Dirt CHEAP But PREMIUM Way to Fill LOTS of Raised Garden Beds

[@johni6138]

Mark, you're like the Steve Irwin of gardening. Love your videos. Always learn a lot and you're a fantastic presenter.

[@peggytoes99]

EXACTLY!!!! Great description of him. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS MARK!!!

[@GuzziMatt1]

Ha Steve Irwin, just up the road. I've just found your channel and more impressed with the size and make of the raised garden beds- where did you obtain them. I've constructed 5 beds and want similar to what you have, free standing and great size. Double my allotment at minimum and be semi satisfied. Yeah Oz Zoo in the neighbourhood but seesh need mega bucks for a days entry, just have to live with memory of Steevo.

[@michaelsmith6818]

Crikey!

[@ellencox8415]

@@GuzziMatt1 in the description is the link to the beds

[@Gunshotglory]

Yesssss😂🎉

[@RyWilliamz]

i checked the comments... no one noticed your clever, "ill level with you" joke... i bursted out laughing in my local cafe ! thank you!

[@jamiepolyblank3177]

I'm 46 yrs old had open heart surgery 2 yrs ago. I had 20 cubic feet of mulch delivered to me. The first day I did 10 wheel barrels the second day 8 the third 4 and two the last day. Lol it took me two years to get back to me and I was sore and loved every minute of it. I woke up seen the 🌞 shining and was ready to jump up. I was feeling pretty strong.

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

That's so funny! I had 4 yards of compost and 4 yards of triple ground mulch delivered in mid April. Here we are, almost 3 months later, and I still have about a third of it in my driveway. But I'm beginning to see the end. Glad you are back to you!

[@katharina...]

Your comment filled my whole body and soul with joy and liveliness 🌞 Enjoy your health and your beautiful garden! 🌄😊

[@beebob1279]

Hard labor can feel good.

[@annettedecroix1960]

Mark it is always a joy to see your videos. This time you even had a little fun feeding the local wildlife. Gardening is not about making life easier but it is all about enjoying your ease of life. If you can save a time with the cart go for it you certainly worked hard filling those beds. Love watching and learning how other's approach their garden lifestyles. I enjoy being outside the the pups and wildlife and my little farm gives me choices in what type of workout I choose to do. Today it is the garden, tomorrow the rabbits and chickens, maybe the flower bed needs some love but I am outside getting my vitamin D and releasing the stress of the day, as well as making my little homestead special for me to enjoy.

[@Anonymous-km5pj]

Amen friend, this kind of life is a blessing from God as is a good night's sleep, what a gift. God bless you

[@amberf8952]

“Think of it as a gym workout.” Great advice! Physical work is the best kind of workout because you’re accomplishing tasks while getting fit. Love it!

[@CrazyWhiteVanDriver]

Yep, we cut 200 loads of firewood last season, cut and split, loaded and unloaded all by hand. Who needs a gym on a thousand acres.

[@bethheerten1132]

It is always interesting to see what our Fitbits think we have been doing after a "garden workout". It will count the minutes of exercise as various things. Sometimes it thinks we are running, other times it says we are cycling or swimming. It evidently does not recognize "gardening" or "dancing" (Our other outlet for exercise) but it does count it.

[@davidb2206]

EARN your food.

[@msquinniet]

As an absolute novice gardener who really wants to become more sustainable (but have absolutely no idea) this is so incredibly helpful!! Thank you for not only sharing what you know, but in a way that is easy to understand and achievable!!

[@blake_bentleytv3249]

City boy raised by the internet here, looking for ways to become as self sufficent as possible and this bloke lives about an hour or two from me so I know what hes doing I can do too

[@Tanoaproductionsfiji]

You know Mark the other thing that’s really great is your editing and video production! With the focus on the gardening it’s easy to forget that your have to shoot, narrate and edit it all together! Fantastic Job Mate! You’re an inspiration in the garden/farm and the video production suite! Thank you and cheers mate!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks mate cheers! :)

[@grannydems5044]

That's a lot of hard work 😃 xx

[@WarmFuzzyVibes]

Agreed 1000% 👌🤩😊🍿🐦

[@emarkit1]

Yes clever editing and shooting. Appreciate your respectable language too. Thanks 😊

[@jimmyguitar2933]

I think he may have a photographer. His wife maybe?

[@marshabennett8107]

I wish I could afford those garden beds, but I use Charles Dowding's method of cardboard. Hand shoveled 7 truckloads of 2-yr composted horse manure. The neighborhood can't stop complimenting our gardens. You inspired me to try an alternative method to digging gardens like my grandmother did. Thank you. I love your videos. (And Charles'!)

[@donnabrooks1173]

They are expensive and I wish I can afford them too, but we have to work within our means. Maybe one day

[@garethward2984]

You are so patient with your viewers Mark. It takes a lot to remain gracious when people are questioning everything you do. Your persistence and calm are as inspirational in the garden as out. Thanks

[@jocelynskill1914]

i nearly died when the bin tipped over, love your videos. thanks for making gardening more fun than it already is!

[@idontthinkso666]

You seem to be closer to death than most people. This should concern you.

[@bozskaggz5402]

9:13 Bugger...not only do I love your great tips and idea's, your sense of humour is an added bonus.

[@Charlottejp15]

Super appreciate you saying not to shirk the work filling your garden beds. The hard work is half the fun, and if you can do it, do it. You're on the money mate.

[@geraldorobles2215]

Gardening not only feeds your family but it feeds the wildlife around you on many many levels. My herb garden feeds probably close to 12 pollinators, half of which I had no idea existed. My chickens occasionally feed coyotes, it's the way of the world.

[@alfa5243]

I miss the gardening I did in my youth. Girls lost he toughness. Love to see your success.

[@abraxusvolta9070]

Wow! Really glad I stumbled across this channel. You probably heard it before but here it goes, you're like the Russell Crowe of self-sufficiency and gardening.

[@markskipworth7570]

You are a Legend ! , I have learnt Soo much from you Mark in just 2 of your videos... I love that you are down to earth and don't waste words.. Thankyou, Mark ,from Tasmania, Australia.

[@LileCremeans]

Last year, my wife and I built 5 - 4x12 raised beds and filled them with dirt. Just the 2 of us with shovels. One of the best workouts I've ever had.

[@davidb2206]

Great calorie burn. And outdoors in the sun and fresh air.

[@rblibit]

I did just a single raised bed and I thought I was gonna die before I got it filled! WAY more dirt than it appears to be!

[@bwghall1]

My teacher who was in charge of us 11 year olds clipped my ear for calling soil DIRT, there's a big difference laddie says he. so one sore ear and now wiser at 84. lol,

[@laodaneilise2710]

Great idea to think of it as a workout and not a chore! That way, we move our bodies in a way that holds integrity (good alignment) and is fun too!

[@johnh8615]

A powerful mind over matter and enjoyment all rolled into one that becomes a pleasure

[@GeeaRCee]

5:39 The best transition in the history of KZbin ever. A very lighthearted and comedic boo. 😂

[@outdoorztime2923]

Not only are these videos extremely educational, but they're also fun to watch. I get a kick out of your accent. Gardening is the way to go, and with all the inflation going on with gas prices going up, living a simpler life is very attractive in my eyes. Work HARD • Have FUN • Live HEALTHY • Love your NEIGHBOR

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Still capable ( 53) and not always completely willing I have grown to enjoy the exercise I get from gardening. My wife has many good ideas that take me awake to admit.

[@dennismcginnis8701]

I agree with you on the exercise. I'm 62 and the garden and yard work is great exercise. Even when it's 95° and 90% humidity here in Houston. I do have a damaged lower back though, so the shovel work can aggrevate that. That's what the whirlpool bath is for. 😁

[@honeybadgerhomestead4311]

I subscribe to multiple gardening channels and you are by far my fave. I love the "Dad Jokes"! And your Garden is so diverse! I have will be trying several new crops this year due to watching your channel. Thanks, from Texas, Mark!

[@steelwasp9375]

Ah, man. Such a pleasure to watch your videos. You're radiant.

[@Jesuslovesamericans]

I agree on the looks vs functionality. After my wooden raised beds kept rotting in a few years, I went cider block. A local brick layer said my beds would fall apart in 6 months. He said as they sunk, the bricks would be uneven. I told him, "I using them to just hold dirt not a roof over my head." Yeah, the bricks needed adjusting once and awhile but still in use after 6 years. Bricks don't rot or rust and cheaper than wood. Bought 50 on sale today for 89cents a piece at Lowes. I throw in rabbit poop since I raise and eat them. Before I fill them, I empty my compost and throw a can of sardines on top then cover with dirt. Of course you need to take the fish out of the can, lol. Ready for spring.

[@davidb2206]

Could be a good idea, but you have to research EXACTLY what went into any masonry (or make it yourself). Some bricks/blocks are made with toxic ingredients that will leach into your garden soil and water.

[@Jesuslovesamericans]

@@davidb2206 these are just concrete from a local supplier. I didn't use any mortar, just hammered some rebar into the ground because my yard has some hilly spots.

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

Great video and I love your point about exercise! I look at all of the homestead jobs that I do as a 'gym membership"~~nature's gym! God bless!

[@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325]

Hey Mark, I have a friend here in Thailand that has a very nice size farm of 50 acres. He brought in some different stuff to start a big compost pile. As he was stacking it he ran a one inch pipe all through it. He had probably 50 feet of pipe and hooked up his water line to it and has hot water that is too hot now. He says he has to run a lot of cold water with it but he loves the free hot water. Have you ever done this? It might make for a good project for people that are trying to save money.

[@gypsyj9691]

I would love to see a video on that!

[@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325]

@@gypsyj9691, if you want to see his video go to "toon and Leigh porpeang farm". He is English and she is Thai. Sometimes their language gets a little raw. Lol

[@Earthy-Artist]

What a great idea! Would be great for camping or anywhere hot water is needed off grid!

[@Ariel-xz8lg]

Clever idea!!!!

[@donteven5712]

When I lived in TX, we had a big black poly tank that would be scalding hot in the summer. Stayed pretty hot in winter too, except when it would freeze solid. Lol

[@davidpetersen6694]

You have a good garden show. I’m here in southeast Texas and share a lot of your hot climate factors. I love your local terms for some of the tools and vocabulary. That adds that extra flavor you don’t often get. I Enjoy your splendid organic tips. I’ve been gardening with an organic style and philosophy for over 35 years. Mother Nature just needs a little help now and then. She’s been gardening a bit longer than the rest of us, eh? 😎👍

[@No_one1776]

“ I’m going to level with you”. Lol. Good one mark. Good one.

[@lin827]

Choko - I've seen them for $12 /kg in Woolies !! Everyone laughs but apparently the Sth Americans eat then when egg sized and feed the large ones to the cattle. The small ones DO taste different. Think zucchini vs a marrow. Fried in butter with caraway seeds = yum

[@kristinebailey6554]

I just shared this with a daughter that spent 100.00 on bagged soil from Lowe's. I started using stock tanks and hugelkultur after watching your videos, shared some info with her on that too. I made a raised tulip bed that is thriving with this method. I live in a desert state (Colorado) and water is an issue for me.

[@derekp6636]

yup! Buried all the large branches/limbs in my last garden as well with a nice lasagna layer of manure and compost. Very productive for little effort

[@beebob1279]

Great way to get rid of the rotting cut logs I have in the woods. They're half way there.

[@danielgarrison3212]

Kris

[@danielgarrison3212]

Kristine ,please explain to me what you mean by huge polite,I'm not familiar with that ,we live in central Pa and would like to find the type of raised bed frames he uses! Thanks for any ideas you may have!

[@Horse237]

Add Brewer's Yeast to wood chips and leaves to accelerate decomposition.

[@davidfirth6535]

Nice to see Russell Crowe getting into some gardening, great info here, thank you.

[@heatherjolly8389]

"Don't shirk the hard work" love it

[@benvoliothefirst]

"Don't be a jerk, don't shirk the hard work. Twerk."

[@tinab7791]

I'm really appreciating your videos, I'm learning a lot. I'm new to this growing your own food thing. I know there's going to be mistakes but I feel a lot better about it after watching a bunch of your videos.

[@abyssal_phoenix]

I recently made a kinda diy raised bed for one simple purpose: making soil. Its a concept i came up with in a dream. Adding things like simple sand, compost, native soil (mainly for microbes etc), ash, uncomposted material like kitchen scraps, twigs, leaves etc together and let it sit, then let nature do its work. Since I mostly grow in containers this is a good way for me to get simple but very rich soils. Got my first “batch” this year and it interestingly enough seemed to get plants to develop a bit faster than with bagged vegetable soil mixes. Which I really like

[@adamheazlett1179]

Grass clippings then a layer manure lucerne layer then seaweed turn 3 to 4 weeks sheep manure works well

[@abyssal_phoenix]

@@adamheazlett1179 yeah those things sound really useful honestly and probably would turn out to improve the soil even better, but i prefer to spare costs, so I basically only use “trash” But i would use sheep manure if it was possible for a cheap price, but that wont be really possible 😅

[@adamheazlett1179]

@@abyssal_phoenix Depends what you want grow and how much soil you want to make and were you live some are free some a few dollars works well for special lucky plants

[@SonderSurreal]

Thats a really nice idea, also it would save on some of the smell from composting I think... I did something similar but it was rather that I was composting in the garden bed before it was a garden bed. I built a freestanding cinder block bed on an extra portion of my driveway and filled it with stuff through the winter, and covered with black kow / peat moss etc for the top bit of it in the spring

[@adamheazlett1179]

@@SonderSurreal Pea straw is great as well.But use old timber flooring and palings for your bin get the air in and turn.But I am in a land down under maybe a bit warmer all the best good luck Adam

[@tracyleal2609]

I don’t know who your general audience is but I have to say hi as 50 yr old chick from Nova Scotia Canada. I was discouraged when I first watched your channel bc every thing grows in your climate, but stayed for your general wisdom and good humour. I love learning about your side of the world. Big cheers to you.

[@elshe13elieves]

Mark, I've only been tuning in to your videos for a month or so, but they're extremely helpful and easy to understand - especially for a beginner backyard gardener like myself! Thank you so much for your words of wisdom, I greatly appreciate it! (And one day maybe I'll have a backyard half the size of yours, so I can avoid the husbands annoyed groans of "But we don't have enough space!" every time I want to go to a nursery or plant a small amount of crops!!)

[@Alondro77]

I just moved my entire garden down the street to a new lot when the empty lot it was in was sold. Moved all the blocks, all the perennials... and all the soil. 10 tons of it. By hand cart. I think I'm pretty fit. ;]

[@mapd6831]

I think it might almost be time for a full garden and fruit tree tour again! ;)

[@yes2463]

I agree

[@66REDD66]

I concur. 😄😄🥕🍑🍓☘️🥕🍊😺🥀🌳🌺🌻🐝🌼❤️🌸🪰

[@jelaifriendsfloreinchannel7888]

Healthy veggies, but the plots are too high, need tons of soil.You can already use it as a fence hu

[@66REDD66]

@@jelaifriendsfloreinchannel7888 No you don’t. Just use spare organic materials… old plants… grass clippings… cardboard… wood chip. There are loads of things to use. We’ve filled loads of 3ft high raised beds this year and last year using all those things and only used bought/home made compost on the last 1/4 at the top.

[@baabaabaa2293]

@@jelaifriendsfloreinchannel7888 you have em at that height so you're not bending over all the time..work smart etc.

[@flowinproductions6416]

the idea of needing more physical exercise along with wanting to live a more meaningful life is what eventually brought me to starting my market garden. i'm glad you brought up the benefit of doing the work yourself for the exercise. It certainly beats staring at yourself in a gym mirror while you expend energy for nothing but muscle. With gardening, farming (or something like woodworking or smithing) you're also creating something with that energy outside of yourself.

[@buddydots7735]

Good soil doesn't mean soil+fertilizer This was very informative for me, i used to mix vermicompost with sandy soil and i thought it is a good soil. 'It shouldn't break down in your palm if pressed, if it is moist then it should be able to hold itself together' this part holds many Properties of good soil. Much appreciated.

[@jasonroberts9788]

You're my new favorite youtube channel! Your garden looks fantastic as well

[@SukiObito]

This guy is so awesome, I started gardening. Learning a lot from him.

[@markskipworth7570]

It just goes to show how natural and down to earth you are Mark. I have never seen a kookaburra be so comfortably close to a human. Are you also a Cancer Star sign like me ??, Maybe..

[@jjmoto6078]

This video was a perfect topic at just the right time for me! As I’m about to have to fill raised beds myself. Thank you.

[@reesaserik3759]

kookaburras are amazing. I did not realize they were in the kingfisher family until I read about them. I wonder if Australians realize exactly how amazing their country is? As for gardening, I agree with the video. I love gardening and I do all the work by hand. Keeps me in shape. At 60 I still move as I did when younger. I can still run, jump, kneel and get up from the floor without any trouble or help. My job also keeps me in shape. I work freight at a big box store. For years I did office work. Finally left that type of work and found something that would be a workout for the body. So between the gardening and the job I stay physically fit. Got to keep the muscles exercised or you will loose them. I am going to start raised bed gardening so I am looking to these kind of video's for instruction. Thank you so much to all of you that are willing to share your knowledge.

[@johanna2059]

I could watch your videos all day long. You make it look so easy, which of course it isn't. You know your stuff too. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@shawnr771]

I live in Texas and do much smaller container and raised bed gardening. Last year the heat arrived early and the spring planting did not do well. I started a second set of seeds for tomatos, haberneros and jalapenos inside in August. I added shredded card board in the various layers of the beds to help with moisture retention. One bed of peppersfrom the spring planting that we kept alive through the heat of the summer required significantly more water than the beds with the cardboard. Harvested tomatos and peppers until a week before Christmas.

[@helicart]

I am 63 and live down the road from you Mark. I still haven't managed to move to raised beds. While my knees and back can cope with squatting and sitting on a milk crate, I will hold off. I also thought well how much time and effort do raised beds save? Not much for me. There's the squatting involved in sowing seed or seedlings, then the bending to harvest...this isn't a lot of time. I rarely have to bend for anything else, as I get virtually no weeds due to using sugar cane mulch liberally. I have an open compost system at ground level too. But a rake and fork keep that churning. What I bend over for most is to get under crop cover netting (to keep white cabbage butterflies, grasshoppers, possums, and birds off). Having ground level beds also means less watering, as groundwater wicks better. I think I'd rather go to ground level greenhouses before raised beds. They are valuable for retaining warmth in winter and reducing heat and storm damage in summer, as well as keeping bugs off. So annual yields are better. I'd be interested to see you do a comparison of greenhouse vs raised beds at your place. BTW, I grow mostly leafy greens (kale, sorrel, mustard greens, rocket, spinach, radish, beetroot, bok choy, gai lan) and tomatoes, as these are rarely as fresh and tasty at the markets as home grown.....especially when picked younger. Plus leafy greens are the best anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant available.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Each to their own mate! Great to hear about you getting out and into it at 63! In my opinion, there are no bad ways to garden. In-ground is cost-effective and easy for most, although, I would argue the many benefits of raised bed gardens is what makes them so popular too. At the end of the day, people should garden how they like and within their budget and physical limitations. Cheers :)

[@chezmoi42]

Sounds like a good garden, as long as you can bend. I hope you're using wildlife-safe netting, nothing so big you can put your thumb through. The old stuff can be deadly.

[@helicart]

@@chezmoi42 even baby grasshoppers cannot get in! ;)

[@chezmoi42]

@@helicart Outstanding! I'm a fan of Megabattie's channel, and the disasters caused to all kinds of critters by slice-and-dice netting and barbed wire are bloodcurdling. I cultivated my own garden for years, and you're right, it's great exercise as long as you can do it. 79 this year, and it's down to perennials - I have too many neighbors with excess tomatoes and zucchini to bother with le potager any more, aside from some herbs. I get my gardening kicks watching Mark, my hero.

[@dylanholmes1985]

You are our dad of gardening. Love from Ava and Dylan in South Africa, Cape Town

[@mikederp9612]

You converted me to raised beds. Similar to you of being hurt in military. I got blown up and had a lot of surgeries. My back had a hard time keeping up. These tall raised beds like Birdie and Vego are amazing to maintain for me. Thanks Mark!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks for your service Michael! Yeah mate, when you have injuries and pieces missing off your body like us these raised beds make gardening a little easier! All the best 👍🍻🙂

[@grovermartin6874]

@@Selfsufficientme And old, don't forget old! Lol.

[@Dies1r4e]

Me too man, I have been struggling with my garden for a few years, knee and ankle still have bits of metal in them and I can't really get about, doubly so up and down like i use to, but man I can't afford four or five of these guys.

[@heatherhobson7677]

Thanks for all of the fabulous videos you do Mark. I love watching them and have gained a wealth of gardening knowledge that I am very grateful for.

[@okieanni]

Your beds look fantastic. All of my garden beds are raised out of necessity so that I can garden from a wheelchair. When we built my 21-inch raised beds, we put a double layer of chicken wire across the bottom, added some rock, and then the soil. So far, the wire and rock have managed to outsmart our moles and gophers.

[@ramencurry6672]

A masterpiece

[@theskyehiker]

I just put 1/2” hardware cloth underneath my three new raised beds. That ought to keep out the 🤬 gophers out for a while.

[@pilatesyogataichifit]

Yeah about the gardening as a workout! The fittest 84 year old I know has been working in the fields (and especially looking after vines, walking up and down hills) since he was 10...

[@allysongurczynski]

With the way your knee has been I'm actually glad you're using the lawnmower to move that soil around instead of a wheel barrel; you don't want to make things worse! Also I made sure I SQUASHED that like button! Lol 👍

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Allyson! Yeah, the leg doesn't hurt much anymore but the numbing still persists - it'll get better! But using the mower was a lot easier than the barrow that's for sure lol... Cheers :)

[@justmeigor1852]

You are right about a lot of things. i live in a small village/town, all my neighbors where filling there green wheel bin, and all drove off to the first garden store to buy food for there garden....and they never understood why i ask sometimes if i can have there garden waste, and surly they dont understand why my garden is so successful....take time and the sweat spoon. your videos are a pleasure to watch.

[@feltysaquaria819]

I like that you put the work out part in. I for one love spending time working out in the garden over the gym anyway. Thanks for all the content Mark!

[@altosmusiclab2248]

love your tempo and tone... We're needing to Crash Course, food fast - it's going to be a famine, rivers are drying up.

[@nikkicapone1018]

Wow!! What a super impressive setup!! I really enjoyed watching this video and I definitely learned a thing or two. Even with using the machine to move your soil, that's a shit-ton of work for anyone, regardless of age. Anyone with anything critical to say about it is probably just a miserable human being who hasn't seen much activity beyond the effort it took to leave their comment. It's smart to not overextend yourself and catch a break where you can, you get more done in the long run and you'll stay just as fit.

[@SandiSteblaj]

you are most simpatic, specific garden heroe....with you to the green-best!

[@marihannah9107]

So far, I've got 7 Birdies tall raised garden beds and I'm loving them! I'm getting ready to order 4 more. They are so easy to garden with and I really like that the yard waste is utilized to partially fill them. We've got an acre with trees and gardens, so there hasn't been a shortage of waste to fill them. Happy gardening! 💚💚💚

[@h.s.6269]

I love mine as well, I have 4! They make it so much easier on the back though setting them up can be hard. I would like to add 2 more every year until I have like 12 or something, they are so neat! I always want more because there isn't enough space.

[@GypsyinAus]

what size did you get mari? are you in Australia too?

[@marihannah9107]

@@GypsyinAus Hi! I've got 4 of the tall 8-in-1 beds and 3 of the tall round beds. No, I'm not in Australia. I live in North Carolina, USA. I've purchased them through Kevin @epicgardening.

[@GypsyinAus]

@@marihannah9107 Thankyou for your reply are the tall 8 in 1 beds like the ones he is working on in the video? I’m wondering if the American ones are different sizes to the Australian site. Thanks again 🦋🌸🦋🌸🦋🌸🦋

[@marihannah9107]

@@GypsyinAus I think they are the exact same dimensions.

[@davebenedict7986]

Thank you for sharing! For those who don't have the space to compost a wood chip pile, see if there's a city/county compost facility. There's one about 10 miles from my place, and if I shovel it myself, it's free! They've had it tested before, and the results said it was ideal composition...

[@jhwstanacct]

editing and production is great! Your videos just keep getting better. Thanks Plant Dad!

[@LoneWolf0568]

I've been building raised beds out of landscaping timber. I'm only doing flowers in these beds to help reduce the amount of sugar water I have to feed my bees. I already have a decent sized garden that I plan on doubling next year when renovations are completed on my house this year. I know what you mean by hauling everything around in a wheelbarrow. It is most definitely a workout but it's what I have to work with. Thanks for the excellent videos and tips.

[@nancyfahey7518]

I took back my greenhouse from my chickens. Preparing the ground I started with garden lime. Then a bunch of chop n drop. Then a bunch of great dirt, leaves and whatever from my forest floor. Then I aerated with a fork. It looks like a pitchfork but has stronger tines. Then I threw rye grass and peas. It's looking real happy. I had all this laying around so it didn't cost me a thing.

[@TrashyQuery]

It's an age old debate whether to aerate with a fork. But I've learnt from.experience that adding organic matter like lots of compost and using hugelculture is the best way to get light and fluffy soil that's ore aerated. Some argue that mechanical.aeration with a fork leads to more compressed dirt over time.

[@PremonitionOfTheSonsOfGod]

Your love for gardening is certainly contagious. ❤

[@katblyth8153]

Agree re exercise! It’s brilliant. I recently shifted six cubic metres of compost into nine new Birdies beds, moving it by hand from the driveway on one side of the house to beds on the other side. This took the total to 35 cubic metres over the past four to five years. I’m 71! I have to say though, while shifting compost doesn’t worry me physically, mentally it’s a different matter as it really is deadly boring!

[@Selfsufficientme]

That's a great effort at 71! Fantastic 👍🙂

[@andrewallason4530]

Great job. I do my raised beds starting off by filling the bottom 1/3 with brown gravel road-base from a local quarry. I then place a layer of old laser-light roofing, cut to be about 20mm shy of the sides. This minimises loss of water as the road-base is very good at wicking any water through, but prevents the top layers from getting too wet. I then run a loop of weeping hose about 300mm from the sides, with a 50mm pipe to above where the surface will be for pouring in liquid fertiliser etc. I then put alternating 100mm layers of pea-straw and mushroom compost I get from a mushroom farm about 1km from home. When it settles down, the veggies absolutely rocket and it is super easy to pull carrots, garlic, swede etc.

[@kasession]

Hard Yakka!!! Keep using those Australian sayings please. 😍

[@dianewoods560]

Mark I think you are such a fun guy with great tutorials it doesn't matter what you do. Music, editing etc. Man you are self sufficient!😊😊😊

[@5000IU]

Thinking about work as a workout has been a blessing

[@k.s.1737]

I'm glad I'm not the only one freaked out about the size and vigor of the worms! Great video and good advice.

[@jonathandewitt4564]

I love the creativity, fun... and Joy! that you put into your videos. Thank you for your excellent videos Sir Mark!

[@karilynn3535]

I love that you said consider your garden work as a 'gym'....I say that all the time....1.6 acres here....I do it all...I've dropped 45 lbs.

[@carolyntorres8171]

I really enjoy your energy! You're right! It's a great way to exercise, and you get great results on so many levels. Thanks for sharing your gifts!

[@cynthiawebster4379]

Thank you for the "wise approach "to filling up the raised beds with soil that I can add manure and fertilzer.

[@ProfessorToadstool]

holy crap, i havent checked you out in a little while, back when your yard looked..very different and your sub count wasnt so..impressive congrats man, you earned it and deserve all the best life can bring you

[@mrbrianf]

Stumbled upon your channel while researching wicking raised beds today. Your knowledge is most beneficial, and in my opinion, you were born to be a teacher. thank you. subscribed

[@smith9157]

I’ve just bought a house with a garden in Kenilworth QLD, already has some young fruit trees planted excited to get started on my first home vege garden!! Thanks for all the inspiration and good vibes.

[@Selfsufficientme]

All the best with your new property Calvin - how exciting! Cheers :)

[@CrazyWhiteVanDriver]

My pop and nan share farmed at Kenilworth. Long long time ago now.

[@mitchscriv7794]

Hello thanks for all the great information I had a bunch of steel post and chicken wire around used that to build raised beds . Ground hogs used chicken wire as a ladder no more Tomatoes , ha ,ha , 2 ft tall mowed them right down. I'll have steel beds next year ! No brush or trees left so I started with bales of straw stacked together , works like logs but breaks down a little faster . At least I have my soil for next year , yeah ! Happy Gardening Mitch Scrivner

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

I really love all your beds Mark. Look like really good quality. They are from Birdie's eh? I just built my 57'x104' garden this year and I wanted to start with a few raised beds like yours, but they are very expensive so I started with only 6. I'm in Ontario, Canada and I got a product made in Canada that looks very similar to the Birdie's. They should be arriving soon and I was wondering how to fill them. Great timing on your video. I appreciate l the work you do in your videos. I started my own channel last July the same time we bought our 90 acres. We're transforming it into a farm stay and experience and have chickens and ducks to start, Molly the Old English Sheepdog and a couple of barn kittens. I built a custom ultimate a-frame duck house and the huge garden complete with fencing and gates. Lots of plans for this property and i love keeping up with channels like yours to help guide mer along the way. I'm a serious diy'er too. Our veggies are growing and looking but the weeds are a job. We're getting closer to self sufficiency each project. Thanks mate, Chad.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Chad! Good channel you have there mate - I watched your latest video mate and really enjoyed the playful footage of pets and animals in nature. Cheers :)

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Self Sufficient Me appreciate it Mark.

[@charlanpennington3989]

Years ago I started a garden during early Lupus disease. I spent, to cover with water permeable plastic sheeting. Saved many hours of weeding and discouragement. Best choice ever. Bad choice to put in with staples ,used rocks or bricks thereafter because staples easily pulled through plastic and were lost, but I needed rototilling next season, rototillers are not compatible with lost staples. Well from Lupus now, and love gardening again.

[@terrakerani4851]

Hi Chad, i’m in Ontario also. Where did you buy the beds?

[@chuckmalcolmjr1913]

@@terrakerani4851 Hope you get an answer, following.

[@christianmeyer4054]

If no one will change the world, the gardeners will. Good job, mate!

[@Alleroc]

My back yard is too steep for a traditional raised garden, but I really want one! I just set some concrete pylons which will allow me to build a deck that can support several garden beds. This is some great advice! I've been saving my soil, but was unsure what to do with it. It's extremely healthy and full of worms, but I didn't know if I should have used it or not. This weekend my dad's driving up and we're going to build the deck and the garden beds. I'm super excited.

[@annak804]

Have you thought about dirt locker?

[@Alleroc]

@ti1tus normally yes, but we have some gnarly tree roots to contend with that would have made terracing impossible without removal. I don't want to kill the birch I have either, it's massive and beautiful.

[@AmericaFirstNow]

haven't been here in a month or more. busy in western NY. USA Zone 5. 4 raised beds out back, waiting for potatoes to get done for some cool weather crops. pulled garlic a few weeks ago and already filling in the space. 2 beds have PVC hoops for an extended season. moved here from zone 7 a few years ago, quite an adjustment. This spring the temperature was a real rollercoaster ride. planting spring veggies in the fall now. Or is that autumn in most of the world? Had to take some time out to get my self sufficient me fix. Always a pleasure, thanks.

[@spectorkid31]

I just absolutely love this channel! Thank you Mark for teaching us your awesome self sufficiency! It's been so helpful!

[@beverleytait3665]

Always well spent time listening ....show my family how you work hard and your shorts....

[@glencairncross6491]

Awesome video Mark with lots of great info for the beginner as I am . this is a great way to supplement buying all your vegies from supermarkets plus you can give some away to neighbors ,not to mention its properly great for mental heath and physical exercise as you mentioned , getting out there with the birds , bees and the peas keep up the good work thankyou for your helpful video mate 🌱

[@race-all]

You an the video are great. Can't ask for much more. I like a person that cares about what they do.

[@seederdontra5227]

I love the, "think of it as a work out" mentality.

[@twistedpixel2558]

I love good hard work. Grew up farming full time. I was throwing square bales of hay and straw around by the time I was 12, bailing and stacking it in hay lofts of dairy farm barns. My problem is, I'm not yet even close to retirement age, I have to work full time somewhere between 60-110 hrs a week. I'm married, we have five kids, a house to support, two cars, the whole lot. I have to make money when I can, make hay when the sun shines as the saying goes, so I have very little time for doing hard work at home, as much as I love the opportunity to do menial labor that doesn't require much thought, just put your back in to it and get it done. I operate equipment on a daily basis as part of my job and have access to loader tractors, skid loaders, excavators, bull dozers, dirt pans, and a whole host of other equipment so I'm using those whenever I can to get it done. Feeding a family of young kids to young adults who have a voracious appetite is quite costly, as well as I have a hollow leg myself, plus we just like growing our own whenever we can. Anything fresh out of the garden is better than anything you can get out of the store. I just don't have the time for leisurely gardening lol.

[@littlemogocreek]

Hell of a workout. Great job Mark, thanks for the tips and taking the time to share them.

[@spiritualsolutions444]

That was AWESOME! First video of yours I’ve watched, KZbin “recommended “ it based on my recent searches and I’m super stoked that it did!! Gonna watch more now! 👏👏👏

[@meganjarvis7970]

Wish I was there with you gardening, at least you know what you're doing. Like watching but I'm probably never gonna do, due to health issues plus being so out of shape. Giving your you tube👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 A million likes of I could.❤❤😀🇺🇸

[@FurikuriYugi]

If you have anyone near willing to help you out maybe you can supervise and they can do the gardening for you and you can share with them.

[@kasession]

@@FurikuriYugi There's a youtube channel called 'Gardening Australia'. They did a segment on people who have the space for gardening, but limited physical capacity and people looking for space to garden. I'll paste the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHPPoXqKbLmrftU

[@meganjarvis7970]

@@kasession thanks will check that out.❤❤❤❤❤😀

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Megan! Thanks for the likes/thumbs up! Perhaps, you could try a few small containers/pots instead to grow a few plants or veggies that you like and keep within your limitations? All the best and take care :)

[@meganjarvis7970]

@@Selfsufficientme thanks for suggestion. Not sure if it's too late here to start in the States but i can try. In zone 7. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤😀

[@arulraj2696]

Wonderful presentation. Backyard Gardening is a very good alternatives over chemically grown greenhouse veggies available on the groceries. Mark is awesome professional farmer. I like all of his video and subscribe it.

[@indyw3458]

Hi Mark, excellent video content! I am in the process of filling my recently purchased Birdie raised beds. I’m so happy I could buy them here in the UK and thank you for discussing the quality of soil you use for filling your raised beds...it’s food for thought as to what goes into purchased compost.

[@MikkiandAngel]

i too have used some large river rocks with good sand mixed into the dirt bottom of my big metal beds they have done well with drainage and growing of foods.. love you videos. my family lives in NSW so gday' to you all.. :)

[@FairyFrequency]

The raised beds are fabulous! Loved seeing the cuckoo too. Thank you for the wonderful gardening tips. Cherrs from Missouri ♡

[@thehargreavesfamily8580]

Kookaburra here in Oz

[@Jenbear75]

I wish I had the sun and the space for a veggie garden like yours, or even one that would feed me

[@ramav87]

Great video! And a good point about the manure mixed soils. I made that mistake a couple of years ago and am still paying for it - they put raw manure into cheap soil and called it compost and into my beds it went. Naturally, almost nothing grew in it, roots got burned and transplants withered away.

[@davidb2206]

Several of us have made the same mistake. It "burned" and killed everything. Even turnip seed, which usually will grow like weeds.

[@taracriste1]

I am very excited to fill our raised bed, it's 8ft by 3ft and about 3ft deep. We have a compost area but we will also buy mushroom compost from a local mulch and materials place. God bless you all and happy growing 🌿🌱🍄🍓🫐🍋🍅🌶️🥕