The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: Donald on December 09, 2009, 07:36:48 pm

Title: Hope this works
Post by: Donald on December 09, 2009, 07:36:48 pm

Hi,
This is sort of an English language out-let for me then. I'm living in the Netherlands for, oh 12 years now after moving here from the United States of America. I'm a cabinetmaker by training, but as this is house #2 here in the area that I'm now renovating I'm feeling more like a carpenter. While the house and land here were once well cared for it has all been neglected for some years now and, with regards to the land in particular I think it's needing some pretty basic care to get it regenerating.
Greetings

Don

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: sheila on December 09, 2009, 08:47:30 pm

Invite us all out to help you dig it.We could meet in the netherlands instead of Scotland! Welcome to the forum.

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: doganjo on December 09, 2009, 09:02:48 pm

Great idea, Sheila - welcome to the forum, Donald - that's a Scottish name, you must have roots here too?

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: Donald on December 09, 2009, 10:13:05 pm

Yep, I have Scottish roots. Macdonald family I believe.

Greetings
Don

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: JulieS on December 09, 2009, 10:14:35 pm

Hello and welcome Donald

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: doganjo on December 09, 2009, 10:33:40 pm

Quote from: Donald on December 09, 2009, 10:13:05 pm

Yep, I have Scottish roots. Macdonald family I believe.

Greetings
Don

Then somewhere away back in the mists of time we may be related!  My grandfather's surname was Donald and was a member of Clan Ranald - a sect of Clan MacDonald.

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: Hilarysmum on December 10, 2009, 06:58:26 am

Hi and welcome.  Get some pigs, they will rotivate and fertilise the land for you. :pig: :pig: :pig:

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: HappyHippy on December 10, 2009, 07:38:20 am

Hello Don and welcome from me in South Lanarkshire  ;D
Look forward to hearing more about how you are getting on.
Karen x

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: sandy on December 10, 2009, 08:19:52 am

Hi and welcom from the Wee County...loads of us on here!!!! Could use your skills!!!! Sounds like you've moved around a bit, thats great...look farward to hearing what you decide to do. We had a very overgrown allotment once but gave up clearing it, certainly will keep you fit and busy!!!

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: Donald on December 10, 2009, 10:08:12 am

Hi,
I'm curious about these pigs then. What might this entail? How much feed do they need? I have an ideal chimney for smoking but then I don't eat meat. Do pigs require stout fencing? Pigs are totally invisible in these parts although there are plenty around. I want to look into this idea.
Greetings
Don

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: Rosemary on December 10, 2009, 10:45:31 am

Hi and welcome. Pigs are fabulous ploughs especially a breed like teh Tamworth. Some info on the TAS site proper and on these forums.

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: Hilarysmum on December 10, 2009, 05:10:44 pm

Hi as a pigaholic you are probably asking the wrong person.  We use electric fencing, feed the pigs on compound pig feed (less in summer than winter) they supplement their food intake with roots, weeds, grass well if it grows they probably eat it.  They will rotivate the ground over winter, provide you with fantastic ham at the end.  I know of at least one vegetarian who will now eat free range pork.  Warning pigs are totally addictive!!!

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: little blue on December 11, 2009, 06:45:45 pm

Quote from: Hilarysmum on December 10, 2009, 05:10:44 pm

  I know of at least one vegetarian who will now eat free range pork.

Huh??!!

Hello and welcome Don, from Derbyshire.
And yes, it worked!

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: Hilarysmum on December 12, 2009, 08:30:07 am

Quote from: little blue on December 11, 2009, 06:45:45 pm

Quote from: Hilarysmum on December 10, 2009, 05:10:44 pm

  I know of at least one vegetarian who will now eat free range pork.

Huh??!!

Honestly, and another who demanded a crackling sandwich.  Not sure how that works!!

Title: Re: Hope this works
Post by: doganjo on December 12, 2009, 05:10:46 pm

My pal is a vegetarian but cooks meat for her non veggie kids.  They have roast chicken and she makes lovely gravy, then pours the gravy over her veggie sausages lol pmsl