Building a Homestead in the Forest | Permaculture

It's taken me three weeks to clear a section of the forest to build permaculture vegetable beds and a foundation for a chicken coop.
Thanks for watching! New videos every FRIDAY. Please subscribe.
My Other Channel: Shawn James bit.ly/2xzZHpB
T-SHIRTS: teespring.com/...
Watch the playlists by clicking on these links:
Building an Off Grid Sauna: bit.ly/2IjvJsQ
Building a Log Cabin with Hand Tools: bit.ly/2MeEoOs
Building an Outdoor Forest Kitchen: bit.ly/2AFQJ99
Best of My Self Reliance: bit.ly/2OfW7ry
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance....
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Mailing Address:
51 King William Street
P.O. Box 30017
Huntsville, ON
P1H 0B5
My Tools, Clothing & Other Gear:
www.amazon.com...
Cabelas: bit.ly/2AEp48v

[@thesolitarybee6096]

My 13 year old daughter asked me this morning if each of your buildings were signed and dated? "Why what do you mean?" I asked, her reply was "Like artist sign and date paintings for people to know in the future how old things are and when they were made and in what order they were built. I replied " No I don't think he's dated his builds. Her reply was " well that's sad because all epic buildings have a date on, that's how we track history and admire the work from the past" "That's a lot of plaques babe" I said " Shawn' s built lots of things over the years" "No! not plaques mum, he can burn it on the wood.I think his work is amazing , he's just a different kind artist using different tools. Thought I'd share with you our conversation. I see her point.

[@sellingroanoke]

What a sweet comment from your daughter.

[@erroleabrown4317]

When we listen to our children they make beautiful sence

[@nancysimpson9045]

That is an awesome idea 💕🇦🇺💕

[@williamgraham8809]

It's like watching the original pioneers establish their homesteads. Work and determination to keep their families provided for. Food, shelter and security at the cost of one's sweat and bruises! I'm impressed.

[@ChuckRoss77]

Callie is BY FAR the most "in tune" Golden I've ever seen...she's amazing. I love seeing her work and play. I like watching you work and play too Shawn.

[@1gatomon]

One thing for Certain is that your weather is never boring. Sun then snow then sun then snow then ice pelletts.. Got to love the variety!

[@velikokotarowa1818]

Dear Shawn James, We finally see you at work. Here in Italy, forced by the lockdown for the killer virus, I can't help but envy you and appreciate you. I did not understand what your current project is but it is okay also because, I can assure you as a witness and heir of an ancient civilization, ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY! But please don't make us wait another week to see you build it ... the new Rome! A kiss to little Kali and an affectionate greeting to your three girls! How we start here these days with writing on the balconies: Courage, everything will be fine! Veliko Kotarowa -Rome - Italy

[@velikokotarowa1818]

Thank so much From Rome.

[@marcianomarques3436]

É um agradável passatempo. Em Portugal estamos também em quarentena obrigatória. Itália sofre, é doloroso ver tanta gente a morrer. nos USA estão a enterrar em valas comuns. USA não valem uma trampa!

[@joannamallory2823]

veliko kotarowa courage and endurance is something the Italians have in great supply! This too will pass... right? Stay safe and well!

[@erroleabrown4317]

rome was a horrible place that worked off the back of slaves. Shawn on the other hand is self reliant and very kind to his life and others so your point is weird.

[@joannamallory2823]

Errolea brown wow. Really not the time for your politically correct commentary! Would you like to kick him while you’ve got him down too? I’m sure you felt very self righteous as you wrote that stupid comment but I’m here to tell you it fell flat! Shame on you.

[@jeanettec6212]

Your own composting garden! I pray you are richly blessed with over abundance! You work through rain snow, ice! How hard you push for your family! I admire you!

[@nanastreasures8363]

You know, this is so wonderful to watch, epecially during these uncertain times. This is all the therapy I need! Thank you Shawn!

[@marthaadams8326]

Cali is the greatest worker ever. Who else would stay out in the rain and snow with you? So nice to have peace after all the days news. I am going to do that this year because can no longer get the real Black Kow and bags of dirt are extremely expensive. It is so in tune with nature.

[@MayWhite-bz7xl]

It's so much fun watching Cali she's as busy as a beaver always on the move.

[@erroleabrown4317]

l cant believe how possible you make life look in the snow, All your work is testament to how much you believe in what your doing . Thank you with all my heart for sharing such hopeful videos.

[@1872T701206]

For me who grew up in the city of Taipei ... this place is so beautiful..............Beautiful

[@thekingtroll2]

After 3 am in Ohio. Window open for fresh air. What a relaxing video to watch. I admit, even that dog would wear me out. So full of energy.

[@KrisV385]

Shawn i appreciate how you mix your videos up. This was a nice blend of what your doing and then you put in shots of your land and as always the music is spot on.

[@lotte5173]

The way you and your wife live looks like a fairy tale.....but its hard working !! Much respect for that.

[@russodee4354]

on days like today Shawn I can see why you are not missing going to the gym in the lockdown. Just living life for you in the forest keeps you fit, toned and healthy not to mention sane and in good spirits. Keep up the good work.

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

Cali is pure delight to watch. Thanks for posting.

[@seanbailey6004]

With all the chaos in our country, the one thing we can always be happy about is Shawn showing us not only how to be self reliant, but also reminding us just how beautiful our province is with his videos 😀

[@NavinKumar-pf3bd]

I like the audacity and his workmanship.Really great to watch all his videos and assignments. Hats off to you and thanks. God bless you

[@jkadams1997]

Your dog has the perfect dog life. Lucky little Cali girl

[@nanastreasures8363]

I just love her. Cali is sooooo sweet. I love her life. Every dog should be so fortunate. 💙🐾❤️

[@Bobsob]

You are dog

[@timstewart8690]

She's just missing a few puppies to nurture.

[@pamelarichmond5355]

So nice to see your family helping working on the place! That makes it more appreciated and meaningful in the long run!!!

[@shebaautumn7305]

Thank you for giving us peace in this time of struggles.

[@vestaosto]

Couldn't help but notice your adorable pooch, trying to help in his (or her) own way. So cute!

[@jkadams1997]

I owe a great deal of my interest in nature. I live in Alabama and have recently started growing my own little pine tree. Thank you Mr. Shawn

[@blackrosary]

Wow😍. Admirable, indeed. You would be turning your cabin and your backyard into a bountiful paradise - ornamental plants, veggies, fruit trees, some domesticated fowls, goats and cows...wow! With fresh air, no smoke from cars and factories, no viruses from crowds of people...

[@arktkt06]

I just spent 40 minutes watching a guy shovel dirt. And I’ll look forward to next week as well

[@jcoats5529]

Better than doing it yourself. Lol

[@jeanblythe1595]

I LOVED this!!! I would love this life.

[@paullopinto2777]

As I’m watching him take the bark off that tree I was having similar thoughts. I do concrete work, mostly repair these days but I wonder if people would appreciate my work and skills and watch a KZbin channel. Love this guy. Takes my mind off things.

[@reneecannon1250]

Hahaha, and the pace s.l..o...w....down, and tank anxiety. While watching or just hearing you shoveling, I'm learning in my own learning style...by focused relaxed absorption...to make mental notes: the carefully chosen and firmly, seated rocks will support the chicken coup.

[@arktkt06]

Paul Lo Pinto couldn’t agree more.

[@desertfairychickres4021]

You have pretty much perfected this. Tunes, Sweat, selflessness and YOUR girl...Cali.

[@SWAMPHUNTER644]

I admire your work ethic. I did much the same at your age and really all my life. But it took its toll on my body by the time I was 60. My cardiologist told me that work didn't have as much heart benefit as jogging. I suggest getting a 4WD ATV like a Bombardier Traxter to lessen some of the burden on your body. Your body will thank you in 20 years and it will speed up your projects. Hard work is good to a point. Too much tears your body down. Ask any farmer.

[@Hoaxer51]

SWAMPHUNTER644, I’m 68 and agree 100%. A four wheel drive four wheeler would be perfect, it would go along with the snow machine. You need to save some for your older years!

[@onpurpose2629]

It’s great to have such good help, everything is a game!

[@Hoaxer51]

WATER-MAN, keep moving!

[@aminejoridon540]

I am from Algeria 🇩🇿 I love the life of isolation in the wilderness and a constant follower of your wonderful videos. You are an artist in every sense of the word. I wish you success. Greetings.

[@SayShariff]

I well remember building my flower beds in my garden and the loads and loads of organic material I hauled in to mix with the topsoil. I had no tools other than shovels, rakes, etc. I removed the first foot of clay soil and then mixed the top soil with leaf mulch, mixed it well and what a garden I had. Neighborhood people actually wanted to come into my yard to check out my plants and beds. It was a wonderful experience and, at that time, I was much younger and had the energy to do all the hand work. Now, I am much older and am unable to maintain these beds and it is depressing! I admit to adding one component I bought at Home Depot; Milorganite is a slow release nitrogen fertilizer and it helped to break down the nutrients in the compost even quicker as well as add a mild fertilizer to the soil. Do some research on the product, Shawn. It is an awesome product! I know how hard this work is and when you go in at night you are exhausted...but it is a good kind of tired. There will be days when you would kiss a tiller if you run across one in a local store. You may even think about buying a diamond ring for the damn thing. LOL But there is nothing like doing it by hand and doing it right! I so admire your hard work, the results and rewards of which will be incredible!

[@Kelleena1on1]

I bet you guys are so proud of yourselves for the vision u had of self reliance on your love for nature, each other and hard work ,because u really have made strides in the last three yrs . Now look at you all building expanding , growing in all ways heck I’m proud of you all thanks for sharing ty Jesus this way of life is possible.

[@SurvivalLilly]

Nice Hügelbeet! The massive amount of logs and debris will create a lot of heat when rotting. I am sure the seeds will germinate quickly. Well done!

[@kram7917]

You sir are what we call in the uk a grafter. Satisfaction comes at the end of a day with a sore back and knowing what you have achieved. Health to you and your family.

[@TonyGeneseo]

Watching you prepare your garden area while its snowing, AFTER THE SNOW WAS GONE, touches my soul in a way most wouldn't understand !! April 17 today and this morning, here in Maine, was a coating of snow after 2 10+ inch storms since April 1st. Keep at it Shawn !! Stay safe

[@korayyigit3818]

nothing makes me more peaceful than your videos on internet. Thanks Shawn

[@Mooshkie50able]

I find the best above ground veggie to grow that can be stored for months in a cool dry place without going bad is butternut squash, I like to grow mostly underground plants, turnip, parsnip ,radish, beets, carrots, potatoes, onions, I find any plant that grows underground always does 100 times better than my above ground plants and I don't have to fuss with them at all compared to the above ground plants. Even mushrooms are good to grow, Buy some then just slice one up and plant in a damp cool area under trees and they grow like crazy and are safe because you know what kind you planted. I also have wild mint around the hole outer edge of my gardens because rodents and skunks and even rabbits hate the smell of mint and it masks the smell of veggies that attract them to gardens. I also crush all my egg shells into the soil its great fertilizer for plants. Good luck and cant wait to see when you start your planting. Stay safe, prayers are for everyone.

[@maryblaylock6545]

Thank you Carolyn. You are right about the butternut squash, the eggs shells(really good around tomato plants), and mint. I'd add in marigolds to plant around the garden. Good pest deterrent!

[@leannemori9688]

If you plant according to the phase of the moon you'll get better crops. Above ground crops are planted at a different phase than the underground crops

[@reneecannon1250]

TY Carolyn!!!!!!! I hope to take your advice someday. LOVE ME SOME BUTTERNUT SQUASH; )

[@heyitsrazor]

great tips.thanks Carolyn. will be planting mint in my garden perimeter.

[@_blento_2637]

Imalso crush mussels and and shells we eat and spread into the soil. It brings calcium. Grinded coffee is also great nutrient supplier.

[@ScottHillsmusclecargarage]

Thank you for sharing your world with us. It is truly a Ray of Sunshine in this world we are living in. Cheers to you and your family!

[@carolmathis6084]

Using the wagon as a soil sifter! Your thought processes are fascinating. Brilliant!

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

That was such a good idea.

[@Lillymae-gq4oe]

My gosh, this fella has strength and endurance, Hope you give yourself a day off every once and awhile, so you don’t burn out.

[@danielhatch3740]

Shawn, God has blessed you with His strength & favor. Peace my brother!

[@stephanieluigon5192]

Realizing full well that hindsight is always 20/20 perfect, I remember you pondering whether to even introduce powered conveyance to the channel, and whether or not it would be a four wheeler or a snowmobile. On a different level, there are at least 1.3 million viewers who will acknowledge that there is a difference between men and women. God Bless you and yours, Mr. James. May hard work, good meals, and deep, restful sleep be the most important lesson to all of us who seek the inner peace which God and nature offer.

[@patriciabeyer7824]

Cali makes me laugh when she chases the shovel full. She is so funny. It's good to see the video. Just when you think winter is gone it snows again. Thanks for sharing.

[@deanframe9095]

Wow after watching for 4 years I’m ready to move to my forest. I have heirloom seeds for my permaculture garden and fruit trees bushes I’m in zone 3. I have tools. As soon as the lake thaws I’ll boat out there 2 more months I guess. Thanks for all you’ve done for me, teaching me and my husband. ❤

[@elizabethlee6435]

I never realized that this was actually a named method... I’ve been doing a modified version of this for almost 20 years with wood chips and compost. The soil is amazing... and I agree with another viewer that you definitely have a greenhouse in your future...

[@suzannetodaro5494]

Would cloches not work too? Just semi circle rings of metal and thick plastic. Just in case of breakage in the glass of the greenhouse from falling branches leaving it on the floor probably to injure animals including Cali.

[@Flyingdutchy33]

@@suzannetodaro5494 If you'd want a good return on your investment, you'd have to place the greenhouse on (the north side of) a clearing anyhow. Plastic is typically used in warmer regions and even there they have to be replaced regularly. I'd probably build the greenhouse halfway into a south facing hill for better thermal management and better protection. By the by, if you already live in a forest, your organic matter content in your soil is already sky high. It's basically already composted. Keep in mind that you will be depleting the soil regardless with each and every harvest, so you will have to keep adding those nutrients yearly. There is a lot of things to consider when doing permaculture, but by far the most important aspect of it is bascially mixing your crops. Monocultures are always more at risk to diseases and pests.

[@davidboyce7422]

These videos are such a great blend of learning,cinematography,cooking. You guys eat really well.,soul searching, music and nature sounds. I really enjoy every one of these

[@carolschreffler5112]

I loved it when you realized that the wagon could be a soil sifter too. Greetings from Ohio.

[@staxter6]

A 'riddle'....

[@northcarolinagirl]

I worked at a garden center for years and we had those wagons. I was laughing thinking that our customers treated them worse than this.

[@GladysRWhite]

He used it like a sifter at his cabin as well! great idea!

[@charlesstone8292]

Your an inspiration, started watching on night shift at work. Now I’m retired and working on my city home to sell. I bought a log cabin in the mountains of SW Colorado. It’s in the sticks about as much as I could get my wife. I’m still on the electric and internet grid but out of cell range. Your doing what we all have dreamed of doing. I’m very envious.

[@joyalexander9677]

Would of taken my husband three years! LOL! My dog is in love with Callie! He watches the whole show and runs up to the tv when she appears. Then he returns to sofa to watch the rest of the video intently. The funniest part is when he looks behind the tv when she disappears!

[@karenmikasko7148]

Callie's fan club

[@dlspiritdancer9548]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@garethwatson7999]

These videos really are the highlight of my day at the min, in the craziness we have right now watching and listening in to Shawn and the forest around him is such a welcome escape, thankyou! 🙏

[@altonmedcalf5790]

I felt compelled to say how these beautiful scenes of nature were the star of this video. They underscore the relationship of self reliance and Morher Nature is about. But I would be remiss if I failed to recognize the star of this video was Cali. She is one with all about her in the purest sense of being. Then there is that guy who in the rest of the video is busting his ass to strike this balance within it all. "Perseverance is the hand that molds dreams into reality". You sir are the embodiment of these words. Keep up the good work!

[@kemarjohnson127]

@H. Dávila That's a good question. I think that our existence on the planet requires that we use (not destroy) the natural resources the planet offers. I think society has allowed us to outsource that demand to the point we're we never see directly or effect on the environment. Is Mr James effect on the environment less that someone who lives in an urban setting, I can't say because I don't have the stats on that. But I would like to remind you that just because you may not see all of your effects on your environment doesn't mean they're not there. I agree with you that nature should be preserved and it's our duty to do so but even preservation requires management and management requires selection/pruning/harvesting. If I may be so blunt, mother nature does not preserve, she's more of a mass extinction type gal. I think Mr Shawn James is an example of pruning/selection/harvesting and only time will tell if his land is better off for it. I'm sure he has done his research and wants his land to prosper. Don't write him off just yet, try to see things from his perspective. Blessings

[@mindyvaughn8217]

H. Dávila He is not destroying anything. You don’t understand.

[@kemarjohnson127]

@H. Dávila But then what happens when the first is overgrown. The tree canopy becomes too thick and stifles the undergrowth, that will kill the bushes and young trees that get less light. When they die, the animals that rely on those plants died out too and the predators that hunt those animals have less avail for and their population suffers as well. So cutting trees for example is a good thing (especially in Canada where there are tons of trees). That's what I meant when I said nature needs to be managed. A balance of trees and shrubs, a balance of vegetation and wildlife and that requires killing. Not just for the sake of it but so that there's balance. I understand what you mean when you say if a lot of people do this it could be disastrous and I agree with you there especially if it's all done at the same time. However if the people who seek this kind of lifestyle do what is best for nature as a whole (as opposed to one tree or trees in general) then it might actually be better for nature then. Better for the animals and the other plants too. I think Shawn is trying to be self reliant and the more he does that the more reliant on himself he needs to be to meet his needs that he's not relying on society to meet. I think it's cautionary to us to think about how nature is "destroyed" to meet our needs and we can compare to see if Shawn's way is more or less "destructive" than ours.

[@catherinecooper2360]

Cali is so funny! I just love her playfulness with EVERYTHING! She's a honey.

[@consonantsandvowels1]

Would love to hear you narrate more. Especially during the lockdown when some of us are pretty isolated - kind of makes one feel less lonely, like we're hanging out with a friend 😊 Love your work and all you provide ❤

[@marcnilsson5171]

Shane, your a hard worker but Please Watch Your Back. Don't take it for granted as all it takes is one time and your out for unknown how long and it never seems to heal right. I would hate to see you get hurt and slow down your production. Love your life stye and appreciate your programs that you share. Thank You for being you, A True Canadian Proud!

[@loveamerica3197]

You are my inspiration. I am now looking for land in Vermont. Living off the grid sounds like the most intelligent option, and always has.

[@jeanadamsick9854]

Thanks for sharing, Shawn! You are one hard working man. Cali, is such a devoted pup!

[@melodybarker9336]

I love cali how she look at u when your working ..so interesting love the woods..❤❤❤

[@0623kaboom]

she's counting down the seconds until it's play time again .... she ensures he plays often for sure ;)

[@broughtbackin]

When it started hailing/sleeting, I half expected Shawn to whip up a shelter in mere minutes.

[@lindaayers7575]

I love to watch you work... A little at a time by mostly hand. If something doesn't work one way, then maybe it will be better another way. Be careful and don't get hurt. If you need help, you at least have the ladies that might give ya a hand. Thanks for sharing all these years.

[@trevorcrowley2569]

I might have missed your answer on getting the proper PH for your garden beds. When will you test your soil and what are the additives you will need to adjust. Plus thank you for including so much of Callie in your video. She is the star of your show. She is one lucky dog to live with you and Wmily on your homestead. Just as you are lucky to have her.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Beautiful video...loved it. Cali has the happiest tail I’ve ever seen.🤣 so adorable.♥️. Thank you so much for the many videos lately Shawn! They are so very appreciated. 🙏

[@tamjoe6198]

Thanks so much for allowing us to live vicariously through you! You're living the dream. We've always wanted to do this (I just turned 50, as well). My husband and I have been watching your channel durning the pandemic. He turned to me and said "so why aren't we doing this?" And I said "I don't know, why aren't we?" So now we're looking for the right property. Greetings from southern Manitoba!

[@wendyblackwood4290]

The filming on your surroundings is so beautiful

[@benjo9703]

National Geographic has nothing on you for nature photography. You rate among the best in my book!! God bless you and yours on your journey!

[@MrCow579]

Ahhh, always great to start the weekend like this!

[@hansdovermann5309]

It is hard work to make a small piece of land fertile. Good that you show us how to do it. Very vivid. My respect for that. Today we are so blessed that we can shop in the supermarket. But!!! Often pure dirt! Stay tuned for it.

[@Gawonii1Austencao]

Seems like you have created the perfect life for yourself and family. I love watching these on the big screen

[@robmac6696]

Great job Shawn, you are following your instincts and creating a new ecosystem. The key to the whole thing is your are following your dreams and are happy. That is what is most important !!!!. You are setting an example to us all through your hard work and beliefs, and the support of your family. That is the greatest vision you have and the most important lesson you can teach us. Thank you!!!!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

I loved the time-lapse and the moving water and light shots, Shawn. Beautiful. 👍🙂

[@scarletletter68]

Cali is such a beautiful dog! Not only in looks but in her spirit!

[@TaigaTurf]

That axe makes a great sound in the woods! Really nice compost pile setup

[@davidnoseworthy4540]

I look forward to every You Tube post Shawn, because I'm either learning something, or having something to reflect on. Thanks!

[@gregoryrapier3021]

Wow the weather here in the Yosemite is so much like yours up there in Canada. We have days here were we have sun then hour or two later rain or hail then snow and then sun. I loved seeing the turkeys I have a family of turkeys that live out in the back and every day we can hear them. We also have groups of deer and Quails. I love living up here in the mountains of California. Love seeing you work your place it's great. Thanks for making these videos. GOD bless you and your family.

[@suzannetodaro5494]

Sounds like the UK in the Spring and sometimes even the summer especially in Scotland and The Lake District, four seasons in day so hikers and hill walkers dress in layers lol.

[@robertcolvin3182]

I spent a fair amount of time up near Yosemite as a teenager. Along with Yosemite, Coarsgold, Nippinawasse, Bass Lake, the 49er highway, in the summers and Badger Pass skiing in the winters. Those areas, along with Yosemite were absolutely the most wonderful memories of my early years. You are fortunate to live there and I'm a bit envious.

[@MrRandyf]

@@suzannetodaro5494 northern scotland can can be harsh in winter correct?

[@irmibullinger1421]

I love watching you work getting your garden ready and I also love watching Cali, she is amused by everything that you do. I have heard of this type of gardening but I have never seen anyone actually build that. I found it extremely interesting. Thanks from TN USA

[@rogerbradley7509]

One thing I’ve learned about being a homesteader. Never rely on the weather! It will change exactly when you don’t want it to!

[@Ludifant]

I just bought myself a bit of forrest and I can´t wait to get started, others might think this is tedious, but this is the life!

[@dalepointer9312]

THE THAW Thawing of ice/ Poetic motion of labor/ The work will suffice/ A moment to savor/ Callie at her best/ The red bag flies/ She takes a rest/ And scans the sky/ The thaw has come/ Yet the snow's on the ground/ Freedom to some/ And Serenity Found/

[@brianandkatrinaarnold2816]

Well written poem.

[@ellebelle8515]

Beautiful

[@garyhand4701]

Since I've been watching your videos ( about 1 1/2 years) I have never seen you work so hard as this video of you clearing an area for the chickens, veggies and the mound. Wouldn't it be easier to use a chain saw? The stress you put on your body is amazing, just because you're strong as a bull doesn't mean you have to work like one. I love your videos!

[@olive5483]

Cali makes me smile. 😍She is just so cute.🐶

[@juanitaskelton448]

Brillant!...videos and music and knowing you are all safe and sound...your land is the prettiest I have ever seen ever. The building a permaculture is just monumental...talk about a project!!! The work looks very satisfying. Thank you again, lovely James family. Stay safe and healthy.

[@StevenEverett7]

Yay!!! Shawn's on. Cheers, Steve

[@Jimwill01]

I thought it more - Yay!! Calie's on!

[@jellowsun3395]

So relaxing The sounds of Shawn working The ground

[@cajunlane3191]

I think God must have used the mold that He keeps to use for very special people for you are one amazing man.

[@donnacole4227]

Yes indeed ,, his wife is blessed to have him,,

[@brucecox100]

@@donnacole4227 He is blessed to have a wife like her!!

[@maryp8388]

That Cali is so sweet. Y’all have such a great life. You are such a hard worker

[@triciaanddennisb9548]

Thanks Shawn, Dick P. would be proud.

[@sagelavender3281]

I almost thought you were building a compost section, but it's a compost vegetable garden. Again, very impressive! Congratulations! This is really a therapy! Thank you!

[@douggibson9084]

It's going to be a hard slog digging a garden, rock farmer. Hearing the shovel dinging off the rocks in the ground. Sounds like you could build a massive stone fireplace for the workshop 👌.

[@munchkin5674]

Doug Gibson He might have to consider building some log cabin style raised beds! Lol

[@Avendora]

What he's building is called Hugelkulture. It's a form of raised bed that generates high quality soil for growing. It traps moisture in the body of the bed, attracts bugs to decompose the dead material, generates heat to keep the plants warm at night, and also increases his sq m surface area. As another commenter said, you can control the pH balance a lot easier in this bed. So the rock you're hearing play no part in his garden.

[@suzannetodaro5494]

He did say that a future project would be a stone fireplace but that will be way down the line, right now his priority is food for his family. As for his property yes it is not very good farming land hence the raised bed.

[@reneecannon1250]

How GRAND a massive stone fireplace and covered dining area adjoining the outdoor kitchen. It could be for rented out for weddings!

[@jackiepeacock769]

Loving your videos......I wonder why some of us are more resilient than others. I see you work sun up till sundown and your stamina and resilience never alters. Our children of today can certainly use a little of whatever it is that gets you through. Admiration plus!

[@drhoy15]

Your hugelkulture project is a long-term one, here in the north things take a much longer time to break down that in the Southern US and in Europe. Unless you adjust the pH you will not get much yield from most of your crops. It’s a great idea but you need to definitely concentrate on the other beds. Make sure that you ACTUALLY test the pH don’t just wing it. It will make all the difference. I wish that I was closer to you, I am in NS, because así could easily test your pH and give you recommendations for lime.

[@Jaynes-Path]

Many counties will test for you here if you follow the testing guidelines when samples are sent in. I have no clue if his will.

[@blackpackhomesteadchrisand7337]

Or you can change your strategy and plant according to ph. Adapt with the landscape.

[@kevinblack16]

Shawn talked about all of this a few episodes ago.

[@thizizliz]

The forest loam is certainly rich with nutrients & should feed your plants well! Nature's compost is wonderful stuff. It's really interesting to watch the build process- not what I had expected at all. Watching C play in the ccx woods and puddles always brings a smile.

[@PaulBaker12]

Awesome camera work! Thanks for sharing Shawn.

[@consonantsandvowels1]

Wow, Kelli's double coat has come in well! ❤

[@Bailey463]

Get yourself a atv. It’s same as a horse. Can’t be hauling stuff like that forever. Get your trails in place for atv to help gather firewood an sap from trees. And bring in feed and supplies from the road. I know you want to be simple. But some mechanical help won’t hurt Snowmobile winter. Atv spring summer fall.

[@Captndarty]

Bailey463 I made a comment last winter they it was a mistake to get a sled. An ATV with tracks would’ve been perfect for year round use especially since he doesn’t joy ride. Oh well , he does things his way good bad or indifferent.

[@placidostella8845]

Why he won't use his chainsaw when he is pressed for time is beyond me.

[@emirtascioglu5280]

@@placidostella8845 I think he likes to work out

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Bailey463 indeed!

[@shaenj]

@@greywolfwalking6359 He does it his way because he doesn't want the hassle and expense of going to town for fuel etc. Muscles are always there and for free. As he gets older he will vary his habits. Remember, he is not thinking you're way. you're not thinking his.

[@redjeepoutdoors7037]

Shawn. I don't know of any other videographer the does as good a job with the excellent videos that you produce and none of them could hold a candle to you when it comes to hard work, You just amaze me with every new video. And I'll bet Caliie sleeps just as well at night as you do. God bless ya.

[@patricklamarre1475]

I love it ! It's my dream to live in the forest but i need a money !!!! I living Québec and i speak french ..Sorry for my English..is bad loll

[@patrickh9226]

Patrick, your English is very much better than my French! I have no trouble understanding your message.

[@Desert2snowoffwego]

Love your Channel! As someone can witness, commentary is not a prerequisite, action is for content! You are also an excellent videographer. Thank you for your efforts.

[@davidullom]

Evidently I'm not the only one who hits like before I watch it....lol

[@ricardo_nordestino]

👏👏👏👏👏😀😀 🇧🇷

[@greywolfwalking6359]

David Ullom indeed!

[@ecklecticgal7009]

Me, too. I just know I'll like whatever Shawn does.

[@jeanblythe1595]

Absolutely :-D I hit like as soon as the video starts!

[@davidmesser8619]

I do it all of the time. I know that it's going to be good. Vaughn

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

You are hard at work as always. Always accomplishing something in your waking hours. I know it is time consuming just editing video's alone. Not always a easy feat having to depend on solar. In such a few short years we are able to witness you building your beautiful creations. Such beautiful backdrop scenery with a bit of awesome music here and there. Cali bringing our focus back onto the woods while you work away. You also taking time to acknowledge Cali with some playful moments is so awesome to watch. A big thank you to your family for their participation in the video's to have just a wee bit of something different while we watch you hard at work, and I'm sure them too working hard in the background to help whenever you need it.

[@sk8r4life92188]

Perfect timing to watch your Friday video thank you for posting. I’m looking into camping tomorrow night off the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania and I’m reading police are stopping people from hiking to help with social distancing. Wish we were in a more remote area.

[@ricardo_nordestino]

👏👏👏👏😀 🇧🇷

[@ricardo_nordestino]

👏👏👏😀 🇧🇷

[@jimmurphy4703]

What part of stay at home do you not understand

[@rowanfernsler9725]

Jim Murphy as long as they are alone and away from others, i see it as fine.

[@lindanwfirefighter4973]

Jim Murphy wow are you not a nasty person. How does camping endanger anyone’s lives?

[@7569mia]

It's so soothing to listen to the rushing water..

[@robertgilljr2202]

You had me laughing so hard at Callie trying to catch those shovels of dirt. I actually snorted. My family thought I had lost it. Thanks again for your time.

[@sharonvandorn820]

Love the Hugelculture composting idea! A few years ago I constructed several on a steep slope to prevent erosion. They worked out great and make a great garden planting area on otherwise un-useable erosion-prone hillside.