Growing pains...

I've noticed something very interesting... I have some kale (a brassica, like cabbage, but grows on a stem that can get tall) planted in two locations. The first patch is down in the bottom garden, exposed to rain, elements, birds, insects. The second lot are in pots, by the back porch, and are where I can keep an eye on them.

Guess which get eaten most by caterpillars?

I have a thought that it's a case of small birds actively keeping down any grubs on the lot that's further away - birds that would keep away from the house. Alternatively, there are a few other, companion plants that are in that bed - either keeping bugs away or convincing them that they are better eating.

It's good to know, though, that there are alternatives to pesticides... Apart from health concerns with using them, if you can't make something that you depend on - well, you better hope you don't need it, or can find something else to use in its place.

Entropy

Well, I haven't written in a while... which is what happens when life, rather than writing, takes up your time.

Around the world, sabres continue to be rattled, warmongers and propagandists continue their plans, and my preparations continue. Continue, I might say, although more in a 'getting on with things' way. Fortunately, extensive rains have allowed lots of growth in the garden. An extensive crop of peaches, plentiful in number although small in size, is a nice indication that things can, indeed, be done. Of course, this assumes that  we won't ever encounter a devastating drought, that the winds don't bring radioactive dust, there will be plenty of sunlight for chlorophyll - that the land remains healthy.

Everything breaks down... that's the problem...

I read recently that a starting population of a couple of thousand is required in order to not have genetic bottlenecks in a population. A population of about 400 will allow you to avoid congenital problems for a couple of centuries. Once you get into the couple of dozen range - well, small populations tend to accumulate congenital problems very quickly... At least in plants, such problems aren't as bad, although I'd rather have a lot more land, and a couple of dozen of each tree. Granted I'd need a few people to work the land, but... On the other hand, for the most part I'll be growing them for the food they provide, less on propagating... Although propagating means more food available.

I don't know how things will end up, but at least I have the advantage of being away from big targets, major pollution sources... Economic problems are probably the likeliest, but you never can tell.

I still need to build a still or two, I have found an interesting solar still that might be worth the money - I like the idea of not having to spend a lot of time gathering firewood. A shed is going to help, when I finally get it; I have found the one I want - unfortunately, the place I currently want to put it is being used for some annual bushes. Once the crop is harvested (a couple of months), the bushes can be ripped out, but I have to wait. I should get the kit for the shed, so at least it's ready. Also need a greenhouse, but that can wait...