6 Ways To Build Better Soils Over Winter

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If you're just starting out gardening in 2023, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening! pH/Water/Light Meter Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3yafmrV Amazon USA: amzn.to/3OKRW30 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3nvEIM4 Composting Tumbler! Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39CgtYw Amazon USA: amzn.to/39Dha49 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3yLsKVf Handy 12-piece Garden Tool Set!: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3jsNIyk Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YZhFwx Amazon UK: amzn.to/3qapNql Hand Pruners: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2YSIFxP Amazon USA: amzn.to/3q3Oftq Amazon UK: amzn.to/2YR3Xf8 Watering Can: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39U4nIc Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YR3p94 Amazon UK: amzn.to/3oX7hAa Spray Gun: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aBxijm Amazon USA: amzn.to/3aL7UHS Amazon UK: amzn.to/3ruol1Z Gardening Gloves: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Lt6ZDx Amazon USA: amzn.to/3tzJ32t Amazon UK: amzn.to/3jpf1cU

[@heatherjolly8389]

2022 ;)?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@heatherjolly8389 yup, that was the best year to start! :-)

[@Not_So_Weird_in_Austin]

Thanks simply adding a layer of mulch/compost is the best way to build soil. I plan on cover cropping including my vegetable contsiner garden this fall. Central Texas where I live is blessed/cursed with Texas live oak leaves which take a year + to break down which means we also have a year + of mulch...

[@outdoorlady9364]

Im on it! 👍 Living in Iowa i start tucking everybody in and putting their comforters on when its good and cold out...like now 🥶. And by comforters i mean mulch 😁. Thanks again Jeff!

[@sharonche5042]

This is one of your best videos - clear, comprehensive and timely. Yours is only gardening channel that I subscribe to. You are a great teacher. Thank you 🌱

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much Sharon, that means a lot! 🙂

[@jimmcdowell9017]

Jeff, gardening is a 50/50 agreement. Give and take keeps both parties happy. Mulching in fall seems to work for me. Then I go looking for clearance garden supplies for spring and save money for seeds. Sometimes I surprise myself.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I'm the exact same Jim! The amount of stuff I buy in November and December for a FRACTION of the price is staggering!

[@melindaroth5796]

Jeff I am so upset. I'm not getting your notifications so when You showed up on KZbin I clicked on it. I checked the bell and it was in all so I don't know why I'm not getting your notifications. 😮 I'll just keep checking your channel from now on 😊❤

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Oh no Melinda, that's not good. I wonder why? I'll poke around and see if there's a solution or reason....

[@melindaroth5796]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Ok Thank you Jeff 😊❤️

[@carmenlamanna5391]

Thanks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much Carmen! Too kind my friend! :-)

[@Ginger_McElfresh_Art]

That's the most amazing compost I have ever seen! 😂

[@rosalindhb]

Perfect timing on this video.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Rosalin! 🙂

[@lorimansfield2116]

Thank you! You've been so helpful. I'm sorry I am not able to send more to share my true appreciation! Blessings!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thank you so much Lori. Too kind. MUCH appreciated. 🙂

[@stuartsimpson3628]

jeff ..love your vidoes quick question .should i rinse seaweed before spreading on beds

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Stuart, great question. It really is a common concern, but don't stress. The salt content of the ocean is 3.5%. Salt toxicity to plants starts at 5%. So even if you poured ocean water into your garden beds, its still not high enough to reach toxic levels. Unwashed seaweed laid on top of your beds is going to be a FRACTION of that salt content on top of that as it gets further diluted. Zero issues. But, if ever in doubt, a rinse will never hurt.

[@sandyhayden-bristow1382]

I've gone so far as to 'borrow' leaves from my neighbors to get enough for all my beds. I still ran short on a new raised bed, so I broke down some unbleached and unmarked cardboard boxes (corrugated with no glue) to just lay across the thin leaf layer. (squirrels are having a hay day with it, ripping pieces off to line their nests) Done this a few times and it works great in a pinch. Brown paper sacks work too, just make sure it unbleached paper with no ink anywhere on them for your own peace of mind.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Very smart Sandy! Cardboard has saved my bacon in the garden on more than one occasion! 🙂

[@maryannodell7856]

Love your videos. Thank you for helping people like me to understand and get better and better every year! 😊

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Mary Ann! Appreciate the kind words and support!

[@GardenMyselfHappy]

Great video. I forget about sea weed. Despite living by the sea.

[@greatday7241]

Thanks Jeff

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers, thanks for watching! 🙂

[@PaulZiegler-o9x]

As usual great and extremely helpful information. Thanks a lot.

[@heatherjolly8389]

I'm adding 14 new raised beds and i am working on sourcing Leaves (no deciduous trees on my property), manure, spent hay etc. I'm working on building up the fertility NOW for less purchasing soil later to hopefully only top dress in the spring before planting!

[@fredflintstoner2081]

14!?😮

[@heatherjolly8389]

@@fredflintstoner2081 😄👍🥰🥰

[@sharonche5042]

Wow - that's lots of raised beds

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

That's the exact right way to do it Heather. Right from the start, quality soil. Layer the bulk stuff in first sure, but that top layer is where all the action will be. What zone are you in?

[@heatherjolly8389]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms 8b Western WA

[@dorisdunn9845]

I added mulch to my garden from my chicken coop just today. Thanks for the timely video.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on, gonna be some big harvests next year!

[@sandramorton5510]

I follow your lead on composting, got my first finished product in August, used in all my beds. I am in Central Florida, the best time to grow is the fall and winter due to extreme heat and pests in the summer. So I think giving my beds a rest in the summer is right for me. Thank you for another great video.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Oh wow Sandra, in Florida the compost cycle must be super fast with all that heat and moisture?

[@sandramorton5510]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarmsYes, the spring/summer heat kicks it up.

[@thatonegirl1837]

Thank you for this video. I didn't know some of this information. As usual, you are such a blessing! ❤

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers!

[@luvxiesssquitreadabout9373]

Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge with us. I’m am just building my first veggie garden and I’m hoping you can help … should I prepare my soil for the first autumn and winter before I plant anything? Thanks in advance to anyone will to help ❤

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks! I always follow the current season. So if it's winter, your garden should be winterized. Come spring time, it's time to plant. Follow along with the seasons. As for skipping a growing season because you didn't build your soils the fall/winter prior? Don't. You can still grow, then be extra diligent that fall about protecting your garden and setting up for dormancy. :-)

[@chezelleconroy2951]

Thankyou! So helpful.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@dianacudby7290]

Hey Jeff, I discovered your channel today, searching for advice on sweet corn. As I'm in New Zealand we're going into summer soon (I hope). I love your concise info-rich videos! Fabulous! I appreciate you. Diana (a new subscriber)

[@lamarpowell1389]

Good work

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Lamar! 🙂

[@bobbinixon5378]

Do you ever add manure? if so when?

[@kathleenk450]

What are your thoughts on using 3 to 5 inches of pine needles to protect the soil in winter?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Kathleen, some people swear by them, others say they change the soil pH... I've used them.... They were ok. Didn't really break down and were kind of a pain to remove. Not my favorite, but certainly if they are free not terrible

[@kathleenk450]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thanks! I have a whole bunch of needles to clear up off our driveway. I think I'll give them a try over the winter at least to smother some weeds in a pretty virgin area I want to try to plant in next spring.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@kathleenk450 For sure, give it a go Kathleen. What is going to be grown in the beds in the spring? Or is stuff already growing in it?

[@kathleenk450]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms The only things that grew in it last year were volunteer sunflowers, a new peach tree, and lots of weeds. I'm hoping to use that area to try some vine crops like pumpkins and melons. I'm pretty new to gardening. I grew veggies last year in grow bags, didn't do too well, but just finished building three 3x6 elevated planters for next spring. I'm still trying to get timing right in the northern Arizona mountain area where we have very cold winters with some snow.

[@Deem60]

What about the Alge in a pond?? I have no idea if I can use that too. Can you answer this for me please?😊

[@Power_Prawnstar]

Hi there, do you rinse your seaweed, I've started using it, but I think from now on I'm going to wash it to avoid salt build up in my soil, what are your thoughts on this? Thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Brendon, great question. Its a super common concern, but really, there's no issue. The salt content of the ocean is 3.5%. Salt toxicity to plants starts at 5%. So even if you poured ocean water into your garden beds, its still not high enough to reach toxic levels. Unwashed seaweed laid on top of your beds is going to be a FRACTION of that salt content. Zero issues. But, if ever in doubt, a rinse will never hurt.

[@debiegordon3787]

LET IT REST 😊... does this apply 2 COASTAL FL ? Do we COVER the COVERCROP w COMPOST AFTER cutting & 🚫 TILLING 🤔 THANX JEFF

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Worldwide Debie. For warm areas with no winter rest, you could cover crop it and let the area go "fallow". Same concept. Cheers! 🙂

[@thecunningkrugereffect]

Hey Jeff, I'm curious about the salt content of seaweed, does it affect your soil?

[@henrikvinding3411]

I have used seaweed in my asparagus bed. As asparagus is a coastal plant. I have always been warned to rinse the seaweed if it was to be used elsewhere in the garden

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Very good question. Its a super common concern, but really, there's no issue. The salt content of the ocean is 3.5%. Salt toxicity to plants starts at 5%. So even if you poured ocean water into your garden beds, its still not high enough to reach toxic levels. Unwashed seaweed laid on top of your beds is going to be a FRACTION of that salt content. Zero issues. 🙂

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@henrikvinding3411 Definitely good idea. If you're ever worried, a simple quick rinse solves all concerns. 🙂

[@thecunningkrugereffect]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms cool! Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[@tammyohlsson7966]

In SE Texas, I don’t have a dormant season. Wondering if I should not plant in the winter and let my beds rest? They are all full of something. No rest for them.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, or grow a cover crop. Any grass or cereal grain...alfalfa or clover too. Let the beds go "fallow" during your most difficult growing season. Just a couple of months will do,

[@chamblen4]

here in the midwest, i use lake weed. Would you happen to know if it has growth hormones? or the seventeen nutrients? The lake weed i get isn't free floating but rooted

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I think it depends on the specific plant species, but for sure it will be beneficial. I haven't heard of the freshwater stuff having the growth hormones, but I suspect they do. Cytokinins are what you're after.

[@Batchat2352]

I received my fall leaves a bit too late when i already applied my overwintering straw mulch on my strawberries. I find that straw costs too much, decomposes fast and does little to nothing to protect against soil pests. My strawberries are the weirdest and hardest plant i grow. They tasted watery and if i didnt fertilize they would be stunted and berely grow. I did with hat i had this fall. My soil was pretty much 50/50 city compost and peatmoss. Last year it was mostly clay and i believe i had better results than this year. The top soil i added on the fall was mostly a bit of peat with perlite and vermiculite. I figure nitrogen leaves the soil way too fast. Its way too cold and snowy to shread leaves, remove a bit of the straw and replacing it with shreaded leaves. We had a snow storm a week ago. If my strawberries dont do well next season i think im going to get empty the bed

[@matthewstone7367]

Any advice on raised beds within 30-40 feet of maple trees. I found that the tree roots took completely over my raised beds within 2 years resulting severely stunting the growth of my veggies. I completely dug out the raised beds last fall removing a thick mat of tree roots. This summer was my best year of gardening and all my veggies grew vigorously. I repeated again this fall but it is a lot of work to remove the tree roots. Any suggestions?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I hear you on that Matthew....I have a cherry tree that does the same thing. There's simply no way to stop the trees from getting in. Too strong, too vigorous. Removal or a new location is the only solution I've ever seen.

[@matthewstone7367]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Unfortunately that is basically my only option for location of raised beds. Raspberries and blackberries don’t mind tree roots though. Might try adding some grow bags to the mix for next season though.

[@sandyhayden-bristow1382]

@@matthewstone7367 I was going to suggest grow bags too. I have the same issue and even tried deep-root feeding of the trees to coax those dang roots down. Save your money, it doesn't help much for this particular issue. All I have been able to glean from my experience, is they like the moisture we provide our crops....that thick mat of roots is the proof.

[@metasamsara]

would you recommend nematodes to boost soil microbial life alone to help composting organic matter or is it only worth getting to deal with fungus gnats? I want to boost my soil diversity with stuff like kelp meal and worm castings but i worry about using mosquito bits to water it when battling gnats. Can nematodes get out of hand in a small bedroom? lol. I've used neem oil and it helped but mosquito bits is the most effective by far. I ordered yellow stickies to ID as best I can soon. Tent sterilized and new seedlings in, gnats are already back >

[@brianbarker2670]

I notice you use a straw mulch that looks chopped up. Is this a product that is available?

[@thecunningkrugereffect]

It's called Garden Straw, it's cut and sliced in half. Great stuff 😊

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, fine straw from a company called GardenStraw.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@thecunningkrugereffect Precisely! 🙂

[@itowmyhome797]

Nooooooooooooooooooo I’ve always turn my soil and added amendments in the fall, I’ve been a very bad boy

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Still add the amendments....just don't hack up the soil! 🙂

[@Candy-le5wk]

Is there salt in the sea weed that needs to be rinsed off?

[@edwardraymond9729]

Hey Jeff, emailed you about a week ago about garlic, any chance you could review and and advise me Thanks Ed Raymond, zone 8

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Sent! 🙂

[@edwardraymond9729]

Thank you Jeff. I will heavily mulch them and introduce them little by little to the cold. The garlic is about 20 inches tall now and it has only been in the low forties over night anyway. Thank you for getting back to me. It is great to get a response from a famous celebrity. @@TheRipeTomatoFarms 🧄😀

[@devbachu7072]

Mircobes building

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Makes the best soil!

[@JandJescape]

I wish you are wearing a mic so I can hear you loud enough when I am outside gardening. It’s very low, your voice.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I got a mic on. I have the gain low to decrease pops and plosives though.

[@kari7398]

Does that mean I should keep my chicken out of my garden? 😮

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Ha ha those guys do love to till don't they!

[@A55-s9d]

I stopped playing with dirt when I discovered girls.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

You'll come back to it......

[@chriseverest4380]

I stopped playing when I discovered dirty girls loved composting

[@philm1600]

Do you till the soil next spring after you cut down the cover crop?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Nope, just cut down at the root collar and plant right on top. Minimal work for max results.

[@missjuhee]

I bought buckwheat to try out this spring. I am nervous about not pulling them out and planting on them. Then I see some videos telling you to till it adding to my confusion . Will the roots of the cover crop not hurt/compete with the spring crop you sow?