15 Things I learned in 2018

[@raa6504]

Sir, you are my favorite grower because you are not arrogant to say that one method/your method is best and you experiment and admit when you make mistakes. You take what's relevant in your context and apply it and that makes a good grower. I grow on a patch of about 300 square meters, that's all my garden, and I learnt a lot from you, now I am not afraid to go against the popular beliefs and try new things that may or may not work in my context and climate as I saw it change extremely rapidly in last 15 years. Here you can observe the people get amazed how you could grow some veggies in some times of the year because they are so rooted to the traditional beliefs. My onions and spinach lasted all winter outside without cover, now I'm just gonna put a freeze cloth on them and improvise a hoop house to get the growing. Thank you, sir. May your work pay you with a good harvest this year!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks so much for that comment. It means a lot to know that some people really appreciate my approach to the gardens and this KZbin channel. Between the limited traditional view of how things are done on the one hand, and the huge diversity of the 'great' alternative ideas that float around in social media on the other hand, there is so much to explore and try, and new things to develop. Sounds like you have a great garden there, and great approach, keep it up!

[@raa6504]

@@REDGardens thank you, and I will, this year I'm really motivated to grow a lot.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

Yes. I always say: No one can be the expert on how a certain garden should be cared for except the gardener taking care of said garden. And Gardening is a life long experiment!

[@agustasister5624]

Qnd if u check.weather patterns you will experience a swing back the other way. The 30s...then the 60w were really hotnthe. Cold in 60s...and this year cold records were broken...some going back to 1867... since this climate shill is a trillion dollar business i wouldnt trust anything they say For example..the ipcc claimed all scientists.agreed .. When in fact they surveyed them then resurved only those who avreed with them...their hockey puck was a result of deciding the record 1930s temps were wrong so they threw them all out...and continue to do so with sny temps they dont like. Valencia proved.scientifically ite the sun...and was sonspot on has the only model that.qccuratly predicts forward and backwards..AND qbout 14 countries immediately sent satellites to thr sun to record her predictions...which btw have started on time....like she says in five years even u will know if she was right or wrong....and being used to russian DRACONIAN Censorship she doesnt.care if u believe her or not...u cant stop the sun.

[@kirkland5674]

Yes, the experimental and analytical approach is quite enlightening. I'd say it would be beneficial for many things outside of gardening.

[@mikeschatz9153]

Your information based approach to your videos makes you one of the best to watch. Charles is another one of my favorites. I will start contributing to you as you give the most information based on your experience. Thank you for not trying to be more animated then you are in real life.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! It is great to know that my efforts are worth while.

[@heatherfulcher1794]

Those were some super happy chickens at the end of the video!

[@emmadalrymple4102]

Heather Fulcher I thought so too!

[@REDGardens]

They really get excited when I bring them new stuff!

[@mauldus]

Love that sound. They’re good outside company.

[@sebastiancannavo8786]

I find your videos professional and informative. I like the pace in which they arrive. I hope you don't have to resort to you tube theatrics to fund your projects. I will be visiting your patreon page to help.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for your comments, they mean a lot. I am trying to stay focused on producing consistently quality content on KZbin. Thanks for considering to support me on Patreon.

[@DarioCortese89]

From a home-scale grower along the way to food-neutrality: this channel and all your content are pure GOLD. Thanks for what you do.

[@REDGardens]

Wow, thanks for that encouraging comment!

[@dannypeace9053]

I feel you on the morale part, I took a whole year off. Im back at it again, with more vigor and a better approach. Good luck this year, stay headstrong.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Hope you really benefit from your year off!

[@dannypeace9053]

@@REDGardens sometimes I get so dogmatic in my approach it drains all the fun out of it. My original approach just wasn't good, I had to step back and reevaluate. I was trying to do to many different things. I have figured on a course of action that includes all the things I want to accomplish in one plan, with different stages. I had to much going on at one time, it was like trying to take 4 paths at once. Growing should be a fulfilling thing, not an anchor that drags you down.

[@REDGardens]

@@dannypeace9053I have experienced a similar dogmatic tendency occasionally, and I have found that having several different gardens has kept my mind a lot more open, which is cool, even if I struggle to get the work done.

[@haqooqaspireformorecharity1416]

I think this is absolutely great content. You give so much information. You just need titles that make it easier to find your content then people can subscribe. Like *no dig gardens versus intensive gardens* etc.

[@SkylinersYeti]

I just found your channel this month. It is good to see your experiences and interpretation of results. I have a hard time relating to why people in UK hand water gardens. I live in the high desert of Central Oregon and have install an automated drip system in my garden. The drip system does require a fair amount of maintenance but in general if I have a failure in the garden it is not because of not enough water. We all need to determine how much work we can do. Taking on too much is a lose lose situation. I still struggle this this balance in my life but keep trying to work smarter and choosing my battles so to speak. Lots of luck next season's gardens.

[@REDGardens]

It is odd here in Ireland to be planning for irrigation systems, they really are not common outside of greenhouses and polytunnels.

[@kevincolwell2115]

I really like how precisely scripted this video is. I feel like you put a ton of thought and effort in. Thank you for your detailed analysis of your growing experiences!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. I do put in a lot of effort to script these videos, and very glad to know that it is appreciated.

[@hanorabrennan8846]

Just stumbled on your channel a d was gobsmacked at the quality and format of delivery. Well done you! Health reasons kept me out of the garden a number of years but brist!ing with energy to get cracming. May even add a few chucks to he!p the fertility of the soil. You're appeared very happy clucking away at the trays. I'm only down the road in Kilkenny! Newbie.

[@REDGardens]

Hey, thanks! Good luck with the coming growing season!

[@ang350]

Even short videos on specific items could help your viewership. How you built your sieve, how you are composting all of those greens, what do you add to your soil, how do you plan your family gardens, do you sell to neighbors and how are these presented and kept fresh, how do you freeze the spinach that you mentioned? I would watch all of these.

[@erinmcdonnell3835]

This is the best gardening channel on KZbin. I don't know why you don't have more subs.

[@REDGardens]

Wow, thanks! I also wonder why I don't have more subscribers, and views on many of my videos, but I figure it will just take more time, and more regularity in uploading new videos.

[@VladTheImpalerTepesIII]

Probably because he's not gimmicky like all those more popular ones. People are weird. They respond positively to gimmicks and clickbait.

[@kirkland5674]

@@VladTheImpalerTepesIII I agree, this is the best gardening channel, and probably one the the best you tube channels because of his approach. People are always looking for a shortcut. In fact, all the different gardens are attempts at shortcuts. It is amazing to see someone compare all of them over time to see what is best. I really like that he is focusing on not just abundance, but also resiliency, flavor, and effort.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

Another record for your 2018 season. I found a part of the gardening community that was missing on KZbin, but because of my personality, I didn't think I should try. But your approach to gardening and KZbin videos gave me the courage to start. This year I think I will do good at starting a new homesteading niche on KZbin.

[@REDGardens]

Very cool to hear that my videos helped! Good luck with the gardens and your start into KZbin.

[@emmadalrymple4102]

I love your videos, and even the chickens "talking" at the conclusion. Even if everything is not as great as you had hoped, you are still a success story in my eyes. I have learned MUCH from watching you from across the pond and I enjoy just hearing you speak. Your pronunciation of the English language is impeccable. I admire your brogue...it is not an accent, lol. Keep doing what you are doing! 👍🏻🤗

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. The chickens are great to watch when they are excited! Thanks for the support and encouragement. I try to see all the issues as learning opportunities, but some years it can be quite demoralising. Very interesting to hear that you like how I speak, I have had other comments about me talking like a robot, lol. Once I realised that many of the viewers of the channel are not necessarily native english speakers, I realised I should try to speak really clearly, though sometimes it does sound a bit forced to me.

[@REDGardens]

@@laceysantino2865 Thanks!

[@SimpleEarthSelfReliance]

PLEASE STOP inspiring me so much while I am stuck at a job I cannot quit to go work on my farm gardens!

[@REDGardens]

Sorry!!!

[@nathanaelkitchen813]

Love your in depth analysis of the gardening methods and your honest appraisal of yourself. It's refreshing. I'll definitely continue to watch.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! Glad you appreciate my approach.

[@bengriffiths442]

More videos do seem to help with youtube but make sure you don't burn out! Anyway once again I want to say how much I enjoy your approach and your videos. You're also spot on about morale.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks, glad you like the videos. After finishing that video, I really have to think about how I am going to produce regular videos and manage the gardens!

[@michaelplotkin7383]

I started growing my carrots in a pure sand bed up to 12" deep and this has completely eliminated the carrot fly problem. Michael

[@REDGardens]

Very interesting.

[@fainitesbarley2245]

Wow

[@DovidM]

Was the sand bed over a plot that you had grown carrots in the previous year? Rotation is recommended for control of carrot fly by some state extension agencies, so I am wondering if the good results you found are the result of burying overwintering 3rd generation larvae under a foot of sand. Perhaps there are either predatory or competing insects favored by the sand that account for the results.

[@Quickfistazor]

Sir, i've learned so much with your videos! Like Radu said: no arrogance, direct to the point, honest about what went good and what went wrong... We all learn so much with trial and errors and I think this is the most important part of your videos!! Keep up the awesome work!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks!. I am really glad you appreciate my approach.

[@wendysalter]

Every season, every year, is different, with different success and failures, and suprises. Well done, and thank you. Don't you just love the sounds hens make - they have to be the biggest boon to any garden or farm.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Yes, the sound of hens is fantastic.

[@anguscurnow9297]

Yes, I would also like to thank you. You are by far one of the better youtubers out there with consistent data relating to your field, a keen eye for self criticism, humility, and a fundamental want to get better. Well done on all that you do, Keep creating!!

[@REDGardens]

Ah, thanks so much for that comment. A great one to read as I head out to the gardens!

[@bobbender6060]

2:05 - Why don't you utilize a spray gun with a few different spray settings for the end of the hose? It would greatly negate the need to unnecessarily walk back and fourth with the watering cans. Where you feel needs a little more care and attention, then you can make the trek to that specific plant. I use a mist setting on mine and it does a nice job of mimicking natural rain fall. Move the hose as needed.

[@rgilroy1909]

I found this video both informative and comforting. Keeping motivated to do the work by staying inspired to try new things when what you're doing is not working, has got to be my biggest problem.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you found this video useful. A lot of us growers seem to share that problem!

[@dylankingsberry3561]

Super happy you're going to be putting out more videos more often in 2019. One of my favourite channels.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. I just hope I can keep it up right through the season.

[@ryanfullerton2924]

And we’ll keep learning alongside you! Thanks to all of your wonderful videos.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for that!

[@coffeeandshmups]

New gardener here After watching around a dozen gardening channels recently, I've found this one the most informative and interesting. Keep up the good work, you've gained yourself a subscriber

[@REDGardens]

That is really great to hear. Glad you found my channel, and hope you enjoy my other videos. Thanks.

[@coffeeandshmups]

So far so good, Ill be taking some tips for my own projects in the future, I'm just in the waiting period for an allotment local to me, I can't wait!

[@REDGardens]

ekim spike Hope you get one soon, and best of luck with your growing!

[@coffeeandshmups]

@@REDGardens excellent thanks dude! If you haven't already you should consider a Facebook group in sure there's enough interest

[@REDGardens]

ekim spike I have a Facebook page, which I don’t keep up to date, but not a group, yet. I’m not a fan of Facebook, but recognise that it is a good forum for lots of people.

[@PermaPen]

Aww, those hens are loving the microgreen remnants! That's a win-win. Re the transpiration and drought - I've been thinking about using shade cloth in excessive heat, and/or growing shading plants (to be chopped down if the season proves cooler). I laughed re the polyculture - my experience exactly; turns out throwing lots of seeds around may not be the answer. I'm thinking about a planted polyculture this time, more considered, faintly organised.

[@dadude4960]

I'm growing from my 3 south directed windows in my apartment and this year, i filled up all space with everything possible. This is the 2nd year of growing crops in my windows and mistakes have sure been made. That's how i got more peas than i could eat this year. I planted waaaay too many seeds and had to cull them. I don't like throwing away plants that grow well. So now i have a big box (70L) and about 5 pots with peas. I guess you can make pea juice or just freeze them for winter. From my experience, the method also highly depends on the plants you're trying to grow. My parsley definitely doesn't mind sharing space with other plants! + they look like tiny tree's. Let's see how well it goes. Definitely gonna change my setup next year to another 3 big boxes and more space efficient quadratic boxes, instead of round ones. I lose all the corners for no reason at all. Luckily, where i live, switching pots with each other is quite of a standard.

[@qtpwqt]

Another great vid , remember we are all learning along with you. Seems that you are now at the stage, where do you expand , maybe get help etc. or do you pull back and keep it a smaller scale . This used to happen to many of our customers when Morag and I were at the co-op . It can be a hard call , because some times it can mean more money or people are needed and how do you do that while maintaining control and keeping to your plan. It is not an easy thing to do . Do not rush in to anything , talk to people who you trust that have had a small business and have had to grow and what they did. Good luck on what ever path you take and know that Terri and I are rooting for you ( yes I used that pun )

[@REDGardens]

Stay small or grow big - that is a key question! Thanks Paul!

[@qtpwqt]

Some times staying small is the way to go . Remember Norman and Pluse foods . They were a great little company that made frozen dinners , but the packeting was not good for stores , more for the co-op buyers . Long story short , they got a loan , went into debt , things did not go well . Had to hire staff , Norman had to get a second job , and they still lost it. So as I was saying the next step is a hard one , maybe talk to Joe , he has been on both sides of the coin.

[@bootsrootsandberries1939]

Bruce, an informative and thought provoking video which does give us growers a bit of a wake up call! I think all the points you brought up were not just particular to yourself but I think anyone viewing it could take at least one away and make improvements on their next growing season. Last year for us was at times difficult, with the weather, lack of watering etc. But it does spur you on for the next season. With the size of your growing area I think it's always going to be a task to keep on top of it without it being a "chore" and the enjoyment going out of it. We can only wish you well and look forward to more videos. Best Wishes

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for your comments Andrew. I'm glad you thought the format of this video was useful, I hope a lot of others get something out of it as you suggest. It is interesting how many of us are looking back at the challenges of last year with a renewed enthusiasm for next season! The eternal optimism of growers.

[@countlurpak]

From what I read and see, this is one of the better gardening (and tilling!) learning places. Thank you! I share the concern about "morale"; my approach has two key ingredients: A Decide how much time you are going to put in (give to take 15's) and then, B, spend some five minutes before "going out there", that is and then go out and do it. And smiling. Particularly when up against rocks, roots and rain : smile.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. taking some time to contemplate the job ahead, and then smiling, makes sense.

[@michaelmcclafferty3346]

Thanks Bruce for this video. Just like your other videos this one is very honest, informative and inspiring. I particularly liked how honest you were about what worked and didn't and how you perceive some of your own shortcomings. I don't think they are failures but learning points so please don't be too hard on yourself.You make a very good and prescient point about morale. I like your attitude to failures which have wider benefits to learning. My wife and I are about to double our allotment space in Burghead in north -east Scotland and will soon have another 10x20m plot. We are trying to cultivate these using Charles Dowding's no-dig method . We have however ,seen set- backs by the demand for compost and the drought last year also. I'm trying to counter this by building more rain catching capacity and making more compost. We will continue to use your experiences to help us. Thanks again All the best Michael

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for your comments. I was looking back at this video and realise that a lot of it came across as quite negative. But I do agree with you that these are all learning points, even if they are demoralising. Good luck with your extra allotment space, and hope you find enough compost! I am having trouble getting enough for my 10x10m plot!

[@michaelmcclafferty3346]

RED Gardens Thanks Bruce. I didn't think your comments were negative but very honest. I hope that you are having a good day in Cloughjordan. It's bright,sunny and cold here in Burghead today with all the mountains covered in snow. Any sowing at the moment will need to be indoors.I'm looking forward to getting started again. Kind regards Michael

[@justinzunker]

Thanks for tracking and posting all the data.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you appreciate the work.

[@darrenbetts2987]

Thanks for posting the videos.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you like them.

[@JamieR2077]

Fascinating! Especially the metrics! You were recommended from the KZbin home page so perhaps #16 is paying off! Hang in there!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Yeah, things seem to suddenly be changing with the views on my channel, which is really cool!

[@Jeffipookins]

Very helpful perspective. I like how you were able to calculate the time required per square meter. I often have a good idea of how much time I have to allocate to a project and now I have a much better perspective on how to allocate that time in a rewarding fashion.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you found that time per square meter useful. I have been using it quite a lot in the past few months, as a way to talk with people about how to incorporate growing into their busy lives.

[@lalystar4230]

About the watering problem, A lot of (serious) gardeners I know have those hoses with holes all around the land to easily and continuously drip water to their garden beds. I've noticed farmers here now trying to explore using these drip hoses after digging them deeper into the soil, to prevent water evaporation before the water gets to the roots, so as to (hopefully) reduce the amount of water needed to be added.

[@REDGardens]

I am starting to use drip line watering is some locations, and it seems to work quite well.

[@hessywilliams6488]

Thank you. This is my first time viewing one of your videos. I am now subscribed. This video is so helpful, I am now re-watching it a second time.

[@REDGardens]

Great to hear you are getting lot out of my video, hope you like some of my other videos as well.

[@KeikoMushi]

Just a thought, have you considered growing your own mulch? A grass or perennial grain cut and dried over an extended period of time would also make use of some of the space you weren't using in 2018. You would just need to find a place to store it after it is ready to go. I think it was Huwa's YT that discussed how they grew and prepared their own.

[@REDGardens]

I do that occasionally, but haven't had a good space to store/dry it. Using grass as a mulch isn't my preferred method as it tends to help boost the slug population. I prefer to compost grasses etc.

[@martinmenke5413]

thank you, for your analytic approach!

[@REDGardens]

Glad you appreciate it.

[@NukaCub]

Wow first video I’ve watched of yours and I have a tremendous respect for anyone who can self-reflect honestly like this. Great stuff.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! Glad you like my approach.

[@rebeccaburnell9319]

Great analysis & self-examination! Don't lose sight that motivation is more than just the most important resource in the garden... it's the most important resource for everything in life, including video making ;) It's gotta be super tough to find the right balance of being happy with the quality of your output & happy with the results you're getting from KZbin (recognizing that there's more than one kind of result you might be looking for from KZbin) without losing the satisfaction & enjoyment you get from the process of *making* the videos. And the motivation for making videos is tightly tied to having had sufficient motivation to be doing the gardening work to begin with... Easy to see how just a slight bump in the road at any of those points could upset the whole cart, so to speak. All that to say - I really, *really* appreciate the content you do put up, and any infrequency in posting doesn't stop me from staying subscribed or from recommending your channel to others.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for the comment, and your considered thoughts. And for your continued support. As you suggest, there is a link between having to split time between the garden work and making videos, but also the fact that they are tightly tied together, and me needing both to go well (whatever that means!) Thanks again.

[@phoebebaker1575]

Well said!

[@rubygray7749]

It is fascinating to watch your trials and comparisons. You are so spoilt in Ireland!! I looked at your rainfall chart and could only wish that we had that much summer rain in Tasmania! I see Charles Dowding watering his 1/4 acre of lush summer vegies with a watering can in each hand, which is enough for his situation. But here, everything dries out and leaves go crispy in a few days if we don't water abundantly. The neighbouring dairy farmers water with central pivot irrigators at least 3 times a week for about 5 months, and sometimes this year, those massive irrigators are spinning round 2 or 3 times a day. So it's hard to know what to do for the best. A single system just doesn't necessarily work in extreme climates. This year I tried a no-dig bed with lots of compost on top, covered with cardboard and a thick mulch of old grass, but it was a failure. The veg all just looked miserable and all I harvested was a poor crop of broad beans, and the twitch grass and buttercups grew on apace with thick mats of roots proliferating apace beneath the 8 foot wide light excluding mulch. I am just digging these roots out again, which takes enormous amounts of backbreaking time. I can dig a heaping barrowload of rampantly healthy twitch roots per square meter from the worst areas. In some areas this cardboward & mulch would be a bushfire hazard. It stops light rain from getting to the soil through the summer (if we had any), and prevents sodden sour soil from drying out in a cold wet spring. A compost mulch would be desiccated and rendered water-repellent in no time under our searing sun. But bare soil dries out and crusts terribly. There is no other way but to apply glyphosate. I have been battling this ghastly weed in my poor soil for 23 years now. I need to feed myself, and I am getting way too old to pretend that I can cope with no help, no machinery and physical limitations. Glyphosate for me is a tool, which can be used wisely or otherwise. I don't grow roundup-ready crops. I never use it on edible crops, only on pernicious weeds, so that I am at least able to prepare enough ground to get crops in, so they can grow without fierce competition and being speared through by twitch roots. I absolutely need to take a harvest that will feed me through the year. I have lots of land and organic resources, but no money. "Growing your own food is like printing your own money." And the reverse is true. Not growing food is throwing money away.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Yes we are spoilt herein Ireland - most of the time. Even when the weather is 'extreme' it is not nearly as bad as so many other people have to deal with. Most of the time a few watering cans are more than enough. After last season, I am going to invest in some watering systems, especially in the polytunnel as it just takes so much time. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the drought and the problems with twitch grass. I have had to dig out a fair few patches of the stuff, and it can be nasty. I imagine it is even worse in more extreme environments. The mulch technique seems to work for a lot of people, but is not universally appropriate, as you mention. I am quite fortunate in both my time and my resources, so that gives me the luxury of doing things the way I think best. Or at least that is the way things are for now. I have often thought about what extremes I would go to in more extreme sites or climates, or when I really had to grow as much food as possible. I can appreciate the benefit of careful use of herbicides in your context, and it sounds like you have worked to try to find a balance between your desires and the constraints and issues of your context. Hope it continues to work for you, and that managing it all gets easier, and most importantly you can consistently grow enough. Yes, not growing food is throwing away money.

[@aidanpaul5651]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. Your videos are well-shot, clear, informative, and honest. I'm sure I will enjoy going through your uploads and learn a lot too. I've had a couple of small plots {400 sq. mtrs in total} on an allotment here in Yorkshire for the past couple of years and am just learning as I go along, trying to grow as much as I can, and experimenting with different crops and approaches. I've just put in a small polytunnel for this our third full year, and so will be looking at some more exotic heat-loving plants. Thanks again for taking the time to record and upload these videos. Keep up the good work.

[@REDGardens]

I am delighted that you found my channel, and appreciate the work I put in to the videos. Sounds like you have a nice setup for your own growing. have fun with the polytunnel!

[@FrancisFenderson]

Your video popped up in my recommended list this morning. What a delight. Your retrospective was both thoughtful and thorough. As a home gardener, I have consistently underestimated the importance of #15 in your list. Given that I don’t actually *need* the product I’m growing, the crop is more easily written off when events occur such as disease, pest pressure, or personal issues that prevent my full attention in the garden. It’s a cold, wet day here in Virginia today. I think I’ll put on another pot of coffee and watch a few more of your videos. Consider me subscribed! All the best to you in 2019.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you found my channel, and appreciate my approach. Hope you enjoy the other videos.

[@fxm5715]

I completely agree on morale/motivation being the most valuable resource! The amount you exhibit here is admirable. I've been along with you via Patreon since very close to the start, and I love the quality of your channel, in both informative content and production quality. I'm certainly sticking around but... to grow your audience, you may need more frequent, if less deep updates to keep people hooked and to provide more opportunities for the word to get out and attract a larger viewership. Perhaps a format like, (1 quickie update, 2 quickie update, 3 quickie update, 4 deeper exploration of what was going on in the last three quickies, Repeat), plays better to the reality of the competition for attention this modern medium. I'm sure that's easier said than done for someone dedicated to quality production as you obviously are. Honestly, I'd be very happy for a regular three minute, hand-held, walk through the garden with real-time commentary, and I'm sure many others would, too, especially knowing the greater context. That's certainly just my 2 pence, for what it's worth.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for the ideas about increasing audiences. Definitely worth considering. The main thing I need to do is try to post at least once a week, and that will probably mean shorter videos anyway - just to get them done. I have been thinking of the real time walk through videos. I tried a few earlier on, but really struggled with them (I found I clammed up in front of the camera) but it is something need to work on. And thanks for supporting me all this time on Patreon!

[@fxm5715]

@@REDGardens Bruce, yes, I totally understand clamming-up in front of a camera; I've been there, myself. It's an old trick, but maybe start by having a real-life friend walk with you, and just tell them what's going on in the garden, then eventually do the same thing, but the friend doesn't have to be walking right there with you at the moment. I've used that trick for speaking in front of large audiences for years. I can guarantee that no one who matters cares if you stumble on a word or lose track of an idea. We deeply appreciate what you are doing, and a little less polish or a wandering train of thought does nothing to diminish that. Sincerely.

[@REDGardens]

@@fxm5715Thanks for the suggestions, it has got me thinking ...

[@SteveDavies01]

So true. The only people to disagree with that are the ones you don't need on the journey. @@fxm5715

[@rebeccaburnell9319]

@@fxm5715 what a great suggestion!

[@TheRustySpigot]

Keep up all The good work!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks!

[@thepiyow]

Thank you very much. Great videos. Greetings from Mexico

[@REDGardens]

Hello in Mexico! Thanks!

[@churchofrodneyliteraryrefe5342]

I love your work. It is inspiring and encourages me to become a better gardener.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. I hope that encouragement really pays off!

[@paolomaggi8188]

All your videos are interesting! In every your video i learn something new! Thanks a lot!

[@Phyto.]

You are a huge inspiration, hello from South Africa 👋I'm currently completing a BScAgric Plant & Soil Science degree, and I would love to become an apprentice of yours someday. You are hands down my favorite farmer 😊

[@REDGardens]

Hey, thanks. It is so fascinating to know that people from around the world are watching my videos! And that they like them!

[@permiebird937]

I really like your channel. I find your careful documentation and side by side comparison gardens are tremendous food for thought as I restart my gardens after a few years off for health issues. Have you looked at making and using biochar as a soil builder for water storage and support for soil biology?

[@REDGardens]

Very cool that you appreciate my approach, and quite a coincidence as my next video is going to be on biochar! Best of luck with your garden restart.

[@sethl3702]

Staying motivated and positive can be very difficult. My moral suffers at least a couple of times a year and I'm only on 7000 sq/ft. Good work, love the videos!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! 7000 square feet is still a lot of garden to look after!

[@AniishAu]

You've surely considered this but: the smaller the sections of covered carrot, the less likely a weakness will spoil everything (and the more work, and less versatility/value of the covers)

[@REDGardens]

True.

[@shean7890]

I enjoy your teaching, your honesty, your clarity, and the excellent video presentation, Thank you 🙏. I love gardening and agriculture.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks!

[@marylaw9814]

I am a bit late finding this video, but I want to comment anyway. I have just found you and am impressed with how informative your videos are. I especially needed to hear the part in this video about morale. I put in a lot of work and planning this past spring to start a garden. We had a very mild winter here in southern U.S. and a very hot and dry summer. So, I basically picked a bad year for my first real attempt at gardening. I had some successes but a lot more fails than I anticipated. No matter how much I planned or schemed, the disease and pests seemed to out maneuver me. I still got slot of enjoyment out of it all and a reasonable harvest. It was hard not to become discouraged though. I have found that honest you tubers like yourself have made my failures easier to take as I know it’s not just me and that I need to keep trying and adjusting my methods. Thanks! I will subscribe

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for the comment. Glad to know that my video has helped. Being honest about things and keeping up moral in the face of a tough season are two key issues for me.

[@johac7637]

I'd love to see you come to our zone 9b, in Arizona, PH 8-9, organic matter .5% and see what you do. I'm 64 and grew up in a garden as a kid, but fast forward at 58 I became a snowbird from a very fertile valley in BC to a bare desert house and lot. Fast forward 8 years, literal tons, 200 + yards of wood chips, alfalfa pellets waste, com dung, if got fertility in my soil, and tons of earth worms, even soaks up the rains, 4 inches 20 cm in 36 hrs, where before it was a puddle that ran off to the street, even digging a hole and seeing how long it took to drain, over 12 hrs in virgin soil. So for the other clay dirt gardeners, organic matter til your blue in the face, my organic matter is now 7+% in the top 6"or 15cm and that just from work actions, and water leaching the loam down, so there's hope and my experience.

[@REDGardens]

Wow, that is a very different climate and context. I have no idea what I would do with soil like that to Strat with, but sounds like you are onto some thing good!

[@crossing3790]

Thank you for sharing. I could just listen to you all day. I think you even gave a little smile on this vid. :-)

[@lotagreensfarm3023]

I want to thank you for all the great information you provide on your channel. I'm always waiting and excited for a new extremely informative videos. The way that you explain your processes are not just extremely helpful but extremely educational. Please keep up the great work.

[@REDGardens]

Thank you. It is really encouraging to get that kind of supportive feedback!

[@newjourneys]

If you find yourself using a sieve often, you should look into building your own powered soil trommel. There's plenty of videos on youtube for this.

[@REDGardens]

That would be the next step.

[@johnkay4701]

Hi, I really like your 'toned down' presentations. Many of the 'hypa fast 'n' loud' presentations on uTube merely get me wound up. So well done. I don't know whether you do this or not, but my part-solution to making more compost is simply the old fashioned compost loo. Yeah I know, disgusting or what. However since I read a book titled Humanure about 7-years ago, I made my own compost loo & use its horrible contents in my compost bins. Layering loo waste with garden waste & kitchen scraps, chicken feathers & guts also, till full. The worms & ants seem to love my compost bins & the end result is lovely rich black compost. Using human waste in this way is nature's way of recycling nutrients into the earth to nourish plant growth & build a natural sustainable eco-system. This may or may not help you, however it certainly works for me. I wish I had your problem of too much land to grow fruit 'n' veg. Land prices in SE England are prohibitively expensive. Going back 500 - 1000 years in time, the countryside used to be inhabited. Just see the amount of old churches in the countryside now lying unused & abandoned. The planning laws / restrictions ensure that country land is now just the preserve of rich landowners & commoners (like me) are barred from entry. Keep-up the 'Things Learned' videos, as I think one can learn as much from failures & remedies as can be learned from simple success stories. Regards to all, JohnnyK.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for the comment, and I am glad you appreciate my style! I agree that compost toilet is an excellent thing, though I don't have one (mainly due to some squeamishness from the other people I live with.) I do capture some of my urine for fertilising some plants, but I really should get my act together and go the humanure route.

[@ΧρήστοςΠαπαδημητρίου-μ6π]

1:12 in Ireland, "volunteers" means something else

[@REDGardens]

Yes, it does.

[@Jack-fe7rp]

Planning to start farming later this year on 2 acres of horse paddocks at my folks place. 1st broiler chickens, hens and compost. Growing microgreen rack style barley and sunflower seed for animal feed. I thinking I will spend a few months planning for positions of gardens. Broilers and hens are mobile.... shall see!

[@REDGardens]

2 acres is a lot of space! Good luck with it all, and enjoy!

[@ethelenefresh1625]

your videos are great, informative and also the thing that stands out to me is how you present all your ideas through "the eyes of a learner", this is very helpful. I'm heading over to patron to add my support.

[@REDGardens]

I appreciate that! Thanks so much!

[@trungson]

#15 yes, I feel you! I feel overwhelming at times when too many things i want to do yet so little time

[@REDGardens]

It is a big one!

[@agustasister5624]

I have too little space..and not enough time...i learned to winter sow flowers...and will now always do it...i also learned what flowers i want next next year..and hopefully how to sow them on time....inalso learned even if i am.sick as a dog i must thin my flowers....or.better yet plant more sparsely

[@REDGardens]

I'm getting better at panning ahead, but still struggle some times.

[@joburgerer4127]

Adore this channel. So glad I discovered it. Starting a simple garden this coming spring in South Africa. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Good Luck!

[@iskrajackal9049]

Have subscribed because I enjoy your brutally honest and genuine approach. Haved liked every video seen for same reason. Can't donate owing to low income but encourage everyone who can afford to contribute via Payreon to do so. Your metrics are new to me as are your styles of growing areas. I am learning much even from just what I've seen so far. Thank you and please keep growing and teaching :-D

[@REDGardens]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@yergman]

I have enjoyed your programs but I need to watch them again as you tend to pack so much information into each program. Maybe you could split them up into multiple programs in the future. Sometimes the details are almost as important as the big picture when it comes to the viewers enjoyment and education. I would like to know if your sheet composting method or lasanga gardening method helped to reduce watering requirements and increased soil fertility. Keep up the good work! It is amazing what you have accomplished all on your own effort.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. I realise that some of my videos have way too much detail in them, but I try to balance those ones out with other videos that explore one simple idea. i don't know how much the sheet composting or lasagne method wold have conserved water. No doubt covering the surface helped, as did the potential of more organic matter mixed in with the soil itself. Though my experience last season was that the plants extracted way more water out of the soil than was lost through evaporation.

[@argentumtaibhsear621]

I just found your channel so I have a lot of catch up to do, but I love the content. I'm just about to start my garden in my new house and seeing all this startup content is awesome.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you found my channel, and thanks for watching!

[@estherkaufman237]

Love your videos, keep up the great work.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks.

[@benjaminreid2335]

Thank you for posting the video!

[@REDGardens]

Glad you appreciated it.

[@borealis370]

That #15 is such a good piece of insight. well done. I relate too, and will reflect on my situation too.

[@REDGardens]

Yeah, it is a big one for me, and I think really common.

[@jimmys60ny]

Maybe raise your water tanks and install drip feeder hose or even drilled out cheap plastic tubing. Then all you need do is fill the tanks and adjust tubing. A lot less work. Also maybe a mini tractor with trailer may help you and your back with all the carrying. On our allotment site one old boy uses an ancient electric invalid buggy and hitches a handcart to it. Reckons it cost him 50 pounds he also uses it to get home to recharge it. We all quietly think it is a brilliant idea.

[@REDGardens]

The tank with tubing would be less work carrying, though more work and cost setting up. My main priority is to fix the pressure issues on the site, then I can use sprinklers. Interesting use of a buggy!

[@mauldus]

I love your methodology! Thanks for the excellent data!

[@08dario08]

Keep improving the simple garden,I can see potential brewing for large scale methods

[@REDGardens]

I can also see the possibilities of this type of approach at a larger scale - a basic crop or field rotation, with possibly incorporating a green manure season.

[@08dario08]

RED Gardens green manure will definitely benefit and supercharge the system. You should look at Bokashi foliar feeding and apply directly under the tarps like the apples and food scraps

[@baddoggie101]

Love how the chickens are helping out. I don't eat animal products but would like to have chicken hens or possibly male ducks as I don't need the eggs. I love watching ducks play in a tub of water.

[@REDGardens]

They are great to have in and around the gardens, except the they get in the gardens and start eating my vegetables!

[@SmallGardenQuest]

Will use a lot of things you learned in my garden. Thanks!

[@REDGardens]

Cool!

[@ScottHead]

Fantastic and encouraging video. I really appreciate your approach and your dedication to experiment and to share results. Of the several styles of gardening you have there, which would you choose if you could practice only one?

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Good question, and one that I hope to answer more fully at some point soon. For now, I would say the Polytunnel garden as it is the most productive year round. After that I think it would be some version of the Extensive garden, especially if I had a lot of land.

[@cindystrong9631]

That's a heck of a lot of work.......kudos to you! All looked good!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks!

[@johncourtneidge]

Exceptional! Thank-you!

[@doinacampean9132]

There's a tomato variety called Subarctic - I'm curious if it would grow outside in your climate.

[@Gracioly]

Your videos are great. I watch you since the beggining and so far i've learned a lot. I wish i could help on patreon but my money condition at the moment doesnt allow that. Keep up strong and simple. Cheers from Brazil.

[@REDGardens]

Hello there in Brazil. Thanks for watching so many of my videos, and for your support (even if it isn't financial).

[@dimitarzlatanski]

I hope you'll have even more success this year!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! It has been a good start to the year!

[@anniegaddis5240]

Sharing!

[@simplyimpish1055]

Wow you work so hard and provide great data in regards to your gardening and environment, thank you for sharing

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Glad you appreciate my work.

[@darrelllee7946]

Thanks for sharing,there is some great information gatherd here.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you appreciate it.

[@VintageBarman504]

Great content! It's informative and honest with metrics to back everything up.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you like it!

[@mikesmith2315]

Amazing method and dedication thankyou great teaching !

[@REDGardens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@funnywolffarm]

great stuff as always. on transpiration though: having one or more taller canopy layers will reduce direct sunlight but will also catch moisture as it moves through the system and deliver some back down as condensation and use some of the other for itself. I wonder if you may try this in an area or two; though installing mature trees/fruiting bushes is costly and growing from seedlings takes time it could be interesting. Perhaps an area in your works is worth it?

[@REDGardens]

I think the approach that you mention would work better in hotter climates. Here in Ireland, shade is an issue as we often don't get enough sun, or warmth.

[@aenorist2431]

I must say i enjoy your highly polished videos like this one, and i assume there is some reluctance to lower standards to increase output. I would suggest thinking about a weekly, quick, low production update of the gardens, so we can be up to date, track the progress and compare to our own gardens. Format Idea: Two photos per family-scale garden, before and after the week, with some narration of what happened, what work you did etc. Then a short bit to the camera in the tunnel as per usual, explaining anything you think worthwhile, what you expect or plan next, why, etc. Total of

[@REDGardens]

Yes, I am quite reluctant to lower standards, though I don't want all the videos to be this long. I hope to get into shorter more focused ones over the next few months. Thanks for the interesting suggestions, i have been thinking doing other forms of videos, but have been hesitating so far. I'll think about it. Thanks.

[@arturomateo3920]

Great video! it´s amazing that you record all this data

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! The data recording does take some time, but there is so much to learn from it.

[@taneleiskop]

I really like your videos and have learned so much. Mostly not to be afraid of experimenting and that is the most valuable lesson a beginner gardner could get. I would gladly become a patreon but i dont like the per video contribution idea. I'd be more happy with a monthly contribution option. Thanks a lot for all your hard work and dedication!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Glad you have found my videos useful. Not being afraid of experimentation is a great way to start, as well as not being afraid of failure, so long as you can take it as a learning experience. Thanks so much for even thinking of being a Patron. If you are interested, you can essentially hack the pay per video approach to be a pay monthly approach. Just put in Patreon the amount per video that you want to contribute each month, then set the limit of monthly donation to 1 video. (i.e set $3 per video then a monthly limit of $3) It works out the same, so long as I create at least one video per month.

[@robertnoel2363]

You have a new subscriber here. I stumbled across one of your videos, and i find your format and personality amazing. Super informative, incredibly humble,upbeat and introspective all at the same time. Keep digging brother!

[@REDGardens]

Glad you found my channel. And thanks for the encouraging comments!

[@daydreamerprod]

Really honest experienced shares and videos. Keep it up social media funds are their own business and aspect of it all, good luck!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! You are right about the funding side of it being a small hole other job!

[@whatahowl1]

Looking forward to seeing more

[@REDGardens]

I'm going to try to upload a lot more!

[@whatahowl1]

Thank you

[@ginocred4376]

Love your content bro, there’s something very relaxing about your speaking that I really enjoy in addition to all the knowledge you have given me =] Id love to see more about composting btw

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. I hope to do more composting videos in the future.

[@barbarabrooks4747]

If you grow winter squash and melons, they take up a lot of space and take very little time.

[@REDGardens]

Squash are an option here, but it is too cold for melons.

[@MyFamilyGarden]

Great update, thanks for sharing, snap on a couple of those take aways!

[@REDGardens]

Cool!

[@pinopiyatsi8058]

love your approach (im learning :)