it!

[Terpe]

Dont give up Terpe.. Its no fun if you give up..
Cmon...You can do it!

I'm not in good condition for thinking :Beer:

[Michael Parnham]

Peppers of some sort?

[fred]

Peppers of some sort?


Well done Micheal!!! Correct!

This is what it turned into.. A Thai pumpkin pepper.

(need to spread it around before I can send Rep Micheal)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/pumpkin2_zpsvkke9xrp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/pumpkin2_zpsvkke9xrp.jpg.html)

[Terpe]

Interesting :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'd not have guessed that, but I just now went out and checked some of the flowers on my chillie bush and yes the flowers are the same. Pointed petals of almost the similar colour (mine are much whiter though) and the centre bit purple.

The flowers on my chillie bush are really really small, you flower looks much bigger in the photo.

Well done Michael :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Michael Parnham]

Well done Micheal!!! Correct!

This is what it turned into.. A Thai pumpkin pepper.

(need to spread it around before I can send Rep Micheal)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/pumpkin2_zpsvkke9xrp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/pumpkin2_zpsvkke9xrp.jpg.html)

I came to my conclusion because I remembered you mentioned earlier in 2015 that you were going to grow your own peppers but, I wasn't 100% sure that peppers are a fruit. Well I'm so pleased Fred, thank you!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Interesting :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'd not have guessed that, but I just now went out and checked some of the flowers on my chillie bush and yes the flowers are the same. Pointed petals of almost the similar colour (mine are much whiter though) and the centre bit purple.

The flowers on my chillie bush are really really small, you flower looks much bigger in the photo.

Well done Michael :xxgrinning--00xx3:


Please post a pic of your flowers Terpe... We can learn together as a group as to what you are growing!!

I have about 5 varieties growing as of now...(including the national popper...L:abuyo)

BTW.. Pepper flowers look really similar..BUT there are many small differences that can give so many different clues to what type of Pepper they are.. This particular type is an Annum.. There are other types,but we can learn as we go!

[fred]

I came to my conclusion because I remembered you mentioned earlier in 2015 that you were going to grow your own peppers but, I wasn't 100% sure that peppers are a fruit. Well I'm so pleased Fred, thank you!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Well remembered Micheal...You win this round!!

[Terpe]

Please post a pic of your flowers Terpe... We can learn together as a group as to what you are growing!!

I have about 5 varieties growing as of now...(including the national popper...L:abuyo)

BTW.. Pepper flowers look really similar..BUT there are many small differences that can give so many different clues to what type of Pepper they are.. This particular type is an Annum.. There are other types,but we can learn as we go!

I'll give it go tomorrow if the flowers are still there :xxgrinning--00xx3:
If not just wait a few days and more will come. I'm having a bumper year so far

[fred]

I'll give it go tomorrow if the flowers are still there :xxgrinning--00xx3:
If not just wait a few days and more will come. I'm having a bumper year so far

Hot peppers are quite rare here for some reason..The only ones they really have here are Labuyo which is a bit like birds eye chili`s.. The rest are pretty mild.

A guy from the U.S kindly sent me some seeds from his last harvest..Some real hotties.. Here`s how they are growing thus far.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/blisters%20seeds2_zpsbsywt0p3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/blisters%20seeds2_zpsbsywt0p3.jpg.html)

Cant remember the name of these ones but you have probably seen them at the market..They are great stuffed with soft cheese battered and deep fried..Hot poppers!! Yum.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/hot%20poppers_zpsz77diwfu.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/hot%20poppers_zpsz77diwfu.jpg.html)

[fred]

Same goes for these..The small ones are called "Chinese five colur" The 5 colours change slowly to red as they ripen.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/mixed%20peppers.._zps2f8mpweh.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/mixed%20peppers.._zps2f8mpweh.jpg.html)

[fred]

If anyone knows what these plants are please chime in as I have no clue.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/red%20flowers_zpsay1cg5t6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/red%20flowers_zpsay1cg5t6.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/hanging%20basket_zpsswp840tr.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/hanging%20basket_zpsswp840tr.jpg.html)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/palm%20flowers_zpssvviudlg.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/palm%20flowers_zpssvviudlg.jpg.html)

[Terpe]

Sorry the picture quality is rubbish. I did try. Had to borrow my wife's camera and could find a decent Macro mode.

Anyway, here's my chillie bush flower:-

http://oi68.tinypic.com/24bnvb5.jpg

[Terpe]

Those chillies are very small but usually pack a nice punch. The quality and heat unpredictable though

Fred if you look closely at the flower, it is very similar to yours fred.

[fred]

They look like Labuyo to me but there are other Taiwanese variations that are similar called birds eye sold here but not as hot..Labuyo`s are between 80,and 100,000 Schoville heat units..
Flowers are often the same with subtle differences...Google baccatum pepper flower and annum pepper flower..Mine is a. Annum flower.Then there are Frutescense and chinense peppers and another that I have forgotten!
Anyway,here`s the low down on different pepper varieties..
Its a hell of a learning curve!
https://www.reddit.com/r/HotPeppers/comments/3rppno/people_here_have_mentioned_they_prefer_annum_or/
Anyway here are some more pics of siling Labuyo flowers which I think are exactly like yours..Its a Capsicum frutescen BTW.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CGM3QnTbfQ/TkodG9MsuUI/AAAAAAAADUE/b8I3M2JH0pM/s400/IMG_0046.JPG

I have 5 of these growing in pots right now..I`ll post a pic in a month or so.

[raynaputi]

If anyone knows what these plants are please chime in as I have no clue.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/red%20flowers_zpsay1cg5t6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/red%20flowers_zpsay1cg5t6.jpg.html)






We call that santan, scientific name Ixora coccinea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ixora_coccinea. When I was a kid, I use to eat the nectar of that flower because it is sweet. We remove the very thin stick looking thing in the middle of a flower (1 small piece) and the nectar will appear.

[fred]

We call that santan, scientific name Ixora coccinea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ixora_coccinea. When I was a kid, I use to eat the nectar of that flower because it is sweet. We remove the very thin stick looking thing in the middle of a flower (1 small piece) and the nectar will appear.


Thank you Rayna... Bookmarked...Tomorrow a new plant label!!

[Doc Alan]

The " flame of the forest " ( Ixora coccinea / Santan pula ) was actually featured on a P4 stamp issued in 1998 as part of commemoratives for the Florikutura ‘98 International Garden Festival, San Fernando, Pampanga. The illustrations for the series were from " Flowers of the Philippines " by Manuel Blanco.


It’s included in this block :-


http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/Flowers%20a_zpsmeuetbgo.jpg (http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/DocAlan/media/Flowers%20a_zpsmeuetbgo.jpg.html)


Other flowers were illustrated in this block :-


http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/Flowers%20b_zpsw42ym86x.jpg (http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/DocAlan/media/Flowers%20b_zpsw42ym86x.jpg.html)


.... and in this " miniature sheet " :-



http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/Flowers%20c_zpsx3x18kzq.jpg (http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/DocAlan/media/Flowers%20c_zpsx3x18kzq.jpg.html)



These were originally " posted " in my " Philippines Stamps ... " thread, #19, which may be of interest, even to non-stamp collectors :xxgrinning--00xx3:( http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/57184-Philippines-stamps-over-160-years ).

[fred]

Thanks Doc..It looks a little like the Pagoda flower?

[Doc Alan]

Thanks Doc..It looks a little like the Pagoda flower?


Not my area of expertise, Fred, but I certainly learn from your interesting posts :xxgrinning--00xx3:! I’m sure Rayna was correct in identifying your plant as " Santan " / Ixora coccinea, but the " pagoda flower " has similarities ( in Malaysia an infusion of this plant is drunk as a purgative and applied externally to distended stomachs :yikes: ).


http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/clerodendrum-paniculatum-pagoda-flower


Here in sunny Scarborough my " Christmas cacti " ( Schlumbergera truncata ) flower not only at Christmas but also Easter and other times of the year - indoors of course :smile: !


http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj517/DocAlan/Christmas%20cacti_zpshb3zdat4.jpg (http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/DocAlan/media/Christmas%20cacti_zpshb3zdat4.jpg.html)

[fred]

Had to do a little anti El Nino shading in the net tunnel..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/elnino6_zpsjnchkvdu.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/elnino6_zpsjnchkvdu.jpg.html)


Jamaican Scotch bonnets
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/pic7_zpslmnxttct.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/pic7_zpslmnxttct.jpg.html)

Worlds hottest..Carolina reaper.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/pic3_zps4ais2rki.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/pic3_zps4ais2rki.jpg.html)
Bhut Jolokia or Ghost pepper.

(http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/pic3_zps4ais2rki.jpg.html)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/pic8_zps5ppwmdz2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/pic8_zps5ppwmdz2.jpg.html)

[fred]

Banana in pot...Gonna leave it in there...See what it does.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/el%20nino3_zpsmscaqntt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/el%20nino3_zpsmscaqntt.jpg.html)

[SimonH]

Stick some chilli's in there, you may get hot n spicy banana's :Erm:

[fred]

[QUOTE=fred;560179]Banana in pot...Gonna leave it in there...See what it does.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/el%20nino3_zpsmscaqntt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/el%20nino3_zpsmscaqntt.jpg.html)

Remember that banana I stuck in a pot??

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/Banana%20in%20pot_zpsoiib15ir.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/fred42/media/Banana%20in%20pot_zpsoiib15ir.jpg.html)

[Harry T]

WOW!!! its grown that much in 1 year ?, thats grown from what a seed or small banana Plant.

[Tawi2]

Terpe.. Although I have never been to Mindanao,I joined a Filipino Yahoo group a few years ago to find out more about hydroponics in the country. These guys had a huge huge poly tunnel in Bukidnon and were producing some fantastic looking stuff.. Now here`s the thing..Bukidnon or (Bukid) means mountain or mountainous.. They told me that this elevated height was the main reason they could produce nice looking iceburg lettuce and even strawberries.. I kept some of their photo`s..Here they are.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/9cf4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/fc93.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/dacb.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/fred42/6031.jpg

I asked them about where they purchased hydro nutrients from and they told me all is ordered from Manila.. A lot of knowledge required as these nutrients dont come ready mixed..You buy each mineral by the sack load and mix them yourself..Obviously this mix changes depending on what you grow..
I have recently discovered a technique that an American fella invented .. Absolutely fantastic IMO.. Im gonna build my own version pretty soon.. The system is totally self watering all season.. More time for me to water self with SMB nutrients!
Here`s the videos..

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRQzhFBCot4">
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRQzhFBCot4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRQzhFBCot4)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqalnlEar-0
Did you ever start anything off hydro fred,a dripper system or similar,massive overall growth on all foliage compared to normal growing,i really like the look of the glasshouses,its the way forward for food production.

[Harry T]

The watering systems can all be done on timers if you want, i used to work for Hozelock, and still have some contacts there :wink:.

[Tawi2]

Yup,most hydro systems nowadays are pump and timer rather than passive,if I lived in pinas I would have one of those big poly-tunnels or glasshouses and a couple of beehives,always wanted to try apiculture :smile:

[grahamw48]

Fascinating stuff !

I will be there next Tuesday, ready to sort out our acre around the house.
Some food for thought (and to eat :biggrin: ) .

We already have bananas, mangoes, and pineapples. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Michael Parnham]

Great thread lot's of interesting stuff, love it:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

WOW!!! its grown that much in 1 year ?, thats grown from what a seed or small banana Plant.


That last pic is about two months old Harry.. The banana plants kind of spawn from the mother plant..I just dug it up and put it in that pot.. The ones I left in the ground are twice as large but still no signs of fruit..No idea what happened to be honest??
That pot now has three young plants in it spawned from the plant above..I wonder what they will do?

[fred]

Fascinating stuff !

I will be there next Tuesday, ready to sort out our acre around the house.
Some food for thought (and to eat :biggrin: ) .

We already have bananas, mangoes, and pineapples. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Yup,most hydro systems nowadays are pump and timer rather than passive,if I lived in pinas I would have one of those big poly-tunnels or glasshouses and a couple of beehives,always wanted to try apiculture :smile:

Too busy with construction stuff Tawi.. I will..Eventually though.

[fred]

Great thread lot's of interesting stuff, love it:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thanks.
I`m still waiting for pics from members of the stuff they grow!

[fred]

The watering systems can all be done on timers if you want, i used to work for Hozelock, and still have some contacts there :wink:.

The system in that video needs no timer Harry as the pots are watered from below..(capillary action)

[Slip]

We have the mother in law here at the mo. I have no idea what she planted in my garden, she's taken over! I've been told by Harlene there is ginger, spring onions... Then this morning when I asked what she was watering, oh that's the tomatoes and squash she planted!

[fred]

A small portion of our very first ever Avocado harvest.. Not too shabby!

https://ibb.co/RThbjLk
https://i.ibb.co/F4s3HGL/Avacado.jpg

[grahamw48]

Excellent Fred. :smile:

I had 3 really big Avocado trees in my garden in Angeles City, when I lived there years ago. Huge crops, and easy and profitable to sell . We consumed a lot ourselves too, of course... making them into shakes and ice candy, etc. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I think we do have at least one small Avocado tree in this garden of ours now.

Here's the view out of the front door this morning: :smile:

[fred]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:
Very nice Graham!
Look at all that glorious Vitamin D!

[fred]

They just cut this thing off the tree and they are now processing it into a Jack fruit milk shake!

https://i.ibb.co/0Dxk2Xr/Jacxfruit.jpg

[fred]

Just cut the grass again..
Vitamin D and rain makes it grow so fast here.
Bit knackered.. Think I deserve to crack open a nice bottle of Merlot. What you reckon?

https://i.ibb.co/fCv5yCc/garden1.jpg

[grahamw48]

Looking lovely Fred.

I'm trying to get our lawns into shape gradually now, made easier after having received my old faithful Flymo hover mower, sent over in a Balikbayon box, by my son in England. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Certainly saving on the Mrs's scissors. lol :biggrin:

[Michael Parnham]

Garden looks nice Fred:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[imagine]

looks great, the grass is very good:xxgrinning--00xx3:, is it getting some shade protection from the trees

[fred]

looks great, the grass is very good:xxgrinning--00xx3:, is it getting some shade protection from the trees
Thanks.
Actually its the opposite..Bemuda grass likes full sun...
As the Mahogany trees get bigger and produce more shade the grass suffers. What we do here is cut the trees in half to vastlly reduce the branches and let more light in. Seems to work.

[imagine]

ah yeah , its bermuda grass we have, its very hardy, but ours does get burnt on the realy hot days, but it recovers in no time, its a good spreader too, it doesnt take so long for it to extend its area, so if i replant some i dont fill the whole area just some pieces here and there then just leave it to fill the gaps,
the mrs does most the gardening just now, im too much to do just now, but i have my plans, we have several giant lemon trees more like a bush, the grew from seed that was given to the mrs, we have avacado , small tomatoes, blue ternate, and those very small type of lemon i forgot their name just now, iv just planted this morning satsuma orange tree, also have passion fruit, dragon fruit quite a few more, when i start, i plan to have fish pond and hydroponics

[fred]

ah yeah , its bermuda grass we have, its very hardy, but ours does get burnt on the realy hot days, but it recovers in no time, its a good spreader too, it doesnt take so long for it to extend its area, so if i replant some i dont fill the whole area just some pieces here and there then just leave it to fill the gaps,


Yeah..We space small 4" wide clumps about 12" apart and water them heavily for a month..They usually join up in about 6 months here in Bohol.


also have passion fruit

A few years ago my Bro in law planted a passion fruit vine next to one of our large Mango trees.. The vine at the base is about 4" thick and the Mango tree`s canopy is now covered with Passion fruit.. I collect them daily in a bucket and get the juice out of them.. Nice in Vodka!


when i start, i plan to have fish pond and hydroponics

My pond is now full of Tilapia.. The kids (8 and 10 year olds)go fishing in that pond about once a week..They catch one or two,process them and cook them for lunch..
Not many kids in the UK doing stuff like that anymore I`d bet!

[grahamw48]

Sounds marvellous Fred.

I will update on our garden, as and when, but much the same at present... soo. :xxgrinning--00xx3: