Author: Sagar
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Relandscaping Project
I look at what we have created at Solitude Farm, a vibrant farm-to-plate cafe, a basket service, seed bank, nursery, food processing, ayurvedic powders, educating, and festivals, and I say to myself, if I can do this, anyone else can too. I do not have a University degree, and I’m not particularly clever. This has…
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Honey Comb
I recently met someone working in apiculture, and he told me if you find wild bee nests on your farm, it means the air is very pure! I was very happy to hear that! These are rock bees (Apis dorsata), and they have a ferocious temper and can be quite aggressive. Domestication is impossible as…
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Soursop Seeds
The results in a food forest take time. Fruit trees take a minimum of five years to grow, and it may take a number of years before there are enough trees to obtain a decent yield of a particular fruit. We started off with a couple of soursop trees, and after five years, when we…
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Yams and Tubers
Before potatoes dominated everyone’s diet, there was a much broader selection of yams and tubers. From air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera), the high-producing starchy tapioca, taro, which grows well in the shade, the delicious sweet potato, whose leaves can also be consumed, to the more recently introduced jicama that can even be eaten raw, all of…
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Simple Five Steps Garden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9RBCbLsvuo I was asked to come and do a circle garden module as a precursor to a larger social project in Pondicherry. And we’ve started at OVOID. It’s been a wonderful morning. Now we have this plot of land, which is about two and a half to three acres, where there have been so many…
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The Wild Jamun Fruit: A Taste of Tamil Nadu’s Natural Bounty
In the heartland of Tamil Nadu, a hidden treasure awaits the wild jamun fruit. Known as “Naaval Pazham” in Tamil, this fruit is a delightful and unique offering from the region’s diverse landscape. The wild jamun, scientifically known as Syzygium cumini, is a smaller cousin of the cultivated jamun tree. It thrives in the wild,…
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Shikakai: A Natural Hair Care Secret in Tamil Nadu Villages
In the villages of Tamil Nadu, a humble botanical treasure called “Shikakai” (Acacia concinna) has been a trusted companion in hair care for generations. This unassuming shrub, native to South Asia, is valued for its practical and effective role in traditional hair care routines. Shikakai, which means “fruit for hair” in Sanskrit, is particularly prized…
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The Soap Nut Tree: Nature’s Pollution Solution
In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the soap nut tree (Sapindus) stands as a beacon of hope. This unassuming tree, found in various regions of Asia and beyond, offers a remarkable solution to pollution while providing a plethora of ecological and cultural benefits. A Pollution Fighter: Soap nuts, the fruit of the tree, contain…
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The Versatile Mahua Tree: Nature’s Gift Enriching Tamil Nadu and Beyond
Amidst the captivating landscapes of India, the Mahua tree (Madhuca indica) stands as a symbol of cultural significance and ecological value. Its clusters of fragrant cream flowers not only exude beauty but also serve as a source of nutrition and culinary delight, making it a cherished resource in various communities. The Mahua tree’s blossoms are…
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Harnessing the Benefits of Ilapayi Oil (Mahua Oil)
Ilapayi Oil, also known as Mahua Oil, is a traditional gem that Tamil Nadu residents can utilize to enhance their health and beauty routines. Derived from the seeds of the Mahua tree, this oil boasts numerous benefits that have been cherished for generations. In Tamil Nadu, incorporating Ilapayi Oil into your daily regimen can yield…