Catch & Store Energy

This months challenge has been to look at our rain water harvesting system. So far we have a water butt and several containers that regularly collect rainwater. However, we will be adding drains to the 2 greenhouses in order to catch rainshowers and make the most of natural resources. A couple of rolling caravan water containers were sufficient to keep the tomatoe plants happy and nourished over the last summer. This year I intend to grow some heritage varieties such as 'Brandywine Tomatoes' from the Organic Seed company. Some great reading in a permaculture magazine has inspired me to create a 'Forest Garden' inside the large greenhouse. This involves three layers of planting. I intend to plant in layers of tomatoe plants, cucumber plants, fruit bushes, chillies and peppers and a herbal area. It should create it's own mini ecosystem, a fascinating space...