Your video is MUCHLY needed right now because so many new gardeners are using totes. Last year I set my totes up identical to yours, except I used cement blocks for height instead of chairs. It was a fantastic garden until late mid summer. Heavy flash floods, then extreme drought, destroyed everyone's totes, raised beds, AND ground gardens here. So it's on to a new year and added totes. BTW-I bought the $Tree mild and hot microgreen seed packets. Seeded the entire mild packet in 1 tote. Hot in another tote. Instead of harvesting them as small microgreens, when they got big enough to transplant, I put 1 or 2 plants each in their own totes. I had over 30 plants for $2.50!! Plus seeds from letting some of them bolt.
Yes, yes, YES! Those videos do such a disservice to budding container gardeners. I never had more than moderate success with container gardening until I started following your methods. Now I have a beautiful, in large part all producing , delicious container garden - all in totes & 5 gallon buckets - and of course sitting proudly on resin lawn chairs I've collected from thrift stores, curbside and from friends. I make my own plant tea and water the 5 gallon buckets from the drain holes in the totes. I use tulle to keep the birds and pests out, redid all my trellises this year the same way you did using the irrigation hose & plant spikes and of course make my own soil now by composting. I've also made little shade canopies that give my pants a break from the sun during the hottest part of our New Mexico summer days. One thing I added is a drip watering system to avoid having to hand water 3 times a day. Summers can get brutally hot. Under your instruction I went from a struggling container gardener to loving my garden and really loving all the wonderful veggies & fruits I've grown. oh and your method for trellising watermelons is brilliant. I grew my 1st small crop last year and loved every one of them. Thank you for making my garden a success and source of pure enjoyment!
This is a great video. I learned these things the hard way. I think you should make a dedicated video on which plants require their own containers and which can be put in smaller ones, etc. I have yet to see anyone give a nice guide for beginners on which plants need more space due to large root systems. Maybe one that's a little shorter so more people will watch.
Hi Robbie, I’ve had lots of luck with my bins. Some of the things that I planted in the ground died because of the drought here in Texas. It was too hard for me to keep them wet enough, but my bins thrived. Its also easier to work on them because they’re higher. I love bins! Thank you for sharing! Julie🥰
Last year was my first year gardening and I made the mistake of doing exactly this and threw whatever together. Your right it looked nice for a bit and then everything died. 😅 On the bright side I learned from you I could make free soil for this year from it and try again. Thank you I’ve learned so much from your videos.
Robbie, thank you for covering the root systems on plants & how we can try different things to garden, appreciate all the great help you & Gary give us🥰
Thank you so very much for all your advice. We live in a pine forest in Washington state and I totally learned that a raised bed near trees will never produce anything. Learned that a couple seasons ago. Nothing grew and when I dug up the bed there was huge roots from the surrounding trees that had not been there before. I bought a bunch of grow bags (before I watched your videos about why they aren't the best option over totes,but I already spent the money so I have to work with what I chose) last year and grew corn, squash, beans, potatoes ... they were great but I had to water like crazy in the summer months. I really appreciate your honesty and sweet personality as you share your gardening wisdom. I feel like you're my gardening big-sister. ❤😊 I grew up in San Diego, so seeing your videos always reminds me of home. That sky is absolutely beautifully blue!
I have watched you for at least four years now and i can say wholeheartedly thank you for your wisdom, encouragement and caring and mostly inspiration. I have watched and listened to you for about 4-5 years now and am so grateful for your content, and chuckled at garys video where he stated he had over 80 totes🤣😂🤣😂 I love it❤ I have a whole different climate which we have disscussed and am still being challenged but i have not and will not give up…..❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
This video dropped LITERALLY as I was turning and dumping compost into my vermicompost in place container gardens..I do it all the time and it doesnt kill my seedlings or plants..I thank you for all you have taught me..
So glad you said this. When I see those perfect beautiful raised beds planted with EVERYTHING, it makes me sad to know what it's going to do later on. Sad because it will make people never to want to garden again. Even though I have all the land I need to garden in, I'm going to try a few totes. Weeds in the garden over took it last year. I have to admit to myself that these senior knees can't keep up and I need to out smart the garden to make life easier. Thanks for helping new gardeners and old ones too.
U are absolutely right ... I tried your tote gardening last yr and it was an epic fail ... I planted 20 squash plants and got only 2 squash ... I thought your method was a fraud ...but watching this video I know y it failed I had like 2 to 3 plants in the same container... Thank you for clarifying it ... I'm trying again this yr THANKS 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
The same thing happened with me & my paste tomatoes. Planted 2 plants in a bucket. They did great till August, then went downhill after that. Did 't know what happened, till I really thought about it. This year will only plant one plant per bucket & see what happens🎉
Robbie, besides my sister, she is not with us anymore, she started me with containers, but YOU took my gardening to levels that I can't thank you enough! I don't say much, but I follow your lead no matter what others do. I am happy😊 you are my favorite!💞💞💞🔥🔥🔥🎯🎯🎯💯💯
I use 2 5 gal Lowe's buckets with 1 having a spigot, the other with holes in the bottom. I put the 1 with holes into the 1 with the spigot. I stuff with Tree Collard leaves and put a top on. 3 weeks later I have Tree Collard juice with barely any bad smell and use to feed all my plants. Thx Robbie!
I love the purple that’s on your wall in the drive those are so beautiful coming down it super nice looking on the video love your videos snd those Humming birds
I came across several videos that said not to grow avacado from seed because they will not taste good. My husband grew 3 of them from seed. Yes it was 7 yrs before we got fruit but they are delicious. Of course these videos were trying to get you to buy their product. You are 100% correct. Thank You for telling everyone this. 🥰
Great video as always 😊 Thank you for sharing. I have several raised beds that are 4x8 and 24 inches high. I use them for okra and tomatoes. I have used tires and totes that I'm using for other plants. I also believe in giving plants their own space . Have a great day and happy gardening 🌿🌱😊🤗
You are a wonderful teacher. I live on a mountain with rock and red clay. I have beautiful azeleas and other flowering plants but I haven't had any areas with sufficient sun to grow vegetables. Your techniques will allow me to have a wonderful vegetable garden this year. Thank you so much.
Robbie, thank you for your insights. My garden journey started 3 years ago when I stumbled on your channel. I have not looked back. I have watched other sites and I absolutely agree with everything you are saying. Be encouraged. Please continue to share your thoughts and your wisdom.
Great video! I live in Ohio. Started tote gardening a couple years ago. I'm able, due to weather conditions here, to grow 2 tomatoes (Roma), 2 peppers, 2 cucumber in my 18 gallon totes...but I agree, if weather conditions were different it wouldn't work, and last year was rough with a dry, hot summer. Thank you for the info!
Robbie,I love your composting in place. I see all what you said is true. I had successful papayas. 4 trees gave me beautiful fruit. You said they are heavy feeders. I placed lots of kitchen scraps at the base of the trees through out the growing. I succeeded because of you. Thank you🦋💯🦋
LOL you just mentioned your own t-shirt and here's one idea. Something like, "Robbie says ..." Why? Because I betcha everyone I know, especially my boyfriend, hears me say "Robbie in California says ..." at least 20 times or more a month. I really respect your opinions and advice because what you say and show us works.
It is because of you that I have my chair garden! It is small just 4 chairs along the sidewalk along my sm deck. I added an trellis made of tree branches and stakes up to the railing and plant tomatoes and vining flowers. So fun to walk under! And it helps keep out of reach from bunnys and so far most of the squirrels! Thank you so much!
Thank you for this honest and informative knowledge about root spacing. I have recently purchased 3 metal beds to square garden and i now know to plant only one root hog in the middle of 2 or 3 sq rows and do beans or radishes and flowers in the remaining four squares. Saved me a lot of regret! Thank you so much.
Hi Robbie. I know what you mean because I watch some of these other videos also. And once again you are right. Thanks again. Happy gardening. You are wise
10 mths later. I am just starting my container gardening for the first time. My husband built me some stands to place my containers in. I had already plan putting one plant in each container. I am now real excited about it because this video is an encouragement.
love that pink stuff growing over the wall!!! You do great videos!!!!! Good advice! We all need to adjust to our conditions. I am liking the container thing more and more though I can grow in the ground, the containers define what is where so well. The weeds I will harvest and eat can keep growing in the ground😁
I love this vid. I tried gardening and was half successful adventually I gave up. Your videos have lit my fire for gardening. I can't afford these expensive beds people use. You have showed me a cheaper and more effiicient way to start another garden. Thank You for all the info you and Gary hsve shared. As to this video I agree with you. Thank You again.
I grow in buckets from the dollar store ! 1 dollar for each bucket ! Dah, it’s a no brainer ! Just put enough holes in the bottom to let it drain ! Then, twigs and the like, then some potting soil from miracle grow and you will be amazed !❤ all the best to all,of you ! Never give up, keep improving and feeling good about what you are trying to grow ❤!
Robbie, I started doing totes last year and put so many plants in each and well, not much produce and many plants died~now i know why! thanks for all this. I thought I was doing right, but, you have explained this so so so well. thanks so much. Looking to having a much better results this year. God bless. Sherry :)
I have a small backyard. And half of it floods, so i can't plant anything there. Or so i thought! As i was watching the first couple videos after i found you i thought "i can plant ALL THE THINGS in my flood zone, i just need CONTAINERS!!!!!!" So you didn't get me into gardening, but you've expanded my garden to 3x the size it was!!! TY!
Robbie, I think it matters how much time and space you have, as well as how busy your life is with other things. For space, if you have a limited amount, square foot gardening makes sense. As well as how much area you have to gather composting materials. If your garden is already established, you exert less effort than a person who is starting new. For time, people who want to garden but don't have extra time to gather and store all the materials to compost, fertilizer makes sense. It gets you gardening while you live your life, instead of knowing you won't have the time and just quitting. I have a medium sized yard, but most of the space is for my kids and pet to play in. So I square foot garden. My husband wants to garden but doesn't want to go out there daily or often, so its up to me to maintain, and I'm busy. I did last year, and its rewarding, but its a commitment. I think its ok to do what you can and what fits you and your life. Composting in place is great, but not everyone can do it that way. So I'll just say I don't think the gardeners are lying, I did it last year and my plants thrived. A mix and match approach is good I think.
I totally agree. You are completely right about what you said. The roots need lots of space, especially big plants, look at the tops that grow out and thats a judgment of whats going on underneath, and plants will compete to the death or they all die due to a stressful environment they have to endure. Good video, we all need to hear this because we may tend to forget, or just get greedy with the leftover space. To succeed, we have to remember what plants need and I love what you said, "they need their own room" to be happy, then they will grow and produce.
I love your chair garden setup. I “inherited” a chair when we bought our house and didn’t see how handy it would be and I have tons of totes. Roots & Refuge talked about letting bugs get on some of the plants as sacrificial plants so they won’t go to the others. I found it works! You earned my sub.
I'm not a pro, but I garden in a raised bed. I totally understand your point. This year we widened our beds and added another foot in height. And this year is the best year my garden has ever looked. I don't fertilize other than horse and pig and chicken manure.
You have set me straight on how to create a garden using containers,and I thank you for it! Our yard is a gravel pit. When trying to dig the ground you hit gravel,it's a nightmare. So I adopted your way of container gardening, and have been successful for the four years I've been doing it! Thank you so much! And condolences about losing Kitty!
You are so right! I know because it happens to my raise beds. Those roots enters in the beds. I have to empty the beds and pull,chop those roots out and refill those beds. I now used tots I learned from you. Had beautiful cabbage, one per container. Best ever! Thank you sweet lady.❤ ps i still keep my raised beds as long as I work it and do the extra work getting rid of those roots.
Hi Robbie! What a beautiful day there! Here in Corpus Christi Texas mega heavy rain and flooding storming today. Over now. Backyard is a lake. Looking forward to this beautiful weather your having. Thank you for the video. ❤😊💯📌🌞
I wish for your weather to improve, but as you are waiting, I am coming up with NEW Ideas in gardening, that may give you ideas and a great boost to the warm weather coming soon. Take care!
Hi Robbie and Gary! Thanks for your video! We use whatever we think will grow a veggie! We have 2500 cloves of garlic planted. We also have shallots, scallions, and all our herbs are in the house, because it's still to cold to plant. But I love your garden. God bless you both!
Thank goodness I saw this video today I had planted 2-4 zucchinis in 1 pot Need to transplant a few of them this week Thank you, probably why I failed big time last year
Thank you Robbie for being so so so wonderful and teaching people about what is right for actually having a successful garden that produces! God bless you in all things! I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS AND TEACHINGS AND SHARING! Sherry :)
Robbie I think you did a great job explaining. I was told "natural" ingredients means they started with natural, but they are allowed to use other unnatural things to make that ingredient. I hope I wrote that correctly and did not confuse anyone.
I 've started with containers because of you for the past two years. I do put more than one lant per container, but pull out all roots at the end of the season and replenish with my own compost and a little Black Cow. So far, so good. Thanks.
I think sometimes people make things more complicated than they need to be. I two live in Southern California San Diego to be exact. I grow in totes also and I also go to Costco and buy those fake plastic where it looks like a half barrel I had zucchini one I had tomatoes and one and I had cucumbers and another one and they all did quite well. Make it easy make it fun. And watch Robbie she’ll show you how.
Thanks for the reminder that less can equal more. I’ve always known that over crowding a bed of plants/veggies can result in a small yield, (as my Mom had told me more times that I can call 😊), but sometimes I do and have regretted it. But last year I planted peppers and tomatoes in their own containers and got plenty at harvest. Just need to not let the excitement of planting outweigh my desire to grow a lot.
I've been doing totes for years. Added kiddie pools because I have the space. Even then I wasn't as serious about gardening as I am now. Having said all that, careful who you take advice from about gardening. Robbie and Gary inspire me in the way they grow and by how successful their gardens are. I scratched a lot of useless information and just watched how Robbie does things. Keep it simple. Cuts all the confusion and double speak because everyone has their own way of doing things. I'm finding my own flow and rhythm which is helpful. My pools are mostly herbs and I didn't think anything would come back because we have such harsh weather where I am, but much of it did just by me following the way Robbie does things. I compost with kitchen scraps and whatever is left over from plants that are typically cuttings etc. I do fertilize, but I don't really need to that much. The worms are doing their job in assisting growth. It just so happened, I was lucky in that dept because there was a shaded garden spot that was full of worms. I used as many between containers as I could and like I said, lots of things came back to my surprise. I even had a container with potatoes that I was sure had taken a dump come back. I was actually reusing the soil when I realized I had new potatoes in that thing 😂. I have gotten some good product info from other TH-cam gardeners if I want to use it, but I enjoy these videos the best. And ultimately, Robbie makes the most sense because she's connected to nature and I absolutely love that about her. I've learned that I don't have to spend a fortune either, now putting that in practice is another story 😂😂😂. I appreciate you Robbie mucho!!!! Love and hugs from WA state.
Robbi dear, you are bless you have made us saved a lot of money, and less worries , the man with the money dont like that, but keep up the good work , GOd Bless..... and tell Gary hi.. from the caribbean...
I battle big TIME with SLUGS and GRUBS so totes are great .I put mine on cinderblocks i dont have enough space for all the chairs. Im working on getting my soil healthy so hopefully that will keep the pest problem in order.I win some and lose some but just keep trying.I only started gardening when i retired ( three years ago) and those pest had YEARS to multiply 😅 .So im exercising patience in MY garden which is hard at times. Oh,and i use 5 gallon buckets as well.
I too used to battle the snails and slugs but using these techniques I have way less slugs. I've noticed I have a lot more of two critters: birds and earth worms. I speculate the increased earth worms bring more birds and the birds also patrol for slugs. Any way they are happy and I am too.
@@Bgraytful yep, the problem is now the slugs like my flowers. Lol .I don't put much in ground .I heard if the soil is healthy that cuts them down. I have to research more on this.
@@delphine88313 I used to be able to get ground oyster shells that would stop slugs from munching down the new seedlings just put out. But now all I can find is a refined packaged product that is supposedly "oyster shell" but it looks nothing like actual shells. The actual ground shells are rough and deter the slugs and don't wash away in the rain. The refined product does nothing. If you can find true ground oyster shells (sold at pet stores - for chickens) that can help. But it needs to look like a crushed shell, not a manufactured product.
@@Bgraytful ok .The thing is the YEARS I didn't do ANYTHING in my yard they have just are out of control and are HUGE MONSTERS lol.I will need a LOT of shells because I see the slime trail everywhere. I even saw it on my porch screen .Yucky Thanks
I also am a container gardener I live in northern Scotland uk, we also had problems with slugs ,I have had great success with beer traps , they can’t resist it , you could try beer traps I hope this helps
Thanks for the info on planting one plant with a big root ssytem in one tote. This is my first year using totes. Husband does the big garden. No raised beds. He's so old fashion. He built me a raised bed using cememnnt blocks. I only had three cucmber plants. Two black eye peas plants in that bed. They did okay. This year going to maybe put (only) three okra plants in that raised bed. Thanks for the info. I found it to be helpful to my container gardening. This is my second year.
I just found your channel. Wow! I’m impressed! I already garden in containers, due to bad back issues, but we use the huge tubs that grain comes in (we’re blessed to have a larger farm owner that gives them to us). I’m going to use as many of your methods as possible. And, this came at the right time. We’re just now putting out our gardens in zone 6B. Thank you for all of the amazing lessons! I’m a fan!
How Wonderful you have access to those large tubs, perfect❤️ I think if you use my method, you’ll find gardening really easy, thank you so much 😊 and take care and welcome ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your experience sharing...I want my starters to be more prolific and your advise on the tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and melons are on time for me!
You ALWAYS give me something to think about! I have 16 totes. 8 more this year than last year. I have learned so much from you! ...what I've done wrong...but I keep on! Thank you thank you thank you!
I put old limbs in the bottom of my containers, then layer leaves, then garden soil, i started with plants that should be hilled like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, and add more soil as the rain causes the layers to settle. I get a lot of rain, so water is not an issue especially the leaves and dead wood act as a sponge. My potatoes, and tomatoes are huge. I planted my cherry tomatoes in large pots. I havent planted any huge plants like squash, melon, or brassica yet. I may have to transplant some of my tomatoes 😢 as i have more than one in a tote.
I'm somewhat new to this channel. I love your videos. I have been binge watching for a week or so now. I'm currently waiting on my second solar pump to arrive, the first one came broken. I am successfully growing in an old refrigerator for a few years now. I also have a 12 by 25 feet garden in the ground that usually looks like a jungle by August, due to my lack of staying on top of weeding here in Ohio. I'm now going to try your container and layering method. I'm looking forward to more of your videos. I have been gardening for 20 years with many successes and failures. But I am gaining so much more valuable information from you and your channel. Thank you.
I find growing in 8x4 foot 1ft high worked great and I planted so many plants it did great I had at least 3 squash and tomatoes with rich gardening soil I bought in bulk from a local landscaping shop I had so much success
I once tried a drawer that i had for tomatoes...it was my first. I didnt even put holes in it..bcus i didnt think it needed it...omg, got the best cherry tomatoes!!!!!
This is the wide spacing single row type of growing I learned about from David the Good only for container gardening. The philosophy of giving roots room to spread out is the same. He's published a book by Steve Solomon called Water Wise Gardening that goes into the theory and practice of giving plants lots of room and the benefits of that. The difference is that in the Water Wise book it's about growing with minimal non-rainfall water inputs. So roots need to be able to spread out to search for water and nutrients so the plants cannot be too close or they all suffer. However your point about not letting plants crowd each other even if they get enough water is very important. There's only so much room in any container after all. Of course this is an ancient way of gardening/farming but the intensive gardening methods that became super-popular starting in the 70s (though it's been practiced for much longer of course) pushed the wide-spaced concept to the side.
I am doing grow pots with one individual plants per pot, I figure it would be easier for me and not be over whelmed since this is my first time this year to do a garden, Retired this year and have never did any gardening before. I have enjoyed your channel and your endless tips.
“If you know what you’re doing, shut this off and do something else” Lol! I’ve been gardening forever and I love your videos!! and yes, I’ve learned a few things from you.
I really don't do container gardening, so you brought up some issues that I haven't thought about! @20:58 when the list of plants and their respective _root systems_ begins .. we often don't think of the space that the root systems take. It is easy enough to see the growth _above_ ground, and also easy to assume that what we see above ground is going to be reflected below .. and that might be true to an extent, but different plants do have different growth habits for their roots - I try to avoid planting root vegetables near plants with shallow root systems, for example - not because of competition for root space, but because the harvesting of the vegetable would disrupt the shallow rooted plant (so no sweet potatoes or cannas alongside blueberries!). Depending on soil type and available resources, spacing for root development *does* enter the picture for gardening outside of containers, too - so this list is good for everyone. Nice job Robbie!
Your ideas on container gardening have given me a practical and chap way to double the gardening space I have because I now am able to use the space near my trees with invasive roots. I am experimenting this year with an in ground raised bed one more time using the huglekulture approach (logs and wood on bottom layer) but I fear it is still too close to an invasive fig tree. We will see. Just to be safe I've filled empty spaces with plants in pots so I will get SOME results regardless.
I'm going to try to grow some tomatoes for sure, I'm in Michigan and don't even buy them their so tasteless, I have to watch more of your video's,I'm so happy I found you, I want to make soil Oh my goodness I'm so excited! Thank you
Originally from Mich. You should have no problem growing them there. In the ground! If you plant them in pot. Be sure it’s a big one. Their root system is huge. This fall. Collect and save leaves from the trees. It makes the best compost! I had 10 acres and a gr house up there. There’s alot you can grow! Squash does great too!
BRAVO!!!!! You are absolutely right about celery seed extract. I have a degree in Agricultural Science and have worked in horticulture and the food safety industry. You CANNOT produce cured meat products safely without nitrites. Celery seed extract is a source of nitrites. I think it is disgusting that marketing capitalizes on peoples lack of knowledge, giving the a false sense of security. You are also absolutely right about plant spacing. Extensive research as been done on minimizing production inputs (space/ nutrients) for maximum production . Overcrowded plants cannot maximize there water and nutrient needs for maximum growth. It is a constant source of frustration for me when people promote things that have no basis in basic biological principles and fact. Keep up the good work Robbie.
That’s a really interesting comment. What about the safety of using the celery seeds themselves in cooking etc…are they potentially harmful do you think if used excessively? 🙂👍🏻
@@trappedinroom1014 I believe it's a fermentation type extraction process. I don't think you could ever eat enough celery seed as it is to cause any problems. It's like so many things the danger is in the dose. To much water is bad for you too.😄
I’m basically a beginner even though I grew tomatoes successfully years ago. Last year before I planned on planting vegetables, I had a massive earwig invasion that destroyed all my roses. Used “safe” granules and the next morning spray to finally get rid of them. Never planted after that just in case. So far I see no earwigs but I’m worried if I do pots, veggies etc. (lots of time/labor and money) the earwigs may return.
@Fishy they were in my backyard that gets all day sun through the setting sun and my house is stucco and there were tons of them, climbing up the protected part (where I can sit outside in a small area even if it’s raining)of the stucco wall of my house, and at night I also discovered them in all of my roses and walking across the concrete patio. I do have a lawn so that the sprinklers switch would come on 3 to 4 times a week at night. No real shade there other than after sunset. My neighbor up the street said she saw a huge earwig invasion up at her end of the block also.
I fill my whiskey barrel with store bought gardening soil and I mix worm castings, blood and bone meal and 25% vermiculite to 75% soil to help with retaining moisture, then supply water soluble fertilizer once every 7 days. And wow my garden is beautiful whether planting in pots or ground. And pest are killed by spraying a mixture of cold pressed neem oil, water and natural dish detergent keep mix well. This spray kills bugs and prevents different types of mold like powdery mildew and such from attacking your garden. Hope this helps someone 😊
I just saw a video similar to what you’re talking about. It was clear to me the zucchini were all carefully placed around the plant and they pretended to cut them off the plant. It was frustrating to see it had over. 1 million views That’s a lot of people getting duped.
You can make very inexpensive raised beds out of Allura Cement Board 3x5 foot two boards. Cut them into 1x5 foot pieces (6 pieces total) and you have a 10x5x1 foot raised bed. Cut a 2x4x10 board for the corners. Cut it into six 1.5 foot pieces (6 pieces total) for the corners and to connect the middle. Use a cut T-Post, cut to 2 foot to support the sides in the middle. Use screws to connect the Allura board to the 2x4 pieces. Drill two holes through the middle boards and run a wire through in a U shape to connect the T-Post The Allura Board cost about $15 per sheet and you need two of them. The total cost altogether is about $45. Fill it with composted soil. The Allura Board is almost indestructible and will last for over 30 years or more. Maybe even longer. Most large lumber supply stores should have the Allura Board. I bought mine from Sutherlands. With 3 Allura Boards you can cut them in half and make a 10x5x1.5 foot raised bed. The prefab metal beds can cost $300. You can build the same thing out of the Allura Board for a fraction of the cost. And it will actually last longer.
Great info , you have alot of helpful knowledge, I do everything natural no chemicals, make my own compost and mulch, also have those large black nursery pots leftover from bushes and trees
Your methods work! I am in SC and have chayote, squash, greens, peppers, tomatoes, greens of all kinds, onions, cukes, beans, herbs, & berries So much to list! I am having a hard time with my chickens. They figure out how to get in everything! Totes have been the best planters ever. I use them for weeding and let it compost down then transfer it to other totes. Easy and cheap!! Thank you for using what you have and being frugal! I am constantly asking myself what would Robbie do? One thing I did splurge with is a 12 pod hydroponic system. I can sprout my greens inside then transfer to totes. It is working great! The micro greens idea is magical in them. I just let them get about a month old and then plant out.
Another video on COMPANION PLANTING would also be of benefit. That was big quite few years ago. Like peas and green beans (i think ) fixing nitrogen in the soil. I used to have a book on that.
I have a great time and for my 7th year now using 5 gallon wicking buckets. Have Tons of tomatoes, cucs , peppers of many types and herbs in them. Wicking buckets work like magic for me...
I do container gardening in my apartment. Yes it works. You have to have container big enough and deep enough for roots, a container's to catch the drainage, as good drainage is still important to prevent root rot and mold. And you have to know how to hand pollinate the plants and when. It works, yes you need windows with southern sunlight along with full spectrum grow lights. Don't fall for less than full spectrum lights, if you want good fruit and vegetable production. Create the out door environment indoor as much as possible.
Thank you for this video! I am going to try what you said. It certainly won’t hurt, because I’ve not had any luck in growing for four years. I skipped last year, but I’m trying it again.
@@RobbieAndGaryGardeningEasy My yard is mostly white sand. I have tried garden soil on top, but the small amounts that I managed to harvest was out of shape and small. I tried tomatoes in containers, one died right away. The next take awhile, but it eventually died as well. The third one produced a couple of tomatoes that were small. Then it died. So going by your teaching I had too many plants in the container. I’ve got some plants in containers now. But starting tomorrow I’m going to start taken out plants and only put just one in a container. Hopefully this will cause better and more produce. I appreciate your response and thoughtfulness!
Your video is MUCHLY needed right now because so many new gardeners are using totes. Last year I set my totes up identical to yours, except I used cement blocks for height instead of chairs. It was a fantastic garden until late mid summer. Heavy flash floods, then extreme drought, destroyed everyone's totes, raised beds, AND ground gardens here. So it's on to a new year and added totes. BTW-I bought the $Tree mild and hot microgreen seed packets. Seeded the entire mild packet in 1 tote. Hot in another tote. Instead of harvesting them as small microgreens, when they got big enough to transplant, I put 1 or 2 plants each in their own totes. I had over 30 plants for $2.50!! Plus seeds from letting some of them bolt.
You mean … “Very much needed”
Robbie-you have so much common sense that we all need to follow! Keep on telling it...we certainly need all the help we can get❤❤
The reason why I love❤❤❤ your videos is they're NOT selling anything. So many gardening youtube channels border on being infomercials. 🤨
Thank you, your welcome.
Yes, yes, YES! Those videos do such a disservice to budding container gardeners. I never had more than moderate success with container gardening until I started following your methods. Now I have a beautiful, in large part all producing , delicious container garden - all in totes & 5 gallon buckets - and of course sitting proudly on resin lawn chairs I've collected from thrift stores, curbside and from friends. I make my own plant tea and water the 5 gallon buckets from the drain holes in the totes. I use tulle to keep the birds and pests out, redid all my trellises this year the same way you did using the irrigation hose & plant spikes and of course make my own soil now by composting. I've also made little shade canopies that give my pants a break from the sun during the hottest part of our New Mexico summer days. One thing I added is a drip watering system to avoid having to hand water 3 times a day. Summers can get brutally hot. Under your instruction I went from a struggling container gardener to loving my garden and really loving all the wonderful veggies & fruits I've grown. oh and your method for trellising watermelons is brilliant. I grew my 1st small crop last year and loved every one of them. Thank you for making my garden a success and source of pure enjoyment!
This is a great video. I learned these things the hard way. I think you should make a dedicated video on which plants require their own containers and which can be put in smaller ones, etc. I have yet to see anyone give a nice guide for beginners on which plants need more space due to large root systems. Maybe one that's a little shorter so more people will watch.
Yes, I would also appreciate that.
Same!
Yes I’ve never seen that either
I like the long videos. She has so much information!
Me too
Hi Robbie, I’ve had lots of luck with my bins. Some of the things that I planted in the ground died because of the drought here in Texas. It was too hard for me to keep them wet enough, but my bins thrived. Its also easier to work on them because they’re higher. I love bins! Thank you for sharing! Julie🥰
You have a canopy shade cloth over your bins? Trying to do similar in Florida. I am thinking to try to recycle my clean house water too
@@StormyMonday0896 yes it’s a fifty percent shade cloth.
Last year was my first year gardening and I made the mistake of doing exactly this and threw whatever together. Your right it looked nice for a bit and then everything died. 😅
On the bright side I learned from you I could make free soil for this year from it and try again. Thank you I’ve learned so much from your videos.
Robbie, thank you for covering the root systems on plants & how we can try different things to garden, appreciate all the great help you & Gary give us🥰
Thank you, your welcome.
Thank you so very much for all your advice. We live in a pine forest in Washington state and I totally learned that a raised bed near trees will never produce anything. Learned that a couple seasons ago. Nothing grew and when I dug up the bed there was huge roots from the surrounding trees that had not been there before.
I bought a bunch of grow bags (before I watched your videos about why they aren't the best option over totes,but I already spent the money so I have to work with what I chose) last year and grew corn, squash, beans, potatoes ... they were great but I had to water like crazy in the summer months.
I really appreciate your honesty and sweet personality as you share your gardening wisdom. I feel like you're my gardening big-sister. ❤😊 I grew up in San Diego, so seeing your videos always reminds me of home. That sky is absolutely beautifully blue!
LOVE this bit of sage honesty. I am sick of the videos in which *all the good stuff* but there's no continuation of "progress."
I have watched you for at least four years now and i can say wholeheartedly thank you for your wisdom, encouragement and caring and mostly inspiration. I have watched and listened to you for about 4-5 years now and am so grateful for your content, and chuckled at garys video where he stated he had over 80 totes🤣😂🤣😂
I love it❤
I have a whole different climate which we have disscussed and am still being challenged but i have not and will not give up…..❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for staying with us, and we'll catch you again at one of our live feeds.
This video dropped LITERALLY as I was turning and dumping compost into my vermicompost in place container gardens..I do it all the time and it doesnt kill my seedlings or plants..I thank you for all you have taught me..
So glad you said this. When I see those perfect beautiful raised beds planted with EVERYTHING, it makes me sad to know what it's going to do later on. Sad because it will make people never to want to garden again.
Even though I have all the land I need to garden in, I'm going to try a few totes. Weeds in the garden over took it last year. I have to admit to myself that these senior knees can't keep up and I need to out smart the garden to make life easier.
Thanks for helping new gardeners and old ones too.
I sooo appreciate you & Gary’s honesty & encouraging garden wisdom for those of us who container garden. I have learned so much from you both.💚🌱🌿🥕🥬💚
Thank you, your welcome.
I, too love the flower on your wall. My eyes are drawn to it every time they move into your filming.
Yes, what is the beautiful purple vine on the backwall?
U are absolutely right ... I tried your tote gardening last yr and it was an epic fail ... I planted 20 squash plants and got only 2 squash ... I thought your method was a fraud ...but watching this video I know y it failed I had like 2 to 3 plants in the same container... Thank you for clarifying it ... I'm trying again this yr
THANKS 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
The same thing happened with me & my paste tomatoes. Planted 2 plants in a bucket. They did great till August, then went downhill after that. Did 't know what happened, till I really thought about it. This year will only plant one plant per bucket & see what happens🎉
Robbie, besides my sister, she is not with us anymore, she started me with containers, but YOU took my gardening to levels that I can't thank you enough! I don't say much, but I follow your lead no matter what others do. I am happy😊 you are my favorite!💞💞💞🔥🔥🔥🎯🎯🎯💯💯
She is great !!!!
Love you Robbie and Gary
Thank you for your kind words!
I use 2 5 gal Lowe's buckets with 1 having a spigot, the other with holes in the bottom. I put the 1 with holes into the 1 with the spigot. I stuff with Tree Collard leaves and put a top on. 3 weeks later I have Tree Collard juice with barely any bad smell and use to feed all my plants. Thx Robbie!
I love the purple that’s on your wall in the drive those are so beautiful coming down it super nice looking on the video love your videos snd those Humming birds
I came across several videos that said not to grow avacado from seed because they will not taste good. My husband grew 3 of them from seed. Yes it was 7 yrs before we got fruit but they are delicious. Of course these videos were trying to get you to buy their product. You are 100% correct. Thank You for telling everyone this. 🥰
Great video as always 😊 Thank you for sharing. I have several raised beds that are 4x8 and 24 inches high. I use them for okra and tomatoes. I have used tires and totes that I'm using for other plants. I also believe in giving plants their own space . Have a great day and happy gardening 🌿🌱😊🤗
It’s a simple matter of allowing a plant to have room to feed, so it can feed you!🥰your 🥦🥕🧄!🙏
You are a wonderful teacher. I live on a mountain with rock and red clay. I have beautiful azeleas and other flowering plants but I haven't had any areas with sufficient sun to grow vegetables. Your techniques will allow me to have a wonderful vegetable garden this year. Thank you so much.
Robbie, thank you for your insights. My garden journey started 3 years ago when I stumbled on your channel. I have not looked back. I have watched other sites and I absolutely agree with everything you are saying. Be encouraged. Please continue to share your thoughts and your wisdom.
Same ….. and I have been successful
Great video! I live in Ohio. Started tote gardening a couple years ago. I'm able, due to weather conditions here, to grow 2 tomatoes (Roma), 2 peppers, 2 cucumber in my 18 gallon totes...but I agree, if weather conditions were different it wouldn't work, and last year was rough with a dry, hot summer. Thank you for the info!
Robbie,I love your composting in place. I see all what you said is true. I had successful papayas. 4 trees gave me beautiful fruit. You said they are heavy feeders. I placed lots of kitchen scraps at the base of the trees through out the growing. I succeeded because of you. Thank you🦋💯🦋
LOL you just mentioned your own t-shirt and here's one idea. Something like, "Robbie says ..."
Why? Because I betcha everyone I know, especially my boyfriend, hears me say "Robbie in California says ..." at least 20 times or more a month. I really respect your opinions and advice because what you say and show us works.
It is because of you that I have my chair garden! It is small just 4 chairs along the sidewalk along my sm deck. I added an trellis made of tree branches and stakes up to the railing and plant tomatoes and vining flowers. So fun to walk under! And it helps keep out of reach from bunnys and so far most of the squirrels! Thank you so much!
This is why you are my favorite gardener in this platform you share real gardening
Thank you for this honest and informative knowledge about root spacing. I have recently purchased 3 metal beds to square garden and i now know to plant only one root hog in the middle of 2 or 3 sq rows and do beans or radishes and flowers in the remaining four squares. Saved me a lot of regret! Thank you so much.
Hi Robbie. I know what you mean because I watch some of these other videos also. And once again you are right. Thanks again. Happy gardening. You are wise
10 mths later.
I am just starting my container gardening for the first time. My husband built me some stands to place my containers in. I had already plan putting one plant in each container. I am now real excited about it because this video is an encouragement.
You ALWAYS have the BEST advice Robbie!!! Thank you for all you do for us!!❤
Oh Thank you so much 😊 ❤️
Been growing in buckets and toats for 3 years successfully because of this lady. She knows what she’s talking bout
Oh Thank You So Much ❤️❤️❤️❤️
love that pink stuff growing over the wall!!!
You do great videos!!!!! Good advice! We all need to adjust to our conditions. I am liking the container thing more and more though I can grow in the ground, the containers define what is where so well. The weeds I will harvest and eat can keep growing in the ground😁
I love that pink flowering plant as well... Hopefully Robbie will let us know what it is!!
Thank you. It's purple ice plant. Recommended usda zones 5-9 but we're in zone 10a.
@@RobbieAndGaryGardeningEasy looks stunning!
I love this vid. I tried gardening and was half successful adventually I gave up. Your videos have lit my fire for gardening. I can't afford these expensive beds people use. You have showed me a cheaper and more effiicient way to start another garden. Thank You for all the info you and Gary hsve shared. As to this video I agree with you. Thank You again.
I grow in buckets from the dollar store ! 1 dollar for each bucket ! Dah, it’s a no brainer !
Just put enough holes in the bottom to let it drain ! Then, twigs and the like, then some potting soil from miracle grow and you will be amazed !❤ all the best to all,of you ! Never give up, keep improving and feeling good about what you are trying to grow ❤!
Robbie, I started doing totes last year and put so many plants in each and well, not much produce and many plants died~now i know why! thanks for all this. I thought I was doing right, but, you have explained this so so so well. thanks so much. Looking to having a much better results this year. God bless. Sherry :)
Yes 18 gal container is the best! I grew only one big cabbage in one 18 container.
I have a small backyard. And half of it floods, so i can't plant anything there. Or so i thought!
As i was watching the first couple videos after i found you i thought "i can plant ALL THE THINGS in my flood zone, i just need CONTAINERS!!!!!!" So you didn't get me into gardening, but you've expanded my garden to 3x the size it was!!! TY!
How Wonderful ❤️ so glad you can continue to Garden (Better) thank you
Robbie, I think it matters how much time and space you have, as well as how busy your life is with other things. For space, if you have a limited amount, square foot gardening makes sense. As well as how much area you have to gather composting materials. If your garden is already established, you exert less effort than a person who is starting new. For time, people who want to garden but don't have extra time to gather and store all the materials to compost, fertilizer makes sense. It gets you gardening while you live your life, instead of knowing you won't have the time and just quitting. I have a medium sized yard, but most of the space is for my kids and pet to play in. So I square foot garden. My husband wants to garden but doesn't want to go out there daily or often, so its up to me to maintain, and I'm busy. I did last year, and its rewarding, but its a commitment. I think its ok to do what you can and what fits you and your life. Composting in place is great, but not everyone can do it that way. So I'll just say I don't think the gardeners are lying, I did it last year and my plants thrived. A mix and match approach is good I think.
Exactly thanks for saying this!
I think about it now....farmers have rows if the same in their fields and crop is separated by type. Great points made here!!!
Robbie you and Gary are wonderful!!! Thank you guys for teaching all of us how to garden. ❤😊.
Thank you ❤😊
I totally agree. You are completely right about what you said. The roots need lots of space, especially big plants, look at the tops that grow out and thats a judgment of whats going on underneath, and plants will compete to the death or they all die due to a stressful environment they have to endure. Good video, we all need to hear this because we may tend to forget, or just get greedy with the leftover space. To succeed, we have to remember what plants need and I love what you said, "they need their own room" to be happy, then they will grow and produce.
I love your chair garden setup. I “inherited” a chair when we bought our house and didn’t see how handy it would be and I have tons of totes.
Roots & Refuge talked about letting bugs get on some of the plants as sacrificial plants so they won’t go to the others. I found it works! You earned my sub.
Love layering concepts but would love to see more on “acceptable” companion planting in totes. Thank you.
I'm not a pro, but I garden in a raised bed. I totally understand your point. This year we widened our beds and added another foot in height. And this year is the best year my garden has ever looked. I don't fertilize other than horse and pig and chicken manure.
You have set me straight on how to create a garden using containers,and I thank you for it! Our yard is a gravel pit. When trying to dig the ground you hit gravel,it's a nightmare. So I adopted your way of container gardening, and have been successful for the four years I've been doing it! Thank you so much! And condolences about losing Kitty!
You are so right! I know because it happens to my raise beds. Those roots enters in the beds. I have to empty the beds and pull,chop those roots out and refill those beds. I now used tots I learned from you. Had beautiful cabbage, one per container. Best ever! Thank you sweet lady.❤ ps i still keep my raised beds as long as I work it and do the extra work getting rid of those roots.
Great info from a master gardener. Always good to share the overall info not just cute little snippets and then get really disappointed. 👍
I AM SO GLAD I CAME ACROSS YOUR VIDEO I AM ASENIOR AND TRYING TO GROW IN THE CONTAINER - THANKYOU AND WANT TO LEARN - GOD BLESS YOU
Hi Robbie! What a beautiful day there! Here in Corpus Christi Texas mega heavy rain and flooding storming today. Over now. Backyard is a lake. Looking forward to this beautiful weather your having. Thank you for the video. ❤😊💯📌🌞
I wish for your weather to improve, but as you are waiting, I am coming up with NEW Ideas in gardening, that may give you ideas and a great boost to the warm weather coming soon. Take care!
Thank you for covering the subject of root systems. I did not even think about root systems except root veggies and mints. I appreciate you.❤
Hi Robbie and Gary! Thanks for your video! We use whatever we think will grow a veggie! We have 2500 cloves of garlic planted. We also have shallots, scallions, and all our herbs are in the house, because it's still to cold to plant. But I love your garden. God bless you both!
Thank goodness I saw this video today
I had planted 2-4 zucchinis in 1 pot
Need to transplant a few of them this week
Thank you, probably why I failed big time last year
Thank you Robbie for being so so so wonderful and teaching people about what is right for actually having a successful garden that produces! God bless you in all things! I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS AND TEACHINGS AND SHARING! Sherry :)
Hello Robbie, your video on how to grow in totes was very helpful, thank you for your honesty about how you actually get your tote garden success.
Robbie I think you did a great job explaining. I was told "natural" ingredients means they started with natural, but they are allowed to use other unnatural things to make that ingredient. I hope I wrote that correctly and did not confuse anyone.
I 've started with containers because of you for the past two years. I do put more than one lant per container, but pull out all roots at the end of the season and replenish with my own compost and a little Black Cow. So far, so good. Thanks.
THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS KEEPING IT REAL!! LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!! From OHIO & PUERTO RICO!! 🇵🇷
🇺🇸
I think sometimes people make things more complicated than they need to be. I two live in Southern California San Diego to be exact. I grow in totes also and I also go to Costco and buy those fake plastic where it looks like a half barrel I had zucchini one I had tomatoes and one and I had cucumbers and another one and they all did quite well. Make it easy make it fun. And watch Robbie she’ll show you how.
Did u drill side drainage holes in the fake barrels ?
I live in the middle of pine trees. Ai yi yi. You bet most of my pots are on chairs. I still have a lot to learn.
Thanks for the reminder that less can equal more. I’ve always known that over crowding a bed of plants/veggies can result in a small yield, (as my Mom had told me more times that I can call 😊), but sometimes I do and have regretted it.
But last year I planted peppers and tomatoes in their own containers and got plenty at harvest.
Just need to not let the excitement of planting outweigh my desire to grow a lot.
I've been doing totes for years. Added kiddie pools because I have the space. Even then I wasn't as serious about gardening as I am now. Having said all that, careful who you take advice from about gardening. Robbie and Gary inspire me in the way they grow and by how successful their gardens are. I scratched a lot of useless information and just watched how Robbie does things. Keep it simple. Cuts all the confusion and double speak because everyone has their own way of doing things. I'm finding my own flow and rhythm which is helpful. My pools are mostly herbs and I didn't think anything would come back because we have such harsh weather where I am, but much of it did just by me following the way Robbie does things. I compost with kitchen scraps and whatever is left over from plants that are typically cuttings etc. I do fertilize, but I don't really need to that much. The worms are doing their job in assisting growth. It just so happened, I was lucky in that dept because there was a shaded garden spot that was full of worms. I used as many between containers as I could and like I said, lots of things came back to my surprise. I even had a container with potatoes that I was sure had taken a dump come back. I was actually reusing the soil when I realized I had new potatoes in that thing 😂. I have gotten some good product info from other TH-cam gardeners if I want to use it, but I enjoy these videos the best. And ultimately, Robbie makes the most sense because she's connected to nature and I absolutely love that about her. I've learned that I don't have to spend a fortune either, now putting that in practice is another story 😂😂😂. I appreciate you Robbie mucho!!!! Love and hugs from WA state.
Robbi dear, you are bless you have made us saved a lot of money, and less worries , the man with the money dont like that, but keep up the good work , GOd Bless..... and tell Gary hi.. from the caribbean...
Wow, I did not know that about celery extract. When I would see that I thought it was OK. Thanks for the heads up.
Just another way to make nitrates
This video has helped me! This explains why these weeds popped up my mint pot. Now I can plant wiser this year!!
I battle big TIME with SLUGS and GRUBS so totes are great .I put mine on cinderblocks i dont have enough space for all the chairs. Im working on getting my soil healthy so hopefully that will keep the pest problem in order.I win some and lose some but just keep trying.I only started gardening when i retired ( three years ago) and those pest had YEARS to multiply 😅 .So im exercising patience in MY garden which is hard at times. Oh,and i use 5 gallon buckets as well.
I too used to battle the snails and slugs but using these techniques I have way less slugs. I've noticed I have a lot more of two critters: birds and earth worms. I speculate the increased earth worms bring more birds and the birds also patrol for slugs. Any way they are happy and I am too.
@@Bgraytful yep, the problem is now the slugs like my flowers. Lol .I don't put much in ground .I heard if the soil is healthy that cuts them down. I have to research more on this.
@@delphine88313 I used to be able to get ground oyster shells that would stop slugs from munching down the new seedlings just put out. But now all I can find is a refined packaged product that is supposedly "oyster shell" but it looks nothing like actual shells. The actual ground shells are rough and deter the slugs and don't wash away in the rain. The refined product does nothing. If you can find true ground oyster shells (sold at pet stores - for chickens) that can help. But it needs to look like a crushed shell, not a manufactured product.
@@Bgraytful ok .The thing is the YEARS I didn't do ANYTHING in my yard they have just are out of control and are HUGE MONSTERS lol.I will need a LOT of shells because I see the slime trail everywhere. I even saw it on my porch screen .Yucky Thanks
I also am a container gardener I live in northern Scotland uk, we also had problems with slugs ,I have had great success with beer traps , they can’t resist it , you could try beer traps I hope this helps
Thanks for the info on planting one plant with a big root ssytem in one tote. This is my first year using totes. Husband does the big garden. No raised beds. He's so old fashion. He built me a raised bed using cememnnt blocks. I only had three cucmber plants. Two black eye peas plants in that bed. They did okay. This year going to maybe put (only) three okra plants in that raised bed. Thanks for the info. I found it to be helpful to my container gardening. This is my second year.
I just found your channel. Wow! I’m impressed! I already garden in containers, due to bad back issues, but we use the huge tubs that grain comes in (we’re blessed to have a larger farm owner that gives them to us). I’m going to use as many of your methods as possible. And, this came at the right time. We’re just now putting out our gardens in zone 6B. Thank you for all of the amazing lessons! I’m a fan!
How Wonderful you have access to those large tubs, perfect❤️ I think if you use my method, you’ll find gardening really easy, thank you so much 😊 and take care and welcome ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your experience sharing...I want my starters to be more prolific and your advise on the tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and melons are on time for me!
You are so welcome 😊 Thank you
You ALWAYS give me something to think about! I have 16 totes. 8 more this year than last year. I have learned so much from you! ...what I've done wrong...but I keep on! Thank you thank you thank you!
I put old limbs in the bottom of my containers, then layer leaves, then garden soil, i started with plants that should be hilled like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, and add more soil as the rain causes the layers to settle. I get a lot of rain, so water is not an issue especially the leaves and dead wood act as a sponge. My potatoes, and tomatoes are huge. I planted my cherry tomatoes in large pots. I havent planted any huge plants like squash, melon, or brassica yet. I may have to transplant some of my tomatoes 😢 as i have more than one in a tote.
I'm somewhat new to this channel. I love your videos. I have been binge watching for a week or so now. I'm currently waiting on my second solar pump to arrive, the first one came broken. I am successfully growing in an old refrigerator for a few years now. I also have a 12 by 25 feet garden in the ground that usually looks like a jungle by August, due to my lack of staying on top of weeding here in Ohio. I'm now going to try your container and layering method. I'm looking forward to more of your videos. I have been gardening for 20 years with many successes and failures. But I am gaining so much more valuable information from you and your channel. Thank you.
So informative. Thanks for all your information. I've had great success with all your tips. You have also saved me lots of money. You're the best!!!
I find growing in 8x4 foot 1ft high worked great and I planted so many plants it did great I had at least 3 squash and tomatoes with rich gardening soil I bought in bulk from a local landscaping shop I had so much success
I once tried a drawer that i had for tomatoes...it was my first. I didnt even put holes in it..bcus i didnt think it needed it...omg, got the best cherry tomatoes!!!!!
This is the wide spacing single row type of growing I learned about from David the Good only for container gardening. The philosophy of giving roots room to spread out is the same.
He's published a book by Steve Solomon called Water Wise Gardening that goes into the theory and practice of giving plants lots of room and the benefits of that.
The difference is that in the Water Wise book it's about growing with minimal non-rainfall water inputs. So roots need to be able to spread out to search for water and nutrients so the plants cannot be too close or they all suffer.
However your point about not letting plants crowd each other even if they get enough water is very important. There's only so much room in any container after all.
Of course this is an ancient way of gardening/farming but the intensive gardening methods that became super-popular starting in the 70s (though it's been practiced for much longer of course) pushed the wide-spaced concept to the side.
I am doing grow pots with one individual plants per pot, I figure it would be easier for me and not be over whelmed since this is my first time this year to do a garden, Retired this year and have never did any gardening before. I have enjoyed your channel and your endless tips.
“If you know what you’re doing, shut this off and do something else” Lol! I’ve been gardening forever and I love your videos!! and yes, I’ve learned a few things from you.
I really don't do container gardening, so you brought up some issues that I haven't thought about! @20:58 when the list of plants and their respective _root systems_ begins .. we often don't think of the space that the root systems take. It is easy enough to see the growth _above_ ground, and also easy to assume that what we see above ground is going to be reflected below .. and that might be true to an extent, but different plants do have different growth habits for their roots - I try to avoid planting root vegetables near plants with shallow root systems, for example - not because of competition for root space, but because the harvesting of the vegetable would disrupt the shallow rooted plant (so no sweet potatoes or cannas alongside blueberries!). Depending on soil type and available resources, spacing for root development *does* enter the picture for gardening outside of containers, too - so this list is good for everyone. Nice job Robbie!
Your ideas on container gardening have given me a practical and chap way to double the gardening space I have because I now am able to use the space near my trees with invasive roots. I am experimenting this year with an in ground raised bed one more time using the huglekulture approach (logs and wood on bottom layer) but I fear it is still too close to an invasive fig tree. We will see. Just to be safe I've filled empty spaces with plants in pots so I will get SOME results regardless.
@Robbie and Gary : congratulations on 302,000 subscribers !!!! Keep growing !!!!
That made a lot of sense and you explained it well.
Thank you.
I'm going to try to grow some tomatoes for sure, I'm in Michigan and don't even buy them their so tasteless, I have to watch more of your video's,I'm so happy I found you, I want to make soil Oh my goodness I'm so excited! Thank you
Originally from Mich. You should have no problem growing them there. In the ground! If you plant them in pot. Be sure it’s a big one. Their root system is huge. This fall. Collect and save leaves from the trees. It makes the best compost! I had 10 acres and a gr house up there. There’s alot you can grow! Squash does great too!
BRAVO!!!!! You are absolutely right about celery seed extract. I have a degree in Agricultural Science and have worked in horticulture and the food safety industry. You CANNOT produce cured meat products safely without nitrites. Celery seed extract is a source of nitrites. I think it is disgusting that marketing capitalizes on peoples lack of knowledge, giving the a false sense of security. You are also absolutely right about plant spacing. Extensive research as been done on minimizing production inputs (space/ nutrients) for maximum production . Overcrowded plants cannot maximize there water and nutrient needs for maximum growth. It is a constant source of frustration for me when people promote things that have no basis in basic biological principles and fact. Keep up the good work Robbie.
That’s a really interesting comment. What about the safety of using the celery seeds themselves in cooking etc…are they potentially harmful do you think if used excessively? 🙂👍🏻
@@trappedinroom1014 I believe it's a fermentation type extraction process. I don't think you could ever eat enough celery seed as it is to cause any problems. It's like so many things the danger is in the dose. To much water is bad for you too.😄
You just straight up make so much sense!! Many thanks!
I’m basically a beginner even though I grew tomatoes successfully years ago. Last year before I planned on planting vegetables, I had a massive earwig invasion that destroyed all my roses. Used “safe” granules and the next morning spray to finally get rid of them. Never planted after that just in case. So far I see no earwigs but I’m worried if I do pots, veggies etc. (lots of time/labor and money) the earwigs may return.
@Fishy they were in my backyard that gets all day sun through the setting sun and my house is stucco and there were tons of them, climbing up the protected part (where I can sit outside in a small area even if it’s raining)of the stucco wall of my house, and at night I also discovered them in all of my roses and walking across the concrete patio. I do have a lawn so that the sprinklers switch would come on 3 to 4 times a week at night. No real shade there other than after sunset.
My neighbor up the street said she saw a huge earwig invasion up at her end of the block also.
They were horrible last year. I'm zone 9B in Central California. I hate earwigs.
I fill my whiskey barrel with store bought gardening soil and I mix worm castings, blood and bone meal and 25% vermiculite to 75% soil to help with retaining moisture, then supply water soluble fertilizer once every 7 days. And wow my garden is beautiful whether planting in pots or ground. And pest are killed by spraying a mixture of cold pressed neem oil, water and natural dish detergent keep mix well. This spray kills bugs and prevents different types of mold like powdery mildew and such from attacking your garden. Hope this helps someone 😊
I just saw a video similar to what you’re talking about. It was clear to me the zucchini were all carefully placed around the plant and they pretended to cut them off the plant. It was frustrating to see it had over. 1 million views That’s a lot of people getting duped.
You can make very inexpensive raised beds out of Allura Cement Board 3x5 foot two boards. Cut them into 1x5 foot pieces (6 pieces total) and you have a 10x5x1 foot raised bed. Cut a 2x4x10 board for the corners. Cut it into six 1.5 foot pieces (6 pieces total) for the corners and to connect the middle. Use a cut T-Post, cut to 2 foot to support the sides in the middle. Use screws to connect the Allura board to the 2x4 pieces. Drill two holes through the middle boards and run a wire through in a U shape to connect the T-Post
The Allura Board cost about $15 per sheet and you need two of them. The total cost altogether is about $45. Fill it with composted soil. The Allura Board is almost indestructible and will last for over 30 years or more. Maybe even longer. Most large lumber supply stores should have the Allura Board. I bought mine from Sutherlands. With 3 Allura Boards you can cut them in half and make a 10x5x1.5 foot raised bed.
The prefab metal beds can cost $300. You can build the same thing out of the Allura Board for a fraction of the cost. And it will actually last longer.
Thank you for sharing this smart approach.
Love your honesty! Love and light to you and your garden always.
Great info , you have alot of helpful knowledge, I do everything natural no chemicals, make my own compost and mulch, also have those large black nursery pots leftover from bushes and trees
And that all works perfect ❤️
Robbie you are amazing and talk so much sense , so educational,
Thank you so much for this and all your amazing vids 🙏❤️
Your methods work! I am in SC and have chayote, squash, greens, peppers, tomatoes, greens of all kinds, onions, cukes, beans, herbs, & berries So much to list! I am having a hard time with my chickens. They figure out how to get in everything! Totes have been the best planters ever. I use them for weeding and let it compost down then transfer it to other totes. Easy and cheap!! Thank you for using what you have and being frugal! I am constantly asking myself what would Robbie do? One thing I did splurge with is a 12 pod hydroponic system. I can sprout my greens inside then transfer to totes. It is working great! The micro greens idea is magical in them. I just let them get about a month old and then plant out.
Another video on COMPANION PLANTING would also be of benefit. That was big quite few years ago. Like peas and green beans (i think ) fixing nitrogen in the soil. I used to have a book on that.
I have a great time and for my 7th year now using 5 gallon wicking buckets. Have Tons of tomatoes, cucs , peppers of many types and herbs in them. Wicking buckets work like magic for me...
I do container gardening in my apartment. Yes it works. You have to have container big enough and deep enough for roots, a container's to catch the drainage, as good drainage is still important to prevent root rot and mold. And you have to know how to hand pollinate the plants and when. It works, yes you need windows with southern sunlight along with full spectrum grow lights. Don't fall for less than full spectrum lights, if you want good fruit and vegetable production. Create the out door environment indoor as much as possible.
Thank you for this video! I am going to try what you said. It certainly won’t hurt, because I’ve not had any luck in growing for four years. I skipped last year, but I’m trying it again.
You should be able to grow, may have been the soil, not necessarily something you did
@@RobbieAndGaryGardeningEasy My yard is mostly white sand. I have tried garden soil on top, but the small amounts that I managed to harvest was out of shape and small. I tried tomatoes in containers, one died right away. The next take awhile, but it eventually died as well. The third one produced a couple of tomatoes that were small. Then it died. So going by your teaching I had too many plants in the container. I’ve got some plants in containers now. But starting tomorrow I’m going to start taken out plants and only put just one in a container. Hopefully this will cause better and more produce. I appreciate your response and thoughtfulness!
Robbie, I love the way you presented this. Well done.
Thank you kindly!