Want to learn the 11 mistakes keeping you from your best garden yet? Take years off the learning curve and check out our ebook! sassycarrot.com/yt/Nrx7lIsInig-1
Hi Alicia, I'm really impressed by your commitment and enthusiasm. I would add a couple of words of caution/advice though. Firstly, one year of working on the soil is frankly nothing like enough. Where I grow all my vegetables, the previous owner was working on soil quality for 43 years before I started. and I have continued on for another 10 years. So some of the beds have been double-dug with pure rotted cow and horse manure now for 53 years! Even with this kind of attention, I can honestly say that I have seen great improvement just in the last 3 years! I also started some new beds when I first moved onto the plot, and after ten years it is still completely obvious even at a glance from a distance, how much work is still to be done. Secondly, the seive is your friend! Get seiving the stone out straight away, and when you do, pile it up somewhere, and you will end up with a big ol' pile of material that is perfect for track laying or repairs to your drive surface! Thirdly, when you start composting, try and keepall the perennial weed roots in one compost pile, and everything else (leaves, grass, vegetable matter, manure) in a second pile, and have a bin full of pure lime next to your compost heaps. Every time you put *any* green matter or any perennial weed on the heap, sprinkle a liberal amount of lime over the whole pile. It helps to break down the greenery, and "sweetens" the compost. Finally, don't let my first comment put you off! Even after one year you will see a big difference, I'm just advising that you shouldn't expect to have perfect soil even after 1, 2, 3, or even 4 years. And if you happen to know a cattle farmer or someone with a stable, just get as much manure as you can. Get as much as you can now, even if it isn't fully rotted, and dig a load into the ground now, and leave the rest in a huge steamy pile to rot down! You can never have too much poo! Also. Just way to go you, for having the grit and character to take this project on. You guys are great!
The key to composting (especially with leaves and pine needles) is small pieces: getting a small chipper can take a year or two off an otherwise three year decomposition wait. Also, it can be good to cover it up and let the composting process get some darkness. Ever turn over a stone and see the worms and bugs? The kinds of animals that help break down raw materials enjoy darkness throughout the day.
Good on You Alyssa! So important because I've found it really takes time to get up to speed on the 'gardening'. We can't learn it all in one year. There is so much more to gardening than I imagined - especially in difficult conditions. I love using cover crops - here using Scarlet Clover on the beds over the fall and winter. Keeps the weeds out and turn it into the soil at end. Have a video on our RelentlessHomesteading called "Winterizing". Its getting about time to turn it in. I've been using a good size worm bin for 3 years now - I'll put a video up showing our arrangement with simple heater. Gives me about 15ish gallons of worm compost when I start plants off in the Spring. And they eat up our shredded paper and kitchen scraps. I've been perfecting the procedure - so that can be helpful. Always fun to see you and Jesse moving ahead on your projects !!!
Hello there, congratulations on taking the Master Gardeners program. I took this over 15 years ago but didn't complete it because my husband passed away. I had done most of it including several hours of community work. Another "student" and I put on a presentation at our local town hall. We talked about gardening in raised beds and using home made compost as our fertilizer. It was well attended and we were happy to note that quite a few people went over to using raised beds after that. Hopefully you will find it as interesting as I did. Just take one bite of the elephant at a time and you will be ok, not so overwhelming that way. Good luck.
Awesome video and loved hearing about how useful the Master Gardener program has been for you. I signed up for the Master Gardener program here a few months ago and will start class In January. Can't wait to learn! Thanks for sharing!
My composting is even simpler: dig a small hole where you'll be planting something, fill it with that week's peelings and scraps, top it with soil and leave it a couple of weeks, then plant right into it. The local worms will have converted it into vermicompost. Lowest effort and fabulous growth.
Yup my mother had been doing that way back in the 70's, she called it sheet composting, just dug a trench between the rows this year and then fill with peelings and things and bury as you move down the row, then next year move rows so go back and forth over the whole area.
Alyssa, the next time you turn the compost pile, mix in the dry leaves, layer by layer with the existing. The dry leaves will aid in aeration, and the wet will cause fermentation. Yes compost piles can, but not necessarily will, spontaneously combust. Happens at mushroom plants occasionally. They have long rows of compost - usually horse bedding straw and manure from local race tracks. It's a "HOT" compost. Deer and rabbit manure "COLD compost. The compost pile should get to about 130° - 140° when fermenting properly. You should see it steaming on a chilly evening. Lots of good info below. Ditto on the turning fork instead of a shovel. And keep the tools out of the weather. Great video. Thanks. Jon
Hello Pure Living for Life. It sounds like you have already learned alot since last year. I know you have mentioned Stary Hilder before. I have been following her for a long time now and really love the Back to Eden gardening method she uses. Low matinance, you don't need to water as often, and ittle to almost no weeds and the weeds you do get pull up super easy. I am still learning new things about composting. I know if you were to build a roof over your compost pile. I would make it so you could flip it over to cover/uncover the pile. Then during the winter you could keep the snow off of it. But anyways it is possible to keep your compost active and hot all winter as long as you keep feeding it and mixing it up. The compost you have made looks pretty good to me. Looks like you keep a pretty good mix of wets and dries. I am really looking forward to seeing your progress and putting what you are learning into action. As for using the pine needles and their acidity. I have heard both that pine needles leach out to much acidity and can kill your plants. and also that they are fine to use. But then I have also heard about not using wood chips because they can also leach out stuff that can harm your plants. So what I have heard suggested and I would do is get the pine needles or/and wood chips at least 6 months to a year before you put them over the garden put them in a pile and let them sit for that time being exposed to the weather. the more rain the better. This will leach out the bad stuff before you use it on the garden. I do believe pine needles break down faster than wood chips do and should leach out the bad stuff faster then wood chips would. Anyways I hope this info helps some and look forward to seeing you grow some yummy veggies. The other channel I watch for my gardening info is calikim29 Garen and Home DYI.
Great video! Keep us updated on the Master Gardening course. What awesome information for us trying to learn. My country doesn't offer this and is very wet, prone to fungus that destroy plants.
Rabbit poop and deer poop will work great. It's a "cold" poop and loaded with nitrogen and won't burn your plants when added directly. They're like little time capsules... they decompose slowly. Heck, rabbit poop can take up to 5 years to decompose entirely. GREAT for the gardens.
Along with David's suggestion, it has been my experience that the handles of your long handle gardening tools will last a long time if put away out of the elements. This means they will be more comfortable to use and more effecient. Just as easy to hang under cover as lean against the wall outside. A little dressing up with sand paper and oil will bring back a weathered tool. Love what you 2 are dreaming and doing.
love you guys.. I can hardly wait for new videos as they appear. I wish I could attend the workshop with you. but not able to at this time. I will have to be happy with just following along with you. keep up the great work and waiting for your next visit online..
Yes yes yes! Homesteading from scratch takes time. We actually love that about this lifestyle! So cool that you're taking master gardener classes! I like your boots!!!! Cool deer poop in the compost! Didn't know that!!!
Good start on the composting. One issue you are having is with the quantity of leaves. Leaves make great compost - they are almost perfect in that they have exactly what is needed to make - new leaves. The trouble is that they tend to mat into waterproof bricks that won't break down for 2 or 3 years. One tip that worked for me though, is to add chicken manure - either from the coop clean out or better still by letting the chickens root through the compost pile which they just love to do. This saves most of the digging and turning and will create the best compost possible in a few months instead of years. Also - once you have a nice 4'x4'x4' pile formed - leave it alone and avoid adding any new material. If you constantly add new material, it will never be ready for use. Good luck and keep up the fascinating videos.
Great vid! I just wanted to share some info on the worm bin section. The liquid at the bottom of your bin is leachate. Leachate and worm tea are very different. Worm tea is made by soaking worm castings in water while adding oxygen, and sometimes a sugar to feed the beneficial bacteria(molasses most commonly used). Leachate is seepage from the composting process, and can contain phytotoxins which can be harmful to humans and plants. This doesn't mean you cant use it though, it can have benefits as a fertilizer, you will just want to dilute 10:1 with water, maybe aerate it for a day w/ an air stone. But if it stinks, throw it out. Good luck!
I have seen a lot of people question their compost heaps but seeing them (even on a PC screen) they are doing what they are suppose to do " break down slowly over time " yes some piles work better then others but there are so many variables, the mass, the moisture content, the composition and many more factors. You have a good amount of space to box in a few more piles do so and ignore the once you have now and you will see they will turn out great. Wonderful channel love your content.
Composting tips, adding lime can help, 'night soil' (a gentlemanly way of saying urine). Aeration is important so mix leaves with coarser material and turn regularly. Old carpet laid on top heats the compost up and activates the process. Stinging Nettles are also good if you have them on your property. Rotted Horse manure is also great.
Great Vid! One other great thing about local groups over the Internet is that you learn what is best for your area. My wife and I are part of a local group that meets in the spring and fall. We share information and do a plant swap. Everything is native to the area.
I read about that program awhile back. Keep us posted on how that goes! I thought about signing up for that but for the past year I've had chronic back pain and sitting or standing for more than 20 minutes to a half hour gets to me. So I can't commit to anything right now. Even getting our new property organized and building shelter for the animals and a raised garden space is challenging. I'm going to need a lot of help form my kids and grand kids this summer to accomplish anything. Be good to your back, it sure sneaked up on me fast . I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disk Disease last summer when I went to my primary doctor when my back pain became constant. I was told I have had it for years. Don't push it when your back feels a "pinch". You need it to last many many years.
Great to see you getting more comfortable with the camera time. Great video. I have to echo the sentiment that a good pitchfork ought to go on your wishlist for future tool purchases.
Love Your Videos!!! I find it so funny that there are so many people who post "Preachy" comments to you and yet they don't have a you tube channel... You two are doing great!!! There are a lot of jealous people who wish they had your personality... I admire you both also for your perseverance and willingness to learn and adapt. 😊😊😊
I would love to see your readiness for health emergencies. I am a nurse and I tend to think of these things. Please do a video on Healthcare and Emergency plans. I love your videos. You are an inspiration!! Thanks.
We used a certain kind of beetle to get rid of knapweed while in Colorado, it worked pretty well and the beatles died off during the winter so we didn't have to worry about introducing another foreign species to the area.
You will enjoy your 2' raised beds but you will enjoy them more if you make them 3' height. I build one taller last year and I will rebuilding most of the shortest ones this year, except a few that I will keep for tomato plants. Also, don't forget to bury low voltage and regular voltage lines along your water pipes up to your garden. Low voltage lines will enable you to use centralized garden automation while regular voltage lines makes things so much easier when you have it. 😀 Keep up your good work.
You have a lot of wood laying around there. I recommend turning some of it into biochar,, which is very easy to do, and mix it into your compost at a ratio between 5 and 10%. It will provide more oxygen and neutralize any bad smell, it is the perfect housing for beneficial microbes for hundreds of years, keeps humidity/liquid in your soil and so much more. If you worry about the CO2 when preparing biochar, the finished product keeps more CO2 then what was released during the production/firing process. Love your enthusiasm! Good luck!
Love your videos! It's obvious by your content that you have a master plan for your homestead. It would be great to see a drawn out version of it, to see where you're headed with things. Keep up the work! Oh and by the way, if you actually do get out of bed at five AM, you can officially claim your workday started at 5 AM, even if it's just coffee till 7 AM lol, so good job...
I don't know if this will work on the type of weed you are combating specifically, but Epsom salt solutions do a wonder on grass and plants that pop up where you don't need them. It usually only kills the plants you spray and then is diluted in the soil (becoming a source of magnesium for you plants, i.e. cover crop, later). I'm not sure on the concentrations, but I am sure a quick google search would do the trick. Hope that helps, sorry if you already knew about that and made an informed decision to use the herbicide! You guys have a great channel, and you are one of only a couple creators that I actively seek out. Keep up the good work! You have a great balance between story and information that is just lovely. Also, I love all the jokes, puns, and silliness. "Do you want to start a homestead?", I sing that song all the time! ha ha!
darlin! use a fork to break it up every once in a while and you can just leave it in place, no turning necessary. and putting a pvc drain pipe down the center helps get air right down to the bottom. have 3 piles, 1 adding to for a year, 2 leave to cook for a year, 3 is to use. so you've got #1 ready for this year, #2 ready to sit for a year and time to build a 3rd bin before you start again next season. btw, your dinner sounds YUMMY!
Enough leaves and time and you don't need a heavy nitrogen source. I live near Lancaster (Amish) County, PA there are lots of horses. When ever I'm out there I make sure I have a closable lid bucket and I fill it with horse droppings at Walmart and some other places. One thing I'm working on getting is the spent Hops and other grain after beer brewing. I've heard that it's really good for heating up a pile of leaves. In the mean time I get a 100+ bags of leaves a year and spread them as mulch on my garden after my leaf bins are full. Thirty months without touching and it becomes leaf mold.
I was raised on a working farm. Our compost was where we cleaned out the barns after the winter. My Granda never took a class but could probably teach it. I'm unfamiliar with the name for the weed that you complained about, but there's not much a good Goat won't eat and you can eventually eat the goat. :)
As a guy that grew up on a farm, I can tell you the BEST COMPOST you can use is what a farmer cleans out of is barn aka Cow poop with hay. As the farmer cleans his barn all winter in the spring it is the BEST things for the garden (lots of good nitrigen) our garden always did very well.
Any time you can break materials into smaller pieces, you speed up decomposition. Whole leaves can be extremely slow because they act like roof shingles and easily shed water. Very little air can penetrate a pile like that. I usually spread mine in the yard to dry, then go over them with the mower. Once you get the garden going, I recommend not mixing new and old materials. Four to six months before I need it, I don't add anything else so it is ready. If I acquire new materials, I start another pile. I rotate through three separate piles and never turn them. Mix properly as you build the pile, don't let it dry out and cover it up in the winter to keep the critters warmer. Good luck on your training.
I am involved in the master composting program in Spokane. You might want to put up a third bin space. Spent coffee grounds work well to heat up your compost bin. I don’t think you had worm tea there, just dead worm juice. Worms are comfortable in temperatures you are comfortable. Well managed worm bins shouldn’t stink. Try the book ‘ Worms eat my garbage ‘ by Applebaum. If you are in Spokane around Arbor Day we have a compost fare at the arboretum.
Awesome! Another good thing is diversity of plants. Since you guys like to share things you've made, it'd be great to grow things that other locals are not growing so that you can share with each other and have more food diversity :) Would be a great chance to also share recipes!
your cover crop can be a great nitrogen source. comfrey and borage can be great for compost amendments. comfrey can be hard to get rid of though once it's established. perhaps you could plant that in the forested hillside? I'm not sure how well that takes shade. Have fun with whatever you do!
you should look into making a Flowthru for your "worm bin" works good, I use to have a 6ft bin. ( also if you get semi fresh cow patties theres a good chance there's red wigglers in em or cocoons , also red wigglers LOVE it ) same with rotting pumpkins red wigglers love it!
Another benefit of taking local classes for gardening is that you learn how to grow things specifically where you live! There's a lot of great info on TH-cam but depending on where they live it may or may not help you at all.
Get a large pitch fork. The sharp tines on the pitch fork cut through the uncomposted material easier than the 4 prong fork. The long handle makes it easier to reach as well.
You're doing fine! Try this for them worms, if you have a big bunch of leftover hay, straw or long grass around, pile and bundle it thick up and around that worm bin when it gets cold and keep it covered. When I lived in upstate New York it would snow like I couldn't believe, and I used to prefer bringing mine in the house, but my wife would go ape on me! So I would put it in a shed and throw hay on top it or some fur skins. It managed. I still had some die though so it wasn't 100% fullproof.
Considering how precious water is in your situation, you might consider building wicking beds. Also, it'd be easy to add a float valve to automate keeping them topped off.
Maybe try using a "straw bale" garden this first year. 10 days to season your bales then ready to plant. After the growing season, you can till in the straw bales as more compost.
Alicia, thanks for all the great content that you guys have given us. I like your enthusiasm about a garden but before you get too far along have you watched and listened to Paul Gautschi and his Back to Eden gardening method? Please, before you give your mind over to the master gardener "educational" system I want you to listen to Paul talk. Good luck! Hope to watch you have garden success.
may I suggest getting a pitch fork or a turning fork for working your compost pile, I do believe you will find it easier than a shovel to turn your pile.
for raised beds you may want to think about the plastic 55 gallon barrels. cut them in half length wise and place on stands. fill with soil and compost. plant and have fun.
I know advice/tips/suggestions can be a little bit of a sore subject. I grew up in the city too. It took me a while to learn how much easier it is to use a pitchfork instead of a shovel when moving mulch, or compost or woodchips around. It is a lot easier to force the forks into the material. The shovel doesn't want to penetrate, but the forks penetrate quite easily.
check into different types of clover as your cover crop. It doesnt get very tall, (normally not more than 3") so it doesnt need to be mowed and it will over time, crowd out any other weed. Some types of clover are flowering varieties so they will also attract honey bees as well.
Have you guys checked out the back to eden garden yet? It's incredible! It builds great soils over the years, keeps moisture in, and very limited weeding!! I feel it would help you guys immensely!😄👍👍
Local knowledgeable sources are always best ! Now that you have your pile turned and "fluffed" what do they recommend to get the pile composting again, especially with cool/cold nights ?
Alicia, with knowing that water will be an issue and having to greatly amend the soil, have you and Jessie thought about building an aquaponic system (which is also organic). This could end most of your laboring tasks of building and maintaining a compost pile, and figuring out the water solution (aquaponic systems in general use 85% less water than most common gardening methods). Aquaponics would provide meat (fish most likely trout in your cold climate) and vegetables, once the system is up and you have it cycled it becomes as simple has feeding your fish twice a day, and watching your plants grow. Just some food for thought!!
We compost all our kitchen waste in recycled 45 gallon plastic drums with some half inch holes drilled in it. We get a good rot down in 3 months, then I turn it out onto a concrete slab to dry out. PS. I live in Vietnam so the drums get pretty warm. Herds men drive cattle though the surround roads on their daily grazing trip. So poop is easy to find. I dry some of it and us it as a mulch. A trick my father showed me was to dunk a sack full in a water tank and use the liquid to water greenhouse plant every other day. I also collect leaf fall and use it as ground cover and burn it for the ash. They grow trees for just 3 years till the trunk is 6" and cut them for pulp wood. The timber is debarked on site, so I use that also for ground cover. When we moved in the soil was very sandy and with adding all the above is now turning black. So keep dumping lots of organic material on and you should have a great garden. BS
Great content . . . you guys rock . . . one thing I do know if you want something to grow don't plant it under a pine tree, never worked for me. . .keep the vids coming . . .
You've chosen a really good topic to study I think. Wish you hadn't fast forwarded over the contents of your course, I had to go back and keep pausing as that was a really interesting part.
Oh my, you are a hard worker. one piece of advice from a back sufferer. while you worked on the compost pile you used the shovel with your left hand always toward the shovel end. this puts the strain in your back on one side. The muscles on one side will get strong and tighten more than the opposite side causing the vertebra to be out of alignment. OUCH... Use both sides of your back muscles, put the other hand forward toward the shovel end and change your stance of your feet. Good luck I really like your work channel, keep it up...
Did you consider the 'Back To Eden' gardening method? Seems to help those in the mountains with crummy soil. Could you discuss your thoughts on it and if you're using it or staying away or why you've chosen to or not to use it.
I like the fact that you don't waste time telling your story thank you. I have stopped watching certain vidoes like Wranglerstar because he goes on and on about nothing. Its like watching a soap opera that all you need to do is tune in twice a week. We are doing a homestead at 67 years old my wife 60. We were forced to start over after my Real Estate business collapsed and 4 years ago were able to purchase 8.2 acres in North Georgia Mountains with very little money with a house built with a "Bud" level doing a "Wrap" mortgage. After my credit improved I was able to get a new Mortgage in our own name. The goal to keep my Mortgage below what it would cost to rent ($615 a month including Taxes and Insurance.) The house still needs lots of work and I can't afford lots of tools. We do what we can as God provides. He does provide. Thank you for your videos.
I agree with the comment about making a compost pile rather than bin. Keep the bin though, you could use it to store wood chips for wood stove fuel similar to wood pellets but lower energy. You. Would be better off terracing your garden into the hill. You can use your boulders to hold up the earth walls and this would give you a ready framework to build a greenhouse setup to extend your growing period and protect your plants from wild animal grazing
check out the "Back to Eden" gardening method. I personally have had amazing results. It is basically using mulching layers to make your own compost to build up a gardening bed. It would be amazing in your garden area and will save you a lot of money and work. Here in florida there are many that use this method and it works great. We hardly see any leaf or grass cuttings curb side. People grab them and throw it on there garden quick !! Happy Gardening :)
While working on your soil maybe look into straw bale gardening on youtube ... straw, urin and a bit of soil seem to make a good planting environment which can be composted afterwards. (I really envy this learning to fly thing ...lol)
Community SERVICE! I have the perfect plan for you - come put in a garden for us. Neither my wife nor I have green thumbs. But we do have a nice guest room, nice soil (no rocks), and we are just a few miles from the beach. We also have a community garden nearby and we can go pickup loads of compost - both garden and decorative types. Um, go ahead and leave the Worm Tea at home, thanks. We can also send you home with bags and bags of lawn trimmings for your compost piles. Win win! I suppose you meant serving your LOCAL community. Well, OK. Enjoyed your vid - keep an eye on that crafty Broccoli !!
That poor broccoli stem was trying to crawl back into your kitchen. Broccoli stems are delicious! Just cut/peel off the fibrous outer layer, cut into rectangular pieces and cook with the florets. Divine! As a matter of fact, I also eat all the broccoli leaves too. That deer was coming by to check on the progress of your garden. Deer just love fresh vegetables!
Knapp weed needs the herbicide applied in early april while still very young. Tordon 22k will also take it out while being more versatile in other uses for it than milestone while being priced about the same. Evil glyphosate can even be employed in the early april application scheme as most desirable plants aren't around yet. Key phrase to focus on is EARLY for knapp weed, rosette stage meaning low and flat to the ground yet. Later applications fail and are a waste of good money because it's a very hard weed to kill in the first place. Spot spraying then makes a good deal of sense.
I just watch a recently posted video on Fouch-o-matic Off Grid's channel where he was building a set of composting bins. You should watch it ! Here are my "take aways". You need 3 bins. I am guessing that is because you need to turn your compost twice before it is ready. Second, you need MUCH BIGGER BINS. Bin #1 should be bigger than bin #2 which should be bigger than bin #3. The bins should have some kind of removable front. This will allow you fill the bins much fuller and still remove the front to turn the pile into the next bin.
As all the others are saying here: coffee grounds for nitrogen, and use a fork to turn. Also, if you have a way to shred those leaves before they get into the compost pile, between that and the coffee ground, you'll save months. The fork will save you so much labor as well.
Hope you have saved lots of tin cans. Punch holes in the base, line with dry grass, fill with potting mix and store. Whenever you have a cutting from a neighbour or a park, dip in semi hardwood hormone powder and pop in those tins.
I'm guessing that you won't be using pallets forever, what research have you done for composting bin/enclosures? Have you discussed that in another video?
I run worm bins without drainage holes. I just make sure I don't add too much liquid. It's worked great for 3 years and I don't have to deal with nasty sludge. I have never had to drain a bin.
Want to learn the 11 mistakes keeping you from your best garden yet? Take years off the learning curve and check out our ebook! sassycarrot.com/yt/Nrx7lIsInig-1
Hi Alicia, I'm really impressed by your commitment and enthusiasm. I would add a couple of words of caution/advice though.
Firstly, one year of working on the soil is frankly nothing like enough. Where I grow all my vegetables, the previous owner was working on soil quality for 43 years before I started. and I have continued on for another 10 years. So some of the beds have been double-dug with pure rotted cow and horse manure now for 53 years! Even with this kind of attention, I can honestly say that I have seen great improvement just in the last 3 years! I also started some new beds when I first moved onto the plot, and after ten years it is still completely obvious even at a glance from a distance, how much work is still to be done.
Secondly, the seive is your friend! Get seiving the stone out straight away, and when you do, pile it up somewhere, and you will end up with a big ol' pile of material that is perfect for track laying or repairs to your drive surface!
Thirdly, when you start composting, try and keepall the perennial weed roots in one compost pile, and everything else (leaves, grass, vegetable matter, manure) in a second pile, and have a bin full of pure lime next to your compost heaps. Every time you put *any* green matter or any perennial weed on the heap, sprinkle a liberal amount of lime over the whole pile. It helps to break down the greenery, and "sweetens" the compost.
Finally, don't let my first comment put you off! Even after one year you will see a big difference, I'm just advising that you shouldn't expect to have perfect soil even after 1, 2, 3, or even 4 years. And if you happen to know a cattle farmer or someone with a stable, just get as much manure as you can. Get as much as you can now, even if it isn't fully rotted, and dig a load into the ground now, and leave the rest in a huge steamy pile to rot down! You can never have too much poo!
Also. Just way to go you, for having the grit and character to take this project on. You guys are great!
The key to composting (especially with leaves and pine needles) is small pieces: getting a small chipper can take a year or two off an otherwise three year decomposition wait. Also, it can be good to cover it up and let the composting process get some darkness. Ever turn over a stone and see the worms and bugs? The kinds of animals that help break down raw materials enjoy darkness throughout the day.
Did this last year! Good for you. It is a lot of info to take in and learn and that's just scratching the surface! Good luck and enjoy.
Good on You Alyssa! So important because I've found it really takes time to get up to speed on the 'gardening'. We can't learn it all in one year. There is so much more to gardening than I imagined - especially in difficult conditions. I love using cover crops - here using Scarlet Clover on the beds over the fall and winter. Keeps the weeds out and turn it into the soil at end. Have a video on our RelentlessHomesteading called "Winterizing". Its getting about time to turn it in.
I've been using a good size worm bin for 3 years now - I'll put a video up showing our arrangement with simple heater. Gives me about 15ish gallons of worm compost when I start plants off in the Spring. And they eat up our shredded paper and kitchen scraps. I've been perfecting the procedure - so that can be helpful.
Always fun to see you and Jesse moving ahead on your projects !!!
Hello there, congratulations on taking the Master Gardeners program. I took this over 15 years ago but didn't complete it because my husband passed away. I had done most of it including several hours of community work. Another "student" and I put on a presentation at our local town hall. We talked about gardening in raised beds and using home made compost as our fertilizer. It was well attended and we were happy to note that quite a few people went over to using raised beds after that. Hopefully you will find it as interesting as I did. Just take one bite of the elephant at a time and you will be ok, not so overwhelming that way. Good luck.
Awesome video and loved hearing about how useful the Master Gardener program has been for you. I signed up for the Master Gardener program here a few months ago and will start class In January. Can't wait to learn! Thanks for sharing!
My composting is even simpler: dig a small hole where you'll be planting something, fill it with that week's peelings and scraps, top it with soil and leave it a couple of weeks, then plant right into it. The local worms will have converted it into vermicompost. Lowest effort and fabulous growth.
my mother is doing the same, excellent results.
Yup my mother had been doing that way back in the 70's, she called it sheet composting, just dug a trench between the rows this year and then fill with peelings and things and bury as you move down the row, then next year move rows so go back and forth over the whole area.
Alyssa, the next time you turn the compost pile, mix in the dry leaves, layer by layer with the existing. The dry leaves will aid in aeration, and the wet will cause fermentation. Yes compost piles can, but not necessarily will, spontaneously combust. Happens at mushroom plants occasionally. They have long rows of compost - usually horse bedding straw and manure from local race tracks. It's a "HOT" compost. Deer and rabbit manure "COLD compost. The compost pile should get to about 130° - 140° when fermenting properly. You should see it steaming on a chilly evening. Lots of good info below. Ditto on the turning fork instead of a shovel. And keep the tools out of the weather. Great video. Thanks. Jon
Hello Pure Living for Life. It sounds like you have already learned alot since last year. I know you have mentioned Stary Hilder before. I have been following her for a long time now and really love the Back to Eden gardening method she uses. Low matinance, you don't need to water as often, and ittle to almost no weeds and the weeds you do get pull up super easy. I am still learning new things about composting. I know if you were to build a roof over your compost pile. I would make it so you could flip it over to cover/uncover the pile. Then during the winter you could keep the snow off of it. But anyways it is possible to keep your compost active and hot all winter as long as you keep feeding it and mixing it up. The compost you have made looks pretty good to me. Looks like you keep a pretty good mix of wets and dries.
I am really looking forward to seeing your progress and putting what you are learning into action.
As for using the pine needles and their acidity. I have heard both that pine needles leach out to much acidity and can kill your plants. and also that they are fine to use. But then I have also heard about not using wood chips because they can also leach out stuff that can harm your plants.
So what I have heard suggested and I would do is get the pine needles or/and wood chips at least 6 months to a year before you put them over the garden put them in a pile and let them sit for that time being exposed to the weather. the more rain the better. This will leach out the bad stuff before you use it on the garden. I do believe pine needles break down faster than wood chips do and should leach out the bad stuff faster then wood chips would.
Anyways I hope this info helps some and look forward to seeing you grow some yummy veggies. The other channel I watch for my gardening info is calikim29 Garen and Home DYI.
Great video! Keep us updated on the Master Gardening course. What awesome information for us trying to learn. My country doesn't offer this and is very wet, prone to fungus that destroy plants.
Rabbit poop and deer poop will work great. It's a "cold" poop and loaded with nitrogen and won't burn your plants when added directly. They're like little time capsules... they decompose slowly. Heck, rabbit poop can take up to 5 years to decompose entirely. GREAT for the gardens.
Along with David's suggestion, it has been my experience that the handles of your long handle gardening tools will last a long time if put away out of the elements. This means they will be more comfortable to use and more effecient. Just as easy to hang under cover as lean against the wall outside. A little dressing up with sand paper and oil will bring back a weathered tool. Love what you 2 are dreaming and doing.
love you guys.. I can hardly wait for new videos as they appear. I wish I could attend the workshop with you. but not able to at this time. I will have to be happy with just following along with you. keep up the great work and waiting for your next visit online..
Yes yes yes! Homesteading from scratch takes time. We actually love that about this lifestyle! So cool that you're taking master gardener classes! I like your boots!!!! Cool deer poop in the compost! Didn't know that!!!
Good start on the composting. One issue you are having is with the quantity of leaves. Leaves make great compost - they are almost perfect in that they have exactly what is needed to make - new leaves. The trouble is that they tend to mat into waterproof bricks that won't break down for 2 or 3 years. One tip that worked for me though, is to add chicken manure - either from the coop clean out or better still by letting the chickens root through the compost pile which they just love to do. This saves most of the digging and turning and will create the best compost possible in a few months instead of years.
Also - once you have a nice 4'x4'x4' pile formed - leave it alone and avoid adding any new material. If you constantly add new material, it will never be ready for use.
Good luck and keep up the fascinating videos.
I took this at our local extension and it was great! Ours was a month long course with ending up with 4 of those binders full. Loved the bug classes.
Great vid! I just wanted to share some info on the worm bin section. The liquid at the bottom of your bin is leachate. Leachate and worm tea are very different. Worm tea is made by soaking worm castings in water while adding oxygen, and sometimes a sugar to feed the beneficial bacteria(molasses most commonly used). Leachate is seepage from the composting process, and can contain phytotoxins which can be harmful to humans and plants. This doesn't mean you cant use it though, it can have benefits as a fertilizer, you will just want to dilute 10:1 with water, maybe aerate it for a day w/ an air stone. But if it stinks, throw it out.
Good luck!
Interesting... I'll have to research that one further. Good news is right now, Ill probably just dump this into the compost pile ;-)
I did not know any of that! Thanks!
I have seen a lot of people question their compost heaps but seeing them (even on a PC screen) they are doing what they are suppose to do " break down slowly over time " yes some piles work better then others but there are so many variables, the mass, the moisture content, the composition and many more factors. You have a good amount of space to box in a few more piles do so and ignore the once you have now and you will see they will turn out great. Wonderful channel love your content.
Composting tips, adding lime can help, 'night soil' (a gentlemanly way of saying urine). Aeration is important so mix leaves with coarser material and turn regularly. Old carpet laid on top heats the compost up and activates the process. Stinging Nettles are also good if you have them on your property. Rotted Horse manure is also great.
Great Vid! One other great thing about local groups over the Internet is that you learn what is best for your area. My wife and I are part of a local group that meets in the spring and fall. We share information and do a plant swap. Everything is native to the area.
I read about that program awhile back. Keep us posted on how that goes! I thought about signing up for that but for the past year I've had chronic back pain and sitting or standing for more than 20 minutes to a half hour gets to me. So I can't commit to anything right now. Even getting our new property organized and building shelter for the animals and a raised garden space is challenging. I'm going to need a lot of help form my kids and grand kids this summer to accomplish anything. Be good to your back, it sure sneaked up on me fast . I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disk Disease last summer when I went to my primary doctor when my back pain became constant. I was told I have had it for years. Don't push it when your back feels a "pinch". You need it to last many many years.
Well done girl! I love your idea of learning life skills, that's such a smart way of preparing oneself.
Great to see you getting more comfortable with the camera time. Great video. I have to echo the sentiment that a good pitchfork ought to go on your wishlist for future tool purchases.
When my aunt was alive I suggested we both take a Master Gardener class. She was an amazing gardener. I mostly care about veg gardening.
Love Your Videos!!! I find it so funny that there are so many people who post "Preachy" comments to you and yet they don't have a you tube channel... You two are doing great!!! There are a lot of jealous people who wish they had your personality... I admire you both also for your perseverance and willingness to learn and adapt. 😊😊😊
Pitchfork is the correct tool for compost.
I would love to see your readiness for health emergencies. I am a nurse and I tend to think of these things. Please do a video on Healthcare and Emergency plans. I love your videos. You are an inspiration!! Thanks.
We used a certain kind of beetle to get rid of knapweed while in Colorado, it worked pretty well and the beatles died off during the winter so we didn't have to worry about introducing another foreign species to the area.
You will enjoy your 2' raised beds but you will enjoy them more if you make them 3' height. I build one taller last year and I will rebuilding most of the shortest ones this year, except a few that I will keep for tomato plants.
Also, don't forget to bury low voltage and regular voltage lines along your water pipes up to your garden. Low voltage lines will enable you to use centralized garden automation while regular voltage lines makes things so much easier when you have it. 😀
Keep up your good work.
You have a lot of wood laying around there. I recommend turning some of it into biochar,, which is very easy to do, and mix it into your compost at a ratio between 5 and 10%. It will provide more oxygen and neutralize any bad smell, it is the perfect housing for beneficial microbes for hundreds of years, keeps humidity/liquid in your soil and so much more. If you worry about the CO2 when preparing biochar, the finished product keeps more CO2 then what was released during the production/firing process. Love your enthusiasm! Good luck!
I really enjoy guys and hope you keep us in formed on your master gardening Ithink I might try that course also
Love your videos! It's obvious by your content that you have a master plan for your homestead. It would be great to see a drawn out version of it, to see where you're headed with things. Keep up the work! Oh and by the way, if you actually do get out of bed at five AM, you can officially claim your workday started at 5 AM, even if it's just coffee till 7 AM lol, so good job...
I don't know if this will work on the type of weed you are combating specifically, but Epsom salt solutions do a wonder on grass and plants that pop up where you don't need them. It usually only kills the plants you spray and then is diluted in the soil (becoming a source of magnesium for you plants, i.e. cover crop, later). I'm not sure on the concentrations, but I am sure a quick google search would do the trick. Hope that helps, sorry if you already knew about that and made an informed decision to use the herbicide!
You guys have a great channel, and you are one of only a couple creators that I actively seek out. Keep up the good work! You have a great balance between story and information that is just lovely. Also, I love all the jokes, puns, and silliness. "Do you want to start a homestead?", I sing that song all the time! ha ha!
darlin! use a fork to break it up every once in a while and you can just leave it in place, no turning necessary. and putting a pvc drain pipe down the center helps get air right down to the bottom. have 3 piles, 1 adding to for a year, 2 leave to cook for a year, 3 is to use. so you've got #1 ready for this year, #2 ready to sit for a year and time to build a 3rd bin before you start again next season.
btw, your dinner sounds YUMMY!
Enough leaves and time and you don't need a heavy nitrogen source.
I live near Lancaster (Amish) County, PA there are lots of horses. When ever I'm out there I make sure I have a closable lid bucket and I fill it with horse droppings at Walmart and some other places.
One thing I'm working on getting is the spent Hops and other grain after beer brewing. I've heard that it's really good for heating up a pile of leaves.
In the mean time I get a 100+ bags of leaves a year and spread them as mulch on my garden after my leaf bins are full. Thirty months without touching and it becomes leaf mold.
I was raised on a working farm. Our compost was where we cleaned out the barns after the winter. My Granda never took a class but could probably teach it. I'm unfamiliar with the name for the weed that you complained about, but there's not much a good Goat won't eat and you can eventually eat the goat. :)
yes Alicia that 4 prong wide fork is called a pitch fork its for lifting and compost and pitching it, it works better than a shovel.
As a guy that grew up on a farm, I can tell you the BEST COMPOST you can use is what a farmer cleans out of is barn aka Cow poop with hay. As the farmer cleans his barn all winter in the spring it is the BEST things for the garden (lots of good nitrigen) our garden always did very well.
Any time you can break materials into smaller pieces, you speed up decomposition. Whole leaves can be extremely slow because they act like roof shingles and easily shed water. Very little air can penetrate a pile like that. I usually spread mine in the yard to dry, then go over them with the mower. Once you get the garden going, I recommend not mixing new and old materials. Four to six months before I need it, I don't add anything else so it is ready. If I acquire new materials, I start another pile. I rotate through three separate piles and never turn them. Mix properly as you build the pile, don't let it dry out and cover it up in the winter to keep the critters warmer. Good luck on your training.
I am involved in the master composting program in Spokane. You might want to put up a third bin space. Spent coffee grounds work well to heat up your compost bin. I don’t think you had worm tea there, just dead worm juice. Worms are comfortable in temperatures you are comfortable. Well managed worm bins shouldn’t stink. Try the book ‘ Worms eat my garbage ‘ by Applebaum. If you are in Spokane around Arbor Day we have a compost fare at the arboretum.
Awesome! Another good thing is diversity of plants. Since you guys like to share things you've made, it'd be great to grow things that other locals are not growing so that you can share with each other and have more food diversity :) Would be a great chance to also share recipes!
Nice job on the video, you are very good at summarizing complex information.
your cover crop can be a great nitrogen source. comfrey and borage can be great for compost amendments. comfrey can be hard to get rid of though once it's established. perhaps you could plant that in the forested hillside? I'm not sure how well that takes shade. Have fun with whatever you do!
you should look into making a Flowthru for your "worm bin" works good, I use to have a 6ft bin. ( also if you get semi fresh cow patties theres a good chance there's red wigglers in em or cocoons , also red wigglers LOVE it ) same with rotting pumpkins red wigglers love it!
So great to see your vlog Alyssa, you should do more of them!
Another benefit of taking local classes for gardening is that you learn how to grow things specifically where you live! There's a lot of great info on TH-cam but depending on where they live it may or may not help you at all.
Very, very, very true.
Get a large pitch fork. The sharp tines on the pitch fork cut through the uncomposted material easier than the 4 prong fork. The long handle makes it easier to reach as well.
ALysia - thanks for the video clip. Suggest you get an old fasioned pitch fork, it turn your compost pile.
You're doing fine! Try this for them worms, if you have a big bunch of leftover hay, straw or long grass around, pile and bundle it thick up and around that worm bin when it gets cold and keep it covered.
When I lived in upstate New York it would snow like I couldn't believe, and I used to prefer bringing mine in the house, but my wife would go ape on me! So I would put it in a shed and throw hay on top it or some fur skins. It managed. I still had some die though so it wasn't 100% fullproof.
Considering how precious water is in your situation, you might consider building wicking beds. Also, it'd be easy to add a float valve to automate keeping them topped off.
America loves you Alyssa, your awesome.
Maybe try using a "straw bale" garden this first year. 10 days to season your bales then ready to plant. After the growing season, you can till in the straw bales as more compost.
Alicia, thanks for all the great content that you guys have given us. I like your enthusiasm about a garden but before you get too far along have you watched and listened to Paul Gautschi and his Back to Eden gardening method? Please, before you give your mind over to the master gardener "educational" system I want you to listen to Paul talk. Good luck! Hope to watch you have garden success.
may I suggest getting a pitch fork or a turning fork for working your compost pile, I do believe you will find it easier than a shovel to turn your pile.
If you're going to blend by hand get a pitch fork. They help a lot with breaking down large clumps and increases aeration at the same time.
for raised beds you may want to think about the plastic 55 gallon barrels. cut them in half length wise and place on stands. fill with soil and compost. plant and have fun.
I know advice/tips/suggestions can be a little bit of a sore subject. I grew up in the city too. It took me a while to learn how much easier it is to use a pitchfork instead of a shovel when moving mulch, or compost or woodchips around. It is a lot easier to force the forks into the material. The shovel doesn't want to penetrate, but the forks penetrate quite easily.
check into different types of clover as your cover crop. It doesnt get very tall, (normally not more than 3") so it doesnt need to be mowed and it will over time, crowd out any other weed. Some types of clover are flowering varieties so they will also attract honey bees as well.
Love your videos. With a little time, work and baby steps you can accomplish anything. Be safe guys & God bless you. :)
Have you guys checked out the back to eden garden yet? It's incredible! It builds great soils over the years, keeps moisture in, and very limited weeding!! I feel it would help you guys immensely!😄👍👍
Local knowledgeable sources are always best !
Now that you have your pile turned and "fluffed" what do they recommend to get the pile composting again, especially with cool/cold nights ?
Great video, I would like to see as your garden comes along!
I like the queen being the central person of the video! Hope to see plenty of gardening videos in future.
Alicia, with knowing that water will be an issue and having to greatly amend the soil, have you and Jessie thought about building an aquaponic system (which is also organic). This could end most of your laboring tasks of building and maintaining a compost pile, and figuring out the water solution (aquaponic systems in general use 85% less water than most common gardening methods). Aquaponics would provide meat (fish most likely trout in your cold climate) and vegetables, once the system is up and you have it cycled it becomes as simple has feeding your fish twice a day, and watching your plants grow. Just some food for thought!!
We compost all our kitchen waste in recycled 45 gallon plastic drums with some half inch holes drilled in it. We get a good rot down in 3 months, then I turn it out onto a concrete slab to dry out. PS. I live in Vietnam so the drums get pretty warm.
Herds men drive cattle though the surround roads on their daily grazing trip. So poop is easy to find. I dry some of it and us it as a mulch. A trick my father showed me was to dunk a sack full in a water tank and use the liquid to water greenhouse plant every other day.
I also collect leaf fall and use it as ground cover and burn it for the ash. They grow trees for just 3 years till the trunk is 6" and cut them for pulp wood. The timber is debarked on site, so I use that also for ground cover.
When we moved in the soil was very sandy and with adding all the above is now turning black.
So keep dumping lots of organic material on and you should have a great garden.
BS
Great content . . . you guys rock . . . one thing I do know if you want something to grow don't plant it under a pine tree, never worked for me. . .keep the vids coming . . .
You inspired me- just printed out a Florida Master Gardener application!
You've chosen a really good topic to study I think.
Wish you hadn't fast forwarded over the contents of your course, I had to go back and keep pausing as that was a really interesting part.
Oh my, you are a hard worker. one piece of advice from a back sufferer. while you worked on the compost pile you used the shovel with your left hand always toward the shovel end. this puts the strain in your back on one side. The muscles on one side will get strong and tighten more than the opposite side causing the vertebra to be out of alignment. OUCH... Use both sides of your back muscles, put the other hand forward toward the shovel end and change your stance of your feet. Good luck I really like your work channel, keep it up...
Did you consider the 'Back To Eden' gardening method? Seems to help those in the mountains with crummy soil. Could you discuss your thoughts on it and if you're using it or staying away or why you've chosen to or not to use it.
Way to go on taking the Master Gardening Course, Knowledge is power!
I like the fact that you don't waste time telling your story thank you. I have stopped watching certain vidoes like Wranglerstar because he goes on and on about nothing. Its like watching a soap opera that all you need to do is tune in twice a week. We are doing a homestead at 67 years old my wife 60. We were forced to start over after my Real Estate business collapsed and 4 years ago were able to purchase 8.2 acres in North Georgia Mountains with very little money with a house built with a "Bud" level doing a "Wrap" mortgage. After my credit improved I was able to get a new Mortgage in our own name. The goal to keep my Mortgage below what it would cost to rent ($615 a month including Taxes and Insurance.) The house still needs lots of work and I can't afford lots of tools. We do what we can as God provides. He does provide. Thank you for your videos.
Your videos are great. Easy and inspiring. Great in from Austria. Martin from gartln werkln
Hi Alyssa! Can you speak to using fireplace ash in the compost? Is it a huge no-no? Thank you so much for your videos!
I agree with the comment about making a compost pile rather than bin. Keep the bin though, you could use it to store wood chips for wood stove fuel similar to wood pellets but lower energy. You. Would be better off terracing your garden into the hill. You can use your boulders to hold up the earth walls and this would give you a ready framework to build a greenhouse setup to extend your growing period and protect your plants from wild animal grazing
suggestion, get a 5 or 7 prong pitch fork. makes it a lot easier.
check out the "Back to Eden" gardening method. I personally have had amazing results. It is basically using mulching layers to make your own compost to build up a gardening bed. It would be amazing in your garden area and will save you a lot of money and work. Here in florida there are many that use this method and it works great. We hardly see any leaf or grass cuttings curb side. People grab them and throw it on there garden quick !! Happy Gardening :)
While working on your soil maybe look into straw bale gardening on youtube ... straw, urin and a bit of soil seem to make a good planting environment which can be composted afterwards. (I really envy this learning to fly thing ...lol)
Community SERVICE! I have the perfect plan for you - come put in a garden for us. Neither my wife nor I have green thumbs. But we do have a nice guest room, nice soil (no rocks), and we are just a few miles from the beach. We also have a community garden nearby and we can go pickup loads of compost - both garden and decorative types.
Um, go ahead and leave the Worm Tea at home, thanks. We can also send you home with bags and bags of lawn trimmings for your compost piles. Win win!
I suppose you meant serving your LOCAL community. Well, OK. Enjoyed your vid - keep an eye on that crafty Broccoli !!
That poor broccoli stem was trying to crawl back into your kitchen. Broccoli stems are delicious! Just cut/peel off the fibrous outer layer, cut into rectangular pieces and cook with the florets. Divine! As a matter of fact, I also eat all the broccoli leaves too. That deer was coming by to check on the progress of your garden. Deer just love fresh vegetables!
Knapp weed needs the herbicide applied in early april while still very young. Tordon 22k will also take it out while being more versatile in other uses for it than milestone while being priced about the same. Evil glyphosate can even be employed in the early april application scheme as most desirable plants aren't around yet. Key phrase to focus on is EARLY for knapp weed, rosette stage meaning low and flat to the ground yet. Later applications fail and are a waste of good money because it's a very hard weed to kill in the first place. Spot spraying then makes a good deal of sense.
I just watch a recently posted video on Fouch-o-matic Off Grid's channel where he was building a set of composting bins. You should watch it ! Here are my "take aways".
You need 3 bins. I am guessing that is because you need to turn your compost twice before it is ready.
Second, you need MUCH BIGGER BINS. Bin #1 should be bigger than bin #2 which should be bigger than bin #3.
The bins should have some kind of removable front. This will allow you fill the bins much fuller and still remove the front to turn the pile into the next bin.
Looks like you need a good pitch fork (4 or 5 prong) and a good digging fork for your compost pile and garden.
you need a pitchfork to turn the compost, to gather pine needles, etc
Good luck with your programs!
As all the others are saying here: coffee grounds for nitrogen, and use a fork to turn. Also, if you have a way to shred those leaves before they get into the compost pile, between that and the coffee ground, you'll save months. The fork will save you so much labor as well.
Yes! I love the Master Gardner program!!
We love TJ's 21 Seasoning Salute, too!! I get the three packs from Amazon. ;)
Looking forward to more gardening videos when is get a little wormer.
Great video! Your dinner looked delicious and I have the exact same glass! It's a small world after all. teehee ;)
You're a sucker for the chalkboard mason jars too? HAHA! Too bad I lost my chalk!
Hope you have saved lots of tin cans.
Punch holes in the base, line with dry grass, fill with potting mix and store.
Whenever you have a cutting from a neighbour or a park, dip in semi hardwood hormone powder and pop in those tins.
Alyssa (sp?), did you tell us to sssshhhhhh when you saw the deer? That made me laugh. To funny. Thanks for all your hard work doing these vids.
Really enjoyed this video.
I'm guessing that you won't be using pallets forever, what research have you done for composting bin/enclosures? Have you discussed that in another video?
I found that a five tined manure fork works real good when handling compost.
I run worm bins without drainage holes. I just make sure I don't add too much liquid. It's worked great for 3 years and I don't have to deal with nasty sludge. I have never had to drain a bin.
Can I ask what do you both do for work. Great channel 👍
Hello, Pure Living for Live, can you share where you took the master garden course, if not already done.
u r AWESOME! so real, so kind and informative and just NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!