Hello from Witney in Oxfordshire

[ebannaw]

Hello to all from Witney in Oxfordshire

Really wanting to become more self sufficient over the coming years.

This year we have had a go at building our first square foot garden. We've also planted loads of beans, tomatoes and have brought 2 bantams and 3 Ex-batt hens. I've made their house out of old pallets. We also have 6 quail on order from a local breeder.

I suffer from bipolar and am off work at the moment, this means that I have time to learn more and do more, having said that, that is on my good days, which seem to be few and far between at the moment. I know its going to be a struggle but I am going to try and turn this around and get something positive from the experience.

I would love to do foraging and there was a company just up the road who did a days course for £20, but they never got back to me. There is also a museum/farm down the road who are doing a day course soon, but that's £65 which is way out of my budget.

Can anyone recommend some books which I could order from the library?

Cheers...

[Green Aura]

Hi ebannaw, welcome to Ish.

There are loads of books, I'm sure people will make lots of suggestions. Richard Mabey's Food for Free is a good place to start - I think there's a new edition out.

And good for you getting into gardening. There have been quite a few projects set up to get people with mental health issues into gardening - it's proven to be very beneficial.

[ebannaw]

Thanks Maggie.

I've actually been attending a place called Bridewell Organic Gardens twice a week for the past year and have found that theraputic horticulture as they call it really does help. Having said that though, it doesn't beat the feeling of achievement when I do some work in my own garden ;)

[Mustardseedmama]

Hi ebannaw (cute name btw), welcome to Ish! The books I'd most recommend are John Seymour's The Self Sufficient Life, and Carla Emery's Encyclopedia of Country Living.

[ebannaw]

Thanks Mustardseedmama. I liked the name wannabe, but it was taken. Oh well, I've always be a little backwards ;)

[Poochy Pie]

Hi Ebannaw

This forum will provide you with lots of info as well. I joined recently and have learnt so much from looking at the various threads and when i ask a question i receive lots of response very quickly with lots of advice and help - will soon be making Sun Relish (thanks for the recipe Mustardseedmama)!

Poochy Pie

[ebannaw]

Thanks Poochy Pie :)

I've just been looking at a thread on here about ramsons (wild garlic). We have a shady spot which could do with some brightening up with some tasty greens so I guess I have got something already from the forum :)

Now I just need to find a supplier of ramsons bulbs!

[Green Aura]

Nicky's nursery does them.

[ebannaw]

I'll google them just now :)

[ebannaw]

Ah, looks like they only have the seeds.

[Milims]

Hi there and welcome

[ebannaw]

Cheers Milims :)

[Thomzo]

Hi and welcome from just up the road in Swindon.

Zoe

[ebannaw]

Hi Zoe :)

Thanks for the welcome from Swindon ;)

[MuddyWitch]

Welcome to ISH

MW