How to Start an Urban Homestead (& What NOT to do) Collaboration Series | Hey It’s A Good Life

Today I share with you how I could've started growing food so fast and what I wish I had done differently creating our urban homestead. Enjoy!
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Sarah's Channel - Simple Sanctuary Garden - / @simplesanctuarygarden
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[@heyitsagoodlife]

What do you think? What would you do differently knowing what you know now? Any lessons you care to share? Leave em in a comment! I want to learn from you too...

[@brittneebrice]

Where did you get those bags?

[@simmran1]

I'd get a clip on microphone so tubers can hear

[@gabrielledennis4103]

Thanks for your very informative and useful video!

[@deborahgardner6786]

I would have started with no-dig gardening from the beginning. My friend encouraged me to till the ground and plant a cover crop. Cover crop was a great tip, but I think I would have rather laid cardboard over the whole thing. It would have saved us the resources of renting a power tiller and saved us the physical labor. And I wish I would have solarized before planting anything. I had all the pests in our first garden bed.

[@cassietheenglishteacher]

I would add just starting really small so you can learn lessons along the way on a small scale. My first "garden" was just a few pots, then the next year I added one 4x8 raised bed, then a few more, etc. I think that saved me a lot of money and frustration by learning about garden problems on a small scale and then implementing solutions once I was gardening on a larger scale. :)

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Definitely a great point

[@moonmagickal3634]

Great advice!

[@panther782]

Great advice. I started with a few plants in grow bags and two rabbits. Now we have 28 rabbits, 7 quail and about to get fish. I have been working on garden beds the last few months.

[@SimpleSanctuaryGarden]

You nailed it! Water in the morning to survive, the evening to thrive ❤️

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

You should see my little homestead right now. I took the plunge and I'm growing so many things this year.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I want to seeeee!!

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

@@heyitsagoodlife Haha I think I'm going to do a video soon about growing herbs for my chickens and I'll show off some of it, then.

[@BluemazeWesley]

Grow bags with vertical gardening allow me to grow 60 plants in a 15x20ft space.

[@ema8909]

That's amazing! How's it going for you 7 months later? I'm trying to get started in a similar sized space. And with the option to move if needed.

[@TheCorvidae]

My tip would be to start off growing things you know you and your family eat. Then branch out into things that look interesting that you might like.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Wise words

[@Nitecrow314]

Yes! I was just thinking about this before I came to your comment & it occurred to me that the most logical things to start growing are the things I always buy, and eat on a regular basis.☺️

[@deborahgardner6786]

I agree night watering is great if you're using soaker hoses, but here in Coastal San Diego, my leaves need to dry before nightfall to reduce fungus spread. (Summer 2021 has been a constant battle against powdery mildew. Finally gave up in early Sep and ripped everything out.)

[@duckyluver12]

Nice! I started worm bins 2 years before I planted my first vegetable. Off to a good start! If I water at night I wake up to a fright. My region is slug central because I live in a rainforest. Watering in the morning is the only way I can do it.

[@stiaininbeglan3844]

Ducks. Ducks eat slugs like candy.

[@sharonwittmayer1221]

Yup! Mulch is a total game changer! 🎉

[@nycowgirl22306]

I'm still new and this was very helpful. I'm in zone 6a and started a balcony garden last year

[@Aroeajoy27]

This was so helpful. I am getting back on my homesteading feet. I gave up on it and just haven't done as well mentally or emotionally since letting go. I've decided that even if I have to go slow I want to fight for this. Thanks so much for the advice.

[@dawnbern2917]

Hi, thank you for sharing your five tips. Just wanted to let people know here that grow bags are almost exclusively made of synthetic fibers that break down into microplastics... not something I want in my food, body, or our shared environment. Another comment about vermiculture. I had done vermiculture before in bins with success when I was in an apartment, but now that I have a yard I decided to try to put them in my compost pile and to my surprise they are thriving! I live in Southern California so I'm careful that the pile doesn't dry out more than the first few inches, they gets lots of food waste, and I only use a fork to turn it so as to minimize disturbance to the worms. I'm so happy to combine my composting with the vermiculture, thank you again :-)

[@Ness-oc2hw]

Very inspiring, thanks for the tips. Found a few garden boxes on sale at a website so buying and building now. Got my plants, so planting as soon as the planters are ready!

[@janicechituku9767]

This is so inspiring and cant wait to start

[@homesteadingpastor]

Great video. Thanks for sharing and thanks for those tips. And Amen on keeping a positive attitude with that ANYTHING is possible. 🙏🏻👍🏻😇

[@sharonwittmayer1221]

I live on a 1/9 acre lot but grow abundantly in every single area and I’ve found growing vertically when possible to be a huge Beni fit. ❤ thanks for sharing your gardening tips too!

[@debibreul8559]

I have always heard water in the morning - if later early afternoon before 4pm. also live in So. Calif.

[@snugglebunny.jmosbrook]

Thanks Natalie!!!

[@coverscornersurburbanhomes6235]

I got my first 2 grow bags this year. Will be getting more. I love being able to put there where I want them amongst the garden beds. lol

[@MandyWinkle]

I have grow bags in my amazon cart now! I’m an urban homesteader beginner. Would love a soil care video. I think my boys would love to start a worm farm.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Oh yes. Boys love worms! And yay. I’m so glad. Wishing you all the best and here if you have questions!

[@pickledpepper6576]

Great information for a newbie like me! I had no idea where I should start but I like the idea of starting with compost and worms. Thank you!

[@lyndseymichele]

Oh wow I learned SO much in this short 10 minutes thank you

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I’m so glad :-)

[@stiaininbeglan3844]

Water in morning to survive, evening to thrive. I used to work in the Garden Center in Walmart, and my manager stressed watering in both. Since the plants were just in pots, they'd dry out through the day. So, they got an hour of sprinklers before the store closed at 10, and they got an hour of sprinklers before the store opened at 8. Anything that was still dry after 8 was hand-watered. In the spring, if there was frost, those plants 100% got watered all over before the sun came up. We had very healthy plants. Walmart Canada doesn't allow for that anymore, and the plants are always dying, it seems...

[@ZeroWasteFamily]

All good tips👏

[@stephenlawrence7776]

Love the info and thank you!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I’m so glad! ♥️

[@carleyanne5484]

Great video!

[@klomax7089]

What a great video and right on time for me! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I have a container garden from last year I’m starting again, but put a few things in the ground last fall. I really want to take your advice on grow bags now. And I definitely need to get my GA clay soil prepared (which it is not). I am a new subbie as of today! 😊

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey there and welcome! For growing in ground with clay soil, I really recommend the deep mulch method. Just lay cardboard down on the clay soil or grass. Water it down. Add 4-5” finished compost & plant! The cardboard will kill weeds or grass below and eventually breakdown overtime offering nutrients as well. Good luck & glad you’re here!

[@agnestakacs2059]

Good tips! :) Seems like poop sure his an important ingredient to have. My dad usually orders manure from a local farmer but now we have chickens and they help loads. Working on a worm farm again as dad had a good one going but then he neglected the worms and they died. Gave great compost soil for the garden beds though. Mum and I found some things were better to grow in pots than in garden beds. Especially strawberries. Had more success growing them in pots. But we also like to find random things that you could grow plants in, like styrofoam boxes which stores have their vegetables delivered in or old tires and even reuse the plastic pots that seedlings come in from your local nursery.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

That’s great that you’re starting the worm farm up again. That will come if handy along with all those cute chickens. And I love the creativity. I’m a big believer that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure! ♥️

[@kaythegardener]

Old tires might leach petroleum products that retard the plants' growth...But if you want to contain mint plants?!

[@christinasanchez7447]

Gooood tips Natalie!! 👍👍 When we started gardening, we bought all our supplies, seeds and plants at a big box store. They didnt do so well. 🙁 The variety is limited at these stores and the plant quality is poor. We learned real quick wht a huge difference it makes when you buy quality seeds from a reputable store like Baker Creek (www.rareseeds.com). You can choose from a more specific, disease resistant list of seeds. We started a calendar, diary kinda journal thingy lol. We are keeping track of things like when we started seeds, what kinda soil we used, what and how much we amended soil with, did that specific plant like it, did it rain, when we fertilized and exactly how much. We hope it helps us through the years. Also, we bought blacklight flashlights to help find the hornworms on our tomato plants. It really works!! Those lil shits can eat a tomato plant overnight! It makes them sooo much easier to find cuz they glow in the dark!

[@justinefranklin7826]

I'm late to the poop party and also wished I had started first up with this but it is next on my list of projects and learnings.... will definitely check out your poop / worm series. Thanks!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Haha the poop party. Such an important party to join but hey. Better late than never. Sounds good. Let me know what you think!

[@Robertsshed]

I live near central Dublin, very few homes have trees in their gardens. We are the exception, we have a few apple trees and a giant beech tree. The problem with big trees is that they sucks moisture and nutrients out of the nearby soil which makes it harder to grow veg in the vicinity. After we trimmed the trees back a bit, things improved. We should have done that sooner.

[@letivaccaro]

Thanks for the great tips! I’m going to get mulch!😍

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Look out world! Let is in Net! THANKS MOM

[@BizinessNunya]

Great video thanks! A beginners guide to soil would be awesome in the future!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I think so too. Thank you!

[@robertlafollette2236]

Pretty lady it is good to see you again. This year I broke down and bought some decent ground cover, it sure saves these 75 year old knees a lot of work. God Bless you honey.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Robert!! I had no idea you were 75. Way to still be getting after it ♥️ so great to hear From you Sending a hug!

[@robertlafollette2236]

@@heyitsagoodlife As long as I can move going to have a garden. My garden is behind my garage, it is 28 feet by 16 . I got 30 tomato plants. Peppers, swiss chard, onions, cucumbers, potatoes and beets. Dill zinnias, bachelor buttons. And I can appreciate a pretty lady. Sending Love and hugs.

[@etiennelouw9244]

Unfortunately over here in South Africa, there is nothing you can trust, buy potting soil only to first have to compost it, can't buy untreated wood even when the supplier says it's untreated it won't be, mulch, that will kill your plants and soil. Sad when making money becomes more important than honesty. When my small trees get bigger I will have mulch, but until then the plant will have to shade the soil. Even the gardening places sell rubbish, it's an uphill battle over here, but I am slowly winning.

[@christinasanchez7447]

Glad you liked the compost 🙃👍

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Haha I do!! The best. Thank you

[@jennifercaudle8826]

The problem I have with watering in the evening is slugs. The moisture attracted them.

[@hardnackfarms1736]

I love grow bags I have been using them for many years they are amazing. I highly recommend them. I want to build some raised beds like you built. I love them. I would like some for lettuce, kale, and strawberries onions etc. I will tag you when I do, right now supplies are hard to acquire. We have been trying for a few months now😢 I am praying and staying positive! Blessings! Wendy❤️🐞🐝

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Aw thank you. Yes those things are great I’m raised beds. Good job staying positive. Tough times but God will see us through. I believe revival is here and stirring and His promises still stand!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

@@heyitsagoodlife I am leaning on the Lord and hanging on to his promises. Praying for world peace! Many blessings Natalie as soon as I get a new phone I will have to visit!

[@OldReddingFarm]

loving this collab you guys are doing!!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thanks!

[@johnnymayo8534]

Great tips!! If I may offer a couple of additional 'tips'. Having just started this 'garden journey' this spring, I've found 'patience' and 'flexibility in expectations' r of value!!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Oh yes. Very good additions. Thank you, Johnny. How are you doing?

[@johnnymayo8534]

@@heyitsagoodlife I'm doing great!! Tks for asking!!

[@Liv2Pnt]

One of my tips would be to check with city ordinances before you purchase animals. I started with chickens at my rental in the city, then purchased a home in a small town about 15 minutes away SOOO excited to finally have land (about an acre lot) to really dig in and get my homestead going. Only to find out after the fact that the town didn't allow chickens...I had made the mistake of assuming they would. I mean, if I was able to in the city, why not a small town that's barely a town, right? So I had to get rid of my girls. No chickens, goats, cows, or "farm animals". I don't know if that includes rabbits, but I'm going to try my hand at it next year and see.

[@GardenALittle]

Thank you Natalie! I follow you on Instagram and facebook, always like your pics and videos! What I would do differently is learn about proper spacing earlier rather than later. 😅

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey! Hahah oh man. I think I’m still learning that lesson 😅

[@HomesteadDreaming]

I love your 5 things!!!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hey friend. Thank you!! Heading your way now :)

[@jimmcintyre4390]

This video popped up in my recommendations and to be honest my expectations were very low. Normally "top 5" type videos end up wasting time. This video had great information. Well done!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thanks, Jim! I'm so glad I offered you value!

[@uppanadam74]

I have an urban homestead!! But I've only been gardening for 4 years now!! I'm still learning and its still touch and go!! I go with what works and what doesn't!! This year it will be different cause I now know what I'm doing!! Sort of!! LOL!!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hahah it’s a journey. Every year a little better 👏🏻

[@GrowYourGroceries]

300 days of sunshine.... mind = blown

[@heyitsagoodlife]

We are very lucky 😬

[@urbangardeningandchickenke1018]

Excellent video

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thanks!!

[@WelcometoChickenlandia]

I have some grow bags this year!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

You grow girl!

[@chewyfingers1288]

This spring I decided to make our home a homestead. Im clueless and fumbling about. Im getting things done but need a plan.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Good thing you’re starting somewhere.

[@GrowYourGroceries]

Grow bags mean something so different in the UK 🤣 Your grow bags are actually so nice. Over here a 'grow bags' are basically flat bags of compost where you cut the top off to make a small.growing space. People in the uk often use them to grow tomatoes.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Isn’t it amazing how vernacular can be so different?! I’ll always think of that now. Thanks for sharing!

[@cathybreeding4603]

Great video! I just found you. Gonna check out some more of your vids. 👍

[@roryjames8422]

Hello Cathy 👋 How are you doing today?

[@reginapexton7172]

Thank you for this very helpful information. Where did you say to go to find out about your worm castings or worm farm please?

[@Citystead]

Did you throw in a Joel Salatin quote. Yeah your water situation is way different than mine, we get lots of summer rain.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Haha if I did I didn’t mean too. So lucky for all that rain!

[@RandomKansas]

Chickens are a great companion for any garden. Have you thought about getting a few?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

If I could I would! Not allowed here

[@rochelleboufford8780]

First timer here. Looking into growing our own. So so glad I came upon your video. Can you tell me what kind of worms you use please?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Hi. Welcome! I use red wigglers from Uncle Jim’s worm farm or from our local feed store! www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZPSSGY/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_glt_fabc_ZHGH3YE0YW7F657J0Z3B?linkCode=ml2&tag=natalieargo-20

[@sbayles]

Watering at night here in Texas means powdery mildew and fungus.

[@billmoore6688]

I use soaker hoses too but, how do you water your grow bags?

[@cass2519]

Can you use grow bags on an apartment balcony?

[@maderightamerica3216]

Happy 4th of July, America's Independence Day of celebrating our freedom.🎆🎇✨🎆🎇✨ I hope you, your beatiful baby and husband have a safe and wonderful weekend.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thank you you too!

[@workinprogress3609]

We can't water at nigjt because of the humidity.

[@Tur_kultur]

Hi! I live in Norway and a totally different climatzone. is there common rules for all zones would you say or do one have to ajust to zones in perticular?

[@georgina928]

I enjoyed the video, thank you for the information. I am a bit confused about the watering. I have seen others say it's best to water in the morning so leaves, if they get wet, have time to dry, avoiding diseases. Plus, the mosquitoes don't chew you up. Anyone have more insight on best watering time?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Great points. The approach you mention is an approach to watering that may be more appropriate to a more humid climate. Where we are, it’s very dry and the risk of disease when leaves get wet at night is minimal. Also. We don’t have hardly any mosquitos here in SoCal. Part of why the hike up prices I’m sure 😂

[@georgina928]

@@heyitsagoodlife I'm jealous you dont have mosquitoes. I am in Chicago. It's pretty hot and humid these days. Thanks for your reply and the good points to keep in mind.. Appreciated. I started gardening for the first time last year and am still trying to figure things out.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Oh I know. We are spoiled rotten out here. One day I hope to visit Chicago. My dad was born in Aurora! And of course. I hope it helps. Good for you for starting! You will find your groove. Just have to keep learning and experimenting. Good luck!

[@tammynevil2422]

I have thought about having a worm farm.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Do ittttttt!!! 😆♥️

[@snugglebunny.jmosbrook]

I wish I did more compost, and worms

[@cafedunier]

What material was the mulch you like made of?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

That is a great question. This is what is says on their website: “Three feedstocks are used to produce our products: Composted organics, brush and tree wood and construction wood.” From what I understand, they take foods craps and green waste from around the county, combine that with wood scraps, and churn out mulch.

[@angellunahtx]

Can you post where you started learning this stuff? Like book recommendations etc?

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Just from experience ♥️

[@ema8909]

Hi! Thanks for the info. I have a question: I live in an attached unit and have a small concrete patio where I will start growing in grow bags. There are rats/mice in the area that walk the patios and fences at night. What can be done to protect my growing food from them? Tyia!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Ooo that’s rough!! We’ve dealt with that too. There are options like pheromone sprays that you can use but truthfully the only thing that’s helped here are cats and rat traps :/

[@ema8909]

@@heyitsagoodlife eeeek! Thanks for the reply!! Much appreciated ♥️

[@Thankful_.]

Would it be possible for u to secure a clear plastic storage tote on top of it during the night? Perhaps sitting a heavy rock on top?

[@debcahill3382]

I would love to give worm farming a go! I live in the Sacramento valley and am worried it’s too hot! What’s too hot? How can I mitigate? Help!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

There are lots of options. Namely bringing them somewhere cooler in the hot months. I have some ideas here in my worm farm playlist and a whole plethora of options for you in my course!

[@shaneomack5018]

You did not just say squash sex hahahhhahahahhaa the internet is broken now ms Natalie

[@heyitsagoodlife]

🤪 oh but I did. I didhaha

[@shaneomack5018]

Hey It's a Good Life 👍❤️

[@jimfuqua3170]

I like you

[@GrowYourGroceries]

You are the worm goddess. You need a crown.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I’m ready 👸🏻

[@terryphillips4070]

it would have been nice if you could have shown us some of your plants. Very superficial and poor quality sound. Sorry!!

[@repurposedart9897]

Chapstick...

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Pregnant...

[@erickahumphrey3061]

Great video!!

[@heyitsagoodlife]

Thank you!