Self Sufficiency in my backyard.

[Shadowrom]

Hi im Romesh, and im from Malaysia. Im currently working on a backyard project, but self sufficient farming in Asia in general is still a distant idea to most. Most are caught up with the so called "growing economy" hype surrounding us at the moment. I for one believe self sustainable farming should be for every commuity so to keep us in touch with the land and the satisfaction it brings. I have a house with 4 nos. raised 4feet X 8feet plots, and i rotate them for beans, roots and leaf vegetables.On the extra plot I have 2nos. 4feetX4feet coup that neatly fits on the last plot and is automatically fertilised by the chickens. I have 2 compost bins and 4 large water tanks (to harvest rain). I constructed them all myself and its great exercise. I first got interested in the subject after reading Monty Don about a year ago.

We have sunshine all year round so, our harvests are roughly double of what you get in colder climates. One of the most important point in this sort of compact gardening is to always know the right seeds to plant for maximum harvest. I usually get them seeds from the local Agri University. However the range of seeds are poor and i have to do research on organic farms which are few and far between in this region to source for other varieties. It is frustrating as i get things wrong all the time as there is no sort of backup and a lack of interest, and there is no where to get help from.

The results however are amazing. I have enough to feed a family of 4 but im still trying to work on the variety of plants.

[Clara]

Sounds like you are doing something actually quite amazing

Welcome to ish.....you´ll be sure to get some good advice here.

Clara.

[MKG]

Hi Shadowrom

Never mind the University - it sounds like you're going to be the expert soon enough.

[marshlander]

Hello Shadowrom! Yes, it does sound like you have an excellent set up.

[red]

welcome
sounds like you are doing wonderful things on your plot.

[ENIGMA]

Hi Romesh,I have a 1 hetre coconut and marang plantation in the Mindanao Philippines which as you know isn't that far from your country.We built a copra drying house(to dry the coconut flesh to sell for oil) with a small nipa hut attached.This was all built out of the materials on the land,except the nipa palm for the roof and nails,plus we built a toilet compartment next door.Water came from a spring.I grew different things,there like squash,ochra,beans melons and bananas but had a problem growing tomatoes and peppers.
I started to rear some chickens in Dipolog city,where we were staying,but when I took them to the land,I let them run wild and they caught bird flu,so all died.

[Thurston Garden]

Ahoy Romesh!

[ENIGMA]

Hi Romesh,I have a 1 hetre coconut and marang plantation in the Mindanao Philippines which as you know isn't that far from your country.We built a copra drying house(to dry the coconut flesh to sell for oil) with a small nipa hut attached.This was all built out of the materials on the land,except the nipa palm for the roof and nails,plus we built a toilet compartment next door.Water came from a spring.I grew different things,there like squash,ochra,beans melons and bananas but had a problem growing tomatoes and peppers.
I started to rear some chickens in Dipolog city,where we were staying,but when I took them to the land,I let them run wild and they caught bird flu,so all died.

Incidentally,my neighbours are selfsufficient in the Philippines,they have to be,as they have no other income.

[oldfella]

Hello Romesh Welcome