Leeks after potatoes in the same sacks of different composts, one of soil

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ความคิดเห็น • 214

  • @shannonessig5959
    @shannonessig5959 2 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    "They're not champion leeks... but there's a lot of food here." Charles Dowding quote of the day. Love.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      😂

    • @rhysjaggar4677
      @rhysjaggar4677 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have to say that as my eating yields have increased, my 'champion growing' results have declined. Is nature telling me something?!

  • @combitz
    @combitz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    I adore these comparison videos when done over a 6, 9 or 12 month period as it has information that anyone can use for improvements in their context. Great content again Charles, thank you.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      You are so welcome!

    • @dianeirvine1384
      @dianeirvine1384 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Very interesting. Thanks for the comparison. Just goes to show homemade is best. I did a test myself with potatoes and I found the same. Some brought stuff wasn’t as good as I thought.

  • @glynisglynis8665
    @glynisglynis8665 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    The comparison of different growing mediums combined with succession planting in sacks, is one of the best comparison and informative video I've seen in years. Keep up the good work.

  • @kackmalwieder
    @kackmalwieder 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Charles, you are my hero. I am not the type of person who says that often. Watching you for years but never had the land to work on. Now I might have the oportunity to finally start and prof your principles and spead the knowledge in the area and have fun on the way.
    Many thanks for your effort to teach your principles and experiences to the worldwide (youtube) community. You are a great teacher by the way. Wish I could meet you in person.
    All the best

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you so much! I really appreciate your writing and wish you lots of success in your new venture which sounds really exciting! I am with you in spirit.

  • @catalinamiu3978
    @catalinamiu3978 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    For this Christmas, I gave myself the book "No dig" . After watching all your videos, I already have a garden with 5 beds, 3 heaps of compost waiting to be decomposed in time, in London (if you can believe it.. 🥴) It's fascinating the power you have over people, through your calmness and the confidence you convey. It's such an interesting adventure, from collecting leaves from the forest, finding manure sources in the area, to collaborating with coffee shops , fruit and vegetable stores to purchase compost materials. Have you noticed with how much love you talk about everything you do? It can be seen in your eyes, in the way you touch and handle the vegetables and flowers. I wish you good health and success to guide us for many more years!!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How lovely, what an amazing comment, really appreciate it and I hope you enjoy the book! 💚

  • @peterroberts999
    @peterroberts999 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another great trial that is genuinely helpful to real gardeners or anyone else wanting to just grow some food. Thank you!

  • @annefinlay-baird7006
    @annefinlay-baird7006 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant. Thank you. I’m sitting on a wet day dreaming of spring planting…

  • @josephevans5703
    @josephevans5703 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Absolutely one of my favorite vegetables leeks and potatoes potato and leek soup yum yum yum thanks Charles

  • @johannybarranteslobo7796
    @johannybarranteslobo7796 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Gracias Charles..Ha revolucionado el huerto familiar. Nos ha conquistado con su sabiduría, su sencillez, calidez y humildad.
    Larga vida para ti...

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Eso es tan agradable de escuchar!! Que tengas un gran 2023 💚

  • @jimchristensen965
    @jimchristensen965 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So lucky to have discovered you. You have shined the light on new ideas and alternative methods of gardening here in central Iowa, USA. Your love and passion for gardening sends positive, feel good vibes my way. I'm super excited to be transitioning to no dig. Hurry up Spring!!
    Thank You!

  • @Sue-ec6un
    @Sue-ec6un 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Such a good experiment! Sacks are a great idea for people who may only have a small space or a balcony or patio. Or for anything that you may not need a large amount. I wonder how onions would do? Maybe I'll try that this year. Thanks Charles. You have made gardening really fun, because gardening is experimenting and that is really a great way to look at it!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nice to hear, thanks, and yes, it's a superb way to interact with and understand nature, plus we get food to eat!

  • @user-ey9bt7fs6n
    @user-ey9bt7fs6n 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Now I am hungry for Potato and Leek soup!

  • @mamiejo2281
    @mamiejo2281 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello ! It's mamiejo from France.
    Interesting experiments !
    Anyway, one sac was missing :
    A mix of the seven containts, just to see if it is the right mixture to get the best production 😉😁😘 !
    See you soon !

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for sharing mamiejo. I I'm glad I did not, however, because if I had done that, the poison from the horse manure would have contaminated all of the other six parts of that mixed sack!

  • @craigmetcalfe1749
    @craigmetcalfe1749 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey Charles! Sacks off to you my learned friend. I am staring at my leeks in a raised bed I made myself out of left over agricultural pipe halves wired together. They are growing very slowly after potatoes and I just wonder whether they do need a feed as the compost/potting mix may be a little older than I thought. One of my favorite soups is leek and potato soup. Recently, I did halloumi cheese grilled on the BBQ and then cut into bite size pieces which I topped with a basil leaf and a cherry tomato half. A nice flavor bomb even if I do say so myself. Be careful with the halloumi...it can be salty...so make allowances. Cheers!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Craig, you have a complicated method and delicious food!
      It sounds like a compost problem, unless it's the Australian heat making it difficult to get the leeks enough moisture, they like damp roots, good luck!

  • @karenkmk4035
    @karenkmk4035 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have just purchased your no dig book and cookbook signed..👍. I have been following you for years and am a no dig convert, thankyou for all the great content.. Looking forward to receiving the books in Australia 👍

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is so nice Karen, thank you, and I love your name! Good luck with all your vegetables and I hope the weather is reasonable.

    • @karenkmk4035
      @karenkmk4035 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig the name is English, my ancestors came from Cornwall, Lands End. They came to Australia in the early 1800’s looking for gold. They were all good gardeners (they had to be), it’s in my blood one could say. 😉

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@karenkmk4035 Amazing!!

  • @waynesell3681
    @waynesell3681 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    First time spreading cardboard over 10*26 ft , going to make four 4*12 beds. Filled the first of four and wood planks to hold down cardboard until I can fill the other three.. 😊. Im encouraged by you Charles thank you.

  • @tinkeringinthailand8147
    @tinkeringinthailand8147 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am salivating at the thought of leeks in a cheese sauce :) I really struggle with Alliums here, I don't really know why. Thanks Charles.

  • @alastairleung1883
    @alastairleung1883 ปีที่แล้ว

    This one along with the potato video were fascinating to watch. I loved the very long term look into these comparisons

  • @irenesmith5676
    @irenesmith5676 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Charles it’s been very interesting your experiment into different soils loved your video lv Irene 😘 xx

  • @smas3256
    @smas3256 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for a wealth of information.
    Revisiting potatoes to film progress is a great help for me and many with limited experience.

  • @lajoiedevivre2
    @lajoiedevivre2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I thought it would be interesting to let you know how I solved a big problem for my house: water logged soil behind, going up in the walls, in spite of the drainage work and an additional treatment of the backwall with something meant to prevent water from going up.
    I am sure you know the answer!
    I used your observation that you grew nice veggies on a piece of water logged soil covered with compost!
    Amazingly it improved the drainage so well that no water stayed there anymore, even after daily heavy rains! I did put 40cm deep woodchips that composted themselves. Thank you so much!!
    Now, in 6h all the water disappears. This year we had in September all the rain we normally get in a year. No water went in my wall!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  หลายเดือนก่อน

      That is superb, and I'm really happy to hear of your success with that. Simple and cheap

  • @jamesprice6940
    @jamesprice6940 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm really enjoying your latest videos, Charles. Extremely fascinating! Keep up the outstanding work 🙂

  • @michaelhyde8523
    @michaelhyde8523 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for putting the effort in over time and providing the vid for us. Fascinating again!

  • @JVSwailesBoudicca
    @JVSwailesBoudicca 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm not surprised at the crop from HomeMade C (I am presuming that you make some good stuff !!) Nor at the Mushroom C... .. I'm impressed by the GreenWaste C and amazed that the BigWoodchip C produced anything at all really ! A really interesting trial. You have fired my enthusiasm & I might find space fora couple of sacks myself next year if I can disguise them with something. Thank you .

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thanks, and I just had a really helpful comment that someone suggested turning the sacks inside out, so you have black outside, and they look much nicer! Warmer too, or too hot in sun...

    • @JVSwailesBoudicca
      @JVSwailesBoudicca 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig Well, that solves my problem - no disguise needed as black would be good...and in part shade.

  • @TheCutlerShoppe
    @TheCutlerShoppe 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always learn something new from watching your videos. Thanks, much gratitude!

  • @jcking6785
    @jcking6785 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very interesting experiment with two veggies which should definitely be cooked together! Potato leek soup. YUM!

  • @Lepotagerdesgourmands
    @Lepotagerdesgourmands 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Bonjour Charles, super les poireaux, quel beau tableau sur la table avec la nappe noire à bientôt merci🙏🙏🙏

  • @kangtani_indonesia
    @kangtani_indonesia 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    very fertile plants with compost planting media, very useful information and adds inspiration to my farm, thank you

  • @karenkmk4035
    @karenkmk4035 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Interesting, I’m glad the mushroom compost did well as I use it a lot along with my own homemade compost.. appreciate your effort to make this video 🙏.

    • @lethaleefox6017
      @lethaleefox6017 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I don't think I would call my compost mushroom compost, even though I do get Agaricus Augustus mushrooms come up in my compost from time to time (vary similar to the Portabella mushrooms I see in stores) I have scattered the spores around the yard including under the boxwood hedges... one year I got about 30 pounds that I dried for use... outside one has to spot the mushrooms before the bugs get into them... since mushrooms are good at releasing nutrients in compost, anything I cut off processing the Agarics... get scattered in with growing plant areas... inoculation if lucky.

  • @dwighthires3163
    @dwighthires3163 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    My two favorite videos you produce are always the factual ones such as this one and your overviews. You make viewing enjoyable and informative.

  • @ArmindaHeart
    @ArmindaHeart 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was an awesome experiment!! Thanks for sharing with us. Very eye opening ❤

  • @lidiagarcia5378
    @lidiagarcia5378 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    WOOOW!!! EL TEMA DEL COMPOST ES SIEMPRE INTERESANTE... PERO ESOS EXPERIMENTOS COMPARATIVOS ME LLENAN EL ALMA!!! GRACIAS POR TU TRABAJO QUE ES GENIAL!!!

  • @davidvernaglia601
    @davidvernaglia601 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do leeks really prefer to grow in clumps? I've always grown them in rows. I'd like to try clumping them! Thank you for all you do and all those you inspire!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks, and no not literally! But they grow fine and prolifically quite close together, closer than often recommended. The point about clumps is that they are a quick and easy way to plant a lot of vegetables, without separation. You are transplanting the clumps you created when you sowed seeds together in each cell.

  • @royormonde3682
    @royormonde3682 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful leeks Charles, such a wonderful vegetable and a fun experiment I'm sure for you, keeps you at the top of the your game knowing what works and doesn't. I'll be starting my leeks this month for the 2023 season. I'm still working on last years harvest, I have two large bags left in the freezer out of the three I put in there last fall so I'll probably be fine till next harvest.

  • @lezleyneill
    @lezleyneill 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great comparison video thanks Charles. We grew potatoes in sacks and in beds last summer and were surprised to find very little difference between harvests, we then grew savoy/cauliflower in the same compost as potatoes over the Autumn/Winter, cauliflower growth quite slow, savoy did great! Might try it with leeks this year 👌

  • @jayvanwyck4717
    @jayvanwyck4717 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really interesting results. You might consider doing a mix of all as the control. Sense you isolated them. The microbes couldn’t migrate. When you made Johnson and Su were able to keep consistent moisture? my experience with compost, temperature, aeration. For any compost air is the most important. Putting it on a pallet and and using tubes from Johnson and Su produced best compost if aged soil from many old cemeteries. Microscope showed more diverse colony.

  • @irishcottagerenovation9900
    @irishcottagerenovation9900 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brilliant Videos, unless you do these comparisons your just guessing so thank you. My job is sorting out community poly tunnel and biggest priority was to make compost bins and get 14 tons of mushroom compost and the same in cow manure, so delighted by your findings. Gives me hope in the slug invested wet western Irish climate. Heather

  • @jsbadger
    @jsbadger 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Succession planting in sacks. That's a concept that could very well take off for those with limited spaces! Another curious thought, Charles: have you given much thought to the "blending" of the various composts available and their various growing abilities? Might be a thought to another round of comparison growing vids. You could even reuse the sacks!

  • @whatsworthonearth8700
    @whatsworthonearth8700 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I liked the results, I have a big heap of mushroom compost waiting in the garden. We have visiting deers, using the heap as a playground at night. Fortunately I placed a cover on top and pallets to hold the cover there. But somehow the cover is torn with a lot of holes at one side and the pallets mystically arranged at the bottom of the other side. I suspect the deers running up on top and there after sledding down on the pallets. I like that picture. Happy New Year!

  • @amurray9852
    @amurray9852 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really enjoyed this experiment, thank you for sharing! 👍😊

  • @antonsalivon4079
    @antonsalivon4079 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Charles for another great video. The video you have posted is very helpful for me as I struggle to grow good leeks. The video gives me an idea about different crop results using various types of soil. Thank you for your afford.

  • @MrLaking123
    @MrLaking123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    that was a great comparison video really enjoyed and really interesting

  • @kangtani_indonesia
    @kangtani_indonesia 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing information about agriculture, and very good potato plants

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's my pleasure, wish we could provide Indonesian subtitles!

  • @sander6295
    @sander6295 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So nice looking at those summer videos with 30cm to snow outside. Always wanted to run experiments like that but haven't had the time. Would be interesting to see how the same material would produce next year. I suspect some of the sacks would get (relatively) better

  • @BlazeXak
    @BlazeXak 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome format. A lot of work is put into making these. Love it!

  • @jerryinawasa5281
    @jerryinawasa5281 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Another great video from you Charles. Your homemade compost seems to do better than the others. I am keen on doing the same on composting. A quick question though. I live in a rental property that has 5 palm trees and the fronds are a nightmare. Can the fronds be composted. I read somewhere that they take years to breakdown and also there are certain types that have toxins in them.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks Gerry, that's nice to hear. I don't agree about supposed toxins because in a composting process, everything decomposes and the secret is to chop them as small as possible so that bacteria and fungi can have lots of surface area to work on, best of luck.

    • @jerryinawasa5281
      @jerryinawasa5281 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @CharlesDowding1nodig thank for very much for your response. Will certainly do that. 👍

  • @b.a.d.2086
    @b.a.d.2086 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This sack growing has been excellent information for someone who has had to move to a condo. I'm going to try this, putting the sacks in decorative baskets. I plan on trying the best of the bagged soils available in my area. It would be fun to see how grow bags work also.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Best of luck!

    • @lethaleefox6017
      @lethaleefox6017 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not sure what part of world you are in, if United States, look up Firehouse Subs, for reusing pickle buckets as planters or perhaps some other restaurant that might get food in buckets and can not reuse the buckets, Firehouse Subs have a website that explains pickle buckets for donations program they do. Those soil bags look to be about a 5 gallon bucket size.

  • @lksf9820
    @lksf9820 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @Charles Dowding, have you ever done (and shown) any testing on what Summer grown veg can be left in the ground for harvesting over Winter? Sprouts is an obvious one, but i've got some carrots still in which were in frozen (-7c) ground for two weeks and they're still fine. I'm glad I left them in and didn't pull them to store as they're still fresh and crisp.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, we made one called Feast of Fresh two years ago, when it was -6 C. You were close to the border there with -7 on carrots and it's a risk.
      This year I lost spring cabbage and spring cauliflower which was unusual. I find there's no certainty, and that's why I would not make an any kind of definitive video. I'm sure your carrots are super sweet as well!

    • @lksf9820
      @lksf9820 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig Ok i'll watch it, thanks. I don't think it's worth the risk putting stuff outside, it's harsh enough inside. I had to use a mattock to dig the carrots out 🙄

  • @Pixieworksstudio
    @Pixieworksstudio 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was pretty good Charles, imagine if somebody had little space. Do you think there was more nitrogen in the compost the better the leeks progressed, or was it a generalisation of goodness?

  • @ThatBritishHomestead
    @ThatBritishHomestead 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really want to plant leeks this year!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Multisow early April under cover. I sell a lesson about growing them charlesdowding.co.uk/product/from-seed-to-harvest-19-leeks/

    • @ThatBritishHomestead
      @ThatBritishHomestead 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig thanks so much you are amazing!!

  • @GARDENER42
    @GARDENER42 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I grew my potatoes in the 30l buckets Tony O'Neill recommends using 50/50 cheap, bought compost & my own stuff.
    Didn't think about reusing in this way (would have been great for the first earlies - the later charlotte's were stored in their compost until needed, so it wasn't available). I'll definitely give it a go this year.
    Oh & the last charlotte's were absolutely perfect when emptied out on Christmas Eve.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds amazing!

    • @mikeross4
      @mikeross4 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I grow my potatoes in the same way and have always had good results but I will definitely try growing leeks after the potatoes as we use a lot over the winter.

  • @BeauteeInTheGarden
    @BeauteeInTheGarden 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! I grow a great deal of leeks but I have never multi sown leeks. I will have to try growing them in clumps. Thank you for the much need info!💚

  • @DadbrosGarage
    @DadbrosGarage 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Charles I think I'm going to grow 100% potatoes in my garden in the spring. I'm just a meat and potatoes kind of guy and after seeing all the different varieties in your garden that just makes me think about all the hard work I would have to do so potatoes it is Sir

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      😂😂 superb comment, I love your directness! Maybe a few peas!!!

  • @Lifegrowsonandon
    @Lifegrowsonandon 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Brilliant comparison here thanks! Are you going to do a video on growing melons undercover? Those Emir you grew looked amazing and abundant.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you, and yes, we shall publish it in March, just before sowing time

    • @Lifegrowsonandon
      @Lifegrowsonandon 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig legend thanks

  • @gerardhuiskamp9660
    @gerardhuiskamp9660 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for all the good work you show! I've learned a lot from it over the years! Can you also add leafy soil to your tests? I am very curious about that!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm guessing that you mean what we call leaf mould, compost made from tree leaves, which I don't have any of the moment, shall see

    • @gerardhuiskamp9660
      @gerardhuiskamp9660 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig Yes correct! Will find it a nice addition to all your testing you do! Thanks again for everything you show!

  • @andykyriakides2144
    @andykyriakides2144 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Happy new year Charles , thanks for these amazing informative videos for us mere mortal gardeners . Now , did you re use any of the same compost you used for the potatoes , or is it a fresh batch ??

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cheers Andy.
      The leaks grew in the compost, which had grown potatoes, after we refilled the sacks. Now that compost is on a bed in the garden.

  • @dalesman4530
    @dalesman4530 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Very interesting. I use a mix of soil and HMC for potatoes but the continued use by growing leeks is a great suggestion. Did you protect the leeks from the allium leaf miner?
    I wonder if you did a taste test as well as thats our prime target, and trumps yield and size for me.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nice to hear, and I did taste a few separately, and there was little difference!
      Here fortunately we do not have much of that leaf miner, yet!

    • @peterhughes4735
      @peterhughes4735 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig I'm still seething at losing my entire leek crop to it this year - FWIW, I'm in Suffolk. No problems at all last year, so just unlucky perhaps.

    • @TheTequilaFairy
      @TheTequilaFairy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@peterhughes4735 I'm in Cambridge and it's devastating here, considering not bothering with leeks anymore as they keep getting through my finest mesh.

  • @agnespeterse2529
    @agnespeterse2529 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great video this is!
    First of all I want to say... thank you for the way you share so much knowledge about the method of growing vegetables .It is for the second season that I have a vegetable garden. And it is absolutely wonderful ! I worked in the garden with great pleasure and is truely amazing to see the wonder of it all. I have watched several videos of you now and I want to start a no-dig garden myself. It will be very helpful indeed to follow the advice you've mentioned and shared in your video’s.
    I don't want to use fertilizer in the future but work with compost only. Is that posible?
    For the coming season I have a question. Hopefully you will be so kind to answer me? Although it is off topic.
    it concerns the compost requirement that root vegetables such as carrots need. on the packaging it says that they should not have manure / compost. how do you do that? I have the impression that you add compost to all your vegetable plants.
    do you llimit the compost addition perhaps? And if you indeed are limiting this, how do you get the soil healthy and fertile?
    please Charles... forgive me my poor English :-)

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hello Agnes, and your English is fine!
      I'm delighted that you feel motivated and capable. It's true that no dig makes everything simpler and easier, well almost everything!
      I use the same amount of compost for all my beds, whatever I grow there. The so-called information you read on the packaging is wrong. You need to learn what not to believe because gardening is full of inherited, incorrect old ideas. A lot of them come from the world of digging which damages soil and then other problems follow, such as carrots and parsnips forking, which is related to soil having been broken up.
      I'm looking always to feed soil life, that is top priority, and everything else follows from that. You don't need to worry about plant nutrition when soil is well fed, that's why I use no fertilisers at all, zero! That saves money and time and makes life simpler, and is better for soil organisms.
      Some garden magazines take adverts from fertiliser companies, I have a feeling this affects the information given!

    • @agnespeterse2529
      @agnespeterse2529 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig O Charles, thank you so much for this clear and understandable answer! It is very helpful indeed and I do appreciate you've answered me! Hope to watch more video's of you in the future...for sure it will help me to find my way on this natural..NO-DIG. 'garden-path' :-)

  • @cadileigh9948
    @cadileigh9948 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    interesting and thanks. I'm wondering how you found your plants coped with the freezing rain we had recently ? or did you escape it in soft southern country.
    My kale lost a lot of leaves and I'm waiting to see how many rosemarys are dead and if all the protection i gave artichoke was yet again in vain when the winter ends for certain. Bought seed tatws and onion sets today to augment those I've saved. The -15C frost was good for the parsnips though

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We were lucky here and had nothing below -9, and no freezing rain. That does sound very difficult for leaf vegetables.

  • @lelandshanks3590
    @lelandshanks3590 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Charles for the testing. You think potatoes would work in bags also?

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, absolutely, see the previous video! Link in description

  • @lmrandlette
    @lmrandlette 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant dramatic results from your test soils! I’m inspired to keep the occasional plastic bags for growing purposes - and relieved to find a way to reuse this source of plastic. I’ve been hesitant to purchase commercial mushroom compost due to concerns for the potential presence of residual chemicals. Curious if you have insights to share about sourcing mushroom compost.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks and no, I was lucky here, occasionally it can have that weedkiller :(

  • @deanwatt
    @deanwatt 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What's a good leek variety for nice chunky plants?
    Thanks!

  • @antonyjones4783
    @antonyjones4783 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great comparison video, it really helps get an idea of what we should be looking for. It's an important point about potting compost only being to start things off as I assume that most people don't realise that. How did you dispose of the horse manure with suspected weed killer?

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you Antony, and we spread it on neighbouring grass where it will not kill the grass and sunlight will dissipate the poison, over a year or so

  • @emilyscard5694
    @emilyscard5694 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Super helpful thank you

  • @James1980-
    @James1980- 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I thinks it’s interesting to think about how sacks compare to planting in the conventional no dig way. I’d expect that if the same number of leeks were planted into the ground with compost as mulch that it would be more productive than in the sacks. And it would require less watering and less work overall.
    Using sacks though makes sense if you have limited space.
    Maybe my thought process is flawed for some reason though..

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You nailed it, that's exactly right. I don't want to give the impression I am recommending to grow in sacks, which are for isolating the different composts as a trial. Growing in the ground is much easier if you have spare ground.

  • @lethaleefox6017
    @lethaleefox6017 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    For a year or so I have been using 5 gallon buckets from a place tha sells, for a donation, of about the same price as new buckets, but recycled from shipping food to the restaurant... I drilled a large hole in the side near bottom for drainage... put the buckets with different plants in a row alongside a driveway... a barrier raised garden on pavers with raised wood sides to hide the buckets ... I was a bit surprised by the production of the raspberry plants that were a bit shaded by a huge Western Red Cedar tree... automatic watering with soaker hoses... a good variety of plants were tried... plan on moving the raised bed some this spring but thinking of going 2 buckets wide... the ability to move the raised bucket planting system has been very useful for a decorative barrier planting about 32 feet long... thinking of doubling width because of the productivity... the project has been an interesting experiment in flexible barrier planting... it is a project worth expanding I think.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That sounds brilliant, and congratulations, lovely to make use of waste products, and wasted space as well!

    • @lethaleefox6017
      @lethaleefox6017 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig the barrier replaced a barrier made with waste wooden beams from a lumbermill that were used for pile bottoms (used to stack loads of lumber on so that the loads wouldn't get rocks embedded in the bottoms of the loads, and were offered to the workers as firewood)... under where the barrier box runs is a water line to the house, the whole structure could be moved and prevents digging into the water line. The raspberries in the 5 gallon buckets were large and tasty all summer and into the fall. Did blueberries also, got some fruit from those, waiting for the strawberries there to produce. The old pile bottoms become firewood in time.

    • @lethaleefox6017
      @lethaleefox6017 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig The barrier box itself is a combination 2x8 treated wood boards slid into X shaped cement blocks about 6x6x8 inches, sides rise to 24 inches for both blocks and boards, the buckets prevent soil contact with the treated wood, I could have used western red cedar and filled box with soil, but buckets allow easy enough movement of plants in and out of the row and possibly into the floor of the little greenhouse... the donations for the used pickle buckets goes to purchase fire fighter equipment (the restaurant is Firehouse Subs) enjoying your videos. Keep experimenting.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lethaleefox6017 Amazing

  • @peterhughes4735
    @peterhughes4735 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Interesting seeing the difference, so many thanks. Maybe I should try this method - I lost my entire autumn leek harvest to alium leaf miner this year, so I'm out for revenge in 2023!

  • @diaryofanorganicgrower
    @diaryofanorganicgrower 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    hi Charles- I uploaded a video yesterday about my last weekend harvest of carrots I sowed from a random packet I found in May, here in Southern Hungary. Basically, I did not expect much but they did pretty well considering I did not attend to them very much. It prompted a reply from one of my UK followers to pointed out that the terrific heat of 2022 did not help his harvest and while I suffer extreme heat here, I did manage a harvest of Nantes in September in a no dig bed. He went on to say he harvested some and re-sowed in August and now has a good harvest, like me. So, I intend to leave them in for longer as will he, and we will compare results

  • @VanderlyndenJengold
    @VanderlyndenJengold 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Some nice-looking leeks there, I'm jealous as my harvest was very poor last year. Some I over-fed, some the Allium leaf miner got. So, I have to buy leeks now! Just one was £1.40 the other day! I could buy a whole packet of leek seed for that.
    This year I will pay closer attention to my leeks.
    An interesting study. I like such experiments. I have been sieving compost for years and usually throw the big chunks back in the compost to break down and sieve again a year later.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry to hear that! Incidentally, we never sieve the compost for beds, and even for the sacks I did not sieve the homemade compost, only the woody ones

  • @tedbastwock3810
    @tedbastwock3810 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Mushroom and Homemade Compost for long-term stability/amendment to existing soil in a no dig manner. In these two sack-growing videos I can see that a lot of my failures or disappointments over the years might have been related to my lack of knowledge of growing medium. As always, I observe and adjust best I can. 🙏

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm very happy that you feel helped by what I'm showing here

  • @hilly2777
    @hilly2777 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fantastic video, Charles ! Say, have you ever done any experiments with bokashi compost? That's what we're doing here in our tiny garden and I've a feeling that it's doing a great job, but now I'm tempted to set up a couple experiments of my own... 🤔
    Greetings from Germany!

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Great idea. It would just be extra work for me to make it here, but I see the sense of you doing it in an urban situation with not much space, good luck with a trial!

  • @TheTaff224
    @TheTaff224 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I grow carrots in troughs using compost and then dump the used compost on the main beds and start again...seems to work well.
    Been a few years since I did potatoes in sacks, might try again.
    Always nice to see your experiments.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for this, and I'm thinking to grow some carrots like that, because it might also keep them above the flying level of the root flies!

  • @somethingsomething7890
    @somethingsomething7890 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    It is really soothing listening to your voice.
    PS...I hope I'm not being weird

  • @WynterDragon
    @WynterDragon 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Are there concerns about microplastic shedding from the sacs into the compost?

  • @ximenaisabeljimenezgalindo9044
    @ximenaisabeljimenezgalindo9044 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hola Charles,cómo siempre gracias por brindar tanto conocimiento , experiencia con tus videos 🌷🌷🇨🇱

  • @PurringMyrrh
    @PurringMyrrh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Videos two days in a row?! It's like a second Christmas! 🤩🤩🌱🌱🌱

  • @gawain8000
    @gawain8000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great experiment ❤

  • @HeavenlyLights
    @HeavenlyLights 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ThankYou

  • @alisonburgess345
    @alisonburgess345 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Vaguely related question if I may - here in Australia we're having a bit of a dry spell (after a wet winter..) and I've got the same compost structure as you with a roof - have you ever felt the need to actually *water* the compost a bit? Would a bit of water help speed up the process? Not a drenching of course, but a decent spray? Thanks Charles - these two videos are outstanding.😊

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Alison, and yes, I sometimes water the heaps. They dry as much under the cover us my outdoor ones with no roof, and it's just a question of keeping all materials moist, because otherwise they do not decompose. So just have a look and the ingredients need to feel moist, not dry and not soggy either!

    • @alisonburgess345
      @alisonburgess345 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig Thanks very much - will do.

  • @GoingGreenMom
    @GoingGreenMom 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your experiments!

  • @turtle2212
    @turtle2212 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Almost unbelievable what you can get out of these small sacks, both harvests cooked together give a tasty thick cream soup! For your beloved statics Sir Charles: How many people can eat a hearty soup with the overall harvest? 😋

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you, and that's an interesting thought, a lot I hope!

  • @nickhammersonrocks
    @nickhammersonrocks 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    RATHER HAVE A LEEK IN OUR SACK THAN A HOLE IN OUR BUCKET !!!!!!!

  • @johncotten7204
    @johncotten7204 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I enjoy your videos. When you said you had worms in the compost, did you mean earth worms or a pest worm in the potatoes? Thanks.

    • @sbffsbrarbrr
      @sbffsbrarbrr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was wondering the same thing.
      It's possible there are holes in the bags. Otherwise the water couldn't drain out and the worms are getting in thru those holes.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks, and actually, I meant brandling worms, the little red, shiny ones you get in compost, or any organic matter which is not fully decomposed. They are part of the process and are good to see, their eggs are everywhere, so they just seem to arrive, even if there had not been holes in the sacks to let the water out.

  • @tater357
    @tater357 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did you get rid of the Horse Manure compost?

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yup no potatoes and we spread it on grass, where sunlight will degrade the poison, and it does not poison the grass

    • @gailthornbury291
      @gailthornbury291 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig can you then use the grass clippings in a compost heap? My grass clippings are a big component of compost. I hate these aminopyralids.

    • @NellBaker
      @NellBaker 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gailthornbury291 Personally i would not recommend using the grass clippings. My plot neighbour but contaminated bean plants into his compost and following year had problems. i recommend yoghurt for sorting out AP..

  • @gailthornbury291
    @gailthornbury291 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have an area that has had a bark chip mulch down on paths. They’ve decomposed considerably and I have been sieving away at it. It looks lovely like soft fine peat. Probably not many nutrients though. Time to experiment. It needs removed and replaced anyway.

  • @bluemoon8268
    @bluemoon8268 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    … hi Charles … I’m getting ready to order a delivery of organic compost to start some new no dig beds … this is zone 8/9 in Texas … I can get the mushroom compost as well, so I’m wondering if it would be beneficial for me to blend the two, or just use the organic compost … thanks !

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sounds great however, I doubt that what is called organic compost is organic in the sense of being high-quality, chemical free. At least in the UK sellers are allowed to call anything organic, just because it's organic matter! So be careful of that and I should go for maybe 2/3 mushroom, 1/3 the 'organic'!!

    • @bluemoon8268
      @bluemoon8268 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig … thank you ! … it’s produced by a group that is supposed to have high standards and quality, so hard to really know … I wasn’t expecting you to say such a larger quantity of the mushroom compost to the other … so I’m really glad I asked !

  • @Ws-wr6xt
    @Ws-wr6xt ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello Charles are you sell compost and some vegetables?

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      I sell vegetables in Bruton, no compost

    • @Ws-wr6xt
      @Ws-wr6xt ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you but is it some store?

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  ปีที่แล้ว

      Vegetables is mostly salad leaves, in Spar

  • @dreamingofanecholshomestea3711
    @dreamingofanecholshomestea3711 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wonder what would have happened had you mixed all of the bags and grew a 3rd round🤔🧐

  • @number7philipdavis693
    @number7philipdavis693 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Turning the sacks inside out, black layer outside will make them last longer.

  • @growsoilbiology
    @growsoilbiology 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Something to think about: the soil is the only one that contains mycorrhizal fungi. Maybe this is why it did better than you thought?

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Good thought :)

    • @mikeob9502
      @mikeob9502 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hmmm... I would have thought the Johnson/Su product would have some of that too; perhaps I'm mistaken.

  • @annekec4666
    @annekec4666 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    It would have been useful to see the comparison of aged horse/cow manure compost without herbicides.

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I so agree and wish it was possible to have found some unpoisoned manure around here

    • @annekec4666
      @annekec4666 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CharlesDowding1nodig I would send you some of my little barn's compost heap, but we might have international shipping agents more than a little bit baffled!

  • @beatanowak3014
    @beatanowak3014 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hej, jestem z Polski. Mam nieduży ogród i szklarnie, od 2 lat staram się uprawiać ogród no dog. W tym roku będę sadzić ziemniaki i bataty, ma próbę. Po ziemniakach wsadzę pory, jak ty. Dziękuję

    • @CharlesDowding1nodig
      @CharlesDowding1nodig  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Brzmi obiecująco i dzięki za opinie, dobre zbiory w 2023 roku

  • @MotosAllotmentGarden
    @MotosAllotmentGarden 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    😁👍

  • @matthewking2209
    @matthewking2209 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I grew potatoes in cardboard boxes then just put the box in the compost and the compost on the beds.

  • @namthomson1124
    @namthomson1124 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ❤😊

  • @radio0bomb
    @radio0bomb 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    That's too bad that the horse manure had a weed killer in it. It would have been interesting to see how it would fare against the mushroom compost.

  • @pinballwizard6906
    @pinballwizard6906 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ✌️😎

  • @lostinfens
    @lostinfens 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fascinating.

  • @isimisoko
    @isimisoko 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    For leeks is god to trim leafs trought whole growth because they are grow bigger. My grandmother use to do that all time of growth