Desert Gardens Homestead
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Natural Farming Basics | Sustainable Gardening Techniques for a Thriving Garden
🌿 Discover the timeless power of Natural Farming! 🌿
Are you ready to garden the way nature intended? In this video, we dive into the fundamentals of natural farming - a sustainable approach that’s not only eco-friendly but designed to create a self-sustaining garden ecosystem right in your backyard. With practices that harken back to ancient farming methods, natural farming relies on healthy soil, vibrant plant life, and natural pest control to create a balanced environment where everything thrives without synthetic inputs.
What You'll Learn in This Video:
1. The History of Natural Farming - Before modern chemicals and fertilizers, farmers worked in harmony with the land. Learn how ancient farmers cultivated fertile soil and protected plants using natural resources.
2. What is Natural Farming? - We’ll break down how natural farming aims to create a closed-loop system with zero external inputs. Think of it as ‘primitive gardening’ that leans on the power of soil life, compost, and biodiversity to create a vibrant garden ecosystem.
3. Top Benefits of Natural Farming - Discover how soil life does all the heavy lifting, reducing the need for fertilizers and giving you healthier, more resilient plants. You’ll learn how this approach saves time, resources, and supports long-term soil health.
4. Key Techniques - From mulching and composting to planting cover crops and managing pests naturally, we’ll show you practical steps to get started with natural farming in your own garden.
5. Desert Gardens Homestead Tips - We share tailored tips for natural farming in a desert environment, perfect for arid climates, where building soil and conserving water are essential.
By the end of this video, you’ll not only understand the fundamentals of natural farming but also feel empowered to start your own eco-friendly, sustainable garden. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or new to gardening, these techniques will bring your garden into harmony with the environment, save you from synthetic chemicals, and deliver healthier, more delicious plants.
Why Natural Farming Matters:
Natural farming goes beyond traditional gardening. It’s a lifestyle that respects nature, rebuilds our connection to the earth, and helps our planet flourish. Say goodbye to synthetic fertilizers and hello to sustainable gardening with Desert Gardens Homestead!
Love What You’re Seeing?
If Desert Gardens Homestead has brought you a little extra joy or a new gardening tip that sprouted inspiration, why not consider supporting the journey? Every bit of help goes straight into creating more content, growing this channel, and sharing more insights into sustainable gardening!
Show some love with a Super Thanks if the video made your day, or jump in with any of these direct support options:
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Thank you for watching, for supporting, and for growing alongside us-one green step at a time. 🌿 Here’s to more adventures in the garden!
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:37 The History of Natural Farming
1:18 What is Natural Farming?
3:09 Key Benefits
4:24 Getting Started with Natural Farming
4:37 Mulch
5:47 Compost
6:37 Living Mulch
7:16 Pest Control
8:26 Conclusion
Keywords: natural farming, sustainable gardening, eco-friendly gardening, ancient farming techniques, organic gardening, desert homesteading, soil health, pest control, self-sustaining garden, composting, permaculture basics, natural pest control
#NaturalFarming #SustainableGardening #OrganicGardening #DesertHomesteading #EcoFriendly #SelfSustainingGarden #Composting #SoilHealth #Permaculture #DesertGardensHomestead
Переглядів: 189

Відео

Overwintering Moringa in Zone 9a: Essential Tips for Success! @davidthegood
Переглядів 2472 місяці тому
If you’re growing moringa in Tucson (Zone 9a) and want it to survive the winter, you’re in the right place! In this video, we’ll cover the essential steps for overwintering moringa trees to ensure they come back strong in spring. Moringa can be sensitive to colder temperatures, so we’ll walk you through cutting it back, protecting it with a cage and straw, mulching branches, and drying leaves f...
5 Powerful Reasons to Grow Lemongrass: Health Benefits, Pest Control, and Easy Care!
Переглядів 1,5 тис.3 місяці тому
Are you looking to add a versatile, easy-to-grow plant to your homestead garden? In this video, we share 5 reasons why growing lemongrass is a must for any backyard gardener or homesteader! From its unique culinary uses to its natural pest-repelling abilities, lemongrass offers fantastic benefits. We’ll cover lemongrass’s health properties, how it supports companion planting, and why it’s an ex...
Understanding Hugelkultur: The Ultimate Raised Garden Bed Technique
Переглядів 4953 місяці тому
In this video, we delve into the fascinating world of hugelkultur, an innovative and sustainable gardening technique perfect for anyone looking to enhance their home garden. Hugelkultur, which translates to "hill culture," involves creating raised garden beds using decomposing wood and organic materials. This method not only enriches the soil but also improves moisture retention, reducing the n...
3 Critical Shrubs That'll Kick Your Landscape into Overdrive
Переглядів 8403 місяці тому
Discover the three essential shrubs that can transform your landscape! In this video, we explore the benefits of Elaeagnus, including Autumn Olive and Goumi Berry, both renowned for their hardiness and nutrient-rich berries. Learn about Silverberry (Elaeagnus x ebbingei), a versatile evergreen shrub perfect for enhancing biodiversity in your garden. We’ll cover: Nutritional benefits and uses of...
Natural Farming Technique-Using Living Mulch to Fertlize
Переглядів 6313 місяці тому
In this video, we explore innovative natural farming techniques that can revolutionize your agricultural practices. Learn about the principles of Korean Natural Farming and how these methods promote sustainable agriculture without reliance on synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Key topics include: Understanding the philosophy behind natural farming and its benefits for soil health. Step-by-ste...
Free Fruit Trees for Life in Less Than 2 Mins!
Переглядів 7364 місяці тому
Air layering is one of the most effective and efficient ways to propagate countless trees. By doing this on a regular basis, you will have a surplus of fruit trees that you can use to trade, sell, or plant elsewhere in the landscape. Click here to view more Propagation videos:ua-cam.com/play/PLNwqlFZHWgV1Q9nOggJsPKljVjYdhQnkY.html&si=bFCi7rnoSTKAMXIa Support the Channel! If you've enjoyed the c...
CHE FRUIT- The Unpopular Cousin to Mulberry
Переглядів 4394 місяці тому
Che is an unbelievably great desert fruit tree, as it is incredibly hardy and productive. The drawbacks are possibly needing male and female trees unless one goes for the newer seedless, self fruitful variety; another is that they are slower growing. These were planted in 2019, so after 5 years, they are still 2 to 4ish ft, respectively. However, once mature, it's stated that females can produc...
Lemon Guava-Every Serious Garden Needs It!
Переглядів 9684 місяці тому
The tree has so many things going for it. The only real drawback is the weakness to cold, being sub tropical. However, that is why it makes a phenomenal container fruit tree that you can share unique fruit with friends and family. Click here to view more Fruit Tree Info and Care videos:ua-cam.com/play/PLNwqlFZHWgV3iB6nkbGIsgxo3nNSjGxc9.html&si=MQV0oFH6zs2TCob1 Support the Channel! If you've enj...
A Tribute to JADAM-Labor Day Fertilizing
Переглядів 565 місяців тому
My all around go-to fertilizer. Free, easy to make, and works wonders. Need I say more? Click here to see more Free Organic Fertilizer videos:ua-cam.com/play/PLNwqlFZHWgV19sV_akXCujYo99PvKIG3M.html&si=UFCOdG1bqZvi_gPQ #jadam #knf #naturalfarming #desertgardening #desertfarming #deserthomestead #organicdesertliving
Bamboo in the Desert? Complete How-To!
Переглядів 2495 місяців тому
Bamboo is one of my favorite permaculture plants due to its versatility. If you are a serious gardener, homesteader, or permaculturist, bamboo is a must-have within the landscape. Click here to view more Permaculture Plant videos:ua-cam.com/play/PLNwqlFZHWgV1GtofadmWU-H_8JQryaAwf.html&si=_BJy-emcpluOE-Ll Support the Channel! If you've enjoyed the content and want to help Desert Gardens Homestea...
Summer Garden Update-White Pakistan Mulberry Propagation
Переглядів 835 місяців тому
This is my favorite time of year in the Sonoran Desert. We are getting chances of daily rain, everything is growing and fruiting, and it's yet again a perfect time to do some more propagation on a new variety of Mulberry. Click here to view more Propagation videos:ua-cam.com/play/PLNwqlFZHWgV1Q9nOggJsPKljVjYdhQnkY.html&si=zfG8aOwGhdIflnss Support the Channel! If you've enjoyed the content and w...
Hard Monsoon Rain Filling Swales, Goats on Playground
Переглядів 1515 місяців тому
Hard Monsoon Rain Filling Swales, Goats on Playground
Sonoran Desert Food Forest-My Greening the Desert Project
Переглядів 1415 місяців тому
Sonoran Desert Food Forest-My Greening the Desert Project
Growing Bananas in the Desert? Absolutely!
Переглядів 2385 місяців тому
Growing Bananas in the Desert? Absolutely!
Tractor Tire Goat Playground-Maximize Goat Playtime!
Переглядів 1496 місяців тому
Tractor Tire Goat Playground-Maximize Goat Playtime!
The Best Goat Stanchion Design Ever!
Переглядів 986 місяців тому
The Best Goat Stanchion Design Ever!
The Ultimate DIY Liquid Organic Fertilizer
Переглядів 6976 місяців тому
The Ultimate DIY Liquid Organic Fertilizer
Hydrophobic Potting Soil-Symptoms & Solutions
Переглядів 4237 місяців тому
Hydrophobic Potting Soil-Symptoms & Solutions
Homemade Mesquite Mulch Sonoran Desert
Переглядів 5977 місяців тому
Homemade Mesquite Mulch Sonoran Desert
Sweet Treat Pluerry-Year 7-Zone 9a
Переглядів 1537 місяців тому
Sweet Treat Pluerry-Year 7-Zone 9a
Why are the Leaves Turning Yellow and Crispy?
Переглядів 817 місяців тому
Why are the Leaves Turning Yellow and Crispy?
Adventures in Tucson Desert Gardening
Переглядів 1367 місяців тому
Adventures in Tucson Desert Gardening
Were the F2 Olive Egger Colors as Promised? Cackle Hatchery 1Yr. Review
Переглядів 3597 місяців тому
Were the F2 Olive Egger Colors as Promised? Cackle Hatchery 1Yr. Review
5 Reasons Jujube Trees Make You a Successful Gardener
Переглядів 2798 місяців тому
5 Reasons Jujube Trees Make You a Successful Gardener
The Simple Weed-Killing Step Big Ag Doesn't Want You To Know
Переглядів 1188 місяців тому
The Simple Weed-Killing Step Big Ag Doesn't Want You To Know
Have Your Garden Work for You! Using Desert Mistletoe as Mulch
Переглядів 698 місяців тому
Have Your Garden Work for You! Using Desert Mistletoe as Mulch
Nectar Babe Nectarine Review-Year 8
Переглядів 848 місяців тому
Nectar Babe Nectarine Review-Year 8
Morning Feeding/Broody Turkey Hens
Переглядів 418 місяців тому
Morning Feeding/Broody Turkey Hens
Horned Lizard-The Champion of the Desert
Переглядів 348 місяців тому
Horned Lizard-The Champion of the Desert

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @zoponex3224
    @zoponex3224 День тому

    Wow! What types of artichokes are those? They're amazing! Alao, thanks for this info. I'm in the Chihuahua and am always looking for guidance on what will brow in these harsh conditions.

  • @LovingIdaho
    @LovingIdaho 4 дні тому

    Have your f3s started laying for you ?

  • @antoniomendez5740
    @antoniomendez5740 4 дні тому

    Do you leave them outside? Per say on the sun?

  • @SandcastleDreams
    @SandcastleDreams 8 днів тому

    Last frost in zone 9a is March 5th here in FL.

  • @ALFORDACRESFARM
    @ALFORDACRESFARM 17 днів тому

    Do you get frost or is too dry there?

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 17 днів тому

      @ALFORDACRESFARM We do get below freezing here. It doesn't happen often, but we will have a short cold spell where overnight lows can hover below freezing and, in extreme cases, get as low as 25 degrees, but for maybe few hours.

  • @larrycabaccang8335
    @larrycabaccang8335 22 дні тому

    We just plant the trunk in the ground. It will grow into another tree. This amazing tree grows like weeds 😂

  • @barbarasimoes9463
    @barbarasimoes9463 27 днів тому

    I live in Vermont (zone 5a) and planted one in September of '22. It's a seedless female and it had a few little fruits on it this past year ('24) but they did fall off before ripening. I was just so excited to see any fruit, and I've read that they do tend to drop the fruit for a few years, but I'm excited for it to get old enough to hang on to its fruit. Do you plan to preserve the fruit in any way when it gets bigger and has a lot more on it? I watched a video of someone who tried different ways to preserve his, and he said that the most successful was just freezing it.

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 27 днів тому

      @barbarasimoes9463 You're correct. The tree will shed the fruit until it's mature enough to bear. I haven't preserved them as they are still not producing enough, but love them fresh. Thanks for the tip on freezing them!

  • @jbyrd2516
    @jbyrd2516 29 днів тому

    Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I’m in a similar climate zone in Australia, and have just purchased one of these (the last or only one!) from my local nursery. I mostly container garden in my small urban plot anyway, so this should fit nicely into one of the microclimates for now. Also I’ve just subscribed and liked to help your algorithm.

  • @permatopiafarm1119
    @permatopiafarm1119 Місяць тому

    I am looking for something on the small scale commercial because I have a cone kiln that makes about couple yards at a time.

  • @imlew7853
    @imlew7853 Місяць тому

    I run the bags over a little at a time. Open the bag and screen the small pieces in a 3/4 wire mesh and run the bigger chunks again. Pulverized charcoal just defeats the purpose. But having the right size seems to be more beneficial though absolutely time consuming.

  • @sajaabuaisheh1374
    @sajaabuaisheh1374 Місяць тому

    Can they live in water for ever? Instead of putting them in soil?

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead Місяць тому

      @sajaabuaisheh1374 Not likely. Soil would eventually be needed. Never heard of hydroponic dates before. 😉

  • @aetreus88
    @aetreus88 Місяць тому

    in your opinion is it best to have one solid trunk or multiple trunks as u have here?

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead Місяць тому

      @aetreus88 multi trunk is far superior for leaf production and limbs for mulching. I just released a new Moringa Overwintering video, check it out!

  • @OgHazeKiller562
    @OgHazeKiller562 2 місяці тому

    Me neighbor has a tree that’s a lemon guava and luckily it comes to our side so we cut a branch and ate some so good and sour

  • @Harry-bz5jw
    @Harry-bz5jw 2 місяці тому

    fuck the music

  • @JessicaWorks-p9r
    @JessicaWorks-p9r 2 місяці тому

    I was wondering if this would work! 😂 Probably too late in November for most of it to germinate but I'm going to try this next year.

  • @NirvanaFan5000
    @NirvanaFan5000 2 місяці тому

    genuine question - why burn boxes? can they not be recycled or maybe even composted? just curious

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 2 місяці тому

      @NirvanaFan5000 I do all the above, but I have to also dispose of my local communities food drive boxes, so occasionally I burn for convenience. Most get recycled.

  • @pgmuniasamy4619
    @pgmuniasamy4619 2 місяці тому

    Contact number

  • @adammz08
    @adammz08 2 місяці тому

    Dude, if you planted trees heavily on those things,and kept the goats off them,,,you'd have feed forever for those 4 legged friends,,,you'd just have to cut them a few branches.

  • @adammz08
    @adammz08 2 місяці тому

    Bro,on the first swale, lift the spillway 4 inches, the mounds of soil on the down hill side, are supposed to absorb water like a wick in a oil lamp. Have you planted any trees in them? That's what they're for.

  • @Minnehaha64
    @Minnehaha64 2 місяці тому

    So here I am 7 months later. Our pears didn't do well this year. But I bought some Ida Red apples (an heirloom variety) from the farmers market. And while the rest of the apples are baking in the oven as dumplings, the seeds are going to go into my fridge!

  • @Minnehaha64
    @Minnehaha64 2 місяці тому

    What you said about allowing the predators time to get to the infestation makes all kinds of sense! I had an aphid infestation on my calendula, which didn’t really hurt it much, but I never saw any of the hundreds if preying mantises come for dinner! No kidding--there are always bunches of them, but I didn’t see any of them until too late. BTW I had a nane change, but still live in west central Ohio, zone 6!

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 2 місяці тому

      Yes! It makes all the difference! At first, it may feel overwhelming and under attack, but it will equalize, and harmonize given time. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment Sheri!

  • @mechanics4all405
    @mechanics4all405 2 місяці тому

    clover

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 2 місяці тому

      @mechanics4all405 I love clover and have grown it, but it struggles in our heat.

    • @mechanics4all405
      @mechanics4all405 2 місяці тому

      @@DesertGardensHomestead choose another ground cover crop then,to lower soil temp retain moisture

  • @AmzBackyardOrchardandVineyard
    @AmzBackyardOrchardandVineyard 2 місяці тому

    Is that morninga mulch?!

  • @stevejohnstonbaugh9171
    @stevejohnstonbaugh9171 2 місяці тому

    Great content. Important knowledge. Thanks for teaching.

  • @alz123alz
    @alz123alz 2 місяці тому

    OH NOOOOOOO PLEASE DONT SAY LOQUATS ARE HARD TO PROPAGATE. I JUST BOUUGHT TONS OC LOQUAT SCIONS.. THANKS FOR THHE VIDEO

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 2 місяці тому

      @@alz123alz Scions are difficult to root. They are best used for grafting when it comes to loquats. Air layer is the best way to propagate.

  • @Minnehaha64
    @Minnehaha64 2 місяці тому

    I didn’t do well with my Moringa this year. I had my fingers in too many pies! I plan to try again next year. But in Ohio, zone 6a, I will be bringing them inside. I am also going to bring my figs in, to join my orange trees and lemon trees. I'm pretty new at this, but I really want to have these healthy fruits on hand! We also planted apple trees, a peach, and a plum this year, so we have some really good things coming up. But I really want to get the Moringa nailed down.

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 2 місяці тому

      @sherihicks1427 Sounds like you have a great mix of trees, both inground and container. Every year gets better and easier! I always look forward to seeing your comments! Thank you so much for blessing me with your time.

  • @ourrockydreamontheelephant4188
    @ourrockydreamontheelephant4188 2 місяці тому

    Love the intro. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 2 місяці тому

      Thanks, Jamey. I've been learning a ton on video graphics to improve content. It's been tough, but I see fruit!

  • @usahero9465
    @usahero9465 2 місяці тому

    💯🔥💪👊

  • @GreenThumbs1
    @GreenThumbs1 2 місяці тому

    Well done!

  • @alexandriaparr3107
    @alexandriaparr3107 2 місяці тому

    Excited about this! Right on time.

  • @ourrockydreamontheelephant4188
    @ourrockydreamontheelephant4188 2 місяці тому

    Excellent video Josh.

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 2 місяці тому

      @ourrockydreamontheelephant4188 Thanks Jamey, I always appreciate your support and feedback.

  • @TRINHTRAN-zl7gx
    @TRINHTRAN-zl7gx 3 місяці тому

    I used lemongrass as herbal medicine when I got a cold or coughing. Boil them up in the pot with water then inhale..

  • @jamesmeder9453
    @jamesmeder9453 3 місяці тому

    I'm in zone 4/5. Is it possible to keep it somehow to propagate in spring?

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      @jamesmeder9453 Sure! You could plant in early spring, and take a few divisions in fall, and pit them up for the following spring. It would be an easy way to keep it going!

  • @YahsNatsarim
    @YahsNatsarim 3 місяці тому

    What's the best way to acquire Lemongrass?

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      I would look for a cutting. Sometimes you will find Lemongrass stalks in an Asian market, or even locally within gardening groups on FB! Look for a trade.

    • @HAPPYPLANTGAL
      @HAPPYPLANTGAL 3 місяці тому

      Can you grow it indoors???​@@DesertGardensHomestead

    • @charlenequinilty7252
      @charlenequinilty7252 3 місяці тому

      They have it in spring at my local nursery

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      @charlenequinilty7252 I have seen them from time to time in big box stores too.

  • @GreenThumbs1
    @GreenThumbs1 3 місяці тому

    Love it!

  • @usahero9465
    @usahero9465 3 місяці тому

    I love lemongrass. Not only for the tea, but also for the beauty. Thanks for covering the plant!

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      I agree 💯. It's one of those plants where we can make a list of all the potential uses!

  • @stevejohnstonbaugh9171
    @stevejohnstonbaugh9171 3 місяці тому

    Such an environmental improvement for your shade house residents. And your success with cuttings will go way up now! Gad you noticed the evaporative cooling effect right away Brilliant

  • @donnastormer9652
    @donnastormer9652 3 місяці тому

    I planted 16 of these along my fence line in May 2024. It is now late October 2024 and they are 8 to 10 feet tall with 10 to 15 branches and they’re all blooming at the same time. It is absolutely gorgeous ! I live in Northwest Florida zone 9a

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      I agree 💯. The beauty is unmatched, and the Monarch butterfly attraction is amazing! Thanks for sharing!

  • @YahsNatsarim
    @YahsNatsarim 3 місяці тому

    I love your videos, such great info!

  • @foamdinner4340
    @foamdinner4340 3 місяці тому

    Really pretty trees

  • @ourrockydreamontheelephant4188
    @ourrockydreamontheelephant4188 3 місяці тому

    Another great, informative video. We've got 2 put in , 1 planted with a fig and one not but used as a swale mound. Slowly making our way out to it.

  • @usahero9465
    @usahero9465 3 місяці тому

    😮💪🔥💯

  • @CubanMofo
    @CubanMofo 3 місяці тому

    Are these self pollinating? My tree doesn't produce fruit after flowering

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      @@CubanMofo They ate self fruitful If it's not fruiting after flower, it could be immature, lacking nutrients/soil conditions, could be an environmental issue, or a water issue.

  • @aracelisaravia2042
    @aracelisaravia2042 3 місяці тому

    Can you provide the brand name of the heater please?

  • @rduval
    @rduval 3 місяці тому

    passion fruit die in the winter! I did not know that

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      @@rduval depending on where you are. They usually say they are rated for zone 9a, but it's hit or miss until 9b.

  • @rduval
    @rduval 3 місяці тому

    do you recommend planting moringa in October? I got a pretty nice moringa a couple years ago but it did not survive the winter. Great channel by the way. Learning lots. I live in TUcson as well

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      Very cool! I would not recommend planting a moringa now. I'd plug it in next Spring in late April or early May. I also have a small plant nursery with all kinds of cool fruit trees that do well locally. Look forward to meeting you my friend.

  • @mojavebohemian814
    @mojavebohemian814 3 місяці тому

    Sadly, in my area and in CA considered invasive now. I like them

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      @mojavebohemian814 very true. I've heard quite a few areas have considered Autumn Olive invasive. I've even received nasty comments for showcasing these in the past for being invasive.

  • @anniebygrave9300
    @anniebygrave9300 3 місяці тому

    I have loved and grown Eleagnus ebbingei for years in the UK. We moved to France 4 years ago. I had no idea about these other varieties, or the fact that the species is nitrogen fixing. We have had drought and heatwaves in our area in SW France for the last few years and many shrubs are suffering in our garden, but I suspect the deciduous eleagnus varieties might have a certain amount of resistance to stress - I guess they may drop their leaves early if required, to preserve water. So I'm definitely thinking of adding Autumn Olive and Sweet Scarlet Goumi Berry shrubs to our garden this winter, in the gaps left from some of the shrubs and trees that haven't made it. We have inherited a difficult organic Mediterranean garden. It is compacted clay with a lot of stones in, covered in gravel in most places. It's not possible to dig in the summer, only after the winter rains. Even with the use of a pickaxe you can't get down more than about 6 inches. Despite being clay it appears to be low in nitrogen, so the Eleagnus could hopefully assist with this. We improve the soil in the planting holes with homemade compost and organic fertiliser, but due to the difficulty in digging, the holes tend to be only just big enough - about an inch or two extra around the root ball - which doesn't help the plants establish easily! Anything planted in our garden has to be especially tough with very strong roots!! Fingers crossed we can get some deciduous Eleagnus to survive. Wish me luck! 😂😂😂

    • @DesertGardensHomestead
      @DesertGardensHomestead 3 місяці тому

      @anniebygrave9300 Thank you for sharing your experiences across the pond! I too have heavy clay soil with a caliche layer that is almost unpenetrable unless you fill the hole with water and allow it to soften up the clay and caliche. One thing I'd recommend besides the addition of the Goumi and Autumn Olive (which will make a huge difference), would be to apply a heavy mulch layer around trees and areas you want to plant on later. Over the course of a short few years, fungal and bacterial based microbes will take home in the covered soil and begin to naturally loosen up the clay soil. It's an amazing process! Good luck!

    • @anniebygrave9300
      @anniebygrave9300 3 місяці тому

      @@DesertGardensHomestead thank you so much. I will take your advice. Happy gardening xx

  • @vballboy11
    @vballboy11 3 місяці тому

    how did the air layer on this do? how long was it air layered for?