Justin Rhodes uses a deep bedding system for his animals to keep them warmer in the winter, but we’ve been doing that without having a name for it for 15 years. 😂 We muck out the barn every 30 days throwing the well broken down fertilized bedding onto an area that grows fabulous pumpkins. Our pet rabbits bedding is changed every 3 days (caged in the kitchen) and throw directly onto vegetable beds all winter, but in warmer months it’s put onto flower beds. Everything breaks down, less weeds, plenty of natural fertilizer and no need to buy compost soil because it breaks down to soil in 3 months.
One of our goals is to be able to produce our own compost. Kudos to you for doing that! More cost effective AND you know exactly what goes into the compost.
I just shared this video with one of my gardening groups, as you did a great job explaining it (in comparison to other gardeners). Thanks for getting back to the basics and making it easy for people to understand!
I do NOT have a high tunnel, but I have used my same method on ground and in raised beds for years. I mulch as much as I can in the fall, mulched leaves from mowing, chicken coop clean out.. Then in the Spring, I make sure there is a nice layer still on there before planting, pulling back where I plant. I do use cardboard heavily when I start a new section of garden, topped more of anything I have on hand, including lawn clippings that have weeds in it. I have never had a soil test (I maybe should?) but have amazing crops every year. I have never bought anything such as compost, if I I get some from my very poorly put together compost bins, yeah, but otherwise no. I am a very lazy and cheap gardener. The mulch helps keep weeds down, and breaks down every year and adds to the soil. Good luck with yours!
Hi very interesting 🤩. I agree with you on compost we are able to buy from a reliable source, always buy organic, but from previous experience I always inspect the load before I let the driver dump the material on site. Thanks for sharing stay safe cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
@Berkeley Farm its going. We are in 70 degree thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight into morning looks like 3 to 10 inches of ice to snow! I'm about over it all! Got all my tomatoes and peppers seeded and about to put in lettuce and build out the new tunnel.
We got a bulk order of compost that wasn't completely matured yet and had to let it sit for two months. I then put some peas and tomato seeds in a seed starting tray to see if it sprouts and if the true leaves would be malnutrition.
Good Waning Signal's⚠️ and pointers... My soil need to be pre-prepared, So I'm trying different methods...TU for the preparation tips; And It's warming up a little here so gaining knowledge. 🐣😊
@Berkeley Farm it crazy. We were able to find more compost and mulch while living in the city. It is hard to find out in the rural area. So now we do our own but that won't be ready until later on this year.
Hey y'all, you are so right about the compost. The first thing to know is when do they start getting lots of spring time orders. That is when to place your order during or before. once they get low on their end the quality is likely to drop andthe compost will suffer. Believe me I have seen poor compost come out late into the season at the same price. Ask questions where do they get materials? is it clean? How do they make it? how will it look when you get it. If you hear lots of ummm, well, you know thank them and move on....
Justin Rhodes uses a deep bedding system for his animals to keep them warmer in the winter, but we’ve been doing that without having a name for it for 15 years. 😂 We muck out the barn every 30 days throwing the well broken down fertilized bedding onto an area that grows fabulous pumpkins. Our pet rabbits bedding is changed every 3 days (caged in the kitchen) and throw directly onto vegetable beds all winter, but in warmer months it’s put onto flower beds. Everything breaks down, less weeds, plenty of natural fertilizer and no need to buy compost soil because it breaks down to soil in 3 months.
One of our goals is to be able to produce our own compost. Kudos to you for doing that! More cost effective AND you know exactly what goes into the compost.
I just shared this video with one of my gardening groups, as you did a great job explaining it (in comparison to other gardeners). Thanks for getting back to the basics and making it easy for people to understand!
So happy to hear that it’s useful info!
Very good job my friend
Thank you!
I do NOT have a high tunnel, but I have used my same method on ground and in raised beds for years. I mulch as much as I can in the fall, mulched leaves from mowing, chicken coop clean out.. Then in the Spring, I make sure there is a nice layer still on there before planting, pulling back where I plant. I do use cardboard heavily when I start a new section of garden, topped more of anything I have on hand, including lawn clippings that have weeds in it. I have never had a soil test (I maybe should?) but have amazing crops every year. I have never bought anything such as compost, if I I get some from my very poorly put together compost bins, yeah, but otherwise no. I am a very lazy and cheap gardener. The mulch helps keep weeds down, and breaks down every year and adds to the soil. Good luck with yours!
Sounds like you have an excellent system going!
I just saw The 1870’s Homestead and they call it the Ruth Stout method. I’m really interested to see how this goes! Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I think she's actually the one who "invented" it years and years ago!
This was very helpful, thank you!
So happy to hear!
Hi very interesting 🤩. I agree with you on compost we are able to buy from a reliable source, always buy organic, but from previous experience I always inspect the load before I let the driver dump the material on site. Thanks for sharing stay safe cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Absolutely! Unfortunately, good compost can be hard to come by. Would love to get to a point where we make our own.
Very informative video Lauren. That time of year is rolling in fast.
Thanks, Tracy! How are things going for y'all?
@Berkeley Farm its going. We are in 70 degree thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight into morning looks like 3 to 10 inches of ice to snow! I'm about over it all! Got all my tomatoes and peppers seeded and about to put in lettuce and build out the new tunnel.
❤️🔥your content. Excellent teacher🙌💪👩🌾
Thank you so much!
We got a bulk order of compost that wasn't completely matured yet and had to let it sit for two months. I then put some peas and tomato seeds in a seed starting tray to see if it sprouts and if the true leaves would be malnutrition.
Good Waning Signal's⚠️ and pointers...
My soil need to be pre-prepared,
So I'm trying different methods...TU for
the preparation tips; And It's warming up a little here so gaining knowledge. 🐣😊
It's frustrating when you get compost that isn't what it was advertised as! Definitely a good idea to test it out first.
It's always an exciting time of year when the weather starts to warm up!
@Berkeley Farm it crazy. We were able to find more compost and mulch while living in the city. It is hard to find out in the rural area. So now we do our own but that won't be ready until later on this year.
Hey y'all, you are so right about the compost. The first thing to know is when do they start getting lots of spring time orders. That is when to place your order during or before. once they get low on their end the quality is likely to drop andthe compost will suffer. Believe me I have seen poor compost come out late into the season at the same price. Ask questions where do they get materials? is it clean? How do they make it? how will it look when you get it. If you hear lots of ummm, well, you know thank them and move on....
Couldn't agree more! Great advice!
Where do you get compost?
I’d like to know also.
Who do you like to watch on RUclips?
I like to watch Josh Sattin from Satin Hill Farm and of course Whispering Willow 😉