Beautiful DIY vegetable garden build (start to finish)

Transforming an unusable space into the vegetable garden of my dreams! Try Headspace for free: headspace-web.app.link/e/MOC use code: MAX60DAYS
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#vegetablegarden #gardendesign #DIY

[@ICE-yu5ps]

Please never rush any project you do just so my lazy ass can watch it at an earlier date on my couch. Take your time and breathe easy.

[@twyllabergen2440]

Looks amazing, well done

[@kellilandry2825]

Agree fully with this!

[@bearitraeb]

Or in its entirety… just post what ya got and keep going

[@michellebarnard4425]

absolutely agree.

[@Katjie-9090]

Totally agree

[@tjme]

So beautiful! Just a suggestion for one of those Occy christened pavers...permanently seal the pawprints on one of them as a forever Occy memory of this time. ❤

[@ReneedeBondt]

I love this - beautiful idea! 💗

[@wakingtheworld]

Gosh yes, what a lovely idea. Hope he sees this among the 1,500+ comments!

[@cherylbrunette2490]

Awe, love that!

[@DianeLee-je7jm]

Wholeheartedly second this suggestion! I was so upset when my Aussie walked on recently poured concrete......and then I was so grateful to have her prints there. 🥹

[@chryscanariona]

What an AMAZING idea!!!

[@MsMezzoDiva]

Serious veggie gardener here - grow what you love to eat, but don't plant it all out at once or you'll get a glut and make mistakes on a bigger scale. Start with 2 beds, put multiple crops in the one bed (taller at the back) and if you want to be planting root veg like leeks, beets, carrots, radish - plant a second crop about 3-4 weeks later so just as you finish the first crop, you got more coming. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach are different, you can just keep picking as they grow more leaves. Suggest following the SustainableMe Aussie KZbin guy as he is in a similar climate to you and you'll learn heaps about veggies in a tropical zone. And the exciting bugs and fungal pests you will be learning to make peace with 😅

[@susanKWithAnE]

What a great idea following the local you tuber. My advice would be terrible since we grow in a hot dry climate. I imagine the veggie eating critters are many varietied and just plain many. 😂🐛

[@Pemmsy]

Do you mean self sufficient me? I was going to suggest the same

[@MsMezzoDiva]

@@Pemmsy yes I do, that's the guy! Mark is his real name but I was fuzzy on his KZbin channel name

[@KaTkAt212]

So glad I replayed the beginning.....thought you said...'you termites can go to hell'. Rewind and it's actually 'those termites can go to hell....PHEW!! 😂😂😂 hahaha

[@robinsavard84]

remember too that certain veggies do not do well next to others, so you have to plant compatible plants next to each other.

[@cherriemater]

A trickling water feature would allow guests to wash off their veg before enjoying it at the table AND aid in meditation. Something small and solar. Amazing job!

[@donnabacon4681]

That's a wonderful idea!!!

[@sshaw4429]

It’s not just a garden, it’s a living space. And it’s magnificent! Great job.

[@MaxandOccy]

Thank you 🙏🏼💛💛💛

[@yvette_catherine]

It really is!! Well said, and well done Max it looks fantastic ❤

[@Cari-143]

Yes! Stellar job!

[@donnaneeley9920]

Yes job well done!!😃😃😃

[@stephanie5173]

It's beautiful and practical and I love you re purposed things. Definitely little veggie oasis patch of paradise

[@rockingredpoppy9119]

Your relationship with your brother is just wonderful, and your voices are so similar. 😊

[@marakrikechi1787]

Stop saying sorry for anything you don't owe us a video you need to love your space and keep doing what you love

[@cynthialewis7460]

Right! He allows us to share his space. It’s His life journey and we are just along for the ride. We are not the drivers.

[@debbiehutchinson6698]

I agree.

[@donnaneeley9920]

😎👍👍

[@mandrews1245]

Saying 'sorry' must be in the genes. We say "sorry" when other people bump into us, or step on our foot, etc. It's just something we say to express ourselves when something isn't quite right.

[@laurenm8561]

So many KZbinrs are dropping out or cutting back drastically, because I think they’re not able to enjoy their lives. Max, we are all blessed to be invited on your channel to watch you evolve and create something beautiful in the most magical place ever. Doesn’t matter what you do, it’s always a blessing. 🌻🐝🧡

[@Vanwives]

MAX THIS looks phenomenal!!! Can’t wait to eat from your garden 💛🌱

[@jmk1962]

Off to watch your video now 😊

[@suzannealcantara7725]

Love that you always watch and comment on Max's videos. Friends for life.❤

[@shac9131]

I was like what... Are you going to trespass, dress up as a gopher to take his food? Then I saw your user name.

[@tatengler]

Build a dock

[@MaxandOccy]

Hells yeah. Can’t wait to get some growing tips off you 💛💛

[@xtrawld]

Gosh. I hope you sit back and realize how far you've come. It's all looking great Max.

[@MaxandOccy]

Doing my best to do this more! Thank you 🙏🏼💛

[@teona4279]

I often watch late, and don't comment all that often but if you're worried about uploading on time I'd love to see the occasional update vids about you. Not what you're doing with the land, or house, or anything related. Whatever you're willing to share. Sitting down with you in that context has always been nice. And I don't mean in a parasocial sense, I have no belief that I know you deeply (or really at all). However in the human connection sense of empathy and relation, congruent and divergent struggles it is nice to sit with you, as one-sided as it may be, to hear that life is life everywhere, that it's worth the struggle and upswings. I'm glad you identified your anxiety and took the steps to process, mitigate, and let it go! I know that that's progress. As someone with multiple chronic illnesses I love to see people recognizing the different paces in their lives and allowing space for it. Be it from one hour to the next, or one day to another. Especially when done without shame or anger towards oneself. Just thought as well, cooking vids would be a nice toss in too if you're overwhelmed but still want to give us something on this channel. Again though, uploading a week late isn't a big deal

[@TheVaggabonds]

We don’t need a project per video! Just take us along for the ride, no matter how long it takes. We love seeing the process and learning along with you. Keep up the awesome vids!

[@joannewolfe5688]

OUTSTANDING! You did good on making the high raised beds -- you are young now, but eventually you will bless the day you put in raised beds! I have tall raised beds, too, and I can give you some great tips on filling them. First, place a layer of large rocks, filled in with smaller gravel, in the bottom of the beds to aid drainage and prevent the spigots from getting clogged. Next, find an arborist near you who chips up the branches and leaves when they take trees down. Arborists are always looking for places to dump their wood chips for free, so usually you can get a massive load dumped on your property for nothing. Just be sure to specify NO BAMBOO leaves or stalks in the load. No problem if there are twigs and leaves in the load -- actually good. Fill each raised bed half full of wood chips; they will break down over time and make incredible soil teeming with the soil life and mycorrhizae you need for healthy plants. They also hold a lot of water -- acting like a sponge to absorb and release water in dry seasons. Then get some really good soil: be careful here not to get topsoil from just anywhere -- it can have herbicides and pesticides in it, besides being depleted of organic matter. I recommend a top quality bagged organic soil meant for raised beds. It's expensive, but super well worth the money starting out. Bad soil can set you back YEARS. Fill the beds within 6 inches or so of the top. Over the course of a year, your soil will settle a lot as the wood chips rot, so that allows you a year to create compost piles so that you can add 6 inches or so of new compost every year as the wood chips further decompose in the bottom of the beds. I would not do a wicking garden in your climate. Too wet. The wood chip "sponge" will do the trick. Be sure to leave your drainage spigots open ALL the time. Good luck!

[@marionhill769]

This is exactly what I have done, rocks with river stone at least a third up for good drainage, then twigs and brances…and paid top dolloar for good garden soil and manure, make sure you tag each plant as you may need to rotate bed planting the following season, stakes are needed for runner beans and tomoatoes and they will throw good shade covers for salad leaves …plant a lime, lemon and bay leaf tree around perimeter, and passionfruit vines will cover your fencing… best of luck cannot wait to see the full planters….❤

[@pamelao9803]

This is great advice!

[@wakingtheworld]

Ah, right drainage spigots. I've just commented that he needs drainage holes in these tubs or they'll just fill with water....

[@glennathornhill8994]

Great advice!! He wouldn't want to try and fill with soil!

[@ElleAshterra]

Pin this comment. Excellent advice!

[@catthebeautyhunter]

Tip for filling the beds! (works for regular ground gardens too) 😊 Fill from the bottom up with layers: start with logs, then branches and sticks, grass clippings and veg waste, then compost, and top soil. This method is called "Hugelkultur" and is supposed to work really well for garden boxes since you're creating a balanced environment that will break down over time, feeding your plants but has drainage, etc. 🌱 It's also MUCH cheaper than filling an entire box with soil! 💰 I'm gardening like crazy in my own yard and am learning so much right alongside you! It's so rewarding to work outside on your own land 🤠 You put in a ton of hard work and it shows! Well done. ~Meredith & Bandit 🐾

[@gblakev]

When wood decomposes it robs the soil of nitrogen. Wood isn't a good base until it has decomposed.

[@missgemjam]

Totally agree :) we did this for our beds up here in the Northern Rivers (same climate) and it's worked out super well. Drainage is the most important thing up here since it rains so much, I wouldn't say a wicking bed is necessary or appropriate for the climate, although some irrigation on top has been handy for the few weeks during summer when it gets super hot. The only thing to be mindful of is that you'll have to top the beds back up with soil after a little while as the wood and clippings break down, but that would be a consideration with regular full soil beds too. We've found this method is a great way to use up spare wood we've cut down from our property e.g. non native invasive trees like camphor.

[@MaxandOccy]

Amazing, thanks for this!! 💛

[@catthebeautyhunter]

@@MaxandOccy You're so welcome! Look forward to what's next 😊

[@JimbobMorrie]

And yes to wicking/self watering beds. Just makes maintenance so much easier and that your veggie patch is still fine when you go away for a period of time.

[@robinbliss6513]

Oh my gosh it looks fabulous!!! Those garden beds are stunning! Because they are so deep, don’t try filling them all the way with soil. Fill them two thirds to three quarters of the way full of wood and other compost materials from around your property. As you clean up palm fronds and dead branches, cut them up and dump them into the beds. You might even want to go back to the “tip” (which we would call a stump dump) and reclaim the refuse you dropped off earlier. You don’t need more than a foot of soil for most garden vegetables, so save your money for seeds and seedlings. Just make sure that the refuse you put in the bottom is all good, compostable material, no treated lumber or man-made materials. As the compost breaks down, you might need to add more soil to the top as branches and leaves compact, but you’ll only be buying small batches of soil each year, not metric tons all at once.

[@MatanuskaMuse]

Goodness. Don’t stress over a deadline. Be flexible with yourself and the project. We enjoy it all either way but we also want you to be enjoying it all as well!

[@tracyjohnson8057]

My advice on what to grow. Pick your fave veggies, that's what you like to eat so it makes sense to grow them.

[@MaxandOccy]

Nice and simple. I like 💛

[@someyoungguy6990]

@@MaxandOccy Make sure you use some geotex fabric either around the Spigots as soil filters or a lining on one side to prevent soil being washed out and blocking the spigot from working as it may be handy in the dry times to close them and retain as much water as you can. Would also use rocks in the bottom with a good layer of compost over them, it will work as a sump bed

[@joyfullove1430]

@@MaxandOccy ...and any herbs you like to cook with or throw in a salad! 🌱💚

[@JustJokes-bw4fs]

Max, don't put so much pressure on yourself. Just post it and well see the finish in the second video. Your doing so well. New roof, asbestos removal, new walls, new electrical, furnished home, built in dining seating, decking and outdoor shower, gate and fantastic veggie area. I love that you put road base down, best way to stop the weeds.

[@MaxandOccy]

When you put the list like that I mean it adds up : ) 💛

[@jackiejones690]

Have to agree with this post..we dont need high vis reward every video so take yr time, do it right and most important take time to celebrate and appreciate the result cause it's

[@jackiejones690]

Amazing. I would have enjoyed this as 2 videos .... dont put that pressure on yourself. You're being a teacher as well as learning yourself ❤

[@martinerae9854]

Was thinking just that..make them two part videos.. no need to rush and it the reveal in the same video 😊

[@karenvalsler1755]

Max, we love videos from and about your and Occys adventures whenever. Give yourself a massive pat on the back for your great outdoor living space/veggie garden. Looks amazing. You have to look after yourself before you can look after anyone or thing else, apart from Occy lol as he is just an extension of you. Can't wait for your next episode whenever that is xxx

[@debbiehutchinson6698]

Your veggie garden is beautiful. Being raised will help prevent back problems when you get older. Trust me, I know from experience. Great job.

[@tammyhendrickson-kt2bo]

Your videos are literally the most important thing in my week as it’s a reminder to live life peacefully and without things cluttering up your mind

[@sshaw4429]

Me too!

[@MaxandOccy]

I’m honoured to have had such a positive impact Tammy! Thank you for being part of the journey 💛💛💛

[@MaxandOccy]

@@sshaw4429💛💛💛

[@conniedestecroix2524]

Thank you, Max. What you are doing with your property is amazing. Your vege garden is so calm, peaceful and inviting. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and by all means, skip a week or more and continue to live your best life. Will look forward to future videos. 😊

[@conniedestecroix2524]

What she the great music you play in the video? Love it

[@annierouleau8688]

You turned an ugly patch into a paradise. Well done Max. Your dreams are so beautiful continue in this streak. Hugs and love

[@MaxandOccy]

Thank you Annie! 💛

[@leslieherring381]

Mark at Self Sufficient Me just posted a how-to video in the last couple of days with step by step instructions for making and filling self watering/wicking garden beds from these IBC totes. If you’re not familiar with his channel, he’s in Australia, and has a very substantial home garden. Lots of helpful and practical info about growing your own food. Wicking beds are useful, even in a relatively wet climate, because they provide a very consistent and low effort water supply, which is very important for many of the veggies you may want to be growing.

[@karenmarymelendez2645]

I just posted a comment telling him about that guy!! I live in Pago Pago , air freight vegis are $$$ I day dream about growing my own but couldn't even manage tomatoes, That dude was the first one I thought of that might be helpful to Max as a beginner.

[@limdog5000]

Definitely make it a wicking garden bed, with an overflow spout, so it doesn't matter how much it rains and you can easily go away travelling and your plants will survive.

[@amritakanwal]

Your love for nature is making your house a home.

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Max, you just named your property: The Glorious Fig! 😊😊

[@Nick_Gerr-Pries]

You should add green waste ie logs, branches etc to the garden beds. It’ll help reduce the amount of soil you’ll need to add and overtime it’ll slowly breakdown and add nutrients to the soil. It looks awesome.

[@ssadvweld1]

The veggie patch is beautiful; raised beds are the only way to go. I love the table and chairs in the middle. And I especially love the lighting.

[@T-H-B]

This episode made me smile from ear to ear- the brotherly banter, occy, and the result. Glad your brother finally made it to your slice of heaven.

[@MaxandOccy]

Glad to hear it 💛 Thank you!

[@divinewrath3142]

Those raised beds are brilliant! I would add stone to the bottom (just higher than the spigot) so when it rains like it does, you can drain off the water without clogging the outlet. Then some wood chips or debris to help nourish the soil through the years, then lots of good soil. I plant one or two bean plants in every bed because they help replenish nitrogen. Plus they are tasty! I also like to grow edible flowers, they are tasty and look really pretty in the garden. Oh & I always buy some earthworms from bait shops/garden centers to add to the soil- they are little powerhouses in the dirt!

[@lshwadchuck5643]

Ditto all your suggestions.

[@gingercrowe4580]

Exactly what I wanted to say, but couldn't decide how to put into words! Rocks in the bottom for drainage will be key to success in the wet environment.

[@shellystanchuk1648]

Yes, great suggestion with the rocks at the bottom.. I was trying to figure out how that spigot would facilitate proper drainage without having to drill drainage holes in the tote.

[@pamelagardner2532]

I don’t know a whole lot about growing a garden but with your beds so deep, you might want to fill at least half of it with some kind of filler like river rock for good drainage. If you’re going to grow potatoes you might want your soil to be a little deeper than half or anything else that needs to have deep growth . If you’re going to grow things like zucchini, pumpkins, take up a lot of space, you might think about planting going along the edge of your gardening area and not in your raised beds. They take a whole lot of space and you wouldn’t get more than one per side, two at the most. Just a thought.

[@user-rv1wv2ej1z]

Absolutely beautiful work on your dream garden Max! To save money on dirt, I half filled my raised garden beds with branches, logs and hay then soil. Flowers mixed with veggies that you enjoy is always a beautiful planting arrangement. Remember; in order to prevent root root rot, lots of drainage holes is key especially since your planting area is so large within the containers. Don't forget about the umbrella! Keep up the excellent work and give Occy a big old hug from Detroit! 😃👋

[@suzieq2958]

👌👍😊

[@anneandrew3298]

❤

[@Erinsythelovesthemountains]

Not Occy circling the veggie patch to get to the drone, priceless! I love the waist high planters. I may have stuck with gardening if not for all the pulling weeds on my hands and knees! Beautiful job, Max. So nice to see Tom in the video. I’m sure you loved your time together. Wishing you and all, a peaceful week. Prioritize your mental health this week everyone 😊

[@MaxandOccy]

Occy is not so happy about being fenced out haha thank you! 💛

[@GrillMasterP88]

raised garden beds are the best

[@suzisharp132]

Your veggie garden is fabulous!!!!! You'll be able to grow tons and tons of food with these 4 beds. The only advice I could give you is what a master gardener told me with my tiny little garden. First use only good organic potting soil. You might want to talk to a full-time gardener there who can tell you what you need to use in your soil - what additional amendments. As for what veggies, I would say several different kinds of lettuce, kale, and onions/scalloms, etc. in one of the containers. In another, use squash, carrots, cucumbers - different kinds of all of those. After that, I'm at a loss - talk to a professional!!!!! I'm so proud of you and Tom. Max, you did a phenomenal job of laying your plan out, and good on Tom for helping you get in all in place. I could tell the two of you had a lot of good laughs along the process. So happy about that. I look forward to seeing the little growth peeking their heads up. Good luck, Max!!!!!

[@SJC49]

Max - stop worrying about meeting a schedule. If you don’t get a project done it just means more content for us next video. The veggie patch looks amazing!😍🇨🇦

[@MaxandOccy]

Thank you! 💛

[@boppermacca9346]

That looks like a calming space. And a passion fruit vine could work on that outer fence

[@manishaholm]

Yes! Vines along the fence line. Something aromatic that thrives in your zone.

[@MaxandOccy]

I was thinking passion fruit!!

[@AuntyNick.]

Be really carefull of Passionfruit Max. That can quickly become invasive. It likes a jungle too. Once planted you will be pulling out runners 10 meters away forever. ​@@MaxandOccy

[@user-mq9ph6cw5s]

Yes, definitely a passionfruit vine & in pots scattered around inside veggie patch ,blueberry plants.😋

[@mouseonamountain3783]

This look amazing!! Don’t forget to put a stocking or something similar over the valve of the ibc’s so your rocks don’t end up full of dirt giving the weeds somewhere to grow!

[@esoxhnter]

Garden beds are typically lower because it needs less fill. Make sure you drill drainage holes in the bottom of the beds. I'm assuming you did, but I didn't see it. Fill the bottoms of the bed with logs, then smaller branches, then twigs and leaves, grass clippings. You only need about 15-25cm of topsoil. Well done! That is a great garden space!

[@limdog5000]

Unless you turn them into wicking beds.

[@Allisonswonderland247]

Wow! Double our pleasure double our fun! Two Max’s for the price of one! Your brother sounds and looks just like you! Love the family vids!

[@carrievornkahl6442]

Im 68, not in the best of shape...this is definitely a place I could....and would do some gardening!!

[@suejordan60]

I came across you a few weeks ago, and i just can't get enough of Max and Occy. I can't go a day without watching one of your clips. You share your ups and downs, you are so inspirational. Keep them coming. Loving Occy, what a great doggo.❤

[@lamontmundell5067]

Never rush for us. We’ll be here for you whenever you post. Love you and Occy. Congratulations on the garden.

[@MaxandOccy]

I appreciate that! Thank you 💛

[@karenbee1898]

It's always so rewarding to see your "grunt" work turn into something beautiful, beneficial and sustainable. Keep up the awesome transformations Max + Occy!

[@MaxandOccy]

100%! 💛

[@daisy9910]

Chill Max! We aren't going to die without a video for a week 😉 even though I love seeing Occy. I agree with you 100% about having the raised beds high enough so you're not bending as much. It's one of my plans to do beds at 900mm high so I don't throw my back out. I also come from a long line of black thumbs, but I have done some short permaculture courses. I'd highly recommend watching some videos on permaculture, and get your hands on Bill Mollison's books. He's the grandfather of permaculture. Good luck.

[@annbeirne9583]

This garden looks wonderful, and when you get your veggies you can put them straight onto your plate and eat it at your dining table. It is beautiful 💖

[@claralacey5914]

Well done Max and congratulations to your supervisor, Occy, for overseeing the transformation. Now, go and have a good rest. 😎

[@MaxandOccy]

Thanks heaps Clara 💛

[@denisegreene8441]

Might want to watch a couple videos from Jake and Nicole. They live off grid ( very off grid) in the forests of British Columbia. He is an expert gardener and you will get some invaluable information for sustainable living in a rainforest. And how to grow your own food. He has to deal with critters too...just bears and bibvats. Your paradise is beautiful.

[@the_mum]

Don't forget their Hawaiian one also....

[@lubyard6057]

Finally you have convinced me to try Headspace. 50 years of fighting anxiety self doubt etc. Most of the time I can cover it for other people, but it is never far away. I will let you know how I go. As for the garden, I never feel better than when I am in it. Not sure how you are going to fill such a depth, but I would start with perhaps decomposed sawdust and heaps of mulch, even bags of leaves, spolt hay , barley, Wine tailings etc..even old newspapers, wool carpet shredded. Anything that will decompose organically. For me it was seaweed and pineneedles. You will only need about 18 inches of good soil, making sure that it is free draining. Otherwise it will cost you thousands of dollars to fill those large bins. You can add more as the other decomposes. Careful about growing cropping vegetables on the fence as your efforts will be annilated by the wallabies. Maybe run another wire about 2 feet out if you want to do this. Also possum s will easily climb that fence. Run another very floppy wire around the top so they have nothing stable to hold onto. We were severely impacted by mice and rats this year and had to run very fine birdwire right around the compound. They ate my seedlings, stripped the broadband and corn. And I guess birds will also be a problem. Just saying.....the parrots are stripping my olives at present.Thankyou

[@Vanhockeymom]

Don’t fill with soil, it’s a waste. Put rock or broken pots etc in the bottom, you only need about 6-12 inches of soil. Zucchini, cucumber, radish, carrots, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, potatoes, all great ideas to grow in your veggie garden :) can’t wait to see it growing

[@101doreen]

We fill the bottom of containers with wood debris that can rot, but won't negatively change the soils chemistry. I'm in USA, so, you'll have to watch some videos to see what's best to put in the bottom of your containers from your area. Saves you lots of $$$. A beautiful job. It was nice to see your brother. Always great having family around. Thx for sharing Max and Occy. 💛

[@dorknuckle]

Agree 100% it’s going to take a bit to fill the bottom with debris but I feel you’ll have no shortage of raw materials at your place. Absolutely brilliant outcome Max 🎉🎉🎉

[@NancyFava-zw7cm]

Two comments: 1. Seeing you and Tom giggling together was so precious! Brothers forever. 2. Hügelkulture!

[@Bellandskull]

Agreed! It looks beautiful though!! Great job max and occ.

[@michelebushnik2874]

Just remember! When filling the raised garden beds, most veggies only need 12 inches of top soil, I hope you consider the hugelkultur layers, so you do not waste your time and money on filling the entire bins with soil! It is so gorgeous! Stunning! Bravo Max

[@gblakev]

Some plants like tomatoes need deeper soil. He could dedicate one or 2 tubs to those plants. For the rest 12 inches of high quality, organic soil is enough.

[@Kim-up5zw]

Your brother could be your twin!!❤ Max relax! You are an amazingly hard worker, lots of hugs from Katoomba , Kim, Rosie 🐕 and Brindi 🐈.

[@shadowette1950]

❤❤❤❤❤ stunning... no other words needed... you have transformed a broken house, a messy yard to a beautiful spare spot for your van and an absolutely stunning raised bed!!

[@MaxandOccy]

I appreciate that! Thank you heaps 💛

[@TG.34295]

hugelkultur raised beds, you would have heaps of rotting timer and logs around load them up and put a layer of nice veggie garden soil mix on top with sugar cane mulch.Itll just get better with time.

[@katcool]

agreed for hugelkultur! fill them up mostly with logs, sticks and the very top will be the soil layer (your growing medium). the rest will decompose over time and add to the richness of your soil. just don't use treated wood because you don't want chemicals in your soil. i'd recommend to look into plant guilds/companion planting because you have such a contained space and you can grow things that work well together while also learning more about plants as they relate to one another. the idea is to mimic ecosystems where plants have different functions like pest control, ground cover, soil enrichment (nitrogen fixers), plants that attract pollinators, plants you can use for mulch, etc.

[@MightyPenn]

Wood acts like sponge, maintains moisture, becomes soil. Plant roots only need about 6-8" of soil on top.

[@jenwhi7778]

Max the giggles with you and your brother THE best. Don’t be sorry about the videos not getting to us. When we get them we get them. Just enjoy the process of making them and take as long as you need. Now for the veggie garden - just wow bud. Looks amazing. Can’t wait to see them full of herbs and veggies. ❤️🏡🍎🍓🍋🍇🥕🌽🥰

[@alaenke]

Watching you meditate on the beautiful fig filled my heart. I’m so glad you prioritize yourself even while creating this beautiful space.

[@LH-ef1jd]

It’s not the height it’s the depth on all 4 sides that makes or breaks how easy the gardening is. If you can’t reach the middle from all sides it’s more difficult to plant & harvest veggies. That’s why most raised beds are thin and long because it’s easier to reach across them.

[@MaxandOccy]

I can easy reach the middle from all sides so we good on that front : )

[@kimmarkowitz7759]

Your garden space is truly magnificent. You and Occy have turned that space into something sustainable as well as beautiful 🪴🐾🪴

[@MaxandOccy]

Thank you! We are really excited about it 💛

[@here5D]

✨Looks amazing! & love you taking your time to do it properly rather than getting a video out 👽💞✨

[@elsienorback7689]

You can fill the containers with brush, tree trunks, etc to fill the space then cover it with garden soil.

[@shellebelle53]

Yes to this...saves on trying to fill with soil, which would be very expensive. Plus, it gives the soil vital nutrients as it breaks down 😊

[@Hereandnow3]

So beautiful!! That boy Occy!! So love you’re progress! Wow, all the birds are so upset every time you do a drone shot. Hopefully that’s not changing their nesting and safety. We forget sometimes how we need to be kind and consider all living beings too in our world. 💜💙🌎🩷💙

[@DoristhePeskyBrit]

your parents raised two great boys

[@barbaramorphew1693]

❤The Best Brothers 😊😊

[@MaxandOccy]

💛💛

[@georgeattig8088]

Fantastic multifunctional and relatively economical garden space. You’re right that in most instances the veggie patch is shoved off to the side. You have made it another stunning center piece to your property. Well done 🎉

[@MaxandOccy]

Thank you! 💛

[@pippacarron1861]

So bro, whenever you're filling the trailer with green waste, put a tarp down first. Then when you get to the tip, just pull on the end of the tarp and it all comes out in one big mass, plus a clean trailer for a win:win.

[@brebarnes1997]

Paint the fence black so it looks more invisible. So simple but makes it look so much better.

[@jacksonlaura]

I admire your continued vulnerability and advocacy in regards to mental health. Also, I think Occy likes the new outdoor bed…I mean veggie garden you made him 😊

[@LAT.MTL.]

Hi Max! No stress completing any project in one video. It’s about the process, not the product. I don’t mind if a project takes you 5 or more videos to complete. Your down time, meditation, family & friend clips etc are also amazing to watch.

[@jennawren1672]

Moon flowers would be beautiful there if the climate and soil support them!

[@Valerygallery]

You made an absolutely beautiful veggie patch. There is absolutely nothing but you can't do! Nice of your brother helping you, and of course Occy helped you all the way through also.❤

[@TaylorHoren]

The design is so beautiful and I loved watching this project come to life! Incredible work!

[@MaxandOccy]

Thank you! 💛

[@lynnemac1402]

Max please dont stress yourself about getting the video up, we can watch when you do, even if we have to wait, its not a problem. I just love seeing what you and Occy get up to on your property. The garden space is so beautiful and what a wonderful space to chill out and take a break. Tomatoes would be great to grow there and will have a wonderful smell, and easy pickings when you and relaxing there. Occy is so funny with trying to work out how to get round the trailer to not liking the drone lol. Have a great week x

[@MaxandOccy]

Thanks so much Lynne 💛

[@nikkiwalters8265]

I think you may be the most amazing Man I have ever seen. NEVER doubt yourself, you are incredible! So is Occy because of you

[@kathrynhaynes7068]

I grew up on a farm in Maine, and later I had my own garden just outside of Tallahassee Florida. This is the MOST IMPRESSIVE vegie garden I've ever seen!!! I love everything about it!

[@MadroneHumanRights]

Awesome, I suggest growing what vegetables you love eating. I would do Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, kabocha squash, brussel sprouts, basil, mint, and any herbs you like to use. Maybe some onions and cabbage and cucumbers. Im not sure what would be easy to grow in your eco system. Morning coffee surrounded by veggies is such a love thing to look forward to. Maybe throw in some plants that the bees love, you could plant bee plants around the fence area, saving the planters for the edibles. Then you get to watch the bees do their thing. A few native flowers as well so in the spring you are surrounded by natures beauty. Thanks for another great video Max. All the best to you and Occy.

[@jeffreyskinner6281]

What an amazing vision you had Max. It turned out so lovely. Please don't ever worry about "getting the video out on time." You and Occy are so appealing and likeable anything, anytime you publish is fine with us.

[@MaxandOccy]

Thank you heaps 💛

[@joycady8325]

Wow! When you put your mind to something you don't mess around. This is a beautiful creation all around. What a place to chill out and enjoy!

[@daniellevilloria227]

Be sure to add a thick layer of drainage material like logs + sticks. They will fill up the space to save on soil but they’ll also be host for a great soil biodiversity. The channel Self Sufficient Me also features big deep beds like this and he gets real creative on how to fill them!

[@LubaAlanna]

Woooaaaah Max !!! Oh my lanta that is some beautiful! Certainly a job well done ❤❤❤❤ I love how functional the entire space is and how cozy it is already, even without the plants. You execute your projects with such passion, dedication and a really stable plan to follow. It turned out exceptional. It was also some lovely to see your brother. And Max, I know you feel pressured to finish the videos and projects (and I know it’s a job..) but.. please know, we will still be here to watch it later on. You’re a human, you deserve to enjoy the process, rest and do other things that aren’t project related. I adore you and Occy, and am grateful to get to follow along so thank you. Take care of your mind and soul in the process. I’m also proud of how much you ARE looking after yourself and mental health. As you always say, be kind to yourself and to others ❤ Have a beautiful weekend friend

[@annseiler6071]

Gorgeous!!! When you trim any of your vegetation throw it in bottom of your garden bins. May want to consider cucumbers on your fence. Make one bin your herbs and plant rosemary thyme basil savory (winter and summer) marjoram dill. Check local nursery and see what butterflies and bees like to help pollinate. Most importantly what veggies do you like? Grow them and have fun!

[@paulas_lens]

Oh good idea! Peas would be good too. Sweet peas for the bees as well :D

[@Jasmine-hh3kt]

Your veggie garden is beautiful and practical. Love the cladding and the lighting. You’ve done an incredible job again!

[@MaxandOccy]

Thank you! 💛

[@althearoutledge-reid8034]

You should put false bottoms in the container and that way you will not have to put so much soil in them. I have raised square foot gardens and they work very well for your back as well. I am having to put screens over them as the little critters come by and eat until their hearts are content, mainly black squirrels. You have done a great job and I love the idea of sitting there with the plants surrounding you with a cup coffee and a good book... excellent! Only use cedar for the false bottoms and will last a long time. Don't forget about drainage either.

[@pamelahall361]

Max, your vegetable garden looks absolutely stunning. I loved how you laid out and positioned the boxes with the pavers and river rocks. Also to add table and chairs in the middle to sit, chill and relax with nature around you. I totally agree with you to have the vegetable boxes made higher so that you can attend to your vegetables comfortably instead of leaning over or bending down low. Lastly, the night shot with the lighting was also awesome. Well done! 👍🏾

[@manishaholm]

Grow the things that you love that are expensive to buy, like bell peppers or asparagus. Grow tomatoes and carrots (!), which taste SO much better than store-bought. Grow some flowers, sprinkled amongst the veggies. You could let cucumbers and squash spill and sprawl down the sides of the planter boxes. Grow herbs, cuz it's amazing to go out and clip some thyme or basil to add to your dinner. You've created beauty. Well done.

[@warriorglenn]

do hugelkultuur to fill it; big logs, smaller wood, chips,leaves, some greens and soil to finish

[@tomasijzerman7056]

Heyy, as a farmers son, i would love to see a lot of ground animals in the garden. Like worms, and other creatures!!

[@caroltisdell4059]

Self sufficient Me KZbin just put a video out about the way you can fill your beds. It has turned out to be a beautiful spot. Looking forward to seeing how you fill them and what you are going to grow.

[@helenjohnson8272]

Your hard grunt work really paid off. You’ve created a beautiful practical garden. Personally, I believe gardens should be more than just a spot to grow food. A garden should also be a retreat, a place to relax and you’ve accomplished that - adding the sitting area was a brilliant idea. As for utilizing the perimeter fence… you could use it grow more food like cucumbers, beans, peas, melons, squash, even tomatoes … all of which are vining plants. Lastly, you could add Solar bistro string lights on the fence if ever you want additional lighting around the edges.

[@arlenesolis024]

It is beautiful and I love the idea that it is raised. I love gardening but I hate that I’m constantly bending down. When filling your garden use dead wood in the bottom and fill it up with other dead materials from your surrounding. This help with the costs of soil ($$) and watch out for insects that can helpful (bees and butterflies which help to pollinate) but also harmful insects as well. You did an awesome job.

[@JanetWhittaker-eq5es]

Use the German method of Hugelkultur. Begin with large rotting logs; add composted wood chips, grass clippings, etc; add smaller branches, logs, etc; add other nitrogen rich matter; then top soil and rich compost. Plant. As the logs further decay lots of rich soil will be created. Studies have shown your veggies and soil will be healthier. Best of luck!

[@beachspirit2455]

The reason you keep your beds low, like 18 inches is that vegetables don't need any more dirt than that. Then when your tomatoes, basil, green beans, peas, etc are4- 5' tall then you can pick them easily. These will be great with any plant that doesn't get more than 24" tall. Tomato cages are normally about 4' tall and your tomatos will go higher than that.

[@jenlambie14]

With the solar lighting, it looks like an exclusive CLUB - Congrats Max, good to see Tom again too 😊 🎉

[@divinewrath3142]

Yay! I love my Sunday morning visit with Occy 💙 (& Max too lol)

[@hispid1]

With a high rainfall - biggest thought should be good drainage - You don't want the beds to become ponds - so id be putting a layer of coarse gravel in the bottom before you start layering - then maybe go look at some "no digging" techniques for building raised beds.

[@toprock9500]

Agreed! That will also save him a ton of money too as it would be exxy to fill the whole bed with costly soil and organic matter

[@helenguy9475]

O my goodness. You have to stop calling it a vegetable patch it is definitely a vegetable oasis. I am 66 and you’ve given me so much to think about for my vegetable oasis. Probably only have space for two of those containers but I will definitely put the bar top on and the solar lights. Well done you’re amazing. I so look forward to your videos. Your editing is so good 💜🌝

[@harleygraham1315]

Hi Max, firstly just want to say keep up the good work. You're forfilling you own dreams. As a landscaper, couple of little tips that might help you on your future journeys. When you apply crusher dust, road base or decomposed granite, a slight sprinkle of water over the surface area before compacting helps it bed in nicely. Tips for your Garden bed. Soil is more pricey than drainage. you will not need to fill up those drums full of dirt. I'd approximately fill half of it with rocks to allow healthy drainage underneath. being in the rainforest with unpredictable weather, it'll help you manage your gardens from drowning. so apply half rock, then geo fabric between the layer of soil and dirt to stop the dirt seeping through. always remain 50mm bellow the top of full mark. when you plant, you gain extra soil. passion fruit vines for the fence at winters end (August). Use them for tropical smoothies. This is an outside the box idea but since you got white pavers and will have to constantly clean them, you could seal them with a clear top for easier cleaning or for those special people in your life, have them paint there names on them. then you're constantly reminded and surrounded by your loved ones in your life and they've all been part of your journey and quite literally, left there Mark with you.

[@laurensaucedo1866]

Max the garden is beautiful. What a place to sit and enjoy the fruits (vegetables) of your labor.

[@lisaasbill8984]

Omgosh Max that looks absolutely fantastic! To see how far you have come in making your space fabulous for yourself and the environment is truly magnificent! You are in a great headspace my my dear. You should be proud of yourself. You have come so far. Nice job! Keep up the positive vibes and the beautiful outlook on life. You are teaching all of the world how we should all be. Be kind and keep spreading your love🫶 Love and hugs to you and Occy❤️

[@kassieopea]

Off Grid w Jake and Nicole- they have an alpine rainforest property in Alaska and another in the tropics. They cleared the land and used a lot of fallen trees/logs and other plant debris to fill the bases of their beds. This allowed them to use less soil.Eventually the wood will break down and be good mulch for the plants.

[@gailm1122]

Wow, that came out beautiful. If you put in some nasturtiums along the fence, they grow viney and the flowers are edible. Fill the bottom of the beds with sticks and leaves and stuff that will break down and give you good compost. When filling with soil make sure you add lots of enrichment like peat moss, manure, some sand. Mix well. Good luck growing Max. It's going to be wonderful!!!

[@bluemurf]

the seed pods are edible as well. you can 'cure' them and they are like capers.