G'day from Ipswich

Mick

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Sep 17, 2015
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2
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Sub-Tropical
Hi, I am living in Ipswich on an large suburban block where I use both wicking beds and conventional beds to grow as much food as I can. We have 5 chooks that are laying well and my daughter in law has 9 guinea pigs which pump out more manure than I thought a small rodent like animal would. Works well in the compost.
 

Mark

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Bellmere, QLD
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www.selfsufficientme.com
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Sub-Tropical
Hi Mick and thanks for becoming part of SSC mate :)

Great spot Ipswich. Got an old Army mate who lives out there and he loves it (we were RIs together at Kapooka in the mid-90's) he says there's heaps of space and easy access to west, north, GC, and the Brisbane city. The climate you have is good also (yes subtropic) but it does get nice and chilly through winter (colder than where I am at Caboolture anyway) so some of those traditional colder crops like stone fruit and even olives are easier to grow than other subtropical areas. There's a hobby olive grower from Ipswich who sells their produce at the Caboolture Markets - awesome olives!

Seems to be a lot of backyard gardeners/farmers in you town have you seen RobBob's videos on YouTube? He lives in Ipswich and has a pretty popular garden/aquaponics/wicking bed/chicken channel I recommend it if you haven't seen it already - he's a good bloke too.

Please feel free to share your experience here throughout our various SSC sections on wicking beds, composting, or anything else and of course ask questions etc - Welcome!
 

Mick

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Sep 17, 2015
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Thanks Mark, the Kapooka I remember from the 60's certainly looked different when I went down for my sons March out in 2010, but he tells me it worked the same. I know Rob, I was at his place yesterday, we were trading plants and information. Rob is a great believer in sharing the knowledge so others may gain the satisfaction of providing for their families and friends.
I am going to try tropical apples this year, grown in wicking tubs. I'll let you know how it goes. I am enjoying your site, good practical advice, along with inspiration from both you and other members. Keep up the good work.
 

Mark

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I am going to try tropical apples this year, grown in wicking tubs.
Well that's different! It'd be a good way to ensure the fruit trees never stress for water and in turn that should help fruit production.

I'm glad you like the site mate - be sure to offer any advice for improvements or things you'd like included on SSC :)
 

Ash

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Mar 26, 2015
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Preston, QLD
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G'day Mick. Great to have you on board here. Another SE Qld local (and ex-military guy) here looking to establish a productive orchard of pome, stone and citrus fruit trees for more self-sufficiency. Really borne out of a desire for the family to eat more tasty fruits and vegetables: we have been disappointed with the quality of produce even from our local farmers markets.

The low chill apple varieties should do well in Ipswich, but I gather you'll be protecting them from the scorching heat you get there in the summer. I sourced my cultivars from a guy (also called Mick) from Applethorpe near Stanthorpe and they're doing well so far for their first season in the ground. I look forward to seeing your results also and trading notes on what works for you in your climate.
 

Ken W.

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Inglewood, QLD
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G'day Mick. I was was born and raised in Ipswich and miss being able to grow veges almost year round. It's a lot drier where I live now and the extremes in temp differ from Ipswich by a few degrees so it has been a learning challenge to know what to grow when. Having lived there for 42/56 years it's hard to break ties completely with the town - now city. I even had a tear in the eye at fulltime of the Intrust Cup on Sunday. Well done Jets!
 
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