734 days ago

Growing Your Own Linen

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Linen has been used for thousands of years for clothes, beding and furnishings. It is loved for its soft and cool feel. It is a very strong and durable material which will last much longer than other alternatives, like cotton. Growing your own linen may see overwhelming, but it helps to break it down into manageable steps. 
 
Plant 1 kg. fibre flax seed in a 6m x 6m plot
One plot will give you enough fibre to make a shirt from line (long linen fibres) and tow to weave a couple of towels.  Your actual yield will depend on growing conditions, how well you weed the plot and how perfect your retting and hackling techniques are.
Broadcast the seed thickly, over well tilled ground and then walk on it to firm the seed in.

Weed it well about 4 weeks after planting.
Your flax will take about 2 weeks to germinate in a cool, wet spring.  When it reaches just over 5cm in height you should walk into the plot and weed it well.  You can step on the plants without damaging them when they are between 5cm and 30cm tall.

Admire the blue flax flowers as the linen grows
Once the bed has been weeded well, you can just admire it as it grows.  About 60 days from planting the flowers start to open.  It is very beautiful watching the blue flowers swaying in the breeze.  Each flower is open for only one day. Each stock produces several flowers and each flower turns into a seed boll with 6 to 8 seeds.


100 days after planting, harvest the flax
The stocks of flax will be 2/3rds yellow and 1/3rd still green when it is ready to harvest.  The flowering will be finished and each slender flax plant will have 4 to 6 seed bolls.  You harvest the flax by hand, by pulling each plant out by the roots.  Toss the weeds and place the stems of flax in order.  Tie into bundles (shooks) about 30cm across, using strong twine.

See the whole method here: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
7 days ago

Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.

Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.

Image
Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
  • 23.7% Yes
    23.7% Complete
  • 75.5% No
    75.5% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
2662 votes
2 hours ago

Hi Neighbours - it’s your Local Plastering experts!

Texturite Coatings

We’re Texturite, a family-owned exterior plastering company dedicated to enhancing the durability of your homes. With years of experience, we take pride in providing high-quality plastering services tailored to meet your needs.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your home’s exterior or repair damage, we’re here to help! We use top-notch materials and techniques to ensure a lasting finish.

Why Choose Us?
Family-Owned: We treat your home like our own.
Quality Workmanship: Our skilled team is committed to excellence. Local Business: Supporting us means supporting your community!

If you’re interested in a free quote or would like to learn more about our services, please feel free to reach out! We’re excited to work with you and help make your home shine.

027 341 3454 Serving the Kapiti / Wellington region

Thank you for considering Texturite! Let’s make your home beautiful together.

The Texturite Team
Find out more

Image
2 hours ago

Crack the Code: Today’s Riddle Awaits!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

A bucket of water weighed 10 kg.
Someone put something in it, and now it weighs 4 kg.
What did the person add?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image