When You Do Something Wrong, FIX IT | Greenstalk Mistake

[@brichter4669]

I've had my GreenStalk planters for 2 years, bought them in the fall of 2021. I used a potting mix that I thought would be a good quality mix to put in my planters. Nothing grew that fall and I was disappointed. In the spring, I decided to use fabric grow bags along with my GreenStalk planters using the same potting mix. Veggies started off ok but died. I called GreenStalk and they were very helpful. The lady said to NEVER use potting soil or raised bed potting mix in the planters. It will compact too much, and the plants' roots can't grow well in it. She said to ONLY use a loose, well draining potting mix in the GreenStalk planters. This spring, I made my own potting mix of peat moss, perlite, earth worm castings and fertilizer amendments and put in the GreenStalk planters and grow bags. What a HUGE improvement! My veggies grew well, and I didn't have any issues with them. Actually, when I duped the old potting mix out of the planters and grow bags, it was like a rock. I had to use a mallet to break it up before discarding it. No wonder my veggies wouldn't grow. So....to avoid confusion for the type of growing medium to use in a GreenStalk...never say potting soil, which is dirt/soil or raised bed potting mix, which will not work in the GreenStalk planters. Instead, say use potting mix only. Hope this information helps someone. It made a world of difference for me and my gardening experience. Happy, successful gardening!

[@lmgorbea1]

I just got my first greenstalk planter and found that it's easier on your back to place the first one in the base, cover the hole with blue tape and fill it in place. If you have seedlings plant them and top the soil. Water, remove the tape, add the watering tray and the next level empty. Put tape in the hole and fill it in place, plant, water, remove tape and add the water reservoir, and repeat for the next level until you are done. Also, I placed the bag of soil in a raised surface and filled a little bucket while sitting down and dumped it little bt little in the planting pot. That way you protect your back. Mine is very damaged so i had to learn these little tricks to conserve what i have left and protect it from further damage. Hope these tricks help you and your subscribers, especially the elderly or people with back problems.

[@eyeonart6865]

There is a book called square foot gardening I use it will tell you what to plant in a 3 inch area.

[@Angel283]

My Daddy always said "if you ain't making mistakes, you ain't doing anything ".

[@suzannem5674]

I have 2 green stalks and love them. You got this. Its not a mistake its a learning opportunity.

[@sharonjennings1282]

Where is the best place to put it in my garden? I will also be using it with strawberries.

[@EnuffsEnuff318]

New GS owner here...thanks for this video!

[@susannekarch9639]

maybe someone else mentioned this, but you can use the black plug from the wheel thingie and plug up the holes of each tier while filling it with soil. Just makes keeping the holes clean that much easier. Once you've filled one tier, pull off the plug and move to the next tier before filling :-))

[@shabbyshopper]

You also want to fully water it, not just through the top, when you first plant it out. Per their website - THEN start using the filling from the top until the water drains at the bottom.

[@Growmap]

There is a difference between potting SOIL for in-ground gardening and potting MIX for planters, pots, etc. USE POTTING MIX in containers. Potting soil gets too heavy and doesn't drain properly!

[@Mark4WorldPeace]

Redoing things can greatly improve correct function You’re gonna forget the Crow and tasting Strawberries 🍓 soon Peace from MN

[@kristikey8320]

The plug for water drainage fits over the holes in the planter if you want to fill them while they are stacked. I top off my raised beds with a bag each of chicken compost, cow compost, bone meal, blood meal and worm castings. I add some perlite or vermiculite too. I add two inches to top of each bed. I have no room to make my own compost so I buy all this at Home Depot. I've been adding this recipe for three years now and its working fantastic!

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Good advice!!

[@TalkingThreadsMedia]

Truth be told, each of us has made mistakes that we had to go back and FIX... Most of us just don’t have to do it in such a public forum. Your level of integrity is impressive! Kudos! Best wishes from Kate in Olympia, WA - 3/31/2021.

[@gelwood99]

The first year with mine, I didn't press them down to lock the tiers and it fell over. It spilled dirt from the top 2 tiers. I set it back up after fixing the soil and resowed the seeds and it was fine. Make sure each section is locked into the lower piece. Crow is not bad when it was honest and humbly done. Attitude for being called out on a mistake causes the choking sensation to be more pronounced. You dear did fine and all is good. Mistakes give us our testimonies.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Thank you!!

[@cygna1237]

Container gardening is a trick, it makes you learn or plays tricks on you, so if you think you finally GOT IT, it will pull a shiny and serve you crow head up. Consider it learning step #infinity. Great video. I was watching another and it popped up. Great content. Subscribing. Edit: Another tip for any container, is Liquid fertilzer beats solids, as solids can compact and burn. The soilds don't break down in containers like they do in soil. Liquid can be mixed with the water, and a tsp or two every week or every other week is all you need.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Great tip and welcome!

[@susanwalkergirl]

Thanks for sharing and helping us to learn from your mistakes. I had to take our Greenstalk apart and move it to a more level area. I know the first year will be a learning experience.

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Can't count the times crow was on my plate. Learned the hard way uninformed personal opinions and taking shortcuts always equals crow for supper. 🙄 Growing plants and gardening are one of the most humbling things we do. Appreciate your transparency Andrea.

[@larryparish5984]

You could place a screwdriver temporarily in the center hole while filling the container, the handle will keep any potting soil from falling in. 😊 Have a great day.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Good idea!

[@rosaliesemrau1293]

Or slip a sandwich bag over while you are filling.

[@Growmap]

@@VWFamilyFarm There is a difference between potting SOIL for in-ground gardening and potting MIX for planters, pots, etc. USE POTTING MIX in containers. Potting soil gets too heavy and doesn't drain properly!

[@aCountryVegan]

@@Growmap I like Mel’s mix. One third of peat moss or coco coir, compost, and coarse vermiculite. Really good for containers and raised beds.

[@pandorafox3944]

Great idea! Thanks 😊

[@susangantzler7786]

Your hair is so pretty .

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Thank you!

[@kathymccune2237]

i was watching the other bay and seen you are having trouble with fire ants. a problem I have dealt with when we lived in LA. We were told be my older neighbor to use dry grits. just put a pile were the ants will eat them and when the ants eat the dry grits the grits will swell in there bellies and soon the ants will be gone. good luck.

[@pamelamercado6902]

You did a great job I think its fantastic that you took the time to redo the previous so everyone would know the right way not many would do so or admit they were wrong

[@tricountyfamilyfarm8993]

I did that last year and this year i have been way behind on the garden due to kidding and remodel of a rent house. The freeze set me back a month or so and i have a full time job Never beat yourself up we are human and there is only one of us .

[@deborahandrews9728]

I have eaten crow many times over the years and it just never tastes good! But, you go girl! I love your videos and the informative topics you share. God bless you and your family.

[@petyshaw3643]

I love your spring hair do. I just cut 4 inches off mine too.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

It feels good doesn’t it?!

[@user-rl4fk4xl4q]

I absolutely loved seeing the row of boots neatly lined up in the back ground😀

[@lulamamie8524]

I just love ❤️ you Andrea 😇 You are ALWAYS sooooo honest! That is what I love about VWFF - Real life, Honesty, with the good and the bad. LIFE HAPPENS 🌱😇🤔 Blessings from your Vegan 🌱friend ❤️ I learn so much from you on how to grow seedlings and plant my small garden 🪴 Thank You ❤️🪴

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Thank you so much!!

[@lulamamie8524]

@@VWFamilyFarm I really LOVE ❤️ your channel 😇 Thank You for every video you put out ❤️

[@GladysRWhite]

Andrea, I love your hair! You look so young and beautiful!

[@laurielangley2306]

Oh, Andrea, dear, sweet, adorable Andrea...if that's all the little bit of crow you have to eat you're doing GREAT!! ;) Thank you for the greenstalk/strawberry plant update. Good luck with your beautiful looking strawberry plants!!

[@cherisarton7075]

Thanks for this video. It will help me to minimize my mistakes. This is my first year for using a greenstalk and I am really excited about it.

[@Miss449686]

Thank you for being honest and admitting your mistake, that is not easy to do. I appreciate you correcting the problem and showing us the proper way.

[@adelacoburn1396]

I never shy away from my boo boos/mistakes. I step up and with confidence..I fix it =) . Andrea, I thank you for this video, for sharing and teaching, it happens to us all, God bless

[@ahuvachambers3333]

I use small ziplocked bag over the top of the watering hole and secure it with robber band until it is time to stock .

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Good idea!

[@kleineroteHex]

Still learning with this contraption😊 My cucumbers and peppers did really well in it, so well that they shaded everything else out😂 I don't want to keep this outside over our sometimes rather frosty and long winters or I would put strawberries in as well. I put 3 tiers in the house over winter, at a south window, testing and hoping I'm not going to get a water mess. Contemplating a second base for the remaining tiers and under artificial light.

[@WendyKlotzMI]

Thank you so much for this video. This will be my 3rd year with Greenstalks, and hopefully this will be the successful one! I took notes from your video as I already recognize some mistakes I have made. Happy gardening!

[@dianatennant4346]

I ordered my green stocks earlier and have them. Don't have a high tunnel and mm in Ohio so I've got a little time yet. Have tried to watch many different channels about planning them but I appreciate any information before I get started. Thanks Andrea Crow doesn't taste very bad but those strawberries will taste really good.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Girl no worries!!! We totally understand😉😉

[@pamelamartin9386]

Gardening and planting is sometimes a trial and error thing. Thanks for making this video👍👍👍

[@kathysparks6338]

No worries, thank you for sharing this information. God bless, your family is such a blessing.

[@stepht5]

Oh my gosh, I’ve definitely made the mistake of not getting things planted when I should....sometimes you just get busy and forget 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@bethanyfields4706]

I got my first Greenstalk this year, and I really needed to see a video like this! Thank you so much.♥️ Crow doesn't taste as bad if you know someone truly benefits from it, right?

[@DjChelan]

09. 16.2022 Thank you Andrea! I am so happy you realized you made a mistake, for you have saved us all the time and headache when we start out 1st setting up our #Greenstalk Planters! I need to go find the results of the strawberries you planted in this video for I have only seen the one with Ben and the kids harvesting the strawberry patch in the ground! Question we are in Zone 6B and get cold cold winters, has anyone in this zone been able to grow plants during the winter in their Green Stalk outside? I plan on trying on our covered front porch! Thank you in advance anyone who might have an answer for me! Eating Crow Rocks! I have to do it a lot! Have a blessed day all!

[@gingerdean1521]

Dear Heidi I put a tier of strawberries in an uninsulated greenhouse and the plants are still alive this spring I am in 5b in Southwestern NYS

[@yvonnegreenthumbbeachbum1455]

Thank you for caring & sharing! Now I know what went wrong with my strawberries in my greenstalk.... 😏🍓💞

[@4beefarm265]

I’m about to have to eat crow also...I’m new to KZbin and my first video (like 2 weeks ago) was making a sweet potato cage...I planted slips in it and also the WHOLE sweet potato. I realize yesterday the whole potato will not produce anymore sweet potatoes. 😂 I’m glad I learned from my mistakes bc I’d be really sad come harvest time. Lol eating crow isn’t so bad!! Keep at it friend, you’re doing great! 💚

[@VWFamilyFarm]

We are all Constantly learning!!

[@denisebrady6858]

I have eaten Crow a few times too !! Hey but we learn from it- Andrea your hair & makeup today looked so beautiful. Cheers Denise- Australia

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Thank you!

[@pameliadobson4349]

Thanks for your honesty!!

[@LadyJ5569]

Great corrections made. We all have done something similar. How are the ants in the greenhouse? God bless you 🙏❤

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Still battling those ants!

[@cindyplunkett5858]

He is so handsome in his Sunday best . And you look beautiful

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Thank you!

[@sharrilswindle752]

I think it said use a potting MIX, cause it is loamy, where potting soil is heavier, I know we used, potting mix and it deadly is different..I ordered from a garden patch grow boxes , they are the same people who created the Earth box, growing boxes, they are wonderful and can be put up on cinder blocks and boards as high up as you need it! Makes gardening so much easier on our backs, I have 20 now and going to order probably 20 more ,but also have 5 4x8 garden beds about 3.5 feet high, we are going to add 5 more beds and a poly tunnel greenhouse, and that should cover us for growing, as we are only 2 people but will have 3 more people,to help feed...your strawberries look so good!! We got the dirt in and will be planting out as soon as we get our little block patio set up for greenhouse..!

[@valeriedevereux5912]

I live in Indiana. I too planted bare root strawberries in my new green stalk. I did use the potting soil. But only two of the 24 survived. And those two aren’t doing a whole lot. So I don’t know what I did wrong. I planted tomatoes in my second green stalk. They took off and look great.

[@kkr5428]

In my Greenstalk this year I used Happy Frog potting soil, which was beautiful and fluffy. I added perlite and pete to the soil. I feel my lettuces are just not taking off like they should, though. Some, like the kale, are growing really big, but my mixed lettuces are just dwindling. I think the soil is too wet also as I had watered then it rained and I didn’t get the cover on quick enough! Anyway, I’ll NOT water, give it a chance to dry out, and see what happens.

[@cekfraun]

Thanks, Andrea! I haven't set up my Greenstalk yet because the weather has been too cold here in Maine. This was very helpful information. I hope your strawberries do well.

[@pattiecanders1378]

I too live in me and am anxious to set up my new greenstalk waiting patiently I plan on making it into all salad fixings which will free up my raised beds for other goodies.

[@kelliwebb2870]

Thanks Andrea! I bought one but forgot the wheel part so I’m ordering it now. I’m growing strawberries and herbs in it.

[@stephaniebohn9002]

We bought ours last month. We are growing herbs and spices.

[@janiefox3458]

Mine is on the back deck waiting for my son to get the dirt for me.

[@lifewithmikeandjenn5814]

Did what you did when I got mine last year. Lol. You are not alone. I have 6 of them and I absolutely love them! Be blessed

[@VWFamilyFarm]

6?? That’s awesome!

[@lifewithmikeandjenn5814]

@@VWFamilyFarm they were cheaper than goats and less maintenance. Lol. Desert gardening is challenging and I do what I can

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Eating crow is hard but needs to be done sometimes! Your hair looks fabulous.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Thank you!!

[@jodyflores601]

Thank you for sharin' Andrea, I really need to look into these. Blessings dear!!

[@roniniowa1661]

I know the boot review was a while back, but I counted at least 11 pairs of boots against the wall. I’ll bet at least Ben was wearing a pair at the time as well. I love your family’s videos.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

😂

[@mompuff]

Thank you so much for your great advice!! 🙌🏻🤗🦋

[@latoyaevans688]

This was VERY helpful! Than you for posting!

[@SouthernBellaHome]

Andrea, you are just the most transparent and real! Thank you for that! I don’t always comment, but I always watch because you are so genuine and encouraging! Just Love your sweet family so much!

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Hope you are doing well!!

[@SouthernBellaHome]

Yes, God is good, and we are doing well!❤️ Pray you all have a blessed Easter!

[@joyceyager9940]

I need to buy one of these, I have joint issues and absolutely cannot plant in the ground even though we have a garden spot. I will do onion & garlic out there and plant berry plants. Love your videos so much!! I have a homesteader ♥️ just not the body to be able to do it.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

The heart is what matters ❤️❤️

[@joyceyager9940]

My GreenStalk arrived this morning! My seed order is on its way from Baker Creek now. Excited to try to grow some food for us this summer!

[@brittanywhite6272]

Careful with the plug indoors, its not very strong. May or may not have flooded my kitchen trying to use the faucet to soak a tier, building it the first time lol. That's what I get for being too lazy to go get the garden hose!

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Oh no!!

[@harrietnihart1297]

I did the same thing when I started and had to change out all the soil.

[@marzettgray908]

hi from southestern az I love my green stock I have 5 of them

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Wow 5!!! I’m jealous!

[@samanthanicholson9015]

Mixing in with miracle grow. half to three quarters then add back into contianer, Instead of wasting compost. Hopefully you were able to fix things

[@franceswatts4001]

Regular soil is NOT recommended as it is too dense and heavy. The GreenStalk manufacturers are very specific about this.

[@ozarkarky]

Crow season closed on Feb 21

[@VWFamilyFarm]

😂😂

[@deborahlawing2728]

😂😁🤭😂🤭

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

Good job Andrea

[@jodyflores601]

I got one ordered, thank you for the savings!! :)

[@barbarabrand190]

What if you covered the water draining stalk with a plastic cup just until the potting soil was in?

[@teddyboy252]

Good job

[@hippiegirl5167]

I just mixed compost with garden soil and everything is fine

[@DreamweaversHomestead]

I love this! I hope you get a lot of berries

[@DeanFamilyAcres]

In about a month that will produce the best tasting crow ever. 😁🍓

[@daygirl2659]

I hope the strawberries 🍓 Do awesome for you❤️

[@Yvonneb_]

That is going to look really nice, I would love them to sell those in the UK xx

[@franceswatts4001]

They do now. I bought one this week. The company is based in Sweden but ships via UPS to the UK, for a shipping cost of only £14.99 which includes Customs charges.

[@lindamurns1245]

Thanks!!!

[@idahohoosier8989]

Y'all are nit alone

[@Meatherxc]

Dang I had never heard the phrase eat the crow. I was like I know she had cows but a crow?

[@Rowdymotmot]

You made a simple mistake. We all do. I guess if you worried about getting dirt in the hole in the center you could put a small plastic cup on it or maybe some tape and remove that once it is filled. I love all your videos, they are super.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Thanks!!

[@wendyperez8714]

Is there a reason you wouldn't put an empty tier on top of a filled tier and then fill it once in place? Seems it would be easier than carrying a heavy tier and trying to get it in just right.

[@jacquiesuper2200]

My bare root strawberries came weeks ago but I can't plant yet (Buffalo, NY) I put them in my crisper in the fridge. I'm hoping within the next 3 weeks, I'll be able to plant. Do you think they will still be good??? Any suggestions on how to keep them okay? Thanks for this video. Timely for me.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Hmmm not sure. Keep me posted.

[@jodyflores601]

Hey Andrea, I'm coming back to this video and if I recall you said you planted strawberries in one of these planters. If my memory is right I'd like to do the same so I ordered another one and one for my mom. My question is with strawberries is........how do I care for them, do I have to repot every year with new potting soil? Do I pull this planter in the garage for winter? I'm not use to planting strawberries this way. Thank you for your time, blessings!

[@VWFamilyFarm]

I plan to get one of the frost blankets they sell for their planters specifically for the winter, and i’ll just water it periodically. I’ll keep mine outside.

[@jodyflores601]

@@VWFamilyFarm Thank you Andrea!

[@GrammaDebsStorytime]

✋✋✋ ...been there and done that!!! 😜

[@melodylyons4631]

You are not eating crow. You made a mistake that is all. We all do over and over again.

[@lynec8317]

Love your videos! I'm in zone 5b and was wondering if I could winter over my strawberries in the greenstalk. If yes, how would I go about it? Thanks from Montreal

[@VWFamilyFarm]

I think so! You could bring it inside a greenhouse or garage or they are selling a frost blanket cover.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

It zips up around the tower. I thought that was neat!

[@lindamurns1245]

I couldn't see the first potting soil you used. What was it? My first time was last year. I used pro mix potting soil. I retained to much moisture. So I have to do alittle removal of that soil.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

It's been awhile but I think this was just an organic from the local store, nothing special

[@donnalovintexas8760]

I would like a little supper without crow personally. But I'm a work in progress and crow is part of it. My family knows just be ready..no telling what will come out of my mouth 😳. But hey NOT telling the truth has gotten us where we are today..all screwed up. Stay Safe and God Bless.

[@kansasmisfit7404]

Would the run off of excess water give off a smell sitting in the base like that?

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Hmmm good question.

[@karenf14]

Is there a difference between potting soil and potting mix? I filled mine with potting mix but haven't planted yet.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Potting mix is strictly soilless. Potting soil may have some soil in it.

[@debbieselland6591]

I don't quite understand how you planted the strawberries incorrectly? Please explain. Do you think the new leaf would be good for strawberries in 5b zone?

[@VWFamilyFarm]

I didn’t get them in soil quick enough.

[@kathymickle6915]

I did this with my greenstalk how do I know if my bare root strawberries are viable? I planted them right away, after purchasing.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Should start growing in 2-3 weeks. Should have good plants by early summer.

[@sissysimpson792]

yep many times

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

I’m wanting to purchase these for our family, would you still be recommending them?

[@VWFamilyFarm]

Yes I’m wanting to get me another one.

[@jenniferwalters579]

Is the link in the comments somewhere? Is there still a discount code? It’s been a year since the video came out. Id love to use this except we just don’t get full sun on our patio. Tia

[@VWFamilyFarm]

The link and the discount code is in the description but I’ll make it easier for you. Our code is vwff. lddy.no/vroz

[@LindaPoorman]

Will the bare root strawberry's still be ok for next season, or are they a wash?

[@VWFamilyFarm]

No they are dead

[@paulinejoarnt8525]

Where did you get these planters.

[@VWFamilyFarm]

lddy.no/vroz They are actually on sale but it ends tonight. You can also use code VWFF at checkout to save even more

[@carol67460]

If ya didn't plant you would have never known your still are so such a beautiful peep

[@terrypomatto907]

That is NOT eating Crow!!!! You have the option to read the directions before or after the job is completed.

[@brucesiefkes4081]

i am a man i never read directions LOL i make a lot of mistakes every day

[@minifarmwife6753]

So we set ours up using potting soil that we broke up to be really loose as the bag was "compressed". We filled to the brim with the soil and then watered it before putting any plants in and the soil didn't soak up the water. I feel like I has to be user error but for the life of me I can figure it out. Do you think it could be because the potting soil was really dry when we filled it up? Can it be too full? Any help is appreciated. I checked and the holes on the gray pieces between the tiers are lined up appropriately. Luckily our bare root strawberries haven't shipped yet so I have time to fix it... If I can figure out the error. Thanks for any help!

[@VWFamilyFarm]

In my experience, sometimes potting soil is so very dry that it is hard to get it wet. If it was me, I would probably manually give a little water to each pocket to get it going

[@minifarmwife6753]

@@VWFamilyFarm that's what I'm trying now actually so I'm happy to know I'm starting in the right direction. After triple checking all the holes yesterday I decided to water each layer really well and if it ever stops raining today I'll head out to the greenhouse and check and see if it did any good. If not, I'll be checking it tomorrow when I'm not battling the heavy rain. :) Thank you for responding! 😁

[@laurieweideman9607]

How do you give all the sides equal light?

[@VWFamilyFarm]

It is easy to spin but I will probably put it out in full sun.