Gareth
@garethpanchem.bsky.social
Hole digger, aspiring gardener, inventor, analytical and environmental chemist and a few other things (which I've been called many times).
Trim pipes©
We’re replacing our wireless reverse camera because the image kept dropping out in car parks. We figured that it was caused by electrical interference (maybe electromagnetic), regardless it was dangerous. We’ve opted for a wired version that simply plugs into an aftermarket ‘carplay.’
We’re replacing our wireless reverse camera because the image kept dropping out in car parks. We figured that it was caused by electrical interference (maybe electromagnetic), regardless it was dangerous. We’ve opted for a wired version that simply plugs into an aftermarket ‘carplay.’
December 2, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Trim pipes©
We’re replacing our wireless reverse camera because the image kept dropping out in car parks. We figured that it was caused by electrical interference (maybe electromagnetic), regardless it was dangerous. We’ve opted for a wired version that simply plugs into an aftermarket ‘carplay.’
We’re replacing our wireless reverse camera because the image kept dropping out in car parks. We figured that it was caused by electrical interference (maybe electromagnetic), regardless it was dangerous. We’ve opted for a wired version that simply plugs into an aftermarket ‘carplay.’
I’m calling this permaculture©
If ever there was such a thing as a robust test of raised gardens, then I’m a champion 🤣 I’ve neglected them, planted them incorrectly, and they still work! I’m now convinced; this is the way to go for us in this location 👍. I’ll still try some traditional techniques
If ever there was such a thing as a robust test of raised gardens, then I’m a champion 🤣 I’ve neglected them, planted them incorrectly, and they still work! I’m now convinced; this is the way to go for us in this location 👍. I’ll still try some traditional techniques
November 29, 2025 at 1:33 AM
I’m calling this permaculture©
If ever there was such a thing as a robust test of raised gardens, then I’m a champion 🤣 I’ve neglected them, planted them incorrectly, and they still work! I’m now convinced; this is the way to go for us in this location 👍. I’ll still try some traditional techniques
If ever there was such a thing as a robust test of raised gardens, then I’m a champion 🤣 I’ve neglected them, planted them incorrectly, and they still work! I’m now convinced; this is the way to go for us in this location 👍. I’ll still try some traditional techniques
Harvested spring onions, transplanted sweet basil and a rogue lettuce ©
We know that you can plant many crops, as seeds, directly into the ground. But we’re currently using raised beds for many of our crops after germinating the seeds in mini-greenhouses, and it’s working well.
We know that you can plant many crops, as seeds, directly into the ground. But we’re currently using raised beds for many of our crops after germinating the seeds in mini-greenhouses, and it’s working well.
November 26, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Harvested spring onions, transplanted sweet basil and a rogue lettuce ©
We know that you can plant many crops, as seeds, directly into the ground. But we’re currently using raised beds for many of our crops after germinating the seeds in mini-greenhouses, and it’s working well.
We know that you can plant many crops, as seeds, directly into the ground. But we’re currently using raised beds for many of our crops after germinating the seeds in mini-greenhouses, and it’s working well.
Hollyhocks in stormy weather©
I’ve been told that these are Hollyhocks :-/.
I’ve been told that these are Hollyhocks :-/.
November 22, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Hollyhocks in stormy weather©
I’ve been told that these are Hollyhocks :-/.
I’ve been told that these are Hollyhocks :-/.
Basil Tree©
Well, here’s our sweet basil tree and its suckers ;-).
While the rootstock is still green, the grafted orange didn’t take. We ended up transplanting it from the garden into a pot. It’s a shame to waste the rootstock, so we plan to graft three shoots onto it, two mandarin and
Well, here’s our sweet basil tree and its suckers ;-).
While the rootstock is still green, the grafted orange didn’t take. We ended up transplanting it from the garden into a pot. It’s a shame to waste the rootstock, so we plan to graft three shoots onto it, two mandarin and
November 19, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Basil Tree©
Well, here’s our sweet basil tree and its suckers ;-).
While the rootstock is still green, the grafted orange didn’t take. We ended up transplanting it from the garden into a pot. It’s a shame to waste the rootstock, so we plan to graft three shoots onto it, two mandarin and
Well, here’s our sweet basil tree and its suckers ;-).
While the rootstock is still green, the grafted orange didn’t take. We ended up transplanting it from the garden into a pot. It’s a shame to waste the rootstock, so we plan to graft three shoots onto it, two mandarin and
another tub, or somewhere else later on.
We’ve also got a guard ant taking care of one of the tubs 👍.
We’ve also got a guard ant taking care of one of the tubs 👍.
November 8, 2025 at 1:08 PM
another tub, or somewhere else later on.
We’ve also got a guard ant taking care of one of the tubs 👍.
We’ve also got a guard ant taking care of one of the tubs 👍.
The Triffids are coming along©
Spring onions (white dot) are in the foreground along with some celery that is about to go to seed (yellow dots). Leeks (red dot) are at the back, and surround a giant tomato bush (determinate variety, pink dot). I’ll put some climbing, vine-like, cherry tomatoes in
Spring onions (white dot) are in the foreground along with some celery that is about to go to seed (yellow dots). Leeks (red dot) are at the back, and surround a giant tomato bush (determinate variety, pink dot). I’ll put some climbing, vine-like, cherry tomatoes in
November 8, 2025 at 1:06 PM
The Triffids are coming along©
Spring onions (white dot) are in the foreground along with some celery that is about to go to seed (yellow dots). Leeks (red dot) are at the back, and surround a giant tomato bush (determinate variety, pink dot). I’ll put some climbing, vine-like, cherry tomatoes in
Spring onions (white dot) are in the foreground along with some celery that is about to go to seed (yellow dots). Leeks (red dot) are at the back, and surround a giant tomato bush (determinate variety, pink dot). I’ll put some climbing, vine-like, cherry tomatoes in
A Springtime Path©
I’m in awe of the products of nature’s palette; they’re often a happy chaos.
I’m in awe of the products of nature’s palette; they’re often a happy chaos.
November 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM
A Springtime Path©
I’m in awe of the products of nature’s palette; they’re often a happy chaos.
I’m in awe of the products of nature’s palette; they’re often a happy chaos.
A sandwich©
Well, I picked so much lettuce the other day that I’ve had to have lettuce sandwiches every day. I’m not complaining, and I’m grateful for the crop, since I know that various fibres help protect our innards. But it’s also good to add some spring onions and a mature cheese to the mix (and
Well, I picked so much lettuce the other day that I’ve had to have lettuce sandwiches every day. I’m not complaining, and I’m grateful for the crop, since I know that various fibres help protect our innards. But it’s also good to add some spring onions and a mature cheese to the mix (and
November 4, 2025 at 7:01 AM
A sandwich©
Well, I picked so much lettuce the other day that I’ve had to have lettuce sandwiches every day. I’m not complaining, and I’m grateful for the crop, since I know that various fibres help protect our innards. But it’s also good to add some spring onions and a mature cheese to the mix (and
Well, I picked so much lettuce the other day that I’ve had to have lettuce sandwiches every day. I’m not complaining, and I’m grateful for the crop, since I know that various fibres help protect our innards. But it’s also good to add some spring onions and a mature cheese to the mix (and
Chocolate donuts: A healthy alternative©
;-).
I’ve just come back from a walk.
Me: Let’s have a cuppa and some donuts.
She: Let’s eat healthy.
Me: o.k.
These strawberries smell and taste like strawberries used to do; they’re a potent delight.
;-).
I’ve just come back from a walk.
Me: Let’s have a cuppa and some donuts.
She: Let’s eat healthy.
Me: o.k.
These strawberries smell and taste like strawberries used to do; they’re a potent delight.
October 28, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Chocolate donuts: A healthy alternative©
;-).
I’ve just come back from a walk.
Me: Let’s have a cuppa and some donuts.
She: Let’s eat healthy.
Me: o.k.
These strawberries smell and taste like strawberries used to do; they’re a potent delight.
;-).
I’ve just come back from a walk.
Me: Let’s have a cuppa and some donuts.
She: Let’s eat healthy.
Me: o.k.
These strawberries smell and taste like strawberries used to do; they’re a potent delight.
Millie and Snowy©
Here’s Millie, our new dog, and Snowy, her mum (mam, mom,…;-) Millie is the one out front. Snowy had a holiday with us for a while, but she’s now back at her home.
Here’s Millie, our new dog, and Snowy, her mum (mam, mom,…;-) Millie is the one out front. Snowy had a holiday with us for a while, but she’s now back at her home.
October 24, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Millie and Snowy©
Here’s Millie, our new dog, and Snowy, her mum (mam, mom,…;-) Millie is the one out front. Snowy had a holiday with us for a while, but she’s now back at her home.
Here’s Millie, our new dog, and Snowy, her mum (mam, mom,…;-) Millie is the one out front. Snowy had a holiday with us for a while, but she’s now back at her home.
nutrient traps that will slowly seep down the slope to feed the roots of seedlings. It should work, and has worked well with roses over many years, we’ll see 👍.
October 19, 2025 at 10:14 AM
nutrient traps that will slowly seep down the slope to feed the roots of seedlings. It should work, and has worked well with roses over many years, we’ll see 👍.
Preparing the ground©
Well, I’ve been preparing a patch next to the old dog kennel (that was never used by any of our dogs). The dirt is as solid as in that spot. So, I’ve dug two trenches across the slope that will be filled with compost, or a mixture that is in the process of turning into compost.
Well, I’ve been preparing a patch next to the old dog kennel (that was never used by any of our dogs). The dirt is as solid as in that spot. So, I’ve dug two trenches across the slope that will be filled with compost, or a mixture that is in the process of turning into compost.
October 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Preparing the ground©
Well, I’ve been preparing a patch next to the old dog kennel (that was never used by any of our dogs). The dirt is as solid as in that spot. So, I’ve dug two trenches across the slope that will be filled with compost, or a mixture that is in the process of turning into compost.
Well, I’ve been preparing a patch next to the old dog kennel (that was never used by any of our dogs). The dirt is as solid as in that spot. So, I’ve dug two trenches across the slope that will be filled with compost, or a mixture that is in the process of turning into compost.
Pumpkin seedlings©
It looks like I’ve overdone it again :-/ These pumpkin seedlings were grown from a pumpkin we ate about six months ago. The seeds were washed in a sieve, dried on paper towels and hung in a dark dry place (shed or cupboard), in a mesh bag (stocking material would also work too).
It looks like I’ve overdone it again :-/ These pumpkin seedlings were grown from a pumpkin we ate about six months ago. The seeds were washed in a sieve, dried on paper towels and hung in a dark dry place (shed or cupboard), in a mesh bag (stocking material would also work too).
October 18, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Pumpkin seedlings©
It looks like I’ve overdone it again :-/ These pumpkin seedlings were grown from a pumpkin we ate about six months ago. The seeds were washed in a sieve, dried on paper towels and hung in a dark dry place (shed or cupboard), in a mesh bag (stocking material would also work too).
It looks like I’ve overdone it again :-/ These pumpkin seedlings were grown from a pumpkin we ate about six months ago. The seeds were washed in a sieve, dried on paper towels and hung in a dark dry place (shed or cupboard), in a mesh bag (stocking material would also work too).
hardware shop to see which handles fitted best, but no, I decided to take a sheet of paper with me instead (just look at the pictures to save you the read ;-).
October 16, 2025 at 2:03 PM
hardware shop to see which handles fitted best, but no, I decided to take a sheet of paper with me instead (just look at the pictures to save you the read ;-).
A change of seasons.
The garden often reminds us of family and friends.
We also have a birdsong that sounds like a mobile :-/ Ha!
I’d better cut the grass again; this stuff grows like…
The garden often reminds us of family and friends.
We also have a birdsong that sounds like a mobile :-/ Ha!
I’d better cut the grass again; this stuff grows like…
October 2, 2025 at 12:34 AM
A change of seasons.
The garden often reminds us of family and friends.
We also have a birdsong that sounds like a mobile :-/ Ha!
I’d better cut the grass again; this stuff grows like…
The garden often reminds us of family and friends.
We also have a birdsong that sounds like a mobile :-/ Ha!
I’d better cut the grass again; this stuff grows like…
These Continental cucumber seedlings are one day out of their (protective) bags, and something has already nibbled one :-/ 🤣 So, I’ve moved the three pots here and there to see if they can harden off without being munched off to ground level. I also have back-ups, just in case 👍.
September 28, 2025 at 10:01 AM
These Continental cucumber seedlings are one day out of their (protective) bags, and something has already nibbled one :-/ 🤣 So, I’ve moved the three pots here and there to see if they can harden off without being munched off to ground level. I also have back-ups, just in case 👍.
.
The Continental cucumber seedlings are on their way, and they’ll be planted out in a week or two.
The Continental cucumber seedlings are on their way, and they’ll be planted out in a week or two.
September 27, 2025 at 1:05 PM
.
The Continental cucumber seedlings are on their way, and they’ll be planted out in a week or two.
The Continental cucumber seedlings are on their way, and they’ll be planted out in a week or two.
More spring veggies©
Oakleaf lettuces grow right back when they are chopped off 👍. The leeks are coming along too; there are also two tomato plants in the middle of the leek (mini) plot.
Silverbeet, spring onions and celery are plentiful, and the potato plants will crop in about two months
Oakleaf lettuces grow right back when they are chopped off 👍. The leeks are coming along too; there are also two tomato plants in the middle of the leek (mini) plot.
Silverbeet, spring onions and celery are plentiful, and the potato plants will crop in about two months
September 27, 2025 at 1:02 PM
More spring veggies©
Oakleaf lettuces grow right back when they are chopped off 👍. The leeks are coming along too; there are also two tomato plants in the middle of the leek (mini) plot.
Silverbeet, spring onions and celery are plentiful, and the potato plants will crop in about two months
Oakleaf lettuces grow right back when they are chopped off 👍. The leeks are coming along too; there are also two tomato plants in the middle of the leek (mini) plot.
Silverbeet, spring onions and celery are plentiful, and the potato plants will crop in about two months
(magnifying glass or a padded mobile phone [video mode +/- light]). Small pieces of rubber foam sheet or plywood will safely hold the mobile steady in the clamp of a retort stand (purchased years ago). It is also possible to clamp the base of the retort stand to a worktable or bench.
September 23, 2025 at 2:09 AM
(magnifying glass or a padded mobile phone [video mode +/- light]). Small pieces of rubber foam sheet or plywood will safely hold the mobile steady in the clamp of a retort stand (purchased years ago). It is also possible to clamp the base of the retort stand to a worktable or bench.
A 4.5 mm (3/16 in.) bolt, held with a small mole wrench (self-grip, vise-grip), was then used to tap a thread into the hole (1/4 of a turn inward at a time, backing off a little after each part turn). Similarly, the other end of the bolt was worked into a hollow fine-tip (a packet of six or so
September 23, 2025 at 2:00 AM
A 4.5 mm (3/16 in.) bolt, held with a small mole wrench (self-grip, vise-grip), was then used to tap a thread into the hole (1/4 of a turn inward at a time, backing off a little after each part turn). Similarly, the other end of the bolt was worked into a hollow fine-tip (a packet of six or so