My Chili Farm - Brian's last day

It has been 2 weeks, a busy and productive 2 weeks thanks to Brian; my HelpX volunteer from the U.S.A.

I just sent him off just now, he is on his way to Sipitang and tomorrow, he will be making his way to some secluded village in Sipitang named Ulu Bul. Seriously, I didn't even know that there was such a village. I know of Long Pasia but Ulu Bul? Clueless.


Apparently there is a school there with only 25 pupils but has 11 staff and recently received a solar panel worth RM3mil! This was told to me by Brian who in turned was informed by another person.

So what have we been up to? Let's see, Brian helped me lay down 23 rows of silvershine, no easy task but he did it like a pro.

... and we started our composting project. Brian has been doing quite an extensive research on this and he has been very helpful with technical know-how.

... and we did some grass cutting. Brian struggled to master the art of handling a Brush Cutter :P.

This is Brian at the farmhouse

Silvershine sheets that Brian helped to lay

We collect cardboard boxes from town and lay them between rows of silvershine for weed control.  Brian's idea that I adopted. Eventually they will disintegrate and add carbon to the soil. 

That's Brian clearing the ground of twigs before he lay the silvershines

These seedlings are ready for transplanting. I moved them from the nursery and placed them out in the open for 3 days before transplanting them. I was told that it is better to let them acclimatize to direct sunlight before transplanting them. 

Brian and I piled up 2 compost heaps. This is one of them.

Brian collected cut grass and leaves to add to one of the compost heaps 

Brian mixing the fresh materials with the old ones. The compost heap has to be regularly turned so that air is introduced which the microbes need

The microbes are doing their job breaking down the grass, leaves and what not

In my last post, I asked for readers to help me identify this chilli plant. Brian told me this could be Jalapeno. One of the fruits is turning red, can't wait to sample how hot it is.

Some of the Rambutan trees that my grandfather planted about 30 years ago. 

More Rambutan trees

Pineapples planted for own consumption. I'm thinking of planting more between the Rambutan trees

Brian and I were wondering what insect hive this is. It attaches on a cactus plant in the farm. It has beautiful colour and texture.

Weird looking spider I encountered at the farm. I think it's a spider but it has shell like a crab.

The river behind the farm

Another plot which I intend to plant more chillis perhaps of different variety

That's all for today. Hope you enjoyed having a glimpse of the miserable live of a farmer.

Update:


Thanks for your comment Sri, here's a close up picture of the chili as requested.