This is 100% me. Lately I’ve been having trouble sleeping because I keep thinking about growing crops under solar panels. What crops and how I will build the structure. Will there even be ground water in my well?
this post was submitted on 10 Sep 2023
7 points (100.0% liked)
solarpunk memes
3055 readers
175 users here now
For when you need a laugh!
The definition of a "meme" here is intentionally pretty loose. Images, screenshots, and the like are welcome!
But, keep it lighthearted and/or within our server's ideals.
Posts and comments that are hateful, trolling, inciting, and/or overly negative will be removed at the moderators' discretion.
Please follow all slrpnk.net rules and community guidelines
Have fun!
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
The answer is simple in concept, hard in execution.
Grow local and heirloom varieties.
Save seeds from the strongest plants to grow the next generation of plants.
Because the strongest plants will be those best adapted to the climate as it is when you grow them, if you keep selecting seeds from the strongest plants, your garden will gradually adapt along with the changing climate.
Think of it as evolution in action.
If you're trying to figure out what Monsanto branded hybrid monocultures will best survive climate change, you're doing it the wrong way.
The soil under my house is about two inches nitrogen-free gravel with a solid hunk of clay underneath, so I'm thinking I'll make roof tiles and trade those for food. Especially because I kill every green thing I touch.
Sounds like you might want to look at the no dig methods. Charles Dowding is a good resource.
Take a year to look at how the sun hits the land and form a basic plan. Iteration is the key.
Start a compost pile, turn it often. This will be your soil.
Save your cardboard from deliveries, take off all tape and labels. This will be a compostable weed barrier.
Get some free wood chips from arborists. This will help retain water reducing the need to irrigate.
Lay down 2 layers of cardboard. Then spread out 6-8 inches of wood chips on top of that. Then spread your compost deep enough to sow your plants.
Excellent advice. I'd suggest the first year or two sow tillage radishes (daikons) thick. Their giant roots break up the hard clay soil and then you let them rot in place to add organics and nutrients deep in the soil.
But test the soil first. Get an idea of what heavy metals or other contaminants are there. Some soils can be remediated and made safe for crops, some are so polluted they're better used for flowers and trees and native plants and wildlife.