How to Make DIY Inexpensive Raised Bed Soil & How to Fill it Quick & Cheap / Raised Bed Garden #6

How to make a DIY inexpensive raised bed soil mix and how to fill them quick and cheap! Watch the raised bed garden series for all the know-how you need to build and grow veggies in raised beds.
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[@CaliKim29]

👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 📕Book Launch Event: Help me launch my new book on Sunday, April 24, 1 pm, Topanga Nursery, Chatsworth, CA topanganursery.com. Books available at the event, or bring your pre-ordered book for signing. Can’t wait to meet you! More info and RSVP for this FREE event here: bit.ly/CaliKimBookLaunchEvent 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@blakebullock4493]

I am a beginner and have been researching for two days, this has been BY FAR the most helpful how-to video I have seen out here! Thank you

[@CaliKim29]

You're very welcome, Blake and thank YOU for the very nice compliment! Great to have you following along, I Livestream everyone Monday at 12pm PST, with a great crowd of regulars for the past 7 years (available to replay/watch), and have fun posts, etc. on IG/FB, too! LMK where you are and tell me about your garden or potential garden, etc. it's all good -- Welcome! Kim

[@jimpeter3453]

Nicely-produced! Great sound and camera work. Plus informative! Regards from Baltimore.

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you very much! That is a very high compliment to us, thank you so much! I hope that you are a subscriber!? (I cant' always tell) What are you growing Jim from MD? CaliKim

[@jimpeter3453]

@@CaliKim29 We are on the west side of Baltimore, in Catonsville. We are fortunate to have a great summer farmer's market nearby -- but we still love our tomatoes! My wife has grown them in four 6-inch pans, but this summer she wants a raised garden bed. I'm the one with the saw.

[@CaliKim29]

Jim, this is the funniest comment all week - "the one with the saw". So something CameraGuy would say! Glad to hear y'all are growing out there! Are you a subscriber? You're fun, I hope you are and post comments again soon. Thank you for watching and commenting. CK

[@knitswithdirt]

For placement, especially in CA and places where it doesn't rain much, be sure its not near a lot of trees and shrubs. They will send out their roots and rob your raised beds from below of water and nutrients. In one season one of mine had a ton of roots that I didn't realize were from the shrubs. Realized what was going on in the 2nd season (nothing grew well at all!) when they were so jammed with tree roots it was pretty unuseable. Had to move it.

[@tommartin4657]

Mac cracks me up. I love that pup❤️

[@nkaujmoon]

Love how the dog is just sitting in the way!❤

[@CaliKim29]

He runs the place..... HA!! CK

[@berndtherrenvolk1951]

Dog. Acting like a cat.

[@barbbrownlee9188]

Hello Kim & Jerry!🖐 Enjoyed watching this video with all the fantastic tips for filling a new raised garden bed!👏 I will adding a new raised bed this Spring; will be following these great tips! Blessings to you both!💝 🦋4/25/2022🦋

[@charlenemitchell3361]

Looking great, can't wait to see you grow food in the raised bed!

[@katiemoyer8679]

Hi Kim, love your channel. I wanted to suggest something that has helped us with the moles, voles or gopher type plant or grubs seeking predators. Under that lower level of cardboard, lay down a layer of chicken wire. None of those creatures like a mouth full of wire. 💁🏻‍♀️

[@CaliKim29]

Great tip, Katie, so glad that's worked for you! It's never fun to have your precious veggies eaten from the bottom up. Thanks for stopping by! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@sagrialmasagrialma2851]

@@CaliKim29 mkii l

[@MsNappingcat]

We used 24"x8' galvanized lathe panels from Home Depot ($10 each) on our small area, so we zip-tied 4 sheets together, got the ground level, laid out the sheets so we could place 2 raised 2'-8' beds on top of the lathe, covered them with landscape cloth to cover up rough edges, placed our metal raised beds into place, then added some mulch around the base of the planter to cover & hide the whole lathe base. The beds then got a small layer of cardboard and then self-watering resoivor we're trying, then older fire logs that we couldn't split by hand to take up room, along with some styrofoam pieces. Then good dirt!

[@debmattosky3021]

I love your retractable hose!! Where can I purchase one?! I’m a new viewer!! I’m binge watching your videos!! Love the content!! Tyvm

[@markmurphy4748]

I was going to mention that

[@Famcke]

Omgoodness, I love watching your videos. Thank you for sharing & best wishes. Happy Easter 💐💙🙏

[@DRuss03]

Such great tips! Enjoyed watching the dog too😄

[@SelenaThinkingOutLoud]

I’m growing in raised beds again this year and setting up my main garden area so I can sit and enjoy it even more. Also, I received your new book, Raised Bed Gardening! I’m looking forward to diving into it. All the best & Happy Easter!

[@CaliKim29]

Hello Selena, so glad you're growing in raised beds with me - it's so fun to just sit and enjoy the garden beauty. Thanks so much for reading my book - let me know your fav raised bed tip. 😀 Happy Easter! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@BestGranny10]

Thanks! I’m so glad I found your channel to take care of my strawberries in winter in California ❤

[@CaliKim29]

I am so sorry for my late reply!! SO GLAD you found my channel, as well! I sure hope are still watching despite my late reply! Best, Kim

[@joyking5790]

Thank you, thank you for such fantastic information! Off subject, I love that adorable pup!

[@user-wv6tc9xk9m]

Great idea to have a sitting place in your garden. I regard my garden not just as a place to work, but as a serene place to relax. I especially love to enjoy it in the early morning and around sunset. Listening to the birds, watching the butterflies and bees, taking in the fragrances of the flowers. A garden is a place of so many sensual delights.

[@CaliKim29]

Said perfectly. We just love watching stuff.....so relaxing....

[@moonedward63]

I do the same thing.

[@TheMushuCorner]

Thank you so much for this. All the other people I have run into trying to make a good mix use hard to find things or expensive things or just like make it so complicated. This was extremally helpful.

[@missysmessage722]

Yesssss! I've never grown anything in my life so this helps a ton!

[@corinaceren1]

Can use soil that you remove from your yard with grass?

[@MelissaBeesHomestead]

Excellent breakdown of how to fill a garden bed! In Wisconsin we are still -9°F and dreaming of warmer weather!

[@CaliKim29]

Oh yah, WI gets cooooldd!!! Glad you enjoyed this video!!! Hang on , we are almost there!!!! CK

[@pammietime4495]

Best easiest nice looking bed I've found on youtube! Thank you!! I love doggy laying there and makes you move around him/her lol..

[@CaliKim29]

Wow, thank you! That is a HUGE compliment! Most importantly, I am glad you are enjoying the content, CK

[@MrBucidart]

Kids and Mac, Happy Easter.

[@marlonjohnfreyburger6242]

C’est génial votre idée j’aime beaucoup vos vidéos, mon potager comme le votre, j’ai mis autour des planche à l’intérieur un plastic de protection de sous bassement pour protéger le bois et empêcher qu’il soit attaquer par les bactérie du terreau et ainsi pourrir, je vous garantie qu’il va durer très très longtemps.

[@beccogiallo]

Thanks for the great tips.

[@fotyfar]

Fabulous job👍👍

[@keithrodz6485]

Very nice work kim

[@newtogardening3632]

I have my book. Reading it now.

[@kirkb2286]

Lucy & Ethel is exactly what I thought when I saw both of you get in the raised bed.😂😂…

[@CaliKim29]

Camaraguy said the very same thing once we both got in there. He said, look at us now, what in the world are we doing?? Lol. Thank you for watching the video and taking the time to comment. I hope that you put on the thumbs up button and the video is at my channel very much. Please subscribe if you have already, I appreciate the humor. CaliKim

[@P1nkBanj0]

You taught me so much, now I can make this happen! The soil looks so nutritious for growing and the video production of this, is great quality. I'm looking to watch more of your videos, thanks for my first one!

[@CaliKim29]

How exciting for you! I’m so glad to be a part of this. Since you are planning to watch more of my videos, of which I am flattered by the way, thank you, please make sure you subscribe and tap on the bell that allows you to turn on your notifications for whenever I upload a video, thank you so much. That would mean the world to me if you have not already. Share with me where you are gardening from generally?! I am so happy for you. CalKim

[@P1nkBanj0]

@@CaliKim29 I'm in northern Ontario, Canada, and I know our growing is different but the soil and garden box needs are the same :) I started my cool weather seeds a few weeks ago, broccoli, brussel sprout, rutabaga, cauliflower and they're doing fine for now in their small planters. I'm going to create the box like you did and fill it the same way you did, I have those leaves and branches to use up here, so wonderful! It's great to interact with you. Yes, I did like and subscribe and rang that bell :)

[@CaliKim29]

Ontario, nice!! We have good friends in North Bay...one day we hope to visit up there!! I am really impressed with all that you are doing, that's great!!! Keep it going! And....thank you for subbing, too! Talk soon -CK

[@ihabiano]

This was MAGNIFICENT to watch!

[@CaliKim29]

Excellent to hear! What are you growing and in what area? Thanks for watching and hopefully subscribing, as well ! Kim

[@ihabiano]

@@CaliKim29 fruits n veggies.. still learning the process :)

[@larrybrower5541]

Enjoy your content. Everytime I have my hands in manure my nose itches. Lol

[@CaliKim29]

LOL!!!

[@karenburrell5188]

Looks great 👍🏻

[@jankuni]

I love your videos but I also love your dog too! He’s so cute

[@m.martinez167]

Wow great job!

[@PrettyAliceNight]

Looks good! I do hugelkultur in my raised beds and it works really well.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Alice - great method - glad it's working for you! (there's a section on that in my book as well) Appreciate the visit - Happy Easter! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@PrettyAliceNight]

@@CaliKim29 thanks! Congrats on the book release!

[@santaanaroadwildman3614]

Perfect! Fill it with what you would have normally put in the compost bin! There are so many worms in my half wine barrel compost bin.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi SARW - great way to save money on soil - crazy how it brings in the worms, always fun to see. thanks for watching and Happy Easter!

[@ronmacdougall9612]

Looking good guys

[@CaliKim29]

Hey, thanks, Ron. CK/CG

[@angelineleblanc8327]

Nice raised bed!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@CaliKim29]

So glad you enjoyed it - let me know if your'e going to give it a go! Appreciate the visit, Angeline! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@angelineleblanc8327]

@@CaliKim29 I am going to put in two raised beds.

[@melissakingery4393]

This is how my husband did my raised beds, just one level.My husband is a carpenter. I emailed you CaliKim but haven't heard back not sure you got it. I bought 2 books from you thinking I got autographs and seeds, and all I got is 2 plain books. I love y'all was looking forward to my autograph copies...

[@CaliKim29]

Hello Melissa, great to have a partner who supports you in the garden! My apologies, I didn't receive your email. I don't have a book order on my website from you - could you have ordered from Amazon or Barnes and Noble? Books ordered directly from my website are signed, but I have no way of signing books from Amazon or other online sellers. Appreciate you reading my book - Thanks for watching!

[@808.ladybugs]

🌺Aloha Kim, I noticed you used green leaves, would brown ones be better? Just wondering about the leaves breaking down. Your bed’s height is great🌈Happy 🐣

[@nancysworld4178]

Great video. I love seeing camera guy on camera. He's so handsome! 😀😘 You both work very well together.

[@queenofthearies111]

Thank you so much for all you do. It has helped us start our garden here in L.A. We have a pepper tree we have cut down . Can we use that on top of our cardboard. Internet says probably haha. Thanks in advance.

[@michellevandervelden8502]

Soon we are going to set up are raised garden

[@jenssuburbanhomestead759]

Im glad you are showing this. I start my new raised beds with oak leaves i rake up from my yard. Then add farm animal bedding and rabbit manure. A few bags of kitchen scraps then compost soil such as black velvet

[@CaliKim29]

Jen that sounds fabulous! Very, very impressed. Thank you so much for watching and commenting, too! Please tell me that you are a subscriber, so we all can benefit for more comments like this! Lol! CaliKim

[@jenssuburbanhomestead759]

@@CaliKim29 Been a sub for many years! Keep up the inspirational content! You have a genuine passion for gardening, as do I. I love that you are showing people how flexible of an art it is and you dont have to follow a certain set of rules.

[@CaliKim29]

You have no idea how encouraging your comment is. Thank you❤️

[@debbyd5729]

Jerry’s 😏 face when Kim mentioned chickens! 🤣

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Debby, lol, but I know he'll love the fresh eggs! Thanks for stopping by! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@melissakingery4393]

No wonder your so fit and have muscles CaliKim!!

[@ireneasanoma2925]

Hi there so I have a question about filling my new raised beds for next. This year's race beds were done pretty much like you're doing. Although I think I added some black walnut leaves in the mix and I think that may have affected my soil? I'm not sure I mean my plants did okay but they didn't do great. I'm just wondering can I reuse this for next year's garden?

[@davidkohno3043]

Yeah they definitely advie not to use black walnut leaves.

[@anisaysoknoitwell60]

Awesome.

[@GreenandGrain]

Wow I had no idea you could use fresh green leaves and twigs.

[@CaliKim29]

Awesome! I love reading comments like this!!! Nice! CK

[@clb50]

Do you not find your bed heats up (like a compost pile does) with that mix of greens and browns?

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

This was just pure fun. Don't you just love a fresh garden bed? Like a blank canvas. Kim - love your gloves. Do you have a link to those? Thank you!

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Cee Cee, so glad you enjoyed it, and yes, I do love a fresh garden bed with nice rich soil. Really like the gloves, they are very durable and tight fitting so you can feel what you do in the garden, amzn.to/3KUHKn7. Thanks for watching! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with m

[@lauramarriott8706]

I had a question about using composted manure. If you are incorporating composted chicken manure into a raised bed like here, is it safe to begin planting food producing plants into it immediately or do you need to wait to ensure it is safe to eat produce out of that bed? I would love a video or short just on this question alone as I can't be the only one to wonder! There's a lot of how-to content on how to compost fresh animal manure but nothing regarding safety and usage of composted animal manure in food gardening. TIA!

[@wethepeople3381]

Hi Guys Is it possible to use grass and soil as TOP SOIL in blocks that i have cut to use as soil./..Does the grass matter..Thank you

[@milkweed7678]

Great video!! That was the best smartest bed filling I've ever seen. Did you use both of those big full trash containers or is the bigger one still available? Thanks!!

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Milkweed - gotta keep it simple and thrifty, glad you liked it! We used all 3 trash cans of soil that I had saved. Filling it up 1/2 way with branches really cut down on the soil we needed. Thanks for watching! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with m

[@imsodone4309]

I bought some peat moss. Is that something that can be added into the soil? I have some old beds that need to be redone. The new bed will have have dirt from the old beds in it- which was a good dirt blend last year.

[@chaoyangnz]

Great soil

[@CaliKim29]

Glad you found it helpful - so many ways to save when it comes to soil!

[@cThornton00]

Would leaving a bed fallow for half a season (I’m building mine now) benefit the bed? I’m planning on letting things settle and plant next spring

[@renee2005]

Awesome 💯🥰

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nishamehta5176]

Raised bed looking amazing guys,I have few weeks to go till we get started on ours. Waiting is the hardest part. 😊 Loved Jerry expression on chicken manure 😂 Are you guys getting chicken soon?🐣

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Nisha, bet you can't wait, it's so hard to be patient! Lol, Jerry is good at those faces, as is Mac, ha, ha. Hoping to get chickens next year, fingers crossed! Thanks for watching!

[@glammedbynatalia]

Would the green you added great heat by composting?

[@sarrahconley3143]

Can you cover a raised bed for next year? I like to keep it really simple. 🤣

[@Shyeena]

Yep. You will need to add a bit of new soil and mix it in as the old soil will settle over winter.

[@bretoner2]

Do you always have to remove the grass ? Will cardboard not kill it?

[@vee5032]

How cool great team work looks amazing 🤩 I can’t wait to see what you are gonna grow there 😃 hugs Mac 🐾

[@otasteandsee-no9fu]

TFS! That's my challenge trying to afford to build a raised garden, so I will just grow in containers for now. Even with that you still need to buy soil.

[@CaliKim29]

Yep, that is the way to go. Materials can cost, however, there are cheap aways around filling a raised bed (as opposed to using good soil from top to bottom. But ultimately, I get it. You will in time!!!

[@MichellesHandmadeCreations]

I'm preparing to set up a large garden area in the back 30%-40% of my 1 acre property with a 9'x16' greenhouse, a couple of U-shaped cedar raised beds (6'x6'x2') and eventually the 6 galvanized steel raised beds (8'x4'x2') of which I'm awaiting delivery. I can hardly wait! I'm not sure I have enough yard waste for all of the beds, but I do have a lot. I'm so glad I didn't have it hauled away when I first moved in. I'm a little nervous to discover what sort of critter(s) may have taken up residence in the bottom of the twigs and branches pile. I already know I have quite an infection of voles on the property. In addition to some bucket traps here and there, I'm going to line the bottom of the beds with 1/4" hardware cloth to keep the creeps from digging in under the beds. I'm also very glad I watched this video. I've been watching quite a few to see what I can glee that's different from each video. You're the first gardeners who actually got into the bed to compact the layer of bulky yard waste. I had planned to do that myself, so I'm glad to see there's no reason not to. I couldn't see leaving it with too much dead space only to settle over time. You're also the first to fill the bed completely or close to the top. This is, again, something I planned to do, because all of the materials will settle. I've grown a lot in large pots, so I know settling happens even if completely filled with bagged soil. I'll begin seed starting the end of this month (March), and to maintain my patience to plant them, I'll have plenty to do to prepare the property site and the beds over the 6 weeks I've estimated I'll need for my seed to be ready to plant. I just hope we don't get any more huge snow storms. There's not much I can do when the ground is piled high with snow. Thanks so much for this video. I'm going to look for what you might have uploaded about seed starting.

[@CaliKim29]

Wow!!! You are busyyyyy !!!! Sounds exciting, Michelle and do keep us all posted!! Definitely check my channel and use the search feature to search my library for any videos that may help you? My apologies for the delay. CK

[@matggarcia]

Nice... Very nice. Very good edging. 😅

[@Elijah12459]

I live in San Diego and Followed step-by-step using your garden soil method for my raised bed. I have so many little flies flying over the composted chicken manure during the day. What and how do you get rid of them?

[@Shyeena]

Did you use fresh manure? That is a big issue and does attract flies - next, maggots 🥴. I've never heard of or experienced _properly cured chicken manure having this issue._ Either that or did you use kitchen scraps? That's also a no-no.

[@janegoff6378]

I planted one of my raised garden beds with green beans. The plants died from disease and harmful insects. Should I replace all the soil in this bed before planting again? The bed is 1.5 foot by 6 foot. The bed is 2ft deep and is waist high. Thank you.

[@carolrobb7021]

Thanks so much for this video. It is really helpful. I love your new book. I wanted to ask about the thickness of the wood for the raised beds. My husband was thinking of using 1inch thick wood for the sides because the cost of wood has gone up so much and it's cheaper. It looks like all your raised beds are 2 inches thick wood. Is there a reason that it should be 2 inches thick?

[@southernfriedkiwi6340]

2 inches will just make the structure more solid and it will generally last longer. You can still use 1 inch boards. Just put in more vertical posts down the sides to anchor them so that they don't bow out under the weight of the soil when it gets wet. Lining the inner walls with heavy plastic sheeting will help them last longer as well as they won't be wet almost all of the time. Lining the bottom with 1/2-1 inch chicken wire or some alternative will stop any voles or moles etc from feasting on your roots/produce, if you have that problem on your property.

[@sweetpea9349]

I am using Cedar fence pickets. Built one exactly like theirs, but the rest is just one level.

[@shelly7017]

I have always used hardware cloth on the bottom of my raised beds to keep burrowing critters out. I no longer use cardboard or newspaper at the bottom. I like Morage Gamble's no dig way of gardening. It could be applied to a framed in raised bed.

[@CaliKim29]

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing this, Shelly!

[@judyanderson8782]

Hardware cloth deteriorates in a year.

[@ernestinebyrne9912]

Love this idea. One question I have is that I used to hear that if you buried vegetative matter as it broke down it would rob nitrogen from the soil, have uou found that to be right?

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, I have seen this. When organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings, or other plant materials decomposes in the soil, it undergoes decomposition, right? So, during decomposition, microorganisms break down the organic matter, which requires nitrogen. This process temporarily ties up nitrogen in the soil, making it less available for the plants. This is often called "nitrogen immobilization" or "nitrogen tie-up." But, the good news is that the tie-up is usually a short-term effect. As decomposition occurs, nitrogen is gradually released back into the soil in a form that plants can use. And, it enriches the soil with other essential nutrients and improves its overall structure and fertility over time. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching and commenting Ernestine. CaliKim

[@rhondariley9667]

I can only find cow manure compost. Will that work as a substitute for the chicken manure compost? Does anyone know?

[@inspiredaction1]

Hi Kim can you link that hose device!? I am so tired of lugging hoses from one end of my property to the other lol

[@CaliKim29]

Sure, that is a cool device, I will say that! Tell them CaliKim sent ya' www.hoselink.com/collections/hoses-and-reels

[@weshohenstein1]

Hey guys, thanks for the video! Do you think putting grass clippings under the soil would work to bulk up the soil? Any drawbacks there?

[@CaliKim29]

I prefer to compost the grass clippings first - b/c there could be weed seeds that could come up. Then use your compost! CK

[@jsfarmgirl]

Hi Kim, love your videos so much. I noticed you didn't add any peat moss or cococoir to the raised bed mix. Can you explain why you did it for containers but not for your raised bed? I've actually got by vego garden raised bed put together with the cardboard and limbs, I just need to add soil. Also if I'm not ready to plant for a couple weeks after putting the soil in there do I still need to wet it? Thanks!

[@tarataliaferro41]

Hi ,Kim I’m new to your channel and I’m loving it! I’m also new to gardening as well wanted to start growing my own fruits and vegetables for me and my grandkids. But I’m having some trouble with making my own container mix? I watched so many videos on making your own soil that I purchased the wrong mix. I bought garden soil and did not know that garden soil is not for container mix? So now I have all this garden soil and need to make potting mix for my containers. And by watching your channel I believe and seeing all the amazing beautiful work! I said maybe she could steer me in the right direction?? So please I could desperately need some advice or help! Thanks Kim 😅

[@CaliKim29]

First, welcome to the channel - GREAT to have you!!! The problem with garden soil is it's too heavy for containers and becomes compacted. However, you can make it work by adding coco coir to it and mixing it up - which will aerate it and make it lighter. Fill your containers with about 3/4 garden soil and about 1/4 coco coir and then mix them together. It should be light and fluffy --- if it's not add more coco coir. You can coco coir in compressed bricks at Amazon - check the video description for links (and this supports me, too! : ). We're guessing a bit here, so let's see how this goes - please keep me posted! How fun and exciting! Kim. Where are you gardening from?

[@tarataliaferro41]

Massachusetts zone 5. Thank you very much, Kim, for responding back! I'm so excited 😊 that you took the time to get back to me. Oh boy, I can't wait to get gardening. God bless and take care from Massachusetts 😊

[@CaliKim29]

Awww, this made my day (it's been a tough one). Thank YOU. CK

[@stuarthinchliffe9023]

So to fill a bed on the cheap the tip is to have 2 trash cans full of soil?

[@trutherRN]

Right.....lol.

[@shellystacy3476]

Look good

[@CaliKim29]

So glad you enjoyed it - appreciate the visit! Hope your garden is doing well and Happy Easter, Shelly! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@shellystacy3476]

Ty have got started yet lots plants indoor Happy Easter 🐣 guys Tulsa Oklahoma Ben having a lot rain here waiting for last frost

[@annerobeson9414]

Hello from Devon U.K., do you think I can used grass cuttings in a raised veg bed before the compost?

[@Still-Learning]

If it falls to the ground naturally, it can be used as/in compost. CAUTION: If the grass is treated with chemicals to support growth, weeding, pest management, even fertilizers, your plants may take up those chemicals when/if released into the biome.

[@jdeleon818]

Hi i love this video!! I have left over "top soil" from last year that is filled with horse manure. Like alot of it which i didnt have great success with it. So i am wondering if this year can i use what i have left over as my compost layer instead of buying chicken manure

[@CaliKim29]

Sounds great! As long as the horse manure if fully composted. If not, wait!! It'll burn your plants, JDeleon!! Great work out there!!! Kim

[@jdeleon818]

​@CaliKim29 Garden & Home DIY how do i know if it is fully composted

[@Finchersfarmstead]

Bulk compost is also cheaper I bought both n they were both too wet to use unfortunately but they'll dry out great video thanks

[@CaliKim29]

Good points!!!

[@whodidit99]

With a shallower bed won't the root go into the ground?

[@allaboutthatwifeandmomlife]

Can you plant right away using the bagged manure or do you have to wait? When can you harvest I read you have to wait at least 90 days?

[@CaliKim29]

Manure should be fully composted before using it in the garden. Generally, bagged manure says "compost" somewhere on the package, in which case you can plant in it immediately and harvest right away, no need to wait.

[@greglewis8752]

Good ideas. What I prefer though is to create a 'bathtub' with black plastic in the bottom, create an overflow hole about 8-10" from the bottom and water the bed thru a pvc pipe in the corner going to the bottom. Then you. only have to water every 3 to 4 days and the plants go to the water just like they would if they were growing in the wild. [No blossom end rot in the tomatoes either.]

[@CaliKim29]

Sounds like you put some good thought into this, and it sounds wonderful! You know what I say? Go for it! Thank you, Greg, for commenting!

[@nicholasbenedetto6319]

I made the mistake of buying topsoil from a nursery and not solarizing it. Had weeds I'd never seen before. I make my own compost from fall leaves and a bag of blood meal. Usually end up with 1/2 cubic yard in spring.

[@CaliKim29]

Oh…sheesh. Don’t go too harsh on yourself, Nicholas, but I get it. Pretty impressed with what you’re doing out there. Keep it going -CK

[@faith-vx3js]

Lucy & Ethel! 🤣😅🤣

[@CaliKim29]

LOL. I'd say that's a good fit!

[@JT-ok6re]

Can you use dry leaves to fill the bottom of your raised beds up from your yard?

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, dry leaves are rich in carbon and can contribute to the overall health of your garden soil. Layer them properly and combine them with other organic materials, add a mix of green materials, such as kitchen scraps, grass clippings, or compost, to provide a balanced ratio of carbon and nitrogen. This will encourage a more efficient decomposition process and prevent any potential issues, such as nitrogen depletion. Ensure that the leaves you use are free from pesticides or other contaminants that could affect the health of your plants. Let us know how it goes! Thanks for watching and please be sure to subscribe and turn on your notifications, JT! Thank you, Kim

[@AprilMiller5312]

So I have a question, I got some topsoil from a local company they sell mulch and stuff like that too. But it seemed really sandy oh, and I was worried about it. We did find a couple of little grub things in it and I think one worm. Kind of worried whether or not my broccoli and cucumbers are going to grow in it or not, let alone if I should get more.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi April, topsoil along doesn't have enough nutrients, mix compost, and worm castings in too. It's not to0 late to add it, work some in around the base of your plants, add some granular organic fertilizer, give them a nice drink with a water soluble fertilizer and you should be good to go. Watch this video for more details, bit.ly/CaliKimRefreshRaisedBedSoilNPKExplained. If it's very sandy, you may need to remove some of that soil and add more compost than you would usually add for better water retention. There's always bound to be some creatures in the soil - worms are a good thing, grubs not so much. But unless you have an infestation, you should be good. Keep me posted and thanks for watching! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@jerryporter4898]

How do deal with fungus problems that cause tomatoes to yellow. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this. Should a fungicide or something else be done early in the season?

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Jerry - watch our video that we'll release this Sunday AM will talk about how to protect your plants from disease at the time of planting, meanwhile Monterey's Lawn & Garden's Dr. Iron helps prevent and correct yellowing leaves....and we'll go from there, how does that sound? Thank you for watching -

[@Vibes2me]

Can I use Raised Bed soil in Smart Pots? I ask Calikim because I am not sure I want the Raised bed, plus the amount of sunlight where I can put it (for and Peppers).

[@CaliKim29]

Hello Dave - yes, this soil will work in Smart Pots too. You might be interested in my new Little Shorty Smart Pots fabric raised bed (just 3' long, perfect for a small space) link and discount below. You'll love growing in it! Thanks for watching! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com ). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@Dana-yj6id]

Hi Kim , on the soil that you save can you use leftover potting soils from previous years ? Ive heard that you should only use Potting soil for indoor plants/ pots?

[@CaliKim29]

Re-used potting mix is fine to use outside in raised beds or containers. I don't use potting mix I've used outdoors for inside growing, as it can bring in bugs to the house. Sterilize any bagged mix you're using inside by pouring boiling water over it (kills bug eggs), let it cool, then plant. Thanks for stopping by, Dana!

[@hernanserrano3464]

Hey guys. Thanks for your videos. Do you have one on how to build a bed on a slope! I have a nice back yard with a slope in the back where I want to plant Daisy’s, Blackeyed Susan’s, and Cone Flowers to attract the birds and butterflies. Any suggestions?

[@hernanserrano3464]

@@CaliKim29 Thanks Guys!

[@CaliKim29]

We don't have a video on this, but I do have a how to build a raised bed on a slope design in my Raised Bed Gardening Book, grab a signed copy at calikimgardenandhome.com. Its very handy for a hilly garden!

[@hernanserrano3464]

@@CaliKim29 Thank you CalKim29 !

[@adriankap2978]

I'm with you Hernan! I have a sloping yard as well and it's really hard to find any video's on doing a planter bed with this issue. I just got 2 stock tanks and need to figure out how to level them in an appealing way since the sun is mostly in my front yard. I'm trying to avoid a permanent paver bed but hopefully someone will be able to find a solution to our problem for us.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Adrian, I have the perfect solution in my book, see above comment and link to ur website! Go for it, it's a really nice DIY build, you'll love it! Get 25% off a signed copy this weekend with the code "summersunshine". Have fun!

[@analarson2920]

Be careful what you fill it with or certain trees or weeds will be growing in you raised bed. Very nice job. 🙏

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, thank you

[@cindyrae2605]

Could I use partially composted wood chips on top pf the cardboard? If so, how many inches would you suggest before adding more goodies? Thanks.

[@CaliKim29]

Yes, you can use partially composted wood chips on top of cardboard in a gardening or composting setting. Make sure to wet the cardboard thoroughly to help it break down faster. As for how much; there isn't a strict exact ratio verbatim, per se, however, do not drown out the amount of wood chips.as compared to the amount of greens. Let me know how it goes! CK

[@cindyrae2605]

thanks, I was asking about inside a wooden raised bed not a compost pile? @@CaliKim29

[@CaliKim29]

Sorry about that. The answer is yes, about 2-3” thick, making sure the wood chips are pretty old - newer chips tie up the nitrogen in the soil. CK

[@cindyrae2605]

Thanks. The chips only tie up nitrogen if you mix them with soil.@@CaliKim29

[@CaliKim29]

Thanks for your patience ! I misunderstood this entire conversation! I am so sorry 🙏

[@kfetter9046]

Your raised bed appears to be at an angle, why did you choose to do that? I love Mac so much! He gives the funniest side-eyed looks, LOL!

[@CaliKim29]

Hi K, aww, thanks, Mac says hi! He has the most expressive eyes, lol! Since we want to add some kind of a sitting area there, the angle allows us to maximize this space and still gets the same sun exposure as if we placed it straight on. Thanks for watching and Happy Easter! 👩🏻‍🌾Book Release Day Sale: 20% off with code “letsgrow” at calikimgardenandhome.com (ends 4/18/22). Includes CaliKim Seed Collections, CaliKim Smart Pots fabric containers and signed books. 🌱NEW: Little Shorty Smart Pots 3 foot fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/smart-pots-containers/. Thanks for gardening with me!

[@ireneasanoma2925]

Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me the most cost-effective way to fill a 4 foot by 8 foot by 2 foot raised bed 4 square foot gardening. It is suggestive that it is filled with Pete moss Vermiculite and compost but that's going to be really expensive.

[@CaliKim29]

Other than the cost saving suggestions in this video - my book Raised Bed Gardening Cover other ideas (website www. calikimgardenandhome.com) Other things to try: Layer organic materials directly in the raised bed. Start with a layer of cardboard or newspaper to suppress weeds. Add alternating layers of organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps, straw, and other compostable materials. This method creates nutrient-rich soil over time as the layers break down. Hope this all helps! CK

[@ireneasanoma2925]

Hi Kim, You know it's funny I forgot To Add to my question that I'm considering square foot gardening and that's why I was asking that question because the way they fill it with Vermiculite Cocoa core or pitmoss and compost, It would be quite expensive to do. I suppose the reason that they do that is because it would be nutrient-rich, Absorb water and have good drainage as well as stain soft and fluffy LOL. Anyway I follow you and have been for over a year now and I do fill my beds the weight that you suggest. I'm leaving the top third open For a possible mix that I'm trying to figure out for the square foot gardening

[@CaliKim29]

LOL!! This makes total sense, Irene!! We've got a lot going on in our garden heads, don't we?? HA HA. So you sound like your on the path to a solution for that last little bit a space there! Good job! CK

[@tiff8998]

I live in a region that is clay soil. Can I still use that to make my garden?

[@CaliKim29]

Unfortunately, You have got to mix it up with compost, and worm castings to break it down. I can relate! Hang in there but get it done!

[@tonimckinstry261]

Kim what kind of wood are you using for your raised beds?

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Tom, we used Douglass fir for this one, usually widely available at most lumber stores. More options in my book on raised bed gardening (calikimgardenandhome.ocom), including pros and cons of each. Thanks for stopping by!

[@markmurphy4748]

The branches will sprout roots

[@noush4283]

Hi what kind of material used on the raised bed.

[@CaliKim29]

It's all in the video and in my book-there's a link in the description - Thanks for watching - CK

[@NowAbundant]

Instead of anything I use breaking down it starts growing 🤣🤣

[@AlvinMcManus]

I have no soil just gravely-silt alluvial fill so I have to use imported material.