Do you have Back To Eden Garden disorder?

[changed]

If you do, it causes you to go into your neighbor's yard (with permission) and gather up all of the downed branches so that you can chip them up and put them on your garden and around trees.


www.backtoedenfilm.com

 

[Pinecone]

YES! but unfortunately mine entails buying chips by the truckload, only for it to have rained like the Great Flood, so that now I'm unable to get into the garden to use them. The piles of chips are beautiful to behold, however!
Pinecone

 

[magnetic1]

Or, gather it all up for kindling for the fire for winter!!

 

[tm1439m]

Yes!

Looking for a chipper shredder to make my own mulch.Just found out my brother-in-law hauled one to the trash dump because he could not find a belt to fit. He give's up very easily.He said the blades needed changing but the motor was new and ran great. Just blows my mind.

My plan is to venture out into the woods nearby next week or so and gather lots of fallen or still hanging dead limbs and use them since they have already started to decay.

 

[smokin]

I am lucky that the town piles up chips at their local town building. Residents can come and take what they want. Last year i got a few pickup truck loads to put in the walkways of my raised bed garden. Put some weedblocker down and then the chips. Made a nice walkway that i did not have to weed wack. After watching the back to eden video i have a different view of what i should be using them for.

China connection also linked to a video where they were using alot of straw in their gardening. Somewhat similar to what the back to eden folks were doing. In these times of weird weather and less rainfall i think this is the way to go. We definitely need something different besides GMO's.

I am going to start incorporating these practices in my gardens as i expand my growing area.

 

[tm1439m]

I am lucky that the town piles up chips at their local town building. Residents can come and take what they want. Last year i got a few pickup truck loads to put in the walkways of my raised bed garden. Put some weedblocker down and then the chips. Made a nice walkway that i did not have to weed wack. After watching the back to eden video i have a different view of what i should be using them for.

China connection also linked to a video where they were using alot of straw in their gardening. Somewhat similar to what the back to eden folks were doing. In these times of weird weather and less rainfall i think this is the way to go. We definitely need something different besides GMO's.

I am going to start incorporating these practices in my gardens as i expand my growing area.

Just curious. Aren't you worried about chemicals and other undesirables in that free stuff when considering using it for garden purposes.

 

[changed]

Just curious. Aren't you worried about chemicals and other undesirables in that free stuff when considering using it for garden purposes.

I wouldn't be. The chemicals don't last forever. They eventually degrade like everything else. They evaporate, are broken down by sunlight, are consumed by microbes, etc, etc.

 

[WalknTrot]

Nope. I let the neighbors clean up their own messes. As to wood chips, I've always found that it takes a lot of nitrogen out of the soil to break down wood. If I throw wood shavings from the coop into the raised garden beds, I also dump on a lot of cheap lawn fertilizer to break them down. There isn't even enough nitrogen in the chicken manure to keep from depleting the soil.

Just my experience. Unless you are just using the shavings for tree mulch...but if so, be careful to keep it away from the trunks so it doesn't rot them or attract mice.

 

[Sherrynboo]

I just had another load delivered Friday so today, since we finally had a nice day, I moved at least 1/2 a pile. I am past exhausted! The garden is coming along nicely though. I have 100x100 ft area to cover and have maybe 1/3 of it done. Tomorrow is going to be another nice day so maybe I can get the rest of that pile moved!

Sherry in GA

 

[big kumara]

No.

I till when the ground needs tilling, I mulch when it needs mulching, I water and fertilize when it needs it. Don't need a "method".

I use old hay and straw in the vegetable and perennial gardens because it's abundant, easily available and (almost) free. I don't use tree company shreddings in my gardens because of the nitrogen issue. And bugs. Don't want to import new bugs. I only use wood mulch (cedar) around young trees and in the landscaping around the house.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

Folks, while the Back to Eden idea of wood chips and small branches is certainly a good idea,

a BETTER IDEA is to do basically the same thing with an organic mulch mix that is:


1/3 fresh grass clippings (not treated with chemicals, and before weeds go to seed)

1/3 chopped autumn leaves (a lawn mower will chop the leaves up just fine)

and

1/3 small broken branches or twigs


If you just use wood, it robs the soil of nitrogen during the composting process. The fresh grass clippings will provide the nitrogen that the leaves and branches need so that they do not rob the soil of nitrogen.


The fresh grass clippings feed the beneficial bacterial microbes in the soil, while the autumn leaves will give the beneficial fungi immediate food and the branches and wood chips provide long term food for the beneficial fungi. All of this material will feed the earthworms.


You will find you can get alot more garden covered if you expand your garden building materials to include chopped autumn leaves and fresh grass clippings -- and IMPROVE the process at the same time.

 

[smokin]

Just curious. Aren't you worried about chemicals and other undesirables in that free stuff when considering using it for garden purposes.

That is why i come here. To learn. You throw out an idea or something you read and all you guys respond with questions, experiences, warnings, and info that you have gathered from doing your own research.

After doing some research of my own( videos, articles ) i did see a concern with importing some pests that i did not already have in my AOG. That's area of gardening for those that don't know. I just made that up. As i was using the chips as only filler in the walkways i wasn't really concerned about chemicals as much as bugs. I was thinking that most of the chips were from trees that the county was trimming near powerlines and vacant land that wouldn't really be prime chemical areas like someone's lawn might be. I was more worried that i might be bringing in some invasive species that would do serious damage to my crops. I did not see any ill affects during this years season.

I am not sure how it is across the country but here we can't move firewood/campwood more than 50 miles because of the threat of invasive beetles spreading. So the pest thing is a concern. As far as chemicals though, like i said most of the chips are from trees on land that is not fertilized as far as i know. Not a guarantee though.

The nitrogen issue is there also. I am not up to speed on that but what i gather is that the chips take a lot of nitrogen from the soil in order to break down. That is not good for the soil. I plan on using the chips as part of my compost pile which will eventually end up in my AOG. As i take a more serious approach to my gardening i am sure to learn as i go.

For years now i have tilled, mulched, planted, watered, weeded, harvested my small gardens. As i expand to fruit trees, berries, herbs,perrenials and such the need for more info is warranted. Growing a garden in easy times is one thing. Growing one when your life depends on it is another. I am all about learning how it all really works so i have the best chance at a succesfull harvest.

 

[changed]

That is why i come here. To learn. You throw out an idea or something you read and all you guys respond with questions, experiences, warnings, and info that you have gathered from doing your own research.

After doing some research of my own( videos, articles ) i did see a concern with importing some pests that i did not already have in my AOG. That's area of gardening for those that don't know. I just made that up. As i was using the chips as only filler in the walkways i wasn't really concerned about chemicals as much as bugs. I was thinking that most of the chips were from trees that the county was trimming near powerlines and vacant land that wouldn't really be prime chemical areas like someone's lawn might be. I was more worried that i might be bringing in some invasive species that would do serious damage to my crops. I did not see any ill affects during this years season.

I am not sure how it is across the country but here we can't move firewood/campwood more than 50 miles because of the threat of invasive beetles spreading. So the pest thing is a concern. As far as chemicals though, like i said most of the chips are from trees on land that is not fertilized as far as i know. Not a guarantee though.

The nitrogen issue is there also. I am not up to speed on that but what i gather is that the chips take a lot of nitrogen from the soil in order to break down. That is not good for the soil. I plan on using the chips as part of my compost pile which will eventually end up in my AOG. As i take a more serious approach to my gardening i am sure to learn as i go.

For years now i have tilled, mulched, planted, watered, weeded, harvested my small gardens. As i expand to fruit trees, berries, herbs,perrenials and such the need for more info is warranted. Growing a garden in easy times is one thing. Growing one when your life depends on it is another. I am all about learning how it all really works so i have the best chance at a succesfull harvest.

The wood chips have a lot of carbon in them and not much nitrogen. When they are tilled into the soil. The microbe population increases and they need nitrogen for their cells. They get it from the soil. When the nitrogen is in the cells of the microbes, it is not available for plants. If you place the wood chips on the soil surface, the microbes decompose the wood chips, but they only use nitrogen near the soil/wood chip interface for the most part. As the wood chips are decomposed, they are converted to organic matter which is great for plants. Vegetable roots are able to grow deeper in the soil where the nitrogen is still available. I hope that helps.

 

[tm1439m]

The wood chips have a lot of carbon in them and not much nitrogen. When they are tilled into the soil. The microbe population increases and they need nitrogen for their cells. They get it from the soil. When the nitrogen is in the cells of the microbes, it is not available for plants. If you place the wood chips on the soil surface, the microbes decompose the wood chips, but they only use nitrogen near the soil/wood chip interface for the most part. As the wood chips are decomposed, they are converted to organic matter which is great for plants. Vegetable roots are able to grow deeper in the soil where the nitrogen is still available. I hope that helps.

I would tend to agree with that. In addition you can put fresh wood chips in a pile away from the garden and let them break down a bit before introducing them into the soil once you get a system established. Also as Barry says be sure to use your grass clippings and leaves on your garden.

Putting the "green" wood chips in the center isles seems like a good idea (especially if you have no other place for them) then in a year or so rake them toward the plants and put new fresh chips in the isle again. Always put your grass clippings around the plants to boast the nitrogen near the roots.

When you put down new chips in the center isle put down old hey first (or new) then cover with wood chips to help boost the nitrogen to help break down those new wood chips.


ETA: I can say that I used Barry's method for the last few years and my soil has went from hard red clay to a softer darker rich soil. It no longer gets compacted like it did before all the composting cover stuff was applied. It is now loaded with earth worms as well.

 

[Pinecone]

I live in the Willamette Valley where symphylans reign. My gardens have to be moved every few years as the population increases to the point where they eat all the plant roots of my vegetables. It's terrible. I have done quite a bit of research and found an old research report that questions if the symphylans attack plant roots because their normal foods are wood fungi which the soil is now lacking. The area where the gentleman who developed the Garden of Eden system I believe also hosts symphylans. I personally have nothing to lose by experimenting with this process. By adding organic matter to the soil, you increase your symphylan load, so everything I learned about good soil management practices is useless here after a year or two. I am trying this method to see if the hypothesis of wood fungi works for my property. If it does, it will mean the difference between having to move my gardens every three years (and all the deer fencing that surrounds it) and improving the soil with what may be a more balanced method for this soil type. I have little to lose at this point, except time and some money. Chips have to be purchased here, unless the power lines are being trimmed, as they were a couple years ago. Those free chips were used for other purposes. Losing a large garden to symphylans is very expensive in time and money. If this method works, then it may be a huge finding for gardeners in this area. Symphylans are a special challenge (I've gardened in several states and soil types) that I know has a natural solution if only we think outside the usual box. I truly hope that in a few years I can report back that my symphylan problem is manageable and that the researcher oh so many years ago, was correct. Please wish me luck!

 

[changed]

Pinecone, look into predatory soil nematodes. They are commercially available and they attack soil dwelling insects. Investigate to see if they will work on symphylans.

 

[Pinecone]

Thanks Changed! I will look into it more, and try it on a garden that is now fallow because of the little menaces. It has worked for some people, and not for others. Last I heard, I would have to travel to Portland to pick up the right kind of nematodes for the problem, if they were available, and they weren't for the last year or two. Maybe I can find some this year. I am looking at all options at this point. Thanks for the suggestion!
Pinecone

 

[changed]

Back to Eden Garden Disorder also causes you to slow down when you are driving through town and see full leaf bags sitting by curb. Should I?

 

[trkarl]

I just had another load delivered Friday so today, since we finally had a nice day, I moved at least 1/2 a pile. I am past exhausted! The garden is coming along nicely though. I have 100x100 ft area to cover and have maybe 1/3 of it done. Tomorrow is going to be another nice day so maybe I can get the rest of that pile moved!

Sherry in GA

What do you do just call a tree service and buy them? How much do you pay or are they free?

 

[El Cid]

Back to Eden Garden Disorder also causes you to slow down when you are driving through town and see full leaf bags sitting by curb. Should I?

With the number of leaves that falls in my yard every year, my wife would shoot me if I brought home bags from the curb! I have mulched my leaves and have covered about a third of my garden with the leaves. My garden is about 80x100 and I am going to try the BTE gardening on an area of about 50x60.

 

[Kathy in FL]

I have had to give up on the back to Eden plan. I have discovered it is like putting a free buffet sign out for termites and other undesirable bugs like invasive roach species. I wound up forced to spray so many chemicals on the bed I was creating that I have lost at least a season on that spot.

 

[kyrsyan]

I have had to give up on the back to Eden plan. I have discovered it is like putting a free buffet sign out for termites and other undesirable bugs like invasive roach species. I wound up forced to spray so many chemicals on the bed I was creating that I have lost at least a season on that spot.

I do a mix. Leaves, lawn clippings, some wood. Not much wood for the same reasons you don't. But I also add shredded newspaper and paperboard. I think the most important thing to remember is that you need a good thick layer of mulch. As thick as you can stand it.

And I don't till it in. Actually I just don't till anymore. I found that to do more damage rather than help. I put thick, thick layers on top of beds in the fall and then plant as needed.

 

[grommit]

no sawdust please

The Back to Eden garden is not using chipped wood, sawdust, dead branches or anything like that. These items are all cellulose, nitrogen poor, become havens for termites and other undesirables.

What he is using is freshly crushed live twigs and branches of deciduous trees. He was catching the trucks as they moved the shredded newly cut trimmings that look like they are mostly small branches and leaves. This is totally different from grinding up long dead branches or worse the heartwood where all the toxins ejected from the outer living layers are shunted for storage. It also does not look like he was getting much evergreen or coniferous cuttings.

Branches from deciduous trees produce stable humus. This stable humus is the basis of the living soil.

Regenrating soils with ramial wood

 

[Sherrynboo]

Trkarl, that is exactly what I did, called a tree service. It took awhile to get my first load but I told them when they got here that they could feel free to dump a load whenever they were in the area. I have now had 4 loads delivered. I get a good mix of hardwood and pine, lots of pine straw in the mix as well. I even found some earthworms in it today when I was distributing it. That pile had been here about two weeks already. I know about the nitrogen issues and when I go to plant, will add compost and manure to the dirt under the chips. If this will just help hold the moisture and eliminate the majority of weeds it will be well worth it to me.

Sherry in GA

 

[Kathy in FL]

The Back to Eden garden is not using chipped wood, sawdust, dead branches or anything like that. These items are all cellulose, nitrogen poor, become havens for termites and other undesirables.

What he is using is freshly crushed live twigs and branches of deciduous trees. He was catching the trucks as they moved the shredded newly cut trimmings that look like they are mostly small branches and leaves. This is totally different from grinding up long dead branches or worse the heartwood where all the toxins ejected from the outer living layers are shunted for storage. It also does not look like he was getting much evergreen or coniferous cuttings.

Branches from deciduous trees produce stable humus. This stable humus is the basis of the living soil.

Regenrating soils with ramial wood

There aren't many deciduous trees in my area of Florida. I was using "green" cuttings from my own yard so I wasn't worried about invasive species or chemicals.

The sand ... not sandy, but sand ... where I am trying to build my beds needs a lot of work. It will be years before I get them as productive and healthy as what I had at my old house tht is only a couple of doors down. It is the scope of what I can eventually build here that is exciting. I was just hoping tht the back to Eden approach could speed things up but unfortunately it is not a good match for this environment.

 

[changed]

I have had to give up on the back to Eden plan. I have discovered it is like putting a free buffet sign out for termites and other undesirable bugs like invasive roach species. I wound up forced to spray so many chemicals on the bed I was creating that I have lost at least a season on that spot.

Nature is always seeking balance. At first when you put the wood chips down you may experience an uptick in insects like roaches and termites, but larger populations of those will attract populations of predatory insects. With plenty of prey available, the predatory insect population will rise.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Nature is always seeking balance. At first when you put the wood chips down you may experience an uptick in insects like roaches and termites, but larger populations of those will attract populations of predatory insects. With plenty of prey available, the predatory insect population will rise.

Doesn't work quite they way here in Florida. An invasive species - native or otherwise - moves in and due to climate and environment they thrive to he point they completely drive out other species. Think along the lines of what fire ants, Asian and German roaches, and boa constrictors have done here in Florida. A population explosion of termites will compromise any surrounding trees and structures. It is just a different environment.

Bottom line is I am rediscovering the truism that there are no short cuts when it comes to soil improvement. Not to mention I don't have soil, but sand. Organic matter is almost nonexistent once you get below ground level. It takes A LOT of compost to build up sand because sand doesn't even start with many of the beneficial organisms you need for a soil reproducing environment. Cellulose of ant type tends to attract carpenter ants and termites so I have to be very careful of what I build my compost with. I was hoping that by leaving it on the surface it would minimize he problem but it only exacerbated it.

Actually for those of us in Florida with access to it I have found fresh water algae and pond/swamp scum to be very helpful.

 

[Deena in GA]

Kathy, we read a biography of George Washington Carver (brilliant man!) a couple of years ago and it talked intensively of how he revitalized the soil that had been decimated by growing cotton over and over. One of the first things he did was have the students go to the creeks and ponds and get the scum to put on the soil. Apparently it helps a lot.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

Back to Eden Garden Disorder also causes you to slow down when you are driving through town and see full leaf bags sitting by curb. Should I?

YES!



Honestly, I do it all the time.


And to date, I have never found a homeowner who had a problem with it.


Most of the time, the homeowner is just not around, and I load up my truck with their bagged leaves and be gone. I make sure that the place is neater when I leave then when I arrive -- that's just common courtesy.


But occasionally the homeowner will see me out there, and come out to see what is going on.


When they do, I tell them what I am doing, and why.


I have never -- to date -- had anybody who had a problem with it. Usually, they say they are glad that somebody can use the stuff. One lady a few years back was a bit snarky, and just responded with "Well, don't make a mess out here!" And I assured her that I would not.


But most people who you run into will actually thank you for finding a use for the leaves.


And back a few years ago -- when Memphis was cutting back on services and cut the garbage collection service back big time -- folks were actually asking for my telephone number, so they could call me when they put out more bags! You see, the city wasn't picking up leaf bags at the time, and so during that time -- I became pretty popular!


Memphis is now back to picking up leaf bags, so I'm not the most popular gardener in the area anymore, with the trash people now doing their job again. However, I still find that people are glad for me using their discards rather than letting them go to the landfill on taxpayer dime.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

I have had to give up on the back to Eden plan. I have discovered it is like putting a free buffet sign out for termites and other undesirable bugs like invasive roach species. I wound up forced to spray so many chemicals on the bed I was creating that I have lost at least a season on that spot.

I do something similar to Back to Eden, but I use a three part mix of 1/3 fresh grass clippings, 1/3 chopped autumn leaves and only 1/3 small, broken branches or twigs.


One reason I try to avoid use of wood chips is because it is harder to see if they are infested with termites than if I pick up the pruned tree branches that folks put on the side of the road in late winter or after a major storm.


I go around picking up people's prunings, and then in the late afternoon when my wife, daughter and I are sitting around watching the chickens play (great entertainment, I might add), we just take pruners and we cut or break the small twigs into 6 inch pieces. It is very relaxing work -- but it also allows us to identify any wood that is diseased or has termites or other pests on it. If we find that kind of stuff, we toss it -- very carefully, of course.


But also, I look over the pruned stuff pretty good while it is still on the side of the road. If I see any insect infestation, or disease -- I just move on. Way too many tree prunings available in the late winter/early spring for me to waste my time and effort on insect ridden or diseased wood.


Thing is, if you are ONLY using small branches or wood chips in your garden, you need so much of the stuff that you will have a hard time policing what you bring on to your property. The volume of stuff you have to import itself will cause you to be less than 100% vigilant.


By using a mixture of fresh grass, chopped autumn leaves AND wood to build the garden, you reduce your need of wood by 2/3rds, and it is now much easier to carefully police the 1/3 wood product that you do import.


Just another reason why I recommend modifying the Back to Eden method to using the organic mulch mix rather than 100% woody product....

 

[ainitfunny]

Where do you live changed? Anywhere near the Pacific NW?

 

[big kumara]

Doesn't work quite they way here in Florida. An invasive species - native or otherwise - moves in and due to climate and environment they thrive to he point they completely drive out other species. Think along the lines of what fire ants, Asian and German roaches, and boa constrictors have done here in Florida. A population explosion of termites will compromise any surrounding trees and structures. It is just a different environment.

Bottom line is I am rediscovering the truism that there are no short cuts when it comes to soil improvement. Not to mention I don't have soil, but sand. Organic matter is almost nonexistent once you get below ground level. It takes A LOT of compost to build up sand because sand doesn't even start with many of the beneficial organisms you need for a soil reproducing environment. Cellulose of ant type tends to attract carpenter ants and termites so I have to be very careful of what I build my compost with. I was hoping that by leaving it on the surface it would minimize he problem but it only exacerbated it.

Actually for those of us in Florida with access to it I have found fresh water algae and pond/swamp scum to be very helpful.

Yep. This is why I don't like gardening gimmicks. One size does NOT fit all. Everyone needs to learn what works for THEIR specific area and go from there. It is best if you work with local, native materials.

Pond scum, algae and fish poo are great soil amendments.

 

[changed]

Everything I saw and heard in the Back to Eden film makes sense agriculturally and ecologically. I did not see anything in the film that made me think, "that isn't right." The only thing I wonder is, he really doesn't have to water his garden?

 

[plantman]

I have a nice garden, 1600 square feet and I have been searching for a way to keep the weeds down. Every year I have rototilled the garden and I think that is my mistake. I'm bringing weed seeds to the surface. Having watched this video, he is basically saying that he is creating a protective soil skin and letting nature break down the woodchips. He isn't rototilling them into the soil. I think I may try this.

 

[changed]

I have a nice garden, 1600 square feet and I have been searching for a way to keep the weeds down. Every year I have rototilled the garden and I think that is my mistake. I'm bringing weed seeds to the surface. Having watched this video, he is basically saying that he is creating a protective soil skin and letting nature break down the woodchips. He isn't rototilling them into the soil. I think I may try this.

There are weed seeds where all they need to initiate germination is a flash of sunlight. By tilling, they are exposed to the sun and will grow. A wood chip covering shades them and prevents some from germinating.

 

[WalknTrot]

I use fairly intensive, close-planting. Except for a couple of early sessions with the hoe when plants are small, the weeds don't get enough sunlight to be a factor.

Gardening methods ARE very location specific. (As someone wisely pointed out above.) Up here in the north, I pretty much laugh out loud at the "composters". The warm season is too short to compost much of anything without a lot of help. Keep in mind...a good chunk of the northern part of Minnesota is stacked deep and covered with PEAT...plant matter that supposedly has been trying to break down and compost for thousands of years....

It's still recognizable in leaf/stem/root form.

So...best to talk to the local experts who have good success. Gardening is different everywhere you live.

 

[naturallysweet]

I do something similar to Back to Eden, but I use a three part mix of 1/3 fresh grass clippings, 1/3 chopped autumn leaves and only 1/3 small, broken branches or twigs.


One reason I try to avoid use of wood chips is because it is harder to see if they are infested with termites than if I pick up the pruned tree branches that folks put on the side of the road in late winter or after a major storm.


I go around picking up people's prunings, and then in the late afternoon when my wife, daughter and I are sitting around watching the chickens play (great entertainment, I might add), we just take pruners and we cut or break the small twigs into 6 inch pieces. It is very relaxing work -- but it also allows us to identify any wood that is diseased or has termites or other pests on it. If we find that kind of stuff, we toss it -- very carefully, of course.


But also, I look over the pruned stuff pretty good while it is still on the side of the road. If I see any insect infestation, or disease -- I just move on. Way too many tree prunings available in the late winter/early spring for me to waste my time and effort on insect ridden or diseased wood.


Thing is, if you are ONLY using small branches or wood chips in your garden, you need so much of the stuff that you will have a hard time policing what you bring on to your property. The volume of stuff you have to import itself will cause you to be less than 100% vigilant.


By using a mixture of fresh grass, chopped autumn leaves AND wood to build the garden, you reduce your need of wood by 2/3rds, and it is now much easier to carefully police the 1/3 wood product that you do import.


Just another reason why I recommend modifying the Back to Eden method to using the organic mulch mix rather than 100% woody product....

You didn't watch the Back to Eden movie did you? I find it amazing that most complaints that people are voicing are actually covered in the movie.

For those that watched, remember that he had chickens? Remember when he took the chicken waste and spread it out on his garden?

He also pointed out that what was being dumped wasn't just wood. It included leaves and needles. He specifically says in the film that plain wood wouldn't work as well. You need the natural mix.

People, please watch the film before you start complaining. It's really annoying.

Back to Eden really couldn't be used for large scale agriculture. But anything that cuts back on weeding and watering is worth a try for our personal garden. Especially if and when the day comes that watering won't be possible.

 

[changed]

You didn't watch the Back to Eden movie did you? I find it amazing that most complaints that people are voicing are actually covered in the movie.

For those that watched, remember that he had chickens? Remember when he took the chicken waste and spread it out on his garden?

He also pointed out that what was being dumped wasn't just wood. It included leaves and needles. He specifically says in the film that plain wood wouldn't work as well. You need the natural mix.

People, please watch the film before you start complaining. It's really annoying.

Back to Eden really couldn't be used for large scale agriculture. But anything that cuts back on weeding and watering is worth a try for our personal garden. Especially if and when the day comes that watering won't be possible.

LOL, I love it.

 

[Kable]

The other thing that he addressed that seemed to be missed was the fact that you don't till the chips into the soil because it robs the soil of nitrates... you place it all on TOP of the soil and let it break down a season or so before planting. (along with some compost or fertilizer). He practices a no-till approach....

You didn't watch the Back to Eden movie did you? I find it amazing that most complaints that people are voicing are actually covered in the movie.

For those that watched, remember that he had chickens? Remember when he took the chicken waste and spread it out on his garden?

He also pointed out that what was being dumped wasn't just wood. It included leaves and needles. He specifically says in the film that plain wood wouldn't work as well. You need the natural mix.

People, please watch the film before you start complaining. It's really annoying.

Back to Eden really couldn't be used for large scale agriculture. But anything that cuts back on weeding and watering is worth a try for our personal garden. Especially if and when the day comes that watering won't be possible.

 

[Green Co.]

I gotta defend Barry some here. I know he is a master gardener, been thru the classes, has the experience, and has been telling of his success with his form of gardening for many years.

As I got older, a few years ago I started adopting much of Barry's method. The stacking of shredded leaves & grasses in the fall, then planting in that mass come spring. Needless to say, I found the method easy and yields better in a smaller area than my old farming instincts dictated. I was sold. I have since converted 600 SF of raised bed boxes to his mix, and love the ease of planting, maintenance, and exceptional yield.

Now I don't know about the "Eden" method, haven't tried it.. but as has been said, there are a multiple ways to garden, many work only in specific areas (I find it hard to compare 'cause so many don't list their area) and for different crops.