Transform Hard Clay Into Excellent Soil for Free! No Till

[@garmo98]

Like sunshine on a cold winter's day, here's Mark to share some knowledge. Great to have you back!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

You're to kind Gary! It's nice to be back even though just part time for now. Thanks for your support in 2021 too! All my very best, -Mark

[@davidguerrero5753]

Mark! I hope you and yours are well, perfect timing to watch as we unwind here on the east coast.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey David! Everyone is fine. Thank you! How's your winter been so far? -Mark

[@alex31p]

Welcome back. Your insights and guidance are needed now more than ever as we enter these increasing times of food shortage and costs. About 10 years ago I observed the Back To Eden gardening method. I got the power line company to drop all their regional chips in a field next to my gardens. Over two years I covered the soil to about 8 inches depth. The first couple of years I would have to dig down through the chips to rich original soil in order to plant. But on the Gulf Coast chips pretty much totally decompose in 2 to 3 years. I had about 8 truck loads sitting to one side when I finished and over four years, they went from seven feet high to 2 feet as they rotted to worm cast black gold. That I use in my hoop houses and raised beds. I was lucky enough to become friends with a tree service again and they are now dropping loads when working near here. I will continue to get them till I have no space to dump more. I do raised beds, hoop houses, greenhouse, permaculture and traditional row beds. The past two years I have taught three families to grow a large portion of their own food, and this year many more are asking for guidance on how to garden in the deep south. Last year I began adding the JADAM methods to fertilizing and pest control and initial results are good. This year I will be doing comparison gardening to my past methods and JADAM. With the loss of commercial fertilizer from the market JADAM may become a life saver.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi John! Wow, I really appreciate all this wonderful input! I think that's wonderful about helping out your neighbors. And contributing your advise and experience to this platform is something that will continue to have an impact. Please keep me updated on this year's comparisons. I would be curious to hear your conclusions. Best, -Mark

[@philiphoffman4740]

I knew it!! Everyone is thrilled to hear from you....Mark is the bomb

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Phillip! It's nice to hear I was missed! Thank you! All my best, -Mark

[@jba36420]

Glad to have you back. Know you probably struggle during the “off season” to find interesting videos. Can’t wait to have you back this Spring.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

It's great to be back! The off season is a real struggle because there really is not to much you can film that would be that interesting to viewers. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All my very best, -Mark

[@luludufuret4585]

Mark, we are all pleased that you have been restored unto us. You were missed. Please stay healthy. We pray for you every Sunday at mass. And please .. we do look forward to your videos, Lulú and family, Buenos Aires

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Lulu! That's really kind of you thinking of me! Thank you! It's nice to be missed by someone too. As always, thank you for watching/ commenting and of course I really do appreciate all your support of my channel in 2021. All my very best to you and your family, -Mark

[@saltlifess6226]

Glad your back! I've been collecting leaves to improve my soil. I'm 5 mins from the ocean with sandy soil

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey SL! Thanks! It's great to be back even if it's only part time for now. Leaves are a good choice. I would imagine you are just about all sand being that close. Thanks for all your support in 2021 and nice to see you back too! All my very best, -Mark

[@Sport214]

Oh, it’s so lovely to have a “Mark’s Garden Life” video awaiting me this wintry morning. What a delight! Welcome back, Mark. We all hope that 2022 brings you a great deal of joy!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey! Thank you! I appreciate the kind words. Thank you for your support in 2021! All my best, -Mark

[@francoislatreille6068]

inspiring! makes me dream of owning some land

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Francois! Glad you enjoyed! Realities start with dreams, so keep dreaming! All my very best, -Mark

[@robertmdaniels]

Mark, great presentation. Nice how-to, source for materials that are free, timeframe, etc. great job!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Bob! Glad you enjoyed! Thank you! I appreciate you watching /commenting too! All my very best, -Mark

[@sansaviera]

That feild is going to be gold. There is another KZbinr who did his whole backyard in wood chips and seven years later he has a whole lot going on. Veggies, fruit trees, grape Vines. Awesome stuff!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hello! Yes, that old field could only get better. Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@jack6964]

Mark, so glad to see you back! Have a great weekend!! 😃

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey John! It's great to be back! Thank you! You have a great weekend too! Thanks for all your support in 2021. All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you John! Same to you! -Mark

[@user-nt5pi4sy2l]

Hey Mark, very interesting video. Glad you’re back on the air, your fans have missed you!!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you!

[@FoggyHollowMan]

Hi Mark! Glad to see you doing vids again! I bought an awesome house in the Poconos, so I'll be watching your videos for ideas what I can do coming Spring 2022.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey TITH! It's great to be back even if only part time for now. Poconos........That's great! Thanks for watching! All my best, -Mark

[@KLAY1946]

Hey friend! Welcome back!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you! It's great to be back! All my best, -Mark

[@Art_911]

Welcome back! Been a minute. Hope you and yours are doing well.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey James! Thank you! It's nice to be back of course. Dogs and I are doing well. Just cold! Thanks for all your support in 2021! All my very best, -Mark

[@mtozzy11]

Good to see you again. It's a great idea using wood chips to build soil. I keep a heap from the tree service companies that work on the power lines. I stock pile it on our crappyest ground so that once most of it is used in left with decent top soil. I just have to treat the area with lime and dolomite after as the pH ends up below 5

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Michael! Yes, I echo your use of lime. Definitely same situation here. Still woodchips are such a great resource... I hope more people can discover and unlock the potential. Thanks so much for watching! Best, -Mark

[@joestrobel3249]

Amazing to see you back. Site for sore eyes.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Joe! Nice to be back! Thanks for watching /commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@Gracenglory5]

Hey! Good to see you Mark! You are answering my question as I prepare to build my soil this spring. Thank you so much! Excited to watch. Ive been getting all my seed starting plans in order. I can’t wait to see little green seedlings 🌱!! Spring is coming! Take good care! 🙏🏻💞🙌🏻

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Tina Marie! And nice to hear from you too! You're very welcome of course. Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, spring seems to be coming fast, doesn't it! We have had a brutal Jan. here in the east. As always, thanks for your support. All my very best, -Mark

[@cologuy39]

Mark it's great to see you in the Winter months. . .thatnks much for doing another video. It's fascinating to see what goes on during with winter with businesses like yours. Thanks again! Kevin

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Kevin! Hope you're keeping warm! It's nice getting back into doing videos again even if only part time until spring hits. Thanks for watching/ commenting and of course I really do appreciate your support of my channel! All my very best, -Mark

[@marcpicou1935]

I am so glad you are back. I always look forward to your videos. I had a friend that had a tree cutting service and every day he had to unload this truck of wood chips. If he had to go to the dump he had to pay to dump the wood chips. I asked him if he would like to dump them in a empty field I had.Years later thoes chips became the most beautiful soil. I would harvest that black gold to add to my garden. It is a wonderful resource. Thanks for the new video. It is great seeing you again.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Marc! Thank you! It's nice to be back at it. Isn't that soil that is created by the breaking down of wood chips great! Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm glad you liked the video. As always, thanks for watching/ commenting and I really appreciate your support of my channel! All my very best, -Mark

[@stepps511]

Great to see you, Mark, and wonderful to have some insight into this project. I don't know anyone who would argue with "free". I love your channel and the variety of gardening tips and the massive projects you have going on. Hoping for many more videos as time goes on. Best to you!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey! Thank you! It's really nice hearing from you. Been a rough Jan. as far as cold, hasn't it! Thank you for the support of my channel in 2021 and of course, thank you for watching/ commenting too! All my very best, -Mark

[@curttomashoff3452]

Welcome back Mark! Great video and topic! Thanks.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Curt! It's nice to be back! Glad you enjoyed the video and you're very welcome of course! Thanks for watching /commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@timgude1982]

Glad to see you back Mark. Good to be patient and have 3 years to convert that ground. I would love to see your farm. I hate Weed Fabric and it's use at any level. I have never heard the term "Mum Field". We are always learning. - Tim

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thanks Tim! It's nice to be back even if on a part time basis for now. If you're ever in the Maryland area, you are welcome! Thanks for watching /commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@TonicMercantile]

Woo Hoo!!! He's back!!!!!! Yee Hawww from Bastrop, TX!!!! Great video Mark, amazing project you've got going there! So looking forward to more videos!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hello! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you! Thanks for watching/ commenting and of course I appreciate all your support in 2021! Hopefully 2022 is a good year. All my very best, -Mark

[@charlesrodriguesable]

Bonjour Mark, heureux de te voir de retour ! Hope to see again soon in another interesting video.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Merci! Best Always, -Mark

[@mikemacphee3257]

Great to have you back Mark. I remember you this past summer you mentioned growing trees out in that field. Blizzard here on the coast of Maine today. Mike

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Mike! Better you all up north there than us! We got about 2 inches of snow during the night. Stay warm! Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@jimj9308]

“YEA”, Mark is back!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Jim! It's great to be back too! Thanks for all your support in 2021! All my very best, -Mark

[@j.scottvanderbeck2849]

And just like that, my interrupted KZbin life returns to normal! 🥰. SO glad to see you back in front of the camera where you belong, Mark. I learned to appreciate the use of wood chips about 3 years ago when clearing out trees for the pool and they’re awesome. Great video, and a huge WELCOME BACK, my friend! ❤️. Keep in touch.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thanks Scott!

[@ejohnson3131]

So nice to have you back! Seriously, you should consider doing ASMR videos. Your voice is so relaxing and soothing. I could listen to you talk for hours

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey EJ! Thank you! It's great to be back. That's really nice of you to say. I've actually heard that a few times. Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say. -Mark

[@jonathandunn7576]

Hi Mark. As one of your number one fans of your KZbin channel ..... I personally want to welcome you back. It's been so long since your last video. What a delight to come home from work and see a new posting from you. As always the content is superb. Not to mention it was great seeing Holly jumping around in the background too. Hope she is doing well. Thank you Mark. Your channel is always magical. Best to you always from across the miles here in (Cold and Very Snowy) New York. Jonathan

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Jonathan! Thank you so much as always for your extremely kind words and encouragement. Yes, I let Holly have a bit of a run the other day. Her leg seems to be getting better. Try to stay warm my friend! Best always, -Mark

[@donaldauguston9740]

Thank you, Mark. I"m very happy you have returned to the "air". I appreciate your ideas regarding soil improvement. Do you plan to add any other organic matter to this field or will chips do the trick? Take care, DA

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Donald! No, I do not intend to add anything else... At least not organic matter... I know I will need to supplement with lime at some point before planting to raise PH, and a soil test will tell me the rest... Best, -Mark

[@rickwalker5203]

Glad you’re doing this video. In our backyard clay is everywhere, using coffee grounds, shredded office paper and kitchen (green) scraps, working well too!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Rick! I think a lot of people suffer having poor soil. Thanks for watching/commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@jenmaldonado7129]

About 8 years ago the public horse barn we used to have horses at closed and sold to a commercial realtor. That fall we were able to haul home about 12 truckloads of composted manure and sawdust that had to be cleared for the sale to add to our 1/2 acre garden. Our harvest that next year was around 1000 pounds of food. Building the soil is absolutely essential. You have a good thing going there with those wood chips! It was wont be long until it is as fertile as your veggie garden.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Jen! Building good soil is critical as you saw. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! All my best, -Mark

[@williamwebb7917]

Great to see a new installment from you. I have very hard clay soil here in northeastern Illinois. This video is very helpful. Thanks.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey William! Thank you! Glad you found the video of some help. Thanks for watching/commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@fotomann40]

Great to see you, Mark! Looking forward to the upcoming videos! Still amazed at the projects you have going on and the great info! The Holly transplants was one of the most fascinating to watch. It was also nice to see your babies running in the background! Great video!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you! It's nice to be back even if it is just part time for now. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching /commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@roydampeer441]

Hey Mark! Thanks and we have a lot of clay in MS.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Roy! You're very welcome! That surprises me you have a lot of clay in MS. All my best, -Mark

[@rudyibarra2512]

Hi there Mark!!! Good to hve you back in action... looking great as always!! 👍👍

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Rudy! Thank you! Thanks for watching/commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@duggio666]

Important content, especially for this time of year when we in the colder climates (Colorado in my case) can do a bit of important work in our garden. It's good to see you again, Mark. Thanks for this !

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Doug! You're very welcome and thanks for watching/commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@kennstransky]

It is great to see you again talking about all of the chores that we all need to do ourselves. Here in Vermont I also have an endless supply of wood chips from the forest industry here. The chips will slow your run off and decrease the amount of sediment that will run into Holly’s swimming creek.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Kenn! We have been having Vermont weather down here! After having the warmest fall I can remember through December, now the coldest Jan. in several years! Wood chips will slow run-off. That's another advantage! Kenn, thanks for watching /commenting! Stay warm! All my very best, -Mark

[@richardjasonminehart3198]

Thanks for this! I live on a soggy clay woodlot that in the summer can dry and crack. It is like a plant torture chamber!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Richard! You're very welcome! That's one way to describe bad soil! lol You'll have to give the wood chip method a try if you can. Thanks for watching / commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@kittiew260]

Welcome back Mark! Great video on soil.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Kittie! Thank you! It's great to be getting back in the swing of things. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching/ commenting and as always, I really appreciate your support of my channel. All my best, -Mark

[@markstevenson9080]

I just received two loads of wood chips! I am spreading them out on all my garden beds. I do no till, too so this is a pretty cool resource!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Mark! That's great! No till is much better for the soil in the long run, so you're doing it right! Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@sebseb3034]

Nice to see you back Mark 😀 And waiting for warmer days to see what you you will show us this year (no, no, no... there is no ulterior motive in this sentence 😂😉). Here at home the soil is so freezed... waiting for spring to enjoy it again. Have a nice day, and thanx for this new video 😀👍

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Seb! Thank you! It's nice to be back. And you're very welcome. Thanks for watching/commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@LittleLionLover]

Soil revitalization , green agriculture, gardeners and foresters are the key to a healthy future. The smell of a year old woodchip pile is amazing. Keep doing that job on that part of the planet! :)

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Gergo! Yes, they are with hopefully creating interest with people to develop good practices and care as well. I like the smell of wood-chips too. Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you! I really appreciate your support! Best, -Mark

[@jeffochs6713]

Great "green" project, Mark......good job! Those hollies are looking great over by the road!!!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Jeff! Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. The Hollies.......yes, they seem to be doing good. In 5 years or so, they should start to come into there own. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All my very best, -Mark

[@greenrockgarden2851]

Heeeeyyyyy Mark! I missed you! My whole yard is covered in chips and chopped leaves right now. Great way to help amend the soil. ❤️ I can’t wait to see your visions come to life on your property.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey GRG! Well, it's nice to be missed! Thank you! Chips and chopped leaves.....a great combo! The visions....it all takes time and money like most things, so for me it will be a slow process since both are in short supply! I appreciate you watching/ commenting and of course, thank you for your support in 2021. Take care, -Mark

[@southernbiscuits1275]

Hi, Mark. Nice to see you back on air again. It's great how you explained what you are doing and why. I can't wait for warmer weather and getting outside. My orchid cacti are hanging in there inside the house but I look forward to when I can get them back outside enjoying the sun and humidity on the front porch. I'm excited about this year's growing season!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey SB! It's nice to be back at it again. Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. Warmer weather.....you and I both! Love orchids! Thanks for all your support in 2021! All my very best, -Mark

[@laygarth]

Good to see you back on your channel again Mark. Thank you so much for another very interesting and instructive article...looking forward to more content in the coming weeks and months!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hello! It's great to be back! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video and hopefully you find the future ones helpful too! Always feel free to email me with ideas or whatever. As always, thanks for watching/ commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@lindabeaulieu6770]

Hi Mark So nice to see you and a new video. Hope you're well. Question, what kind of trees are these chips from? Is there a tree type that aren't good to use (maybe pine tree chips due to sap etc.).

[@roywoodruff8161]

So glad to see you back on KZbin! I was thinking about you as I just harvested some tomatoes from my garden this past weekend and grew some new varieties inspired by your tomato variety and tasting videos. I had to do the same thing with a couple beds in my backyard that were just rock and I have some great plants in there now. I just had to keep my woodchips watered down as we don't get much rain here in AZ.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Roy! It's nice to be back! Thank you! You're making me envious with already harvesting tomatoes. lol Thanks for all your support in 2021! All my very best, -Mark

[@johnslanicky]

Good to see you Mark! 👍😃 Great topic today. You always do a nice job explaining things so they are understandable- thank you. ⭐️✨

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey John! Nice to be back! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the kind words too! As always, thanks for watching / commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@BHATL]

Assuming no flip flops in this episode! Great information as always. Thank you!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Nope, no flip flops. But it won't be to long! lol Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@gcocchia2399]

Hi Mark, great to see you . Hope this finds you well. Wood chips are great. How are you addressing the nitrogen issue with the breaking down of the chips. Look forward to your next video.

[@randalllevy5307]

Very good, informative video. Thank you. Hope you have been doing well.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Randall! Glad you enjoyed! Thank you! Doing well too. Hope you are as well! Thanks for watching /commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@neilschipper3741]

Wow!!! What a surprise! Welcome back your videos have been missed! What kind of Adventures are you going to take us on? Always enjoy planning tips and the adventures you take us on. I still have the apple butter I was going to send but I never found your p.o. box. Again, welcome back!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Neil! Just going to have to wait and see. I think this season, I'm going to try to stay local as much as I can but we'll see. Lol my P.O. box is P.O. Box 72 Street, MD 21154. Thank you Neil for all of your kind words and support. Best always, -Mark

[@waynem.7226]

Hey Mark. I know some folks that prefer the quicker lasagna gardening technique to improve their soil, but I prefer this lazier/easier method that works great if you have the patience to let it break down before planting. Good to see ya!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Wayne! Sometimes the best things just take more time to get the best end results, don't they! Thank you! It's good to be getting back into the youtube groove of things. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All my very best, -Mark

[@rajishmaharaj7552]

Nice info, glad to see you back at it.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Rajish! Nice to be back even if only part time for now. Thanks for watching and of course, thank you for your support in 2021! All my best, -Mark

[@dannymills2239]

Glad you're back.👍

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Danny! Nice to be back if only part time until spring is here. Thanks for watching and of course I appreciate your support of my channel. All my best, -Mark

[@MR-ul6bc]

Good to see you Mark. Hope you are having a Happy New Year.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you! It's nice to be getting back into the videos. So far, it's been a cold New Year! Little to cold for me. Hope you have been having a nice New Year so far as well. Thanks for watching/ commenting and I really do appreciate your support of my channel. All my best, -Mark

[@richardcully4869]

Mark is back, a Happy New Year can now begin. We have missed you!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Richard! Yep, I'm back even if it is only part time until spring hits. It's nice to be missed. Thank you! Thanks for watching/ commenting and I really do appreciate you supporting my channel! All my very best, -Mark

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Great see you back. Great sounding plan!! You could experiment with cover crops in a couple years. We got woodchips delivered in the fall by an arborist. Win win Cheers from Victoria Canada 🌱🌱🍁

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you Clive! Yes, the jury is still out for what the future holds with this area. A couple people have mentioned the cover crop idea, that may just be something I'll need to explore. Thanks again Clive! Cheers, -Mark

[@johnjude2685]

That good for carbon also something involving everyone or it should be. Thanks Mark so I'm guessing some cover crops is next steps after several years

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi John! We will just have to wait and see. I honestly have no plan at this point lol. Thanks for watching!

[@christophertaylor9826]

Great video, love watching your show.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Christopher! Glad you enjoyed the video. That's very kind of you to say. Thank you! I appreciate you watching/ commenting. All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! -Mark

[@skeeter5976]

welcome back....nice to see you back on youtube. everyone needs time off. your farm is even beautiful in the winter...looks so peaceful and relaxing. spring is just around the cornor so keep those awesome videos coming........thanks again

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Matt! It's great to be back! Thank you! Spring won't come soon enough for me! lol Matt, thanks for all your support in 2021 and look forward to hearing from you through 2022 season. As always, thanks for watching/supporting the channel. All my very best, -Mark

[@ivandouglas-happyhealthyli3405]

Marks back!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Ivan! Yep, Mark's back even if only part time for now. Glad to be back too! How's your you-tube doing? All my very best, -Mark

[@terryjohnson6392]

Mark is nice to see you back.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Terry! It's great to be back! Thanks for all your support in 2021. As always, thanks for watching/ commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you Terry!

[@DragonflyenAmber]

Nice to see you on KZbin again!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Amber! It's nice to be back even if only part time until spring is upon us. Thanks for watching! All my best, -Mark

[@manolitoakadyosaorrahmyfam8569]

I'm very,very happy to see you,Sir Mark, Love your videos,🍀🍀🌹🌹❤❤❤

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you! I appreciate your support. All my best, -Mark

[@yazz2jazz313]

Hi Mark..its good to see u back! 😊

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey YJ! It's great to be back! How's your summer season going? Best, -Mark

[@FreshRoastCoffeeOhio]

Question Mark. First welcome back. My question was if you had somewhere listing what your favorite tomato varieties are. Im taking some heavy influence this year in what im planting based off your tomato reviews from last year. So far i have Curtis cheek, Virginia sweets, ananas noire, and 1923 abe lincoln. for cherries im doing sun peach, isis candy, blush and sun sugar. I wanted to know if there is anything im missing that you would suggest from last year to look into. Many thanks, excited to see the garden updates this year.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Jonathan! No, I do not list them anywhere, I probably should though... It's a difficult thing to narrow down sometimes... There are so many "great" tomatoes out there. I'd say you pretty much have it nailed with your varieties though! I'm honored that I could help influence your garden. If you've never done VA Sweets, I would definitely do at least 2 of those. Taiga was also very nice. Persimmon is a nice solid orange, Green Giant is a delicious tomato. I'd say you've got it made with what you have already. Thanks so much for watching and allowing me into your garden! Take care Jonathan! -Mark

[@josephflorio3556]

Hi Mark good to see you again missed you words of advice looks cold out there but it is not stopping you. hope you are well

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Joseph! Thanks for the kind words! And yes, it has been cold here in Maryland. A very cold January for us! Thanks for watching/commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@donnacotter1256]

I think that would make a lovely orchard when the soil is amended! I wanted to put wood chips in my veg garden pathways this year, but I got so much conflicting advice. The person I bought my compost from told me that they often bring biting ants, and another person warned that allelopathic trees in the mix, like black walnut and hickory, could kill my tomatoes and some other plants, and yet another said the way they are shredded matters too, i.e. flat chips vs long shreds. Are any of these concerns warranted? Out of fear, I wound up using shredded leaves which was a major undertaking because of the quantity I needed. I really enjoy your content. Very helpful to a newbie like me. Thank you.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Donna! Very good question, I would be concerned about juglone in walnut chips, however, these chips have a distinct color and odor. I have been using chips in my gardens for years with no issues. If I were you, I wouldn't be too concerned. Especially for pathways. Thanks so much for watching and commenting Donna! Best, -Mark

[@ecogarden3622]

🌱I'm so glad you came back.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey EG! Thank you! It's great to be back! All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you!

[@manolitoakadyosaorrahmyfam8569]

I can't wait for the next videos,please,make more videos about gardening,specially flowering plants,trees and vegetables, 🍀🌸🎄🌰🌸🌹🍀🍀

[@marksgardenlife5971]

In the warmer months ahead! Thanks for watching/commenting! -Mark

[@gabbystorm2010]

Hey Mark!!! Welcome back my friend. :) I hope you're doing very well, great content and advice on how to turn a very clay hard ground into a nice good soil. Man how different it all looks around you in winter, also your looking very well which is good to see. Here it has been a hot and humid summer so far we even got a few 100's and feeling very tropical and my garden is looking amazing and i have to thank you for it, you're video's really helped me a lot. Il send you pictures update of my garden. As always i love you're video's and i'm looking forward for the spring video's soon and in the background of this video was that Holly or Annie? All My Best Gabby :)

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Gabby! It's nice to be back. Thank you! Yes, it's very cold and bleak around here. It's been the coldest January we have had in several years. You make me envious hearing about how nice and warm it is where you are! I'm glad the videos were of some help. That was Holly in the video running around. Gabby, thank you for all your words of encouragement and support in 2021. It was of a great help! All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Gabby! Today it is 18*F outside, but the office and greenhouses are nice places to be. That is Holly running around the chip pile lol... She's about full size now. It snowed today which she loves. Take care Gabby! Best always, -Mark

[@joecrowder7275]

Mark !!!!!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Joe!!!!! lol How's it going!

[@racif]

Mum fields also don't allow for any organic matter to ever replenish the soil. What a great project! I have the same problem. Can't wait to see your success. Thanks for taking us along.

[@racif]

I've also seen red cap mushrooms (edible) used with the wood chips to dramatically speed up the chip break down and yield a sellable harvest.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi there! I'd be curious to see where I could find a good source of spawn. I'm also wondering how the full sun area would affect them. Best, -Mark

[@mortz38]

Welcome back Mark. Bright eyed and bushytailed....

[@marksgardenlife5971]

lol I'm not sure how bright eyed and bushytailed! I appreciate the words though. Thanks for watching /commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@dc0145a]

Welcome back 🥰 curious do you have Asian Jumping worms in MD? I'm having a terrible time with these invasive worms. They are literally destroying my soil. I think they came in with some plants I purchased. They are now throughout the gardens and have moved into the surrounding woods. 🤨

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi there! Yes we do have them, but I have no idea how to get rid of them. I'm not sure if it's possible. I think cleaning tools, boots, etc. will slow the rate of transmittion of eggs, but from what I understand, they can take over acres of land very quickly. I wish I had a better answer for you. -Mark

[@anchorageprepper9008]

Good to see ya! Hope you all are well.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey AP! Good to hear from you too! Everything is fine, just very cold! Thanks for watching / commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@frankmyers1257]

Very interesting. We had to have a tree taken down on the museum grounds this fall --- now I'm going to have to try to convince the gardens committee to leave that pile of chips over the stump alone for a couple of years so we can reap the benefits.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Frank! Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching/commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@barnabyrt1012]

Hi! Such a long time without seeing you!😍 welcome back.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Barnaby! Yes, took a much needed break. Thank you! It's great to be back. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you!

[@markzick9236]

If you add a high rate of nitrogen fertilizer to the wood chips, they will break down much faster.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Mark! I'll have to try that with some Milorganite. Thanks for the tip! -Mark

[@oliverlondon5246]

Welcome back…we’ve missed you!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Oliver! Thank you! It's nice to be back even if only part time until spring hits. Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@stellamaggard3669]

For some reason,I didn't get the notification for this one? Or maybe I missed seeing it? Definitely a interesting one. Do you have any plans,for it? Once it gets all useable?

[@kathys7283]

Thank you! Subscribed!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thanks Kathy! I appreciate you watching and subscribing too! All my best, -Mark

[@egl9sun]

Great video and idea of soil reconditioning. Looks cold but it is not like upper NY. A potential crop to look into is Garlic. Most garlic in the US is imported from China, is bleached and treated with various chemicals. The value of fresh garlic is about 5x that of the crop produced for dehydration. A little bird tells me that exports from China for foodstuffs is going to become very difficult in the near future.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey David! Glad you liked the video. I think we are paying for having one of the warmest falls I can remember. January has been horrible! But as you say, not like what you guys deal with in upper NY state. Garlic......yes, I do grow my own garlic and use it in cooking a lot. I wouldn't trust garlic coming out of China to be honest. David, as always, thanks for watching/ commenting and I really appreciate your support of my channel. All my very best, -Mark

[@BS.-.-]

I did this with a seasonally swampy area on my property about 3+yrs ago. some areas are 3ft thick. My soil before was hard clay. The earth worms are back, the chips are all black now but still look like a chip. The ones at the top are sun bleached and didnt rot well but that's fine with me. I planted norway spruce in there for a visual barrier to my neighbors.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hello! It really does work well where the topsoil is gone or minimal. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I appreciate you watching too! All my best, -Mark

[@Lemmy_SoCal_Gardener]

Yay you’re back!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Lemuel! Well, part time for now until it warms up! Glad you missed me. Thanks for watching /commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@patblack2291]

Here in the semi-arid west, it's a challenge to get wood chips wet and keep them wet enough to break down. I've got wood chips from 30+ years ago that haven't yet broken down. Things are different on the east coast, for sure!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Pat! 30 years! I guess all our rainfall here in the east. Thanks for watching/commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@ednatucker5445]

Hi, Mark! Glad to see you're back to get on with gardening! (Loved all the videos on the subject). I've heard of the benefits of wood chips, but I didn't know that you can turn "barren" land (of size) to create good and fertile soil! How fantastic! Proves that you're never too old to learn!LOL!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Edna! It's nice hearing from you. Been a while! It's nice getting back into doing the videos even if only part time until spring is upon us. Glad you enjoyed the videos last year. Yes, wood chips can be very beneficial. I think when you stop learning, life can get boring! lol Edna, thanks for watching/ commenting and of course, I really do appreciate your support of my channel. All my very best, -Mark

[@jeffreyatto2523]

I have used this same method with great success, but with one modifier: I place 1-2 layers of cardboard (with tape and labels removed, of course) between the clay soil and the thick layer of wood chip mulch. There’s a local tree trimming service that is happy to drop off wood chips here whenever I need them

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Jeffrey! So glad to hear from a fellow woodchipian lol. Yes, I have used the same technique if I'm doing a more shallow layer on flat ground. The benefit to doing this in wintertime is that it smothers everything while it's dormant. Therefore, by the time most weeds start shooting leaves up searching for light, they will have already been mostly wiped out. Thanks so much for watching! Take care Jeffrey, -Mark

[@wdsjrmd1]

excellent video. you have been missed

[@wdsjrmd1]

i love learning something new every day. tons of useful information

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey William! It's nice to be missed! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video and of course, I appreciate you watching. Thank you for all your support in 2021! All my best, -Mark

[@michaelfalso3380]

Very interesting! I have some “concrete” soil in my garden as well, I have been burying rotting hay cores to help break it up each year, I don’t have a wood chipper just yet but now you’ve got me thinking!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Michael! I would strongly advise to stay away from woodchippers unless you're considering something pretty heavy duty. The homeowner models aren't very effective in my experience. Just my 2 cents. Thanks so much for commenting as always! My very best, -Mark

[@demoniczek27]

Lucky you. I would have to pay a lot for wood chips. But I didn't have to pay much for medium from mushroom farm. Bought a full load, took a while to spread it but the garden looked like never before. Very nice fluffy brown stuff, but not for acidic soil plants.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Rex! I use mushroom soil too and really like it. Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my very best, -Mark

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Rex! Yes, mushroom soil is good stuff. We are fortunate to live near many mushroom farms also. We like to have a pile going here at all times. Thanks for watching! Best, -Mark

[@billyjackson400]

Wood chippy, Sawdusty kind of stuff... Technical terms... Watching you while I am prepping dinner is one of my pleasures... I gain some knowledge... Blueberries sound divine.... Mums is the word, HUH? They have the most interesting scent.... I am going to apply what I just learned from you, To turn an area of the sandy desert into a raspberry patch.... Thanks......Are those the trees behind you that you relocated? Looks great.................... Cahartt butts drive me nuts...LOL....I have "FLIRTETTES" SYNDROME........ Hi Holly, SQUEEZE

[@pleasanthill924]

Can this be consider land disturbance? Do you need a permit to bring this amount of wood chips?

[@marksgardenlife5971]

No, at least not in this area and no, no permit needed.

[@amysnipes4245]

I'm 4nvious of all those woodchips! I'm super clay do have to use raised beds.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Amy! That's why I use raised beds too. The soil when I started was pretty bad and now I don't use any fertilizers. Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my best, -Mark

[@RmsDome]

I use decaying wood chips in my soil, the previous owner left a lot 😍

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey JCS! They really are beneficial. Just do a soil test every year to keep an eye on your PH. Thanks for watching/ commenting! All my very best, -Mark