Growing a Back To Eden Garden with Wood Chips

John from www.growingyourgreens.com/ goes on a field trip to his friends Paul's place who is growing an organic garden of eden in his backyard using wood chips.
You will discover how Paul is using Wood Chips and Manure to build the soil and feed the plants instead of using chemical fertilizers.
First, John will share neighboorhood homes and how most people simply do not value growing food. Next, John will give show you the front yard of Paul's place to show you the difference just a few fruit trees can make. You will also discover the pile of wood chips, and how this free fertilzer source can build your soil and feed your plants valuable nutrition that is desperately needed in the South Florida soil that lacks in organic matter.
Next, John will give you a tour of the fruit trees, vining crops and vegetable garden that Paul is growing in his backyard. John will share one unique vining crop that produces highly pigmented, antioxidant rich fruits that are usually not eaten and grows like a weed in South Florida.
John will then specifically share why Paul is growing certain fruit trees in certain areas and why Paul choose the trees he did. You will discover the irrigation system that Paul is using to water his trees instead of doing it himself.
John will then share with Paul what he would do to take this garden to the next level, and further develop it into an even more bountiful and productive urban homestead.
Finally, John will interview Paul where he will answer the following questions:
40:34 Start of Interview with Paul Nison
40:44 Why did you decide to grow your food?
42:13 How important is it to grow a garden for your family?
44:28 Why did you choose the specific fruit trees to grow?
47:18 How do you deal with Pests Organically in South Florida?
50:05 What about putting in a well for water for irrigation?
51:26 Have you sprayed you trees with anything?
53:40 Who really is behind your fruit tree orchard and garden?
54:44 How to Chickens and Goats fit into Homesteading?
55:56 How much Meat and Animal products are healthy?
59:51 Any last comments to my viewers?
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[@josephdykes1820]

Great video. I really like Back to Eden gardening . I doubt that garden will need irrigation once he gets the wood chips built up to 8 inches or more. Some people criticize this method and call it a lazy man's approach, but as we age (no matter what our diet), energy and strength levels go down and our aches and pains go up. This is a natural part of living and life on earth. It came about when we (humankind) got kicked out of the garden of Eden. IMO, by establishing this type of garden by age 60, most people should be able to use it for the remainder of their lives with much less effort every year. No need for constantly adding large amounts of soil amendments because the composting woodchips, which are already there, do most of that for you. I love how every time it rains or when the snow melts the woodchips are making compost tea and slowly releasing it to the plants roots. God is the best gardener I know and He makes it so much easier for us when we do our best to imitate him. This method is part of my retirement planning

[@josephdykes1820]

I rock dust

[@Cryptlord9999]

+Joseph Dykes Lazy man gardening? More like logical gardening. Why grow labor intensive annual crops, when you can grow low labor, perennial gardens. In a perennial food forest/garden most of the work is done when you initially plant, afterwards its just regular maintenance that doesnt take a ton of time or energy. Annual plants are far more labor intensive. Check out this book www.amazon.ca/Perennial-Vegetables-Artichokes-Gardeners-Delicious/dp/1931498407/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451870694&sr=1-4&keywords=Eric+Toensmeier great reference for perennial gardening. Here is another AMAZING book set that goes over the theory and practical application of Edible Forest Gardens www.amazon.ca/Edible-Forest-Gardens-2-Set/dp/1890132608/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451870694&sr=1-3&keywords=Eric+Toensmeier

[@josephdykes1820]

+Tony Bong Good one, worm caster

[@slepepadda2268]

+Cryptlord9999 Some annuals are self seeding. I believe it is worth keeping them.

[@endfear8315]

Lazy? LOL! Lets see them load and haul all those wood chips! I for one would rather pick produce than weeds!

[@louiseb2598]

I have been using the Back To Eden method for at least 5 years. If I hear trees being cut in my neighborhood, I get in the car, find them and they are always happy to drop them in my driveway. I get at least 20 yards a year and still need more. Cheers from zone 7! Louise To plant a garden is to believe in the future.

[@55Herbie1]

+Louise B What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@slimsassi2513]

do one needs to dig on original soil to put layers of compost and manure ?

[@serenemountain6769]

The B2E covers don't necessary need to be wood chips, or just wood chips, you can use everything from kitchen vegetable and fruit leftovers, sticks, leaves , everything from the plant kingdom !

[@portaadonai]

John, I would love to see a video where you tour Paul Gautschi's garden. He is the guy who started the 'Back to Eden' movement. I am very interested to see your impressions of his garden, soil, and how the fruit tastes to you. I started watching gardening videos with you, and am very curious to see your opinions once you visit his garden in person! Thanks

[@graciegordon6552]

Me too!

[@FarmbyGardens]

Likewise! Paul Gautschi's the best! So humble. Such a great instructor and SO VERY APPRECIATIVE of our Blessed and AMAZING GOD!

[@PHAT4LifeTV]

Me too!

[@zleereed]

John, when are you touring Paul's place? LETS GO!

[@planereality3675]

Great suggestion. I'm in the process of transforming my garden into a back to eden style. I'm going to take out all my raised beds and just grow on the ground. I have a lot of work to do to start with but I suspect it will get much easier once it's done

[@RJ-lk5kp]

Every time I watch his videos on TV, through Chromecast, I have to ensure I have my Garden Journal. What a wealth of walking information! Many thanks!!

[@Growyourheirlooms]

I've been using wood chips consistently for quite a few years now and I have to say I haven't been disappointed with the results. Much less watering and a lot less feeding. I've layered wood chips and compost, alternating between and have not had to use any commercial fertilizer for the last 5 years. Very happy. :-)

[@55Herbie1]

+Grow Your Heirlooms You seem to be an experienced gardner so I hope you don't mind me asking you a question. We are both retired and currently live in the mild So. Calif. weather but will be moving to the Sierra Nevada area to be closer to the grandkids. We very much want to grow a garden but with the colder climate we are planning to use a green house in hopes that it may make a difference since we would still like to have lemons, oranges and other fruits and vegetables that can easily be grown in this area. Our question is: Would using a green house with the Back to Eden method make it possible to grow the items that wouldn't normally grow in that area? (such as the items mentioned) In this video John mentioned the Moringa tree. Along with the other items we have in mind we would like to grow these. Any comments would be much appreciated! Thanks everyone!

[@nancyburridge]

+55Herbie1 Watch www.backtoedenfilm.com/. May give a little insight to your question, but you might research greenhouses and berming to find ways to warm the greenhouse. Geothermal heating may be a research path you can follow as well. Good luck!

[@smack63]

I realize this is an old post, but I'm hoping you check on it. When you say you layer wood chips and compost, do you do this directly in your garden, or just to encourage the wood chips to compost? I ask because we're getting ready to build raised beds, and we are wondering if putting a layer of wood chips in the bottom of the raised bed and placing the soil on top would be okay for our vegetable plants. We assume it would just compost on the bottom??? We're new to the woodchip thing and have a truckload being delivered soon, so hoping we can use them in this way. Thanks!

[@serenemountain6769]

@@55Herbie1 Hi Herbie, if you want a greenhouse for extreme weathers, cold climates, best solution is building it below the soil line, this way the Earth will naturally heat your greenhouse it's very cost efficient!

[@benbishop7775]

John just wanted to wanted to tell you I love your videos and you've taught me so much over the years. I'm putting it to good use here in TN and sharing with others. Thank you!

[@markemyshibukawa9254]

AMEN!!! John & Paul! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@judyalexander]

ALWAYS great videos from you John. I REALLY appreciate you sound volume being consistent.

[@ireneklauber7442]

All children should be taught to grow food. Any teaching in this direction would improve the health of the next generation.

[@vikasvg]

Thanks man. You are creating a knowledge base that can be used by generations to come.

[@douglasvilledarling2935]

I think you are GREAT! Have been watching you for years, but I got sidetracked and stopped thinking about gardening for a couple years. I love that you are showing how to start from scratch with a new home. I also love that you are showing how to grow in different states. I hope you have done one from the Atlanta area. I am going to check through your videos.

[@GrowYourOwnLife]

You really hit the nail on the head! Why are we not taught growing food, butchering animals and basic home repairs like plumbing and carpentry in school? I bet 80% of Western Europeans/Americans probably don't even know how to light a fire with out accelerant, surely that's a basic human life skill! Well done. I'll have to subscribe now

[@patnapper6178]

John, you're such an inspiration to others. I am 73 year old widow. I have many heath problems. I'm need grow foods that takes care of my blood lungs,heart and I am diabete. I pray you have your farm you wanted. I started growing Moringa and started to prepare for growing sprouts. If you can help me with this or have a video for it I will be happy. I am now taking the Moringa capsules but I will be happy to go out to my Moringa trees and pinch some tops and leaves. My trees are about five inches now. The ones i have pinched the tops to eat are Growing better than the smaller one.

[@kicknadeadcat]

My family eat a lot of carbohydrates and starches. Lived a long time with diabetes. I Changed that in my diet, and got rid of my diabetes.

[@christasmicroflowerfarm2695]

Love this method of gardening and live in Australia.

[@PrincessShaBooBoo]

There needs to be a ‘love’ button! Paul is right on point! Great video! 😇👍🏾

[@sherryballington1583]

Watching from South Carolina here. I love your zest for life and eating right. I completely agree with you about our food being poisoned. I live on 5 ac. of land but I will be starting off some veggies in a few pots first and then to the yard next. I have been watching Paul on the Back to Eden garden from Washington and he has some great ideas also for larger lots. Thanks for caring so much and I know your heart is in it for all the right reasons. God is using you young man and you are doing a really good thing. My goal is to lose weight as eat better as I do have hypothyroidism as does my mom and this is a disease that can cause metabolism problems and hair loss. I really believe the food I consume is making it worse but I refuse to take medications unless I absolutely have too as I think meds are bad for our immune system and breaks our immunity system down over time. God Bless and keep up the good work. I will be taking your advise for potting soil and raised beds.

[@keithkrohn409]

very well said. Happy new year

[@cedeleon70]

Thanks, John I Enjoyed this video a lot! 😍👍

[@kingriderone]

Hay I did not know Paul was in this video. I got to watch you both at the same time. Great video.

[@MsFishingdog]

great video John

[@deangouramanis7164]

16:32 I made a similar garden this year with wood chips over the grass. I did not till the soil, but I did use a spade shovel to 'peel back' the grass layer. The result was a bunch of sod pieces around 8" squared, and three inches thick. I piled them up in strips around the perimeter to form a neat wall around the woodchips. Looks great and it's free. I call it the living wall method, because the grass roots hold it together.

[@maximilian333]

on the subject of bugs: several rows of repellent plants like tansy, rosemary, lavender, and herbs (basil oregano thyme) will keep bugs out of your house, and reduce pests in the surrounding gardens at the same time. Your house may smell nice as well. And these herbs can be trimmed and made into organic pest sprays/solutions.

[@tommyknockerparanormalinc]

The proper back to Eden styple gardening, which I do, provides that the layers of woodchips eliminate mud and dirt, so if it was done properly John, you wouldn't be walking through the plant isles and getting muddy, no mud. Thats the benefit of the woodchips, I use it everywhere around my farm in high traffic areas, and soon we will be doing the drive lane with it as it absorbs water.

[@ArkansasJay]

Happy New Year John!!

[@saintluke2nd]

Love this video!

[@geekasauruswreks8789]

Better idea than sheet mulching your entire yard and waiting for the wood chips to break down: put the wood chips in a large pile somewhere in your yard and wait for them to break down until they becomes loamy soil that can be planted in (our hot, humid weather in Florida will make this go faster than in other places). In the mean time, you can do raised bed gardens or buy some good soil to garden in while you wait for the wood chips to decompose. When your wood chips have composted, you can then put down cardboard, then a layer of nitrogen, and cover with those beautiful composted wood chips. You can add rock dust and other amendments that John mentions at that time.

[@william84p]

happy New year john

[@Herfmonster]

Hey John, I've asked this before. When are you going to make a trip to Squim Washington? I would love to see you interact with Paul Gautschi. Kinda funny this guys name is Paul as well

[@josephdykes1820]

I think it's Sequim, not Squim. Wish I could make it out there, but it's a 36 hour drive for me

[@Herfmonster]

+Joseph Dykes I just typed that off the top of my head. John you can find Paul Gautschi's address Right on the Backtoedenfilm webpage

[@josephdykes1820]

Yep, I would love to see that video and interview

[@Gyva02]

Getting ready to do Back to Eden gardening style in the Sornoran desert USDA plant zone 10a in southern Arizona. Only get about 7 inches of rain annually and the 1/2 acre is dry and dusty sand. I'm thinking I'm going to start making videos of it from the start so I can document the journey... Cant wait to see how well it will work in this desert environment and see how lush I can get some of the warmer weather fruits and veggies :)

[@tommyknockerparanormalinc]

"See what he's got "growin on"...LOVE IT

[@mariaa2710]

Love your videos with all the motivation and helpful information. I am hook on you😄😄😁😁👍👍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Chomikback]

Hi John, You talk about irigation, and bug picking, but Paul from Back to eden (full tour 5h lengt), says he do not water his trees from 30+ years, the wood chips does the irrigation work, the earth is always wet inside he showes. And bugs, there is no bugs if the plant is strong, and boy hes plans strong! full of water, so he does not pick bugs himself. He does as little as put seeds and get fruits, and cut trees. weeds also no problem, all explained in 5h full tour, its just craaazy. Best Regards.

[@gvas7560]

Awesome video John & Paul. Can't wait to have my garden in full swing....and have you and your girlfriend over to check it out. Please do an update of Paul's garden in the future. It will be very interesting what he did since this video...God bless..

[@sumafow]

I love moringa, its my most favorite.

[@DeadBrokeHomestead]

Filming in the rain! lol that's dedication!

[@gombert07]

Thank you

[@SusanBaileyAmazingEstate]

Great tour. Lots of good information. For trace minerals, plant comfrey under or between your fruit trees. Buy just a couple of the cuttings, you'll be able to divide it enough for all of your fruit trees within a few years. Rock dust is a waste of money, IMHO. Thanks. Best to you.

[@sarahs.9340]

I just watched Back to Eden garden with Paul. John have you gone to that farm & interviewed him? This farm looked amazing. Would LOVE to see you at his farm.

[@botanique9228]

so impressed with the interview at the end of this video! very brave to share any religious content these days as the back lash can be pretty unforgiving but everything that was shared was the truth and the truth is if we love each other as we are supposed to then we are obligated to share our knowledge for the bennefit ad blessings of everyone. Thanks John, really appreciated. From Danielle in Australia :)

[@Cryptlord9999]

+Danielle Turvey There is no way to prove religious ideologies are the truth, therefore in your opinion they are the truth. Monotheistic organized abrahamic religions are a cancer on the planet. The world would be a much better place had Judaism, Islam and Christianity never existed.

[@botanique9228]

Take away your preconceptions of religion as the source of information and put that aside for just a moment. The truth remains that everything listed in the bible as good to eat is what is best for our bodies, everything listed as unclean/bad for us to eat is no good for us... science is only now catching up with what God's Word has said for centuries and you are welcome to try and disprove that if you really feel the need to troll... but just take pigs and their parasites for one example... As Paul was talking about, stick with Plan A if you can, Plan B if not but for as me and my house, I wouldn't want to risk putting something in my body that God (or evolution if that's what you want to be your baseline) said should never go in there. Not because it's a sin but because everything God commanded us was and is only for our best interests. Now, is what I have said true or false regardless of the point view I am looking at it from? It's the truth, full stop, point blank, period. No doubt you'll throw a bunch of tried and true yet completely irrelevant atheist arguments back and that's absolutely your right to do so but I stand by what I said and what I believe and on that note... I pray that God almighty, or the random tiny atoms and dust particles buzzing around the universe (if that makes you feel more comfortable) blesses you with good food and therefore good health :)

[@Cryptlord9999]

Danielle Turvey The bible was written over a period of 1600 years by more then 30 authors whom didnt know any of the people they were writing about, on top of that it has been revised and edited a multitude of times. It is not the word of god, it is a fictional story book written by man. Nothing in the bible has been proven by science, some of the battles referenced in the bible have been proven through archaeology, but that doesnt mean that the bible is 100% truthful nor is everything within the bible logical. The bible also condones slave ownership (exodus 22 comes to mind) and stoning wives to death that commit adultery. If you are using the bible as some kind of moral story book, you might want to read what it actually preaches. Trichinosis is not found in every single pig, only some that happen to have caught the parasite and cooking kills the parasite, so nothing wrong with consuming it so long as its cooked enough. All hail Poseidon, god of the sea. If the bible is the evidence of god, then ocean waves are evidence of Poseidons existence. There is no more evidence of the existence of monotheistic abrahamic gods as there is of the various pagan religions and their gods.

[@sonjalarsen2625]

John, I love your videos! Within a year, I should be at 30-50% production of my own diet. Question please: What can I do about gophers? I have Screened the bottom of my raised bed, but I want to get rid of them altogether. Suggestions? I live on the central coast of CA.

[@blackbway]

john, the bitter melon plant we called cirasee in Jamaica, a very important herb for making tea for many medical reasons

[@thomlayne]

Mulching feature on a mower will return the nutrients right back to the soil and you still have the roots drawing nutrients up from the soil and feeding the microorganisms in the soil near the surface where your plants can access them. Although I’ll admit to being lazy enough that I use the cardboard and wood chip ground cover method near my berries and veggies

[@PANTTERA1959]

Finally,welcome to the future.

[@andyshay1385]

I completely agree with this guy. Be a person don't be just a consumer.

[@rosecityjp3929]

Strawberries grow good in the wood chips !!GREAT ANSWER PAUL !!The produce at the grocery stores do not have the flavor of home grown !!

[@joshuatinkham3703]

happy new years and knowing history is almost as important as not repeating most of the social garbage

[@LisaBevill-ProSinger1]

How do you protect your produce growing on your fence vines, when your neighbors have lawn companies that spray weed killers and other chemicals. I'm in HOA run neighborhood but are able to grow stuff in our fenced in back yard..

[@CharlesTeague77]

What kind of fruit and nut trees grow best in Zone 8A, Alabama? We have a large amount of property. Great video! Thank you.

[@rosecityjp3929]

John You really just need to put the cardboard thick with the wood chips on top and the grass just disappears !! The grass actually helps to have better soil !! It really works GREAT !! No Black Plastic Nessary !!

[@tiki_t]

After watching the Back to Eden film, I tried it and had similar results. The brassicas loved it and grew well but so did the beetles. I had the worst grub infestation and damage from it!! They didn't stick to breaking down the wood chips but rather went after plant roots in the winter. I was digging up hundreds of grubs of all sorts the next winter. I wish I had a chicken to do the work for me but don't and at least I donated what I dug up to the locals who raise chickens (grubs=chicken food). Then digging up the grubs becomes an issue because you don't want to dig under the top layers of wood chips because it ties up the nitrogen. I'm going to stick to wood chips to make the compost to put in the raised beds when it is done, or use them to make paths through the garden.

[@eyeYQ2]

+Tanja F Nice tip, ty : )

[@tiki_t]

I did. Milky spores are not allowed and not for sale in a few states because they also kill ladybugs. I also spent a bunch of money on beneficial nematodes and had absolutely no impact other than they turned a few pill bugs and a few grubs purple. I wish I could attach a picture here and share it because it was kind of weird/cool. Ultimately, they did nothing to reduce numbers and were $$$. I was stuck digging them up. It's something that people should be aware of before they choose this gardening method.

[@55Herbie1]

+Tanja F Really appreciate the information. That's good to know. In your opinion why didn't Paul (from the Back to Garden method had the same problem? Thanks

[@tiki_t]

+55Herbie1 Per my original post, because he has chickens, and I do not. So if you plan on doing this method without chickens and without legal access to milky spore, know that this could happen and it turns into something extremely labor intensive. I'm sure our 4 year drought was a factor that also contributed to the number of grubs/beetles looking to survive in rich, moist compost too.

[@johndodge8999]

Here in south Florida we use armadillos to eat grubs. But are you saying grubs that eat dead wood will also eat live roots?

[@debbieboullion6881]

I use worm castings animal manure is usually full of weed seed

[@organicgardenmamavictoriab2768]

So true

[@luvvids27]

What about if you live in an apartment? Luckily with a patio, but patio only gets about 3 to 4 hours direct sun light at best. Thanks!!

[@cfkoster]

great video - pleaes continue with those. Question: why don't those catterpillar not been eating by the birds ?

[@user-ob1zy5vc4q]

I have never heard peanuts mentioned in gardening shows. I know they will grow in South Florida. They like light soils and warm weather. Everyone likes Peanuts. They are one of the best plants to grow to enrich the soil. They produce nitrogen and they return it to the soil in an unbelievable amount when they are composted. Peanuts are great roasted and boiled as almost everyone knows. So grow some peanuts, pull them up and boil or roast them. Return the vines to your garden for the richest soil you have ever seen. They work well in flower beds too!

[@natt3956]

Thanks for the video! Do you have one on how to start vegetable garden right away, what to put in dirt....I really don't like the idea of animal manure. Definitely like the wood chips, but how to make nice rich soil right away? And can I buy dirt about anywhere or need to do researches on that? Thank you

[@PHAT4LifeTV]

How do you smother out the grass? What's the best way to do that?

[@Bleakunending]

I'm jealous of Paul's beard

[@divebarquin]

Thanks for the video John , where your friend could get the manure in south Florida?, because I'm looking for some, and if is organic cow manure, tanks

[@SOFIAnav]

i need to know those avocados varieties

[@jane2100]

i have some 6 month old wood chips and some new wood chips. can i consider the old, compost and the new just wood chips? i also have straw with duck poop in it. i have remaining garden plants and old weeds growing in the garden. should i be concerned about the weeds or just put everything on top. do i need news paper first. do i need to add manure. i can get my hands on mushroom manure. it november 5th and i want to start preparing for spring now. there are to many weed to pull. would it be bad to till them under

[@jeffdinter6208]

The one thing I can see about your friends fruit trees in his backyard of his house, is it you said he planted them about three foot from his fence, well aren't some of the limbs going to reach over the next door neighbor's yard? If they do the neighbors are going to have access to some fruit as well right?

[@cginnish]

Hi. I have a pile of old rotten firewood white birch to be exact. Would that be good for my garden all the fine small pieces of rotten wood.

[@danofthenorth2]

Paul should put a thick layer of mulch around all his fruit trees. it'll hold moisture.

[@deneenksmith6001]

Hi John I want to grow an organic garden and I want to know if I use newspaper to build my garden bed will it still be considered as an organic garden and also if I use it in my compost , will my veggie garden be organic.

[@ajayasir5272]

Are termites ever a problem? If so, what do you do?

[@freewaybaby]

I get confused about using the wood chips... I've heard mulch (which is the wood chips, right?) leaches the nutrients that the plants need...to not use the mulch until it's completely broken down. What's the difference here?

[@alan30189]

Good video. Some points on using manure: Use horse manure instead of cow manure, if possible. Horse manure has more nutrients left in it. Cow manure is more thoroughly digested, hence less nutrients. Cows are more likely to be injected with hormones, etc. One problem with horse manure is, because it is not as thoroughly digested, it will have more viable weed seeds in it. So, be sure to hot-compost it well for several weeks or months before using to kill as many weed seeds as possible. If you don't, you are going to get a bunch of new types of weeds growing in your garden! One thing your friend may have wrong, or you possibly explained incorrectly. You DO NOT want to grow the plants "in" the wood chips, or even in wood chips mixed with manure. Wood chips will take away too much of the nitrogen the plants need to grow. You want to plant the seedlings or seeds in SOIL, and then mulch around them with the wood chips and manure. I would compost the manure and other food scraps that will decompose quickly, plant in that if it is completely broken down, and save the wood chips for the top layer. Wood chips take a while to totally break down.

[@miamisweets]

This was fascinating. I've never tried using rock dust, but want to try it. The only type I can find locally is Azomite. Would that work to add minerals/enrich the compost in this gardening method?

[@bluewater454]

Do you think that wood ashes are comparable to using wood chips?

[@samuelmckenzie5456]

Where are the best soil for growing your veggie garden.

[@atruevoice]

John, why don't you swing by Southwest Florida? You can check out ECHO and the food forest at Florida Gulf Coast University.

[@atruevoice]

***** I'm aware that he has made a video of ECHO. But I don't believe he made one of the FGCU food forest.

[@MountainGardenGirl]

PLease Read this John, DONT JUST COVER the grass!!!!!!!!Okay, the grass can be a real problem. Bermuda grass and quack grassfor example, from personal experience cannot be smothered. It will stay vibrant under many layers of mulch and cardboard and especially woodchips. It will form multiple layers, so every time you add a layer another layer of this horrible grass will come up. Its a 14 year process for us, getting loads of chips and leaves and grass and trying to smother, we had beautiful, but infested with grass soil. Now, we have literally hand pulled multiple 20x20 beds in disgust because we did not realize this sooner. Tiller not useful, just cuts up the roots and allows deeper penetration. Its really not a bad job if you do it at the right time, it is recommended that fall weeding is more effective than spring. Just dig a clump, let it sit in sun for a bit and give it a good kick. Dried roots can be piled up, dried further and BURNED. Do not mulch these terrors, the can be dormant for a long time and continue growing.

[@tommyknockerparanormalinc]

Thats odd, but we dont have bermuda grasses on my property, so i was able to eliminate all grass in my garden and anywhere on the property where i didnt want it, by simply covering with cardboard, adding soil and woodchips overtop. was easy peasy. sorry you didnt have luck

[@SistaSarah]

what are the 4 avocados trees he has???

[@samuelmckenzie5456]

adding to my last comment where are the best parts in florida to growing veggies.

[@AK47_Trading]

jon love the vids, keep them coming. look up Alberta urban gardening on youtube. he puts some behind garden practices and myths. thanks

[@OmgKittys78]

Nice video. I like Paul. He just needs to trim his beard a little. His ideas are interesting. Would like to know more about what the bible has to say about gardening and eating meat. Will have to check out his channel. Thanks John!

[@mspeir]

I'm sorry that I don't have an hour to spare as I have to get to work, but I've heard that it can take up to three years for wood to break down into usable compost material. Is that not correct?

[@okmujm]

+Mark Speir That is correct. It is definitely not a short-term approach to gardening, but the time is going to pass so it is something that can be done w/ an eye on long-term benefits. There are ways to speed-up the process, but you're still looking at a year at least.

[@MsQuantized]

+Mark Speir One way I deal with this is I use the wood chips as mulch then when it breaks down after a few years I remove it and use in the garden and replace those chips with fresh wood chips. You can also add some scoops into your compost bin as the brown to go with your food scraps. You can actually use fresh wood chips as mulch in your garden but don't dig it into the dirt, only use it as a weed barrier.

[@jane2100]

can you use a cultivator to get to the weeds and then put down newspaper?

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Jane just use paper no till, wood chips will soften the ground

[@squito94]

People in the tropics have it made.

[@1chking]

John, I have never gotten an answer to this question. Can you use saw dust instead of wood chips?

[@brian69837]

saw dust is not the same. over time it will break down. its the needles and leaves that provide the nutrients. you really need both. not just one or the other

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Calvin King only if you are desperate, wood chips are perfect

[@lukkassuhn6761]

raw saw dust alone will cake up and cause issues. Compost it or mix it up with a lot of hay or leaves.

[@armyguy9735]

Moringa trees can you grow that in Canada?

[@llamingo]

do taxos grow in the US?

[@imalimabeanyay]

I once heard someone say the water table in Florida is 8ft down.

[@Cryptlord9999]

+imalimabeanyay Depends on where you are, water table heights can be vastly different from valley to valley or region to region. In the Pemberton valley in BC Canada the valley area near the two rivers have such a high water table that you cant build a basement or normal foundation.

[@jamesmarshall5794]

Hi John, Does it matter what type of wood chips?

[@graciegordon6552]

I know that in the actual film it mentioned that it doesn't work well with wood chips bought from the store. I guess you're supposed to get them from landscapers because the chips they have have leaves and basically the whole branch. All of the materials in those chips help them to decompose faster.

[@franciscoreyna7080]

what plants food use less water and lots sun area.

[@mojavegardener1964]

Great concept, but my HOA won't permit a vegetable garden in the front yard. Lawn and conventional landscaping only. So, I keep the lawn up to their minimum standards and love my vegies in the back yard.

[@robertpait1916]

I cannot grow a big mac in my neighborhood, also I cannot find the seeds....the ones on the bun do not germinate.

[@tsmrashadboyyy4887]

GOD BLESS

[@robertharcourt7650]

it looks like the fruit trees are plated to close to each other

[@55Herbie1]

+Felric Jones How far should they be? We are new to this and want to plant a few fruit tress - that's why we're asking. Thanks

[@FarmFreshIB]

Personally I would generally tend to trust manure sources from horse operations and small stables in particular. Most horse owners these days are very conscious of good nutrition for their animals as a means of maintaining top performance. Manures from commercial beef, pig, turkey or poultry operations are not worth using IMO. They are often laden with arsenic (fed to chickens to promote weight gain) as well as lots of other antibiotics and chemicals.

[@Cryptlord9999]

+Farm Fresh Just have to check with the stables to make sure none of the horses were on anti-worm medications, as the medications can remain in the manure and can have a negative impact on earthworms.

[@FarmFreshIB]

Horses have a very sensitive respiratory system so if any lime is added to the stall it will be in very small amounts and is usually added on the surface of the soil in the stall. The bedding is added on top of that. I would imagine that very little lime would actually end up in the resulting waste bedding. Certainly not enough to effect the ph in your garden.

[@FarmFreshIB]

+Cryptlord9999 Personally when we de-wormed our horses we handled that manure as much separately as possible from the rest of the bedding. After giving de-worming medications the horse will not only shed adult worms, but they will also often shed eggs and other stages of the larva that might re-infect both pastures and other horses. I know other stables might not be as concerned or aware as we were, so good warning. Also some (very few) horse owners feed a type of medication marketed as a continuous wormer. It is supposed to prevent any worm load. I am sure that stuff would rank right up there with those commercial farm operations.

[@tumba3182]

almost all horse feed is GMO. beet pulp is byproduct of gmo sugar production, alfalfa is gmo, soy hulls that are used are GMO. Yes organic stuff exists but it is 3x the price in my area and I know of no horse owner who feeds nongmo feed. I understand horse owners love and care for their horse nutrition very much bc my gf owns 3 and I've been hesitant to use their manure in my garden because of the presence of gmo bacteria existent within the manure because of the feed and gmo plants are one thing but gmo bacteria can multiply by the millions in the blink of an eye and can reek havoc on the microbial culture that is the cornerstone to organic farming

[@Cryptlord9999]

***** Most gardeners apply lime to their soils anyway, unless you have really high pH soil. So long as there isnt a ridiculous amount of lime its usually pretty safe to use, especially if you have acidic soil or live on the west coast where excessive rains cause the soil to usually be well below 7 pH.

[@pilotmike797]

John are bamboo wood chips good for composting

[@2001tigers]

+Mike Smith I don't see why not

[@tumba3182]

bamboo has natural oils in it that resist pathogenic bacteria, bamboo is great.

[@pilotmike797]

+Tumba Of Infinity >>>> thanks

[@tumba3182]

You're going to want to connect with farmers in your area and see l check forums but woodchips will definitely be necessary. I know of people in Hawaii who have built soil on freshly hardened lava with the wood chips so it's definitely one aspect.I'm unsure on the execution for your situation though.

[@Insert639]

Tumba Of Infinity Okay thanks😊.

[@EasilyAmused42]

No, some of us practice intermittent fasting and only eat one meal a day and limit our eating to certain hours.

[@mouzaza70]

That s what i do

[@chrisrivers4987]

Got a load of compost (manure and hay) mix from local horse farm for my tomato plot and lost all of my plants to leaf curl. Found out that the farmer had been spraying his hay fields with a herbicide to kill weeds. Found a link 9see below) to confirm my suspicions. www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/hot_topics/2008/05tomato_leaf_roll.html

[@endfear8315]

Hey John love your videos! I have to tell you though , using the plastic is it really not necessary unless you've got something like Bermuda grass or Johnson grass, or some other really invasive grass . He could actually rent a sod stripper, turn the sod upside down and then just cover it with the cardboard and the woodchips. The grass will then decompose into the soil adding some much needed nitrogen! I myself have done this and it worked great on a ryegrass lawn! Keep posting your great videos I really appreciate them!

[@tommyknockerparanormalinc]

Back to Eden is no till. That would destroy important microbes. The method is to just put the cardboard overtop of the grass, soil, woodchips and compost, easy peasy, no till, no digging. I eliminate all my grass this way and just plant overtop.

[@MrMichaelx3arts]

hell ya, im with you, im growing all kinds of fruit trees and fruit plants, if i can eat it i will grow it, KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FRUITFUL TREES im on facebook page

[@SpectreTheHorseman]

HE CALLED the shit , shit, lmao

[@ERMAV]

Hey! Q link !