Pool Was Draining: Why We Removed Our Above-Ground Swimming Pool

It was a VERY difficult decision, but we have decided to take down our 28' swimming pool. In a way, nature helped us make up our mind. One morning after a severe thunderstorm, I walked outside to water the chickens and did a double take. The pool (winter cover still partially intact) was completely hollow looking. Sometime during the night, the weight of the rain had pushed down on the tarp, and somehow tugged at the liner underneath. It was just enough of an opening that the force of the water was able to slip through the side.

(My next door neighbor must of thought it rained A LOT that night!) :) With the pool completely empty, and the tarp ripped at the sides, it was just another example of how our pool was draining our patience and becoming a money trap.

 

With pool supplies going up in price, higher utilities from running the pump day and night, and with a leaky filter draining water around the pool, we were harvesting mosquitoes like crazy. Then we had the decision to either readjust the liner, fill up the pool again and order another winter cover, or just let it go...

 

I listed the pool on Craigslist for free and it was gone the next day! The guy kept thanking us profusely for his "treasure" and I said, "No, THANK YOU!"

 

My treasure is the PERLITE found underneath the plastic liner (The pool was already installed before we purchased our home.)  I went online and haven't seen too many people talk about recycling pool perlite, but upon research, I've read over and over it is non toxic. Perlite is a form of volcanic glass that is mined all over the world. In fact I purchased a bag several months ago to add to my potting soil mix. Now that I have an entire "beach" of perlite, I plan to add it to all my raised beds.

Not wanting to tear down our deck, I'm trying to figure out a creative way to use the space. Stay tuned!

 

Lessons We Learned

Owning a swimming pool can provide years of enjoyment, but it also requires ongoing maintenance, repairs, chemicals, electricity, and water. As our interests shifted toward gardening and homesteading, we realized the space could be put to much better use.

One unexpected bonus was discovering the layer of perlite beneath the pool liner. Perlite is a lightweight volcanic material commonly added to potting mixes because it helps improve drainage and soil aeration. Instead of sending it to the landfill, I decided to recycle it into my raised garden beds where it could continue serving a useful purpose.

Sometimes the best homesteading projects begin by repurposing something you already have. While it was sad to see the swimming pool go, we're excited about the possibilities for transforming this area into a productive garden space. I'll be sure to share updates as the project develops.

Moringa Oleifera - Wonder Plant!

What Is Moringa?

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing tree native to parts of northern India and has been cultivated for centuries throughout Asia, Africa, and tropical regions around the world. Sometimes called the "drumstick tree" because of its long seed pods, moringa is valued for its ability to thrive in hot climates and poor soils.

One reason gardeners are fascinated by moringa is its rapid growth. In warm climates, young trees can grow several feet in a single season. Nearly every part of the tree has been used traditionally, including the leaves, seed pods, flowers, and seeds.

Growing Moringa in Texas

Moringa grows best in warm climates and is often treated as a perennial in tropical regions. Here in Texas, gardeners in the southern part of the state have had success growing moringa, although freezes can damage or kill the tree. Because of its fast growth rate, many gardeners simply replant it each year or protect it during winter.

Why Homesteaders Like Moringa

Homesteaders and gardeners are often drawn to moringa because it is drought tolerant, grows quickly, and produces an abundance of leaves and seed pods. Its ability to thrive in difficult growing conditions has helped make it popular in many parts of the world.

Whether you're interested in unusual edible plants, food production, or simply experimenting with something new in the garden, moringa is certainly one of the more interesting trees a gardener can grow.

Nutrients Found in Moringa

One reason moringa has attracted attention around the world is its nutritional content. The leaves contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Several B vitamins
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus

Moringa leaves also contain protein and antioxidants, which has contributed to the plant's popularity among gardeners, homesteaders, and those interested in growing nutrient-dense foods.

As with any food, nutrient levels can vary depending on growing conditions, soil quality, and whether the leaves are consumed fresh or dried.

Last year, I had been reading a lot about this wonder plant called Moringa Oleifera. This wonder plant packed more vitamins than anything I had ever heard of. 

 

I went online and found a supplier on Amazon for organic Moringa seeds and waited. And waited.
Finally, a month later, my pkg passed customs from India and arrived on my doorstep!

Unfortunately, I had forgotten to plant them until 2 weeks ago. I planted 3 seeds and placed the pot on my kitchen window. As you can see 2 have sprouted!

 

 

I'll keep you posted on how they like this part of Texas. I'm in zone 8, so they should do fairly well. This is one plant that's got me curious!

 

Have you grown these, or do you plan to?

Guadalupe State Park

A Brief History of Guadalupe River State Park

Nestled along the scenic Guadalupe River northwest of San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park opened to the public in 1983 after the State of Texas acquired thousands of acres to help preserve the river's natural beauty and Hill Country wildlife. Today, the park protects more than 1,900 acres of woodlands, limestone bluffs, and river frontage.

The park is a favorite destination for swimming, tubing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and camping. More than 300 species of birds have been observed in the area, making it a popular stop for birdwatchers throughout the year.

One of the things I enjoy most about Guadalupe River State Park is that it still feels like the Texas Hill Country of years gone by. Towering cypress trees line the riverbanks, clear water flows over limestone, and miles of hiking trails offer beautiful views of one of the most scenic regions in Texas. Whether you're looking for a peaceful picnic, a weekend camping trip, or simply a place to cool off during the summer, Guadalupe River State Park is one of the true gems of the Texas State Park system.

Photo's from my second visit to Guadalupe State Park. Truly a beautiful place, but also a reminder of my camping trip back in 2005. Something strange happened to my family. You can read the story here:

 

BIGFOOT or FOE? Guadalupe State Park

Our primitive camping site where the rocks were thrown. Have you camped out there? If so, would love to hear from you!

Worm Farm

Last year I started a worm farm by converting a plastic storage box. To ensure that the worms could breathe with a closed lid, I drilled holes at the top on each side, and another hole at the very bottom in the center.

I had been reading a lot about compost tea, and wanted to collect the drainage from the bin.

For worms, I ordered 1000 worms online from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm (Amazon.com) The reviews were excellent, and delivery was prompt. I added them to the bin and wondered within the first month or so, if many had possibly escaped. I couldn't find but a handful at first.  

 

I was also concerned that maybe the red wigglers didn't like the Texas heat very much. The worm farm was enduring sweltering 100 degree days, in the shade beside the house.

 

Fortunately, over the winter, I noticed that the worm farm had doubled if not tripled in population.

 

 

Benefits of a Worm Farm

A worm farm is one of the easiest ways to turn kitchen scraps into valuable compost for the garden. Red wigglers and other composting worms break down fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and other organic materials into nutrient-rich worm castings.

Why Gardeners Love Worm Farms

Produces Natural Fertilizer
Worm castings are often called "black gold" by gardeners because they help improve soil structure and add nutrients to the garden.

Reduces Household Waste
Instead of sending food scraps to the landfill, many kitchen leftovers can be recycled through a worm bin.

Improves Soil Health
Worm castings help improve moisture retention and encourage beneficial microbial activity in the soil.

Little Space Required
Unlike large compost piles, worm bins can be maintained in a small backyard, garage, patio, or even an apartment balcony.

Produces Compost Quickly
Worms work year-round in warm conditions and can produce usable compost faster than traditional compost piles.

Creates Worm Tea
Some worm bins produce a liquid byproduct often called "worm tea," which many gardeners use around flowers, vegetables, and container plants.

A Homesteader's Perspective

For homesteaders and gardeners, a worm farm is a simple way to recycle kitchen waste while producing a valuable soil amendment. It's an inexpensive project that can benefit everything from vegetable gardens and flower beds to potted plants and fruit trees.

**I always love to turn over leaves or cardboard in the yard after a hard rain to find native worms. 

This spring, I'll be experimenting more with compost tea, and using the worm castings to boost my garden. If you are by any chance making your own compost tea, and have had success, please drop me a line!