Five Things You Don't NEED to Have a Successful Garden

[@chrismammoser4117]

“You don’t actually need me, you just want to watch my content”. “Everything you need to know is out there, in nature, around you. You just need to experience it.” Something like that anyway. Awesome humble words. Not a single product promo. Real. Honest. Makes me want to watch, learn more. Reduce barriers to entry and more people will garden. I like when a sentence starts with, “As someone new to gardening…”. p.s. can’t wait to see the incoming, added, flower seeds.

[@marygrott8095]

To be fair, none of the gardening content creators I follow have never said a specific item was needed. When I first started gardening, Solo cups and yogurt containers are what I used to start my seeds. Once I realized I was obsessed about gardening, I felt it was worth investing in containers that were durable. This is especially important to me when hardening off seedlings. I don't use the "lazy" method of hardening off during overcast days (not criticizing that method, as i beliebe that's the term you use, Lukr) so having sturdy trays is containers amd trays is important to me.

[@samburton2978]

Luke, thank you for this. It's so important. I once had an apartment complex ask me to help their people garden in the parking lot. These people were really challenged. I came in and essentially taught them how to use the bags of plant mix they'd been donated. I remember the first year the three families grew tomatoes, peppers, green beans and salad greens. I was so proud of them. I moved to another town so I never saw what they did. They used what they had.

[@budgetgardeningvita]

Hi Luke. I agree with almost everything that you said in this video. Thank you for putting it together. In New Hampshire with our short growing season, unfortunately I have to start certain plants like eggplant and peppers indoors. I can't just put the seeds in the ground. For that reason, I do need grow lights. I have a small gardening channel, and I do my best to show how to garden on a budget and how to obtain things for free or cheap. I always share that gardening can be fun but it doesn't have to be expensive. Cheers! 😊💐

[@carlgomm9699]

I'm originally from Maine, the black plastic seed starting cups are a plus for starting things early as the black color warms up nicely in a south facing windows, it gets a good root ball going, good roots equals a good plant 🪴 ❤❤❤

[@brokerken]

Luke has always made content like this. Im surprised he waited so long to plug MI Gardener. Ive learned so much from you since beginning my garden and I've made purchases from MI Gardener because i needed something and wanted to support. Thank you for the education and the ability to get stuff that we may actually "need." LOL

[@catherines506]

I started gardening with solo cups and a single 12-plug cover tray for seeds. It was during the pandemic and when I saw prices for starts vs seeds, I took the chance on seeds even though I'd never gardened. I've since gotten lots of little things I like and want but Luke is absolutely correct, it isn't necessary. My first year I actually did plant straight in the dirt and in random spots because the back yard needed serious work and space was limited. I struggled at times but it was so good for learning and I took to it very fast. Now, I'm getting my Horticulture degree because I fell in love with it. MIgardener was a huge binge-watch learning source along the way and I don't think I would've enjoyed learning about random stuff half as much without the content. ❤

[@Mark_Nadams]

Luke, it is rare to hear a content creator admit to their audience that the audience doesn't need them. That is exactly why I do listen to your channel. Having someone like Luke is nice as a help to get to be a better gardener but we can become better gardeners by our own experiences and learning from our own failures and successes. He would be the first to tell us what works for him in his location may not necessarily work for us where we are gardening. Best thing I have done over the years is listen to many different gardeners and how they improve and taking what they learned and applying what I think would work for us in our location. Sometimes it works out and other times I come up bust, but every time I am learning. Thanks for the content Luke.

[@amysmith3967]

Thank you so much for doing this video!! I've watched so many videos that have actually made me feel like I'm doing something wrong by not having a seed starting area. I've felt like I'm missing out on harvest by not being able to transplanting starts. I have admittedly listened to more experienced gardeners on KZbin to learn things. You've been one of two creators who have said "just put a seed in the ground". I do want to watch your videos because you're so honest and truly want to teach us how to grow food no matter what space we actually have. Thank you for being there for us.

[@susanlindahl6951]

Kudos to your folks for raising you right! I have learned so much from you, sincerely appreciate your candor and will continue to support you when purchasing my "needs" and "wants".

[@hollyborey4789]

I have been gardening for years. Always books were the go to for finding info but I like watching you. I’m from Michigan also and enjoy your videos very much.

[@Wendy-ir6ww]

It's these kinds of videos that make me enjoy coming back to your channel. A part of why I moved to where I did was to be able to grow things year round outside, which as I love broccoli, cauliflower, onions (Egyptian walking being a favorite) & kale, I can absolutely do here in Missouri, picking fresh from my front yard is great when it's under 12°F & I'm about to make a soup.... I also have mobility problems & food allergies so many of the things pushed as "great for all" just won't work for me, like the commonly pushed greenhouses & mint among the plants. This year I'm mostly focusing on home repairs so even as I'll keep doing something in my gardens, I need to keep it down in my time & energy spent. Hence it'll be mostly potatoes, garlic (replanting whichever varieties grew well from my sept-nov planting) lettuce & carrots. * I love tomatoes, including the scent of their leaves/branches (they're a trade 100 feet up from roses for me) but they do take sizable effort so they're a question mark this season.

[@PatB-wt3ty]

Love this video, Luke. Thank you for your honesty. I like watching your videos and other gardening videos as you all give me ideas to try. Some I like and some I don't. You are absolutely right. We can garden in anything and at minimal cost. I have used bags of soil to grow and boxes for potatoes. I had many years when I gardened along the side of the garage; and as you said, my plants grew.

[@fbrooks1476]

Thank you for telling the truth. God bless you

[@cindyshafer1957]

Once again, Luke, you hit everything on the nailhead. I have had great gardens for 45 years and have never had any of the items you mentioned. Last year I switched to elevated garden beds. Not as successful but I learned by error and expect better results this year. I am always happy with information you have for us. Thank you 😊

[@galinamazuryk2036]

Absolutely agree with Luke. I have all of the listed (because I wanted them and I could eventually afford them) except the greenhouse, but even that is easy to circumvent and do some gardening in the winter. Light - you don't need the grow light. If you want to start seeds sooner, you can use an inexpensive shop light. Works just fine. Heat mat - you don't need it. I use it for starting large quantities of peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant seeds. For a couple of seeds, you can place them on the top of your refrigerator or next to a source of heat in your house. Even without the heat, the seeds will still germinate but a bit slower. Seed trays - you don't need them. I use them now because it is much easier to keep the area more organized and to save space. However, I still use most of the grocery plastic containers from: mushroom, strawberries, kiwi (excellent for starting onions), croissants, meats, etc. Yes, you can use Solo cups - just take your scissors and cut the edge of the cup's bottom. The sour cream containers for transferring the seedlings will last almost forever. Greenhouse - you don’t need it. You can still do some winter gardening on your windowsill or under the shop lights - all herbs and lettuce. I got myself an inexpensive grow tent in my basement to grow tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Raised beds - in my case it is a necessity because I don’t have any soil in my backyard. The raised beds keep my soil in place and easy to control the weeds. However, the raised bed could be a regular large bin, crate or anything that can hold the soil. The bloggers - depends. Some can do more wrongs than goods. Learn from your own experience and intuition. What others said was a mistake, it turned out to be a good logical decision in my situation. Keep experimenting. However, it is good to have a good blogger who can build a community around him/her.

[@zarinabosco]

I am so excited to get a beautiful garden for me and in my learning phase. Honestly I do not have extra budget to invest for gardening but loves to start. Your video gave me all the encouragement I needed to move forward 👍

[@deborahhenthorne8311]

Luke, you are one of the GOAT 🐐s of gardening! Thank you so much for always being REAL and honest! Never change sir! ❤

[@MIgardener]

I appreciate the kind words. 🙏

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

Sorry to be watching late but I had doctors appointments today. I like the way you do it. You show things and if someone thinks it will help them so be it!

[@SarahK-d6o]

I started out making paper pots for my seedling. I still use paper pots if starting head lettuce. Just transplant the whole pot, no root disturbance and the paper breaks down. I agree, you learn by doing. We all have our own style. Experiment!

[@AndrewsVeggiePatch]

Hi Luke! We don't have alot of room inside, so we buy baby plants and plant those. We do throw carrots and beets and other cool weather seeds in the ground soon as we can and keep them covered. Love your videos!🎉

[@gardenheiress1990]

I love this video. Keep it real!

[@MIgardener]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@nancycongiusti7526]

Thank you. You just relieved so much of my anxiety!!🎉

[@re66044]

I went to a class Sunday from a Master gardener. She said seeds in AZ should be planted on Black Friday indoors. Our growing season is so short due to the heat.

[@johnglowacki5515]

Luke, we need you! Thanks for all.

[@littlecountrykitchen]

1. Don't need heat mats Can damage 🌱 if not used properly 2. Expensive Containers, can use yogurt containers or solo cups to start. Then invest in sturdy ones if you like. 3. Lights, tongrown inside sooner. No room? Plant outside 4. Greenhouse, not needed, but extends the seasons both ways. Can use cold frame or row covers. 5. Raised beds not needed grow in ground. It's just for convenience. Thanks Luke! Life lessons from our garden heros and experts helps ❤

[@gladysrichard6088]

This was so refreshing!!

[@zach9036]

I started gardening without having a blooming clue what I was doing. I went to home depot, to the garden section, found the oldest looking man working out there, and asked "What do I need to start a small garden at my house?" He talked with me for like an hour and a half while he walked me around picking out cheap but useful items. By the time I left, I had spent like $300 and had everything I needed and a step by step idea on how to do what I wanted. I have been gardening ever since.

[@Urbangardencomplex]

Luke, I appreciate your content and commitment to the gardening culture. I just bought 11 varieties of seeds from your website. I'm super eager to get them in the dirt.

[@jandcschwartz]

Our growing season is too short to get much produce on some vegetables. A lamp is very helpful. Like you said though I don't NEED to grow those vegetables. I usually buy a plant that someone else has started.

[@catherinewoods9282]

And THIS is why I appreciate you so much!

[@yamikaga]

9 years of gardening so far and im still using reused solo cups. They're great for me because you can double cup them for irrigating seedlings from the bottom and when you give them away to coworkers they fit nicely in their car cupholders.

[@drozcompany4132]

Great tips! It's a common trap that people fall into with "needing" things that they don't actually start growing. We started off with the solo cups in a sunny window and a couple of those plastic pots and grew tomatoes. Now, we have a much bigger garden but it's an evolution.

[@jancaligiuri3623]

I always recommend your videos and seeds when someone ask where I get info or supplies

[@pamjonne7819]

Love your content and your joy and excitement

[@dwighthires3163]

Thanks for this well-balanced approach to trinkets and KZbin content. Sorry, but I will keep watching because I enjoy it.

[@lucythomas4077]

Luke. You’re so amazing!!!!

[@essentialcomforts2166]

Haha, love it! I enjoy being here and gleaning tips. I enjoy your zeal for gardening and encouraging everyone to JUST DO IT one way or another and to try new things. I also enjoy feedback on different plants. And frankly, many of us love seeing your growing family thrive and garden together :)

[@jerilynmoyer6495]

Well said Luke!!!!

[@sheryljeanne]

I grew flowers one time in egg cartons, used the lid as water trays. In the windowsills

[@robertcotrell9810]

I ordered a bunch of seeds from you this year. I'm going to start my winter sowing containers once those seeds arrive. I'm very excited!

[@seikokidrick1658]

We don’t need you, we like you 😉

[@robcunningham7837]

Thank you for the video. I learn something new every time I watch your videos.

[@dinacasey7034]

I definitely want to watch your channel, Luke!! You are awesome.♥

[@smb-zf9bd]

They may not be needed but they sure make gardening a lot easier. We have a contemporary 3-story that's all glass on the South side so on each floor I have rows of seedlings. (Wife demands I keep it spic and span!) I started too early (Jan 1) and several are almost 8 inches. Planting date is now back to April 8 but I try to hold off on the tomatoes, eggplant, melons and peppers I use the seed starters for small things (with heating pads) and quickly move up to individual plastic pots that I use for melons, zucchini and bigger flowers. I spend more time labeling, classifying, transferring, etc than watering, fertilizing or planting. One necessity - Migardener seeds, hands down the best around. Nor sure if it's the freshness, storage, perhaps soaked in water? But I can no longer "sprinkle" some in a cup because I end up with 30 fennel plants in two 4" cups, Good luck with the farm.

[@heidibentz390]

This pep talk reminded me of learning a new skill or sport when I was young, like riding a bike, and dad saying "alright, you don't need me to hold on anymore, you got this!" Also, thank you for the reminder that I don't NEED these things. I have a few bootstrap farmer items, but ultimately use paper cups or yogurt containers for most seeds.

[@mistycarter9809]

Love your channel, the content, and your mission. You and others have directly impacted my knowledge and inspiration. Got me asking questions and searching reputable answers. I appreciate that you teach me how to be more self-sustainable. I watch regularly out of respect for myself and you, because this is definitely a classroom. Thank you for your continued contributions to this journey!

[@eileenbrooks-laitinen9778]

I've adapted my heat mat for bread proofing and for setting Viili (Finnish style yogurt).

[@NatureZone101]

Hey Luke, would love to see a video about outdoor grow lights for those of us who have limited hours of Sun.

[@Stretchnrest]

Great video. My teacher use to always say K.I.S.S😂. I think this is awesome because I keep hearing people not gardening because they believe a list and list of things. Which negatively impacts us. We should all grow differently and from where we are at. Love this video

[@justinallen3037]

Sir, I respect this video! My garden preferences are to garden with resources i already have. Sun, compost i made, and used containers that i got from the grocery store from produce. Shoot, even last night, I cut open some mini soda cans for seed starting that's going in a plastic storage bin "greenhouse."

[@SL-nh9cx]

great video. thanks, I enjoy your straight forward and honest approach.

[@hikerlindacanadianrockies8478]

Well said, and absolutely right! I have slowly gotten things like grow lights, and trays, but managed just fine without them for years. Still grow in ground, for the most part, or in pots. I enjoy watching youtubers garden, very peaceful and I sometimes get information that works for my area, but I have quit a few youtubers that became too much of a "hard sell".

[@cityhomesteader8209]

Love this!!!! ❤️

[@victorialg1270]

My needs for a garden seeds. 😊

[@mycraftroom6872]

Well done!

[@leahbender7032]

Things I have successfully grown plants in: milk jugs, yogurt containers, cut off water bottles, jars and tin cans... I love my seed starting trays, but if they all blew away, I would still be able to keep going. I would love to have raised beds, but I have also successfully grown a garden in ground for several years. I would love to have a greenhouse, but I don't have the space or money to have the type of greenhouse that I would want. If you want the greenhouse growing experience but without the expense, try winter sowing. Or, in my case, try winter sowing and work for a local greenhouse. The experience of working with the people and plants is so worth it in my opinion.

[@Purplekitty456]

Thanks for this! Last year was my first year gardening, and my focus THIS year is going to be how to do it as simply and cheaply as possible. It's not even worth it to me to try to start plants early because the Spring pests just decimate them. It's so much easier to just wait until my greenhouses have their starts. They know the things!

[@anthonymikiciuksr3661]

Love the video,btw thanks for telling us about the Veggie Boys,(and girls) God Bless you and your family!

[@beachday4439]

I think wanting stuff is in our dna and it's hard to fight that urge.

[@pendlera2959]

Makes sense. Stuff = tools. We are a species of tool users. Tools enable us to use our energy more efficiently and take advantage of other resources that are difficult to use otherwise. Tools give us an advantage over both other species and other humans, and lack of tools put us at a disadvantage.

[@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena]

Ok but hear me out some seeds you have to start indoors weeks before transplanting so you kinda need a grow light a good example is a Carolina Reaper

[@tamararobinson2069]

This is Awesome!!!!!💚🤎💚

[@katiehunt8795]

This was so helpful!!! I am starting peppers now. We have a very short growing season and the pepper community has mentioned starting in January helps. They are under lamps and on a heat mat until they germinate but what do I do once they do germinate? I have a UNheated greenhouse. Do I keep them in there on heat mats forever (I know that will stress them out but since my greenhouse is unheated I don’t know what to do once the seeds getminate). Will always keep them under the lamps. Would love insight on what to do with the seeds once they germinate in the unheated greenhouse (zone 5a).

[@urbangardeningcanada]

a tupperware lid and some toilet paper rolls (or newspaper pots) are a simple tool to grow seeds! there's so many ways to grow seeds without too many tools :)

[@CountryFrau]

Integrity! Thank you! P.S. I've had great results with your seeds. Seems like you source them very carefully.

[@callikohl5698]

I dont really know if I need this, but I love my Cobrahead weeding tool. But, i have horses and found that I can do the same task with a hoof pick.😂

[@Writtenworlds1]

Well said

[@meganrasila2236]

If your soil is pretty much straight sand (literally, we live on Lake Erie), can you amend that, or would it be easier to go with raised beds?

[@bradbrandt9578]

True !!!

[@jennyegan6539]

What if we want to start seeds indoors. Do we need a heat mat and grow lights?

[@MIgardener]

To start inside those are smart yes. Lights are essential.

[@maryjane-vx4dd]

If I want tomatoes, peppers or eggplant seeded outside, they wont have time to mature. I have a hard enough to get them to maturity starting inside, planting outside under low tunnels end of may, early june to protect from frost, cut the water to them in early August to force ripening and PRAY(the most important). Thanks to the Lord I usually get enough for my sauces, salsa's, spices etc

[@Tan_Z]

It's the same where I live and I can't afford to purchase plants from the stores.

[@jasonlist3253]

This is the same thing I taught my girls about getting married. Have a man in you life because you WANT him, not because you think you NEED him. You don't. :) Youre wonderful Luke and we appreciate all that you do!

[@music7064]

Luke do you heat your greenhouse? I wished I had watched a video like this earlier bc my first year I spent probably close to 3000 dollars between soil, seed starting stuff, light and raised beds

[@robyn3575]

You are awesome:)

[@bethanderson1377]

Thanks for your content. I have watch quite a few video's never felt you were just trying to sell something. Thanks for your content. There are many and maybe even more that not that are like that it is ture. I do know others content creaters that don't seem to sell what they are selling. Some sell seed starting trys but make a point of saying in every seed starting video all the free things you can you and sell tomato cages and then do a video about all the best way to trellis tomatoes, none of them being a cage. Also, nothing wrong with sell products you believe in, the problem comes when you stop making it about educated and things you believe and let the sales become the main pirority.

[@richardroadcap7957]

The only seed that requires a heat mat is eggplant. Peppers will germinate on top of a water heater.

[@Dale-z3m]

I think you should re evaluate the raised beds yes I agree that young and healthy people don't need them but for myself and others like me where it is difficult to get on and off the ground as well as bending over to reach it we need the raised beds

[@lesmohr6289]

Just think seed containers or seed packages you can make your own so if you need to store your seeds you can fold a peice of paper or you could make your own with news paper

[@lesmohr6289]

You dont even the sun or light to gr own spots to eat but you need knowledge

[@Mynx5050]

❤❤❤❤!

[@markcarruthers3313]

What I NEED is better soil in my gardens and for compost to not be $65 per cubic yard, when I could use 6 to 8 cubic yards every year.🤷‍♂️

[@jonpalmer2766]

❤🙏

[@seikokidrick1658]

👍🏼

[@CMSCK]

Now worried about black plastic.

[@AltonVenema-om6mx]

You don't need a rototiller

[@kattrinahowe1868]

Don't let my boyfriend know that the trays I'm begging for him to buy are just a want 😅. In my defense I used solo cups and to bring them in and out for hardening off was a mess with dropped seedlings 😢

[@MaestroFriedrich]

🌞🌦🪴

[@connersuba1037]

Who said you have to have a garden at all? Lol, just go buy your veggies

[@therailroadtiespiker]

I just wanted to reach out to you to let you know we were having trouble with the notification bell and KZbin informed us your videos are for kids, as a content creator my self you want that turned off because it will hurt your reach with your videos, and cut into your ad revenue.

[@lgrillo]

The biggest thing I took away from this is that Luke puts his seed starting trays in the dishwasher. WHAT? I’ve never heard of anyone doing such a thing!

[@tammyohlsson7966]

Me too!

[@tammyohlsson7966]

Thank you for the honesty you shared! Blessings!

[@judyhamblin9366]

I wash mine with soap and water Everytime I'm finished with them. It's supposed to cut down on spread of plant diseases and pests, I think.

[@MIgardener]

With bootstrap farmer trays it’s possible. Don’t try it with other trays though.

[@bryankasper8567]

is this some kind of new corporate reverse psychology BS where you tell me i dont need something, but i think youre lying so i buy everything you said i dont need and continue this consumeristic culture ive been trying to escape for years?

[@MIgardener]

Uh. No? I mean yes? Is this some kind of reverse psychology to pin me into a corner where I can’t seem genuine and you get a rise from being those kind of people that feel a keyboard superiority complex that I have been trying to escape for years?

[@bryankasper8567]

@MIgardener 🤣🤣🤣 you are incredible! Thank you for the awesome content. I've just started my green thumb journey with a backyard garden and very much appreciate your content. Especially this stuff!

[@MIgardener]

@@bryankasper8567thanks for watching. ❤I appreciate you!

[@magafam4847]

Neber buy anything from infliencers i learn stuff from you giys

[@kaylarodriguez257]

As someone who went out and bought all the things when I first got started years ago, I sure do appreciate your honesty in this video! 💚🪴