Inspirational websites and books

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Potters Wasp egg


My potters wasp houses work!!!

As I was finishing this house a wasp started filling it. Caterpillars and then a single egg before sealing it up and making another chamber.

These busy little wasps like smaller holes around 5mm. They will build in larger holes but if you are targeting Potters wasps I have found this size is the best.

You can use bamboo or drill holes in wood. I usually put them in a dry place or provide a good roof to keep it dry. If the houses are small you can bring them into a dry shed over winter. If they get damp pupae can rot.

Friday, 7 November 2014

Pea seed


Pea seed can do most of its drying on the vine.

I then use pillowcases to harvest the seed. I hand these on my veranda to dry further. Jump around on them to brake up shells and then tip the chaff off the top.

The seed will fall into a corner of the pillowcase when shaken. All you will need to do is shake off chaff.