Hello from not so sunny Benllech, Anglesey

[Mochyn]

I'm interested in becoming more self sufficient and more environmentally friendly. I always try to walk to school with the children, I recycle newspapers, bottles and clothing. Unfortunately, there's no provision here for recycling plastic.

I would like to start growing vegetables, but as a single mum with three children, time is the main problem. I have bought some tomato plants - so that's a small start! I also pick lots of blackberries in the Autumn and make lots of jam. I tried out your jam recipes from the website and the resultant jam was delicious!

Bye for now!

[multiveg]

S'mae/Hello Mochyn

You don't happen to want some chilli or basil plants (or various seeds - I tend to go overboard each year with the seed catalogues!) do you? I live in Caernarfon.

[Shirley]

Hi Mochyn and welcome!!

How old are your children - could you perhaps encourage them to help in the garden?? Bribery tends to work well

[Andy Hamilton]

Hello there Mochyn and welcome to the forum

So tried out the jam recipe, I am glad that you enjoyed it, must do the same myself again this year.

wales forever

[Hillbilly]

I would like to start growing vegetables, but as a single mum with three children, time is the main problem.

Hiya!!! Welcome to the forum!

I was in same situation as you until 3 years ago. Get them out in their wellies (or bare feet) planting with you and turning the soil over and they'll soon see it as a game. Especially when the first seedlings raise thier heads - trust me, they'll be amazed and soon be 'planting' everything - teddies, cutlery, each other.....

Now I have a fourth baby and a husband so we're planting every bank statement to see if that'll grow too

[Millie]

and welcome! On the whole my 4 like going to the allotment, well, ok, my eldest goes there under great protest, but Im very persuasive

What about getting some pots and planters and popping out every now and then to plant stuff? Or when they are playing in the garden, or once they are in bed? Once its in its plain sailing, the kids love to water them!

[Mochyn]

Thanks for all your advice. Eldest child, 13, would consider gardening "child labour", but might have luck with the younger two: 7 and 4. They both love watering plants!

Might take up offer of plants from "multiveg", although don't often get to Caernarfon these days!

Has anyone ever tried making logs from newspaper? Do they produce much heat?

Bye for now!

[Millymollymandy]

Hi Mochyn and welcome to the site.

[Wombat]

G'Day Mochyn,

My bother-in-law comes from Anglesea!

Welcome to the site!

I have made newspaper bricks but made the logs many years ago. If I remeber correctly they didn't burn too well. The bricks burn better but take a long time to make.

Nev

[multiveg]

I'm sure I could come over to Benllech one of these days, albeit by bus (although hubby drives). My son is in school mornings only, so if I come during the week, he'll tag along. This coming Saturday, I should be going to the agricultural show just outside Caernarfon. I'll send you a private email with my phone number.

I have heard people say that it was a bit of a hasslemaking newspaper bricks/logs for burning - take ages to dry.