First frosts are approaching | Here are ideas for being ready || Charles Dowding

First frosts are approaching | Here are ideas for being ready || Charles Dowding
Autumn has a few boundary points between summer lingering, and the winter approaching. Before this occurs to the extent of resulting in frost, there are harvests to make. Plus I show the simple soil preparation for winter and next spring, when growing no dig.
We look at a range of seasonal jobs. Firstly clearing tomatoes in the polytunnel, with tips on ripening the green ones.
Then outside I show you harvesting the butternut squash. With tips on other frost sensitive vegetables.
Finally I plant garlic and spread compost. It's homemade compost and I spread it on all beds before winter, until we run out. Then I spread some bought-in composts too, all mulching at a depth of around one inch, 2.5cm.
00:00 Introduction
00:55 In the polytunnel - clearing plants, and tomatoes at three stages of ripeness
03:19 I demonstrate clearing a tomato plant (with some late blight)
07:06 Cucumber plants, with some diseased leaves - not a problem
07:38 Peppers
07:44 Loofa plant
07:53 Marigolds, anti-aphid, and their seeds
08:49 Outside - which plants are susceptible to frost
09:07 Squash - butternut, how ripe are they?
10:21 Courgettes - harvest before frost
10:43 Chillies, aubergines and peppers - all frost sensitive
11:24 Fennel and celery, and allow for your microclimate
12:23 More vegetables that are affected frost, incl. beetroot
13:07 Mulching the ground to prepare soil for winter
13:22 Planting garlic before spreading the compost
14:33 Seasonal jobs - my perennial diary, and calendar LINK
15:46 Spacing of the garlic, and what could follow in the spring
16:15 Spreading the compost over the garlic
17:50 Outro
Filmed 10th October at Homeacres no dig market and teaching garden, by Edward Dowding. The climate is temperate oceanic, zone 8, location is Somerset, UK.
You can join this channel by paying a monthly fee, to support our work with helping gardeners grow better, and to receive monthly videos made only for members:
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#nodig #harvest #soilpreparation #garlic #compost

[@user-qr1ou1pv6s]

Charles, your channel is a reservoir of calm, beauty and bounty. There is plenty of physical work behind it and a great formula to create peace now.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice comment thanks

[@harunrabbani]

There is a level of humility, love and compassion from you, Charles, that I find so soothing and therapeutic. Then there’s the gardening ideas. Love it all. You are loved in our household. ❤🙏🏽

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear thank you Harun 🙂

[@harunrabbani]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig you’re very welcome. 🙏🏽

[@buckbeaksgarden761]

I love learning gardening , but I also visit here when I have anxiety. It always calms my spirit.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice 💚🌱

[@lolaseymour1532]

Loved watching you plant the garlic. Thanks for the spacing tip in order to plant carrots in the Spring!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Lola

[@davidbrowning-kx8gr]

Hi Charles, here in Kazakhstan we also plant garlic in early October. Then we cover it with old greenery from the garden. It acts as insulation against the freezing temperatures which return with a vengeance in late October but don't leave until late March.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing, hope your winter is ol

[@rachelanderson9091]

Green tomatoes -- make green tomato jam -- tastes a bit like gooseberry jam.

[@nickhammersonrocks]

WE FULLY UNDERSTAND !!!! WE CAN’T TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES WE’VE WOKEN UP IN THE MORNING, DRENCHED IN COLD SWEATS BECAUSE WE REALIZED WE HAVEN’T PLANTED OUR GARLIC YET !!!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

‼️ I still have plenty to plant!

[@SK-lt1so]

This time of year I like to plant samples of my leftover seeds, to see if they still germinate. This helps me prepare for winter seed purchasing.

[@aname5267]

I love growing garlic. It’s just so easy and goes in everything I cook.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear 🙂

[@myslicechannel]

Autumn is my favourite season but I do find I feel a bit guilty, almost sad clearing plants that are finished - almost like saying goodbye to old friends!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I so agree!

[@exscapegoatpowerfulhealer9685]

Mother earth has her own soul, Charles & I know she absolutely loves you & then some, Simply for helping her help plants grow. 🤎 plus your helping us to help sustain & build back up the Beautiful Mother Earth. 😃

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you

[@stevendowden2579]

crops looking great charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Steven

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Good morning, Charles, from Windermere, Florida 9b USA ❤ I just planted garlic in a big growpot, after soaking the cloves overnight in Worm Casting Tea. This is my first attempt after hearing friends say they didn't have any luck during the summer. So fingers crossed 🤞 Our weather is just begging to drop from the highs of summer. This morning was only 70°F, but 99% humidity 😰 Take care of yourself and keep the no-dig message going💪 ❤Peggy❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hello Peggy, that sounds a great idea soaking them in the worm tea first. Timing sounds about right or even November for you. I'm not sure when you have some cold weather to vernalise the bulbs and result in each bulb having many cloves

[@christopherburman3340]

Nice to see. Am in northern south africa. 35 degrees C here today. 3 mms rain in last 6 months - but where there is a will there is a way. Multiple no dig gardens loaded with a diverse array of crops. Compost bays full. No dig is wonderful. Thx for insights

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That sounds amazing Christopher considering the weather you have had. I hope that your winter brings some rain.

[@christopherburman3340]

@CharlesDowding1nodig we are in spring now in theory. This yea our winter (southern hemishere) finished early Sept and we seem to have jumped into summer and missed out spring. Rainy season begins any moment. Hopefully sooner than later

[@chezelleconroy2951]

Thankyou Charles, even here in Aus, where our seasons are reversed to yours, these videos are just priceless. I’ll be watching this one again in April! 🇦🇺

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure Chezelle, I am glad that you enjoy them 🙂

[@pluckyfella7]

Hi Charles. Funny story: Today, myself and my wife were walking in the Walled Garden in Blickling Hall in Norfolk UK, a National Trust property. As we observed the lovely black compost about 2 inches thick on the beds, I jokingly said that it is like walking in Charles Dowding's place. A short while later, we met one of the gardeners; I asked him "Do you happen to be a fan of Charles Dowding by any chance? Doing no-dig?" He replied "Yes. The head gardener was inspired by him... And yes: doing no-dig...". Glad to see more people doing this. Keep up the good work. You must visit this place as inspired by YOU (and pop in to us for coffee lol). 😊😊 Andrew and Lorna.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is great Andrew! Thanks for sharing. Gardening revolution from the ground up.

[@renateschultz9926]

​@@CharlesDowding1nodig Hallo, sehr schöne Videos. Diese Blumen heißen bei uns Studentenblumen, Ringelblumen sehen etwas anders aus, blühen auch gelb und orange, aber das Blattwerk sieht anders aus.

[@jerzyx73]

Good morning, it's a pity that your books are not available in Polish, it's fantastic to watch you, your work, and your love for nature is palpable. Best regards. (Google translation)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Mam nadzieję, że pewnego dnia. Dziękuję za tłumaczenie!

[@rhysjaggar4677]

Just been planting out field beans down at the allotment after sowing a 216 module tray of them 10 days ago. The mustard you recommended sowing on bare ground has done beautifully, 15sqm now covered in a lush overgrowth of green. So my green manure plants for the winter are mostly now done. I have to say that 2023 has been superb for a variety of no-dig autumn/winter root crops, notably beetroot, swede, carrot, parsnip, celeriac, fennel. The winter radish roots have formed but need a few more weeks to come to a decent size - good to see mild damp conditions predicted for the next ten days. For those of experimental bent, I sowed an apple pip 11 years ago in a pot and gradually turned it into a right-angled Espalier. It turns out that the rootstock was pretty vigorous but this year has seen the first really good crop of about 40 apples, which happily for me seem to be ready in mid October, complementing our other two trees which come in late August-early September and early-late September. I now have naming rights for a Pippin 😁

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear Rhys. I wonder whether your beans will make much size before winter, certainly worth a try. And that is amazing news about your apple tree, warm congratulations. Jaggar's Pippin :)

[@CristianSpitz]

In my country Bright Green Tomatoes are used in Mixed Vegetables Brine Pickles (Brine, Green Tomatoes, Quartered Red Cabage, Cucumbers, Celeriac, Carrots, Horseradish, Dried Dill Seedhead, a.o.).

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds a delicious combination!

[@kippywylie]

With following your helpful videos, I have found a mountain of cardboard, then mowed areas of the our yard, then covered with cardboard and 6" of compost. This will be a very large garden. Now the plan is a layer of fall leaves and go to Mexico for 6 months. I really hope when we return north we can plant a bountiful vegetable garden. These areas have been very troubling with tangled mess of weeds every spring when we arrive back home. I've also created paths with wood chips

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice work! It's still possible that a few vigorous perennial weeds will push through but in I would hope, a weakened state that you can pull out when you return, enjoy your trip!

[@matthewwakeling4978]

Hi Charles. I found (in Devon) that my garlic grew *much* bigger when I delayed planting until mid-November instead of early October. We have very mild winters here, being near the coast. It wasn't a completely unbiased test because they were done on different years, but it does show that what works well differs according to where you are and what the climate is like. I like your method of trying different options and seeing which one works best.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Matthew. Yes every winter is different so that's not a true trial but it's an indication nonetheless. This year we made first garlic planting on 22nd September and shall finish next week so we have a range of dates to compare.

[@jennyjohnson9012]

Thanks again for all the tips Charles. We've already had our first frost here in southern Scotland. I was ready though lol !

[@izzywizzy2361]

Thankyou for this, it was like a revision class and really useful

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear!

[@victoriagolmehdi8506]

Just in time for planting my garlic tomorrow, I was wondering how I was going to add the compost and now I know it can go on top. Thank you Charles.

[@Qopzeep]

My grandma used to make green tomato chutney. It's such a taste of my youth for me, which I was unable to replicate until I had the opportunity to grow food myself 😊. You can't buy them in the store!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So true

[@Hatakemama]

I like everything about your channel and the music is soothing Thanks Charles!!! Thanks for sharing the idea about what to do with the tomato that’s still green

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you and my pleasure Hatake

[@franceshoward7112]

In Canada you plant the garlic after the first or second frost. The soil is still relatively warm for the roots to develop and the air unfriendly enough that green shoots are relucant to sprout. If possible you want to keep them below ground during the fierce Canadian winter. Your advice is always so interesting . I have learnt a lot

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fascinating to hear, thanks

[@smas3256]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Canada has many grow zones from what I've been hearing from other Canadians. Coastal waters and warmth plus the Great Lakes. Beautiful country. I'm in zone 6b USA.

[@mike1968442]

Beautiful Garden, I watch your videos over and over. You have had such an impact on my life, I’m in the process of purchasing a 20 acre farm. I can’t wait to plan a large garden. Then dehydrated, freeze-dry and can the harvest. Plus, raise my animals. It will be a no-dig, but need to name the farm some way after you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Best of luck Mike and thanks so much for your feedback. Your project will require a lot of time, effort and investment, take it bit by bit 🌱

[@smas3256]

Mike that is awesome. Take Charles's advise and do it bit by bit. We just have a small back yard garden but the first year the ground needed tilling because our ground is hard packed sandy soil. Now it's no dg thanks to Charles.

[@clarereynolds9607]

Fantastic..I'm envious :-)

[@whowinshere]

As always, packed full of really useful info and tips, thank you for sharing

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure

[@denisebrady6858]

Oh Charles I wish I could show you my Corn with all my magnificent Marigold growing (from seeds) all around them. Another informative gardening video Thank You Charles. We are having 34c Days here in Brisbane Australia & we are only halfway through our Spring, naturally I have put up our large sail over my back vege garden already. Cheers Denise- Australia

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great Denise. Your weather is so different!

[@lisabevans8107]

Lovely harvest! Even with the 14.5 inches of rain early this year , the garden did very well here! Thanks, as always Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good to hear Lisa!

[@smas3256]

Awesome gardens Charles. Your composts are beautifully balanced with all your garden soil and plant's needs to thrive. Zone 6b here.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you

[@veradejong9437]

Another day of learning do"s and don't. Thanks Charles

[@glassbackdiy3949]

good show, thanks Charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

my pleasure

[@franksinatra1070]

I enjoy this time of year. The heat is gone and you can focus on your beds for next year. This was the first year growing celeriac for me and not sure if I should just leave it in the grown going into winter or harvest at some point and store in the garage. We can get very cold winters here so I will harvest at some point. Maybe when it gets well into the 20's F.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds good for you. I would harvest before it goes below 20F for sure.

[@amandar7719]

We have matching fingernails ☺️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😎

[@angelad.8944]

I do think this time of year, my area of Canada is very similar to there. No frost yet and my plants are hanging on. The tomatoes out side do not taste sun kissed sweet anymore though, haha. I have one ridged luffa hanging on. It is the only one this year. Should I bring it in before the frost or do I let the frost damage the skin first? It is my first luffa. The Swiss chard is so colorful this time of year. Even if one does not like to eat it, I would encourage people to grow it just for the show. I once grew three butternut plants in a mushroom compost hill and received 68 squash. That was a crazy year. ☺All but three were fully developed. It is also clean up, amending, etc time. I quite like how clean and tidy it all looks by the end of November here. It is open to all that potential of the next season. I get quite excited as the first brown earth peeks out of the melting snow. I did grow a new marigold, fireball I think it is called. Wow, I really like it a lot. I am saving seeds like crazy so I can plant more next year. It has an evolution of a rich deep dark red into a beautiful rich vibrant orange. When the plant is full, you get a really nice range of color as the new flowers develop and grow at different rates. Very stunning. Again and always, thank you to everyone there. I do think of all the behind the scenes people who contribute so much. Great work. So far it seems to be a very productive season overall. Looking forward to reviewing all the videos over the darkest months to tide me over. I know there is still more to this season and I love your autumn garden so it is time to get the winter woolies out. 😁Stay warm and dry out there.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much Angela and I shall pass on your thanks to all the team. That sounds a great Marigold. You're right about the beauty of vegetables, like I have gorgeous Romanesco cauliflower now and don't want to cut them, they look so good in the garden!

[@EventHorizon34]

Awesome winter squash harvest! Especially love the butternut squash.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and me too!

[@EventHorizon34]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig You’re welcome.

[@sarahdean6441]

Thank you so much, I've bought your calendar for next year 😊. Thanks for all the fabulous tips. My garlic is in (saved from last harvest) home made compost on top. Very satisfying. ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful Sarah

[@samanthahoos9827]

Once it’s October in my area (NJ, USA 6a) peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, basil, beans, strawberries, and many other herbs are about done so I’m clearing beds/pots to make room for garlic, carrots and cover crops. I started radishes/bok choy/salad greens in pots closer to the kitchen door where they can be covered/watched over more closely in autumn/winter. I sowed carrots and beets in some beds last month so they’re growing brilliantly for an early November harvest. The soil and roots from some pots goes onto beds as a topper to help replenish beds before winter snow puts it to sleep. 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

All sounds healthy Samantha!

[@dwighthires3163]

When you were talking about soil life being the key to fertility you said a most profound statement that grabbed me: "It's not about the nutrients that are in the compost so much as the compost enabling the nutrients that are in the soil to become available thru increasing the soil life, and it's the soil life that does the precious work for us." GREAT CONCEPT. THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING IT. Did I get it correctly? I know you said it as you spoke without a script. Would you like to be quoted on this?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Dwight and yes it's what I believe, and see! It's an understanding that's been around for a while and I've heard it from Elaine Ingham of soil food web.

[@mianphotographyandtraining]

We had our first frost just North of Dublin yesterday and it was a sharp one!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Last night here was 18C! But cooling fast now.

[@mianphotographyandtraining]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig holy smokes!

[@mekashealingjourney]

Your tomatoes look so good with very little blight ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes, thank you although it's suddenly here recently, and no problem

[@eleanorhunt273]

Again Mr Dowding, You continue to share an expertise, that some lack. And so, you have mine, and undoubtedly others thanks. Who wish to expand, and increase their horticultural knowledge. Via your tutorials.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome Eleanor, I'm happy to help

[@jeenashrestha8333]

I am really a big admirer for your garden.fpr your hard work and creativity, perfectness.😮its jua a wow.i also dream of such garden when ever i watch your video since 2-3 yrs.so inspired but you know everyone can't be so hardworking like you.😅😅 But trying.....all the best ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks a lot and you are right that it takes a fair, I might of effort, and a bubble commitment, often on a daily basis, especially in the summer and autumn. On the other hand, the beauty of no dig is had it reduces the workload, and I hope you can find success with that. Reduced weeding above all.

[@GardenVisions]

amazing🍅

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you

[@marialuisaferrero1413]

Realmente a mis 56 años voy a plantearme aprender ingles aunque solo sea para escucharte y entenderte. Aunque los subtitulos son fabulosos, paro el video retrocedo...jajaja!! Busque tus libros en amazon pero no estan en español, que pena!! El español es el idioma mas hablado despues del ingles.... Voy a tener q aprender ingles. Gracias todo todo, realmente fabuloso.❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lamento que los libros no estén en español, ninguna editorial ha mostrado interés todavía. ¡Gracias por tu comentario y he estado pensando que necesito aprender español!

[@marialuisaferrero1413]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig 🥰

[@johnmorgan5495]

Great job X

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you John

[@tiffcat1100]

Ok, I’m having a go at planting some garlic this weekend then! ❤

[@mamazeeto623]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure

[@jeshurunfarm]

You and your garden brings me joy. Be blessed Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Jeshurun

[@Villagegirl279]

Looks beautiful

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you

[@ilricettario]

I usually ripen my tomatoes in a brown paper bag under the cupboard, the green ones I freeze for Chutney.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds tasty

[@tedbastwock3810]

Awesome video, bravo!! Thank you for this!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Ted

[@luisagarcia3961]

Obrigado pela explicação ❤

[@RealDarkBlade]

you can also pickle green tomatoes

[@Fruit_bee]

Beautiful video 😮❤ great tips Thank you 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you

[@odette8905]

Okay. I want to move in.😅

[@livus3787]

I made 5 jar "all green" pickles yesterday for the first time, all kind of my last green tomatoes, green pepper, green honeydew melon 😄🤞

[@sharenloveatfirstsprout]

Love your videos

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am glad Sharen 🙂 🙂

[@emylytle7149]

Those are nice tomatoes I wish I have a greenhouse like yours ♥️❤️👍😊👩‍🌾 take care Sir Charles 😊🙏🏻👩‍🌾❤️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Emy

[@hernesc]

Amazing video, thank you. Regarding tomato stems. I am not cutting them but putting them into shredder even with leaves and that is amazing starter of heat in compost even in cold October. Mixed with fallen leaves and other stuff from the autumn garden it alway makes great compost in the spring.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great tip! We shredded some too :)

[@izaacdreddpimp]

Hey there Mr Dowding. Im still amazed at how healthy your tomatoes look at the end of their lives, granted living under cover of the greenhouse helps a great deal But if u saw the condition mine were in at the close of August, they look as if they'd been sprayed with round up or something! But we will soldier on. Continue to grow, literally... Enjoy your videos very much. Looking forward to fall an winter garden the lushness an cooler temps. Bye for now. Keep up the good work

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for your comment and we had a good summer weatherwise which helped them, plus of course the excellent compost! I hope that fall is good and cool :)

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Charles, I'll go and plant some garlic this weekend. I have now cleared the tomato vines from my greenhouse and at first chopped them up with a pair of secateurs, but found it was far easier and quicker to chop them with the spade. I put the vines on a large piece of wood that I use to chop firewood on, but instead chopped them with the spade and the turned the spade around and using the flat of the spade, a few whacks flattened them down and spread the fibres, it was amazing how small the remains of the vine became and will no doubt break down even faster in the compost bin :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Excellent! There are so many ways of doing it and some people use an axe!

[@Cyclonut96]

I used my woodchipper to fine chop mine.

[@yvonnejackson1696]

Green tomato chutney. Sounds like great material for a short but have you ever tried fried green tomatoes? - A great delicacy where I live.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Not yet! Thanks for the thought

[@mekashealingjourney]

I find mice eats my garlic so I’ve planted some in modules to transplant in November once they have established roots.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hey Meka your mice are into a healthy lifestyle! Good luck with transplanting :)

[@mekashealingjourney]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig hahah I was shocked they eat garlic

[@yvonnejackson1696]

Silly me, I’ve always baited mouse traps with peanut butter.

[@jcking6785]

@@yvonnejackson1696 😂🤣

[@nicolacollis2977]

New subscription right here loved your video thank you 🎉❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Welcome Nicola

[@BlackJesus8463]

I stopped watering and my tomatoes shivelled up (the actual fruit). Best bell pepper I ever had though! 😂✌

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow! Maybe your soil is sandy / needs extra organic matter

[@clarereynolds9607]

If everyone was busy growing food this way there wouldn't be any time or desire for wars and all the other rubbish that really doesn't matter !

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yup!!

[@martinhorridge4794]

Thank you Charles another great informative video. I still have my runner beans in that I am saving for seed. Do I need to remove them before a frost?

[@learntobake2023]

Martin, I do. I'm an avid seed saver and pick all of my beans before frost, if I can.

[@tara981]

Danke für den Beitrag Charles. Somit meine Frage, erst Kompost dann Knoblauch, schon beantwortet ist. Grüße aus der Eifel 👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@hilly2777]

Thanks, Charles! The information in this video helped me a lot. If the seasonal blight on tomatoes and cucumbers is not a problem, does that mean I can plant them on the same patch in the following season? I've always heard that the harbingers of death remain in the soil and cause problems for the next generation.

[@r.hagenau3541]

Yeah, if I have a 100.000 GBP left, I might do that. Tried that the last 3 years - didn't work. And that doesn't even start to describe it. The only thing growing like crazy were weeds and slugs.

[@turtle2212]

Dankeschön Sir Charles! Just in time while I was a bit nervous on upcoming frost. Actually I harvested half of my beet root yesterday (not a good one this year, lots of bolting...) and was wondering about celeriac and the consulted your no dig book and stopped😊.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great job!

[@jsbadger]

Being as the air is getting drier (noticeably), and the nights are getting cooler here (US- zone 6a/7b), if planting the garlic a few weeks early, how might it affect (if any) chances for a good harvest? Thank you, as always Charles, for these tips on how to grow with the seasons.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and I am not sure. Planting too early might mean too much green before your hard frosts.

[@ramthianthomson601]

❤❤❤😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@terencegillespie6675]

“Compawst”. English is fun.

[@robertayersiii3832]

Hello Mr. Dowding, Thank you for the video. I've been following your methods for several years now, with increasing success as I learn how best to address the various issues that can and do arise. One issue that I am not sure what to do about is ants. For some reason, I have a very large number of ants in my garden. And, the problem is that they, on occasion, will eat right through the stem of a plant, killing it. They seem to particularly like broccoli and cauliflower plants, whereas they aren't interested in something like green beans. Unfortunately, I have lost a rather large number of plants to ants this year. I am just curious how you would handle this situation. I have done a lot of research, but have not really found any solutions that I like. Thanks, Robert

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and wow Robert, that sounds difficult because ants are incredibly persistent, as you are noticing! Best remedy I have found is repeated watering of the nests. It does not kill them but can encourage them to move away. They prefer dry to moist so I wonder if you have a very free draining soil which would benefit from more organic matter, to hold moisture.

[@robertayersiii3832]

@@CharlesDowding1nodigWow! I think you hit the nail on the head here. I am on a hillside, and, when we have a windy, dry spring - as we had this year - the soil significantly dries out, so much so that it becomes hydrophobic. So, according to what you say, this would provide ideal conditions for ants to flourish. Hopefully, as I add more and more organic matter to the soil, the situation will improve. For now, I'll try the repeated waterings. Much thanks!

[@-cherith-]

You could also try putting ant deterring plants in your beds. Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) are claimed to do this.

[@yvonnejackson1696]

In the SE US we have a particularly vicious ant appropriately named the Fire Ant. They love garden soil. When I walk through my garden and spot a hill I stir it a bit with a stick. A few days of this and they will usually move.

[@ravenhill4331]

I've had HUGH problems with ants in my garden for years. Tried many different things, but found only two things that work: 1. Cinnamon. Powder cinnamon around plants you want to save and repeat after rain. I also have some wooden framed raised beds for an early start in spring and the ants consider them as ready made ant hills in summer. Cinnamon helps a lot, the ants can't stand it and move away. 2. Create a lush and wind-shielded environment. Lots of ants means it is to dry in the garden. Plant berry bushes, flowers, hedges, fruit trees etc. And work on the soil, as Charles suggested. But it is really important to retain moisture in the garden. The wind blows a lot of moisture away. Some partial shade might also help. Check out permaculture for more ideas.

[@PurringMyrrh]

Pausing to ask a question that may be covered further in the vid, but I'll forget by then. 😄😐 Do you ever overwinter the pepper plants to put them out super early next season?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Never tried it but I succeeded with chilli, similar method

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

Such a beautiful fall garden there. I used to lament this seasonal change in the garden but now I’ve grown to love it. I just cleared most of my tender plants on Wednesday and I woke to our first frost this morning on Oct 13th. Lots of green tomatoes and peppers to go into chutney and salsas. Unfortunately our winters are too harsh for pretty much any typical fall/winter crops but I do have a bit in the ground 🤞🏼 Bulb crops (first time growing walking onions!) going in this weekend 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Really great timing of those harvests

[@naomi2646]

Lovely garden, I really enjoyed the visit. What are the benefits of marigolds in poly tunnel. All I have left are peppers to havest, since triple digit heat is gone I'm getting alot of peppers. Thank you for the visit ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for visiting Naomi, glad it's cooler for you. The marigolds deter aphids a little, they are excellent groundcover without growing too large, and they look beautiful!

[@learntobake2023]

They also repel root nematodes

[@rubyquinonez5966]

es malo dejar las raices en el suelo .? Se descomponen o afectan la tierra mister charly😯

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Al contrario, es bueno porque son alimento para los microbios del suelo que los convierten en nutrientes para nuevas plantas.

[@cynthiawilson3375]

I always learn something watching your videos. Since deer (which we have a lot of here) don’t eat garlic, if I should plant carrots under the garlic do you think the deer wouldn’t eat them? Also aside from making a fortress around my garden, what can I plant to deter the deer? Thanks!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh my. The garlic would make a difference only at the beginning of the life of your carrots and not as they've matured. We have had success with bird netting suspended on wires above any susceptible leaves, the day I do not like chewing polypropylene!

[@lauramabey8688]

Hi, I received my garlic yesterday but have been hit with full flu. Will store bags the arrived. If not, where do I need to store them? The brain is not working properly atm. 😅 Thank you for all the videos you have done, Laura.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am sorry to hear that Laura. You can keep them anywhere in the house and dry air is better and damp.

[@lauramabey8688]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig thank you so much

[@kooltube100]

brilliant as always. I wanted to ask why do we mulch with compost now and not in spring before we put the plants into the beds? wouldn't the rain etc... wash away the nutrients in the compost?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

The rain does not do that because nutrients in compost are not water soluble. If they were, my garden here would give weak growth!

[@kooltube100]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig thank you for explaining Charles! I'll be putting this method to good use, this weekend :)

[@nikkistump3480]

Hi Charles! I think you are awesome. Wondering.. do you grow your tomatoes and cucumbers in the poly tunnel for a reason, or just bc you like to? Thx 😊 ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Nikki and yes, because our summers are not hot, Av day max is 22C 72F, so the extra warmth pays off + less blight on tomatoes

[@davewildeboer1254]

Amazing work Charles! Quick question is there any other remedy to deter green caterpillars. As our garden gets larger and more diverse each year we have ever more of the things, especially in our cabbage and now our brussels. anything to do besides manually picking, fleece, or catching the butterflies with a net? Thanks for your work my wife and I are getting a reputation of being mass growers and preservers!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds promising Dave, and there is a soil bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis which makes leaves indigestible to caterpillars only, put Dipel in search

[@tiffcat1100]

❤💜❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@taffpatch1]

Excellent video as per usual but you mentioned Beetroot !! Do my summer sown Beetroot need harvesting soon or can they stay where they are ? I presume they don't stand to well if frosted . Thanks xx

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes they do stand frost but not too much, especially on the above ground part. We harvest early December usually.

[@yadav4045]

Charles awesome garden, I am curious about snails, I don’t see any damage from them. How do you prevent it from snails?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and it's a good question because this year, I have seen 10 times more snails than ever before, it's very odd. At the moment they are not causing too much damage but I am squashing some in the polytunnel where I have planted because they are eating new seedlings

[@hugelpook]

If you left those tomato plants in situ just cutting them down to ground level, would they resprout the following summer?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Only if it did not freeze in winter, and leave a few cm of stem

[@johncutler1779]

Thank you for all your great advice. It works for me as I won best allotment last year. My question is, will municipal green waste be of benefit if applied now. I make my own compost but not enough. I also use composted manure but find it too slow to break down before planting.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes it will work John, maybe slowly. For the manure, keep in a heap for longer if you can. Congratulations on best allotment, that is exciting 🏆

[@willeeee]

Charles.. Big fan of your videos here, and I'm converted,Been a few years now.. ! Just a random question..... Do you compost onions? I mean more fresh than the crispy leaves after a harvest??! I compost citrus, weed roots.. All sorts because of your philosophy... But onions??! 🤔 🤔 ♥

[@aaronbrookshire1233]

Onions are 100% compostable, I think if it’s a worm bin is where you get some issues. I’ve composted onions of all types for years

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I do, and no worries, and thanks

[@stevetillman6921]

I have white rot in my ground. Haven’t grown garlic or onion sets for at least 10 years. Are there any resistant garlic varieties I can try on my allotment? Really miss fresh garlic. Great videos.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Not that I know of, but I reckon that after a 10 year break you should be okay, especially if No-Dig and adding a little compost every year to improve soil health. White rot often follows regular digging

[@stewartmk7]

Hi Charles, what are your views, if the soil is initially particularly poor, IE clay, stones etc on the use of a broadfork? Would it help some of the added compost work its way down & help improve the soil? I've seen a few videos on it recently & would appreciate your views on whether it would be of benefit.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I would avoid the broadfork, unless heavy machinery has compacted soil in wet weather. That is not the same as simply having clay soil with stones, which roots can travel through. Any forking breaks the mycelial network. I'm running a trial here which shows that forking soil once a year causes an 8% drop in harvests, over 9 years. I wonder whether people who advise it have actually monitored growth over a long period, and comparatively with No-Dig ground.

[@elainerichardson3928]

Thanks v much for this. Can you say if chicory radicchio is frost sensitive? Thanks

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It stays to about -5C 23F :)

[@elainerichardson3928]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig aah thanks so much. 1st time I've grown it..

[@Ali.McL9]

Hi Charles, Another wondeful and informative video, thanks. I see the watering can I gifted you. I'm very pleased it made an appearance in the video. Hope it's proving useful. Alistair

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Alistair! Hope things are progressing for you.

[@sherlockstu]

I planted some garlic two weeks ago and they are already about 3-4 inches high. Is that ok!? As you mention that they may not start sprouting until January.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is rapid and they must be an early variety, they should be fine I reckon

[@sherlockstu]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig ok thanks 👍

[@drummond06]

Does anyone know how frost effects the viability of legume seeds being saved on the plant?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

They are fine, gather asap though in case more of damp causing them to rot

[@jackieco9615]

Hi Charles, do you have to cover garlic throughout the Winter months?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hello Jackie, I cover the soil with compost as you can see and do not add any other cover on top. In a climate of say zone 5 or colder, some straw on top would help

[@jackieco9615]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thank you 🙂