I agree with you about weeding being therapeutic for awhile. I love being outside with the quiet. I feel closer to God when I'm gardening and feel it's easier to talk to Him. And with this pandemic I'm glad I had a bigger garden for therapeutic purposes also. That being said, there's a big difference between weeding for an hour or so versus all day!

About 1:58, what your pulling out is called Purslane. Pull the leaves off a d add to salad.👍

Consistency works wonderful. Your ideas are highly appreciated. Keep going forward.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

Thanks for the information. Also, loved the dog in the background providing entertainment!

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Never a dull moment around here!

My wife and I started using the cut grass that we sweep up after mowing (a few acres worth of grass), in place of cardboard. So far, so good.

@thedoubleboiler6971

2 жыл бұрын

Hey! I was just wondering how well this worked out for you. Did you have any issues with weeds during this process? Does it work the same as mulch? I'm planning to go the cardboard route or no dig, or to just go old school and pull out the tiller to start our garden.

The purselane that you pulled from your onions in yummy in salads, and very high in vitamins and antioxidants. Win win. Pull it up, add to your garden abundance.

@mariaavery5004

2 жыл бұрын

I noticed the same thing. I planted purslane this year.

Thanks for sharing this information with us!

A coworker kept telling me to check out your channel. I am happy he did. I’ve been binge watching your videos. I make videos by myself, which I can see your video quality is way better with help. You explain everything clearly, makes me wonder if your a teacher.

I enjoyed your life extension technique for garden tools.

Just found your channel today and really enjoyed this first video. I'll be looking forward to seeing more from you!

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Thrilled to have you here Teresa!

Great video Melissa 😊

We might think you’re a pro at farming. We got valuable ideas from your video and we’re going to share your channel with our customers who want to start a farm. Thanks for creating this!

We have a Troy bilt rear tine tiller, and the handle is adjustable so we can guide it walking beside it instead of the soil we just tilled.

Thanks Melissa 😊

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Haha loved that....I don’t need that much therapy 😂😂

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Right?!

@ponderosapondhomestead4344

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, don’t need hours of weed therapy!😜

Thanks for this!😉👍

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Welcome!

Beautiful garden. Thanks for the tips!💖🌹

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Wow I love the back to eden gardening we do some also. You said your in the PNW. I am so just north of seattle. Your garden looks amazing.

As an intermediate tool (between hoe and tiller), have you tried using what I call a "stirrup hoe" (a trapezoidal loop blade, one brand of which is the inappropriately named "hula hoe")? It goes under most of those medium sized weeds, cutting the root toward the bottom tip, or pulling it out altogether. Quick, effective, easy to use.

@shaggydog563

2 жыл бұрын

I've been using a scuffle hoe for about 60 years. Fantastic thing. It skims along just under the soil surface on the push and pull motion slicing off the weed from the root.

Very helpful, thank you.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I like to use a hoe that is similar in style to a dutch hoe, but the blade is only attached on one side. It's called a Swoe. The design makes it easy to hoe round the back of plants. I keep it very sharp so it is like a knife just cutting through the weeds. As long as you get the annuals before they start to produce seed, you can just leave them on the ground. Perennial weeds will need pulling eventually, unless they are young and you hoe regularly. In which case the root runs out of energy and they die. Thanks for sharing your approach to the weed problem.

You're absolutely right about mulching your garden. However, to me weeding is half the fun and yes very therapeutic. I still mulch for disease control and maintaining moisture at the surface. I use fresh grass clippings while taking care not to place them too close to early shoots. Once plants are well established I'm a little less concerned. Clipping mat well and of course the nitrogen benefit is a big plus too. Given the size of your yard you would have plenty to work with! Do yourself a little favor and try grass clippings in a small corner of your garden this spring to see just how well clippings work as a mulch. The key to a successful garden has nearly everything to do with mulching early and often. Btw, I'm sure your natural beauty is a direct result of your love for fresh veggies and the outdoors. Love your channel!! karl..

The quality of your videos are so much better with the 1080p, sound also so much better, thanks :D

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the feedback!

Thank you for posting this:)

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Of course!

Okay, you're officially my new favorite Vlogger!

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks!

Can't you mulch the open places?? Like hay or straw. It will feed the ground with organic matter, retains soil moisture , controls weeds.

This is great information! You know I think the note till method works great where it works great. Like up in Ireland on this one channel they’re utilizing it. Because all of their soil is eroding in washing away. So the no till method will stop that. Where as I live in the bottom of South Carolina. Well guess what? We have terrible nematodes. I have to grow mustard. You till that green mustard manure straight into the ground to kill those nematodes. So it’s a regional thing. Speaking of the flamethrowers. That Canadian market grower guy kills aphids with the flamethrowers👍👍👍

Great job!

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Do you have a video about fencing to protect your garden? I noticed your fence in this video and was wondering if it worked well at keeping critters and deer at bay.

Wow, you have a lot of purslane growing around your crops! I love purslane. It is so so good for you. Highest content of vitamin A and 7 times more beta-carotene then carrots! So when I’m removing them I add them to smoothies or other recipes

Referred to you from Mary's Nest. Ty!

@MelissaKNorris

Жыл бұрын

Mary is such a sweet soul!

Thank you, good tips! Why not use weed fabric or thick mulch to prevent the weeds from ever sprouting in the aisles ?

Have you tried Three sisters companion planting? Always been curious about it.

I use old carpet between rows of plants, and around edges of garden. works great, and last for years.

@Leo-nine

3 жыл бұрын

Northstar7733 I'll bet it looks cool, too! I've considered that but I was concerned about the less than organic materials leaching into my soil.

@YSLRD

3 жыл бұрын

There is a place in my wooded area where someone threw away ( at least 25 yrs ago) a carpet scrap. It's too close to the tree roots to dig out. The plants grow through it but it's still intact.

@pearlgirl

3 жыл бұрын

I do that too. Sunday shoes can be worn in the garden. Old well loved carpet works best.

You have one of the best camera people on KZread. Whoever that is love you.

Great video, I have a MASSIVE 6ft weed(trees now!)-problem/infestation over most of my back garden!! (due to a bad back injury never got done at all in 18months!!) Went from nicely landscaped to totally overgrown!!) So now have a mammoth task I have to try and get rid of the weeds, got an electric tiller, but I'm pretty sure I need a petrol one looks way too small and wimpey for the situation, in going to strim the lot down with a Stihl strimmer with a fixed blade down to a couple of inches then either till it or dog it over/out, was going to try to pull the rest out but I'm sure the roots are too deep, I might even have to just sacrifice the soil and throw down a load of caustic soda mix with water and kill everything, then start again over the top on spring with weed mat/cardboard and lay down some top soil over, or just level and pave the lot and then resort to raised beds throughout the garden and try just grass between them, really at a loss what to do! Also I've lost vehicular access to my back garden now and won't have foot access either until spring due to boundary issues. So I'm VERY limited and only have a week or so to plan what to do over the next year and prepare in next week or so for whatever I'm going to do!? Needless to say I'm extremely stressed about it and any advice what you'd do would be appreciated! Ps. It's an urban garden in England so only 65ft x15ft approx size. Partly patios and decking and rest grass at the moment which I was going to turn into beds for vegetables etc..

I do 6 raised beds, 4' x 8' and container gardening. My best way to control weeds, no fencing required.

Do you get Vine Borers in the NW? If so how do you prevent the pest from killing the squash?

How do you orient your rows in the garden? Also same question for raspberry row, if you have experience with planting that?

I like using my hoss wheel hoe for all the big areas and heavier weeds and I use a stirrup hoe around my plants and tight areas.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

So great you found what works best for you! Thank for sharing :)

@msdixie1972

3 жыл бұрын

We call that a shuffle hoe and it’s my favorite tool! ❤️👏🏼

I like to use a string trimmer. It is really fast. If you put collars around the stems of your plants, you can weed right up to the base of your plants.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Great to hear you found something that is working well for you!

Nice confirmation to my conclusions over the yrs. Used to be tempted to think: "I can't do it all right now so I'll get to it later." Nope--just pull a few as you harvest or water or pass by...few everyday and stay on top of it works best for me.

You pulled up a lot of Purslane which is highly nutritious and tastes great. People in the US think it's a weed but it's delicious!

My favorite method of weed control is mulching with EZ Straw which is mostly weed seed free. It keeps most weeds down and enriches the soil each year. But you've got to get it down when planting for the greatest benefit.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

thanks for sharing!

Woven weed fabric works great.

Wow! Your area looks so clear! We live on the other side of the mountain in Eatonville and we have had so much smoke. Praying you all are doing well and the smoke doesn’t find you. I love your garden and hope to someday grow a larger area similar to the one you grow!

Yup yup! Duck tape and baling twine!! Also my go toos!

What about Bull grass? I have invasive grass I can't get rid of

The black mesh weed cover that comes in tools right?

I go out early morning, almost daily and pull weeds. That works for me.

What fertilizer you use? The leaves look so healthy.

In small doses, it's good therapy. Large spots, not so much! Fun video! Cheers from Minnesota!

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Glad to have you here!

Some tuber weeds can be used for food or medical use.

If you could are able to get mulch with leafy green matter, it will add even more nutrients to your soil as they break down. ;)

Those plants by the onions are edible and good.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, they are. I pull them since they are taking nutrients from the onions. Thanks for your comment!

Thanks for the good advice to weed early, however at 71yr, I can’t get to the ground easily and if I do manage, it’s difficult getting back up. Found high raised beds help and also using a combination of heavy chip use and an organic weeding system using cleaning vinegar, table salt and a few tablespoons of blue Dawn dish soap. Doesn’t seem to bother the ph in the soil and makes the weeds die fast. I started doing the Back to Eden method 14 yrs ago to help amend my heavy clay soil and was rewarded by lots of earthworms. Make my own compost in 4 thirty gal. plastic trash containers and add that to my garden also. Really enjoy your tutorial videos and blog. Keep up the good work.

@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim

Жыл бұрын

If you have trouble getting up and down, how do you build your raised beds? I found that it was a lot of work building mine, a lot of getting up and down.

@janetwestrup411

Жыл бұрын

@@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim My husband built the first two out of old steal roofing material. The way the boxes are assembled was the game changer for me. I didn’t have the upper body strength to put screws in a box on the ground. You assemble the end units first and put sides on separately. Three months after hip surgery I built two 4’x12’x16” Douglas Fir beds out of 2”x6” boards because treated wood wasn’t available. My husband bought the lumber for me and cut a few of them @ 45” for the ends of the box. I used 4”x4” posts for corners and screwed boards across them. I assembled the ends first then stood them on end and laid three 12’ boards across them forming one side of the box. Used 3” deck screws to fasten them. One side done, the box was turned over and I repeated the process. Used 2”x 16” MDF strapping pieces to keep the long boards from bowing out. Used corner triangle pieces of MDF on top of boxes to brace and make boxes stronger. I then took linseed oil and painted the wood boxes to preserve the wood. My husband placed the box upside down and lined the bottom of the box with hardware cloth mesh to keep gophers and moles out of the beds. He then attached metal handles at centers of each end to carry them. It takes two strong men to pick these beds up so I couldn’t participate in that part. I stood up most of the time building the boxes. Only sat in a lawn chair to oil them. Yes, my back was sore after! My husband was gracious to let me use his power screw driver😁

@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim

Жыл бұрын

@@janetwestrup411 Wow, thanks for the thorough description! You guys really know what you're doing. Do you remember where you sourced linseed oil for cheap? I can't find any under I think $7 for 10oz.

@janetwestrup411

Жыл бұрын

@@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim My husband paid $20 for a pint of boiled linseed oil. Not cheap! However definitely worth the use of it. Purchased at Lowes in Roseburg, Oregon.

One of those weeds you are pulling is purslane which is more nutrient rich than most anything else in your garden. Alse the red rood pig weed is in the same

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Yes we have plenty in our homestead. Thanks for your comment!

Where to order best vegetable non hmo seeds online i live in southern california

Great video. I have an 80x50 vegetable garden that by July I spend almost no time weeding. After I till and plant I go through the garden every few days with an assortment of hoes to disrupt the surface of the soil to stop weeds that are sprouting. I also till the aisles. Very few weeds need to be pulled by midsummer. As far as weeding being therapeutic I recall the words of Lennon and McCartney. “Doing the garden, digging the weeds, who could ask for more?”

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear that you found something that works for you. Thanks for sharing!

What zone are you in? Just curious. I like the info you share.

Awesome, I like the cardboard & wood chips. We used newspaper & wheat straw for years. It was great for weeds & drought. I think we may try cardboard next time.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Let me know how it works for you

@claytond6565

3 жыл бұрын

Will do.

How do you keep your light colored shirts clean. When I’m out in the dirt I somehow get it all over me. :-)

Wanna know a weed fix-all? Weed at night. I do it here in central Texas and get AWESOME results (except against the tough perennials like Johnson grass or ground ivy.) The annual weeds have no chance. I'll spend 15-20 minutes by flashlight and get our whole garden done in just a few days with a 3-pronged cultivator tool in just the top 1/2 to 1" of the soil. It's wonderful!

Plant purslane around the garden too. looks like a weed but it's good food

Very interesting to watch the videos. Which state you guy's are in.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Washington State

It's definitely therapeutic, but I only like to weed in certain areas since we have a big field that fills up with goat heads now that we don't have any farming

You should try this weeding tool called a " hula hoe" . This keeps your dirt or soil in place, and will only take out the weed. Just a thought. I love your garden.

@shariwells2688

3 жыл бұрын

Agree!!! I love that hoe! It makes hoeing and weeding so much easier. You can break up a patch in no time because it is kind of like using a razor blade just under the soil!

@judyf.8582

3 жыл бұрын

My weeding tool of choice!

@willowriverranch7965

3 жыл бұрын

It doesn’t work everywhere though. We have one. Hated it at the last house, but it works great here! Different soil.

If only I could grow veggies like I can grow weeds my garden would be rocking.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! We would all have a bountiful harvest!

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

@Michael Bessette Love it!

@MrDilley777

3 жыл бұрын

Answer plant edible weeds!!!

I saw your squash has white powdery on the leaves like mine. What is that? It seemed to cover every leaf and halt the squash growth. Any idea?

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

It's powdery mildew and copper or milk spray will kill it. If it's at the end of the season I don't worry about it too much

Do you use corn gluten like Preen for weed control?

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

We don't use that.

Have you ever used a weed control fabric between the rows? This year in our new garden we were flooded with weeds, if we neglected weeding for over a week it was a big task then. Not sure if the reason we had so many weeds this summer was due to all the rain we had in SE PA but I want the task of weed removal to be more manageable next year. Your thoughts...

@manikamacmahon1549

3 жыл бұрын

I tried weed fabric for the first time this year and it has been a lifesaver and timesaver and backsaver. I highly recommend it, especially if you have weeds that are thicker than your lawn like I do and don't want to spend 2 to 3 hours everyday pulling weeds.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, tried it before and it didn't work well for us.

I wish I could weed without gloves. I'm searching for a solution to get rid of prickly weeds. Unfortunately named "Canadian thistle" is what came up in my research so far - though it's an invasive species not from Canada at all. From what I've researched it grows by seeds AND underground root runners. Also more grows when the roots tear from being pulled out. And they are super deep roots. :(. Trying to stifle it with cardboard didn't work. I'm trying to use weed control fabric/tarp after cutting them at the stem and just cut holes for my plants. Unfortunately I got my hand pricked when I pressed down to get pooled water to go to my plants. It seems they've sprouted through the soil but haven't broken through the tarp. Help?!

We use landscape fabric on our garden. Burn holes for the plants and I will tell you the grass is VERY minimal. Once you try this method you will never go back to traditional gardening.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

The weed fabric I tried in the past never worked, weeds came right through it

Did you end up with any ash on your garden from fires in Washington state? Portland, Oregon area is horrible and we have not been able to work in our garden or even harvest anything~when we can harvest I'm thinking a good rinse is good enough.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

No, thankfully not. It was cloudy, but didn't get that close.

when will you add wood chips again? will u have a schedule like once a year, etc? tks for the video :-)

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Yes once a year. You can do in the Fall or Spring.

@karronlaneNOLA

3 жыл бұрын

@@MelissaKNorris good to know. thanks.

What model of the bcs do you have?

@BCSAmerica

3 жыл бұрын

Melissa uses Model 710 - www.bcsamerica.com/product/model-710

I love this tiller where and what is this

@augustagootee6254

3 жыл бұрын

And does t look like its killing you and u can start it

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

It's a BCS hand tractor, they have different attachments so you can swap out the tiller for other things too

@augustagootee6254

3 жыл бұрын

Wow that so cool and neat!!! My tiller was handed down but can't find a tire for it nor can u get off try match it and so heavy and hard to handle and since dad has had brain cancer he doesn't have the strength to use it much anymore. So I will have too look into one thess

@BCSAmerica

3 жыл бұрын

www.bcsamerica.com

Hey Melissa, great video? I’m confused on whether I’m supposed to water my garlic that is planted in fall to over winter. Should I wait till spring to water? Also, do you think it will do fine growing in soil with a mulch of partially broken down woodchips?

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Depends on how dry you get, we have enough rain here I never have to water my garlic. You need good draining soil so it doesn't rot and it likes fertile soil. Partially broken down wood chips should be fine around them, you still want the cloves planted in the soil. I pulled back the chips to get to bare soil, added some composted chicken manure, planted, then top dressed with straw.

@meganlamm1568

3 жыл бұрын

Melissa K. Norris - Modern Homesteading Thanks! :)

I've used a garden weasel since the 70s. Look it up.

Pick that purslane. It's free extremely nutritious food that you don't have to plant. Wash well, trim off the roots and steam lightly.

I like your weeding technique. I heard you say you put down cardboard and just was wondering about something. Over on Robbie and Gary Gardening Easy channel she mentioned that cardboard had chemicals in it therefore not to use it in gardens. I don’t know but you talking about using it reminded me of her comment. Have you heard that before? I suppose it could have chemicals in it since seems most things do these days. Like I said I don’t know but was wondering.

@cherrysullivan1984

3 жыл бұрын

Good question. I have been thinking about this as well so would love to hear thoughts on that.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Not heard of them or that before. Yes, most things do these days, but I'll have to research to see if it is enough to make a difference.

Can you say what kind of tiller that is?

@BCSAmerica

3 жыл бұрын

Melissa uses a BCS Model 710 - www.bcsamerica.com

....I guess you are east of I-5, and west of Cascade Foothills? Good guess? We are Skagit Valley.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Lol Eastern Skagit Valley up in Rockport, good guess!

you have to try woven grown cover by growers solution...no muss no fuss..i cant praise enough

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

I had used pure vinegar on my weeds and it didn't kill them at all.

It's not true that weeds compete. They have a symbiotic relationship with all plants. If you must pull them than just drop them back around you vegetables. They will now become much and fertilizer for your plants. I call it "weed and feed".

@Nancy-zk9dj

3 жыл бұрын

I do that too

@Nancy-zk9dj

3 жыл бұрын

@pete smyth I did when I had chickens, it was fun to watch them. I would pull weeds just to give them (and me) some joy, win-win!

@willowriverranch7965

3 жыл бұрын

Here the weeds get so tall they shade out what I want to grow. Definitely competing.

@anima6035

3 жыл бұрын

@@willowriverranch7965 I think what they're saying is knock the weeds back until the plants you want are dominant x

You pulled up the purslane! That's not a weed but a superfood!

@Whoop!

I used to sit on a stool and weed my flower beds but now I just use a 3 or 4 tine garden rack to break up the weed roots. I removed the larger weeds and just leave the small weeds there to wilt and turn brown. It's so much easier.

I wish my wife would help me in the garden she sure likes eating stuff from it

I have a question I know you said that you have to be in some kind of group that you have to get heirloom seeds from you do you ever just sell them and if so could you get in contact with me I would like to purchase them

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

I don't sell them outright, I don't have enough.

@aprilleithleiter1929

3 жыл бұрын

Check Seed Savers Exchange.

I would give an appendage to have a walk-behind!

I weed after watering they pull up intact instead of breaking off at the root

Oh man! I just want to eat that purslane!

Melissa- 1 comment, 1 question: First, the idea of the space between yard and garden was really helpful. I find the amount of cut grass on my veggies when I go to pick them gross! Just takes more cleaning effort. Question- you have such a large (and beautiful) in ground garden. I’m curious why you choose directly in ground vs raised beds. I’ve just moved to a new home and getting ready to make the long term investments and I’ve been thinking mostly raised. Thoughts??

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

It's really dependent on preference and other factors. Many people use raised beds when they have limited area, pets, unhealthy soil etc. For the number of items that we grow we decide it would be best to plant in ground and we have great soil here and plenty of room for our garden. You may find this post helpful melissaknorris.com/raised-bed-gardening-tips/

At the one minute mark, you’re pulling Purslane, ITS NOT A WEED, ITS FOOD!!!

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

I'm aware but it still pulls nutrients from the onions and I've got plenty more

@angeliaswanson3851

3 жыл бұрын

@@destah3269 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@MsValerieDev

3 жыл бұрын

Hamish the Irish Amish if it is growing in an area you don’t want it in. It is a weed.

@MrGuy-cp1gt

3 жыл бұрын

My big garden is 100×100 it's a weed , yep you can eat it , and it's good for you . But it don't take you over the winter.

@MJ-cc4uf

3 жыл бұрын

@@MelissaKNorris - No it doesn't. Please do your research.

One thing someone told me is that during very cold cold months you plow the garden several times during those cold months and that will kill a lot of the weeds that are in the soil.

@stevendunn9676

3 жыл бұрын

@@robinhaas6895 well we definitely don't want to kill the good fungus do we. Oh well bad idea

You pulled out pigweed and purslane. You could have composted roots and made a salad...free food and high in nutrients

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

We eat it sometimes but I have so much that taking it out from that section doesn't hurt my supply :)

I love your videos, but I am struggling to figure out how weeding is therapeutic!!! LOL

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

Ha! I did say it was a "little" therapeutic!

@Leo-nine

3 жыл бұрын

James Vatter I like to practice Ho'opono while weeding. I actually had a pretty therapeutic spiritual experience this Spring.

Hey Girl.... I know you live in the Pacific Northwest I am in the Portland area and have been wondering how you, your family, animals and garden have survived through our fires and smoke

@BusterABrown

3 жыл бұрын

Portland is turning into a third world country.

@MelissaKNorris

3 жыл бұрын

We are doing well. It was pretty smoky last week but has been clearing up. Not anything like you all have in Portland. Prayers to you all.