Curtis I listened to you about landscape fabrics and silage tarps and I couldn't be happier with the results. I recommend both to my customers all the time.
I already use the product and have a wooden jig for burning the holes, plus have enough ground cover to make all the rows I have going on this year. I was going to invest in plasticulture, but i can save that for down the road! Thank you!!
Also suppose I should add that as I have livestock I have greatly enchriched my soil with composted manure, but along with that comes weed seeds. Last year I mainly used rabbit manure with the shavings..I used the paper feed bags I collected throughout the year as the sheet mulching then laid more rabbit manure over the top of this to hold it down. This definitely squelched out the weed seeds below the bags and as rabbit manure doesn't contain a lot of seed from ingestion that was helpful but the blown in seeds were still there. The bags have broken down nicely already with the rain and snow which is another bonus.
I have been looking for a fabric most of what I have been using is so thin I just ordered and received a roll of the Sun Belt and I enjoyed using it today and cant wait to get rid of the old fabric I have been using this is so much better to use thanks for the info and I'm using the stencil idea also lol enjoy your videos I live in Tampa so I don't have a winter season for the most part. cant wait to get my green house built.
Hi Curtis, Thank you for being a great example of profitable, low start-up entrepreneurship in agriculture (+ media, education, coaching, etc). I hope for you to keep up the progressions you're making personally and in business. In regards to landscape fabric and growing Salanova lettuce: I am planning on experimenting with white or grey landscape fabrics. [If] these fabrics reduce soil and ambient air temperatures, would you expect better production (growth rates, resistance to bolting) during summer months? I will let you know my results.
How does the spring clamp attach to the end? It looks like the clamp is only around the can itself. What holds it to the device? Does the clamp cover both the can and the device?
Buying seedlings is very expensive. you can not make it as a market gardener if you do. if you have only a very tiny space - such as a couple of planter boxes on an apartment balcony, it might make sense to buy seedlings, but even for the average home gardener starting your own is far more cost effective. Another time when it can make sense to purchase seedlings is if you absolutely do not have anywhere to start seeds, or not enough room, and you want to try out new varieties, for example a wide variety of tomatoes. This can work very well if you have friends who are market gardeners and they have more seedlings than they can plant out.
all the video's i saw had 3ft pieces and then dirt and on and on Wanted to do this but didnt know the reason for that???? Didnt want my tomato pepper and eggplants getting diseases if this was the reason
I'm wondering if you have a spacing chart that tells you what spacing to use and what size holes are necessary for each type of crop? How many templates did you make? I'm really interested in this idea. I'm so sick of weeds ruining my garden year after year. I got topsoil from another person in town here and the weeds that came with the soil are destroying my garden. I need to get this under control and fast.
Thanks for the tip, we will give it a try and see how it goes. Hours and hours of weeding is just too much, when you also have to spend time harvesting, selling, marketing, etc., Maybe we will try this on some strawberries too.
my back thanks you for the tip, I have goats head AKA puncture weed that I am trying to get rid of so this should help for my new farm, I pulled out 1,000 of them last summer to get the land ready. Also a tip for everyone I found a used tiller for 200.00 from a local rental yard that is closing up.
Hi - Curious if you have any recommendations if I use a roller to make holes for garlic and then try to lay the fabric on top. And then of course harvesting - would probably need to pull the garlic out through the bottom unless I made all the holes big enough to yank out.
Yes I am going to this way of gardening too. My question is how do you handle seed planting .I have herd of different ways , but I would like to know what you salty?
I have bindweed throughout my yard. I tried doing something similar, but with a white weed barrier. The weeds still grew underneath. I'll try your technique and use a black weed barrier. Hope it works- bindweed is some nasty stuff!
+Sara D You can't smother out bind weed, it'll survive under there forever. You can dig it out and mitigate it, but you'll never get rid of it. The only way to get rid of it is with a herbicide. I'm not saying you should do that, it's just the only way I know of. I have recently tried using vinegar, salt, and dish soap as a more natural herbicide. Maybe try that. Let me know how it goes. Just google it for the recipe.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone Thanks, I'll try that. I've been hesitant to use chemicals as I have free range chickens. I might just have to treat one area of the yard each year and close it off the 'the ladies'.
cutting hole method no, but you could lay the fabric so that its edge was close to the planted row. Even roll it back a little an then fold it back when it has made it way out of the ground.
great tip Sorry I wasnt able to go to you classes or evening talks finaces and transportation just wouldnt allow it . can you do a vid about that shallow tiller ?
How do you secure down the landscape fabric? It looks like maybe you staple every 6 ft or so... but we found the staples really tore up our fabric and reduced the lifespan. any advice??
my land has only 6 inches of topsoil and that's mostly clay. after that it's rocks (live in Kentucky on a mountain). do your ideas work in raised beds? which way is the most cost effective for raised beds?
Thanks for this Curtis As we expand our urban plot here in Ontario we spend way to much time weeding. Do you have nettles there?.... nasty little buggers. I couldn't believe how much time it took last season. Thanks for sharing Jeff Mitts
Do you use this on every single one of your beds and how do you plant through it? I'm sorry I'm so clueless with this stuff! I just now started getting into it!
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone I watched it all the way through a few times and I still don't know what you mean by transplanting the crops into there. >.< or how you even did it. That's where I'm lost
Where do you buy this landscape fabric and silage tarps in Canada? I noticed Farmer's Friend doesn't ship the silage tarps to Canada. Also where do you get your impact sprinklers? Are you now using the wobblers instead?
I really like this idea and it makes a lot of good sense. But I just have in the back of my mind the question of can we quantify the impact on the environmental impact with using these plastics? I'm thinking about an idea that Elliot Coleman spoke about but in relationship to plastic coverings on greenhouses and having to take them down and dispose of plastic products periodically. I am very interested in this method an we are trying it on our farm. I just subscribed and we are trying to get up to the 21st century here in Central Maine! Keep up the good work.
Do you have any videos on WHERE to sell the produce? I live in a rural area, seems 'everybody' gardens. How do I make CONTRACTS with grocery stores? How do I find the plastics to put them in? Labels? What's your secret to washing them? Do you wash all types of greens? What are the prices? What do you use to refrigerate in transit? Are your profit claims net or gross?
why didn't I watch this video 2 weeks ago, before I planted my onions. Cause I did 5 row of the 6 inch on center, an had 250' of the fabric here, but figured it was to much work cutting that many holes, this is by far the best way.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone I do the slits in plastic row covers and it works, I did it for peppers, even to seed cucumber, can you tell us why you dont like the slit? If the plastic is well anchored on either side, I can actually use my tree-planting shovel right through it, the only slits I make is with the shovel at transplant. Though this probably wouldnt work with the landscape fabric.
+Jar Crocker This is a great product. I have it in my greenhouse on the floor/ground. Been in there for 5 years and still going strong. I water all my plants in the greenhouse with a hose, water lands on the landscape fabric and goes right through it. It comes in different "weights/grades" .....lasts for many years...only downfall is it is expensive. I get mine at wholesale prices....but if you can even buy a little of it each year, still worth the investment.
Curtis, do you also use plastic mulch sometimes or only landscape fabrics? Is there a reason why you would prefer landscape fabric to plastic mulch? Thank you so much !
As a startup I was trying to see if I could do more with less space, but I realized after I asked the question that less than 6 inches, since you are burning the holes, can probably ruin the fabric. Thank you for your quick reply brother. Many blessings to you and yours.
+zero7negative it doesn't work as well because the weeds underneath keep growing. We tried it. If it were white on one side and black on the bottom, that would be perfect.
Where do you find the sunbelt Landscape fabric? I have tried all my local wholesalers and no one has it and what they do have is very expensive. Thanks
I'm in the process of doing this to my beds. Is there any danger to flaming out the holes where they will ultimately lay and the crops will be planted?
hi, i'm from Mauritius and i have a plot of land that has been unused for years. i have already cleaned it. i am currently unemployed like many of my friends in my country. i'' make a video of my plot so that i can have some ideas from you. where do i get the fabrics from? and what are the size of the beds?
Great video. But aren't weeds scarce anyways because you don't rototill? I wonder if it would be worth it in the HR method to do cover crops. They would help the soil and bring nutrition as well however then you have a bed of things you can't really sell. But at the same time you are benefiting the plants. Sharpening the saw so to speak.
Weeds are always blowing there way in my friend. Yes, they are less scarce on our farm for a variety of different reasons, but we still get weeds. The only good weeds are no weeds!
Seems like the black would do well at helping to warm the soil on cooler days (fall & spring), but that it could be detrimental in the heat of the summer. Do you have any thoughts on that, as far as using it in a climate where temps are regularly above 90 for parts of June through early September?
+Jody Box That was my thought too, but it worked fine during summer. I mean lettuce will bolt faster in the summer regardless. We always get less cuts of greens during the summer though.
Michele E: These row covers (with holes) are intended for transplanted crops (head type lettuce, etc) .. so same type stencil just make different spaced holes, based on intended crop. also, he has video on seeding planting beds that mention the specific crop he's planting (carrots, radishes, baby greens etc) ..
I do not borrow land, I own it and I have been trying to make it profitable but have failed miserably thus far for a multitude of reasons, one of which is not enough time for everything. i have been searching for an alternative to using cardboard as it is so time consuming, this sounds great even if it is more expensive, time is money. However I have seen some information regarding landscape fabric being bad for the soil. There are a few videos here on RUclips about it. What are your thoughts?
+Mary Capagna-pinto - yes, I have the same question. Plastic is toxic & then burning it on top of that probably makes it even more toxic. :( Also what about mulching which I thought (I'm still very much a novice) one needs to make the soil nutrient dense. I don't see how that can be done with covering up the soil with plastic. I'm going to ask around.
yes definitely do not recycle your old row covers into that shredded salad mix. It doesn't make for a healthy fibre supplement. Also iron is a hazard too but for some reason we continue to make garden tools with it, solder wires with it, remove wrinkles from our favorite clothes and cook in it. When used as intended these products are quite safe. So don't be throwing out those cast iron frying pans, knives, rakes, poly-cotton sheets, toilet seats, and landscape fabrics; they all have a safe purpose, although eating them isn't one of them.
Well, I'm in awe then. I had trouble planting a transplant into a big x cut into landscape fabric. Please do give your tips because I can't imagine how it's done especially into all those little holes and I mean little! Thanks bunches! I've been enjoying your videos.
So, as I'm thinking...you make it sound so easy and I make it so hard... your beds must be so friable that you just poke the seedlings into the soil through the holes? I'm sorry to be so slow at this. I so much appreciate all of your help. I learned in school that if you just wait long enough someone will ask your question for you but on this, I'm finding that it appears I'm the only one not getting it or I'm just not seeing the question and answer. Again, thanks bunches. I hope that made sense :)
Curtis , what weight of fabric are you using? I'm looking at the 5 oz... 6' W x 250' L , it's pricey. By the way , purchased your book and the extras package, great info! Thanks Jeff
Would ground cover work as good or better than the landscape fabric? Were looking to purchase 6000ft and want to be sure we use the right stuff for longevity even with the higher price.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone I think we figured it out, its ground cover, a heaver weave that has lines and is uv treated, nurseries use this outdoors to cover an area and put potted plants on, this products comes 3-5 once rating. Regular landscape fabric is flat in appearance with no lines or UV treated and is made to bury with a under 3 once rating, please correct me if I'm wrong..cheers.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone Thanks for your support on this great video, theres just one thing were wondering and I'm sure some others too, do you find it hard to put transplants in the small holes like salad ?, do have a system or some kind of tool you use?, thanks again for your time.
What's the name of the manufacturer? That stuff looks thick and tough, almost like tarp. I did a couple of test beds last year with this technique. Without a doubt, it is a huge time saver and adds to the quality of the veg by removing competition as well. My problem was that cats or raccoons would tear the fabric I used just by walking on it. Our soil is very loamy, makes for a soft cushion and their little feet would compress the fabric and then puncture it.
Man I have to say I love what you do. I would like a little advice if you don't mind. I am 49 years old and would love to get into farming. I own 30 acres in Mississippi where I live about 30 miles from any size of a town. I know that is totally opposite from what you are doing but is it even possible in your opinion to make a living now days in my situation? I just don't want to waste my time due to my age at a empty dream. Thanks in advance for your opinion.
Sounds like you are somewhat in the same situation as I am (except I'm 25). I am starting on 38 Ac. about 10 miles outside of Bowling Green, OH. Before this, I operated a market garden and my grandfather's small orchard for about 10 years. The Farm was taken over by my dad and brother, and my Grandfather's trees mostly died shortly after he did; so I'm setting out on my own. Most of the principles Mr. Stone espouses work, even on larger parcels of land. I am fortunate to have 29 Kroger stores within a 30 mile radius, and be within 30 miles of Toledo. I'll give you a rough overview of my planting plan for 2018: 2 Ac planted to Tall Spindle apples and quad-v Peaches, to start yielding in year 2 (larger marketable yields in 3 onward) (Stark Bro's commercial order) .25 Ac Strawberries (Nourse Farms) .25 Ac Raspberries (Nourse Farms) .5 Ac Sweetcorn, plantings staggered every week till mid july 500 indeterminate grape tomatoes (trellis netting) 500 indeterminate cherry tomatoes ("__") 250 indeterminate San Marzano style tomatoes ("__") 250 indeterminate beefsteak type tomatoes ("__") 500 summer squash + 500 cucumber plants 6000 row ft of bush-type green beans (staggered weekly until late july) 6500' of 30" beds of salad mix, plantings staggered roughly weekly Rest of the acreage planted to row crops (corn, Soybeans, ect) (rent equipment and/or custom hire) 2 hive apiary, expanding by at least 2 hives per year make sure you use weed barrier, or you won't be able to keep up with it! By the cash flows I submitted to my financier (higher than priced expenses, much lower revenues than I know I can do), I should net roughly $150 the first year. But if I go by my personal budget (priced expenses/infrastructure, and conservative (but more realistic) revenues), I look to net roughly $15,000 first year. Obviously, for the first year, I will be working my FT off-farm job to make ends meet (and to provide a buffer in the event of crop failure); I expect to be working about 90-110 hours/week during the first season (wife's supportive, thankfully). However, starting in year two, I should be able to move down to a part time job (roughly 70-80 hours/week in season).
the biggest thing is to write up a realistic business plan (for years 1-10, at least), and come up with multiple cash flow scenarios for each year (best case, worst case, most likely); all before the first seed/tree is in the ground.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone I have 1/2 acre 30min outside of a major city transportation will be a Prius hybrid hopefully. so decent transportation cost. and 1/4 acre is on South side of property. any suggestions for plants for non direct sunlight so I could get full use of all land. and fast growth high profit produce. I'm good at radishes what else?
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Curtis I listened to you about landscape fabrics and silage tarps and I couldn't be happier with the results.
I recommend both to my customers all the time.
...holy... Curtis! this just saved my whole life! Buying your book right freaking now!
Also, thank you for sharing all of your knowledge, it is taking me from the "I give up" stage to the " I can do this" stage.
+Mary Campagna-pinto
There is a hugh difference between "black weed-block cloth" and "landscape fabric"....
+MVIsland
ooppps, sorry, meant for this to go under Sara D
Really like the evolution of the production of the show itself. I'm just getting started, myself. Lots of inspiration here. Thanks!
I already use the product and have a wooden jig for burning the holes, plus have enough ground cover to make all the rows I have going on this year.
I was going to invest in plasticulture, but i can save that for down the road! Thank you!!
That's friggin awesome. I like your torch rig. I'm such a fan of efficiency.
Thank you, I always learn so much from you. It saves me from reinventing the wheel
this videos are so helpful thank you so much for taking time out of your day to make these
Thanks for the knowledge Curtis, you're awesome!
Also suppose I should add that as I have livestock I have greatly enchriched my soil with composted manure, but along with that comes weed seeds. Last year I mainly used rabbit manure with the shavings..I used the paper feed bags I collected throughout the year as the sheet mulching then laid more rabbit manure over the top of this to hold it down. This definitely squelched out the weed seeds below the bags and as rabbit manure doesn't contain a lot of seed from ingestion that was helpful but the blown in seeds were still there. The bags have broken down nicely already with the rain and snow which is another bonus.
I have been looking for a fabric most of what I have been using is so thin I just ordered and received a roll of the Sun Belt and I enjoyed using it today and cant wait to get rid of the old fabric I have been using this is so much better to use thanks for the info and I'm using the stencil idea also lol enjoy your videos I live in Tampa so I don't have a winter season for the most part. cant wait to get my green house built.
Hi Curtis, Thank you for being a great example of profitable, low start-up entrepreneurship in agriculture (+ media, education, coaching, etc). I hope for you to keep up the progressions you're making personally and in business. In regards to landscape fabric and growing Salanova lettuce: I am planning on experimenting with white or grey landscape fabrics. [If] these fabrics reduce soil and ambient air temperatures, would you expect better production (growth rates, resistance to bolting) during summer months? I will let you know my results.
Always Great videos from Curtis !
Thank you ! rc
How do you keep them from getting the sun with the black fabric. Attracting heat ?
Innovative but simple. Useful vid
But how would you water the plants since the plastic stops water? Would you run irrigation tubing below the plastic?
That looks great! I am thinking of doing something like this in my yard :)
Do you use weeding landscaping for everything, including direct seedings? Or how do you maintain weeds coming up from those that you direct seed?
How does the spring clamp attach to the end? It looks like the clamp is only around the can itself. What holds it to the device? Does the clamp cover both the can and the device?
Very good idea I like it so much I was worried of using plastic bags cos my farm is big
I made a wooden template, and testet it yesterday with a tiger torch. Got holes, but not as smooth as yours.
Thanks for the tip I will have to use this technique for my lettuce beds next year as all are in the same distance 10inc.
+Raf's Kitchen Garden I do lettuce at 6" and kale at 10".
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone Can you make a video on starting plants? Do you start from seed or buy seedlings?
Buying seedlings is very expensive. you can not make it as a market gardener if you do. if you have only a very tiny space - such as a couple of planter boxes on an apartment balcony, it might make sense to buy seedlings, but even for the average home gardener starting your own is far more cost effective. Another time when it can make sense to purchase seedlings is if you absolutely do not have anywhere to start seeds, or not enough room, and you want to try out new varieties, for example a wide variety of tomatoes. This can work very well if you have friends who are market gardeners and they have more seedlings than they can plant out.
Instead of using a 3ft X100 peace Can you use a 15ft X100 and have the same affect to gardening
Sure. Whatever works.
all the video's i saw had 3ft pieces and then dirt and on and on Wanted to do this but didnt know the reason for that???? Didnt want my tomato pepper and eggplants getting diseases if this was the reason
I use 3' pieces because they fit my 30" bed perfectly.
sometimes wide sheets flap uncontrollably in the wind, unless stones water jugs sand bags are employed
Just watched this video and the video where you make the walkway strips. Just wondering why you don't use a wider fabric?
Because some crops don't have fabrics. Like if they're direct seeded.
Makes sense. Thank you for the reply. Love the book too.
I'm wondering if you have a spacing chart that tells you what spacing to use and what size holes are necessary for each type of crop? How many templates did you make?
I'm really interested in this idea. I'm so sick of weeds ruining my garden year after year. I got topsoil from another person in town here and the weeds that came with the soil are destroying my garden. I need to get this under control and fast.
How is the plastic secured to the ground ?
Thanks for the tip, we will give it a try and see how it goes. Hours and hours of weeding is just too much, when you also have to spend time harvesting, selling, marketing, etc., Maybe we will try this on some strawberries too.
my back thanks you for the tip, I have goats head AKA puncture weed that I am trying to get rid of so this should help for my new farm, I pulled out 1,000 of them last summer to get the land ready. Also a tip for everyone I found a used tiller for 200.00 from a local rental yard that is closing up.
If you live anywhere near Idaho, those goat heads (puncture weeds) will be back. They are vicious!!
Excellent! Thank you.
Hi - Curious if you have any recommendations if I use a roller to make holes for garlic and then try to lay the fabric on top. And then of course harvesting - would probably need to pull the garlic out through the bottom unless I made all the holes big enough to yank out.
What do you do on beds you directly seed in the ground?
My concern is the soil temperature under a black, sun absorbing material. At what temps have you found the soil to be at?
+teealan I don't monitor it. The crop grows well, that's all I know.
Very Innovative !!!
Does it works this fabric with sprinkers irrigation?
Yes I am going to this way of gardening too. My question is how do you handle seed planting .I have herd of different ways , but I would like to know what you salty?
Thank you for this. Was wondering what spacing you would use for tomatoes? Thanks again.
I have bindweed throughout my yard. I tried doing something similar, but with a white weed barrier. The weeds still grew underneath. I'll try your technique and use a black weed barrier. Hope it works- bindweed is some nasty stuff!
+Sara D You can't smother out bind weed, it'll survive under there forever. You can dig it out and mitigate it, but you'll never get rid of it. The only way to get rid of it is with a herbicide. I'm not saying you should do that, it's just the only way I know of. I have recently tried using vinegar, salt, and dish soap as a more natural herbicide. Maybe try that. Let me know how it goes. Just google it for the recipe.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone Thanks, I'll try that. I've been hesitant to use chemicals as I have free range chickens. I might just have to treat one area of the yard each year and close it off the 'the ladies'.
+Sara D
There is a hugh difference between "black weed-block cloth" and "landscape fabric"....
Thank so much for the info!!!
Love this dude!
Great idea! You can also save your time by using a plastic mulch roll cover hole puncher.
Could you use just a regular plastic tarp?
When you first measure out the roll for the length of your bed, do you cut the end with scissors or burn that as well so it won't unravel?
+Matt Stone I cut them into common my bed lengths. If one is a few feet too long when I put it on, I just roll it up at the end.
Hi mate. I’m in Australia crowing sunflowers. Battling the weeds. How do you think this would go with hundreds of sunflowers?
Would this approach be applicable to long season (4-5 months) stored for winter veggies like carrots, onions and beets?
+Лесная Ферма / Виктор Чиркин No, definitely not anything direct seeded.
cutting hole method no, but you could lay the fabric so that its edge was close to the planted row. Even roll it back a little an then fold it back when it has made it way out of the ground.
great tip Sorry I wasnt able to go to you classes or evening talks finaces and transportation just wouldnt allow it .
can you do a vid about that shallow tiller ?
+Walt Lars I've got one made. It'll go up soon.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone. thanks
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone speaking of roto tillers you mentioned a BCS tiller do you perfer that brand over others or just the size of 30 inches ?
How do you secure down the landscape fabric? It looks like maybe you staple every 6 ft or so... but we found the staples really tore up our fabric and reduced the lifespan. any advice??
+Slow Nate I just use pins. I don't find they tear it up really.
Do you have a video showing how you make the flame weeder that you also use to burn holes into your landscape fabric or tarps?
my land has only 6 inches of topsoil and that's mostly clay. after that it's rocks (live in Kentucky on a mountain). do your ideas work in raised beds? which way is the most cost effective for raised beds?
Great idea!
How do you attach the landscape fabric to your beds?
landscape pins
I have a question how do you fertilize your plants with landscape fabric down.
Before you lay it down.
Good idea I`m going to try this next season thank :-)
I would love to know your spacing for Swiss Chard?
+daniel de sousa 10 inch centres.
Rad! Thanks
Any suggesting on how to use this for carrot beds to reduce weeding?
+wolfmooch Doing a stale seed bed before planting is the only way I know. I don't use fabrics on carrot beds.
Thanks for this Curtis
As we expand our urban plot here in Ontario we spend way to much time weeding. Do you have nettles there?.... nasty little buggers. I couldn't believe how much time it took last season.
Thanks for sharing
Jeff Mitts
+Jeff Mitts Fabric should help you there a bit, but it depends on how bad it is.
+Jeff Mitts Have you tried eating the nettles? Supposed to be very nutritious... once you cook the sting out of them.
***** I've heard of nettle tea. I'll hold off for now. I'm going to stick with smothering them with fabric.
Do you use this on every single one of your beds and how do you plant through it? I'm sorry I'm so clueless with this stuff! I just now started getting into it!
+KristalKiller Bunny You'll see. Keep watching!
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone I watched it all the way through a few times and I still don't know what you mean by transplanting the crops into there. >.< or how you even did it. That's where I'm lost
Transplanting means planting seedlings in the holes :). Likely he would have started the seeds in a greenhouse.
Where do you buy this landscape fabric and silage tarps in Canada? I noticed Farmer's Friend doesn't ship the silage tarps to Canada. Also where do you get your impact sprinklers? Are you now using the wobblers instead?
I really like this idea and it makes a lot of good sense. But I just have in the back of my mind the question of can we quantify the impact on the environmental impact with using these plastics? I'm thinking about an idea that Elliot Coleman spoke about but in relationship to plastic coverings on greenhouses and having to take them down and dispose of plastic products periodically. I am very interested in this method an we are trying it on our farm. I just subscribed and we are trying to get up to the 21st century here in Central Maine! Keep up the good work.
I like that flame gun!
Do you have any videos on WHERE to sell the produce? I live in a rural area, seems 'everybody' gardens. How do I make CONTRACTS with grocery stores? How do I find the plastics to put them in? Labels? What's your secret to washing them? Do you wash all types of greens? What are the prices? What do you use to refrigerate in transit?
Are your profit claims net or gross?
All those questions are specifically in my book. If you keep watching my channel and use the search function, you'll find most of your answers.
why didn't I watch this video 2 weeks ago, before I planted my onions. Cause I did 5 row of the 6 inch on center, an had 250' of the fabric here, but figured it was to much work cutting that many holes, this is by far the best way.
G'day Curtis, do you have any problems with water runoff during rain periods with your landscape fabric?
great idea. any reason I couldn't just make a slit instead of burning holes?
Try it and you'll see within 5 minutes. ;)
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone I do the slits in plastic row covers and it works, I did it for peppers, even to seed cucumber, can you tell us why you dont like the slit?
If the plastic is well anchored on either side, I can actually use my tree-planting shovel right through it, the only slits I make is with the shovel at transplant. Though this probably wouldnt work with the landscape fabric.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone
Sorry, I don't get what you mean. ???
+Miguel Laroche if you don't burn holes or may i say melt it you will have a mess cause its a woven product as its not a plastic sheet
Nice idea. Do you have any problems watering through a bed cover like this?
+Jar Crocker None at all. It's breathable.
+Jar Crocker
This is a great product. I have it in my greenhouse on the floor/ground. Been in there for 5 years and still going strong. I water all my plants in the greenhouse with a hose, water lands on the landscape fabric and goes right through it. It comes in different "weights/grades" .....lasts for many years...only downfall is it is expensive. I get mine at wholesale prices....but if you can even buy a little of it each year, still worth the investment.
would it be a good idea to use garden beds?
Curtis, do you also use plastic mulch sometimes or only landscape fabrics? Is there a reason why you would prefer landscape fabric to plastic mulch? Thank you so much !
Hi Curtis, can you direct seed through landscape fabric? Thanks, Rick
You could if you planted by hand. I've done it before.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone Thanks Curtis, really appreciate the time you take to answer questions
where do you get purchase the torch rig?
Curtis, can you get away with less than 6 inch spacing if you had to? Say for salanova incised? or any others?
Maybe, but I don't see the point. There's no increase in yields to go that tight.
As a startup I was trying to see if I could do more with less space, but I realized after I asked the question that less than 6 inches, since you are burning the holes, can probably ruin the fabric. Thank you for your quick reply brother. Many blessings to you and yours.
It would. To go more dense on the fabric would eliminate the need for the fabric.
hmm, so if I plant them more densely I may not need the fabric?
Did you eventually start folding it to save time? Or is there some unforeseeable factor i've yet to imagine about doing it this way?
Thanks for this Curtis. One question... When you place the fabric on the bed, do you use anything to hold it down?
Landscape pins.
Thanks!
I can't help but wonder if this tarp were white instead of black. Would color have an advantage?
+zero7negative it doesn't work as well because the weeds underneath keep growing. We tried it. If it were white on one side and black on the bottom, that would be perfect.
Sounds like a business opportunity for the right outfit. Thanks for the reply.
Where do you find the sunbelt Landscape fabric? I have tried all my local wholesalers and no one has it and what they do have is very expensive. Thanks
I buy it locally.
There's a website called 'Google' you could try. Making youtube videos is challenging enough without people being hyper critical.
Ding Dong. Click this link: lmgtfy.com/?q=sunbelt+fabrics
www.catalogclearance.com/products/dewittsunbeltgroundcover__wovengroundcover.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwyvXPBRD-ARIsAIeQeoH334jyN8q-M_s09BoVlZMSEZYGCbKIzL3ictsPhZYZ-u8uIWxQltYaAsYnEALw_wcB
SB3300 Sunbelt Ground Cover - 3'x300'
www.catalogclearance.com/cart.aspx
Wow that was hard...
So cool!
I'm in the process of doing this to my beds. Is there any danger to flaming out the holes where they will ultimately lay and the crops will be planted?
hi,
i'm from Mauritius and i have a plot of land that has been unused for years. i have already cleaned it. i am currently unemployed like many of my friends in my country. i'' make a video of my plot so that i can have some ideas from you.
where do i get the fabrics from? and what are the size of the beds?
Brilliant
Not all weed block fabric is created equal. What brand of weed block fabric do you use?
Great video. But aren't weeds scarce anyways because you don't rototill? I wonder if it would be worth it in the HR method to do cover crops. They would help the soil and bring nutrition as well however then you have a bed of things you can't really sell. But at the same time you are benefiting the plants. Sharpening the saw so to speak.
Weeds are always blowing there way in my friend. Yes, they are less scarce on our farm for a variety of different reasons, but we still get weeds. The only good weeds are no weeds!
do u let the land rest or do you just keep planting?
+Jacob Patterson it rests in the winter for the most part. Though we keep some winter crops going. Videos on that too.
curious to know, whats the negative effect of never having weeds in terms of the weeds bringing locked nutrients back to the surface?
Seems like the black would do well at helping to warm the soil on cooler days (fall & spring), but that it could be detrimental in the heat of the summer. Do you have any thoughts on that, as far as using it in a climate where temps are regularly above 90 for parts of June through early September?
+Jody Box That was my thought too, but it worked fine during summer. I mean lettuce will bolt faster in the summer regardless. We always get less cuts of greens during the summer though.
Do u use the same stencils for every crop, carrots, cucumber, radishes? If so do u just put a pinch of sead in each hole?
Michele E: These row covers (with holes) are intended for transplanted crops (head type lettuce, etc) .. so same type stencil just make different spaced holes, based on intended crop. also, he has video on seeding planting beds that mention the specific crop he's planting (carrots, radishes, baby greens etc) ..
Thank you!
I do not borrow land, I own it and I have been trying to make it profitable but have failed miserably thus far for a multitude of reasons, one of which is not enough time for everything. i have been searching for an alternative to using cardboard as it is so time consuming, this sounds great even if it is more expensive, time is money. However I have seen some information regarding landscape fabric being bad for the soil. There are a few videos here on RUclips about it. What are your thoughts?
+Mary Capagna-pinto - yes, I have the same question. Plastic is toxic & then burning it on top of that probably makes it even more toxic. :(
Also what about mulching which I thought (I'm still very much a novice) one needs to make the soil nutrient dense.
I don't see how that can be done with covering up the soil with plastic.
I'm going to ask around.
Yes Burnt Plastic will give you cancer.
yes definitely do not recycle your old row covers into that shredded salad mix. It doesn't make for a healthy fibre supplement. Also iron is a hazard too but for some reason we continue to make garden tools with it, solder wires with it, remove wrinkles from our favorite clothes and cook in it. When used as intended these products are quite safe. So don't be throwing out those cast iron frying pans, knives, rakes, poly-cotton sheets, toilet seats, and landscape fabrics; they all have a safe purpose, although eating them isn't one of them.
Are you placing seeds in the holes or seedlings? If you are putting seedlings through them could you please tell/show us how you do that? Thanks
Transplants.
Well, I'm in awe then. I had trouble planting a transplant into a big x cut into landscape fabric. Please do give your tips because I can't imagine how it's done especially into all those little holes and I mean little! Thanks bunches! I've been enjoying your videos.
+E Exner There's isn't anything to it. Green side up and you're good to go. The reason I burned holes into it, is so it's easier to plant.
So, as I'm thinking...you make it sound so easy and I make it so hard... your beds must be so friable that you just poke the seedlings into the soil through the holes? I'm sorry to be so slow at this. I so much appreciate all of your help. I learned in school that if you just wait long enough someone will ask your question for you but on this, I'm finding that it appears I'm the only one not getting it or I'm just not seeing the question and answer. Again, thanks bunches. I hope that made sense :)
Curtis , what weight of fabric are you using? I'm looking at the 5 oz... 6' W x 250' L , it's pricey.
By the way , purchased your book and the extras package, great info!
Thanks
Jeff
+Jeff Mitts It's called Sunbelt. I mostly use the 3' wide stuff. That's all I know. I think I pay $60 for a 300' roll. Worth every penny.
what is the brand and thickness i.e oz of the landscape fabric that you use Curtis?
Rock on.
Weeds are a problem in our organic fresh herbs especially when it comes to rocket and coriander. Thank you for the video.
I've had this fabric fall apart due to not being UV stable. Is that an issue for you??
+FlowerGrower Smith no. It's UV resistant. Been using the same stuff going on 5 years for some.
Where can I find a ready-made torch rig?
Would ground cover work as good or better than the landscape fabric? Were looking to purchase 6000ft and want to be sure we use the right stuff for longevity even with the higher price.
+Shirley Lamontagne It might be in your case, but certainly not for me.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone I think we figured it out, its ground cover, a heaver weave that has lines and is uv treated, nurseries use this outdoors to cover an area and put potted plants on, this products comes 3-5 once rating. Regular landscape fabric is flat in appearance with no lines or UV treated and is made to bury with a under 3 once rating, please correct me if I'm wrong..cheers.
Sounds about right. It's called Sunbelt, that's about all I know. Best of luck.
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone Thanks for your support on this great video, theres just one thing were wondering and I'm sure some others too, do you find it hard to put transplants in the small holes like salad ?, do have a system or some kind of tool you use?, thanks again for your time.
Not at all. These holes are about 2 inches wide. We either use a small narrow trowel or our fingers to make a hole and push in the plug.
What fabric do u recommend at a good cost
Dewitt Sunbelt.
ha how do you water the garden
depends. Watch my videos on irrigation.
Is this giving off toxic vapors? I can't imagine that melted polpropylene is safe, but maybe it is? What are your thoughts?
EACH COUNTRY HAS THOUSAND GUY LIKE YOU, PLANET EARTH NEVER SEE HUNGER AGAIN
why u dont put ur course on Udemy
What's the name of the manufacturer? That stuff looks thick and tough, almost like tarp. I did a couple of test beds last year with this technique. Without a doubt, it is a huge time saver and adds to the quality of the veg by removing competition as well. My problem was that cats or raccoons would tear the fabric I used just by walking on it. Our soil is very loamy, makes for a soft cushion and their little feet would compress the fabric and then puncture it.
The brand is Sunbelt.
Nice
Man I have to say I love what you do. I would like a little advice if you don't mind. I am 49 years old and would love to get into farming. I own 30 acres in Mississippi where I live about 30 miles from any size of a town. I know that is totally opposite from what you are doing but is it even possible in your opinion to make a living now days in my situation? I just don't want to waste my time due to my age at a empty dream. Thanks in advance for your opinion.
Sounds like you are somewhat in the same situation as I am (except I'm 25). I am starting on 38 Ac. about 10 miles outside of Bowling Green, OH. Before this, I operated a market garden and my grandfather's small orchard for about 10 years. The Farm was taken over by my dad and brother, and my Grandfather's trees mostly died shortly after he did; so I'm setting out on my own. Most of the principles Mr. Stone espouses work, even on larger parcels of land. I am fortunate to have 29 Kroger stores within a 30 mile radius, and be within 30 miles of Toledo. I'll give you a rough overview of my planting plan for 2018:
2 Ac planted to Tall Spindle apples and quad-v Peaches, to start yielding in year 2 (larger marketable yields in 3 onward) (Stark Bro's commercial order)
.25 Ac Strawberries (Nourse Farms)
.25 Ac Raspberries (Nourse Farms)
.5 Ac Sweetcorn, plantings staggered every week till mid july
500 indeterminate grape tomatoes (trellis netting)
500 indeterminate cherry tomatoes ("__")
250 indeterminate San Marzano style tomatoes ("__")
250 indeterminate beefsteak type tomatoes ("__")
500 summer squash + 500 cucumber plants
6000 row ft of bush-type green beans (staggered weekly until late july)
6500' of 30" beds of salad mix, plantings staggered roughly weekly
Rest of the acreage planted to row crops (corn, Soybeans, ect) (rent equipment and/or custom hire)
2 hive apiary, expanding by at least 2 hives per year
make sure you use weed barrier, or you won't be able to keep up with it!
By the cash flows I submitted to my financier (higher than priced expenses, much lower revenues than I know I can do), I should net roughly $150 the first year.
But if I go by my personal budget (priced expenses/infrastructure, and conservative (but more realistic) revenues), I look to net roughly $15,000 first year.
Obviously, for the first year, I will be working my FT off-farm job to make ends meet (and to provide a buffer in the event of crop failure); I expect to be working about 90-110 hours/week during the first season (wife's supportive, thankfully). However, starting in year two, I should be able to move down to a part time job (roughly 70-80 hours/week in season).
the biggest thing is to write up a realistic business plan (for years 1-10, at least), and come up with multiple cash flow scenarios for each year (best case, worst case, most likely); all before the first seed/tree is in the ground.
Your growing season is quite bit longer in Mississippi than mine, so you could do even better (if you can realistically put in the hours)
why would someone dislike this..
+itz Machiavelli I know. I was wondering the same thing myself;)
+Urban Farmer Curtis Stone I have 1/2 acre 30min outside of a major city transportation will be a Prius hybrid hopefully. so decent transportation cost. and 1/4 acre is on South side of property. any suggestions for plants for non direct sunlight so I could get full use of all land. and fast growth high profit produce. I'm good at radishes what else?
+itz Machiavelli and where can one get a hole torcher and how much and where can one get the fabric.