How I CHOP And DROP Directly In My Raised Beds

Raised bed chop and drop and planting out the garden is all in the days work for January. I've come to really appreciate the chop and drop due to its ease of keeping nutrients where you want them, right where you are growing. To me this simplifies the need to compost and while not always ideal, it takes time, it is a wonderful option.
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[@user-qx1om2wj1h]

Jacque is like the Bob Ross of gardening.

[@af2313]

😂

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I'll take it!

[@genellajones-riggins9384]

Funny

[@kfetter9046]

You nailed it! That explains why I always feel so relaxed watching his videos. Great learning environment.

[@jodibraun6383]

Ha! I actually just searched specifically for Jacques so I'd have someone soothing to listen to while sowing some seeds this aft. 😂

[@katchmeifyoucan1131]

As someone from the south, it broke my heart to see those delicious greens not being eaten, but I'm glad see them being used for a great purpose. Grow on!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I may have WAY overloaded my garden with greens this winter so finding ways to use them beyond eating has become a priority. If it helps we did add lots of turnip greens to our beans the other week!

[@AlejandroTorres92]

I wonder if there is a food bank / pantry local that might be able to help off load your excess. @@jacquesinthegarden

[@af2313]

@@jacquesinthegarden a great local community initiative is the Grow Free Cart, for growers to stock with their over abundance 🙂

[@stephineellerbe3526]

I'd cook & freeze

[@Lynette-qh3tw]

The leaves can be washed, wrapped in paper towel, then zip lock bag and frozen as is. Use in soup, etc.

[@elmartell5724]

It's 7° degrees up north right now, and THE LOOK my neighbor (who was shoveling snow) gave me when he saw me bringing a tray of seedlings into the greenhouse was hilarious 😂😂

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Hahaha, that is awesome

[@rozannmartin7235]

Definitely would like to see content on fermentation 😊

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Noted!

[@mistycarter9809]

I love hearing your thought process as to why you do one thing vs another. Thank you for showing your gorgeous pup and beautiful green house!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Glad to hear, I figure that way people can make the decision on their own

[@ticaj]

Cosmos looked so guilty when you said "I know you broke the Cabbage" 😆

[@jacquesinthegarden]

He knows what he did!

[@22ajudd]

CNC machinist here 👋🏼 it’s your shovel and your file, you can use it however you like 😁 love the videos

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Thank you! Last time I got so much flack for "doing it wrong" like as if I am building a precision part for a customer.

[@initialfaust6888]

@@jacquesinthegarden also a machinist and for a shovel you do you man haha. appreciate all the videos as someone getting back into gardening.

[@jwilson086]

1. I’m glad I’m not the only one that struggles getting coneflower to come up from seed. 2. Bring on the fermented cabbage video!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It's weird one and you got it!

[@scottolson6201]

I only get about 20% germination from my echinacea and I've tried multiple methods to germinate them. It just seems to be one of those tough ones for me.

[@guilo123456789]

Im on my second seed package of coneflower.... still no luck

[@abc_cba]

Jacque, can you please do a video on the following: 1) Winter Flowers(now that it's the season) 2) Summer Flowers (when it's time) 3) Edible Flowers and exotic varieties of veggies that you're growing? Thanks. Best wishes from India 🇮🇳

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I can for sure add some flower starting videos!

[@abc_cba]

@@jacquesinthegarden thank you very much.

[@umaumalei14]

I love your sharpening demo! LOL. I'll do the same for my shovel to chop prunings in my compost pile. Thanks!

[@tylerweidman3119]

If you’re worried about a frost over night you can cover the plant with a blanket or so shade cloth. If it’s not cold enough it won’t penetrate the cloth. Something we use up north in the spring! 😊

[@anitahernandez1207]

Cold Frame Cover - great idea. 👍Yes, it is cold, I guess even in San Diego. 🥶 Fermented cabbage video - yes 👍

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It isn't necessary here but it sure can make a difference!

[@catiepower3550]

My grandma uses old door windows for cold frames on her raised beds. Works wonders for her.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I thought about looking for some old windows but I've already got quite the pipe of "junk" haha

[@domesti-city]

@@jacquesinthegarden Because our winters are so mild, I've been known to throw a piece of plexiglas or plastic over an open-bottom cardboard box for a quick cold frame that I don't have to store until next year.

[@catiepower3550]

My grandma most likely used windows from a door she had. Depression era was her youth so she throws nothing away.

[@Lynette-qh3tw]

@domesti-city thanks for the idea. An open bottom box would not last the winter for me but would work on the spring or fall. And it would be cheap. Again thanks for the idea.

[@af2313]

Glad to know I’m not the only one who has struggled starting echinacea from seed! Mine has also sprouted this year so 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Nice! No clue why it's failed me so many times before!

[@af2313]

@@jacquesinthegarden I have think I’ve let mine dry out too much in the past

[@timabney8974]

Definitely interested in seeing content on fermenting. We make kimchi with cabbage, Daikon and bok choi.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Seems like people really really want it haha so it shall be done! I still have to try making kimchi, my napa cabbages always get attacked by bugs here.

[@timabney8974]

@@jacquesinthegarden we have the cabbage moths here in western Montana so we have to use mesh covers on our brassicas. We also grow Daikon radishes from True Leaf that we use for kimchi.

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

I LOVE the gardening stuff, but do enjoy a recipe/home video here and there too. I'll watch the cabbage vid, sure!

[@LB-vl3qn]

Definitely show us how you ferment your cabbage and please tell me the name of the shrub with the invasive roots. It looks so pretty in the summer but it's obviously a beast of a plant. Lastly, do you ever winter sow your seeds or do you not get enough cold in San Diego? Thanks. ~ Lisa

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I believe it's a "Lilly Pilly" and comes from Australia, there seem to be a lot of varieties but be warned it produces berries which stain things purplish red

[@BrightestBlessings7899]

My hard necked garluc were planted 20 at a time, all throughout October. I so hope our recent -30°C has not milled them. I have been using your chop and drop method and I have noticed an increase of fertility, overall.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

That is really cool to hear that it has been working well for you! The cold should be fine for the hardneck as long as it is nice and buried in the soil!

[@jcking6785]

Another great video, Jacques. Yes, please demo fermentation!

[@sonyahogan5673]

I'm doing chop and drop now!!!

[@TheExperimentalHomestead]

Your kale is freakin' mesmerizing.

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

You might enjoy Cupcake Cosmos: it forms a perfectly pleated bowl with a little spray of petals coming up from the center. It's quite amazing the way the pleated petals have fused into a single cup, and it does look a lot like a cupcake paper. The plant isn't as vigorous but it's worth it!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

That does sound like a super interesting one!

[@tammy5666]

Thank you Jacques, I would love to see any Bulgarian fermentation videos that you want to share! I think fermented vegetables are the healthiest 🙂

[@zgent181]

Need that fermented cabbage content! Trying to grow for food preservation/storage and overall health this year

[@colbr06]

A fermenting video would be cool.

[@sheelaghomalley5459]

Yes for fermented cabbage please

[@dianapagan8991]

Oh, I love the way your dog approached you. ❤

[@pamelacarroll]

I’ll be eagerly awaiting cabbage fermentation video!!

[@lauragillespie9635]

Please show how you ferment cabage.

[@teresaedwards3659]

Purple broccoli is so pretty!

[@MsFresh619]

Cosmos is super cute. Yes to the fermented cabbage

[@thiccityd9773]

Please show the fermented cabbage

[@howdyEB]

I would love to see how to ferment cabbage. 😋

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Seems like people really really want it haha so it shall be done 👍

[@janebrown3096]

Yes please love to see your fermentation of the cabbages

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Seems like people really really want it haha so it shall be done 👍

[@AbigailHernandez-cz6wl]

Yes i want to learn how to ferment vegetables

[@oatradia]

Get at me with that sweet, sweet fermentation content!

[@WillSavage]

Your doggo is too cute!! What a sweetie :) I love when pointy-eared dogs put their ears back like that, so adorable

[@jacquesinthegarden]

He is pretty perfect to be honest!

[@WillSavage]

@@jacquesinthegardenbless you Jacques, thank you for taking the time to respond! I've followed you and Kevin for several years now and I'm a big fan. I'm based in Switzerland so our temperate climate means I can only apply some of what you guys advise but I try! haha

[@stormraven4183]

I tried fermenting cabbage for the first time this year. I LOVE it!!

[@bonnietyler5338]

More of this content helps a lot. Thanks.

[@jeannet9592]

Yes, please, on the fermenting content!

[@rainspirit3973]

Great delivery. Imperfect and prolific. Tons of information. Very real. 🙏🏼

[@emkn1479]

Rutabaga are good! A friend made mashed rutabaga instead of mashed potato once and I was shocked at how tasty it was. It isn’t something I ever ate while growing up. I’ve been fermenting cabbage too; I’d love to learn more about your way of doing it.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It is one of those things that are hard to find in the states and most of us don't know what to do with it! We tried it once and it was quite delicious

[@ericarose3486]

yes to teaching us fermentation!!!!

[@christymartin9404]

Cosmo is a handsome boy

[@jacquesinthegarden]

He is a star, tephra, my other dog, is too camera shy

[@KloolessKlown-do8dp]

Best advice ever!!!

[@GmamaGrowz]

Thanks for sharing your chop and drop methods 🥬!

[@funnyweeman]

We had a little -7 last night near Glasgow in Scotland. Thankfully the wind isnt killing everything

[@jacquesinthegarden]

The cold wind is really what stunts plants, thankfully you've been spared.

[@kathyv3909]

Yes, please! I definitely want to learn about your family's Bulgarian fermented cabbage. Thank you!

[@joball6479]

I learned where to plant and harvest broccolini. Thanks!

[@teresapaton55]

Yes please fermented cabbage content!!!

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

i'm a long time gardener (3 decades) and have been "chop & drop"ing the whole time...who knew it had a name? One thing to touch on (for your viewers) is to make sure what you are chopping and dropping doesn't have any seed in it.... unless it's Heriloom/Heritage/OP and you want to plant the same thing, in the same place for next year...that said I love it when being lazy works to my benefit! Microclimates are so important to understand, even in our own gardens. I'm in zone 8B (Oregon) but I am 100 FEET away from a 9A microclimate.....crazy. Finally Fermenting cabbage is one of the easiest ferments to start with. I do them in Mason Jars or full size crocks...wonderful, also green beans (fermented), Asparagus (fermented) wonderful, would love to see your method

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It is probably the method people have been using since we started farming but now it does have a nice name with a ring to it! It is a good point about seeds and also In the future I will mention to avoid chopping and dropping anything that easily roots from cuttings. Microclimates are the wild card to everyone's zone map and for important to figure out what you are working with.

[@RJack1915]

ah our first Doctor in Illinois was Bulgarian. Stories he told me-just do it. His Mom made him get up at 4 am every morning to study French.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha pretty classic, my parents knew 4-6 languages I barely learned 2!

[@thomasraditz4918]

Use a lawnmower blade sharpener to sharpen the shovel and other gardening tools. It's fast and easy

[@deborahmansfield4809]

I like the way you think about sharpening tools. So much easier when time seems to be at a premium anymore.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

A kitchen knife is worth taking your time with but this shovel is going in the dirt anyways!

[@leenverlinden911]

Looking good Jacque and so is the video.

[@fitbody5196]

Lovely pup.

[@Ashas.Garden]

I love chop and drop fertilizer.

[@lolad7779]

Bring on the fermented cabbage!! 😊

[@wandakelly2173]

Yes on the ferments!!

[@jenniferhuang3396]

would love a fermented cabbage video!!

[@cristagalli96]

OMG Cosmo looks like my childhood dog!! COSMO DID NOTHING WRONG!

[@christineborgatti3760]

Yes, I want to see how you ferment.

[@danareed1656]

dog is awesome!

[@sandy5097]

I am a new subscriber, I love your channel so far. I'm getting caught up on your videos. I like how you get straight to it. There's not a lot of blabber about what you're about to do. You just get right to it.. Your backyard garden is awesome. I am jealous! Thank you for these videos. I am already learning a lot.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Very glad to have you on board and happy to hear you like the videos!

[@rinarose9544]

COSMO TuT he is SO precious!!!

[@smas3256]

Super seedlings Jacques. Your green house is a treasure. I really like the cold frame too. Zone 6b. It comes in handy.

[@mariaseattle]

Fermented cabbage video sounds great!! As always great video. My favorite channel right now on youtube!

[@wcla1958]

I am taking a fermenting class this weekend, look forward to seeing your video on the Bulgarian way!

[@sheliaheverin8822]

I love fermenting. Sauerkraut and giardiniera are my favorites.

[@adairsulhoff5405]

I would love to see the traditional Bulgarian way to ferment cabbage. I ferment sauerkraut and kimchi.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Seems like people really really want it haha so it shall be done 👍

[@KK-FL]

Definitely want the cabbage fermenting info!

[@bobbieriley3061]

Yes please show us any of your fermentation

[@diannasgardenmenagerie967]

I love your garden because it looks like mine and so I feel like I can do it to🌸🌸🌸

[@samueljaramillo4221]

Many gardeners tend to want to rush things and not wait till the danger of cold weather and frost is over to plant their young plants. Get yourself a bench grinder with different grinding wheels to sharpen your garden tools. Thats what I use.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

The desire to garden as soon as possible is hard to shake! A bench grinder is for sure on my list of wants, need to clear some space first.

[@nancylafferty8362]

Thank you! Show us the cabbage!

[@conniemcgehee2851]

yes on the fermenting videos

[@CharMac76]

I definitely want to see a fermented cabbage video. Thanks for sharing!

[@ardenthebibliophile]

Note on a chop and drop: don't do it in the same area as an active planting of the same plant. I've had some tomato leafs proliferate septoria and it killed my patch early

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Good tip!

[@nancynesytofreske]

Thanks for the tip on using a sharp shovel. Brilliant!

[@vmcshannon]

Definitely want to see the fermentation process! Thanks.

[@8oclocktomatotalk]

Haven’t checked in with you since the shift in channels. Excellent stuff my friend! I’m looking forward to sewing (zone 6B) spring greens, turnips, beets, by seed in mid March!

[@dumbness-or-kindness]

Yes fermented cabbage pls❣️

[@nnagle9224]

I love how comfortable and fluent in videos now. It is way too early for a 7B gardener to start anything, you gave me some new ideas. Thanks.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@ptngarden]

Thank you for sharing

[@michelleshin5520]

Long time follower, first time caller - can you have a running list of your favorite plants to grow? I love that you're constantly experimenting with different seeds and optimizing for flavor! The sungolds were one of my highlights last year. Will have to add broccolini to my spring starts!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I don't have a running list but maybe I can do a wrap up video at some point this season. Glad to hear about he sungolds, they are hard to hate!

[@DurdanaJehangir]

Great video! I always enjoy your content and definitely want to know how you ferment cabbages.

[@josanders1428]

I’d like to see how you put your watering system in your garden

[@goosemorechairs5635]

Let’s go with the fermented cabbage!! Sounds delicious!

[@Mona-fd5kf]

Thanks for sharing. I learn how to add more nutrients to my raised beds, especially easier.

[@Shadoweyed09]

Bring on the fermented cabbage, my family makes sauerkraut every year and cans it. It's amazing what a couple heads of cabbage, some salt and time do.

[@lauramacini6811]

There’s a bean by your leeeeeg! 😂

[@D4ni3773]

Great video!

[@kimberleychapman8416]

Thank you for this. I’m in the cold & wet U.K. Seeing the sun ☀️ is glorious. Soon it’ll be spring 😊

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Hopefully you guys get a nice early spring start this year!

[@deannalynne1626]

Oh yes, please do a video on femented cabbage Jacque. Thanks!

[@carenmcfarland7034]

Great video! Definitely up for a video on fermenting cabbage Bulgarian style!

[@samanthahohl191]

Heck yea i want to see how you ferment your cabbage

[@GoodWitchKnits]

Comment of encouragement for fermented Bulgarian cabbage content! Inspiring video as always.

[@TheWiseOne6775]

I did something similar, but I have a powered sequitur, making it very easy to clip them up using a trigger. I like your method of chopping up your greens. :)

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha my partner says I'm not allowed to get one, I have a tendency of getting distracted and complacent...

[@MyFocusVaries]

​@@jacquesinthegardengoodbye thumb?

[@ZeFeratu]

Great video as always. I would love to see your way of fermenting cabbage.

[@GavinAndShea]

I live in zone 3 and saw your chop and drop video from last summer and wanted to try it. When I pruned my tomatoes I dropped it on the empty garlic bed behind me and expected to deal with it in the fall because I didn’t cover it or anything. To my surprise week after week the chopped leaves decomposed and I had nothing to do. Will definitely do it year after year! Thank you!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I’m actually constantly amazed by how quick plant matter can breakdown on the surface!