Theresa Dewse's Page

Hi Theresa,

I'd love to check out the aquaponics system somtime, I don't think it is something I'll be trying anytime soon but who knows, maybe you will inspire me. It sounds complicated but very cool having to adjust the pH without chemicals. Depending on what people call 'chemicals' and what you can add that is 'fish friendly' I am sure there are many different things that could be used.
In regards to the comfrey, you can sometimes get plants in the herb section at Bunnings and some nurseries, otherwise when mine get a bit older I can try and propogate some from the roots for you (I was planning on trying this down the track).

Hi Theresa,
Lovely to meet you, you live rather close to me, I am in Thornlie. I'd be very interested to hear more about your aquaponics, that is what my brother wanted me to set up (and he doesn't like fish or veges) but I wanted a more traditional vege garden. I have only just bought a house and have torn everything out of the backyard. I have planted some fruit trees and herbs and am getting ready to lay my retic and then build my veges gardens. I did grow some veges when living with my parents but the soil was incredibly poor and the couch often stole all the nutrients so I am looking forward to finally having a decent plot.
How did you end up going with your comfrey? I currently have 7 plants and they all seem to be doing ok, a friend who is also growing it swears chook poo is great.
Looking forward to sharing gardening ideas with you.
Caroline

Hi Theresa,
thanks for the comments. sounds like your garden is pumping, that's so great. its a good feeling growing your own food isn't it. happy growing!

I've been reading a bit more about Comfrey growing . I found this info that may be helpful:
Comfrey prefers humus-enriched soil (abounding in aerobic bacteria, fungi and micro-elements) to artificial fertilisers. It likes a slightly alkaline soil at pH 7.2 but will also grow well in acid soil. It is only when comfrey roots get down to the subsoil, that the plant is able to draw up minerals from deep down; the plant then reaches its maximum in food value, in vigour of growth and palatability for stock feed. Plants will produce copiously with a plentiful supply of water, but dislike being waterlogged.
One gardener had got it growing really well in a big tub first and then transplanted it into the garden.
Hope this helps.

Hi Theresa
Responding to your question about growing comfrey. Can you give me a bit more info. What have you planted-big roots, small plants;just one or a few at a time? What is your soil like-sandy, stony, clay,dry, wet? Comfrey dies right down in winter if it is cold and sprouts again in spring-are you sure it's not just winter dormant?
If you let me have a bit more info I may be able to help.

Hi Theresa glad to find a fellow green thumb in Western Australia. Have just dug up my crop of spuds grown under straw, not a big crop but an easy way of growing them. Having major possum problem, the back verandah is fortified to keep the little darlings off of the new shoots on the grape vines. They are also chewing their way through the new shoots on the lemon in a tub and a new passionfruit plant.It is a great weekend for gardening!

Hi Theresa,
Sorry I love in Sydney!
Good Luck
with it though.
Am I listed as WA?

The worm farm workshop at Ecomatters was informative. The idea was to use what they had, so the legs were recycled Acacia trees. As for worm pee, if you are getting little, does that mean you need to dampen it sometimes?