Did I DESTROY My Garden With COMPOST?

A couple of weeks ago I told you that my new organic vegetable garden was not doing well. I narrowed it down to the mushroom compost I put in the raised beds. I felt that it was a salt issue but in the comments a lot of viewers suspected Grazon damage which would be MUCH WORSE. I had the soil tested and in this video I will let you know the results and what I need to do to fix it.
Composting video with Tony: • I ask the Compost Expe...
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[@ScottHead]

Grazon got me from hay used as mulch. Terrible. The corn remediation took care of it in one crop. Made lots of videos on this to get the word out, glad you are too.

[@fishnlady]

Thank you for commenting on this about the corn. I have the lower end of my vegetable garden that has a couple of rows that still needs help. I will plant corn down there now after reading your comment.

[@MommaNoyce]

Ooohhhh. So DON’T use that bale my friend gave me! Hey make good seating for friends I suppose. 🤷‍♀️

[@Breezysimmons828]

I almost bought hey for my mulch, I'm so glad I didnt.

[@kundalisacibusmedicina4303]

@@MommaNoyce you can use to grow mushroom!

[@jenniferbellaw5095]

Hey Scott! (I won a packet of seeds from you this spring) this year was the first time I ever used purchased composted manure....my tomatoes and peppers are all mangled and dying. Very discouraging after filling 3 new 8x4 beds, 2 old ones and 2 in ground rows....looks like I'll be planting corn.

[@robertjohnson9832]

Sorry you had to go through this nightmare. I had never heard of the salt problem in compost, let alone the grazon curse. I am very grateful that you bite the bullet and let all of us learn from your mistake. One of my martial arts instructors once said that a master of any disciplne is a student that has made every mistake and learned from them. You showed amaizing grace in turning this situation into a great teaching point. Thanks. I bought thee master compost book already and am using it inconjunction with your book to make my garden better.

[@diananutt1517]

🌿🐓 @Robert Johnson I couldn't understand how salt could get into a person's dirt. I wondered if it had to do with plant material from areas near the ocean, but that seemed far-fetched. And then during his video on free fertilizer, Brian mentioned that too much salt could be present in cow and horse manure. I guess that all mammals have a need for some salt in order to function well. Our tears and sweat testify to that. Wow! There's so much to learn. Good thing we're all so passionate about growing!

[@cheriweber4]

Cattle and horses lick salt and mineral blocks. Hmmm, makes one wonder??

[@hereiknowmyself-jeaniealks377]

Wow! I know you’re happy to “only” have a salt issue! That grazon thing is so destructive! I’m surprised they can legally sell it for garden use! 😢

[@BaloosCluesOriginal]

This year I noticed the manure bags printed, "for lawn use only" and "not suitable for gardens". Last year I could not figure out, what on Earth was going on with my peppers.. I listened in on a class David the Good gave. When he became animated and described what the leaves do, I knew it was grazon immediately. Since then I've warned anyone who'd listen. This is such an important message. Its such a costly issue, especially if you do it to yourself by using "free compost" from a farm.

[@simplifygardening]

Wow, thats a huge amount of salt in the compost Brian. But you can deal with that by flushing. At least it is not Grazon.

[@pamelapitrone7639]

My garden struggled last year and it was my first year of gardening in my new raised bed. I had purchased a tri-mix from a local supplier. As it turns out it was fairly high in sodium and that’s why my garden struggled. This is likely more common than we know. I think new gardeners just think they’re doing something wrong. Thank you for the excellent information.

[@maryvanderwall4602]

Brian, I know you are struggling but the garden looks lovely even before the plants. Soon, they will be beautiful and lush and I just know it will be a great success. You are generous with your honesty with us and I personally appreciate it. Blessings on your day! Have a great week!

[@carolynkooser2939]

Love learning more about composting.I am a 72 year old widow and just starting on my gardening journey.

[@stevenmains9082]

I'm 64 years old ... as of yesterday : ), and fairly new at vegetable gardening. I built three raised beds this year, and someone had given me "free" horse manure! I was so pleased to receive that truck load. But then, my green bean plants mysteriously began to wilt and die. After reading that green beans are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, I began feeling that I wasn't meant for this gardening task! Other plants (except for my squashes) aren't looking their best. So now I'm thinking my problem could be Grazon - or perhaps some other additives to the horse feed that contributed to what I thought was "wonderful" compost ; ( ... Live and learn! Thank you, Brian for another very informative video. Also, thanks for not being too proud to share your miss-giving. It helps us all!

[@Opiateoftheone]

Still having problem in beds I started about 2 years ago. Used Black Kow on those but ofcourse the company want admit any responsibility. So I also over wintered in rye grass but the compounded my mistake by tilling the rye back into the soil. Hopefully next year my third full season with this mess it will straighten out. Plus I'll use rye again and pull it out and burn or I'll plant corn in those beds. Good Luck.

[@apiecemaker1163]

This was so informative. The more I learn even at 35 years into gardening, the more I want to make my own compost and go back to the old ways of no chemicals and just weed myself, and grow healthy vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. All these chemicals are killing us slowly it seems. I’d love the book to learn more.

[@TDAEON]

Yes yes yes! 🙌

[@donaldduck830]

Seriously? A garden without a compost heap is no garden, if you did not have one in 35 years of gardening idk what you did, but it was not gardening.

[@TDAEON]

@@donaldduck830 Seriously? Who makes a comment like this? So what if she's never had her own compost pile. Gardening is a journey and open to all who dare to try to grow. How about a 'lil support or advice for her endeavors vs tearing her down? 🌿 (edited to correct pronouns). Xx

[@apiecemaker1163]

@@TDAEON thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated. I am an older woman now and I started out many years ago teaching myself and picking up advice as I could from others. I’ve always ended up with enough to eat, feed others in our family and church, and preserve hundreds of jars every year so negative comments are just that and I choose to throw them in my new compost pile. Lol God bless you for defending an old Grannie. I love our homestead community.👩‍🌾💙

[@apiecemaker1163]

@@donaldduck830 God bless you and I hope you have a productive gardening year.👩‍🌾💙🙏

[@barbarajodanner7250]

I did not know there could be a "salt:" issue and I am happy to learn about GRAZON , which I had never heard of. Thank you for sharing your expertise and time with us - it truly is invaluable and a special gift. I can't wait to see your garden once it gets going!

[@diananutt1517]

🌿🐓 @ Barbara Jo Danner I live in Michigan and wonder if salt is a problem only for folks using products from states that have an ocean shoreline. I never in 5 decades heard of a salt problem or this wretched Grazon, then I had always made my own compost and bought what little extra I needed from organic products. Brian has such broad shoulders; I think he was meant to have this problem so that he could impress on his many followers how very important it is to have soil tested. I'm so disgusted that this Grazon was developed that I'm going to write my Congresswoman, Debbie Stabenow who is very involved in Big AG. As soon as one product is banned, it seems another is made available, possibly very similar with a new name. I can't imagine the discomfort and health problems that Grazon must cause these animals and anyone else on the food chain!

[@robertshorthill6836]

I do not use animal manure in my compost system, especially local manure. If I can find rabbit manure in large enough amounts that would be the exception. I would love to have a source for "clean" horse manure, but too many ranchers use weed control chemicals that will kill garden plants. They don't care; they buy their vegetables at Safeway or Albertsons. I had a scare with free, well aged horse manure several years ago. It still had herbicide residues in it that would have wiped out my entire garden. It was free to haul, but I had to pay to dump it in the landfill. Beware, gardeners -- you may never know til it's too late.

[@diananutt1517]

🌿🐓 @Barbara Jo Danner I left the comment here saying I was puzzled about salt showing up in compost. Well, while watching Brian's video on free fertilizer, he mentioned how too much salt could be present in cow and horse manure. That makes sense since we humans have salty tears and sweat without dining on kelp from the ocean. I've really got to stay tuned in to Brian. He is not only up on all facets of gardening, but he's a magnet for all the good ideas experts that tune in send him! Happy gardening, Barbara Jo! 🌱🐝🌻🌾

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

@@diananutt1517 Please spare the government an uneducated knee-jerk reaction letter about Grazon. It's an amino acid combined with another product that targets destructive and noxious weeds that harm animals. It doesn't hurt grass, or animals, including dogs, cats and humans if injested in small amounts. Yes, it's not toxic to humans if you were to take a swig of it and No, it's not for your garden. Leave the amino acids alone, please. Do your research from professional educated sources before being disgusted and writing that letter. Thanks.

[@horsehugger2000]

This would be so horrific to deal with this year with upcoming food shortages and the fact that water is an issue in So Cal. A few years ago I got free compost from the county recycle and it was loaded with poison ivy. Needless to say , I will never do that again.

[@MaryJohanna]

I am in SoCal, just got free compost from a horse farm. 🤞

[@MagicHeide]

I am glad you found a solution.🤠

[@FarmerQ]

This definitely happened to me my first year that I came to my new house. It’s a small HOA backyard and I fenced off half of it to garden and what ended up happening was every single plant in my garden started Simultaneously yellowing at the same rate and having weird leaf curl and stunted growth. Many blessings to you for sharing this in-depth information that will help countless gardeners on their pursuit to greatness. I removed a solid 3 1/2 inch layer of soil from my whole garden and then I watered it profusely for about three weeks and then I added new, clean compost and mulch and everything was fine after that.

[@6140970]

Wow what a shock! Thats something I never considered when getting compost outside of your own home, like a dump that composts all wastes they get from peoples homes. That sure is something to consider. Thanks for sharing

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

Nothing shocking. He over fertilized with compost, nothing more. Compost was added in ridiculous amounts, hence the salty soil.

[@emilybh6255]

I think your COMPOST TESTING idea is fantastic! We can't trust any of the commercial amendments to know whether or not their composts, straw or hay are impacted by pesticides that could harm our plants. We should DIY everything if we really want to KNOW what is in our garden. That is what I'm doing these days.

[@crazychickenchica7018]

I never thought about salt being my potential problem. I'm dealing with struggling plants and all the signs point to salt. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. This is my first year solo gardening so it's been a ride.

[@MommaNoyce]

Amazing to see how far and wide a “little problem” can travel. Thank you for your clear and thorough videos so we can all learn.

[@dkleath8697]

Thank you, Brian. In the Northern Sacramento Valley we've been having even more days/ nights with High winds than usual (35 mph + since yesterday). I desperately want to work outside without "burning up" or being "blown down" 🥴! I guess it's lucky that I have no $ to buy Any soil amendments & have to wait til what little compost I can make is ready to use!

[@virginiavictorygarden5342]

Never would've thought about compost having these issues. Thanks for making me aware of what might happen.

[@amberl2639]

I'm glad to hear that your garden issue was the more manageable problem. Also, thank you for the info on Grazon. I had no knowledge of this scary issue and your info will certainly help us keep a lookout for unwanted pesticides.

[@WheelerRanch]

I also am on a new property, landed here in late summer, needed to get my composting started for spring. Free horse manure everywhere here in southern Oregon.Thankfully most all these ranchers do not use such pesticides, certified grasses and alfalfa and such. I was assured when I saw they had laid out horse manure all over their garden beds for spring prep. That Grazon is nasty stuff; I appreciate you giving folks some remedy for it, I know I would be devastated to not be able to feed my family from my garden. I did all hugelkultur beds on my 5 acres, work in progress, but your tips, pitfalls and honesty help us all, blessings be for you, your family and all of us people who love the soil and the sun and what it provides.

[@IvankaB]

So relieved that your problem is solvable! I had never heard of the salt issue with compost. Thank you for enlightening me about it, now I know what to look out for. Also, I would love to win the composting book as I was thinking of starting my own compost heap for the first time (it's the first time I actually own a garden!). Thank you again for all the great, instructive videos!

[@berghauss]

For all the mistakes I made on my way to gardening, I did the main thing right. My garden is small. Nevertheless, I have listened to the advice of many youtubers that if you have even a tiny chance, make your own home compost first. And I did. A big three-piece pallet covered composter and three more made of nets. I composted diligently for over a year, producing over two cubic metres of first-class compost, and then I put in the raised beds. Now I am doing Charles Dowding no dig gardening with autumn covering with compost. I could not be happier. I can't believe how much my little seven beds are producing. And I always know what's in my soil. This video is worth its weight in gold, big thumbs up.

[@ilenehorowitz3060]

My heart hurts for all the hard work you put in and are now delayed. You are a trooper to solve the issue and move on.

[@anneainsworth6067]

When we were in SD, we got their mushroom compost many times and never had problems. But it is good to know about the grazon situation. We produce our own compost and worm castings, but this last year we added some more wicking beds and needed to buy soil and compost. I guess we were lucky that it was clean! Thanks for the information and how you tested it.

[@nancypingreehoover]

I just started my worm farm a few weeks ago. I am hoping they will be able to produce enough castings to fertilize my garden, eventually.

[@KatTavolacci]

Thanks for sharing the downsides of gardening, it’s most helpful! Once you get into working with plants be it landscaping or food producing plants, you quickly find out how complicated it can be because of how each plant has its own needs and weaknesses! But it’s worth it once you are able to dial it in! I do compost, but as with most things I’m sure I can learn new tips from his book!

[@tarantulady8565]

This is so true. Many people really think they can throw seeds into any soil and then add water & maybe fertilize a little…and they’ll end up with a harvest. It’s NOT easy to produce your own food in any reliable & sizable quantity. Takes many years of experience, trials and errors. At the very least: some basic knowledge about every plant you’re growing, knowledge about NPK & minerals, soil pH, salts, pests, fungi…plus, when you inevitably run into problems, the knowledge of how to diagnose problems & also knowledge about how to fix it all. Those who can make gardening look easy & productive have paid their dues & are a fount of knowledge.

[@lisagriffin4236]

I’m starting my own compost pile this year and reading up on all I can. I will be sure to double check on my manure source to make sure the animal feed is safe! Thanks for enlightening us about Grazon!

[@FreeAmerican-mm2my]

The manure source can still be a challenge. I raise cows and I use no poisons, but I do not grow all my hay. If off site hay is used, be careful.

[@sidneymcgavic9437]

So happy you were able to fix your compost!!!! I was devastated for you if it had been grazon after all your hard work this past year building your new garden! Many blessings for a successful and bountiful season and good health!!!

[@rickrogers8304]

This is Sue…Sorry your dealing with salt @ the beginning of your growing season. Glad it’s not Grazon , sad with those that do deal with Grazon. Hope your able to leach enough salt for your growing.

[@jenniferjsaracino]

It would be interesting to do a full analysis of the mushrooms compost. I did that for my raised beds this season and it was really informative and saved me on fertilizer because I didn’t have to use several that I would have if I just guessed.

[@coltonholt5264]

I've garden in the past mostly containers on an apartment porch. Finally got an actual garden this year and your videos have been so helpful keep up the good work

[@jewelgaither1504]

Thank you for spreading the word about Grazon. We used goat manure from goats that had been fed "Grazoned" hay on our raised beds and flower beds. It did a number on everything we used that manure on. How frustrating that what you thought would help your garden, actually hindered your efforts.

[@colleenkrall630]

When we lived in Colorado there was herbicide in a truckload of garden soil we bought. The tomato leaves curled under and the plants were stunted. We took a plant to the Extension Office. The agent told us what it was. He said to add a BUNCH of compost, manure, leaves, etc and they would bind up the herbicide by the next year. It worked. (As far as the damaged tomato plants, I replanted in some good uncontaminated soil. They came out of it and produced tomatoes that year.) Love your videos.

[@sweetpeasbackyardgarden1236]

I'm so glad to hear your results. I was on edge for you lol. Two years ago I had grazeon from horse manure. I was able to harvest some veggies, but my garden looked awful. Crime scene for sure. I started making my own compost. We don't have a lot of space for huge compost bins, but enough for 3 small totes. The totes have worked wonderfully.

[@Sandra-cc5bi]

How did you make your own compost?

[@sweetpeasbackyardgarden1236]

@@Sandra-cc5bi I placed veggie food scraps, leaves, and shredded paper in plastic totes. The decomposed over a few months.

[@abelcelestinjr8810]

Wow didn’t know if the salt issue and Learn about GRAZON , which I never heard of, appreciate the videos and sharing your process in your garden, hope a speedy recovery of your soil so you can get it going

[@rustyhurd225]

Excellent video, as always. I am just learning for garden. And your input is so full of useful information and advice, it is a real help to me. Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

I read up on Grazon and it's a safe and a great amino acid product. I'm buying some for my lawn and around the house. Since I container garden I'm not worried at all. Goodbye dandelions.

[@twotonenavy]

I'm so sorry you're going through this, Brian. I am also happy to hear that it is not Grazon! Your new gardens and homestead are a huge inspiration to us. You remind us that even the "experts" can have struggles, and that helps me get through mine. I am excited to continue watching you on all platforms! Big things are in your future, and you WILL overcome this obstacle! On a side note, a signed book from Tony would be really cool! I'd keep it next to yours on the shelf when not in use!

[@pamelanewman9990]

I'm so glad you were not dealing with the Grazon!!! Garden on, Brian!!! Thank you very much for all your information!!!

[@notmessy519]

Oh wow, sorry to hear about the germination issue

[@MikaelaDelainey]

I had no idea this could be an issue with compost! I’m planning on starting a compost heap this season and start on raised bed gardening next year (hopefully) because I’m house poor and lumber is expensive. But at least homemade compost will be ready for me! Thanks for all the information you share.

[@lorettamaddox2700]

Whew ,dodged a bullet. Thanks for the information about the salt in compost ,we use cow and horse manure,so very helpful. We are late getting our garden out ,so hope you have time for a beautiful garden ,for I know how important a garden is to a gardener, especially in a new home with so much more land (dirt to us gardeners ). You have put so much pressure on yourself to get EVERYTHING done in record time.When in reality it takes years in a new place ,and us normal , every day people can't keep up with you . Pray new Gardner's don't get discouraged that they can't keep up with you and just stop. Love the information you bring about different ways and products .I finally have the space for a big compost pile and your information is important to me. Happy. Growing!!

[@ticaj]

I'm glad you didn't have to deal with grazon, it can destroy a whole garden, I'm glad the salt problem can be fixed. Happy gardening!

[@dneel468]

Thank goodness your problem can be fixed more easily than not. Was wondering why so much salt in the compost? Your stone walls look lovely, nice job.

[@originalwoolydragon8387]

Sigh, with the ever increasing prices of compost and garden soil (of everything these days!), you'd think the sellers of the products would test before they sold to unsuspecting customers.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

Or that the buyers would test it too.

[@bbl6401]

HI Brian! Thanks for this video... and all of your others, too. We've learned so much watching your channel! I wanted to share something that happened to us when we first started gardening during the pandemic in 2020. We were COMPLETE gardening newbies and had zero idea what we were doing. And because it was the early days of the pandemic when everything was locked down, we were only able to pick up soil from our local Home Depot. Committed to organic processes from the outset, we picked up the same Kellogg's Soil (in the pink bag) that I saw briefly in this video. I have to tell you that the very same problems you had with your garden were the exact same ones we had using that Kellogg's soil. 90% of our seeds did not germinate that year and the ones that did were stunted, deformed, and never grew past the first or second set of true leaves. The entire season was an abject failure. We almost gave up gardening altogether because we thought the problem was us. But gratefully, we decided to try again in 2021. Same beds, same location, same seeds... the ONLY thing different was we used another brand of soil. And guess what? Everything germinated. Everything grew. Everything produced a harvest. The only thing that changed was we ditched the Kellogg's. Should have read the reviews on Home Depot's website before buying that stuff. The number of people who've had the same problems are staggering. So, when I saw your problems with your garden, I couldn't help but wonder if the Kellogg's might have something to do with it. The stuff is so toxic I wouldn't be surprised if you got a batch that contained salt. I know there are some people who have used this product successfully for years without any problems - and you may be one of them. But I share this with you and your viewers as a caution. There are enough people out there who have had similar experiences that I felt it important to share. Hoping you have a wildly successful gardening season and look forward to your future videos! Thanks for all you do and share with this online community.

[@lisap7357]

I used mushroom compost several years ago and had same issues. I didn't fully know what the problem was... just knew I was never going to use mushroom compost again. This year I am determined to make my own compost. So much to learn!

[@berryster]

I'd love to see a deep dive into what mushroom compost is, why it's different. Given grazon, it might be worth avoiding cow and horse manure composts (which of course I just filled a gigantic raised bed with many bags of...) Maybe chicken manure compost is safest for gardeners?

[@kathrynepaul]

In O’Neil’s Compost Masterclass book there is a reference to chicken manure that raises concerns. It is on page 28. That book is great, by the way.

[@RobBCactive]

You could consider growing a legume on part of your plot to help you make your own compost, I also found a grass crop for soil cover that grows quite long and could be turned over. Your climate could be unsuitable for the "fallow" crop I used. I think that persistent herbicide is likely banned in Europe, getting manure is generally fine but results in weed seeds unless you hot compost with the manure to make good compost. IIRC mushroom compost can have metals and chicken manure tends to be over nitrogenous.

[@shellynull5103]

I’m having a little trouble getting my compost system going. I am determined to get it figured out. I always have a lot of leaves in the fall and grass clippings throughout the summer. I want to turn that stuff into gold. 😉

[@BlackJesus8463]

moister

[@KatTavolacci]

Yup, must balance the 4 elements to quick composting: Browns, Greens, Air and Water! Which means you have to actively turn your compost. If you’re not in a hurry, then you can let it just sit, as long as you keep it moist. I love the BioStack system, but flipping Target bought the rights to it and then stopped production!!! 😡☹️

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

I have quite a lot of leaves that have been sitting in a pallet bin since last fall, and this spring I waited to mow the grass so I would have a lot of grass clippings. So many videos say how easy it is to compost these two things and I have to say, that finally, for once, I have hot compost! I alternated the leaves and grass in very thin layers, watered each layer then mixed it all up (I bought a manure fork last fall and don't know how I lived without one!). I've been turning every couple of days and am anxious to see what happens. My usual composting style is to throw everything in one pile and leave it for a year or more.

[@steph6337]

I've turned my compost pile over to the experts: my flock of hens, lol! How many years had I tried to get compost right and couldn't! Now I just throw everything I'm composting in an area and let the ladies scratch and peck through.

[@KatTavolacci]

@@steph6337 I know what you mean! I rarely get mine above 100! It’s usually 80-90 degree range, but I let the worms go to town and do their thing! LOL Of course it doesn’t help that I keep adding to it since I don’t have a lot of material at one time, so that basically starts the process over. But like the instructors told us in the composting class I took many moons ago, “compost happens”! So just keep at it 😁

[@CreativeAnneliese]

I'm a container gardener in 9b that struggles with heat and a short supply of water. I really try to make sure that I companion plant to keeps those that need shade shaded and those that need water, watered. I love your channel!

[@rosemariewhitakerreynolds2432]

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this mess with your new garden but I know with your knowledge you will overcome this and have a beautiful garden soon. Keep smiling, keep growing and happy gardening. God Bless!

[@BonnieBlue2A]

Whew! Glad it wasn’t Grazon. I recently learned of this problem of the Grazon making it through the digestive system of cows from David the Good on his channel. I had to check with my farmers to find out if they had used it in recent years because I have been using their cow manure in my compost piles.

[@RedNicole22]

I saw the same video. Good stuff, as with Next Level.

[@Luciana98]

Yes, I had heard if it from David. And now your video. Thank you for the warning! Where to get the salinity test?

[@melissasullivan1658]

@@Luciana98 Amazon probably has those test strips - or a really good local nursery. Or maybe even a feed store.

[@eileenbartnick7202]

So why is the salt level so high in the compost, where did it come from?? Good luck with getting your garden in and it grows up quickly!!

[@eQui253]

Nitrogen in one of its free form (accessable for plants) is a form of salt - nitrate salt. Plants need it, but too much burns thier system completly. I'd say anything above 2,2% in an organic mass is starting to become a problem for the rootsystem. The salts are water loving molecules that make it not possible for roots to get water thru the osmosis effect. I am not native english and I am not a scientist, but I hope u got the point.

[@kelleyleblanc5025]

Coffe grinds?

[@eileenbartnick7202]

@@eQui253 the salt was in his mushroom compost he had delivered. Wondered why so high in mushroom compost??

[@eQui253]

@@eileenbartnick7202 I have no idea.

[@drewblack749]

I like that you never give up. So hopeful. Nice that Emily is a support and a help. God bless!

[@user-tz6di1rx4v]

So glad you did not have grazing problems! Makeing our on compost is the safest way to go!

[@leslienilsson3236]

I'm here in Utah. We've been dealing with drought conditions for 8 years now. Still putting in a garden. My husband has been working on a mulch pile for 4 years it's not produced anything. I'm hoping to get the mulching book so we can figure out why and fix it.

[@articmars1]

If your pile is just sitting there you need to add moisture and then turn it for aeration. You need to get the temperature of the pile to at least 100 ° just reach a steady mark. Active is between 110° and 130° between 130° and 160° your pile is considered hot and that's when the weed seeds and pathogens are eliminated. But it does not get rid of salt and grazon. Thats just to get the pile going.

[@dwardodwardo643]

"Compost" a broad term that does not define the materials age and composition. I think the more accurate term for what you filled your beds with was mulch. Good luck with your new beds, you might think about potholing your new plantings with a more conducive material.

[@anthonymatthews3698]

Agreed. That ‘compost’ was very woodchip-y. I’d be watching nitrogen issues moving forward.

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Excellent point. We have hot "mulch" being sold as high end compost for $70 a yard here.

[@dwardodwardo643]

@@clivesconundrumgarden Makes more sense to work with native soil using inputs and build it up over time.

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@@dwardodwardo643 well put

[@terigarth7544]

I live on a cattle/hay farm. They used grazon prior to our purchase. I'm glad to know that 3 years SHOULD alleviate the grazon. Thank you!

[@joedurkin8953]

I'm sorry that you are having issues. I can't wait to see the garden in it's full glory.

[@melissafulford1765]

Shouldn’t compost suppliers disclose whether or not their product has a high salt content considering the damage it can cause?

[@melissasullivan1658]

At least in CA a lot of that consumer testing is reactive/based on complaints. Kinda crappy but maybe it’s an overhead/budget issue.

[@shadytreez]

I just bought several bags of Miracle-Gro dirt from Costco for potatoes in bags. Well the taters are growing but they have salt crystals at the tips!

[@dkleath8697]

@@shadytreez uh-oh! I re potted young trees & planted seeds in Miracle-Gro too > having enough trouble with the wild weather & wind as it is > Hope you have a good outcome & a bountiful harvest❣️

[@shadytreez]

@@dkleath8697 Thanks. I guess we get to leach our soil. Crazy 🤪 wind here in mid northern CA. Dust...dust...dust...

[@katiediane]

@@dkleath8697 I’m having so much trouble with our winds too! I’d love to see more videos about what wind can do to the garden and solutions to implement.

[@kristymatthews7985]

This is my first year growing a raised bed garden and composting and man have I learned a lot from your videos! My grandfather has been doing his own composting for his gardens for over 40 years now so he really knows his stuff but he will definitely be impressed when he sees what I've accomplished so far thanks to your knowledgeable videos.

[@rosanna810]

I am glad you are going to be able to plant soon without having to remove and replace the soil. I love the attitude that you present, I would be so frustrated and dissapointed. Keep it up. Thank you for sharing.

[@dravonwalker2352]

I have a horse at a stable and as a perk get free composted manure. Setting up my new garden, I used a LOT of that. I had never heard of Grazon but had no problems at all. The garden thrived. Now that I know more, plus time passing, now I’m afraid of the manure compost. Heh. I think I’ll try that test-on-a-transplant approach. Thank you! Plus knowing how to get rid of the Grazon if it does happen to get into my garden, very helpful! And lastly, I think you just solved my sick-seedling issue I’ve been having. The bagged compost I used to start my seeds this year was behaving oddly - instead of simply drying out, it would crust over and be whitish. Part of my thought ‘looks like dried sweat rings on clothes’ but that wad ridiculous- right? Guess not. Now I know to check for that too!! Like I said, that compost came from a big box store from a bag. Thank you for all the great information! Your new place is looking really great.

[@1LindaJMacKay]

I am so sorry you and Emily have had to deal with this issue! Glad it was salt and NOT Grazon! So sorry for the viewers who have Grazon damage 👎 I hope you'll all be able to enjoy the rest of the season! 💚

[@Gaddmans.Garden]

Yep. Had a bout with Grazone coouple years ago, with hay purchased from a Tractor Supply big box. Was obvious damage on the plants. Thankfully it must have been a light dose, as my soil microbes and nurturing from me, it grew out of in by the next season. But I learned my lesson! Nothing external is added to my precious soil without verification of its source and tested. Thanks Brian for your continued on the spot problem solving for us. You saving a lot of us a lot of heartache buddy.

[@msginnny]

I can't thank you enough for sharing all of your trials and tribulations in the gardening process. You have inspired me to start raised bed gardening this year but it's been taking awhile since I want to make sure I do everything "just right"! However, it's good to see that when mistakes happen they are fixable. You've done an amazing job on the tiered area and I can't wait to see the progress with the vegetables!

[@graciejones5626]

Thank you!!! You teach real life gardening and as a beginner I really appreciate it. Your generosity with your time and wisdom is much appreciated.

[@brownthumbnursery]

Great explanation of both issues! We had a problem with an entire dump truck load of three year old composted horse manure that had Grazon in it. It destroyed a gazillion of my plants! That’s when I did research and learned about grazon.

[@tmbermel]

So glad that it wasn't a total rehab job with grazon. Keep up the fantastic work. I'm looking forward to seeing how much you grow

[@bridgetingram9928]

So sorry you have had this issue with your compost. I would have never suspected the salt or grazon issue with mushroom compost! Praying you can resolve the problem quickly!

[@talldave1000]

I'm glad you got it figured out. Let this be a warning to others to test your manure before applying it to your garden. I got FREE manure this year and didn't test it first. Had a few problems with a few tomato plants that the leaves suddenly curled up. No idea if it was salt, Grazon, or some weird thing. We all struggle. Your videos at least help mitigate the problems. Good luck to us.

[@krueger044]

Glad to hear the fix for your problem was relatively easy, looking forward to seeing your new garden in all its glory soon

[@christinemartin7529]

For my birthday, my husband gave me a compost bin (and yes, I ask for it!) We have one but unfortunately, critters use it as their grocery store.... So this one is a tumbler, and now we are getting serious on composting for our garden... not just tossing in scraps and garden clippings. So, I am looking for a comprehensive 'how to and not to do' book. I did watch Tony's video and plan on checking out his channel and books. Thanks for the info, glad you 'just' had a salt issue but also glad this led to info on composting and some issues related to getting it from an outside source.

[@mikeseitz8858]

Glad to hear that it wasn't Grazion. What a mess. Can't wait to see how your garden grows.

[@GOdeg-kn2mc]

How heart breaking and such a huge frustration. Just love all the poison being used on our food crops by big ag. Glad you were able to figure out what is happening. Will keep an eye out for Grazon, nasty stuff.

[@MagicHeide]

Thanks for getting the word out on Grazon. Glad you found a solution for your garden with gypsum,🤠

[@bernicebeardsley4846]

Glad you were able to find out what was the problem with your soil. Nothing more frustrating than putting seeds in and nothing grows. Great detective work.

[@susanbrenden4777]

Oh Brian I am so glad it was not Grazon. I’ve had an issue with drifting from farmer using some chemical for his crops. I immediately could tell from my bean & tomato plants. I am growing an organic garden and so sad that the farmer,like so many are not interested in my organic growing for my family!

[@setnamalat6t3]

Wow! I am so glad you did not have to start over. I absolutely LOVE watching your gardens grow and am SO looking forward to your first year of gardening here. Best wishes, and lots of good juju for a productive year.

[@KnittingmommyArts]

I'd only just heard about grazon recently from another KZbin gardening channel. Scary stuff. I bought a tumbler composter last year and love it. I'll be getting my first batch of compost out of it soon. It already looks great, and I'll be so happy to not have to rely on purchased compost. I'm glad your salt issue seems to be a fairly easy fix. As frustrating as it was, it was a great teaching moment for all of your viewers.

[@courtneyridings2795]

I watched your video and I’m shocked. I’m glad you are now on the right track. Thank you for using your disappointment as a teachable moment.

[@johnkaczmarek997]

Glad your garden wasn't completely destroyed, hope you can start planting next week. Good luck. keep up the great videos.

[@JS-jl1yj]

Last year, after 40 years of making my own compost, (3 composting bins worth) I decided to quit composting because of rats. This spring I bought a few bags of composted cattle manure and dug it into my veggie beds. After watching this video, I am praying that the manure doesn't contain Grazon. So far, my tomatoes and lettuces look pretty normal, but the great looking cucumbers that I raised from seed are not looking so great now that I have them transplanted in the ground. I am glad that I kept one of the empty composter bins with a lid. This week, my husband lined that bin with dense and thick wire mesh on the inside and on the outside bottom to make it rat-proof. I am back to making my own compost. It's free and I know exactly what is in it.

[@michellethrelkeld4801]

I am so glad it wasn’t Grazon! I am excited to see your beautiful garden full of lush green plants! Praying you get a bountiful harvest!

[@edithspears2422]

So glad for you it wasn't the grazon issue. I now know to test the compost Im going to get before putting it in my garden beds. I can't wait to see what your garden looks like in the future when everything is growing well.

[@iamthewelcher]

Besides the lack of Green, that looks Amazing! Well done!

[@djdraper2164]

Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I can only imagine how discouraging this could be for anyone. It never occurred to me that compost or manure could be tainted so badly.

[@charminglyrella6909]

Wow, that is a lot of salt in the compost! Glad you was able to get down to the root cause and share your mistake with us. Can't wait to see how your garden striving after this!

[@miscbykathie]

Glad to hear it is salt and not Grazon. Sorry you had a problem in the first place, but thanks for sharing! Loved Tony's video, too.

[@Mars21681]

Very happy for you. Super informative, but also looking forward to what comes later in the season. Thank you.

[@nancytownsel419]

I was not aware of grazeon or the possibility of too much salt. Now I understand the importance of soil composition.

[@tonimariegarcia5772]

I’m happy that you were able to figure out what happened in your garden. LOOking forwrd to seeing your new planters filled with produce. 😊

[@drmzacres]

How devastating, so sorry you are having these issues. Thankyou for posting these videos. I love how determined you are to fix it. Many people would just give up.

[@monicasinc]

I’m so glad you don’t have the Grazon issue, I will now be testing my compost in the future.

[@debdd7]

I’m glad your test results were not too bad and you have a solution to fix it. I only have a back yard to garden but I have two compost containers in it. I struggle getting it right. I would love to have the book!

[@Magnolia-Miniatures]

We bought Horse compost 4 years ago that had The same issue. We had no idea it had been sprayed! Thanks for everything you do for us!

[@rhulse8904]

Great info. Never heard of either issue. About six years ago I had seen several videos on growing directly in straw bails and became interested in that, in fact my uncle and his wife had heard the same and they bought several bails and set them right in their raised beds, bought the ingredients to add to the bails to speed up the breakdown of the straw and fertilize them as well. A few weeks later proceeded to plant in them. They had horrible results, most everything sprouted but withered and died shortly after and the things that did grow were sickly and didn't produce well. I had only purchased a couple of bails and added them to my compost and shortly after that I came across some info on how straw and hay bails can be contaminated with herbicides that can devastate a garden so I haven't used that compost yet and don't think I ever will. Of course I passed that info on to my uncle and his wife and told them that they probably got contaminated straw bails. Looking back I'll bet it was from grazon!

[@TheOMarrPod]

I just filled my raised beds with compost… I think I will test for salt, and hope and pray there is no Grazon! Thanks for the heads up! I love your videos, and I have learned so much in a year!!

[@pavenditti]

Thank you so much for your video! Turns out I have the same issue!!!🤬 My garden beds were delayed a couple of months, so the delivery of the dirt ran less than one week before our 4-week trip to Nepal. So frenetic irrigation install and sowing seeds so fast I couldn’t even tell you what I put where. My son babysit the garden while we were gone. When we got back, I was a little disappointed in the results, but thought it may have been due to negligence and just wrote it off to a learning experience. However, while watching your video your story looked like my story. So, I went directly to the pool supply store and here was the result: tap water - 1; soil - 4 THANK YOU!! Like you, I’m super gratified that it is not grazon and I don’t have to continue to worry about it for months/years.

[@jmonteschio]

Very glad to hear that you have identified your problem. Good luck on solving it soon!

[@sherryconner2806]

So grateful you have a solution to the issues in your garden. Thanks for helping us know how to protect our gardens from too much salt and Grazon. 🙂

[@lisakruger5289]

Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm so sorry you had trouble with your new beds. Can't wait to see them once you move past this and they are all green and growing! I enjoyed your joint video on composting and am looking forward to seeing how you start your composting from the ground up at your new place - since this is my first real season composting!

[@leannekelley9217]

I liked how you said you weren’t going to give up on the mushroom farmer! He may not know it’s in his compost! I have been watching and liking but most of all learning from your Chanel for about a year now! You explain things and you’re thorough. I find it very easy to apply your knowledge to my growing zone. I don’t often comment because I can’t imagine you read the thousands of comments you get. Not that you wouldn’t if you had the time. But it really hurt when you said “thanks to big ag”. Not all farmers use chemicals even the farmers who aren’t organic do care about the land and what we are putting on it, in it and feeding our livestock with. I did like your video as I have been experiencing salt damage to some of my flower gardens and trees now that the county is using more and more salt in the on the roads. I’m getting salt leaching and salt spray damage. Thank you for the information I am going to put some gypsum on my beds and around the trees! Not all farmers have use harmful practices. Canadian Farm Mom.