Principles for Filling Raised Beds Cheaply, Effectively & Almost Free: Follow the 1/3 Fill Method!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

My New Book: The Modern Homestead Garden: Growing Self-Sufficiency in Any Size Backyard. You can find it at these different locations... Thanks 4 the Support! Amazon: www.amazon.com/Modern-Homestead-Garden-Self-sufficiency-Backyard/dp/0760368171/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=The+modern+homestead+garden&qid=1595425421&sr=8-3 Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-modern-homestead-garden-gary-pilarchik/1137153105?ean=9780760368176 Books A Million: www.booksamillion.com/p/Modern-Homestead-Garden/Gary-Pilarchik/9780760368176?id=7961563419439#

[@glory70x]

I didn't see you put the earthworms in but I know you mentioned it. I guess the worms were in the compost or mulch

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Worms are in the compost but with an open bottom, they will populate it. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@anneng1332]

Gary Pilarchik (The Rusted Garden) i

[@sumansanger4661]

😅😅😅😅😅

[@wendysgarden4283]

Shredded leaf trick, either mow them to shred them, or put dry ones in bags and roll back and forth on them. The neighbors will think you're a nut, but they probably think that already. ; )

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks good tips. Exactly let the neighbors think as they wish. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@brian1185]

The mower trick also works for shredding disease free winter crops for compost or for the lower layers of the bed. Once the neighbors see the results, they start asking for tips for their own gardens.

[@leslies9172]

I got a tall raised bed from the Epic Gardener Kevin. He is sells the Birdies galvanized steel raised beds. One thing I didn’t account for when I filled my raised bed was that the materials “settled” and sunk down about a foot. Next time I will compact down the materials and overfill the container. And perhaps wait a few days before I add the top soil to see how far the bottom layers ultimately settle.

[@mirenda5160]

I’m about to fill beds that are 2’ x4.5’. That is a great tip. Thanks. I’ll let things settle a bit and top up before planting.

[@ansievicente]

These basic principles have worked incredibly well on waist-high beds I made out of pallets in mid-winter and planted in very early spring. That little bit of extra heat from the decomposition in the two bottom thirds assisted with germination in the top layer, I believe.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

So good to hear. I like proof. Interesting thought on the heat too. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@maryannknox7158]

Pallets are toxic chemicals

[@shorty8256]

This is so wonderful my hubby built 2 hugelkulter beds this past Spring and it's the best thing..we grew tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, yellow squash and in zone 7a it's still going!! So happy for you!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Nice! That bed will keep going for you. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@shorty8256]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN definitely I started ordering my supplies already through your Amazon store, I like the seedling supplies you use best! So excited for Spring 2021!

[@traceydrost2159]

I have filled a raise bed like this and it is the best garden bed on the homestead

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

So good to know! Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

This is great! And timing couldn't be better. Thank you!

[@louisguagenti6600]

Thank you for this tutorial. I followed your advice and actually had fun doing it!

[@rexochefo]

Beautiful idea. I can use fallen leaves , manure and trimmed trees to server the same purpose. I just saved a bunch if money by switching to rusted garden lol

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

LOL I am glad you are saving money. Keep the better soil for the top and you should be fine. Especially setting them up now and using them months from now. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@cindymiller5665]

Did you save at least “15%” by switching...? LOL

[@Tee_Dawg1]

Right on time, once again! 😎

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

This type of fill is paying dividends to the peppers growing in one of my raised beds. Visit my blog, The Rusted Garden Journal for more information and other garden articles: therustedgarden.blogspot.com/2023/07/how-to-make-mason-jar-herb-garlic-olive.html

[@athela2023]

Great video, we've got an old 32gal container to fill up like this and been slowly gathering fallen twigs and branches/leaves from the yard over the last year for it. Thanks for sharing 😊🙏🏼

[@kele1264]

I spent what I consider a small fortune on potting soil for my small patio container garden. I can't imagine filling one or more large raised beds with it, even if I bought it in bulk. This is really a good idea, especially over time. I currently don't have access to wood; I'd have to buy that too. But maybe I won't always be at this house, and my situation might be better later on. Something to keep in mind and in my notes. Thank you!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

This works and it does save many. The bagged stuff is expensive Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@daisywade2449]

What a terrific video!! So much valuable information!! Thank you so much!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to help. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@NapoleonGARDENINGTV]

I am excited to add higher garden beds in my garden. I only have low garden bed. Thanks a lot for all the helpful videos.!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to help. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@royallan3717]

Thanks Gary, just what I needed to know today for a box 800mm high 2mx2m

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good luck. When in doubt just make the top a bit deeper with good stuff. Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. Some people are using it for their social media followings and some people are using it for a fund raiser for schools and sport teams. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ Or use this link to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Collection (My Seed and Garden Shop) Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr Plus support The Rusted Garden by subscribing and using my Amazon Store Front link when shopping for anything on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden . As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualified purchases, not just items I link. You can also find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for cameras, fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more!

[@tonyadrayden3651]

Wow, great information. Lots of errors when I set up my deep beds years ago: mostly compost, & hubby stomped on the top to get all the compost to fit. 🥴 Things are growing well now. Would like reminders of how to rejuvenate my raised beds fall to winter. I have a few bean plants in. Planning to plant some fava beans too.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

For this bed and similar, compost on top is best way. Ill address it in videos when I can Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@hipsterfruitsalad9173]

Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@MylesAway3]

Nice! Thanks for the tips

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@Yzyxdolorza]

Couldn’t be more timely! Our new place is almost 3 acres on a wooded hillside, almost no flat areas. I floated a spot for the first raised bed, backed by a slope and tall enough in front for a plank edge to sit on (sort of like a terrace) but my husband nixed the idea because it would cost too much to fill. We don’t have compost yet so ‘good stuff’ has to come in a bag... Now I can show him this video and we can go for it! Thanks!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah for sure and with 3 acre find leaves that have been sitting around look under them. Good worm casting in there often. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@austin2842]

I have 30" tall corrugated steel beds. Old logs standing on end went in the bottom. I filled the gaps between and layered on top with branches and free arborist wood chips. Also free horse manure on wood shavings. Then a mix of quality compost, well-rotted manure and a bit of peat moss to lighten it up. My costs were low as I sourced free and low cost bulk materials available to me locally. The beds were thirsty the first year but I had monster plant growth. From year two and on they have settled in and now manage water really well.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks for that. So true and nicely done. Please subscribe as it really helps me & please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com. Check out all the metal bed design & colors at Vegega. Here is my affiliate link: www.vegega.com/?ref=le64f3gm30 There is often free shipping and use my code TRG when there is no other sale going on and save 10%

[@amr427]

Man wish I knew this back in May, we paid a lot to have dirt delivered to fill six raised beds that are two feet deep 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@eric4946]

It’s tough , we have access to free leaf compost where I am but even if the dirt/soil is free it’s a PITA to fill them with it ! I try to time building beds more when I have favorable resources than when I “want” a raised bed

[@kikigamble4315]

Hi. You can still does this in an unused area of property to build "soil" to refresh beds next year. Anytime is a good time to start. Peace to you and yours

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I just wanted to give the principles because it can be expensive and cutting that down a bit still helps. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@carlom9710]

Hey gary can u maybe make a video about corrugated beds,where to find them maybe diy'ing. Thank you!

[@DDiamondRRuby]

Great idea!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep... Ill work on it. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@samerwin2503]

Roots and Refuge has a great video that I just used as my guideline for building a 2x4 and corrugated metal beds. It's the how to build a raised be 2.0 or something on their website. For 4 4x8 raised beds I spent less than half the cost of buying something similar!

[@kimanderson9135]

Hi Gary. Love your channel and your teaching method. Question about cardboard. I've been using it for years now- in raised beds and under wood chips (in ground). I have a terrible time with ants under the cardboard. Any solution to this? Thanks. Kim

[@maryannemckay3606]

Water?!.,..☺️

[@dianegoins3277]

Hi Gary...I am slowly working through your videos...GREAT STUFF!!! We are growing vegetables on our deck this year in 5 ft.x 3 ft. by 4ft. deep tubs. We are using Hügelkultur to fill in the bottom 2 1/5 ft, then using your recipe for the growing medium. Since our beds are on the deck...they will not be touching soil in the bottom. Should we purchase worms to assist the composting of the lower base??? We very much appreciate your expertise and willingness to educate us !!!!

[@jillachen7217]

Thank you Gary

[@robertshorthill4153]

Hey Dr. Gary, I just made a 40" X 72" planter for my 8 squash plants. I had scraps of Trex deck somebody wanted to get rid of, so they gave it to me to make use of. I'll most likely give them some toms and squash in trade and they're happy to get it off their property, as they don't grow much except a few flowers. It is about 15 or 16" deep and will sit on my back lawn. After securing it all together, I put down about 3 1/2" of cardboard, followed by about 5 " of last fall leaves. Then maybe 3" or so of unbroken down composted soil from last year's pots and beds. When it comes time to plant, I will use the best composted soil mixed about 1/3 to 1/3 Miracle Grow, and 1/3 commercial local made stuff called Glacier Gold compost I've used for several years in my beds. The soil I used last year was given to me as well, but was nearly depleted. I will use most of it again amended with this stuff and bone meal, gypsum, Epson salt, a 5-5-5 fertilizer, along with 21 nitrogen MG solution for any yellowing taking place, which I don't think I will see. Last year growing toms in #10 pots was the right choice as we had a cold front come through for about 3 nights in mid July that would have killed them, loaded with large green fruits. I was able to get them into my garage til the nights were not freezing. Overall, I think we here in Montana will have a decent season, if, and only IF we can survive our June long haul storms. Cheers, my friend. Bob

[@carlabecker6054]

Thank you Jesus!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Cheers Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden

[@rachelreddy2510]

Best video ever!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks so much Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim.

[@historyhunter5215]

I did this with leaves from my yard not knowing what I was doing other than filling space to use as least dirt as I could for my potatoes. Well 5 mo ths later I had 2 big totes of leaf mold!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Leaf mold is good stuff Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@jackrudden5970]

what would you recomend for cheaply amending in ground gardens?

[@eric4946]

The goto for in ground amendments is compost , compost, compost. See if your town has a public leaf compost or something and lay down 3-4 inches and lightly work into the bed. You can add all the other good stuff like organic fertilizers, rock dust whatever but for getting good soil quality there’s no substitute for compost. You can check out no-till growers about the details of how much for a given area and how they like to work it in .

[@wendysgarden4283]

I add a half a bag of peat, a bag of the cheapest compost, and a bag of topsoil every year, over newspaper to my biggest in-ground bed in autumn. Doing a little bit yearly spreads out the cost. In four years, you can decrease that to just a bag of compost or leaf mold per bed. Also, now is a good time to shop for compost in bags. If you can find bags that have split in the sun, they'll likely give them to you for $1 each. Yeah, it leaves a mess in the car's trunk, but that what vacuums are for. : ) I also have an area that I've only used free wood chips over cardboard. It's slow improvement, but in 6-8 years, you'll have the best soil in town, and you just shove them aside to plant into. Renew them every 2 years, enough to keep weeds down. It takes me about 60 hours of work to move/spread 10 cubic yards of wood chips. The positive aspect to clay soil is that it's usually loaded with nutrients, so you don't need compost for that reason. The work you're doing is less amending it to get more nutrients, and more about improving the texture. If you have sandy soil, I might skip the peat, and use more top soil ($1.50 a bag where I am.) Don't dig it in, just pile it on. Mounded in-ground beds are good, as they help plants from getting waterlogged if it rains a lot, so don't worry if they're above the level of the rest of your yard after four years of piling more stuff onto them. Raised beds are expensive, and if you have slugs, give them more places to hide. Mounded in-ground beds are much cheaper.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I use grass clippings, leaves, shredded hardwood and if you can make it or buy it. Lots of compost. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@pattywatson355]

@@wendysgarden4283 ⁸

[@doreengordon8605]

Great ideas, thanks.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@thebusybrownangel5829]

Thanks for the tips!

[@beltoftruth56]

So helpful holding water is a problem I thought ..but with drainage holes I guess it won't . drilling holes ..how many holes

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

In containers I make 2 holes just incase one gets blocked but the are larger. Please subscribe as it really helps me & please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim.

[@jojor6235]

Would this method work for beds that are laying on concrete? I'm planning on adding wire and landscape fabric at the bottom to prevent soil draining out.

[@OfftoShambala]

There is another channel that has grown on a driveway similarly ... Robbie and Carrie I think ... give it a try!

[@fergusdangerfield156]

Another great video, thank you can I add horse manure to the lower layers??

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Lower layers yes and it doesnt have to be fully composted. Upper layers, should have quality fully composted manures. Sale for 10% off. Code 500K. Expires Friday 4/16. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop at www.therustedgarden.com & Please Ring the Bell (next to subscribe) to get immediate real-time video notifications of new videos. Thanks

[@nicolescott3951]

If you were to fill one of these in a gravel base greenhouse, would you need to put some sort of fabric on the bottom to prevent soil from filtering out?

[@wendygrohman6847]

Bottom third: Cardboard, grass Sticks, small branches, shredded hardwood, (all dried out and old), fill in with grass, crushed dead leaves, cutting from old plants (no weeds) - wet it down Middle third: Partially decomposed compost (top and middle of pile), regular dirt, 6-12 inch Top third: good broken down compost (bottom of pile), good soil, 17 inch Plants Mulch

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

That works well The 'Rusted Garden Red' Vertical Gardening Towers are Back for a Limited Time! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount store.greenstalkgarden.com/?afmc=therustedgarden or this short link lddy.no/4eal

[@ColemanGarage]

If you have a local sawmill, you may call and ask about sawdust! I got ahold of mine and they told me to take as much as I want, mine just burns it once a year!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Excellent tip Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com Plus support The Rusted Garden by subscribing and using my Amazon Store Front link when shopping for anything on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualified purchases, not just items I link. You can also find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for cameras, fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. Some people are using it for their social media followings and some people are using it for a fund raiser for schools and sport teams. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ Or use this link to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Seed Collection (My Seed and Garden Shop) Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr

[@nancylo2219]

I put in several 16" beds last year. Soil test at the end of the fall showed very low nitrogen but okay on everything else. Before winter I covered my beds (after settling all summer) with a couple inches of shredded leaves and grass clippings. This spring I put a couple inches of compost on top, but the leaves/grass has not broken down. Should I try to remove the leaves or add blood meal or something else??? thanks!

[@MaureenW88201]

Hi, i have 4.5x6 Ft raised bed thats 16 inches (4 beds) when you use grass from lawn, is there a risk of introducing weeds to the beds?

[@pakofishing]

Is it okay to use branches from coniferous tree as a "bedding" before adding soil (to grow veg and such) ?

[@whitefang407]

Hi Gary, I’m completely new to gardening and raise bed planting, having cleared the area of grass and moss and built the raised bed structure, my question is can I use the dug up moss ( it came up in sheets like sod/turf) as deep filler at the bottom of the bed? The raised bed is 2 feet deep and intend to use cardboard and branches as per your suggestion but unsure if the moss will regrow and contaminated the area. Thanks in advance, love your videos 👍

[@semsimama2191]

Hi Gary! I'm building a raised bed and would like to know if I can put dry leaves in the bottom also? Thanks

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can. The top 6-8 inches for of the beds should be decent soil for planting though. SO if the bed is deeper, yes. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden

[@semsimama2191]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Thanks

[@jenmv3483]

How about dried wood, such as the bundles you buy for camping? I've seen people wet the cardboard, Do you? What about bagged wood chips from lowes?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can use all you mentioned in the bottom. Moisten them down as you go is best Please Visit The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Neem Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Peppermint Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Rosemary Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C

[@dinavoutour7796]

I love the video. Are you in the U.SA. And if so which area ...such as north east, south west etc? I mostly want to know WHERE did you buy that wonderful raised bed???

[@suzannedavis4338]

Can I put fresh horse manure and straw bedding in the bottom layer ? With logs and twigs

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yes you could but deep down like in the video. Please Subscribe. It really helps me. Thanks! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ or use this link to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com And please support The Rusted Garden by using my Amazon Store Link when shopping for anything on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden. As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualified purchases, not just items I link. You can also find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more!

[@jgates5019]

If my grass clippins have some weeds, can I put that in towards the bottom?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for seeds, seed starting supplies, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com & Please Ring the Bell (next to subscribe) to get immediate real-time video notifications of new videos. I have over 1250 garden videos you can search and find the answer you need. Thanks

[@daughteroftheking6889]

Thank you 😊.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@michelerichard5523]

Gary I covered my raised beds with leaves over the winter months. It’s time to prep the beds for spring planting. I’m going to useup with compost, aged manure and some fresh soil. I am wondering if I should just leave the leaves on the top and add the rest on top of them. The leaves are wet at the moment and they were not shredded up into small pieces. Any info would be greatly appreciated🙏

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

If you are putting in transplants, leave the leaves and cover. If you are planting seeds. Remove the bigger leaves and compost them and add your amendments. Please subscribe as it really helps me & please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim.

[@barbarat5729]

I watched till the end. Was still not clear about WHEN you plan on moving your plants into that bed. Is it to be used right away or next Spring?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

With this size bed and all that good soil on top... you can plant right away. It is best to let it sit, but I already put the strawberries in. Consider the root system of the plants. The strawberries will stay pretty shallow.

[@jtrose6995]

I planted a bit of red clover as a shallow root cover crop...ill turn it under in the spring, it nourishes the soil.

[@akalam27]

Excellent advice thanks as ever. Will take back to improve my garden #mybanglagarden

[@namratadeshmukh19805]

I am beginner farming and this technique is new in India

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Well good luck and let me know if you have questions. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@jessicak4913]

Can u put just wood mulch in bottom then ur soil ? I’m new to raised beds there going to be 12x3 and 24/36 inches tall

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can put wood mulch on the bottom 1/3 Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Collection (My Seed and Garden Shop) Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr Plus support The Rusted Garden by subscribing and using my Amazon Store Front link when shopping for anything on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden. As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualified purchases, not just items I link. You can also find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for cameras, fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. Some people are using it for their social media followings and some people are using it for a fund raiser for schools and sport teams. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ Or use this link to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account

[@johntan5655]

I have a big project: I'm raising all my beds to at least waist- 28" high. I have 5 major and 2 minor ones. Doing this because of age, I'm 67 and bending down is becoming an issue. I've watched your video and others trying to determine what to add to each level. I'm not going to fill them up all the way up (maybe 6-8 inches from the top). Most of my major beds (currently) 3-4 ft wide, 8-10 ft long, and about 8" tall. I'm on a budget and so, your videos will make my project not so expensive. In fact I learned about "hugelkultur". My question to all is about the brown material at the bottom. I'm asking my neighbors to supply a lot of the bottom level, but need assistance on how "hard" or which types tree or shrubs can be used? I know that using "organic", non pesticide materials, and compostable items but for instance are Oleanders, Hollys, junipers, herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme,...) privets, bamboo, etc. can be used? Should they all be "hard" or dead material? Thanks for your video I like the step by step and which levels each of the materials that are used. Also, I will be using my old soil to supplement the top portion.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Those are heavy leaves. I would try and go with light leaves. Fully dried branches are good of any type. In theory anything can be used at the bottom but if you have ample choice, light leaves and drier sticks and branches. Good luck. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for seeds, seed starting supplies, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com & Please Ring the Bell (next to subscribe) to get immediate real-time video notifications of new videos. I have over 1250 garden videos you can search and find the answer you need. Thanks

[@louisguagenti6600]

Thank you, this was a most informative video. Much appreciated!

[@highridgegraphics2816]

Gary, can you use freshly mulch?

[@Ckeese75]

Perfect timing for this video!!! QUESTION: Can I use any type of branches or tree debris/mulch on my bottom 3rd of a 20 inch tall bed? I have been cutting up and mulching a California Laurel tree. I did some research and it is conflicting. Some people say some trees produce toxins when broken down and other plants do not like to grow there. I think it’s called alleopathic traits?? What does that mean exactly, when it comes to using broken down materials from that type of tree. Spending a lot of money and resources on these beds, don’t want to foul up my bottom layer on my first go around. Thank you for your time.

[@kikigamble4315]

Hi. You might consult an arborist or local Ag. Extension for that question. Peace to you and yours

[@grahamlister214]

Alellopathic is basically a plants attempt at controlling its environment to benefit itself and lessen the chances of rivals. It would be wise to check a list before loading up a planter. Personally I believe, and have experienced, a little bit of everything seems to be fine 👍🏼

[@Ckeese75]

Graham Lister Thank you, I appreciate your response. I did a little more research and it seems as though if I compost the California Bay Laurel down first it will be okay to put at the very bottom of my raised bed. Most of the Alleopathic properties will have been broken down and will continue to leach lower than my good fertile soil and vegetables root systems. Just wanted to use some debris from around my yard to help fill a tall raised bed. So I think I will be safe. Thank you again, wanted to be sure I wasn’t going to poison my food crops. 😉 lots of conflicting info on that group of trees. Some say they are poisonous and some say they are safe to eat. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think there are a couple of different types of Laurel/Bay trees. I’m positive I have what is called the California Bay Laurel, which also is know by a couple of different names. 🤦‍♀️😂

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

So I only know of Black Walnut as being a concern. But I get them from my yard. Pine, oak and other hardwoods. Usually its in the roots of the problematic trees. But if you are collecting wood and stuff is growing around the tree from which if fell... you are probably safe. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@Ckeese75]

Gary Pilarchik (The Rusted Garden) thank you!!!

[@intentionallyinpired]

Can I ask what that raised bed is ? Where did you find that to create raised bed..thanks so much ❤️

[@lovealwaysjasmine]

Can you put pea gravel and cardboard on top of that then good soil to top it off? Or store bought wood mulch/bark?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can. If you want to grow in it pretty quickly, go with good soil. Wood takes time to breakdown. Please check out The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for all your gardening needs: www.therustedgarden.com

[@Thee-_-Outlier]

Great video, I also used a similar technique in my 18" deep greenhouse beds. My bottom layer is logs and debris from trees and composted cow manure mixed with pumice and cotton seed meal and biochar. Mi middle layer is amended compost and biochar then I use a good raised bed soil inoculated and amended with beneficials and microorganisms like nematodes and also bugs like rove beetles and sow bugs plus worms etc then a cover crop of at min 28 doff species as I read a study about diversity and that 28 seemed for what ever reason to be where the most benefit was seen.

[@celinar5507]

Can weeds be in your grass clippings for the bottom third?

[@celinar5507]

For example let’s say it’s your first mow of the year and dandelions are in it…

[@cathymurray8119]

Do t ypy worry about the grass you put in the compost will produce weeds later?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont. It wouldnt be enough to cause issue or worry Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden

[@guitarman57]

Great video Gary. Any reason why I couldn't substitute layers of brown paper grocery bags that fold flat instead of the cardboard?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

No reason. That works Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@ecobluefarms223]

If a person doesn’t have logs etc can you use bark mulch to fill the bottom of raised bed

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

That will work Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@corbin2217]

Great video! Just one question I grow in big plastic tubs that have bottoms with a few holes drilling in for the draining water would the cardboard still allow the passing of water?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It could I would make a side hole 1 inch up somewhere just in case Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden

[@spbarnes]

If you use soil from a previous garden for the middle 1/3 layer, do you need to worry about any weed seeds that might be in that soil?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

They can be present but wont germinate. Weed seeds are all around The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com Thanks... Here is how you can support me, more videos, and The Rusted Garden... My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https:bit.ly/443SSGL My Blog: The Rusted Garden Journal therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@TheSuperHellfish]

I need to use hardware cloth to keep the voles out. Do I just put the hardware wire first, then start filling?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yes and several inches past the edge of the container so the hit that too Please subscribe as it really helps me & please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases. Check out my Amazon Storefront for garden lights, seed starting supplies, fertilizer, pest management, books and more! www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim.

[@TheSuperHellfish]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN thank you!

[@amyallen9021]

Can I create this and plant in it right away? or will it kill my plants

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can do this and plant right away as the top 1/3 is ready for planting. Plus support The Rusted Garden by subscribing and using my Amazon Store Front link when shopping for anything on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden. As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualified purchases, not just items I link. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Collection (My Seed and Garden Shop) Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr You can also find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for cameras, fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. Some people are using it for their social media followings and some people are using it for a fund raiser for schools and sport teams. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ Or use this link to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account

[@rubyewiggins4926]

Then it got cool and I have no wood for my outdoor fire bowl,I've got to go looking for more firewood now

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Well that wood will last years in the tub but only briefly in the fire. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@chrisprestwich4223]

Where did you get that raised bed?

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

Gary, My raised beds for the most part are just one layer of boards. I want to add a 2nd or even a 3rd layer of boards. Would you dig up all that soil that is in the 1st layer of boards or add compost and ect. to it?

[@stephaniegistsharratt1362]

Don't dig it up. Add to it.

[@AnnJo24224]

Wow, how about dry hay or straw. what layer it would be. I also have 3 months old quails poop with other food compost, that wasnt filled up during winter. Do you think it could be good as 2nd layer? thanks for all info!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

That works I would mix all that for a 1/3 bottom layer. Please Ring the Bell (next to subscribe) to get immediate real-time video notifications & Please check out The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for all your gardening needs: www.therustedgarden.com

[@miztri]

Gary do the leaves have to be shredded because I can just go in the back or in the fall when they hit the ground and put the leaves in bed. I don't have a lawn mower to shred them. Also once I've laid the cardboard and put the wood on top of the cardboard can I add horse manure as a compost because I have access to that versus purchasing compost or I don't have the means to make my own but I can get lots of horse manure, will that work

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Shredded is good or thinner leaves that crumble leaves. Heavy leaves that are thick, I would skip or use all the way at the bottom. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for seeds, seed starting supplies, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com & Please Ring the Bell (next to subscribe) to get immediate real-time video notifications of new videos. I have over 1250 garden videos you can search and find the answer you need. Thanks

[@kjakamura7678]

Hi. I have been searching for what to fill deep raised bed for lavender. I like your idea on putting cardboard. I have some already. I also have some styrofoam. Do you think it is a good idea to putl some styrofoam in base for raised bed?? I'm thinking bed will be deep enough so people can sit on edge.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I don't think I would use styrofoam. I would with some wood logs if you want bulk. Check out our new PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com

[@sreesree2018]

Hello Gary, I live in New Jersey. Last year when I put cardbaord under my garden bed, it attracted termites. How do you prevent. I cannot even think of it putting again. Needed advice.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Hmmm. I dont know how you would do it. However, terminates will also be attracted to wood mulch and other stuff. You could also drop insect dust on them if you see them. I wouldnt say cardboard is why the came. I hope they are gone. Check Out our Root Pouch products with a special discount package for the 100 & 150 gallon fabric pots, seeds and organic oils for pests & disease that will be used in this series: www.therustedgarden.com/products/trg-raised-bed-home-garden-kit-standard?_pos=6&_sid=adccc162f&_ss=r&variant=32954466959414

[@alowy]

I am just setting up an in ground garden for next season. Lots of your videos mention your container composition of soil. What do you do to IN GROUND SOIL? thanks

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

So it varies a lot based on how you immediate soil is but I use peat moss, locally bagged Leafgro product and compost. I have a couple videos on different garden ground preps. One is called Dig Once Garden, I have a no dig video and others. Please check out The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for all your gardening needs: www.therustedgarden.com

[@alowy]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Thank you for the reply. I am local to you (Howard Co) as well. Appreciate the reassurance what I am doing is going to work. Holiday order for my 1st rounds of seeds & supplies coming soon. Thank you. Keep up the videos!

[@MowBeta]

I cut down several Eastern Red Cedar trees 2-3 years ago, so the logs are well-aged and need to be put to use. Can I use them in short sections as the base layer in my raised garden beds?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

For sure. Thats a good resource Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. Some people are using it for their social media followings and some people are using it for a fund raiser for schools and sport teams. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ Join this channel to get access to Perk Memberships which focus on live chat garden mentoring and Q & A, live chat classrooms, and a member influenced video series: kzbin.info/door/ptL6_qMImyW_yZwiMjQdpgjo Look for the JOIN BUTTON mid way down the page on right, next to the circle picture of members.

[@annstone1742]

i have ants ih my compost. can i still use it? also the coffe grounds have developed mold. can i still use them? thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge!!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep use it all. Its just Nature Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@daisywade2449]

You can also put in the pile Diatomaceous!!

[@namratadeshmukh19805]

I seen your video, is it necessary to fill stepwise, can't we make all mixture together then put it

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

If it is a good mix, you can mix it all and then put it in. Sometimes at the bottom, you put lesser quality materials Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@amyallen9021]

Can I put hay intros if I do not have grass clippings

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can. Plus support The Rusted Garden by subscribing and using my Amazon Store Front link when shopping for anything on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden. As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualified purchases, not just items I link. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Collection (My Seed and Garden Shop) Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr You can also find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for cameras, fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. Some people are using it for their social media followings and some people are using it for a fund raiser for schools and sport teams. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ Or use this link to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account

[@donnanelson9181]

I may be wrong, but I think most people who put in raised beds do so because they don’t have the yard space for gardens. Therefore, they also don’t have all the yard and tree and leaf debris to use to fill their raised beds. Everybody keeps saying, “just use what you have lying around.” I live in the city. There is nothing lying around. Any other ideas to fill a bed cheaply???

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

In that case, bagged leaves and stuff from friends and family work. But Raised Beds are used all over. Good luck. And Please Visit The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Neem Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Peppermint Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Rosemary Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C

[@namratadeshmukh19805]

Can you tell me how many months / years its work means when should I change

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Raised beds you dont really change. Just add compost and such. If it fills to the top, you might remove some for future fresh compost. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@annettescarpa9104]

Can i throw my rotting cedar deds into the bottom of my new metal beds?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont see why not. The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Seed Collections (My Seed and Garden Shop) Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop (My Shop) for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise, and more at www.therustedgarden.com Plus support The Rusted Garden by subscribing and using my Amazon Store Front link when shopping for anything on Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden . As an Amazon Associate I earn from any qualified purchases, not just items I link. You can also find items I use or discuss in videos, by checking out my Amazon Storefront for cameras, fertilizer, pest management, shade cloth, seed starting supplies, books and more! Earn 15% by becoming a Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop Affiliate. Some people are using it for their social media followings and some people are using it for a fund raiser for schools and sport teams. To sign up... use this link to our shop and click the MORE tab on the green bar and select TRG Affiliate Program www.therustedgarden.com/ Or use this link to go directly to our TRG Affiliate Program sign up the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Collection (My Seed and Garden Shop) Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr

[@jeremymorrissette2398]

Add a few handfuls of worms should help decomposition

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount store.greenstalkgarden.com/?afmc=therustedgarden or this short link lddy.no/4eal AgroThrive Organic Bio-Fertilizers Use my affiliate link and my code TRG10 to save 10% on your first order: agrothrive.com/?ref=M5o6fjdAruq_S

[@OfftoShambala]

Can you use soft wood chips? I have mesquite chips... I think that’s considered a soft wood.

[@keralee]

Mesquite is one of the hardest hardwoods. Lovely in a smoker.

[@patriciasmith2217]

Can you put hay in your raised bed.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can for sure. My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https:bit.ly/443SSGL Visit my blog, The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com Thanks... Here is how you can support me, more videos, and The Rusted Garden... The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@wilheminawalker6054]

On a smaller scale would this work for a 10 gallon container? It would have the height, but not the width.

[@wilheminawalker6054]

I got the answer to my question as I was reading your response to a previous question. Thanks!

[@kevincantrell8136]

Can sawmill chips work as good as the wood shreds

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

They will. The more is shredded the faster it decomposes, generally speaking Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@robertshorthill4153]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN Where I work, they had chicks for sale. Every day they would clean out the little brooder boxes. The bedding was wood pellets, pine shavings -- each day there would be chick poop, wet feed, soiled pellets and shavings. I harvested 4 or five bags of this stuff, which I tossed into a new compost pile for use next year. Those bags were very heavy, too. Maybe next spring I will haul off some more. Compost material is everywhere, if you just keep your eyes open. Thanks Dr. Gary. Bob. ( PS. Some of this stuff went to me instead of the landfill)🍅😀☮️💖🍅🍅

[@DDiamondRRuby]

How many inches of rotted wood and leaves can I add to a new raised bed that is 10 inches tall? We have some beds that I am going to try core gardening with, burying straw down the middle. Will the wood break down enough by June 1st next year so it won't take nutrients from my plants?

[@eric4946]

It’s very dependent on the state of the wood and the and the type of wood. Fine shredded softwood like pine would decompose very quick but solid cedar logs would take forever . I would say you want at least 6-8 in of soil at a minimum. If planting deeper rooted plants the next year I wouldn’t do this with a shallow bed. Gary will have more knowledge on this though.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

With 10 inches, I would go with shredded wood. Maybe 2-3 inches. Straw is good too. Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@paxetbonum4934]

What about water drainage? It looks like you are going to retain water from these materials. Water will have a difficult time draining. Water logged plants? Just a thought. Tell me I am wrong.

[@alfredawoods9949]

Can I use alfalfa pellets in place of greens

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I never tried but I suppose you could. Please check out The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for all your gardening needs at www.therustedgarden.com & Please Ring the Bell (next to subscribe) to get immediate real-time video notifications. Thanks

[@davidhill99]

I have moles in my garden. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get rid of them?

[@joanies6778]

If you can, put wire netting down below your bottom layer. They can't get through it. I use the stuff overhead to protect my plants from hail.

[@eric4946]

Wire mesh is good , they also don’t like very wet soil . If you keep things well watered this will help deter them.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Sorry I dont Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@merkyreynoso7179]

Can I still do this if I don’t have compost

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can use other materials in the bottom 1/3 Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@fabiolasanchez5980]

pine branches are wood or is better other trees branches?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

That is okay to use Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for seeds, seed starting supplies, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com & Please Ring the Bell (next to subscribe) to get immediate real-time video notifications of new videos. I have over 1250 garden videos you can search and find the answer you need. Thanks

[@Not-thatKaren]

Did you drill drainage holes or do these containers already have them? . Also, what are your thoughts on wicking beds/containers?

[@PeytonWind]

These are open bottom, so no need to drill holes. This is why he laid down cardboard in the beginning: to keep any weeds or grasses from growing up from the bottom. If you look at the very beginning of the video, say around 0:15 you can see a little sunlight inside at the underside of the metal edge.

[@joanies6778]

I had self wicking containers last year with mixed results. The fertilizer that hung out at the bottom became toxic in a few containers, so I learned to flush them out periodically. I think they had too much slow release fertilizer, should have just used the liquid form, I think. It was otherwise nice not having to water them every single day! What I am doing differently this year is drilling a hole on the side at the bottom then fitting a removable plug. When I want to flush out the bucket, I'll just remove the plug. I may try the double bucket method on a few and see which I like best. Peppers did well, but my tomatoes grew much better in the ground. Good luck!

[@lenasledge2645]

Does it matter what you fill the bed with if it’s a raised bed on legs and not coming in touch with the ground?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good question. It would matter. If you add earth soil you are adding in worms and soil life so it might take time for them to get up to speed. I might do less of the bottom 1/3 stuff. Please Ring the Bell (next to subscribe) to get immediate real-time video notifications & Please check out The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop for all your gardening needs: www.therustedgarden.com

[@georgeball1147]

Does the cardboard need to be all brown material? I just bought a giant TV but the box has the colored layer picture on it of the TV. OK to use?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I use colored if the ink is flat. Not sure other wise. Please visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden shop for your fabric pots, fall & spring seeds, seed starting supplies, peppermint oil, neem oil, TRG merchandise and more at www.therustedgarden.com Check out my new gardening PODCAST Gardening Coast2Coast at gardeningcoast2coast.net with CaliKim

[@georgeball1147]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN not sure what you mean by flat but it looks like a print in color of course.

[@kristenlandis9741]

Could filling the bottom of bed with cheap top soil work as well???

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can do that too. Some organic matter helps the soil life down the line but the cheap stuff can go down on the bottom. I might even layer it with cardboard in the bottom 1/3 Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com

[@woodfloorstyles]

Does it matter what type of logs?..

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

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[@carolgonzalez1691]

I tried to grow Fall Zuchini..black bugs ate the leaves..killed the plants. Cherry tomatoes doing good, other than rain everyday last 3 weeks.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Hmm wonder what the bugs were Get your Fall Garden Seeds & Spring Seed Starting Supplies at... Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com