Growing Potatoes in Moose Manure | Off Grid Gardening in Nature

Building a homestead in the Canadian wilderness has particular challenges, and growing vegetables in moose and deer manure is one of the natural and unusual ways that helps me to become more self reliant at my log cabin.
This week, I collect moose droppings from around the forest, including alongside the First Nations longhouse where a couple of moose have been hanging out over the past year. My lower garden is beside a stream that runs behind my log cabin and is a popular crossing spot for moose, deer, bear and wolf so there is plenty of manure in the area that I can use for compost.
Good soil is not plentiful here, so I need to build up the organic composition with wild animal manure, green manure, water plants, fish, bird and animal remains and anything else that breaks down quickly. I will continue to compost these organic materials in a large compost pile with leaves and branches making up the bulk of the material.
With three separate gardens, I have built redundancy into our food system, which includes not only the cultivated gardens but also consists of wild edibles - meat, fish, fruit and vegetables from the forest, lakes and rivers that surround us here in Ontario Canada.
In the newest forest garden that I'm currently developing, I have planted potatoes in leaf litter, forest soil and moose manure as well as many other cool weather vegetables that can be grown before the last frost of the season - spinach, beets, carrots, peas and alliums.
In the coming weeks, I'll finish building a bear and wolf proof chicken coop and I'll plant the warm season vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, beans and more by the end of May
My Axe and Adze - www.torontobla...
Thanks for watching! New videos every FRIDAY. Please subscribe.
My Other Channel: Shawn James bit.ly/2xzZHpB
T-SHIRTS: teespring.com/...
Watch the playlists by clicking on these links:
Building an Off Grid Sauna: bit.ly/2IjvJsQ
Building a Log Cabin with Hand Tools: bit.ly/2MeEoOs
Building an Outdoor Forest Kitchen: bit.ly/2AFQJ99
Best of My Self Reliance: bit.ly/2OfW7ry
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance....
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Mailing Address:
51 King William Street
P.O. Box 30017
Huntsville, ON
P1H 0B5
My Tools, Clothing & Other Gear:
www.amazon.com...
Cabelas: bit.ly/2AEp48v

[@jeanadamsick9854]

Cali, frolicking, in the water & enjoying herself, makes me smile!! The nature shots, brings a joy, to know that there are still unadulterated places, in this world of ours!! Every moose, nugget, counts :-) Amazing, how nature can supply most all the needs! You Shawn, are a human, tiller, plowing through all the rock & tree roots. Thanks, for the nugget, of information, on the moose droppings. Thanks for more of your great videos, Shawn. You are loved by many!!!

[@melissamcmillan8927]

Calling looks good. Healthy and happy. Whatever you're feeding her now is working. She's a well fed, happy dog. She's beautiful!

[@auntym4729]

I thought it was Friday for a second.🥰. Your videographer is amazing. Shows us how much heart you have! ML GB

[@marianfrances4959]

Omg on the spring runoff! Miss Cali at home in the water. Woo hoo on that garden, Shawn. Thank You!! 😉💜🐾🇨🇦

[@drydenstewartenterprises]

Love your videos! I have had some success in the past using Moose manure for vegetables, but I soaked them in water until they were able to be broken up, I found that if I didn't do that they just dried into hard pellets and didn't work well as a fertilizer. By soaking them you also make like a compost tea that can be poured around your plants and the solids can be added to the soil. I hope it all works out for you! Also when mounding up potatoes to gain a bigger harvest remember that it doesn't need to be soil, you can mound it up with any kind of mulch, wood shavings, even rake up leaves and put it around the plants as they grow.

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

Cali brightens my mood. She is delightful. Thanks for posting.

[@patriciamoody3137]

I've been an urban dweller for 50 years and haven't seen the milky way since my daughter was a girl scout, so I loved the beautiful night sky you included in this one. Thank you!

[@guyazbell7437]

That was simply aw inspiring

[@JasmineAHart]

yes.... i get all sentimental over a starry night too......***sigh***

[@mawmawvee]

It was so beautiful.

[@juanmartindemier5654]

Hello, Shawn. One of the thing i like most about you is your humility. Keep it up!

[@KrisH-kp9vx]

I watch all of your videos. I even sometimes make a playlist and watch them (or fall asleep to them) all night. I love them. But... I used to work very hard at hard physical labor jobs. I even played hard. I am only 53. I am disabled and cant walk without assistance. My spine is beyond repair. I see you doing what I used to do and I just cannot help but think that you are hurting yourself without knowing it. I never in my life thought that I would be in the position I am in. I have always worked hard and was very physically strong. Now I cant even bend down to tie my shoes. Just be careful on how you lift and what you do. You seem like a good guy. I dont want what has happened to to happen to you.. ~Kris

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks Kris

[@dannyjames3437]

Loved watching Cali help dig. When we cleaned fish we put our fish heads down around our Tomato plants with some old woven wire fence roll around each plant. They grew big.

[@mikedeclerck1421]

Linda is right on. Take better care of yourself. Love the water scenes and Cali enjoying the water. Give Cali a BIG SMOOCH from Mike & Ronnie. GOD BLESS

[@nomad7412]

Can't get enough of your videos. As an old and experienced gardener of over 55 years, at an early time in my gardening experience I learned to use anything that was left from the kitchen like eggshell. literally anything organic. Over in the UK. Gardening is a huge part of our lives and we go to great lengths to produce home veggies for show and culinary use. You mentioned that you would like to use "green manure" which is one of the best ways to produce strong, healthy plants after composting. To produce the green manure can I suggest that you use leafy plants which are very fast growing and recognised for usage as green manure. Comfrey has been used for centuries as a great, natural soil builder and mustard biofumigant when rotted into the soil will release compounds which will reduce the growth of soil born diseases which will help to reduce diseases like tomato wilt. Many plants and herbs can be used to realease their individual benefits quickly, which in your case, I can see a great need for. You are wise to have mentioned the importance of composting manure from animals. Chicken and pigeon manure have been used for many, many years by allotment gardeners and the importance of composting cannot be over emphasised. I have a small back garden but grow Lime, lemon, orange, avocado, apple potatoes, beetroot, chillies, herbs (obviously great for drying) .Mint is like a weed and will grow anywhere in my experience.Best way to use green manure is to grow it directly where you wish to plant out, simply dig it into the bed and plant on top. I personally, would have a compost container where I know everything is contained and when its ready, I use it in small quantities, being so full of richness there is no wastage. Many years ago I was poor and could not afford to buy composts, so had to learn the best and cheapest methods of composting and growing healthy veggies for my family. With best practices, you don't need to grow masses of food that will possibly not keep well and some foods will definitely taste better fresh. In your neck of the woods I can see how difficult it can be just to till your soil and make it rich and fertile. I used to get about a six foot length of galvanised mesh from a roll, cut the width to about 3 foot and lay this against something at an angle. this was my sieve for taking the stones out of the soil which was thrown onto the top where the finer soil would pass through and the stones would roll to the bottom. I would then use the finer soil for seed raising and adding to the garden. If you used a heated area for seed raising you would gain weeks of growing time which might be worth a thought. The amount of effort to me, seems like a great time saver compared to what you have done so far.( Only my humble opinion ). What you have achieved so far is nothing less than a minor miracle and I take my hat of to you young man. Total respect ! Stay healthy and be safe. Ty for you video sharing. Truly inspiring.

[@margaretcarter517]

Thank you Shawn. I’m not sure whether you know what pleasure and relief your videos give to someone in lockdown ( ie only allowed out for essential food shopping and a short daily exercise) in the uk!

[@debradavid929]

❤️ the river and water footage.... Bless dear Cali, she and all your beautiful footage of nature and simple outdoors bring me peace and joy! I know you work and live a simple, and rather hard way of life, but your skills and work ethic are priceless. I feel, I am what most call frugal here in the states.... living simple, with respect of nature, being resourceful and having a learned a variety of skills..... my personal goal and goal dream for each of my three children.... is the same. I find your videos to be honest, truthful, educational, and just pure from your heart with a strength of huge integrity. I have raised one son whom is an awesome Eagle Scout, and will soon graduate with a Bio Engineering degree, and will start again soon, for his Master’s and PHD. I don’t worry for him, as I do his younger HS aged siblings... I’ve my teaching and work cut out.... You are sharing so many examples and skills I want my children to learn.... they call me crazy to be so simple and “old school”.. Their grandparents and older brother are far wiser! During these past weeks, of sheltering and staying home.... l had prepped and and planned... I’ve been baking breads, stocking dried goods, and such.... we live in a home with well and septic and more land than most around us.... a bit secluded, and also a recent move....my younger kids hated it.... now they have space, and we will soon plant our outdoor garden.... I send my prayers and my blessings to you, your wife and daughters during this pandemic... haha you, are far safer I’m sure.... I live 40 miles W of Chicago IL! We (either my husband, or myself) have left our home six times, in the last eight weeks ( I’m anal and note it on the wall calendar) just for the pharmacy, big box hardware, and to get grocery staples, we tried to even keep those grouped together on the same day. We have ordered out once in over eight weeks. Huge savings, and trust me.... my teenage son, eats non-stop.... especially the protein like eggs, chicken and beef! I now cook all fresh and food prep 24/7. Can’t wait for garden!

[@walkinginthenorth7216]

On a thursday!? You're spoiling us! Thank you and stay safe Shawn ❤

[@tld597]

If I had to choose, I so love a video during the work week to help break it up. But I am certainly not complaining for sure and I enjoy them whenever. : D

[@John-Adams-Can]

I had to rewatch this as we are clearing an acre for our survival garden. Thanks again Shawn. Potatoes are going to be main staple.

[@ZXspectrum..]

I can see you have a sense of urgency Shawn and are obviously aware that this as a time to thrive and provide, but remember to not 'rush' and cause an injury..as skilled and competent as you are you are also human. Hoping you all stay safe

[@piteusx8440]

It also appears the camera work is a lot better. I think his wife is filming at times. That will help his focus with less things to worry about.

[@waynebibey9727]

@@piteusx8440 until I learn otherwise I give credit for camera work and scenery shots to Shawn. :)

[@chrisroothman2664]

Cali trims the grass by the pond so nicely, she seems like a good substitute for a lawnmower.😍

[@michael_k_aus_S]

Shawn, can you tell me why watching you debarking a tree is so satisfying for me? Is the possible reason for that, that you are living a much more satisfying life than I am? (It propably is! 😏) How ever, thank you for giving me the chance to take part of your and your lovely family's life! Stay sound and healthy! Greetings from Leverkusen, Germany! Michael

[@patriciabeyer7824]

I find that very interesting. There were a couple of years mom hadn't done too much with the flower beds around the house. They had stopped doing a garden by then. After mom left the house I moved in for a bit to get it ready for selling. My dog always left a gift laying around. I had to do something with it and I thought of putting it in the flower beds. Let me tell you....you would think the bulbs were given a shot of new life. The blossoms were absolutely amazing and bright just fabulous!!! Natural fertilizer. It works. 👍👍👍

[@izildamacielmosqueira9135]

Hello Shawn James, thanks for this vídeo! I love the river and the nature around, it's really beautiful place, I like to see the force of water, the birds, the sky and the trees! Give us peace and hope! God bless you and your family! A kiss to Cali! A hug from Brazil!

[@GloriaBerrisch]

I love gardening videos. I'm glad that even though you're not experienced in gardening, you want to learn and try growing your own food. Happy gardening!

[@donnabaardsen5372]

Aside from everything we're learning from these videos, I have to repeat myself and say, I LOVE the sounds. They set the mood for each and every one of them. And then there's that cutie pie Cali...😊💕

[@rollenthomas4059]

I love the rapids with the sound the water brings. God is so awesome that there are so many beautiful sites in this world & you are blessed to enjoy one of them. From Peggy

[@KrisV385]

Shawn looking forward to the turkey video. Totally understand why you don't put much up on the hunting part but always like it if you do.

[@cindihinrichs858]

I do not understand why anyone would thumbs down your videos....

[@young-soonkim6730]

Good Thursday Shawn & Cali!👍

[@cherrydowns7745]

Cali the waterdog! Cali the garden helper! There's nothing quite like food from a garden you've worked hard to create.

[@angieperez4947]

Your dog loves water, and he’s a good helper when you’re gardening.

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Beyond doubt the best channel for off the grid living. What a delight it has been following your progress over the last three years. Thank you for all the pleasure you bring to viewers. It is funny to think about... watching television one is entertained by folks we never really get to know. On KZbin it is so much closer to the source. This is a wonderful way of engaging with creators. Thanks.

[@markc2404]

Have you considered growing wild rice in the swampy areas. Good food and great cover for birds.

[@jayjohnson3724]

Please know your videos are the highlight of these bleak weeks. Thank you.

[@dongray9852]

I'm enjoying the increase in upload production, thanx Shawn! Likin' that adz, ain't'cha? 👍

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol, it’s rather enjoyable

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Learning and enjoying Shawn! Watched with my morning coffee and brother, you're making me tired! Not really, you're quite inspiring! Lots of work but it will become easier each year. Having started new gardens in the past, I know it's lots of work but I didn't have new woodlands to clear. Still lots of work. It gives us a bit of an idea how difficult it was in the early days. And the work in building an Indigenous home. I do hope you and your friends can continue the longhouse project, with a time frame on those dying ash trees. So many species have been propionate only to become victim to some bug. My Grandfather born in 1892, talked about gathering chestnuts in pillow cases, so many. And all the things that could be made from them. Here in this area of SE Pa. Chestnuts comprised about 60% of the forest. Thanks Kindly for sharing your ups and down on this Cali and Family Show! Love how she's always helping Daddy! Love, Light, Peace, Joy and Great Gardens! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@murrayandru7527]

Got my potato's in last week too, just couldn't get the Moose to poop in the bucket I had.. Thanks for the video Mr. James, enjoy the fruits of your labor.. Take care .

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol. Let us know when you’re successful

[@shirleyanderson8441]

@@MySelfReliance I think he needs to research HOW TO POTTY TRAIN A MOOSE. I hear it's going to be a best seller.

[@wertfreund2480]

Yeah it's an awfully kinda work to train moose anyhow! ..potty or not!😄 Friend of mine in Norway tries to attract them to his Island pretty close under land, for same fertilizing issues - although they're able to swim long distances they're not to get on his soil! 😉

[@Jimwill01]

You need to put up a sign that says "Leave Moose poop here"

[@mikefedele4521]

I never get tired of watching wildlife. .. especially big wildlife...we don't have it in the south.... Also those loons..... Music to my ears .... Never gets old.👍

[@Latina4Life]

Very educational and sound advise. I love the background "music" and your side kick Callie

[@ruthiewrangler9864]

The deer at the end of the video blend in so well you can hardly see them until they move. Wishing you well on your garden, an unbelievable amount of work. Very enjoyable. Thanks Shawn

[@marieleopold1625]

You may be onto something Shawn...'MOOSE TATERS!' (LOL). You had soOOoo well-honed garden skills in the city, that now you need to adapt to an 'entirely' different ecological scenario. You endlessly acquire new skills to add to your quiver of talents. I luv seeing you 'make do' with what (as you say) you are 'BLESSED' to have. I look forward to your coop, screened porch for your women-folk especially, and the building of your greenhouse. Lot's on your plate, so; continued health to you n' yours and God's blessing. Thanks for your time and sharing this vid with us.

[@stephenriley9084]

Shawn, 👍. Chicken wire, hoop, pile of leaves, 2 years, leaf mould. Every time you visit the river garden take a bucket. Leave a spade and bring back half a bucket of silt and use for soil correction. Happy gardening 🌱🌱🌱. Regards Stephen.

[@IsthatSew]

Cali looks like she is lovin' the warmer weather.

[@kennethirinas1596]

Not sure if she likes the snow or running water better. lol

[@CADesignStudio]

I bet the paws not being caked up with snow is great

[@almcallister6490]

Amazing you are planting things in your garden and here in the Mid Atlantic we are getting nights in the low 40*'s and days barely making it to the 60*"s

[@wertfreund2480]

14:42 Guess she'd like more to get rid of her warm winter-undercoat at the moment!😇 Belly cooling in 4°C water 😉

[@joecola6487]

She also looks primetime to dig up a garden too lol

[@molly56clark]

Thank you Shawn. My week is now complete. Another wonderful video to enjoy. I appreciate your stamina, creativity and many accomplishments. Each week I look forward to whatever you have in store for us. Excitement is the word that comes to mind. In these very troubling times we’re living thru, your videos provide not only a calming effect but allow us viewers to step into your world and forget ours.

[@patsycav]

I love the humor on this thread. Very funny followers. Laughter is good for the soul, especially when housebound.

[@mornayvanrooyen6252]

Greetings my fellow earthlings. Thank you, Shawn, for yet another inciteful video. Always looking forward to your uploads. Your slice of heaven is always so soothing, amongst the midst of what is happening worldwide. Cape Town, South Africa.

[@warriorwoodworking5136]

First year we had our white lab, we as usual prepared our corn rows. She thought it great fun to chase the dirt we were throwing and after we had planted the seeds decided the rows were the greatest things to run around on. Needless to say that year we had corn coming up in every direction conceivable except straight up. Any type of retriever or sporting dog are so curious about how we as humans interact with our environment. Calli reminded the wife and I of a great dog that has since passed onto the great hunting grounds above. When it came time for me to choose a service dog I knew I needed to look no further than for a sporting dog. Thank you for allowing us into your lives

[@jeffreyhebert5604]

I love the KZbin app upgrade.. now I can post a comment without scrolling to the bottom.. Nice.. Shawn since I've been watching your channel you look so much more fit.. amazing what fresh air and some good old fashion hard work can do..well sir you have an amazing day and give Cali a pet and scratch for me sir.. keep living the dream

[@arnevandemaele1214]

When I started to watch, 16k people already looked. Now afterwards, 22k people enjoyed... Greets from the old European Continent and yes, when I check the weather in my village in Belgium, I always compare with the weather at your place since I know where you exactly live... Thanks for sharing your beautiful life!

[@SuperPeacerose]

I am watching you and am grateful for what you are showing. Thank you for what you show.

[@jewels7832]

Just what I needed, a video from Shawn after a hard day of work! Cali just cracks me up! 🐾 I wish I could have a big veggie garden but only have a container garden...better than nothing tho!

[@Shyamsundar-pg2pk]

My husband and I met at school and even then he wanted to live like this but unfortunately I thought it was too strange. Now in our late 50s it’s too late! I get hours of peace and tranquillity watching your channel. So thank you and Bless you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😘

[@toneyjohnson8910]

You can take fish heads and put them under your tomatoes and peppers and they will rot and fertilize the plants it works great. Put them in deep.

[@lifeofanexpediter2640]

Watching your video and seeing Cali so happy takes me to my happy place brother. Thanks

[@myoutdoorlife3833]

I've been telling my wife for years and years now that I wanted to try using moose poop in the garden and never got around to doing it! You beat me to it! We have all kinds of moose in our parts, so it's pretty plentiful. This video will probably be the inspiration I needed to finally giving it a try!

[@catherinecooper2360]

So glad you gave folks the info on green manure. I was wondering about that when I saw you putting it on the garden. Good thinking! I enjoy watching you, nature and Cali. Thank you for doing such good work on the taping, Shawn. I appreciate you and your efforts.

[@rachelconlin9181]

Shawn!! Plant elderberries - perennials that love acid AND water. Just pick in the fall and make tonic to last the winter. Such a great immune booster!

[@MySelfReliance]

I am:). I think I ordered 3 bushes

[@rachelconlin9181]

@@MySelfReliance I hope they are at least two different varieties - it's super easy to propagate cuttings, in the dormant season, stick 'em in a jar of water a few weeks before you can plant. Hugs to Cali!!

[@MarieHalle]

I think the potatoes will do just fine in wet or muddy earth. Happy muddy Cali, always has a fine time rain or shine. We should all take her example.

[@johnnyjr6292]

Awesome! I remember helping my grandpa at his sawmill many years ago, and when I got a cut place or scratched place he would put pine resins on it, ( this was in the summertime)

[@tempgirl00711]

Amen!! Can't wait to see all projects. Greenhouse.smokehouse save all fish for winter.canning.etc amazing.keep up good work

[@SurvivalLilly]

Great idea with the moose poo :) i believe a partial food shortage is coming. Every gardener is taking off pressure from the supply chain. The more people have gardens the better. Stay safe!

[@jtpaar1732]

I watch your videos as much for the beautiful scenery as for the learning content as for the imaginary place it takes me to in my mind. Thanks for all that!

[@marybethhaydon6816]

Appreciate your vid's & your comments at the end of this one. Have you thought about taking some of that rich river soil up to where you're planting? Have a section where you compost it with ashes, etc. and preserve it for next season. Also once the river potates rot, that'll be good compost as well. Keep on keepin' on, buddy!

[@jackiemartin2874]

Cali’s tail never stops except when she’s asleep! Love that dog! Nothing like being on poop patrol. 😁

[@gbthecamper458]

It’s too bad that the previous owner grew rocks and he was pretty good at it.. I hope your hard work pays off handsomely.

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol

[@joebast1842]

Welcome to the Canadian Shield!

[@Throku]

@WeeItsNookies That's why so many emmigrated to the US in the 1800-hundreds. They were shoved out into the woods here and told to tame the wild, but the ice of the iceage has left tons of stone behind as it melted and not enough time for new soil to bury them all. I'm guessing large parts of Canada and Russia has this exact same problem as we in the northern Europe.

[@jeanblythe1595]

They are not rocks, they are lithified potatoes.

[@daleadkins2448]

It is a tremendous amount of labor to get a garden started, then it's a tremendous amount of labor to tend it all summer, and then it's a tremendous amount of labor to harvest, preserve and store the produce. But this winter you can appreciate all the hard work with every meal.

[@christiangeiselmann]

Walls of pure wood. Best walls ever.

[@jandoe2342]

I think that I will never ever look at my flat lander soil the same again. what you are dealing with is unbelievably difficult garden growing conditions. my hats off to you

[@andrebisaillon5846]

You may want to consider, for water availability close to your garden, to suspend a weighted tarp (reverse umbrella) perforated in the center with a large container(s) underneath. It’s cheap and easy to install. This could be temporary installed until your chicken coop is completed. Chimo!

[@sstag83]

I'm going to do this. Thank you

[@jfbaker5351]

Wow everybody should do this.

[@МихаилРодной-п8б]

You don't need any "umbrella" to install. Just hummer dosen stics in the ground about feet high in the shape of tarp, connect their topps with rope and place bid tarp in the middle so the perimeter of tarp will rest on this low fence and all the rest on the ground. Add rubber pipe to it and you have water supply system. Choose little bit higher location than garden so water will flow itself. Easy to install, easy to uninstall and move werewer you need it. OR use barrels under the corners of your house, add long rubber pipe at the bottom. Other end of pipes hook to pole about your hight. If unhooked and placed on the ground - water will flow, lift it up - it stops.

[@giselecontassotdesayvre8090]

Bonjour Shawn.. infatigable...un énorme travail....je redécouvre vos vidéos magnifiques...ce lieu est empreint de votre personnalité, votre travail..l'oeil du photographe, de celui qui poste des vidéos qui suivent les saisons..trop trop belles.. musique personnelle👍👍..j'ai beaucoup plus de temps, mes petits enfants, enfants, mari..m'ont expressément demandée d'arrêter mes activités, de me préserver etant une personne à risque..donc j'ai plus de temps...merci à vous 🙂

[@KILLERMEDIACLUB]

love this video. lots of good information. thank you Shawn

[@MySelfReliance]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@balvanedaruelaspena877]

Lo mismo digo... Muchas gracias.

[@janis6363]

Lots of veggies survive under a snowfall. I watch rural Chinese gardeners harvesting all sorts of things in winter. Good luck to you guys. Calli should love 🥕

[@902johnson]

Man, Im having a few drinks on the couch here and i'm looking at these forearms on Shawn and thinking to myself... This freakin' guy looks like Arnold carrying the log on his shoulders from those old, I don't know, 90's, or 80's movie. I'm 36 years old with 18 years of military service and am in need of a hip replacement. I can do this shit, but Ill be hurting the next day. Shawn just cooks some wild game and veg and does it all over again. Big props Shawn, You're a big inspiration every time I watch a video. And given the unfortunate news with the downed Helo from HMCS Fredericton, God rest their souls, A patriot salute to you Sir!

[@MrKokoBoom]

Watching you is so relaxing, thank you for posting these videos for us!

[@janetseidlitz5976]

Cally helping you garden had me in stitches haha.

[@pinkywilliams8063]

Shawn, we appreciate your self reliance and I for one learn lots...Enjoy the views of your world and Cali clips are the best... True Animal lover here...The raised beds are great and I'm excited to see the fruits of your labor. Take care...

[@donaldmacdonald8685]

WAY TO GO SHAWN KEEP UP THE HARD WORK! WE ARE ALL LEARNING SOMETHING YOU ARE LIVING MY DREAM WE LEARN THROUGH TRIAL & ERROR THE FRUITS OF LABOUR WILL REEP!!!

[@carlajamison311]

I enjoy blog I watch at bedtime bcuz I like the nature sounds, Cali really enjoys the warm weather as well as snow, God bless

[@johnnyblood2]

Crops that do well in water logged soil include asparagus, high bush cranberries, low bush cranberries, mint, red raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, watercress.

[@jeanettec6212]

I hope your blessed with an over abundance! You deserve it! Thanks again for another enjoyable video! Take care and God Bless!

[@briandevlin269]

Having relatives in Ireland they laugh at my difficulties in growing potatoes. Now I need a moose! I give.

[@janedoe09]

OM Good Lord!! I love seeing Cali help you plant the potatoes!!! Thank you for the smile on my face Cali 💜💜💜

[@shellhernandez3333]

dont know if you work this hard for us or you...but its amazing! you are a wonderful man!' keep on keeping on!

[@denaredford6701]

Shell Hernandez3 , pretty sure it’s for himself and his family .

[@andersonpimenta6979]

Spring makes this place even more beautiful.

[@toddparis809]

Don’t be surprised when you get a moose in your garden, after planting all of those moose seeds

[@MySelfReliance]

I hope so

[@kennethirinas1596]

Boy! That would fill the freezer..Ha ha..

[@GhostofYouZ]

Food for months!

[@МихаилРодной-п8б]

The key to this get him close to cabin as pissible to avoid extra energy waste. We respect and understand your decision not to show too much. Some of the audience are soft hearted and some light minded to understand what and how much it takes to be self reliant in the woods and provide family with food. Roting wood (fungi) consumes nitrogen which is needed for plants, on the other hand, simbiotic with beens bacteria PROVIDES soil with nitrogen. Using half rotted logs is good though. You have limitless supply of leaves to produce compost. Keep in mind, leaves need green biomass or nitrogen added to decompose (ammonia - urine). Using moose manure and human vaste will help. If soil nearby is reach - it can be transported in small cart with one wheel (you can see them on construction site) - up to 100 lbs at once, combined with compost (on top) and used in rised vegetable bads. But still, key factor is SUN. It's mandatory you don't have any shadow from nearby treas in any hour of day cast on your garden, otherwise there will be extra humidity and slugs will eat you plants. Good luck, man

[@tinydancer7426]

@@МихаилРодной-п8б Pissable ........ was that a typo or a freudian slip? ha ha ha

[@melinda8283]

We always cut our seed potatoes, as did my grandfather. Your seed goes further. All you need is two to three good eyes per potato. We never did anything else to them, cut and drop one to two seeds per hill. Also, once you get your chickens, you can use their manure also. Love watching your videos!

[@morairacalpe91]

Quel courage bravo monsieur .bonjour de France★★★★

[@hollystringer7639]

I love seeing your garden. I hope Cali can give you some help she seems to be like working in the garden 2 and trying to be helpful. Thank you Sean I enjoy your videos and take care.

[@fritz7357]

I'm jealous, i live in Germany with the Corona Zombie Apocalypse. All the best to you and best regards to Cali.

[@SpringHills47]

You live in a beautiful part of the world Shawn. Looking forward to seeing how your chicken coop turns out.

[@timofeyserikof8397]

Dear James, To obtain high-grade fertilizer from (any) manure, it (manure) must be soaked in a small amount of water for a week, and then this fertilizer should be shed at the rate of 150-200 grams for each hole dug for potatoes. Such a method is guaranteed to have the best result.

[@jeannine.]

I'm always amazed at how hard you work. I don't know where you find the strength to persevere. What an amazing feat! Kudos my friend. You are such a hard worker. Hope your family appreciates all that you do. Glad Cali is with you. You certainly are an inspiration for us all. Love your videos. Thank you!

[@OakKnobFarm]

Oh, man. Watching you dig I can tell we have very similar soil. 50% rock. 20% root. 20% clay. 10% of actual soil in there SOMEWHERE!

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol. I wish I had clay - the rest is sand.

[@OakKnobFarm]

@@MySelfReliance Well at least that means yours can drain! Lemonade from Lemons :)

[@shirleyanderson8441]

@@OakKnobFarm Bumper crop of rocks to boot.

[@tonyn3123]

I have no formal knowledge of gardening, but was taught by my parents as I grew. In my experience, you are spot on with your comments about the manure. The one thing you might check are the meat products. My parents advised me never to add meat products or manure from meat eating animals to the garden or compost pile. I never questioned it, so I am not sure. Thanks for your videos during this pandemic. It sure makes the days go by faster.

[@michellejaggard9657]

Shawn I'm so impressed with the intensity you are trying to grow a garden. The hard work is immense. As I saw the different types of gardens you were trying I was thinking back to a video I saw a number of years ago on Ruth Stout. She had scattered masses of straw around and would just "kick" with her shoe a pile back and drop a potato in and then cover it up and go to the next one. In the interview she said she had been doing this for years, not planting in the soil but the straw, she said use what you have and even mentioned leaves. Are you familiar with her method? If not it might be worth your time to watch her short video. She was 85 at the time it was made. You have piles of leaves and seems it could be worth the experiment. Anyway thought I would pass this along to you. As many years as you have been gardening I'm sure you are already familiar with it. Just wanted to tell you how impressed I am again with your efforts. I have been working so hard trying to get my garden in but the pain in my back stops me after just 2 hours. I think time is running out but I will keep it up. My son has always helped me but with the stay in place orders I am having to go it alone this year. Good luck to you and your family and blessings to all. MiChelle (sorry, one more comment. They say rabbit manure can be used directly on the garden without breaking down, are you sure deer and moose manure isn't the same)

[@mawmawvee]

Yes, rabbit pellets don't burn plants from what my friends have told me and they use it all the time.

[@alexandermills382]

You can also use rotted or fresh hay, 6 - 10 inches deep, the deeper the better, just heap up the tatties with fresh mulch as they are growing, the leaves keep down the weeds, after a season you have a perfect bed for salads.... or other non root crops. Here in Norway on our mountain farm that’s how we use up the old “rundballer” that have rotted and are unfit for animal feeding. You are doing Great work Shaun, the best channel on Y Tube. God bless you and your family. Alex in Norway.

[@BABYGIRL19538]

Hi Shawn am new in here I love your video . I have live off the grid before raise my kids . But there something I need to say . Use a compost pile, you can build a Ben and add moose or deer poop ,grass straw , left over veggies or crush egg shells . Coffee grounds are great . I been doing that for years . Btw you don’t have to plant the whole potatoes , cut them in half u just need the eye . That might be why there not growing . Irishland rains and is very Moist they grown lots of red potatoes. so when u have the time or I can get away I might pick u up a gardening book send too you on orangic gardening . See what I can do but I know a lot about veggies I have grown them in the nv sand land . Tomatoes love acid , garden box’s are better raise beds would be better for melons onions , peppers , also potatoes carrots . Beets . Corn also is real easy . U could even plant flowers around certain flower keeps bugs and deer away . Beans peas keep closer to ur cabins . They grown then on a pole . I miss living off the grid .☮️☮️ Blessing to you and yours

[@PaulGatenby]

Shaun, You’ve done a tremendous amount of work in the last month... PLEASE remember your wife and daughters need a Husband/Dad so don’t push to hard. Take care my friend Paul,,

[@gelygonzalez6648]

Hola Saludos!, lo veo desde Chile! Mi Madre y yo Nos encanta sus videos.... Amamos la naturaleza. Y el como trabaja... Y Como cocina tan delicioso! Un gran Abrazo.. Y siga produciendo Nuevos y más Videos lo seguimos desde youtube!

[@ernabueing4250]

Shawn, I watched a video where the gal put a fish head under where she planted her tomato plant and she said it was the best tomato harvest she had for a tomato plant.

[@counteldamar5135]

Shawn, your an absolute inspiration to us all. Humble, patient, determined. Thanks for sharing your passion for the woods and wilderness living over the last fews years on KZbin and helping to inspire many others. Best wishes WC

[@fernfournier3625]

thats awesome Shawn I've made a hukaculture last year also and had great success moose manure i never thought of that but know were there plenty . i will have rabbit manure this year also . i grind up my compostable material all year and feed it to my worm bins with in turn give me great casting . another great video thanks

[@FresnoJoe2]

An Adventure Fun To Watch,,,,, Thank You Shawm..... Thanks For Sharing.... Best Regards, Joe