I HATE My Garden!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If you enjoyed this video, please *LIKE* it and share it to help increase its reach! Thanks for watching 😊TIMESTAMPS here: 0:00 The Problem With My Garden 2:44 Garden Upgrades I'm Making In 2025 4:02 Upgrade Your Raised Garden Beds 6:10 Filling A Raised Garden Bed 7:13 Future Gardening Upgrade Plans 9:27 Adventures With Dale

[@elikerr785]

I've been wanting to put up shade over my whole garden area, which is like 20x30 right now... I'd love to roof it in, but am thinking I can hang shade cloth with cables and posts... Do you think 4x4's every ten feet, with metal cable ran through the grommets and fastened to the posts w/turnbuckles would be sufficient? Would 6x6's be worth the extra work/cost? Do you think it's possible to hang shade cloth like a shade sail at that size would work or droop too much?

[@margowhiterussian]

I’m in Goldsboro NC I have been watching your channel for quite while And surprisingly this year I made my raised beds out of roofing metal sheets and they are 15 inches high and then I put concrete pathways in between so I don’t have to deal with the weeds and a while back. I did invite you to come out and check My insulation still open

[@donmitchell493]

Based on this video, do you still recommend those 12" metal raised beds or should we get deeper ones?

[@WeRecycleTreesEdibleLandscapes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmaaeaFvZq-gqrc Couple thoughts - use just slightly smaller screws so they don't stick out, or angle them just a bit... And you might appreciate a 2x6 screwed around the top perimeter, because then you can use the whole thing as a bench to sit on and not have to kneel at all :)

[@samm8697]

I live in Upstate SC and had to redo my garden. Had three garden beds made from wood. They were getting eaten up my termites and carpenter ants. So I convinced my wife that I needed eight metal raised beds and a greenhouse. I’m ready for next season.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Did you use PT wood? MCA PT lumber is great for garden beds. 6 years later and mine show no signs of rot, and most years we have gotten 80 or more inches of rain.

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

I live in upstate South Carolina too and my wooden beds are also falling apart. I have started torching my wood as a form of preservation and will try this next season with the remainig ones that are garaged. I will also try to build some from pallets.

[@ryanricker6556]

Charlotte NC I had the termite issue also. Swapped them all out to metal raised beds. My OG beds were also made of FREE wood I could find. Mostly pallet wood not treated. LOVE the metal beds. They’re deeper and just better.

[@deed5811]

I went with galvanized raised beds beyond my original cinder block bed. Haven't regretted it.

[@TheGameHHH2000]

Upstate SC also 👍🏻

[@joyfulparadise]

I love how u are REAL about some of the things that irritate u, even as an expert gardener. But more importantly i like how u solved the problem. Nice.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm not an expert gardener. I'm just an enthusiast. I don't want anyone to think I'm an expert. I just like experimenting and finding a better way to do things.

[@robklein583]

I have four 4x8ft raised beds for my gardens. About the same height as your new double bed. But I am getting older and don't like bending over or kneeling by the beds. So I mounted a 1x6 patio deck type board all the way around to use as a bench type seat. I just sit sideways on the bench and can reach into the bed with one arm about 2 feet from either side, thus I can work easily on the entire bed from the two sides while seated comfortably.

[@patrickdurkin3157]

This is a great time of year to make huge amounts of compost, easy and cheap way to fill beds. Collect leaves, cut grass, clear out garden beds, chop with lawn mower. Water and layer. Turn after a week. Then again the next week. Check moisture. Easy. Next spring fill your beds.

[@lorib5323]

im doing that now. I learned the hardway filling up 6 beds last year cost me hundreds of dollars.

[@patrickdurkin3157]

@ growing food is about saving money not spending it! Make as much as you can.

[@marilynm8812]

I dug out one bed, removed all the tree roots that invaded the bed, had to discard the bottom wood layer, relocated the top frame to another bed. Added wood chips to space and plan to grow in grow bags and containers. Did that this Fall when the weather got cooler and took days since I am a senior. Dug out a 2nd bed and removed roots but left the bed intact. Have to see how long it takes for the roots to grow back. Will have to transition to all containers eventually.

[@julandy5969]

I’m having the same issue with tree roots in my raised beds. Such a pain and so much work to remove them.

[@lesmar234]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Love your channel, I grow in middletown, de zone 7, my garden is 1100 sq feet and I just love it. I have 19 cattle panels, 50+ raised metal bed, a 100 sq foot in ground bed, and cinder block raised beds thats about 160+sq feet. I started building during covid, and have not stopped...I'm doing what your doing now, making a few changes here and there. Can't wait for 2025 growing season!!!!!!!!

[@OleensEmbroidery]

I got my 3 year old dog a 5 month old puppy. His days of moping around unless I stimulated him are over. They love each other and zoom around constantly. I think I added at least two more years to his life.

[@Brennor21]

You might want to consider a poly tunnel leaving the ends open for ventilation. In case of a hurricane or really bad storm you could remove the poly and put it back up when the storm is gone. Also you can put shade cloth on it to cool things off if wanted. Just some thoughts, best of luck with what you decide on.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It won't work here. I live in an HOA, and my yard is too small. We also get 2-4 tropical storm events a year, and there is no way I can put it up and take it down. It has to be a permanent install and be wind-proof.

[@sheriharader2566]

My experience is that gardening is an ongoing fine-tuning and making adjustments. Every year, I try something new, often at the frustration of my husband, that has supported my gardening efforts for years. ❤😊 For the past 12 years, my garden containers have been mostly livestock water troughs. They are still like new. It's going to be fun to watch your progress!

[@pricer39]

Afrer replacing my children's kiddy pool 3 x's, I bought a 200 gallon, blue, stock watering trough. It has lasted over 28 years and now I use it primarily as a rain cistern for free water for working around the yard it WAS a good purchase! (:

[@sheriharader2566]

@pricer39 funny, I want a blue stock tank for a dog swimming pool. They love the water! Maybe I'll join them?

[@pricer39]

@sheriharader2566 I often use mine on hot days to cool off, then it's easier to keep working in the garden . I've had a few visting dogs-most like to drink out of it. Floating fur is fun for the ones who jump in I don't have a filtration system (thinking of building a bog type filter with a solar pump). Cheers!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

That's why I like gardening. Every year is different, and there is always room for learning and improvement. It's a constant growing experience and always exciting.

[@laurab8547]

I currently live in Texas and I am so proud of myself that I have learned how to produce a pretty good garden here. However, the past two summers we have had months of no rain and unbearable heat here. My gardens have done okay, just not the amount of effort and money I put into it. I’m sick of the heat, so next year we are planning on moving, to Pennsylvania! Can’t wait to get real seasons and have. Much better climate to garden in.

[@mariap.894]

Ugh! I don't like the heat, but Pennsylvania...almost 5 months of cold and snow, that's a little extreme for me. Good luck!❤

[@MeltedElf]

Hey I know you're probably considering this, but make sure you know exactly where the water off the roof is going to drain. One of the biggest mistakes with chicken coops is having the coop roof drain into the run area, which causes horrible mud and erosion issues. You don't want to create more problems adding your roof in the wrong direction lol

[@fishingsammystyle8682]

It's exactly the work to be done in flip flops. Preferably with a nice cup of tea and while listening to the radio. Keep on keeping on dude. You're doing it right.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I agree with everything except carrying the beds. They were heavy from years of sitting in moist soil, and since they're 10 feet long, they're an ankle twist waiting to happen. I'm lucky I didn't twist an ankle.

[@fishingsammystyle8682]

@TheMillennialGardener if you had twisted your ankle you'd just have to sit in a chair in your garden listening to the radio enjoying a nice cup of tea.

[@nancyn.226]

You have been my inspiration to rethink my yard, now being turned into a garden, fruit trees, raised beds, etc. Taking it one step at a time. Thanks for your videos and shared knowledge ❤

[@SBoots29]

As an older gardener mobility is limited. I built raised beds at 26 inches, no kneeling. Pressure treated frame but lined with metal. 4 X 8 dimensions. I did put a galvanized wire in the middle to keep the walls from spreading. The first 14 inches are filled with flax straw then the soil to top. this year they worked well with the rain we had. Good luck in your project.

[@SJVR4758]

its clear you are going through a true gardening renaissance. Your frustration has been evident for a while. Best wishes to you - you are a good and knowledgable gardener. Keep going.

[@HomeSweetHomewithKaren]

This is great, I thought you were going to rip out all those beds and put in those gorgeous metal garden beds that pretty much every YT gardener is sponsored by and gets for free it seems while we shleps have to pay for it. (No judgement, I would take them if they were given to me too). My respect for you has just grown 1000x. Kudos.

[@nancycongiusti7526]

Today I set up my seed starting room in my basement. I'm pretty excited!! 🎉

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Excellent! It's hard to believe, but it's almost seed starting season already.

[@nancycongiusti7526]

@TheMillennialGardener I know!! I'll start onions the very end of December/ first week of January. BUT now I can grow spinach and lettuce inside..until I build my portable hoop house. Lol Thanks to you, my goal is to extend my outdoor growing season.

[@lbarmstrong1]

I just finished a two week cleanout of my own basement and plan to do just that also. Time to take the "science experiment" out of the kitchen this winter! In Atlanta and still getting tomatoes, by the way! And tons of peppers still. Our growing season is really long this year.

[@lindag9975]

Awesome! I recently bought a 2 foot deep raised bed, and it's a game changer. I didn't completely fill it with soil yet but planted my winter crops with it about half full, and they are working. My dogs can't reach into it so that's another plus. I will likely fill it more next spring for the spring and summer items. And it's in the spot where I already have shade cloth poles for the summer.

[@mazieways]

I was wondering! You are so organised and thanks for showing how you do things, your channel is fun and educational!

[@tinad6812]

I like the way you put the wood supports to fix the twisting. I made two elevated raised beds this year and the wood really didn’t line up well. I’m okay with it though. They look nice. Now I know what to do in the future if I make another one. I’m glad you figured out how to make your garden more like you want it. 😊

[@katiem9644]

Nice job with the raised bed. That height is so much easier to work with; you'll love it. Im re-doing a lot of my flower beds right now, adding compost and other amendments. Great time to work in the garden, and Im taking my sweet time.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

November is a good month to garden. If only the sunsets were later...

[@ronhart4166]

I would suggest adding a center board or wire to your beds. It will keep the bed from spreading out in the middle. You could also cut your bed stakes longer and drive them in the ground. Love the channel !!👊

[@sarathompson6628]

After 5 seasons in Florida rains my wood beds have started to rot, so I’m looking at making some changes in the not-so-distant future as well. But getting to a point like that is a great time to assess what’s working and what’s not.

[@JuniperLynn789]

I’m a new gardener. Just moved to very upstate SC from south Florida (hence why I never gardened, it was too hot down there). Love this channel! I’ve learned a ton here. Before I started my garden, I asked the locals advice. They told me do not build my raised beds from any kind of wood. That was hard for me because I wanted the pretty aesthetic cedar beds I see in Southern Living. But they suggested metal ones. They said even cedar will turn an off color quickly in our climate and I will hate them. So I did the white metal ones (17 in high) that I can add the covers and accessories easily to. I also had a nice greenhouse built. Everything has held up perfectly! I have a fantastic garden that was exploding with crops. Still wish I could have the cedar beds but I don’t regret my decision and it will save me money in the long run.

[@kathille6622]

2’ High Raised galvanized raised beds were a game changer for me. No weeds and easy to maintain. I filled them using the Hügelkultur method.

[@tmontero8492]

Well done! I did the same thing, but for different reasons. My garden has almost outgrown me and I wanted to divert some time and effort to my other interests by combining my 2 lowest beds into one taller and more manageable bed. Although plenty of garden space remains, about half of it requires less daily/weekly maintenance. I really like your idea of adding a protective cover to shield your crops against the heavy rains!

[@genv8428]

Can't wait to see what all you do, it's gonna be fun. And YES you will LOVE the higher beds, we bought the 8ftx4ft and 14in tall raised beds. Absolutely love them, pull ya a chair over and sit and do what you gotta do. No bending.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm going to build a seat on the edge to sit on. I'm looking forward to it.

[@superdave336]

I did concrete blocks for my beds two years ago. This last year I doubled the height for all of them. It makes for a much better and easier to access garden beds. You will like the added height.

[@ericr.9987]

Great idea with the roof over the beds. Im in upstate new york and use a 1/4 mesh net during the rainy season to slow it down before it hits the plants. I also put weep holes in the sides of my raised beds as well to help with drainage in my heavy clay soil.

[@thereseboogades8498]

Great ideas & nice work! Thanks for illustrating options. Looking forward to the projects you have lined up. ❤

[@ebradley2306]

Your new bed looks great. I have a combo of raised beds (8 in), in-ground beds and a couple 17 in metal beds. Bending down doesn’t bother me. Also enjoy digging, shovelling and raking. In my 60’s. I like all the different ways I have to use my body to garden. It contributes to me staying in shape.

[@PlowAndPantryHomestead]

I never would have thought to stack existing beds!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

As long as they were made to the same template, it's easy. If your beds are random sizes and not precise, you'll have to unscrew everything and cut the wood to fit, then rebuild. Consistency really pays dividends.

[@mariap.894]

Wow, that toy did not last long! 😮 It is super cute to see him running through your yard.🐕💗 Thanks for the video ❤

[@MikeDolanFliss]

Nice! Coincidentally, I'm from NJ and moved to NC as well - 20 years ago though, in my case. At this point, after a lot of iterations, for annuals I typically build raised beds using 2x10s and 4x4s in the corner. I typically go 2 deep, so practically speaking the beds end up 18" tall. Helps a lot, though of course not cheap. But I wouldn't go back to shorter beds or 1x material. At the moment I have about a dozen beds like that for annuals, and use shorter 2x material for long beds for bushes and trees. In early years I might only fill the first 10" or so, but topping it up with mulch over winter adds inches over time too. Best wishes!

[@submariner50]

Nice. I use the Oldcastle wall blocks for my raised bed corners. The boards slide in easily and can stack them higher. Portable. No nails.

[@yunniekal]

Instead of a roof, Shade cloth works. We use them in Florida to keep the sun off the delicate stuff and a lot of rain off. only enough gets through to water things and the rest run off the sides. And easy to take down and replace if ripped.

[@Tracy-plant.lover-]

Looks great! Mine are 12 inches and it’s a lot to fill but I am constantly adding leaves, and wood chips, shredded cardboard and newspaper.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It's worth it, for sure.

[@jaytoney3007]

I live in north central Alabama. Heat is extreme in the summer, and cold in the winter. My garden project was supposed to be moving three raised beds to where they get more light year-round and are partially shaded in the summer. I had planned to do it in October after the temperatures had cooled down, but instead nearly killed myself doing it in the peak summer heat in August. I'm glad I did it now, as the raised beds are in the perect location for growing root crops. I have carrots, beets, parsnips, and turnips growing in them, the best they have ever grown. I wouldn't have those garden goodies growing until late February if I hadn't done the work when I did. I have three raised beds made of 2x8x8 boards. I need to double their height, but not until next year, or maybe the year after? First, I want to see how my winter crops do next year, and fall crops next year too, before I commit myself to doing it. As they are, they are great for gowing tomatoes, and are under a polytunnel greenhouse frame that I can easily cover with shade cloth if needs be.

[@suzannebarron5440]

I am so happy to have found your channel!!! I also live on the North Carolina coast and the soil here is horrible. Nice to see you overcoming the the same conditions I have.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

The native soil here is very poor, *but* you can transform it overtime. Sandy soil can be transformed into beautiful sandy loam in a few years. You just have to add 3-4 inches of compost and then keep it buried under 3-6 inches of mulch all the time. I always keep a mulch layer over all my fruit trees, and the soil over the last 5-6 years has become *really* nice.

[@halenthal]

Reminds me of when I laid out 12 4x8 raised beds, spaced them perfectly to be able to make one pass between them with my 42 inch lawnmower...and then the very next year bought a 50 inch lawnmower. Had to move almost every bed. They went to 72 inches apart and I just live with making two passes.

[@TamaraLMJ62]

Great trouble shooting there. You are right, it's better not to have to bend low. Look forward to see how you build a cover. I want to have a greenhouse.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I wish a high tunnel was a possibility. Maybe one day.

[@buffalocheckchicks7837]

I'm a novice gardener & just planted in metal raised beds. I live in Arizona & unfortunately don't have to worry about rain...but HEAT! Now we're getting a cold front & my tomatoes that just set fruit have to be covered every night! I'm learning by watching KZbin gardening channels including yours! 😅 thanks!

[@kalinystazvoruna8702]

Wisdom is what you get right after you need it.

[@katrinalynn6]

i got metal raised garden beds after a semi truck accident they really are helpful i cant stoop like i could

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I have a few, but you can’t modify them. I like putting hoops on my bed and running drip lines through them, so the metal beds can’t really accommodate me.

[@darceyschultz2370]

I love my raised beds i got them from Amazon there 2 x4x 6. Ft. But it costs a lot to fill them being 2 ft tall. But i love them. Good luck with the new beds. God bless Hi Dale.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It does cost more to fill a deep raised bed, which was my original reason for going with 2x8's. I couldn't afford all the lumber and compost to fill them. But, looking back, they are definitely worth it. The next raised beds I make will probably be three 2x8's deep. It'll cost me a lot more, but I want to enjoy working in the garden and I just don't like these shallow beds anymore.

[@darceyschultz2370]

@@TheMillennialGardener I couldn't garden in ground or shallow beds anymore to much bending over and not good on knees or back. So I love my 2 ft beds. Easier to weed as well. . Enjoy

[@susiesue5237]

I have some totes that I use as mini raised beds. They are about that height. I use a folding 1 step stool to sit on when working in the totes. You look to be close to the same height as me, so that may work well for you too.

[@80sRockHead]

I made my raised beds by stacking 3 2 X 12s, so they are over 30 inches tall. I love it, I dont have to bend over at all. I filled the bottom with lighter weight material like sticks and brush etc. If you stacked your beds 3 high instead of 2 high, you probably be happy that.

[@jdsw970]

I love your attitude perspective and ability to communicate clearly

[@farmermarshall]

As an older gardener I've just. now learned the benefits of raised beds. That was a bunch of work & an amazing job that you did!

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

I do all of my gardening in the fall and winter months in SW Florida zone 11a. I can't deal with the heat and mosquitoes from May through September. My herb garden is under my carport, and I just maintain that during the summer months. I'm looking forward to seeing the changes you make.

[@doowopshopgal]

@@user-hz7kv6js6l very interesting !!!! so can you grow tomatoes and cucumbers also

[@marthakenny2491]

I am with you, I hate my garden. I live in 9A Florida and the constant heavy rains caused rot, and then squash bores. I learned to get plenty of dollar tree shower curtain liners and table cloth weights. We had two hurricanes and had to turn over and pull all plants because it was a total loss. So Fall planting and already with the rains, but I am prepared now, but ageing back and two foot surgeries have left me unable to DO what I need to do. SO very slowly and cautiously, raising my beds and repositioning beds. What a bummer

[@billibluejean]

My 4x8 beds are 24” high. Some are 5 years old. No cross brace is necessary; what you’ve got will be enough. I fill my beds hügelkultur style, so only need about half the soil. I think you’ll enjoy having the deeper beds.

[@dshares]

Those gray screws are indoor drywall screws. You should use outdoor deck screws which are yellow. They will last years longer outdoors.

[@sandrabeck8788]

I thought the perimeter beds were really useful and nice. The higher beds are great idea, it will be interesting to see what you do.

[@BronxBabyRamos]

Good for you. Happy you were able to reuse materials! Looking forwards to the setup.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you!

[@JoanneTaylorQabboJo]

I’m an older gardener at 34 degrees south, South Africa. I’ve learned so mush of the basics from you. Our main problems are birds, big bugs and monkeys. They take 70 percent of our produce, but hey, they need to live too I guess. Thanks for making these videos for us.

[@bearsmom42]

It'll be interesting to watch the changes you make. I started straw bale gardening 3 years ago and will never do it any other way!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

My straw bale garden worked great til July. Then, the straw rotted and my plants all died. I learned the hard way my climate is too hot and wet. The straw decomposes too quickly here.

[@bearsmom42]

@@TheMillennialGardener I'm in Ohio and get 2 yrs out of a bale before I have to break it up and put it in a container.

[@sodsqad8089]

I have been following your channel for several years. I build high end garden plots for homeowners only and have did so for 25 plus years. I share your channel with want to be gardeners. You show folks how to get into gardening on a low budget. When they realize they enjoy gardening they learn from there mistakes. I would never build a raised garden bed less than 18 inches deep. I use only redwood for my raised beds. It lasts 20 years or longer. I never use pvc pipe, it will turn brittle and break in a few years. Use EMT. Show your subscribers how to use and bend EMT. Keep up the great videos.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I appreciate you sharing my channel. Redwood isn't really found here on the East Coast. I'm guessing you're out west. We only have cedar, and it's so absurdly expensive that building one raised bed would be a $400 endeavor. It's PT lumber here or bust. Even building an 18+inch deep out of PT #2 pine will be $150/bed, which is why I built my beds as single layers in the beginning. I crunched the numbers, and even back in 2018 when lumber was half the cost it is now, it would've cost $10,000 to build and fill all the beds that deep. That was a big NO for me at the time 😂

[@sodsqad8089]

@@TheMillennialGardener I live in Central California. Clovis, Ca. I am seeing more folks getting into growing there own vegetables and that excites me. I share with my clients my own mishaps as you do. Keep up the great videos and continue to grow!

[@PlantObsessed]

Im totally here for the project. Cant wait for the next video.Dale post bath zoomies🎉🎉🎉

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you!

[@CharityBenz-w2y]

Brilliant. Will do the same and now will have room for a greenhouse which has been sitting in boxes in the garage for three years! Thanks.

[@kathryngeen1447]

Love this- you’re a Gardening Coach in the best sense of the word! Good luck on the garden changes - veery inspiring! Living in piedmont of VA - some similarities to SC and your references to our zoning differences is always so helpful. Cheers to you!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks! I'm glad the videos are inspirational.

[@danhogle1776]

I made y raised beds 26" deep (12' long x 4' wide). I also did huglekulture method so i didn't have to do quite as much soil/compost. It does settle for the first couple years and needs topping off, but overall not having to be bent over is a huge plus.

[@carolannhartley359]

You can reuse another garden bed to top up your 14" ones next season. 21" sounds a good depth to aim for.

[@markgardner9107]

My raised beds are about 22 inches high, great for my back, they each have a flat edge, perfect for resting.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

That's another reason I put those 2x4's in. I'm going to build a seat around the bed.

[@keepitsimplesusan818]

I so enjoy watching you problem-solve and improve your garden plot! I look forward to watching your progress-especially what you decide to do with the rain run-off from your new roof. Rain collection barrel conveniently right in your garden? Small holes in your roof to let part of the rain through? What material will the roof be made of? Will it be flat or peaked? We'll soon know! 😊

[@scottscriticalmass]

Thanks for sharing the upgrades... Reminds me I have work to do in my garden.

[@SilkiesPb]

I did the same thing!! They look so much better and they seem to be working better as well.

[@jamessorensen7277]

You are a great inspiration! My wife’s dog always distracts me from the garden chores also!

[@marcfruchtman9473]

Good idea. I am also glad you used "Heat Treated" wood, and not "Pressure Treated" which would contain chemicals.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

No, I use PT lumber. The anti-PT lumber myths are leftover from decades ago when PT lumber was CCA-treated, which used arsenic. That has been banned for decades from residential lumber and is limited to marine and utility applications, mostly. Modern residential PT lumber is treated with liquid copper. There is still fear mongering surrounding its use, but there is no real evidence to suggest any harm, and if there were, your plants would show it. In fact, if you've ever bought organic produce from a store, it has probably been sprayed directly with liquid copper fungicide, because you can actually get OMRI-certified liquid copper.

[@marcfruchtman9473]

@@TheMillennialGardener Ah, that does make sense about the CCA. I was looking at the video from 4:53, where you are cutting the wood, and it doesn't have any symbols for PT, but it does have the HT, so, I thought most of the wood was HT. But, yea, if the main boards are ACQ etc... it makes sense.

[@scottroberts5492]

WOW I would have swore your garden was bigger then 35 by 35 feet!! You're going to love the higher beds. I have two 36' long 25" tall and 24" wide in U shapes facing each other with 4 birdies raised beds in the center. You will find your rain problem to not be as bad as you raise your beds. I live in the same region as you and my beds are always semi-dry.

[@ratled1]

If you like double hight try triple 2x8s... you could use the narrow ones you are going to rip out. Its a perfect height for a garden chair, a walker with a seat or a wheelchair.... and thats why I have triple height 2x8s

[@BobZoom2U]

I went with stacked 2x8x12. Have never regretted it. Trellised with 1/2 EMT, which lasted until Helene. Whatever is replaced will continue to use 1/2 EMT because it's half the price of 3/4, and it did last 7 years. The actual problem was being unable to remove the shade cloth in time. I use agricultural plastic over the beds. Weeding is a non-issue. Drip takes care of irrigating the raised beds, and pretty much everything else.

[@jeffsullivan3362]

I would suggest adding a support board across the middle of that taller bed. Otherwise there's a good chance the added weight of soil will cause the middle to bow.

[@Livingsamsara]

The quirks; "They were cute at first!" with the dance. 😆 I really appreciate your vlogging the improvements moving forward!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I try to have fun 😃

[@elikerr785]

Damn it's like you read my mind with your video releases... Thanks for the excellent content! I'm so over many elements of my garden right now too, and can't seem to decide on what I'm doing next. Many plans and unable to make decisions...

[@emilygardner]

very excited to see your projects!

[@lindagilmore8352]

I like it! You always surprise me with your videos, I always check your videos everyday! Thank you!

[@pamelagardner4191]

I loved your opening; it made me smile!

[@buzzyhardwood2949]

Great idea to stack your frames. I built my original raised beds from rough cut 2X8s in 2012. By last year the frames had rotted, were slumping into the pathways or just generally coming apart at the corners. I had reinforced the corners with short lengths of 2X4 like you did. This area was likely hayfield in its former life so I was always fighting grass encroachment and infestation with Cardaria (white top). I live in western Montana but the dry climate made no difference in how fast wood rotted.Last year I finally decided to set up my raised beds in a drier, not hay grass supporting, part of the property. I ditched the wood frames and went with 19” high galvanized steel beds. It took a whole year to get them all laid out, lay down wide fabric walkways, then fill with an abundant supply of sticks/small branches, then composted chicken bedding and then “topsoil” that was absolutely chock full of pebbles to small stones. I sifted every single shovelful to have some semblance of real topsoil. I went with the taller beds because I was/am trying to be proactive in keeping my 71 year old body from straining from all the bending over I .planted three of these new beds this past summer and was more than pleased at their productivity and ease of tending the space. Be grateful you can work all winter. Not gonna happen here in the northern Rockies starting real soon. Good luck with your project.

[@gardeningwithjazzy]

Great video & yes this is a great time of the year to clean up the garden 👍🏾

[@lindagilmore8352]

I like it! You always surprise me with your videos, I always check your videos everyday! Thank you! I always get a kick out of Dale, he's great!

[@Godiswatching45]

Yep, RAISED or WITH legs, or Towering. limited amounts, not over whelping ❤❤❤❤

[@kb1236]

We are redoing our garden this year too! I am 67 and my husband helper is 70 and we both have bad backs and knees. We had five 20x4 foot rows plus a couple of raised metal beds. We battle bermuda grass every year and many other weeds in Georgia. When the heat of summer gets here we just can't keep up anymore and it takes over our beds. We don't have that problem with the 2 raised beds, they are easy to maintain. So we bought 3 of the metal 6'x3'x17" beds to replace 3 of our rows. We had enough compost and soil in the rows to fill the beds with a little added peat. I will be able to sit and work on the beds and we put them far enough apart to run the riding mower between them. I plan to run the black polly up the side and attach drip tape, I have seen it done from inside the bed but that takes up room at the end. I also will figure out a way to use hoops on a couple of them. I have seen the Vego beds with added on metal framing with netting over them on Living Traditions Homestead, so there is a way to do it.

[@shandarolls1954]

Great video-it’s so real! My northern Cali. 4 year old beds not preforming so dug up to rehab soil…was surprised to find bottom layers consumed with roots from neighbors wisteria😩which grew under the fence and through the bottom of raised bed ! Not sure what next except repeat every year. I really don’t like wisteria!

[@lesliejacobs3002]

I had to put all my garden in old horse troughs..drainage holes..but still on pavers..why..because the neighbors 3 cottonwoods planted less than 10 feet from my fence and garden area.. grew in 12 years from saplings to 40feet tall..roots sucking the moisture out of the soil…. Bonus ..kinda like the tall beds.

[@margaretedwards4157]

That new double-depth bed looks awesome. Nice work!

[@dao8805]

Who is ever going to arrive at the perfect gardening set-up? It seems natural that gardening should be a constant state of evolution and improvement. Personally, I am having a hard time trusting pressure-treated wood to not leach chemicals into the garden soil, despite manufacturers' claims to the contrary. For the sake of everyone using it for gardening with it, I hope I am wrong. I am going to try torching untreated wood to act as a preservative. As I live in zone 4a and we do not have the kind of moisture you have, I am hoping it works. At any rate, I am looking forward to seeing what you will change in your set-up. You videos are always informative and inspiring! p.s. Dale's bath-induced zoomies are adorable :)

[@trashbuilds8351]

Great idea to make you garden work for you as your needs change. I have a damaged spine so I struggle to dig......so I figured a shop vac could do the digging for me and it has changed my life lol - plus it helps break up and mix soil to fine and fluffy goodness (and simply vacuuming patio/lawn/all around house builds up a lot more soil/compost material than you'd think so free soil is a win win for me!

[@trashbuilds8351]

to clarify...vacuuming around OUTSIDE house, not indoors with fluff and hair (gag lol) and I use the larger hose size shop vac for leaves and stray mulch (i think 2.5 inches)

[@Midnightforestco]

Have you thought about some kind of clear rolled vinyl cover over hoops that you can flop into place when too much rain is in the forecast? Leaving it open at the bottom, the plants could still breathe, but you could individually control which beds got rainfall and which were kept dry. A bit of work and expense but not too much.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Yes. Plastic doesn’t work here. It blows off in the wind, and my plants get nuked, even in winter. Our sun is too strong. PVC can hold the force of ag fabric, but it doesn’t do well with winds over 30mph. Too much wind resistance.

[@Midnightforestco]

It’s an interesting engineering problem to be sure. I’ve had some luck with cattle panels instead of pvc tubing. Maybe cut some air flaps into the rolled vinyl.

[@unknownname8328]

Brother, if you DONT 🔥 BURN YOUR NEW WOOD BOARDS. I will cry.... it's protects the wood. You can even burn the old wood and it will help.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I use PT lumber. That won't burn easily. You may not want to burn them, actually.

[@unknownname8328]

@TheMillennialGardener brother I've burnt PT wood and non treatment wood with a weed torch works amazingly. Nice dark beautiful wood grain comes out. I love your videos. But go try this on some scrap wood. Just need propane tank and weed torch

[@kathrynjones8252]

Very inspiring video! Thank you so much for posting it. I have watched you all year and have learned enough to grow a really nice garden. I look forward to seeing yours when it’s finished. And, by the way, I love “Adventures with Dale!”

[@sherrybraxton7520]

I'm with ya buddy! Yep, In it to win it I greatly enjoy your videos. You've taught me a lot Keep on growin'

[@jjr6929]

I built all of my raised beds as double height from the get go...2*6 or 2*8 or 2*10, used pieces of 4*4's in the corners. Currently landscaping the front yard...removed about 2 yards of crap soil to reuse behind fence line. Used 3,000 # of concrete, about to buy some new soil in bulk, plus bulk shredded mulch then plant cannas, iris and mums....all acquired cheaply....now to find some bulbs....

[@katrinatanchoco6777]

I can't wait to see this slowly unfold. Please do document, number the vids and already build as a playlist!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I will add them to this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL1gY7BoYBGIHMf0bVzDMprnX-CazSKZL6&si=LchGPFjrRujgQO25

[@katrinatanchoco6777]

@TheMillennialGardener Awesome! I'm watching the playlist now from the very first vid. THANK YOU and gogogo!

[@OleensEmbroidery]

I hate that you are moving from NC. So much of your content is extremely relevant to me.

[@shirleyemerson]

Do you mulch your onions? If you do, when do you put the mulch on them? My garden needs added on to. I have 8 beds, I need more, but I can't afford any right now. You will love your garden again when you get your beds the way you want them. Thanks so much for all your help. God bless you and your family.

[@MikeG-mp2sj]

a problem I've run into with stacked wood raised beds is that dirt seems to find its way out in between the planks. I suggest a liner of some sort around the perimeter to prevent that. Not sure what yet as that will be my adjustment next year. and yeah ... I lost my blueberries and regular grass in backyard at the end of our NC endless rain this summer. I feel ya.

[@caseyandtara]

Good to hear from you again. It's been a minute.

[@GODPROPERTY125]

This is what I’m doing now in my garden while the weather is nice, I’m going to try to make cover for everything. We deal with heat, rain and wind in NC😮‍💨

[@baneverything5580]

Psychic Armadillos randomly uproot my garden. I can surround it in wireless alarms and stay awake night after night but as soon as I unplug the alarms and get a good rest they show up again. I finally got 3 of them and I felt bad about it but scaring them only made things worse...they`d return and do way more damage. I think I got their leader because I haven`t seen them in months. So I can`t really plant a few things here, 2 plants there, carefully mulch and have everything neat and efficient because whichever 2 or 3 plants or little area is the MOST important to me is the first thing they destroy. This spring it was my little 2x2 ft patch of beets that were 10 days from harvest. My garden is constantly expanding and I can`t put up a fence here because of various logistical limitations. A bunny fence would be a joke to an armadillo. They`d push it out of the way or dig under it. Ask me how I know. I`m gonna try a slightly raised bed surrounded by chicken wire in the future for important things like strawberries and asparagus etc.

[@dross10001]

I did a similar concept of what you did with the conduit for my shade cloth and put up a 30' x 20' heavy tarp on it when there's rain in the forecast. It is kind of a pain but it saved my tomatoes over the summer in Northeast Florida.