2024 report and harvest results

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2024 National Tree Day planting at Whiteheads Creek

Food production wasn't a huge priority for me in 2024. The flooding on the 8th of January, was a big set back in my veggie garden down by the creek. The ensuing building project took up a lot of my spare time that would have otherwise been dedicated to growing food. See the 'Wicked Sleeper' garden beds post for more about that. The flood also had an impact of the native plantings that we had made along the creek. I did what I could to salvage the plantings, and most survived. Under the banner of Seymour Urban Landcare, Vanessa and I co-ordinated another National Tree Day planting in July which local Cub/Scout groups played a big part.

Biochar being made in our wood oven using homebrewing cans

One thing that I became more interested in during the year was Biochar. It seems like it's a great way to improve the soil while making better use of the excess twigs that I produce on site. I've been using 2 home brew cans that slot into each other (one with it's end crimped) to hold a bunch of sticks. This is placed into our wood stove when it's running hot and the wood gas is burnt off leaving biochar. This needs to be inoculated with nutrients before being added to the garden. It helps house nutrients, water and beneficial bacteria - and sticks around in the soils for a very long time (1,000s of years). 

Interior of the Studio made from recycled materials

I focused a lot of energy during 2024 on finishing off the Studio and workshop that I mentioned in my 2023 report, so that I make use of the materials that I had collected and clear up around the place. I managed to complete that towards the end of the year, which was a relief. Our oldest son Kai (17) has since moved in to the loft space, giving both boys their own private space. 

2024 Harvest 

The harvest for 2024 was an improvement on the previous year. I didn't separate the harvest from the creek garden beds and our home garden this time as they weren't very productive because of the ongoing work. 
  • Total 478kg
  • Eggs = 719
  • Vegetables = 221kg Whiteheads Creek and home garden
    • Poor harvest from Whiteheads garden because of flooding impact in Jan 2024 and rebuild.
  • Fruit = 251kg
  • Herbs = 4.1kg
  • Other = 10kg
    • Hazelnuts production much lower this year.

See detailed spreadsheet results below, use tab at base to change the year. Updated with new results as the become available. Use the tabs at the base of the spreadsheet to the year you want to view - it automatically displays the most recent spreadsheet.

See our 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2013 food harvest result post here. 

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