Sustainable permaculture gardening project in the mountains of Southern Bohemia, Czech Republic

Details

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  Description

  Be part of our sustainable permaculture gardening project in a lovely off-grid small village in the mountains of south bohemia.
  
  We are couple in our end-fifties and we moved to Milhostov nearby Mariánské Lázně 3 years ago because we were so impressed by the nature here and fell in love with it. We are surrounded by forests and by natural marsh areas. Our forests are full of wild life and mushrooms. You can watch many bird species, and sometimes even roe deers.
  
  We have our own water supply and use Photovoltaik, but are also connected to public electricity.
  
  At this place we started our permaculture gardening project and most time of the year we can live from the vegetable and fruits grown in our own garden. We do grow the food only for our own consumption. We do not use them commercially.
  
  We use permaculture techniques for gardening and are not using any pesticide, fungicide or artificial fertilizer. Instead, we produce our own natural compost and natural fertilizer.
  Our goal is to implement as much diversity as possible. So we are growing more than 15 different types of tomatoes, 5 varieties of potatoes, many sorts of cabbage and kale, beans, peas, onions, pumpkins, herbs, salads, etc.
  One purpose is also to experiment with the varieties, as we live at 700 meters of hight, and the circumstances can be sometimes very demanding for the plants. So we learn, which ones work better here. We found out, that f.ex. Himalaya spinach works fantastic here, and adds great flavor to our food.
  
  As the area where we live is very hilly, our vegetable garden needed a lot of terracing. This was a lot of work, and it has many benefits. The plants benefit better from the sun, and also these "hanging garden beds" look just lovely.
  
  For the purpose of sustainability we can as much of our food as possible. We use traditional technologies like Weck canning, and also drying. Some of the food we freeze, when this is the best option to conserve it. So our food storage is full of canned tomato soup, sauce, curry sauce, bean and cabbage salads, different fruit jams,
  
  We collect natural herbs for different types of healthy teas f.ex. fruits & berries, herbs against cold, etc. As a result, we do not have to purchase any tea throughout the year.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are a very multi-cultural household. My husband is native Czech and I am native German. We live in Czech republic since 3 years. Additionally we speak very well English. So you might communicate with us in all these languages.
  
  If you are interested in sharing knowledge around permaculture, ecological gardening and you are also a fan of natural diversity, then our house is great place to be! Also, if you like sharing information about traditional techniques to conserve food. So we are happy to learn from you and also glad to share our knowledge with you!
  
  In terms of culture, this region in the middle of Europe has a very long history and is exciting to explore. Prague and Bohemia has been THE cultural hotspot for many centuries.

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  Help

  We need your help with maintaining our ecological garden, which includes mainly watering, weeding, planting and harvesting. Your help needed is around 4 hours per day on 5 days per week. So in total it is around 20 h per week, which we are very flexible on how to spend them. You can also address your time to special days according to your preference.
  Most time is needed for planting our wide variety of vegetables: In spring we plant different type of kales, cabbage, field beans, peas and onions. From May on the most planting is dedicated to our vast tomato collection, cucumbers and pumpkins. Also we plant beens, carrots, a variety of salads.
  Watering is only needed in very hot summer periods, as it usually has enough rain in our area. We use for tomatoes and cucumbers a natural Olla Watering system (originally used in mediterranaen area) which reduces the effort of watering even in dry periods down to once a week.
  At June we can start with the first harvesting (mainly peas, salads) and from summer onwards we enjoy plenty of berries, tomatoes, cucumbers and all the other vegetables. Many of those are canned to be consumed in winter time.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Czech: Fluent
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  I am willing to share my German language and practice with you, if you wish so.
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  Accommodation

  You will have your own apartment which includes a living/bedroom, your own kitchen and private bathroom. The kitchen is fully equipped including oven, dish-washer, fridge, coffeemaker etc. The bathroom is very modern and high quality renovated. Also you have your own entrance area which allows you to entering and leaving the apartment at your convenience. You have also your private terrace (equipped with furniture) with a great view into nature and towards our pond.
  
  If you bring your own car, you can enter the private ground and park safely and convenient just in front of your apartment.
  
  As we are often travelling you are free to eat whenever your prefer and you will prepare your own dishes according to your preferences. We will provide you with the food that you need for breakfast, lunch and dinner and respect your personal needs.
  
  We are a smoking-free household. But of course you are able to smoke outside the building or at your terrace.

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  What else ...

  We are living in a natural reserve, called "Slavkovský les" which covers more than 800 square kilometer and a wonderful landscape. In earlier times, there were active volcanoes in this area and it is full of healthy mineral springs. Mariánské Lázně is one of the most famous spa cities in this area, and only 8 km away. Other famous cities worth exploring are Lázně Kynžvart (20 km) and Karlovy Vary (40 km). Also in the past, these places were very attractive and even Goethe was excited to come here. It is reported that he visited Karlovy Vary for at minimum 13 times.
  
  Other great cities to explore are Pilsen and of course the capital of Czech republic, Prague.
  
  The German border is at around 45 km distance.
  
  Our small village is connected by train to Mariánské Lázně and Karlovy Vary. From there you can reach all main cities by public transportation.
  
  This area is also well known for its´ many attractive golf courses. The Royal Golf course in Karlovy Vary was founded in 1904. Our Royal Golf course in Mariánské Lázně, founded in 1905, is less than 2 km from our house away.
  
  If you like sporting activities in nature, there are many hiking and mountain biking paths around.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  You can work from your apartment, if you wish so. We also work many days from the home office. You have unlimited WiFi Access, and can also connect to LAN.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Your camper can be parked nearby. Depending on the size of the van, it might even park inside our private ground and we can provide you with electricity and water. (We enjoyed also having our own camper in the past, and really enjoyed traveling with it)

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  Can possibly accept pets

  In general we are open to pets. Please contact as beforehand for final approval.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week

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