Starting from Rough and Weedy Ground

I needed to put up a polytunnel in the Black Plot, and was under time pressure. But the ground was rough and very weedy.
Because of the context and what I was planning to grow I realised I could use a ground cover or landscape fabric to help establish and maintain the garden, and in hindsight it could have been even easier.
Help me develop these gardens and make more videos / redgardens
Or use www.paypal.me/... as a simple way to help support this project and the time and energy that goes into making videos. Thanks so much!
/ cjredgardens
/ redgardens
Part of the Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Tipperary, Ireland www.thevillage.ie

[@comfychairstudios746]

I can't tell you how refreshing it is to have such a straight-forward explaination without a million, "uhh's" "umm's". Very well done!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. It does take some work to avoid the 'umms', and to keep things straight-forward, but I figure that other people's time is valuable, so I put in the effort. Glad to know that it is appreciated.

[@382u3uuej]

I like this guy,he does not waste my time and goes straight to the point.

[@REDGardens]

Cool, I'm really glad that my honesty shows, and is valued. Thanks so much for that comment, it means a lot, as sometimes it can be tough to admit mistakes, and present them to the world!

[@aaronbegg3827]

I especially appreciate your "what could I have done differently" summation at the end. You're more of an expert than I am and you've spent more time thinking about it, your self-critiques are fantastic for my own education

[@REDGardens]

I decided when starting this channel, that I was only going to do it if I was comfortable with regularly including self critiques - as I think they are really important. A big part of this is to reinforce the idea that there are many different ways of doing things.

[@war5561]

I also very much appreciate the to-the-point videos. Rather than having to sit through loud musical intros I don’t like for a couple minutes first.

[@TheZenytram]

If only ALL youtubers was like this.

[@rdot980]

Something about the way this guy talks. His cadence keeps my attention.

[@axshnjxsn2571]

That irish accent.

[@mihailmihaylov4974]

Damn, that fellow is really eloquent, it is like listening to an ebook. For a non-native speaker, this is really enjoyable to listen to, especially in these cofefe times.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for the feedback. Really good to know that I am understandable by non-native speakers.

[@mihailmihaylov4974]

Greetings from the Bulgarian seacoast. :)

[@REDGardens]

Greetings from windy Irish midlands! Very different context and climate!

[@suemar63]

Straight and to the point---I wish ALL KZbinrs were like that. Great info--much appreciated!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! Glad you appreciate my approach to these videos.

[@chriswood6160]

Out of all the gardening vids on you tube , you are just awesome ... straight to the point , explanatory, and provide many possibilities, and why your chose your method ... one of the best !!!!!!

[@REDGardens]

Wow! Thanks for the encouragement.

[@nicolaiitchenko7610]

We put chickens in our hoop houses to clear the weeds and till the soil.

[@REDGardens]

I am hoping to get some hens to clear the soil in the winter - and get some eggs too!

[@xmartyn2]

make sure to move around the feeders and laying nests. If they flock too long in the same places you can get over-fertilization.

[@REDGardens]

makes sense

[@johnatkinson512]

Excellent advice. You can also cell graze it heavily before you build you next tunnel . Just takes a little forward planing. All your labour could have been done by chickens except clearing undesired inorganic. I find the are terrific shredders and shifters.

[@REDGardens]

The 'forward planning' is the part I have been struggling with lately. Well, I have plans, but not enough time to do all those things in advance. I have used hens to help clear patches in the past, but usually in marginal ground. Am looking forward to seeing what they would do in a polytunnel overwinter.

[@jerrysnelling8665]

I'm a market farmer in zone 7 Tennessee. When I'm prepping new ground, I just flatten out the growth and spread about 12 inches of spoiled hay on top. I don't disturb the soil--I just keep adding layers throughout the growing season. I've completely eliminated bermuda grass by using this method. I also have about 8000 sg ft of hoophouse space. I cover the plastic with shade cloth and keep the ends open during the warmer months. I'm a new subscriber and I'm looking forward to checking out your videos

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Interesting about the Bermuda grass. How soon after adding the spoiled hay do you typically plant?

[@jerrysnelling8665]

Almost everything I do is set out by transplants. I do very little direct seeding. I could set out the transplants the very same day. I plant everything this way including berry bushes, trees etc. I have the worst soil imaginable! I separate the hay where I want to plant and add compost to the hole and pack it around the root ball. I have 2 acres of elderberries and blueberries that I planted this way and I'm getting amazing production. I grow nettles and comfrey specifically to layer on top of the beds. My vegetable production last year was the best I've ever had. Obviously, the soil will only get better as each season passes by

[@REDGardens]

Very interesting. Sounds like you are building a lot of soil! I had a look at a comparison between the weather close to where you are, and the weather here, and there is quite a difference. weatherspark.com/compare/y/33067~14687/Comparison-of-the-Average-Weather-in-Birr-and-Nashville I can see how that kind of thick mulch would definitely help in the heat. Over here we have problems that the soil doesn't warm up enough - or at least fast enough in the spring. That is one of the drawbacks I have found with any deep mulch. The other is slugs!

[@delphzouzou4520]

Jerry Snelling How do you grow carrots and radishes through the hay ?

[@jerrysnelling8665]

Hi Delph Zouzou! I direct-seed both carrots and radishes. I spread a thin layer of compost on top of the hay to use as a medium for seed germination. I use a Jang seeder to spread the seeds. I then spread out shadecloth over the rows so it's in direct contact with the beds. I water the beds through the cloth. It keeps the moisture level even to aid in germination. I remove the shadecloth when I see that the seedlings are breaking through. It usually takes about 5-7 days in my zone 7 area. Growing in this manner will give you nice straight roots by growing in the hay. Keep in mind that the hay is starting to break down at this point so you'll be getting a nice soil base underneath the hay

[@byEnTaze]

I appreciate your videos! Your methods aren't perfect, nor should they be, and you don't sugarcoat it. You give us valuable information through your trials, errors and successes. And your explanations engages my mind, as you leave the "how to do it" open.

[@patriciakugler4500]

Can't believe you are from Ireland! I just came to Spain from Ireland and I am working towards a vegetable garden. Your videos are really educating. Thanks a million!

[@REDGardens]

👍

[@realmindshift]

best video about dealing with a weedy garden I've seen on youtube. thank you. this was very helpful.

[@REDGardens]

Excellent, glad you liked it!

[@markm2302]

Great presentation! Finially a video that is ENJOYABLE to watch. To the point without a lot of unnecessary filler. Thank you!!!

[@REDGardens]

Great, glad you liked it!

[@markm2302]

@@REDGardens one day I would like to visit you!

[@KnowledgeNerd123]

First of all, thanks for the excellent video explaining your process and reasoning. I learned some stuff. Secondly, you are an amazing speaker. Straight up professorial.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! Glad you have felt you learned a lot from my videos, and good to know the way I present this stuff is working for you.

[@benjaminplatt4109]

I remember following your channel almost a year ago and couldn't find one of my favorite gardeners. It was hard to find you but I knew it when I heard it. I love the methodical and real approach. Straight up, I got weeds, and I got plastics underneath my soil, and I got a growing window I need to take advantage of, here's my thought, here's what I did, and heres the result. True gardening knowledge past on. Thank you so much!

[@BigAlSparks]

Everything was too the point, no stammering around like 95% of the other channels do. Details without being boring, and kept it interesting to keep me attentive. Usually I don't subscribe on a first video, but I have to make an exception here! Most definitely a thumbs up as well for such a well done video!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. I work hard to make my videos succinct and clean. It takes a a lot of effort and retakes on my end, but I figure I owe it to the people watching the videos to not waste their time. Really glad this effort is appreciated, and that you found my channel worthy of subscribing after one video!

[@radiohadi]

I love your constructively critical self-analysis. Very helpful.

[@Wheelfish]

Thanks for the insight. Im in disbelief that this came up on my feed. I literally just thought of doing the same thing today to get my beds established where there is currently lawn and weeds. Glad to see it worked out

[@REDGardens]

Hey, glad the timing worked out for you!

[@jahmenj]

I love the way you explain things and not waste time on anything irrelevant to the subject. Just for that, I subscribed.... Thank you for your channel...🙏🏽🌿🌳💦🍎🍇🍓🥑

[@REDGardens]

Thanks!

[@emmadalrymple4102]

My first video of yours, and am now subscribed. I look forward to learning and watching more. You have a no-nonsense approach a d explain in very understandable terms. It was like you were reading my mind for answering my next question or concern. And finally, you have very clear pronunciation to your words, perfect elocution! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@REDGardens]

Very cool feedback, thanks! Glad you found my channel.

[@doriswhite1348]

Such an ambitious undertaking. Well worth it, though. I have a small patch I'm putting flowers in. The ground is hard, rocky, and weedy. All I could do is cut a small hole, fill it with water and wait until it becomes mud. Then scoop that out and continue this process until the hole is deep enough for the plants. I put a broken up eggshell in the bottom of each hole before putting the plant in. That's supposed to add nutrients. Zone 6a

[@REDGardens]

Sounds like tough soil to deal with - hope ingest better with time.

[@derekgrimes6544]

thanks for the concise informative video and your well prepared and delivered presentation.

[@REDGardens]

Vary cool you appreciate my work/efforts.

[@bobcat9314]

First time watching one of your videos and I have big greenhouse plans in my head..thank you for taking the time make and post your videos..I'm learning and gaining alot of information.

[@REDGardens]

Cool! Glad these videos are useful.

[@confusicated]

I use old carpets to cover and suppress weeds; when you think about how many old carpets get thrown out every year, it makes sense to use them like this. Those made of man-made fibres last for years outside and do a great job of killing off weeds, also they let the rain through but block out the light completely, they are also heavy and don't get blown about so much by the wind, unlike plastic materials which need to be dug in at the edges. A few bricks or heavy stones at places where they catch the wind is usually sufficient to hold carpets down.

[@REDGardens]

I have started to use carpets in a few places, and I agree with you that they can be very useful!

[@MrRichmank]

Great video & explanations. So easy to follow. And, no wasted time. Brilliant!

[@REDGardens]

Glad you appreciate how I do things!

[@laura7smith7]

Yes, lots of work! Thanks for all the pros & cons. I've been considering the same method, without all the digging & covering the plant bases with screened compost. Thank you!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks.

[@allensadicario5196]

Good show brother I really enjoyed it thanks

[@REDGardens]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Michael-vo3tk]

I really appreciate the critique you provide at the end of your videos.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks, glad you appreciate my approach to these things.

[@robertvanderhoof6082]

Good job. Thank you for sharing.

[@diogocarvalho5567]

Instead of melting just cut an X so when u plant anything you dont have an exposed hole, thats what we do here in the Azores

[@REDGardens]

I have found that cutting leads to strands of plastic coming loose.

[@REDGardens]

that could work

[@mikesmith2315]

Wow very intelligent and interesting analysis

[@REDGardens]

:)

[@1Joe]

You're really worth watching. Very precise and realistic about every aspect of this journey. I will probably learn mo with you than with many other farmers.

[@REDGardens]

Hey, thanks so much for that comment. It means a lot to me that people value the work I do, and my approach to these videos.

[@1Joe]

@@REDGardens , keep up we watched you all day Until 10pm Australian time.

[@kirenkumar6680]

Very interesting ....all the best 👍

[@msdaisy6949]

I REALLY like you. Thanks for getting right to it. Thanks for not yakking on. Thanks for getting right down to business.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Glad you appreciate my approach to these videos.

[@rideswithscissors]

Even digging my little garden has been a chore. Initially there were lots of tough weeds, like dandelions and mallow and burdock. I did like you, turning over the clods, and then they dry a little and you can knock the dirt out of the roots. Then I dug more deeply, and discovered all sorts of things! The house is about 100 years old, and the backyard was evidently also used as a dump. Nails, screws, nuts and bolts, broken glass, coal, lead, spark plugs, toys, you name it. I call the stuff late Holocene _Homo_ _rusticus_ artifacts. A lot of rocks. Part of it was underlain with asphalt. But 12 years later, I just have to chase the weeds around. You are inspiring me to do better!

[@REDGardens]

Wow, that is a lot to have to deal with. Back gardens can be really be problematic as so many have been dumping grounds over the years. I really like the phrase "late Holocene erectus artefacts". I'm glad I didn't have that to deal with, just the remnants of another growing enterprise.

[@REDGardens]

Ah, Homo rusticus is even better!

[@johnreitzel2289]

Very Nice, Great Job, Thanks for sharing

[@REDGardens]

:)

[@anthonyhepner1923]

dude, thank you. everything I needed to know in a very informative short video. awesome work!

[@REDGardens]

Glad you got a lot out of it.

[@loanvo1606]

Thank you for sharing this video

[@REDGardens]

:)

[@MrMikeyPayne]

Excellent communications - concise, clear, informative.

[@jehmed]

Awesome no-nonsense video. Subbed.

[@REDGardens]

Yay! Thanks.

[@VLCAquascapes]

Informative, detailed, and concise. Bravo. Subbed

[@REDGardens]

cool, thanks!

[@jfroese1614]

great descriptive videos , love the cadence of how you speak , it makes it so much easier to understand

[@REDGardens]

Cool, good to get feedback on my voice/approach/cadence - had to look that up :-)

[@whocares4199]

Very honest review. Its rare.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks!

[@Rueger12]

Thanks for your work and sharing it with others, even if they're experts in everything someone else is doing wrong and points it out every chance they get. Keep up the great work brother.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks for the supportive comment.

[@JordanBeagle]

I love this guy's soothing voice

[@ralphh4131]

dude why dont you have more subs? u r a genius. thank you very much.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! ! don't really know ...

[@rebeccaburnell9319]

Those spring beds look beautiful to this northern climate resident! I can almost smell the soil through the computer monitor.

[@REDGardens]

It is wonderful to clean beds and good moist soil in the spring!!

[@espenboholm1112]

really nice presentation!

[@savitham1560]

Loved your narrative n analysis ! :)

[@REDGardens]

Thanks

[@devanhendricks9055]

I’ve never planted a thing in my life. But there videos are so to the point and informational that I’m watching em haha keep it up bruh

[@REDGardens]

That is so cool, a non gardener watching my gardening videos! Love that.

[@dexterking9003]

Very good information

[@REDGardens]

Thanks.

[@ReinKenobi]

Thanks for the info and video

[@Zalakajin]

Really looking after your videos this spring. Good work! Thank you for your systematic and inspiring way you make these videos. Cheers from Barcelona.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks! Glad you like my work!

[@RYKOWISKOpolskieostresosy]

Well done!

[@REDGardens]

Thanks.

[@madmesmith5187]

Curtis stone and Richard perkins have some really good ideas and content that could help you in the future, thank you for taking the time to share :)

[@REDGardens]

Curtis and Richard are great! I have seen a lot of Curtis' videos, but am only starting to make my way through Richard's work.

[@user-ov5px6wi9g]

Very nice video. Thank you !

[@REDGardens]

Glad you liked it.

[@SapioiT]

You could try replacing a polytunnel sheeting with clingwrap, to see whether it is cheaper o use those instead. Last time I checked, the price should be about a half to a quarter of the polytunel sheeting. Eventually one where you're planning to grow weeds, so you don't risk losing good crops.

[@REDGardens]

I wonder how long that would last?

[@shean7890]

Excellent video thank you 🙏

[@REDGardens]

:-)

[@jckirby7994]

Man I'm getting a lot from your educational post. Thanks for help Chang my world.

[@REDGardens]

Hey, glad you getting something out of my videos!

[@Drakenrider]

feels like listening to a personal diary.

[@REDGardens]

Hope that is a good thing!

[@Drakenrider]

​@@REDGardens Its great! your words are crystal clear with precision, logic and reason.

[@Dimora]

That burnt plastic technique was interesting. I too have many misgivings about using plastics in the garden but the right technique for the right purpose can be ok if done thoughtfully - like you always do! The beds right in front of our house had nothing buy knockout roses and heavenly bamboo when we moved in. We've been steadily relocating the roses, getting rid of the heavenly bamboo (its pretty but all parts are toxic) but still had to overcome the MASS amount of river pebbles the previous owners dumped in the bed. I built a 6 foot tall compost sifter with legs similar to the one you use but the wire mesh I used was too thin for this project. We ended up putting the sifter on some cinder blocks and shovelling dirt on too it to sift all the roots and rocks out by hand. In 3/4ths of one of the beds we took out alost 400 lbs worth of river stones! And learned that about 2 feet down there is hardpan clay. Great experience. TONS of work though for someone with a full time job and poor health but absolutely worth it. Beans and potatoes are starting to make their appearance now. Here's to hoping you have an abundant season :)

[@REDGardens]

I am still struggling with the use of plastics - very mixed feelings about them which I hope to form into a video soon. Good to hear about your own experiences. It can take a lot of work to create a garden, especially when you need to clear all the stuff other people have done! Although I appreciate the benefits and desires of the No-Dig approach, I think it can be really interesting to excavate to see just what is under the soil. Finding a hard plan like you did, seems to be quite common. I too have evolved my use of the sifter to using it horizontally a lot - it just works better in many contexts.

[@rjb6919]

Only come across your videos recently, really enjoying them. Thanks for giving us an insight into your projects and for sharing knowledge and experience. Really interesting.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you found my channel, and thanks for the feedback.

[@stephenmcsweeney7562]

Thanks for this

[@LeeD345]

Great work! Thanks for sharing this I really impressed and appreciate your time spent filming all this project

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Nice to know my efforts are valued by others.

[@DMT4Dinner]

Nice video thanks

[@REDGardens]

🙂

[@dimitarzlatanski]

Thank you!

[@mikelovetere4719]

Time and work intensive, but I think you did it the right way..

[@REDGardens]

It did take a bit of work.

[@nickstraw1952]

Thanks for another interesting and informative video. Having had to deal with a very weedy plot several years ago, I realise some of your problems and dilemmas. Always choices and always compromises. Good luck and success this coming season.

[@REDGardens]

it is a tough one, with no perfect answers.

[@downbntout]

Nice efficient speaking paste and I didn't know why burning holes worked better than cutting them

[@curtiscarnes2245]

Keep up the good work I enjoy watching and learning

[@REDGardens]

thanks

[@Imwright720]

You my friend have a strong back. I enjoy all your videos. I wish I could grow that many tomato’s just once. My gardening skills suck, or maybe I’m to lazy. Thumbs up always and of course I subscribed

[@REDGardens]

I am very glad that I still have a strong back ... and knees. Thanks

[@kingjames4886]

I like to just till everything in and wait about a week then plant and pick out weeds as they come up. tilling all the plants in helps build the soil and attract things like worms.

[@REDGardens]

Tilling in definitely speeds up the decomposition.

[@GabrielIonescuisro]

I think it is a good idea and I don't think it matters that much as long as it will go to be recycled. I will use the mulch sheet myself next spring on my tomatoes, I am sick and tired of all the weeds.

[@REDGardens]

It can really save a lot of effort, especially in clearing out weedy ground.

[@brianwhite9555]

Looks and sounds like you had a pretty good payoff for the hours of hard labor. I really dislike plastic in my small garden, but I understand the benefits of how you are using the plastic ground cloth on your beds. When you were turning over the chunks of sod, I noticed you covered up some old greenhouse plastic with soil. Hope you went back and pulled it out. Will watch more of your videos.

[@REDGardens]

Well spotted. That footage is actually from outside the tunnel (I failed to get footage of the work inside the tunnel. That plastic was so well buried, I decided to wait until the weeds had decomposed before digging it up. I am trying slowly and methodically removing all of the plastic, that is one of the reasons why I keep digging.

[@Convert96]

Wow! Thanks.

[@stevenguevara2184]

Please consider adding Guru to Red Garden! You are so next level

[@REDGardens]

Guru? I am not familiar with that.

[@forest-bass]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned --- but perhaps instead of burning such a large hole, just use a box cutter to cut an X in the material so there's enough room for the seedling to poke out (and get thicker), but hopefully more material overlaps and shields the soil? Thanks for another interesting video!

[@REDGardens]

The idea has come up a few times. The main issue with cutting is that the strips of plastic start to pull out and end up in the soil. I guess I could try to burn an X in some way.

[@forest-bass]

I'm probably misunderstanding you, but there shouldn't be strips, but rather 4 triangles after the slicing. If you want to burn X's, that's a common shape ---- I would imagine the wood burning / etching folks have something like that or, you could get an actual brand, heat with a torch and use it? Or a machinist would whip up something. Of course, I'm likely not telling you anything you don't already know! Good luck with the grow! I'm baffled why there aren't more subscribers. Way more useful content than a bunch of channels.

[@REDGardens]

Any time you cut into the fabric, it allows pieces/threads to work free of the weave. That is why I burn the holes. You are right, a brand or a few welded pieces of metal could do the trick. Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement. I am also wondering when the subscriptions to this channel are going to pick up!!

[@forest-bass]

Ah, because of fraying. Got it. Lots of good information; hope you have a great season! I'd be interested in any fruit tree explorations you do. I just put in around 60 here (with tractor + excavator --- too lazy for shovel), and it'd be good to sort out all the conflicting information.

[@cloudguy777]

@@REDGardens Or buy a nonwoven landscaping fabric.

[@gordonsatgordon320]

I learnt a lot from this video thank you

[@REDGardens]

Cool, glad you got something out of it.

[@derekgrimes6544]

aah, I'm just starting out and this is your first video I've watched so I subscribed and am interested to see how you get on.

[@REDGardens]

Glad you found my channel, and like this first video at least!

[@maryhornbostel6959]

Thank you. I am encouraded.

[@REDGardens]

Great.

[@tahirdoha5911]

super 👍️

[@7secondcommute]

Outstanding video....thank you!

[@REDGardens]

Glad you liked it.

[@Camboge]

Very informative and well thought out. Thanks for sharing

[@REDGardens]

Glad you liked it.

[@MrJesseh24]

I prefer the idea of sod cutting with Grass personally, I saw a video on another channel about using a "permanent "Mylar" style cover" that kind of interested me I haven't tried. I am enjoying these Thank You

[@REDGardens]

I haven't heard of mylar style covers.

[@MrJesseh24]

RED Gardens it's technically an insulation material Rustix I believe not sure the cost effectivity in our Country

[@MrJesseh24]

Sorry Reflectix here is a refrence video kzbin.info/www/bejne/np-qeYOkZ8aLbrM

[@REDGardens]

Interesting. It would be very counterproductive in my gardens/climate as the soil is usually too cool, not too warm, so this would prevent the soil from warming up. And with the amount of rain we usually get, moisture loss isn't normally an issue.

[@flowergrowersmith449]

I agree re plastic - all petrochemical byproducts I treasure. I wash, patch, dry and store them to get the extreme ultimate number of uses out of them. It would be very hard to manage without them ...

[@REDGardens]

Good way of looking at it, to treasure the petrochemical byproducts you use. Quite a different approach from the two main ideas out there that plastics are just convenient and disposable, or that they are 'evil'.

[@lifeliver9000]

Doesn’t the plastic leach into the soil and into the Plants you are eating? Best cardboard layers I’d think

[@donnaflores50]

Thank you for a fantastic chanel.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. Really glad you like it!

[@nikitaw1982]

Thank u for sharing.

[@timkbirchico8542]

Good stuff, most people need to do this with much less importation of materials. Have you read John Seymour's book on self sufficiency? Highly recommended. Chicken arks, maybe a pig? More of the environment is distressed by commercial production and distribution of products than our animals are when participating in our fertile half acres.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. I love John Seymour's book. If I had a lot more land, and was mainly producing for myself and family, I would be using a lot more of his ideas, and woful incorporate animals. But I am not in that context right now.

[@wipeoutxl21]

great as always

[@alionofengland4059]

Your videos are so good man! i can just sit here and watch the whole thing and then sit there thinking " man i wish ther was more" lol

[@alionofengland4059]

and how did the drip line system work out for you?

[@REDGardens]

Decent with the larger crops like tomatoes, but not so great for the spring salad crops. I foundI had to water them by hand as well to keep the whole surface moist, especially for germination. Perhaps I need more lines closer together.

[@alionofengland4059]

@@REDGardens hmm Sounds like you could do with a sprinkler attachment on your irrigation system maybe? that would cover a wider area ? and if you have time, check out: The Gardening Channel with James Prigioni. He grows some nice fruit trees and all kinds of veggies in his "Food Forest" his method for growing is the best i have seen yet and only takes little work at the start to build the "forest floor" if you will... It is inspiring on another level i bet if you watched a couple of his videos on his food forest you will want to give it a try yourself! i know i do... He does NOT have to water his crops...Ever.

[@REDGardens]

@@alionofengland4059 I am planning to install a sprinkler system next year, as well as the drip line. thanks for the pointer to that channel. I will have to have a look.

[@alionofengland4059]

@@REDGardens ahh you may have said it in the video but i missed it. But yeh! james prigioni. i think you will be interested

[@ToraValenzuela]

Really interesting video (as always)! I look forward to see the 2018 results for this garden

[@REDGardens]

thanks

[@dartarkana4279]

One thing is sure, you made great eye contact in this video and the informational narrative was not annoying. That is a good thing in a sense that I've learned something here Are you a teacher?😁 Thank you for sharing

[@REDGardens]

Thanks. I am not a teacher, though I am used to talking to people about my gardens, and have taught an occasional course.

[@HASHHASSIN]

first timer and subbed

[@REDGardens]

Cool!

[@dannyklinkert2270]

Love this video, lots of relevant information. I thought putting 6 chickens into the poly tunnel for a month or so could have turned the beds for you as well as adding lots of fertility to the soil.

[@REDGardens]

The chickens would have done a decent job with some of the garden, but I doubt they would have dealt with the scutch/couch grass, and they would have stayed away form the nettles and thistles.

[@Moondoggy1941]

Thanks great video.

[@yvencia1150]

Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@obadiahscave]

Well done

[@lecsu131]

Just watched the video - i did the same thing as you did. Same type of fabric, holes, watering lines, etc. I have encountered a few more problems. 1) Ants that build colonies under the tarp 2) Mole crickets that I can't catch - they've severed 3 eggplants so far and although they use tunnels close to the surface and you could catch them - it's of no use to me, can't see the surface. 3) weeds are growing so bad under the tarp that they push the tarp up, and on some seedlings the tarp reaches the leaves and burns them due to excessive heat which is reached by the black tarp 4) can't spray for aphids/mites/etc. anywhere else besides the plant and the hole itself so you have to do it more often because they're coming from under the tarp where they've been feeding on weeds. Most times when I pull a weed out it is full of aphids and mites. 5) If you have any kind of serious issue under the tarp it's either cut the tarp or leave it as is - you can't pull the tarp off after plants have grown - so you need a better than average quality dripping tubes that won't puncture or something like that. Advantages: 1) a lot less watering. I was watering my tomatoes for 120 minutes, once a week and I thought it's not enough and realized it's actually too much. Reduced to 1h per week. 2) besides the weeds that manage to reach the holes, no other weeds you have to pull out/or could pull out. 3) a lot lower humidity on the leaves of the plants, lower risk of mildew and other bacterial diseases. Last year, whenever a tomato leaf touched the ground or was close to it, got infected. Now, out of 86 tomato plants, there are absolutely 0 problems. 4) of course, the visual aspect - it looks neat and clean :). I was also wondering about what to do to cover those holes, if you test something successfully, let us know.

[@REDGardens]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with this method - both the positive and negative, which are equally important to understand. The issue of not being able to get in under the ground cover fabric is definitely an issue, but thankfully I didn’t have much of a problem with pests. I had a few rats hanging out under the fabric but managed to trap them. The weeds in my situation didn’t cause much of an issue with pushing up the sheet, but that probably depends on the type of weeds you are dealing with. If I was to do it again, I think I might use a sheet for each bed, which overlapped in the paths, so that I could get in to inspect in either side of the bed. I haven figured out a method of covering over the holes yet, but I got a load of a lot of used heavy black silage plastic and I’m thinking of cutting a collar for each plant, big enough to cover the hole in the ground cover fabric. Some work, but possibly less than weeding. I also like the cleanliness of the whole space, and have also noticed the reduced humidity.

[@vuthuyhuong]

I would cut Xs instead of squares. Other than that, your suggestions are perfect :)

[@mayahqueen66]

Straight to the point! New subscriber here

[@REDGardens]

Cool!

[@dfbess]

I know this is old, but have you thought of using single board computers ( Raspberry pi and other types ) you can add moisture sensors, temp sensors, light sensors to track useful information?

[@REDGardens]

It is an area that I really want to explore, but haven't yet gotten over the inertia of that lack of knowledge on my part.