Make Your Own Potting Compost

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
  • Either buy compost for propagation, or you can make it. With homemade you know what's in there. See possibilities here: having good materials to make your own needs forethought and that you made suitable compost.
    Why compost not soil?
    Compost has a fine crumb structure, good aeration, decent drainage. Although the soil at Homeacres is great soil, it is dense and wet in cells and pots.
    What makes a good mix?! In order of importance:
    1 Nutrient density, 2 Good drainage, 3 Holds moisture, 4 Weed free.
    I show three possible main ingredients sieved to 4mm,
    1 Own compost
    2 Worm compost
    3 Woodchip compost - must be dry enough to sieve, makes manure difficult
    PLUS in small amounts (and why) are soil, perlite/vermiculite, sand, minerals like seaweed powder, wood ash, basalt dust.
    00:04 Any new sowings are for trial purposes!
    00:38 Multisown radish, 5 seeds per cell
    00:54 Result with homemade compost when it's good
    01:39 Dramatic comparison between 2 different composts
    02:04 What is digestate 'compost'
    02.31 So-called 'organic' compost
    02:49 My composts for this video
    03:00 Result of sieving homemade compost to 12mm / half inch
    04.20 Result of sieving composts to 4mm / 1/6in
    04:58 Composts need to be dry for sieving to work
    05:58 18 month old compost 4mm
    06:25 Three year old wood chip to 4mm
    07:07 Worm compost to 4mm, includes a little soil from being on the ground
    07:58 How to run worm composting at different scales
    09:17 Be creative, according to what you have available
    10:10 Amazing weight differences of soil, compost, vermiculite
    11:29 Wood ash
    11:51 Rockdust from basalt / volcanic
    12:38 3 kale plants, 6 months in 2L. pots of different composts
    13.15 (spent) Mushroom compost
    13:44 Propagation fun
    14:16 An easy way to mix ingredients
    Children's Gardening Book charlesdowding...
    Online propagation lessons, short course charlesdowding...
    We did more compost trials in the greenhouse last spring • Comparing different co...
    And this is one of me How to Propagate • Propagation 2 first so...
    You can join this channel by paying a monthly fee, to support our work with helping gardeners grow better, and to receive monthly videos made only for members:
    / @charlesdowding1nodig
  • แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต

ความคิดเห็น • 439

  • @smouncy2359
    @smouncy2359 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I am 11 and I watch these videos not even with anyone I chose to watch these and usually it’s the parents telling the children how to grow thing and garden but I am the one that tells my parents what to do 😂 I am obsessed with growing things

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Great attitude, often you will know more than your parents, except in terms of "lived life" and dealing with problems :(
      Gardening and growing is great for gaining many insights though, and having a brighter brain, I wish you well.

    • @smouncy2359
      @smouncy2359 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig thank you you much for replying ❤️

  • @GreenSideUp
    @GreenSideUp ปีที่แล้ว +96

    It's been about 4 years now since I made up my own compost mixes, simply because all of my compost has been aimed squarely at making no dig beds. But my recipe was aimed at the old John Innes one, which I would make a couple of dustbins full of, then change each batch as I needed to use it, making either more free draining or richer as needed. I think compost is going to be such a huge thing from now on with prices going up and quality going the other way. I would urge all gardeners to start making their own and experimenting...Steve...🙂

    • @therian_forever12
      @therian_forever12 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Yes, if you grow a lot of things in pots it can be a huge expense.

    • @Electedsphinx40
      @Electedsphinx40 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Compost and chickens are about to be huge as everyone is realizing these two literally put half the food business in shambles

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      😂

    • @albertbell7120
      @albertbell7120 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes and once these lunatics have phased out peat based … tried this season and most things without peat what I’ve grown are no where near the ones in peat based … started to make my own compost

    • @christinethompson3579
      @christinethompson3579 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ⁠@@albertbell7120they want rid of peat because it works!
      If we grow our own food we don’t need to buy it so the lunatics make no money from us. Don’t forget they’re trying to control us fully .

  • @tedbastwock3810
    @tedbastwock3810 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    9:07 "... that mix is working for me at the moment... Its not like I can give you the perfect recipe that can work every time ...your X will be different from mine, your Y will be different than mine ..."
    There have never been words spoken that are more honest than this. It takes a true teacher, it takes someone with a true understanding, only the best teacher can speak like this. Even greats of the past, and greats they indeed were, pushed and promoted their own specific and detailed recipes that they claim worked everywhere. Charles is clearly the GOAT, bar none. Thank you, Professor Dowding

  • @nickhammersonrocks
    @nickhammersonrocks ปีที่แล้ว +2

    NOTHING LIKE GETTING FREE COMPOST !!!!!! THANKS PETE PEAT !!!!!!!

  • @royormonde3682
    @royormonde3682 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I built a compost bay system back in 2018 modeled on your main compost area you have with the tin roof. Mine is a 3 bay system about 1.5 metres square in each bay and a couple years ago I made a couple frames that sit on top of the 3rd bay with 10 mil screening which the final compost goes through just before I use it, taking the large woody material out which then goes back into the second bay for more composting. I also use this screening rack for drying the onions in the fall......cheers Charles, your videos are as always very informative and contain real world practical knowledge we can see and follow as your garden grows. Looks like 2023 will be another very successful year.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for your lovely comment, Roy and you are clearly a very practical man! That's a brilliant idea.

  • @user-rc5dc3cv1y
    @user-rc5dc3cv1y ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Здравствуйте Чарльз! У нас ,в Самаре, ещё глубокая зима. Получаю удовольствие от просмотра вашего ролика. Осенью привезла с дачи компост для рассады,за что Вам очень благодарна! Ваши советы пошли мне на пользу! В конце февраля буду сеять томаты и перцы для выращивания в теплице. Раньше, когда не готовила компост,покупала и добавляла в грунт гранулированный конский навоз. Теперь такой необходимости нет. Есть компост! И он мне заменит это! Здоровья Вам ,Чарльз и огромных урожаев! С приветом к Вам из России!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Я взволнован, чтобы прочитать это! Удивительно, что вы так далеко и пользуетесь этими знаниями и идеями. Я очень рад, что теперь вы можете делать и использовать хороший компост

  • @christopherburman3340
    @christopherburman3340 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Rock dust is good in worm compost. Worms are like chucks. They need grit or sand to chew on. So rock dust is a good mix. Worms also seem to like a little lime

  • @redmonkey3556
    @redmonkey3556 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    About the Rock dust, I put it directly in my worm composte so it can composte with the rest, its a realy slow process to break it down but the microbes love it.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, absolutely right! That's actually how are use it mostly, and it's why I should prefer to use seaweed for the extra minerals here, I'm getting some next week

    • @redmonkey3556
      @redmonkey3556 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig seeweed or kelp is good but feromagnetic basalt rock dust bring something else to the table

    • @redmonkey3556
      @redmonkey3556 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig the reason I use it is for de diversity of microbes that feed on it
      diverity is life, more diversity never hurts

  • @eb1684
    @eb1684 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Looks like a beautiful January day in England!

  • @rickthelian2215
    @rickthelian2215 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Now we need to see the results of seeding something within this mix😀🇦🇺

  • @curtdunlap6818
    @curtdunlap6818 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Buckets work well for mixing potting mix, but a cement mixer is so much more fun! 😄 I removed the handle and snapped a lid on my bucket, then rolled it around on the ground. That seemed to work pretty well. It would also be a good way to entertain your young gardeners for a while too!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      😂 good thoughts, but I'm no fan of motor noise!

    • @howardchambers9679
      @howardchambers9679 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@CharlesDowding1nodigyou know you can get electric mixers? I use one to mix in some sharp sand with my home made riddled compost. Makes a lovely seed compost.

    • @albertbell7120
      @albertbell7120 ปีที่แล้ว

      I use to use a mixer when I grew my show leeks … secret ingredients all went in and made life a lot easier

  • @mdriskell3057
    @mdriskell3057 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    We received your children's book in the mail! It is absolutely wonderful, and we look forward to the experiments! I also received your No Dig book for Christmas! Thank you for all the hard work you and your team do to help us grow food!

  • @TheFarmDream
    @TheFarmDream ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Really like the idea of a worm compost. After seeing you do it over the last month's I feel we need to give it a try this year!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Go for it Raymond, space requirement is not too much!

    • @johndyer9232
      @johndyer9232 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@iteerrex8166 Not what? Who? Raymond, is a person Charles apparently knows to operate the site the comment came from.

    • @mcoates111
      @mcoates111 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It goes to -40° where I live, so I put my little wormies in a garbage can and put them in my utility room where it's cooler than the rest of my home. They munched on my kitchen scraps, and I just checked them the other day. They are happy and active and multiplying like crazy. Experiment is a success!

  • @OffGridWithTheUdens
    @OffGridWithTheUdens ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Charles I feel you are one of the world's treasures ☺️☺️ Looking into doing one of your online courses and cannot wait!

  • @rickthelian2215
    @rickthelian2215 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’m glad to see the worm castings, I was wondering how the worms where doing.😊

  • @jonahpoll9886
    @jonahpoll9886 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    First year of making my own compost.
    You are a big inspiriation !
    Greets from holland

  • @geofflowton4165
    @geofflowton4165 ปีที่แล้ว

    bought 2 of the childrens books the grandchildren are fascinated with it thank you

  • @tree.....4884
    @tree.....4884 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thats my boy Charles!!!! was just talking about making potting compost this week, yeaaaaaa boiiiiiii

  • @3DPrinterAcademy
    @3DPrinterAcademy ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Always amazed at how good your seedlings look. I 3D printed a 4mm sieve and it works great!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are so cool Stephen! What do you reckon it cost in materials, electricity and time? I know that's not the point for you, but I'm just interested.

    • @3DPrinterAcademy
      @3DPrinterAcademy ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig Great question! it would cost $5.09 USD in materials and roughly $0.38 USD in electricity (at UK electricity rates) and 5.5 hours to print.

    • @artstamper316
      @artstamper316 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@3DPrinterAcademy So cool!

  • @audas
    @audas ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Charles. Again - the key for myself to gardening is that I grow soil. Digestate? I looked it up - anaerobic. There it is. The key to great soil, like any living this is air. It allows all the microbes to thrive which is the symbiotic relationship to the fine filaments on roots for nutrient take up.
    Rock dust is an American thing and I too am dubious.
    My compost is basically ALL my kitchen scraps in wheelie bins - meat, possums (Australian here), eggs, anything - then double the weight of wood shavings.
    Once I have enough I simply create a fast compost pile, well watered down and in 2-3 weeks I have amazing compost. There are lots of large chunks, filled with mycelium.
    I use this and my six inches of wood chips and the growth rate is excellent.
    I pull back some chips, lay some seedling / potting mix and direct sow - especially radishes. The available nutrients and they are pushing each other out of the ground !
    You have excellent worm farms. But they are too slow for me. And all that sieving with a young family is difficult.
    Great video.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      I love this! The basics and suited to your climate, materials and time available.
      Here I reckon woodlice (slaters) would devour seedlings grown like this, in our conditions.
      At least we all have air 😀, except in the digesters!

    • @audas
      @audas ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig I have found that chips seems to eliminate almost all critters. I think it provides such a natural habitat like the forest floor that they simply do not need to eat anything else - its very strange. Using straw I found that I was breeding ear wigs and many other creatures. Australia has lots of wind and plenty of heat - so covering the soil has huge benefits. The growth is honestly astonishing.

  • @kensearle4892
    @kensearle4892 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    End of January, Golf in Hawaii, and a Compost video from Charles Dowding... signs to start thinking about the garden again :)

  • @icouldjustscream
    @icouldjustscream ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Our little garden is urban, so space is an issue. Even so, I still have a homemade pallet compost bin and a twiggy/branchy compost pile where we throw brush cuttings, etc. I would love to have a wormery 🪱, but I would have to keep them in the house over winter here 🇨🇦! My husband would draw the line at that! I do buy a big bag of worm compost in the spring, a little goes a long way. Thank you for the compost tutorial !

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Well, considering your climate and small space, you are doing really well. And thanks for making me smile at the thought of having a wormery in the house!! I do understand your husbands point of view 😂

    • @ninemoonplanet
      @ninemoonplanet ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I keep my wormery in my kitchen. The worms don't escape, there's no odour, and it so handy to add diced vegs or other things right into.
      Added bonus, winter doesn't slow it down.
      I avoid meat, animal products like dairy (that will make it stink) and the allium family, same reason along with the worms just don't like onions, garlic, etc.

    • @mcoates111
      @mcoates111 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My wormies are in a garbage can in my utility room as it goes to -40° here. No smell, no mess, just happy little worms.

    • @angelad.8944
      @angelad.8944 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig Worms everywhere when the power goes out too, haha 😁

    • @cherylhowker1792
      @cherylhowker1792 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My worm farm is in my lounge, but it’s more an everyday room and gardening room games room etc. I look after them as little pets really and treat them well they are hard workers and extremely happy here.

  • @janetrush8340
    @janetrush8340 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh my a new book for children. Had to stop the video and go order it. Now to go make compost and get some seeds started. Thank you Charles, I've learned so much from you.

  • @BillLowenburg
    @BillLowenburg ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great suggestions, thanks! I like the idea of experimenting. Everyone has to find out for themself what works in their area with the materials available. I always have three or four compost piles going and their composition always varies. In general I use a lot of oak leaves, grass clippings, kitchen cuttings, wood ash. I also keep several “long-term” piles, with old garden plants, weeds, leaves, and ornamental grasses. In these I don’t chop anything, I just pile it up. These piles take years to break down and I often use them as mulch around small trees I’ve transplanted. For me there’s no perfect formulae for compost, soil, etc. I just combine a big mixture of organic ingredients and turn the pile over from time to time. I’ve found that trying to achieve fast results isn’t worth the worry - I mean after all aren’t we interested in gardening as an alternative to the attitude of instant gratification promoted by the online and advertising world?

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for sharing this Bill, and your last sentence is magnificent! It's part of the joy of making compost, seeing how long is needed and how it always varies 😀

  • @ht6684
    @ht6684 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That's brilliant using the worm composte as a screen. I have some laying around.

  • @happyfisherman4432
    @happyfisherman4432 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thanks Charles, I learn a lot from you and apply it to my attempts at growing a few things like herbs, salad greens, bush beans and tomatoes on my 2nd floor apartment deck in 10 gallon grow bags. this will be my 5th year. I am in zone 8b on the west coast of Canada,, I live by myself so it is a great hobby. I spend lots of time out on my deck in summer just drinking a beer and relaxing enjoying the greenery.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds great, thanks for sharing, hope you get out there soon

  • @anniinglucksdorf960
    @anniinglucksdorf960 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This was such a wonderful video! I managed my compost much better last season then the ones before and "harvesting" great compost felt like my biggest achievement last growing season! It feels so empowering! I did start new beds with store bought compost last season and growth was very poor. Spreading my homemade compost on top this autumn felt so good!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      This is wonderful to see Anni, and it makes me happy that you are happy! And empowered.

  • @jasonhewlett1283
    @jasonhewlett1283 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Maybe making your own potting compost mixes will become popular once again. Just like gardeners did before commercially made peat based composts.

  • @valerieburkett2903
    @valerieburkett2903 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is great information . You are a gem!

  • @compostjohn
    @compostjohn ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nice video Charles. I do a potting mix made from mature food and garden 'waste' composted for about 2 years, aged leafmould, and loam harvested from thrown-away turf made into walls and stacked on pallets for a few years - all sieved and blended using a rotasieve. For an ordinary potting medium, about equal quantities of the three. For heavy feeders, more of the rich mature compost, and for seed growing medium, more of the leafmould. I've had good results from this blend, and plenty of customers coming back for more. I've never used rock dust, but have experimented with drying out some clay subsoil and powdering that and adding it into the 'loam' bit of the mix. I believe clay has some good mineral content.

  • @ibrstellar1080
    @ibrstellar1080 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Another information packed video and I love the experiments you share with us as it offers a brilliant template for learning new methods.

  • @lelandshanks3590
    @lelandshanks3590 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks Charles for this starter mix info, very nice for young plants.

  • @MotosAllotmentGarden
    @MotosAllotmentGarden ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, Information will come in handy for next month when i start sowing all my seedling, Thank you 😊

  • @morgan0598
    @morgan0598 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much for this. I'm currently doing smaller ways of composting since I don't have much space but eventually when I move somewhere with more property I plan on making all my compost needs. Your videos help me learn so much every time. I love your tests comparing the different composts. I appreciate that you don't say 'don't do this or that' you actually explain why I should steer away from this or that.

  • @homegardens7682
    @homegardens7682 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Going to be using some of my own potting compost this year. Thanks for the additional nudge! Great video Charles.

  • @Qopzeep
    @Qopzeep ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks! You didn't mention leaf mould as an option. I've taken cuttings from my perennial kale last year and put them in a 50/50 mix of 2-year old leaf mould and well-rotted horse manure, with a little play sand to help drainage. They've taken off like a rocket! It was a little experimental but I'm very impressed. Root ball seems to be healthy and happy. Might use it as a potting mix this year :)!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yes, sorry I wish I had. Just happened not to have many tree leaves here, I need to get hold of some! That's great news about your mix, thanks for sharing.

  • @soniasarina
    @soniasarina ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very interesting, thank you!! I will try the « leftover » from last years hotbed (horse manure) which had many worms in it after a few months as this years potting compost. 😍

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Best of luck Sonia, and dry it a little first somehow if you want to sieve it

  • @weescotsman17
    @weescotsman17 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great to see you mention Rock Dust as one of the compost ingredients. Many years ago on holiday in the Pitlochry area we visited the Farm where they started the concept. 1000ft up on a windy mountain side it was incredible to see the size and quality of the fruit and veg they were producing. Utterly mind blowing in such a barren place.

  • @DrNickBailey
    @DrNickBailey ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another a lovely video, and particularly interesting after hearing on BBC GQT last week the recommendation to never use home made seed sowing compost! I've rarely bought seed compost, preferring the art (read 'play') of making my own. I sometimes find seedlings grow tall too quickly which I suspect is due to too much nutrients. But after seeing this and the following video I wonder if its also me not planting out soon enough.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Oh my goodness, I hope I have misunderstood you that 'GQT were recommending not to use home-made compost for seed compost'? That is such nonsense, as you can see here!
      Yes, your seedlings are growing too tall from being crowded because they are large and jostling each other for light. Transplanting sooner will reduce that. See the more recent video for how I plant them deep!

    • @DrNickBailey
      @DrNickBailey ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig sadly not, at 20 mins in on the 'Balcome' episode two panelists suggest home made is too hard to achieve good results 😔. Not my experience, but I really need to try your trays and do that early prick out 👌

  • @denisebrady6858
    @denisebrady6858 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Oh Charles this video has come just at the right time for me 😊 as the Seed Raising Mix I have been buying is so woody & I have been having to sift it & yes it is hard work. I am trialing a new one currently so I will hold back my judgement until the seedlings come up & see how strong they are. Great video from you as always. Cheers Denise- Australia (35C over here at the moment)

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thankyou Denise and good luck with the new compost. I'm glad you have some warmth as well, everything must be growing very fast!

  • @odette8905
    @odette8905 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always inspired after watching a video with you, Charles. Thank you.

  • @gardening_with_william_demille
    @gardening_with_william_demille ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the awesome ideas Charles.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My pleasure and great that you are the first to comment William 🌱

  • @nizamkuccukaytekin2845
    @nizamkuccukaytekin2845 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Türkiyr'den selamlar.Bu değerli bilgilerin için size teşekkür ederim. İnsanlara yüzde yüz faydası dokunacak bilgiler veriyorsunuz. Kısmet olursa baharın kırsal bir alana taşınacağim ve orada hobi plarak sizden ögrendiğim bilgileri uygulamaya çalışacağim.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Bunu duymak çok güzel! Paylaşım için teşekkürler ve başarılı bir hareket diliyorum

  • @potagermalo
    @potagermalo ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Superbe vidéo bravo 😉😊
    A bientôt

  • @peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920
    @peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good morning, Charles, from Windermere, Florida zone 9b USA 🇺🇸 🌞
    Great video 👍 Santa brought a Sifting set and I'm growing muscles. My worm Castings are a bit too moist, and I'm impatiently Sifting. What I am harvesting is so beautiful. 🪱💩🪱 I can't wait to get planting.
    70's 🌞all week.
    Take care My Friend 💚❤️💚

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Very nice! The best time of year for your climate, I reckon, Peggy! And that compost sounds great, if a little moist for your present!

  • @Hicklety
    @Hicklety ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am going to use your 4-pour method of mixing from now on. Reminds me of how they make a beverage called "teh tarik" travelling in Malaysia.

  • @georgegretzky7139
    @georgegretzky7139 ปีที่แล้ว

    You have the most idea most fantastic gardening I want to thank you so much for great idea are you in Garden for over 30 years and you are the best Gardener I ever saw on TH-cam you should to teaching television you're a Searcher acknowledged on everything God bless you

  • @rubyquinonez5966
    @rubyquinonez5966 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    me gusta tu composta mister charly. cerca de donde vivo hay un parque ! descubri que puedo hacer intercambio,llevo semilllas y canjeo composta !

  • @tinawagener7942
    @tinawagener7942 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for talking step-by-step, how to make potting soil. I container garden and this is perfect!

  • @naturegirlmia
    @naturegirlmia ปีที่แล้ว

    AMAZING!!!! You speak of cow manure. Our Jerseys got out last Fall and a few of them were roaming around the lawn when we got back home. We now see after the snow has melted very green, a little taller, very round maybe a foot by foot circles out growing the other lawn grass in the lawn. Now if we could just get them to stop and deposit ( and stand still ) long enough where each tomato plant will reside this Summer, lol!!!

  • @lisabevans8107
    @lisabevans8107 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ty Charles. This was just what I needed. I've wanted to get going on preparations. It's just been so cold here (your lows have been our highs). I've had no ambition. Happy composting.

  • @naomi2646
    @naomi2646 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Chatles, I enjoyed the visit, great information

  • @patriciavincent5076
    @patriciavincent5076 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great information. I’m going to spend much more time cleaning and regenerating my gardens this season. Thank you Charles!

  • @fabiennekasbergen287
    @fabiennekasbergen287 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for all you do to educate and make people enthusiastic about no dig and the pleasure of growing your own food. Since a few weeks I have the garden space to start my own 'Eden' and am happy to have you 'by my side' (on youtube, articles, book etc).

  • @helenblest8699
    @helenblest8699 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I make my own potting compost with half compost and half leaf mould. Which is normally good but it just a potting compost and if the plants are in the pots more than a month, they need something more to grow.

  • @Tsa4048
    @Tsa4048 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    So interesting and answered questions I had on my mind lately. Like the idea of being creative and just trying things out. Looking forward to the next video. Thank you Charles! 🙏

  • @ThatBritishHomestead
    @ThatBritishHomestead ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i need to dig out my compost really!

  • @clivesconundrumgarden
    @clivesconundrumgarden ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent, we started seed sowing last year, mainly following your advice, and had fantastic results.
    This year, we're using 40% our sieved compost, 40% leaf mold, and 20% worms castings.
    So far, with great success.
    Thanks again
    Cheers from Victoria Canada

  • @garypeluso3300
    @garypeluso3300 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great information! I had a store bought compost bin and put in mostly food scrap. To my surprise it attracted literally 1000s of worms. Seems they like cantaloupe melon. Didn't even try to create a worm bin and it produced over 50 pounds of castings in a year. Since moving to a new location I should try again.

  • @helenlatimer9230
    @helenlatimer9230 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you Charles for all your videos and knowledge, I’ve learnt so much from you. 😊

  • @tomm5228
    @tomm5228 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, just moved and have a compost bin, fantastic compost in, hope I can make some

  • @robertling9872
    @robertling9872 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you Charles for this interesting video about compost based potting soil. Good luck with the new growing season.

  • @somethingsomething7890
    @somethingsomething7890 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I made my first homemade compost recently and your many videos about it helped so much. The compost is about 7 months old and it's filled with worms and i have been very happy with it

    • @smas3256
      @smas3256 ปีที่แล้ว

      Worms are very happy too.
      Charles is inspiring.
      We would have given up back yard gardening but Charles and no dig teaching changed that. Very little expense. Great success. Better tasting. $$$ saved.
      In our mid 70's, learning much and great exercise.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      So good, thanks for sharing!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      💚💚

  •  ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you! I have learned somuch from your comparative trials over the years....

  • @spir5102
    @spir5102 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the great info. I have been using Elliot Coleman’s recipe by in his Four season harvest book. I use green sand, phosphate and alfalfa meal as nutrients. It has worked well but I appreciate new ideas.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sounds great! And yes, one can always improve/change according to what materials are available.

    • @spir5102
      @spir5102 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig thank you. Just a note, I did find last year that green sand was hard to get hold of. So that’s why I appreciate the alternatives you show us. Blessings!

  • @l.d-h3841
    @l.d-h3841 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Looks beautiful. The recommended ratio for “homemade" here in the US is often just half peat and half perlite. Which is, of course, just a commercial mix without the pellet fertilizer. Now that I’ve been making our own compost for a few years I’ll finally get to make our own starting mix. I’m just feeling good about getting away from peat.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, it's empowering to have more control like that, I hope your plants like the new mix and they will give you the feedback you need!

  • @kangtani_indonesia
    @kangtani_indonesia ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing information about compost

  • @smas3256
    @smas3256 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing. Showing all these examples sure makes life easier. As you said, soil needs drainage.
    I think plant growth is akin to human. Our bodies use the nutrients it needs. The extra goes down the "drain".
    It makes sense that plants do the same. A plant uses the nutrients it needs.
    A well balanced medium is like a balanced diet for humans.
    I can't take full credit. Garden Like a Viking "plants take up what they need". Nate Muir admires you and your work.

  • @alanchamberlain4173
    @alanchamberlain4173 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really excellent teaching video. I'm probably not going to make my own potting compost (though I am going to buy some CD30s etc) but there is so much information and illustration there. Great. Thanks again.

  • @kath-phlox
    @kath-phlox ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You made soup there Charles :)

  • @joshlovegood9392
    @joshlovegood9392 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Brilliant Charles ! I’d love to see a comparison between your magic potting mix and Moreland Gold! Here in Australia good potting compost / seed raising mix doesn’t really exist . It’s always devoid of any nutrition . Making it is the only way down under :) looking forward to seeing more of your concoctions !

  • @garthwunsch
    @garthwunsch ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent confirmation of what I’ve been experimenting with… a peat & coir free potting mix! I had two year old coarse arborist’s wood chips that I passed through my chipper that makes very small chips. I’m intending to make more biochar and add a bit of that to aid drainage and nutrients. I didn’t chip the outside of the pile as those bits hadn’t decayed at all.

  • @heronildacolonfuentes4247
    @heronildacolonfuentes4247 ปีที่แล้ว

    Saludos Charles desde Puerto Rico!!!🌱🌱🌱🐞

  • @georgegretzky7139
    @georgegretzky7139 ปีที่แล้ว

    I want to thank you for beautiful knowledge

  • @RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia
    @RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia ปีที่แล้ว

    I Recently came across 10 year old composted cow manure from a Organic farm that they said i can have all of it. 10 dump truck loads of 15 yards each. I've been having them dump it in every crevice i can clear space for. It's incredibly rich and Fluffy saw dust based stuff. I Thought that even with it's advanced age and possible diluted nutrients, that it would still have great value as bulk material that i can add to or supplement if needed. The best part is it's Free !

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That sounds absolutely amazing, and I wish you fine harvests. There is certainly nothing wrong with old manure, more that by 10 years it's lost some of its volume.

  • @christopherburman3340
    @christopherburman3340 ปีที่แล้ว

    Worm compost is a winner. I add a little to fairly regular compost as an innoculant. Use soil blocks. Soil blocks work well for me in high temperatures (am in South Africa preparing for winter and it has been over 30 degrees C for a month)

  • @stevietv321
    @stevietv321 ปีที่แล้ว

    I can see why people love gardening so much. It’s so fascinating and I have tried to jump in and learn all I can. But for me, I can hardly stand the bugs and creepy crawlies. Everyone’s gardens look pristine. Please tell me how I can overcome this obstacle and have a beautiful garden 😁

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Stevie, I get that! I
      t takes some knowledge and practice. For each vegetable you want to grow, you need to do some homework about best methods. From videos here, or in a book.
      Don't expect perfection, but you may well achieve it some of the time!

  • @DhangsKitchen
    @DhangsKitchen ปีที่แล้ว

    Very beautiful content in very videos you posted. listening to your voice is so relaxing with that smile lol. I"m joing your membership, i'm so inlove with kitchen garrden, i just dont know where to start.

  • @angelapriddy6308
    @angelapriddy6308 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so so much for sharing your knowledge. Love your channel

  • @anapaulacrawford5837
    @anapaulacrawford5837 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I can't make plenty enough! I guess I need to extend more compost ereas .

  • @elvinross4685
    @elvinross4685 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge, this cleared a lot of cloudy ideas I have about making my own propagation compost.

  • @billybowen3023
    @billybowen3023 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video to get me in the mood for the upcoming season. Very keen on worm compost. I would like to buy less compost, making my own potting compost wood be a good way to achieve this.

  • @number7philipdavis693
    @number7philipdavis693 ปีที่แล้ว

    I move my well rotted compost, 2 years old, into the greenhouse at the end of the years. After a month or so it is sieved. This supplies all my seed/potting compost. It can be a bit heavy so i don't firm in the trays or pots. For potting on garden plants I often add sharp sand, for drainage. So long as I don't over water results are good. Do watch out for cold snaps this time of year, in relation with watering.

  • @imahippyburning3303
    @imahippyburning3303 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always learn something new with your videos - Many Thanks!

  • @emylytle7149
    @emylytle7149 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a trash can that’s been sitting on my gate and I think it’s ready to dig out and check the content/compost cuz I don’t have any idea if it’s ready or not 😬😂👩‍🌾 but I dug it and it’s black down there so I think it’s ready 😊👍 just need to put in a screen to sort the small parts of wood/branches that didn’t compost 🙏🏻👍👩‍🌾 thanks sir Charles for this video 👍👍♥️👩‍🌾

  • @andyc972
    @andyc972 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this Charles, really useful information, I still mostly have to rely on bought compost for sowing and potting but find even with these it's worth mixing different varieties based on composition and also adding my own screened soil and leaf mould. I feel it's getting harder to get consistent results as the bought formulations keep changing due to the peat ban so it's not any use being brand loyal !

  • @wales123100
    @wales123100 ปีที่แล้ว

    The cd 60 and the other trays are brilliant

  • @helenstewart2085
    @helenstewart2085 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My compost heap is tiger worms, plant material, animal manure, wool, hay, pea straw, paper and cardboard it takes 2 years with the last year growing of pumpkin over the heap, no cover 12ft x 12ft in size, heap gets to over 4 ft high before its cap of straw for the winter. Letting the worms do their magic, they move themselves from heap to heap..

    • @gailthornbury291
      @gailthornbury291 ปีที่แล้ว

      Similar here. I make two compost heaps with a good mix of materials and including some tumbler compost which is not finished enough to use and after a summer of growing pumpkins it’s lovely stuff. The pumpkins are thugs and will grow on unfinished/half decomposed compost.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Two great recipes!

  • @tater357
    @tater357 ปีที่แล้ว

    This year is my first time making my own potting mix. I start off with only 3 ingredients. Peat Moss, Compost & pearlite. It can also be made with Vermiculite inplace of the pearlite. I'm starting seeds in it now as a seed starting mix and I really hope it does good. I started some Kohlrabi and Pak Choi seeds in it a couple weeks ago and I have 90% germination on the seeds, but as far as the plants go, they all look great. Even better than what the plants look like started in my store bought brand looks.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Congratulations, that sounds really good. I hope your mix does not have too much peat because of that having no nutrients. Compost is the key part of it.

    • @tater357
      @tater357 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig It's a 1-1 ratio between peat and compost. So i think it'll be good.

  • @aquplants4203
    @aquplants4203 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ok excelente compost

  • @denisecarvill4705
    @denisecarvill4705 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video.

  • @SamWest
    @SamWest ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My personal mix
    1 part coir
    1 part topsoil
    1 part wood chip + horse manure mix
    1 part multipurpose compost / homemade

  • @franksinatra1070
    @franksinatra1070 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That is a great looking potting mix you have Charles! I always have problems with my brassicas dampening off under my grow lights in the winter and spring when I'm trying to get my plants started. Even when using diluted peroxide to bottom water them. Not sure if it's related to the potting mix I use or not but this year I purchased what I believe is a higher quality mix and will try and get them outside as soon as possible under my poly tunnels, weather permitting of course. Most of the other plants do fine under the lights but brassicas always give me fits.

    • @smas3256
      @smas3256 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Organic peroxide is recommended for humans because it does not kill the good bacteria we need to heal. Just a thought.

    • @redmonkey3556
      @redmonkey3556 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Most of the time dampening off is bc of too much water and high humidity, if you use the nurserys with the lid try keeping the lid off all day and dont water too much, small pots like what charles uses help a lot too.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Good luck, and I'm sure that compost quality plays a big part in this for the way it controls moisture level, it sounds like you're on it!

  • @9172Nee
    @9172Nee ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing, great information!

  • @glassbackdiy3949
    @glassbackdiy3949 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wonder weather pH is an issue with the digestate since LAB would likely be a dominant microbiology, mite be better to cycle it through an aerated compost cycle prior to addition to the garden. Re vermiculite, results from spent mushroom cultivation substrate (crushed brown rice mixed with vermiculite) weighing all the ingrediants before and after suggested the mushrooms consumed some of the vermiculite, so it may be worth thinking of it as a soil mineral suppliment, rather than just an inert texture/moisture retention amendment in no dig systems with a higher fungal:bacterial ratio

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is helpful, and very interesting about the vermiculite as well, thanks

  • @brushil1
    @brushil1 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Can you please show us how did you establish wormery on the ground on your next video

  • @plazazrce
    @plazazrce ปีที่แล้ว

    Wonderful video, one of your best. Full of energy, knowledge, passion, and moreover you share these priceless lifelong acquisitions openly! Great work for peace a better healthier world. Thank you Charles! By the way I use CD60 trays, the happier in the world.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much for your feedback and I am reassured. Glad you like the trays!

  • @Im-just-Stardust
    @Im-just-Stardust ปีที่แล้ว

    I had a little question Charles... yes again and again, those endless questions.
    I was drawing a plan of my garden today, where and what I will be planting. And as I am building a food forest around my garden, I had the idea to have a ''wild'' garden. Interplanting everything without any order, and never planting any plant of the same species next to one another.
    So I was thinking to plant ... a bit of kale here, next to potatoes, next to carrots, next to bush beans, then another potatoes, a bit more carrots and so on. In other words every plants of the same species would always be separated by a bunch of other species, making the garden look a bit more wild, to fit the food forest around it.
    Its purely for esthetic reasons, but I know it will bring a bit of complications, such as watering and weeding. But still the idea really attracts me. I noticed your garden is planted with all the species grouped together, but I was wondering if you had experience with a more ''wild'' garden and if so, what was your experience with it?
    Thank you sir ! We appreciate you a lot.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for sharing this, and in traditional gardening terms, your idea is crazy! However, if you have the time to manage that dispersion of activities to different places, and are prepared to accept a few losses because it will be quite hard to manage, then try, why not!
      Maybe pests will be mitigated and reduced, I hope so because it's difficult to cover anything when you have just one plant here and one there.

    • @Im-just-Stardust
      @Im-just-Stardust ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig Hahaha, oh my i'm worried now. I will be thinking about it a little more then. But yes confusing pest was also the idea, along with esthetic. I might give it a shot.

  • @WhatWeDoChannel
    @WhatWeDoChannel ปีที่แล้ว

    I enjoyed watching that! It’s a bit tricky getting good seed starting medium in England! I’m glad that in Canada we have sustainably harvested Peat!! I do love using Pro Mix. My feeling is that someone in the UK should look into importing Pro Mix etc from Canada, I know we supply the market in the States.
    Klaus

  • @mojavebohemian814
    @mojavebohemian814 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you