Free/Cheap Gardening: 5 Must-Know Tips

[@CaliKim29]

How do you save money in the garden? Thanks for gardening with us! -CaliKim & CameraGuy 🍁25% off CaliKim Seed Collections, CK Smart Pots, Garden Kits with code“CALIKIM25”, calikimgardenandhome.com. Ends 8.13.24.

[@chadmullins7553]

That soil system you have going on there is awesome. That is a lot of planning out and storing for most people, but you make it look so simple.

[@southernskytngarden]

I do all of these things. Everything from making homemade trellises to seed saving. And I've learned them all because of you! You are such an inspiration to us gardeners out here thank you always! This was an awesome video!

[@CaliKim29]

Wonderful! Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@bonitaassure1565]

Hi Kim it's me Bonita from Cape Town South Africa because of you I started my garden also many years ago and it became a business now I'm selling plants advertising it so I'm making money because I've been without work for 7 years

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Bonita! Wow, that’s incredible to hear! I’m so thrilled that your garden has grown into a successful business and that it’s helping you after a tough time. It’s amazing how gardening can transform lives. If you need any tips or advice as you continue to grow your business, I’m here to help! 🌿🌟 Kim

[@vee5032]

I have followed lots of your tips, from creative trellis, composting and saving seeds, wow that Domingo looks so yummy ❤

[@CaliKim29]

So nice of you, Vee. Thank you for the many years together - Kim

[@beckymartinez9926]

I wish I had seen this when I first started. Great money saving practical advice! Sometimes tips can be very specific to certain situations and don’t apply to me but these are things we can ALL relate to. Thank you Kim! 🌹

[@CaliKim29]

Glad it was helpful!

[@baneverything5580]

Small hemp twine is very tough and rot resistant and works great in the garden.

[@CaliKim29]

Great point!

[@Builtprtuff]

omg CK I have purchase seeds from you like almost two yrs ago ,they are still gemmating like crazy an my garden is even bigger and crazier love it thank you so much we love you CK

[@CaliKim29]

Wonderful! LOVE to hear these types of comments!!! Have fun, love you back and of course, keep us all posted!

[@esthersdaughterlong8149]

Wonderful idea's. Thank you Kim.

[@CaliKim29]

You got it!!! CK

[@santaanaroadwildman3614]

Yes! I love the CG inspired under deck storage! Independent. Growing our own from seed! Let us emphasize that saving seed season to season aclimates to our own microclimates. 🌱Compost = free fertilizer, less waste!

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you, and I am with all the way - Keep it oging out there!

[@Stephanie_Cumbie]

Always love your videos because you hit REAL problems. But I want to add that the filming is so high quality. The compost footage was so clear and defined especially - it was easy to see all the details. ❤❤

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad the footage was helpful and easy to follow. It’s awesome to hear that the details came through clearly-that’s exactly what we aim for! If you ever have more questions or need tips on any gardening challenges, just let me know. Happy gardening! 🌿📹 Kim

[@baneverything5580]

I brought a cutting from a great cherry tomato plant inside for the winter and it`s back in the garden and loaded with tomatoes now. My micro dwarf tomatoes have been growing for over two years. Ground Cherry cuttings are easy to root and produce a whole lot faster than waiting on seeds to sprout then decide to grow. The plants produce plenty of branches to use.

[@CaliKim29]

That’s awesome! Bringing in that cherry tomato cutting really paid off, and it’s amazing that your micro dwarf tomatoes have been going strong for over two years! I love that you’re using ground cherry cuttings too-such a smart way to speed up the growing process. Sounds like you’ve got a super productive garden!

[@Lunasgarden2021]

I have two worm farms, a compost bin, 2 bokashi bins and I’ve made some diy inground composting bins that become mini worm farms. My Swiss chard next to one of these is massive. It’s all free and I love that I’m not adding to landfill but building my own soil for my gardens and containers 😊. Greetings from South Australia, our growing season is nearly upon us and I am so excited

[@CaliKim29]

Wow, you’ve got an impressive setup! Those worm farms and composting bins must be working wonders for your soil-no wonder your Swiss chard is thriving! It’s amazing how much you can grow and improve your garden just by recycling and reusing what you have. Sounds like you’re all set for an incredible growing season. Greetings from the other side of the world, and happy planting! 🌱😊 CK

[@rickwashek478]

I've been saving soil from containers the last couple years. It seems I have to add soil to raised beds every year. So I add that used container soil to them. Then make some new for the containers.

[@CaliKim29]

That’s a great approach! Reusing your container soil in raised beds not only saves money but also helps build up your beds year after year. It’s normal for soil to settle, so topping off with that used soil is perfect. Then, creating fresh soil for your containers keeps everything thriving. Smart and sustainable! 🌿🌻 Please be sure to Like the video and subscribe if you have not already Rick - Thank you - Kim

[@a59028]

I reuse soil and save all my sticks too ! Love how organized it is under your porch I should do that too lol

[@CaliKim29]

I'm loving it! By doing so my garden looks "cleaner less cluttered". Go for it! and let me know when you do. LMK if this helps! Please like the video and subscribe if you have not already - CaliKim

[@missourigirl4101]

Absolute excellent how to video Kim!!!

[@tombraun1559]

again your spot on i don't waste any of my soil it all get's reused all you have to do is amend it with your own compost and it minimizes the nutrients you have to buy as well as building a more beautiful soil over time i like how you used the soil from yard projects for a base soil i do the same thing this summer as i'm digging out for a deck i'm building using the dirt for filling in the bottoms of new raised beds! its all free when you think

[@CaliKim29]

Thanks for sharing! absolutely! Reusing soil and amending it with your own compost is a game-changer. It’s amazing how much you can save on nutrients, and the soil just gets better and better over time. Using soil from yard projects for raised beds is genius-why waste perfectly good dirt when it can be the foundation for something beautiful? And yep, when you think about it, it’s all free! CK Please make sure you are a subscriber, Tom! CK

[@h.sinclair]

wow one of your best videos ever - how to save the lettuce seeds amazing! I got a ton now that are going to seed! Also I was going to throw away 4 cubic yards of potting soil this fall but now, I think I'll save it, as you recommend! Yes soil gets expensive!! Many thanks. Also I'm ordering more of your microgreen seeds this fall, it's a fantastic package you guys are experts thanks and thanks ❤

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you loved the lettuce seed-saving video-those seeds will come in so handy! And definitely save that potting soil; it’s such a waste to toss it when you can refresh it and reuse it. Soil costs can add up fast, so reusing it is a smart move. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the microgreens too-can’t wait to see what you grow this fall! Thanks for your support and happy gardening! 🌱❤️ Kim

[@suravijoshi758]

Thank you! Great information every time!❤

[@CaliKim29]

You are so welcome! Thank you so very much, as I really strive "not too chatty - with good information" !!! CaliKim

[@brianseybert192]

Kim, why no worm bin? My most productive worm bins are 50 gal grow bags, harvested close to a couple hundred pounds of castings from 2, 50 gal bags in my cool basement over the winter. Home grown vermicompost is far superior than any you can purchase, mainly because you have active biology, just like your compost. I have switched to mainly home grown foods for my worms and natural beddings like incomplete compost and leaf mold. The main reason for this is to enhance local soil biology, the microbes on a banana peel from Guatemala probably would not do well in WI. Under the microscope, my vermicompost is full of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, beneficial nematodes and microarthropods, the entire local soil food web. One of the biggest issues of raising worms is moisture control, the grow bags solve this issue by not ever letting it get to wet and go anaerobic, a killer of a lot of systems made from plastics. The reason why vermicompost possesses better plant growth promoting properties than thermophilic compost is because it contains a considerable amount of organic acids such as plant growth promoting hormones and humic acids. It also has high water holding capacity, low C: N ratio and low phytotoxicity (toxicity to plants). However, vermicompost quality varies depending on many factors including earthworm species, raw material used as feed stock, and the age of the compost. A terrific source for worms is Meme's worms, my recommendation. Probably more info than you wanted, LOL, I could go on and on. I also use the vermicompost in foliar teas and soil drenches. I use finished leaf mold for seed starter, aged compost, leaf mold and vermicompost for potting mix. Last 2 years did not spend a dime on any potting medium for my garden. You gave out a lot of good info for new and old gardeners alike! Stay Well!!!

[@CaliKim29]

I didn't I think of the ol' wormbins, you are right!!! Sounds like you really have it down!!! CK

[@southernskytngarden]

Oh! As far as stick saving - yes!! We will save sticks as we have to trim our backyard tree and shrubs. Constantly using them to prop up our transplanted starts. And when on a dog walk I can't resist picking up a good stick when I see it lol. I'm even thinking about cutting some of the bamboo that is growing by our neighborhood and trying to propagate it. Sticks like bamboo are invaluable in any garden. And so costly if you have to go out and buy them.

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, I like the bamboo look, too!! Gosh, I'm jealous!!! CK

[@beckymartinez9926]

I have a pile of sticks, t-posts, rebar, sunflower stems, and pvc pipes.

[@CaliKim29]

That's great...I'm coming over!! HA HA

[@roserizzo3094]

Excellent video ❤

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you very much!

[@mikimauski]

You are an excellent teacher

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you so much! This means a lot to me! Thank you - Kim

[@baneverything5580]

We`re supposed to get some odd cool weather soon in Louisiana. I hope it makes my Cape Gooseberries bloom. The plants are massive and have barely produced any fruits since April. I will likely stick with regular Ground Cherries going forward. I`m gonna try to overwinter some and see if that makes any difference.

[@CaliKim29]

Cool weather might be just what your Cape Gooseberries need to start blooming! It sounds like they’ve been a bit stubborn, but overwintering could be a game-changer. Regular Ground Cherries are a solid choice too, especially if they’ve been more reliable for you. Fingers crossed for a big bloom soon! 🍃🌟 Be sure to subscribe Bane, if you have not already (I can't always tell). CK

[@baneverything5580]

@@CaliKim29 The main Ground Cherry plant is loaded and blooming like crazy. I just ate a few ripe ones and they`re delicious like the Cape Gooseberries. I planted more seeds but the heat cooked them I think so I started taking cuttings, putting them in small pots, then transplanting after watering them well for a week. It`s not easy to find plants that do well in July, August & September in Louisiana but the Ground Cherry seems to be perfect and the Cherry Tomato mystery variety I have. I planted a bunch of fig and mulberry trees this year too.

[@kathrynhartleroad1497]

I trade plants with friends and save heirloom seeds. We freeze all our produce that we don’t eat fresh. But we have a big freezer. Gardening can be cheap or it can be expensive.

[@CaliKim29]

Trading plants and saving heirloom seeds are great ways to keep gardening costs down and maintain variety. Freezing produce is perfect for making the most of your harvest and extending its value. Gardening definitely has a range of costs, but your approach is a smart way to keep things budget-friendly and efficient. Keep up the great work! Thanks, Kathryn - Kim

[@h.sinclair]

BTW, I love CameraGuy's critter cam he's taking the fight to 24/7 do those animals think they can defeat humans and EAT their garden veggies??? LOL 🤨

[@CaliKim29]

They know better!! CG says thanks!!

[@theobillios6453]

Great video from Australia

[@CaliKim29]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you - CK

[@taraporter8699]

I’ve always appreciated how you don’t make gardening crazy expensive. I’m curious if it’s possible to actually break even with gardening? Or am I paying for a hobby I love very much?

[@makeupgirl8886]

I think herbs save you tons of money always. Veggies - depends on how much you grow and how much you get to harvest of what you grow instead of the (critters, disease, birds) getting a lot of it. It is a fun hobby that you get better at each season, and you reap more harvest year after year as you learn. That's another reason why I'm grateful for gardeners like Calikim and others who are willing to share what they've learned to save the rest of us time and money!

[@CaliKim29]

You’re so right-growing your own herbs can save you a ton, and veggies are a win if you can keep the critters at bay! Gardening is one of those hobbies where you keep learning and getting better every season, which means bigger harvests and more success over time. And thank you! I’m so glad to be part of your gardening journey-sharing tips and tricks is what it’s all about. We’re all in this together, and it’s awesome to see everyone reaping the rewards! 🌿🍅 Kim

[@CaliKim29]

Thanks for that! I’ve always been about keeping gardening simple and affordable. Breaking even with gardening is possible, especially if you’re smart about reusing materials, making your own compost, and growing high-value crops like herbs, tomatoes, and greens. But even if you don’t break even, you’re investing in a hobby that feeds you fresh, organic produce, gives you tons of joy, and keeps you connected to nature. So, whether or not the numbers balance perfectly, the rewards go way beyond just dollars and cents! 🌱💚 Kim

[@taraporter8699]

@@CaliKim29 I love that. My garden also keeps me on my feet more! It brings me so much joy.

[@taraporter8699]

@@makeupgirl8886 such a good point about herbs! I’m running out there harvesting herbs read-round! I also think of how much grocery store lettuce I’ve tossed because I didn’t eat it in time. Now I cut what I need, when I need it!

[@wingcdramarjitsinghbindra4705]

Absolutely great advice ❤Love it. How far u r from Sandiego

[@CaliKim29]

You are welcome and thank you for watching, clicking on the Thumbs Up! button and subscribing - whew...that's a lot to say! We are in the north L.A. area...about 2 hours north of SD. CaliKim

[@illuminate2140]

I love the idea of storing soil in a bin. One question I have is has it ever gotten rained on and flooded? I had this issue when I kept some in a bucket and the smell was awful. Is it still usable after it has gone anaerobic because of this?

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, same here. When soil goes anaerobic, it can develop a strong, unpleasant smell due to the lack of oxygen. While it might not seem ideal, you can often still use the soil, but it needs a little help to recover. Here’s what you can do: 1. Aerate the Soil: Spread the soil out in a thin layer to allow it to dry out and get plenty of air. This will help get rid of the anaerobic conditions. 2. Mix in Fresh Material: Add some fresh compost, garden soil, or organic matter to introduce beneficial microbes and improve soil structure. 3. Test the Soil: Before using it in your garden, make sure the smell is gone and the soil has a more neutral, earthy scent. This indicates that it has regained a healthier balance. With these steps, the soil should be good to use again! 🌿 LMK if this helps! Please like the video and subscribe if you have not already - CaliKim

[@deboz8793]

I too reuse soil from year to year, but sometimes a container will go Ave and ant colony in it. Have you ever ran across such things and what did you do to get rid of them? That’s the one time I don’t use that soil.

[@CaliKim29]

Ant colonies in containers can be such a pain! I’ve definitely run into that before. When it happens, I usually try to flood the container with water to drive them out, or I’ll sprinkle some diatomaceous earth on the soil surface-it’s natural and safe for your plants but can deter ants. If the infestation is bad, like you, I’ll avoid reusing that soil in my garden. Instead, I’ll compost it if I can, or just discard it to avoid spreading the ants. Better safe than sorry! 🐜🌿 CK

[@deboz8793]

@@CaliKim29​​⁠​⁠ Okay, good to know - water flooding! I had a couple of containers with tiny ants and those big black ants. I erred on the side of not using that soil. So annoying and creepy! 😊 Side note: seeing ant colonies in my containers reminds me of a movie (Phase 4) I saw as a teenager in the 70’s (aging myself 😂), where ants took over the world. I don’t think I been the same sense. 😅

[@williamhenry3337]

This the first year (AND LAST) that I had a garden. Spent about $100 in supplies and 5 MONTHS caring for 30 plants. I planted them in wire baskets which kept the gophers out. Disease got about a third, animals got a third and birds got the remaining tomatoes and peppers. Never got a single usable one. Stopped watering them today. I now appreciate the vegetables in the store.

[@kathrynhartleroad1497]

Home grown veggies taste better and are healthier. You can use nets to protect the them.

[@michaelinejunefrost9437]

William - don’t give up! The first time is a learning experience, the second year will grow better. Depending on where you live, you may be able to grow goodies during the cooler weather or indoors under lights … and that does not have to be expensive. I have one grow light on the end corner of my kitchen bar, out of the way, and all year long I can grow microgreens to use on my sandwiches or salads. Please don’t give up because GARDENING IS GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL!

[@CaliKim29]

Come back!!!! CaliKim

[@OrenBlau]

i do have sticks pile in my yard

[@CaliKim29]

HA, HA, then you are "in". LOL! Be sure to subscribe and like the videos you watch, OrenBlau!

[@keithrodz6485]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@Gigi2you]

My scarlett runners brand would not set fruit for the life of me idk why😢

[@CaliKim29]

Gigi, I am so sorry for my delay!!!! I hope this helps - That’s frustrating! Scarlet runner beans can be tricky sometimes. A few common reasons they might not set fruit include: Temperature Extremes: Scarlet runner beans prefer cooler temperatures. If it gets too hot, especially during flowering, the flowers can drop without setting pods. Pollination Issues: These beans rely on pollinators like bees to set fruit. If there’s a lack of pollinators in your area, you might not get good pod development. You can try gently shaking the plants to help with pollination. Watering: Inconsistent watering, especially if the soil dries out too much or stays too wet, can stress the plants and affect fruit set. Nutrient Imbalance: Too much nitrogen can lead to lots of leafy growth but fewer flowers and fruits. Make sure your fertilizer is balanced or has more phosphorus, which supports flowering and fruiting. Hopefully, one of these tips can help if you decide to give them another try next season! CK

[@moeyamezz6296]

hi there has anyone had issue with critters eating your tomato's? I'm not sure what kind of critter , but I imagine maybe a raccoon or squirrels? they're ripping into the tie bags which I placed around my tomato's to protect them from worms, but now I have a bigger problem eating my Manzano tomato :( anyone have any tips to help me? thx u!

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, we do! One thing you can do is cover your crops at night with shade cloth, all the way down to the ground. The cloth can act as a deferent. Uncover during the day, rinse and repeat. Some folks throw spicy peppers down on the soil around the plant. Would really help if you could identify who it is you are fighting against. Anyone else have suggestions?

[@Fred.pSonic]

I bet they take one bite and then toss it aside right? It's almost an insult when they do that! I foiled my snacking varmints by buying a roll of hardware cloth and made cages, including a topper so there's no access. Just roll them into shape and join the ends with wire, then just lift them up (very lightweight) for harvesting and plant maintenance when needed. For very large plants I'll MacGyver a hinged door on the cage so I can still harvest and tend. I spray paint them black to blend into the environment (not really necessary, just for aesthetics) then pin them to the ground with landscape staples. Bees can still get in and it also makes draping (and removing) shade cloth and insect netting easier too--make sure to snip any sharp edges. I make most of my cages the same size so that at season's end I just stack them up like cups and store them. Good luck!

[@chadleatherby3309]

Like the vids but can ya'll not ask people to subscribe or buy something every minute?? If the vid is good then people will sub, Thanks

[@CaliKim29]

Noted and changed !