Видео

Hi @BernWag, Thank you for your insightful comment and for sharing your background in energy management and HVAC systems. I'm glad you found the video interesting! We live in a passive solar, super-insulated saltbox home with an open-envelope design. We built our home in 1984, and it includes a fan that circulates air from our thermal mass below the floor. Because of this setup, we don't detect any noticeable difference in room temperature, even during the colder months. Your point about heat pumps and energy savings is very valid. In our specific case, the home's design and insulation level help mitigate any potential heat loss from the heat pump dryer. This might not be the case in less insulated homes, where heat extraction by the dryer could indeed impact overall energy savings. Thanks again for your advice and interest in our experience with this machine! Best regards, Kevin

@@GrowingABetterTomorrow Thanks for the reply Kevin. I'll subscribe and watch more of your vids, this is the first one I've seen. I love the idea of passive solar and I'm toying with the idea of a small greenhouse with geothermal assist. I'm also hoping by next year to have a PV system installed and I'd like to get most if not all of my energy (including an EV truck) from solar. I'm currently converting my own HVAC from oil based to heat pumps (these mini-split heat pumps are pretty amazing). Anyway, thanks again for sharing your experience, looks like we have a lot in common, including Carhartt shirts that usually have some kind of oil on them! LOL best to you both Bern

Hi @readyornot316, Thank you for sharing your experience with the LG and Haier all-in-one ventless washer/dryer combos. It's great to hear that you've had such a positive experience with these units for the past 20 years! We also make sure to run the clean cycle regularly and check the filter frequently. Your advice on maintenance is spot on, and it's reassuring to hear that it has contributed to the longevity of your appliances. We’re still getting used to our unit and learning the best practices for maintaining it, but it’s encouraging to know that with proper care, these machines can last a long time. Thanks again for your valuable insights! Best regards, Kevin

@@crazywarp36 I never measured what it costs

@@ShilohsBride yes there is a link in the description below the video labeled our website

In the description

Thank you for your question, Robin. The leaves we use come from a location very close to our farm, and we have verified that there is no spraying done on them. Typically, there's no reason to spray leaves in the fall, and we've been careful to ensure the source is safe. We always recommend being aware of where your compost materials come from, but in this case, we feel confident that the leaves are free from any harmful chemicals. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to ask!

Thank you for sharing your experience, Tony! It sounds like you've found an interesting solution to combat black rot in your grapevines. Epsom salt, being a source of magnesium, might indeed help strengthen the plants by addressing a potential nutrient deficiency. Black rot can often exploit weakened plants, so your theory about nutrient issues makes sense. It might be worth conducting a soil test to see if there are any other deficiencies that could be addressed. It may be a good idea to get some soil samples from a few spots in the area where your grapevines are growing. This can provide a more comprehensive view of the soil's health and any potential nutrient imbalances. As for the Epsom salt treatment, it's great that it worked so well for you. It could be beneficial to reapply as a preventative measure, especially during periods when the plants are more susceptible to disease.

@@GrowingABetterTomorrow Yes, this is what I'm thinking. I've heard the county AG dept. will test for free. The tomatoes and grapes grow like crazy here, but then the fruit wants to rot. Interesting is that the leaves do NOT get the spotting that is supposed to come with the rot, only the fruit. Something about the soil here (Very heavy red clay with quartz rock mixed in) makes gardening really difficult, no matter how I amend the soil. Once I learned the Epsom salt trick, our tomatoes have been pretty good, but everything is a struggle around here. Some stuff won't grow at all, other stuff only wants to get big and grow only leaves, other stuff grows huge, with lots of fruit, and then it rots. It's a challenge!

You're right to point out the distinction between composting and leaf mold production. While adding kitchen scraps to the leaf pile can indeed introduce nitrogen and accelerate the decomposition process through bacterial activity, our approach to leaf mold is slightly different. Leaf mold is primarily a fungal process, and it typically occurs when leaves are left to decompose under conditions that favor fungal growth, such as high humidity and low oxygen levels. The key is to balance the carbon (leaves) with just enough nitrogen (from green materials or kitchen scraps) to keep the pile active without overwhelming it with bacteria. In our process, we aim to maintain this balance to promote fungal activity, which is essential for producing that fine, crumbly leaf mold. You can see in our video how we manage the pile, using a mix of leaves and occasional kitchen scraps, ensuring that we maintain the right conditions for both fungi and bacteria to work together, albeit with a slight bias towards fungal decomposition. Thanks for bringing up this important point!

Thank you so much, Sally! I'm really glad you love the garden. Harvesting garlic scapes is such a rewarding process, and it's great to be able to share that with you. And I'm happy to hear you found the information about garlic scapes helpful! They’re a fantastic and versatile part of the plant that many people overlook. If you have any questions or want more tips, feel free to ask!

Can I cook garlic scapes with chicken ?..like having a soup..I love cooking my own food with herbs..it's only now I know about garlic...I have little plants in our backyard..like squash..lemon grass..chives..sweet potato tops..peppers..sun flower..roses only

@robertbarnum7541 We've had our Wolf Ridge splitter for about 3 years now, and we absolutely love it. It really speeds up the process and makes splitting wood much easier. It's great to hear that they are sold near your truck mechanic's shop in Dummerston, VT!

@coachcal4876 Thanks for your question! The stirrup hoe is great for many types of weeds, but when it comes to Bermuda grass, it might not be the most effective solution. Bermuda grass has tough roots that spread via runners called stolons and rhizomes, which can make it difficult to eliminate with just a hoe. The stirrup hoe is excellent for removing new seedlings, but established Bermuda grass often requires more thorough removal methods to ensure you get all the roots and runners. You might want to try techniques like occultation or solarization, which block photosynthesis or burn the weeds. I've posted videos about these methods in the past. Hope this helps!

@cathyplantlover2862 Thanks, Cathy! I'm glad you think so! Turning leaves into soil has been a game-changer for us. It's a great way to recycle organic material and enrich our soil naturally. Have you tried anything similar in your garden?

Thanks for your comment! I understand your concern about the cost of equipment, storage, and maintenance. While it's true that these factors can add up, there are a few key points to consider: Long-term Savings: The initial investment in equipment can be offset by the long-term benefits of producing high-quality compost for our garden. This reduces the need for purchasing commercial compost and fertilizers. Sustainability: Turning leaves into soil helps us recycle organic matter that would otherwise go to waste, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practice. Efficiency: With the right equipment, the process of breaking down leaves into soil is much faster and more efficient, allowing us to keep up with our gardening needs. Customization: Making our own compost allows us to control the quality and composition, ensuring the best possible results for our specific gardening conditions. Multi-functionality: The equipment we use for composting also serves multiple purposes, including construction projects and earthworks. This versatility helps justify the investment, as the machinery is not limited to a single function. While it's not for everyone, for those of us deeply invested in our gardening projects, the benefits can definitely outweigh the costs. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

Thanks for sharing

Hi Tim, Thanks for the comment! The Extractigator Classic is indeed a fantastic tool. It’s been a game-changer for us, making tree removal and transplanting much easier and more efficient. We’re really impressed with its performance so far. Have you used anything similar before?

@@GrowingABetterTomorrow no i have never used one...that would have come in handy last year when i removed about 400 unwanted trees...

put a work glove or towel around the young tree trunk , loosen the ground with a spade fork and it will come out of the ground with even less or no damage no doubt.

Hi @SherrickDuncan! Yes, it did work to some extent. Using cardboard and organic material helped seal our very leaky pond, and the water level doesn’t drop as much as it used to. However, it’s not a perfect solution, and we still see some water loss throughout the season. Overall, it has made a noticeable difference, and we’re pleased with the improvement. Thanks for asking!

I am shovel digging a pond in Oklahoma red dirt clay that does not hold water at all. I have two acres off very very tall Johnsons grass. A problematic amount. Amd I cannot afford to line My pond with bentonite clay or plastic or rubber or cement when I am done digging it. Can I like it with lots and lots of Johnson grass and then the red clay dirt amd will that hold water when it rains if I do so?

Hi @raff6636! That sounds fantastic! Brush turkeys are definitely helpful little workers in your area. It's great that you can take advantage of their nest-building habits to access such a rich source of leaf breakdown. Nature's composters at their finest! Enjoy that free, nutrient-rich material for your garden. It's always amazing to see how wildlife and gardening can complement each other so perfectly. Happy gardening! 🌿🦃

Thank you, @kevinnelson507! Yes, we are in Zone 5A, but we've put a lot of effort into maintaining the health and vibrancy of our property. Proper care, the right plant choices, and a little bit of luck with the weather can make a big difference. It's great to hear that it reminds you of the lushness of Virginia!

Hi @dahkneelah, I understand that frustrations can run high, especially when dealing with issues like persistent herbicides in composting. Many farmers are deeply committed to sustainable practices and face significant challenges themselves. We're all trying to find the best ways to protect our soil and environment. Your concerns are valid, and together, we can work towards better solutions for everyone involved.

@johnblay155, you're absolutely right! Water is crucial for speeding up the composting process, especially for leaf mold. It helps to break down the materials faster and encourages microbial activity. Thanks for highlighting this important step!

@tradergirl7067, thanks for sharing your method! Growing sweet potato slips in potting soil sounds like a great alternative, especially for those looking to avoid algae growth and frequent water changes. It's fascinating how there are various approaches to achieving the same goal. We're always exploring different techniques in our sweet potato journey. If you're interested, you can check out our sweet potato playlist to see the advancements we've been making each season. Thanks again for your input!

Hi @joeanjaco554, I totally understand the struggle of trying to grow flowers near walnut trees due to the juglone they produce. Luckily, there are several flowers that are juglone-tolerant and can thrive under or near walnut trees. Here are a few you might consider: Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) Hosta (Hosta spp.) Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.) Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) Ferns (Various species) Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) Trillium (Trillium spp.) Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) I hope this helps, and good luck with your garden! If you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to ask. Happy gardening! 🌸🌿 Best, Kevin

Hi Tim No, we haven't gotten the posts in to support the trellis yet. I'm way behind in getting things done around here. The old trellis worked great, but the pressure-treated posts just rotted away in about 10 years. Thanks for watching the video, and yes, a tool like that definitely helps speed things up!

Yes, as soon as the weather improves! We've been experiencing very high winds regularly, but I am planning on getting the Skydio 2 up as soon as conditions are better. Can't wait to share the bird's eye view of the progress!

Hi @visionpiping1048, Thank you for your kind words! Once the compost is complete, it gets put to good use in several areas. We spread it in our permanent raised garden beds to enrich the soil and boost plant growth. We also use it for nursery plants to give them a strong start. Our food forest trees and berry bushes benefit greatly from the added nutrients, helping them thrive. Additionally, we incorporate compost into our herb gardens, ensuring all our plants are healthy and productive. Composting is a key part of maintaining a vibrant and sustainable garden! 🌱🌿 Thanks for watching!

@@GrowingABetterTomorrow this is amazing. I just started working (2 hrs a week) at a farm and my main job is to stir the compost pile. I can’t believe how it is changing in just over a couple of months. I hope they make good use of the final product like you.