Two at school

Yesterday was a big day in the wild backyard: the X-man started 'big school'. He's been keen to go to school five days a week ever since he started preschool (two days a week) last year, and now the time has finally arrived.



I suspect he'll be a little tired by the end of the week, but he has a lovely teacher & had a great first day :) He has lots of preschool friends in his class, and a big sister to see at lunchtime, so there were no first-day tears or nerves - just lots of excitement!

We've had a run of hot days, although not to the extreme experienced in some areas further south. Two of the capsicums got sunburnt - the plants are fine in the Earthbox, but the fruit not shaded by foliage has been badly damaged. I'm planning to include shade for the new wicking beds to avoid this sort of thing:



I've started reading up on composting worms, and how to look after them, as they'll be an integral part of the wicking beds. I came across a recommendation to start with 1000 worms per household member (so 4000 for us, divided between the two beds). For those with knowledge in this area - does that sound about right?

Still on the wicking beds, the husband came home with a container of Diggers Eco In-Ground Timber Protecta last week. According to the website:

Diggers Eco In-Ground Timber Protecta is the eco-friendly answer for consumers seeking a safer alternative to creosote and common timber treatments.

Diggers ‘Eco’ provides improved protection against moisture and deterioration on timber and masonry surfaces by providing a tough bitumen coating. This coating increases the life of building materials in outdoor, below ground applications by sealing toxins in and keeping moisture out.

Eco’s unique formulation is not classified as hazardous according to the criteria of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council. In December 2008, it was registered as a certified product for use on organic farms by the Biological Farmers Association (BFA). The BFA is the regulatory body for conformance with all leading organic standards around the world. The standard is viewed as one of the most respected and rigorous standards for organic production internationally.

The revised plan is to paint the inside of the timber around the wicking beds with this stuff, above the 'pool' (which is already lined), to seal in the CCA, rather than plastic-lining the whole thing.

Lee the gardener is back tomorrow morning, so there'll be another wicking bed update in the next few days.

And one last thing - I don't think I've introduced you to my Christmas present ...