Portable raised beds, compost tea and Pineapple flowers!

[martykean1967]

I'm really trying to become the gardener that you are. I want to garden in containers simply because I don't have time to tend to my plants very much, but then I find that I usually mess up on the watering or fertilizers. I was so happy I was able to eat BLT's twice last year using tomatoes I grew! And had pickles with cucumbers I grew, and fajitas with peppers I grew. It was only a few meals, but it was so satisfying. I can't wait until I have enough to give some to friends and family.

[mwatrin62]

what kind of wood do you use?

[Praxxus55712]

@mwatrin62 I use untreated pine 2x12 lumber.

[Pepsicarwash]

Could you make compost tea out of cow manure?

[Praxxus55712]

@Pepsicarwash I would compost the manure first or use manure that's been allowed to set for a couple of months. It will make great tea for your plants.

[trybal007]

Don't forget about the sodium fluoride that some municipalities put in the water.

[quiltbea]

I also have raised beds. I think you will find that the narrower the bed, the more watering will be needed. Think plant pot. They are smaller and need more watering than a garden bed.  Same principal.

[qzsue68]

I think you just explained why I've lost so many house plants. City water system ..chlorine.Thanks for the information.

[mrshammerhankus]

omg, ur soooo adorable! i could listen to u all day long!

i have a pineapple in my trunk i forgot about, cannot wait to grow it! looks like curious fun!

[Praxxus55712]

@mrshammerhankus A pineapple in your trunk? LOL that really caught me offguard. :)

[MrFrontalLabotomy]

honestly your vids arent good THERE AWESOME! Thanks for your support and time helping your fans .

[GardenGuy1967]

Hello again Ray, just a quick question for today. How often do you find you are watering your tomato plants indoors? I find my soil mix is not going a lighter brown but when I use a moisture meter I bought at Home Depot it shows it is just moist after 3 days? But I don't want to overwater them either? Just wondered if you have found a magic number of days that do your plants best. By the way I love the videos it helps a lot!!

[Praxxus55712]

@GardenGuy1967 The amount I water the plants is based on how fast they use it up so it's not a regular schedule thing. I let the soil dry out between waterings. I let it get pretty much all dry but not enough to let them wilt. Then I give them a slow solid soaking. This alternating of dry and wet is amazing for their roots. It makes them grow and get stronger. I go by how heavy it is when watered/dry. You get a feel for the weight after awhile. Meters never are reliable.

[CraftFamilyMO]

I have a question :-) What do you do with your leftover compost after you've made compost tea with it?

[Praxxus55712]

@CraftFamilyMO I toss it in a pot with a plant that needs some soil or a nutrition boost. If there's no room in any pot, I toss it around a plant in the garden that needs it.

[McHenryAnge]

Dear Pepper Doctor (Dr. Peppe. GET IT? ) You're pepper plants WAY out produce my containers. You probably just said in this video, but we water them with tap water. Could that be my low yield or have you noticed any other effects?

[Praxxus55712]

@McHenryAnge My guess is you could add richer soil. Potted plants use up the nutrients FAST. Water with compost tea to keep them fed and I'm betting you'll have better harvests. Also the bigger the pot the better.

[eddegoei]

Thanks, btw I forget to tell you it was great to see some new material from you (yes I'm catching up..) Ciao!

[eddegoei]

Looks like a single square foot gardening thingy. Don't you think that in hot sunny weather the roots/earth will heat up to much because of the small size?

[Praxxus55712]

@eddegoei by the time the hottest months of summer get here, there should be a thick growth of plants in the beds to shade the soil from the sun. I'm almost certain that heat won't be an issue with the raised beds.

[joannekiel3g]

Thanks Ray! Your videos are my new addiction. Lucky for me, you have lots of them. You are very entertaining. I grew up in the Chicaog area and lilacs are one of MY favorites also! Unfortunately I live in the Philly area now, and lilacs are not as prolific. But next spring I am going to get at least one lilac bush in my yard!

I am really learning a lot from your videos.

[DogGoneItGifts]

hi ray....I am wondering. What size raised bed do you recommend for growing corn? I like sweet white corn, what type do you recommend? Since viewing this latest video about raised beds, I might consider growing corn next year.

Love the vids, like all your other fans!! You ROCK RAY!

ANN.....

check out my vids...my dogs and garden

[Kalencki]

OK i have a Comment on the vid I work with pools alot and have a pools so i have worked with chlorine. something i would like to inform you about is bleach is just watered down chlorine, most house hold cleaning supplise are just that chlorine also comet is just chlorine wated down in a sence. Not trying to be a know it all just thought it was interesting and somthing people should know. thanks for the vids they are really helpfull so keep up the good work

[WinterFox155]

hey, can you grow bell peppers in england because im british

[Praxxus55712]

@WinterFox155 Yes you can definitely grow peppers in Jolly Olde England. Start them in early spring indoors to give them a good start. :)

[Songer80]

Hi Ray, you may think this is a stupid question but here it goes: can you use cat poop to make compost tea? My neighborhood has a lot of stray cats and they like to doodoo in my yard. I don't want to harm the cats so I've decided to make lemons out of lemonade. Is that possible Ray? thanks

[Praxxus55712]

@Songer80 Naw no such thing as a dumb question if you need to know something. :)

Cat poo can and definitely should be composted befor being added to tea or a garden. I personally don't suggest using it on edible plants but nonedible ones will appreciate it. The reasoning is that carnivorous animal poo can have pathogens that can harm us. Not always but there's a chance. I have cats using my yard as a toilet and Rascal is no help at all. The 2 pound ball of terror just watches them. :)

[ctawbasmk]

Now find us a neat easy way to water the beds.

[socalcraigster]

Ray,

do you think compost tea is better if made from chicken manure or worm casings? Also, it is necessary to use the socks or can I just add the compost directly into the water?

I have used worm casings and added it to cholrine free water. but I am wondering if the chicken manure is better.

[Praxxus55712]

@socalcraigster I've never compared worm castings and chicken manure but I do know that chicken manure is one of the highest manures in nitrogen. Rabbit manure is the highest. I'm not including bat guano since I know nothing about bats other than they're like flying mice with an attitude.

No need to use a sock if you don't plan on using a sprayer for your tea. Just toss it in, add water, mix and let it set overnight and you're in business! :)

[socalcraigster]

..cont'd -What I am trying to say is it seems 4 containers have roughly the same amount of compost/soil that is used in a 1ft W x 4ft L x 1ft deep bed; Since plants do not need more than a foot deep for roots, then could it be that the yield & size of my container vegetables, which have a foot deep of mix, is reduced because, unlike like a raised bed, the roots cannot spread outwards/across since the sides of the containers limit their sideways growth? Pls give me ur opinion so I can sleep.

[Praxxus55712]

@socalcraigster My opinion is the raised beds have more real soil in them. Raised beds generally have earth soil along with added compost. The containers you mentioned have peat & vermiculite which are great for moisture control but have zero nutritional value. The compost is the only driving force. Also raised beds will have an abundance of earthworms, bacteria & assorted microbes that a potted soil won't. Roots will stay cooler in raised beds during high temps. This helps the plant. zzzzzz...

[socalcraigster]

@Praxxus55712 - Oh...the sweet release. Now I can sleep. But wait... first I have to go out and get some wood and build my beds. ;)

[socalcraigster]

Ray, thx for that info. I also wanted to get ur opinion w/respect to 5 gallon containers. As a first year grower, I thought putting one plant per container would be a way of controlling weeds, insects & to give the plant the best mix (1/3 blended compost, 1/3 peat, 1/3 vermiculite). What I am finding is that the vegetables do not seem to grow as well compared to a raised bed bc my brother built a 4x8 raised bed and used lesser quality soil & got huge zucchini. See next comment

[QuixoticDucky]

I saw you live in MN and I swear I recognize your backyard from my childhood. Do you live in Shorewood by chance?

[Praxxus55712]

@QuixoticDucky I live in Windom. Actually just outside Windom. Sounds like your backyard as a kid was pretty nice. :)

[Praxxus55712]

@lostkid19 It's me a few centuries ago. :)

[LordThunda5]

Hi Ray,

Love all ur tips. I have a garden I am building 9 x 21m & wondered why u use raised beds. Is it beneficial to using raised beds compared to rows?

I am going to dig in a truckload of fresh cow manure cos our growing season up here in the tablelands in Australia is from Nov - Apr. I figure if I get it now (Jul) it will give it enuf time to break down. I will be growing all types of veges. Any ideas would be great.

Thanx mate,

Rob

[Praxxus55712]

@LordThunda5 Minimal weeding, easier to water, less compost usage and nutrient runoff.......and the voices in my head insisted. :)

[L10aVon]

Hi Ray, After glancing through most of the comments I fail to find where you tell us how long the boxes for the raise beds are. Look to be about 4 feet? Thanks

[Praxxus55712]

@L10aVon oops! I must have totally forgot. It's 4 feet long. I'm making most this length, a couple 6 feet and one 16 foot. Almost all will be one foot wide though.

[november211975]

great tips once again ray, thanks my gardens coming along now! :)

[paulgem123]

What do use in your compost tea just chicken manure and straw? Why straw?

[Praxxus55712]

@paulgem123 I toss straw in the coop during the winter for them to scratch around in and poop on so there's no bare floor. Plus the straw is the carbon in the mixture. The poo is the nitrogen. The poo gives the compost the high nitrogen. The straw pretty much gives it the fluff and volume when all is broken down.

[paulgem123]

@Praxxus55712 Ok Thanks. I wonder if that would work the same with Rabbit poo? I have a rabbit.

[Praxxus55712]

@paulgem123 Rabbit poo can be used right away uncomposted. It's one of the few manures that's ok to use fresh with no risk of burning the plants. It's a GREAT fertilizer! Don't tell your bunny this or he'll get an inflated ego. :)

[paulgem123]

@Praxxus55712 LOL, Too late I think she must have overheard me talking. She escaped her cage last night and took me on a run. LOL. Thanks Ray!

[magylyn]

Thanks,

Have you moved into your new house yet?

[Praxxus55712]

@magylyn Yep I'm in the new home and totally happy as a clam....ok maybe happier than a clam because clams are a food item. :)

[magylyn]

What kind of lumber are you using?

Is it untreated lumber?

[Praxxus55712]

@magylyn I use untreated pine. It's inexpensive and extremely easy to work with.

[iowanne]

question about manure tea. I raise chickens and use wood shavings for bedding. When I clean out my coupe the chicken manure/wood shavings are super dry. Could I use that directly on my garden since the manure isn't wet. It's like dehydrated manure. Also, could I use it in a sock to make manure tea without it being composted? Does it really matter if it's composted as long as it's not fresh manure? I know, too many questions but inquiring minds need to know. :) Thanks! Love your videos!

[Praxxus55712]

@iowanne Definitely don't use uncomposted chicken manure unless you toss it in the garden after the growing season and let it break down over the winter. Even dry chicken manure will burn the plants. It's extremely strong. I've never used uncomposted manure to make tea so I really can't say whether or not it would work or not. Maybe someone with experience in using uncomposted chicken manure could help here?

Does anyone know?

hello?

:)

[RICORECONREDO]

@Praxxus55712 yo yo Mr. Praxxus im not sure about raw manure teas, however my grandpa told me once he planted many Tomatoes and prior to planting he mixed in a whole bunch of raw chicken manure and tilled it...then planted some medium sized plants im assuming....Said he had tomatoes for decades

[jihadacadien]

Those portable boxes seem great...I made mine too shallow.

[REFIGUY69]

would this box you made be ideal for taters? or would i be better off using a garbage can?

[Praxxus55712]

@REFIGUY69 I'll be using one just like this for taters. I'm betting it'll work perfectly.

[jude1c9v]

how many months along is your pineapple?

[Praxxus55712]

@jude1c9v The large one is 18 months and another I have is 12 months.

[jude1c9v]

@Praxxus55712 so how long till its ready to eat, my wife loves pineapple, im thinking about growing one...also have u ever started a lemon tree indoors? do u think it can be done, maybe top it to make it a dwarf?

[Praxxus55712]

@jude1c9v I have no idea how long this little thingy takes to ripen. I guess when it starts to put out a pineapple smell I'll pick it. Hopefully it doesn't scream when I pick it. :)

[theracemixer]

Ray i've been re using my compost to make compost tea (brew) the tea don't seems as foamy as i before. why could this be ?

Mind you after each use i remove most of the water from the compost to let it dry.

i'm assuming the bacteria would reproduce

[Praxxus55712]

@theracemixer My tea doesn't foam. It's not the foam that matters in steeped tea so I wouldn't worry about it. If your tea looks weak, you might want to replace the old compost with a new amount.

[theracemixer]

@Praxxus55712

Thanks, i'll do that, since organic compost is expensive in my local garden shop i'll try organic horse manure, i don't know if i should add worm cast to it ?

[jkdakota9]

Hi Ray love your videos ! Very informative . I have a questionI know you said the wood wasnt treated but are you going to coat the wood with anything? I was going to build a few beds out of scrap wood and was told it would rot and I shouldn't unless I coat them with linseed oil . I live in Florida maybe more humid ?Also I got some worms lol ( dont have space for chickens ) and was making compost with the air bubblers but I think I will just do it your way,, less stress! Keep up the good work!!

[Praxxus55712]

@jkdakota9 I really should treat the wood with linseed oil but I probably won't. My last raised beds held up perfectly with no treatment for many many years. Yes I am just that lazy and stubborn. :)

[4micaman]

@Praxxus55712 The ending of this video reminded me of an old song...

a 1 and a 2 and a 3...

"I've got a skeeter on my _____ get it off..." LOL

On a serious note, the chlorine in municipal water helped me put 2 & 2 together - Thanks!

While researching H2O2 therapy and looking for food-grade hydrogen peroxide, I discovered it's also used in agriculture. When mixed with water for the garden, it boost a plants growth by adding oxygen to the soil. Will email you a link now...

[Praxxus55712]

@4micaman Dr Dirty sings that song! LOL By the way, thanks for the link. I read the page and it does make some sense. I've never used peroxide for anything other than treating the many cuts I get from being clumsy. :)

[DrumerBoy5953]

i just planted my garden today im only 16 but love veggies, its only acouple planters but thats the best i can do in a appartment. your videos helped me so much on deciding witch compost and soil to get thank you very much! :)

[unbrady9]

doo doo water...what a brilliant idea!

[Praxxus55712]

@unbrady9 Try NOT to yell that out in a crowded restaurant, ok? :)

[Lawknee]

@Praxxus55712 well bugger, I just got me some chicken manure and bragged about it to everyone I know saying I loved chicken poo! :(

[vnswamy2008]

hi one more great video ! whats the plant in large light color pot in front of pineapple?

[Praxxus55712]

@vnswamy2008 That's a jade. I bought it a couple years ago as a two inch potted plant and it sort of lost it's mind and grew too big. :)

[Pigeonine]

it aint the chlorine thats the problem in tap water its the chloramines and you cant even boil that thing away. and sadly, its added just for the purpose that ppl shouldnt get sick even if they drink water thats 2-3 days "old"

the chloramines are mutch stronger becteria killer then chlorine is so for anyone thats making compost tea, either use rain water or water thats been filtred with reverse osmosis. even when using RO water you need to buy a special filter that specificly removes chloramine

[Ciscley]

Classic! That's the size raised bed I made after first seeing your videos last year. I followed the Mel Bartholomew Square Foot Gardening info to build it, but actually got the nerve to do it from watching you. Keep up the great videos!

[pankakesforlife]

good thing i live in Sweden we've got great water

[freakygeaktwo]

love how the pineapple keeps changing and looks so healthy you definitely have a green thumb there, will you continue to use that same sock now for compost tea or will you toss it into the compost and break it down? thanks for the updates hope all well there and happy long weekend to you.

[I3addogy]

Portability is a great idea. In my case I was able to move them to an area in my yard that had better sun.

Another fine Praxxus production.

[HoschtonBoy]

A container garden is a lot more work than I ever imagined, it's zapping all my energy. Next year, well I have to try something different. I knew I should have painted all those black pots white as soon as warm weather was here. Great video as always Ray.

[PUMPKINDUDE26]

Excellent video...as always. It was great to see an update on the pineapple. How about an update on the cocoa army? I had (4) out of (12) germinate in 3 weeks. I am still keeping the seeds on the heating pad hoping for a few more to germinate.

Keep making the videos!

[crewlla]

I have my raised beds higher up. 4x12x4 the reason for this is because I rotate my vegetables every year, so I can put potatoes in the box. I also have my boxes higher up because I have a mussle and joint condition that makes it hard for me to bend down. In my front yard I have three (right now) raised beds that are 12x4x4 they are not portable. I had my property taxed raised, the city felt that it was concidered home improvents and raised it by 200.00 a year. That sucks poop.

[amiraprod525]

You have really inspired me to make life simple and to use the Earth that God blessed you with. I've been watching your videos for over a year and I cannot tell you how happy they make me. Many blessings and peace from Atlanta, GA!

[bfenti]

From a strength point of view should the ends not overlap the sides? As built the sides could push out and open the box.

[dianemummvideos]

The pineapple plant is really cool.. and so different! Raised beds I would love to do also.. look forward to your progress.. :)

[gardenvespers777]

Very beautiful property back there! :-)

I built my raised beds last year..had to set them into the ground about 3 inches down to keep the pesky bermuda grass from going under. Whew it was alot of work but it was also fun.

This year it has been SO enjoyable to be out there and just planting away. This year (maybe being the second year) has been REALLY good!

Whilst you were moving I had a bumper crop of potatoes! so much fun to dig them up! lol never thought a potato could be exciting. lol

[Praxxus55712]

@gardenvespers777 Digging taters is kinda like an easter egg hunt for me. LOL I never get tired of it. There's always that one huge potato that makes my whole day! :)

[jwlrymkr]

@gardenvespers777 Loved your video of you digging the potatoes! I laughed watching it and loved the VR from Baconsoda.

Great video as always Praxx!

[gardenvespers777]

@jwlrymkr Lol thanks! I know I was SO excited, I just couldn't believe I had potatoes! and.. I wasn't sure if I should dig the whole thing up or if it was too early.

That VR from Baconsoda really was hilarious too. The detail he went into was so funny! I am laughing just thinking about it as I type this.

Andydaviesbythesea made a VR to his video... lol using some fun editing. WOW he harvested HUGE peppers! lol

[MajorRager76]

next time rub a layer of olive oil on your skin mosquitoes wont bite i just got home from Northern Ireland and whats neat in a way through what ive learned from you and a few others i taught some of my family and their neighbors about compost tea and all we talked about was gardening took everyones mind off all the politics and doom at least for the short time i was there

[Praxxus55712]

@MajorRager76 Our world leaders would get along better if they met in their gardens and spent some time together getting their hands dirty. By the way I like how you spent your time with your family. That's pretty darn cool. :)

[Rezist01]

WHAT!!!!!! No baseball bat sized carrots! I'm disappointed ;}

[CraftFamilyMO]

Cute little pineapple! I'm just so excited about that thing... lol I don't know why I had this preconception that you couldn't grow them unless you lived in Hawaii... hahaha

[08sarahrangel]

I stumbled upon your videos the other day bc I'm trying to grow carrots right now and watched your "HUGE carrot" video. It was very inspiring and I've been hooked ever since! I've watched almost all of them lol!

I LOVE the pineapple update. That's the COOLEST thing EVERRR!

You have a very appealing personality :)

I'm also growing bush beans (which seem to be very picky to Oklahoma heat) & cucumbers!

[Praxxus55712]

@08sarahrangel Ahhhhh the red dirt of Oklahoma. I sympathize with the heat though. I lived in Southwestern Kansas for many many years.

[emsapowell]

Nice to see someone else doing the smaller raised beds. Those are exactly what I have on my "garden plans" for next year! I'm still debating back and forth between just ammending the soil here and using a rototiller and making small beds kind of half raised or just go ahead and do fully raised beds. Leaning toward the rototiller b/c we are 'hoping' to have our own property the following summer and I'd really like to just start the good stuff there. Nice video! looking forward to the next one!

[RookieGardner]

whoa! your basement goes up to 140? that's soooo fast! cool

[MIgardener]

YAY!!! another video! i am sooooo happy! they just make my day! please put out like 2 a week. i would be so much happier! lol. or am i asking for to much..... keep them coming ray! i'll keep watching!

PS: everything is coming along great!

PSS: how are the carrot seeds? have you planted them yet?

[Praxxus55712]

@MIgardener Luke, you'll have to tune into the next episode. I have a couple surprises for everyone. :)

(ok more than a couple surprises)

:)

[xTH3JOKEST3Rx]

@Praxxus55712 yayy i like surprisesss :)

[HotSauceJohnny]

Hey! That's the same nail gun that "American Psycho" used! Where were you in the 80's?

[Praxxus55712]

@HotSauceJohnny No comment

*reaches for axe*

[strflyr78]

love the video! looks like i'll be making compost tea this weekend

[11oldgoat]

@strflyr78 

[VektrumSimulacrum]

Pineapple victory screech! "WEE-SNAW!"

[Praxxus55712]

@VektrumSimulacrum LOL Ok that honestly totally cracked me up! You're a bit weird. LOL

[VektrumSimulacrum]

@Praxxus55712

Well what good am I if I can't make ya laugh with something no less than ridiculous? :-p

[LaoSoftware]

Ray, are you using natural wood or chemically treated wood for your raised bed boxes?

[Praxxus55712]

@LaoSoftware Untreated pine. I don't use treated in the garden. I have a few treated pieces for upper supports of the coop that won't be touching soil or be anywhere near the garden.

[greenhouse4green]

its the cacao trees!

[amanda918273645]

If you do not have compost, any other ideas for good teat for my garden. I have some veggies not doing so well. :(

[Praxxus55712]

@amanda918273645 There is one fast easy method. Make a tea using USED coffee grounds and fresh grass clippings. Coffee grounds and grass have a good amount of nitrogen in them. Fill a bucket half full of fresh grass clippings, add as much goffee grounds as you have up to 2 cups maximum. Then fill with water. Allow it to set a 1-2 days and then use it. This will boost your plants in a pinch. Good luck! :)

[bluejuiseritsma]

LOL!!! doo-doo water!! Praxxus, you're hilarious!!

[loislaney23]

Love your baby pineapple! I am so glad I saw your first video on your compost tea, I use so much of it, I have 2 huge containers full. I used to make it adding all this other stuff and used a 5 gallon bucket, it didn't go very far. The way you do it, I have lots. Everybody gets some. lol

[ctawbasmk]

I really enjoy your vids and your practical ways of things. I have to say I hink your ideas on the raised beds are perfect. Makes me want to change over. If I could afford to get the wood I would convert. I think it makes perfect sense. Especially on maintenance end. I think will hold the nutrients better. Looking forward to watching the progress. I sure work myself good on my open garden. I am thinking you can maybe use at least some of them like little composting beds when not in use as well,

[GettingThereGreen]

Believe you can do 16 carrots per square foot. Just fyi Ray.  ;) - Randy

[Praxxus55712]

@GettingThereGreen Have you seen the baseball bat-sized carrots I grow?? LOL

[MrTerrym1964]

Nice to hear from you again Ray.Quick question, are you going to treat the boards with anything to prevent rot? I use raw linseed oil and just apply it with a cloth...So far so good with any rot issues..Take care and looking forward to your next update.

Terry

[Praxxus55712]

@MrTerrym1964 I probably should.......and yet the lazy part of me is eating a donut and shaking his head....and now it has my car keys! brb

[iShrimpEater]

i wonder if it's bad to eat compost -_- it taste like very sour raisins o.o

[Praxxus55712]

@iShrimpEater Stop eating my compost! :)

[iShrimpEater]

@Praxxus55712 but it taste like sour rasisns -_-

[nerfingninja1]

Sweet