A tree service is in our neighbor now, trimming trees along the power lines. Yesterday they delivered one of what I hope will be many - huge chipper trailer loads of beautiful mulch. We use a lot of mulch in the vegetable , herb, flower gardens & around fruit trees . Another huge benefit I have discovered for our fruit trees is Comfrey plants . 2 years ago, I planted 3 Comfrey plants around each of several Peach trees. I discovered Comfrey, not only has awesome medicinal properties, but is called a Mining Plant - it's roots growing deep into the soil, pulling up minerals to the roots of trees ! Last year our Peach harvest exploded !

After Tuck wanted to play, you kept talking and he went off and grabbed a chunk of some veggie to gnaw on! What a good little garden partner.

Sometimes I think about starting a youtube for gardening but then I watch all the great content you and a few others I watch are creating and I go nah, they got it covered lol. Thanks for spreading the good word about woodchips and fungi.

James: Please consider making a 2023 wood chip evaluation update. I have noticed in my BTE garden now after 10 years of adding wood chips via garden mix (70% leaves and 30% wood chips) a “fine wine” aroma. Fresh, earthy and mycelium life. 🌞🌱❤️. We add aged compost from the bio mix from the hen yard. 🐓

I've been watching Paul Stamets for years now. I'm a mushroom hunter and grower. I love your energy for teaching us gardening. THANK YOU!

Absolutely love the positivity you and Tuck bring in these videos, and the great information!

Forget the wood chips. I want Tuck in my garden. I love him

Thanks again James! Our Garden is phenomenal and has been the last 2 years. We are on year 3 and its going to be even better this year. All because of what you have taught us!

James, the one thing I would say - is watch your depth on woodchips - like anything if you put too deep a layer you can actually cause more problems than you are trying to solve. you mentioned 8-10" One of the main problems with thick layers of mulch is that they can put off too much heat as they break down - especially if there is a lot of leaf material in it - this is why it is essential that mulch during the growing season be allowed to age, stock pile it for use the following season. Another thing that excessive mulch can do is cause basal decay - it is imperative that mulch NOT touch your tree trunks - root bark is not the same as trunk bark, and many a tree has been killed by a mulch volcano or being planted too deep, As an arborist this is the #1 mistake I see with newly planted trees. Ideally a 4-6" layer should suffice. more than that runs the risk of too many issues, less than that as you mentioned it isnt as effective.

Just terrific. You continue to increase my understanding of the huge skin of the underlying size of the microrizal, ( sp) , growth, and that this fungi is really what we are planting into. Like you once experienced, when you “ got it”, I am vibrating with excitement at your explanation. Makes perfect since. I am going to watch this episode repeatedly, as you are by far the best explainer- in - Chief. Thank you James!

I've been doing the same things in Oregon for many yrs now. I want no more lawn. My yard is so much more peaceful and enjoyable. You are one of the few people I see on here with so much enthusiasm.

This is seriously the best informative and easiest to watch gardening video I have found! Thank you, so glad you are doing these and sharing your knowledge! The way you convey the info to us, right to the point, you get so much in! It is so well worth my time and I am gleaning off of the passion you have as well! Your a natural, well done!!!

First snow of the year, here in Western Massachusetts. A lovely way to spend it is to watch my favorite KZfaqr. Thank you for all the hard work and inspiration you provide in your vids!

Glad you mentioned manure. People often miss the fact that Paul Gautschi, the Back to Eden guy in Sequim WA, has a bunch of chicken-manure compost that goes onto his gardens n orchards every year.

I appreciate all the scientific work on soil that eventually filters its way down to youtube & people in general. Good stuff.

I love how your passion for your subject shines through, keep shining!

After all these years of fighting what I thought was a problem, only to find out it is beneficial .... who knew. You are the first person I've seen to broach this subject. What a relief .... thanks a 1,000,000!

Dude, your channel rocks. The information is presented at exactly the right pace. Always great info. Thanks man!

This was so informative. I live in Northern California and have access to fresh chips from an arborist. I’m putting them around the new fruit orchard and my newly built house which I now learned from you will help with fire protection. Thank you for all the great tips on pruning fruit trees also. Love watching Tuck and your relationship with him. Thanks again.

TUCK IS AMAZING! HE NEEDS TO BE LIKE THIS IN EVERY VIDEO. I HAVE 4 DOGS AND THEY ARE ALWAYS OUTSIDE WITH ME YEAR ROUND. DOGS ARE AWESOME TO HAVE, THEY DEFINITELY RELIEVE STRESS.

The way you explained your knowledge makes it easy to understand, thanks for the great info. Appears that your co-star tuck is requesting more air time!

I have heard that up to 80% of all plants use this fungus the same way. Some scientists believe the fungus actually allows trees to communicate with each other via the chemical signals traded between the two. Allowing one tree to sense what a tree near it needs and responding in a helpful way. Very fascinating! And we honestly have no idea how deep these relationships go! I'm sure this is just one thousands of relationships that plants use to grow and communicate.

My garden growing great then I blink and then it’s overtaken by weeds is exactly my experience!! This is a wonderful tutorial video, THANK YOU!!! ❤ Tuck is adorable 😊

Hi James this subject about the association between fungi and bacteria is fascinating, like you this made me very excited because I have a garden covered in leaf litter. For more than 80 years my garden floor has been covered in leaf mulch it is now about eight inch deep in some places when I last measured. As a result I have several edible wild mushroom that grows in my garden, some are not edible but they are helping with the decomposition of leaves and twigs on my small forest floor. I am able to collect a handful of myciliated leaf litter and a hand full of compost from my compost bin and create a fantastic compost tea. Tuck is helping spread the woodchip. Thanks for the video.

Great information. Love Tuck! You two have a sweet relationship. It warms my heart! 💕

I love how excited you get with gardening! Thank you for sharing your passion

Tuck just made my day! I had Achilles tendon surgery Thursday. I am not allowed to do much yet, and I'm missing my garden. But Tuck made me smile and made me happy. Thank you for your videos! They really help.

Thank you James and Tuck! Lol ..♥️Tuck is so cute! I’ve completed a 600 sq. Foot area as you recommend, the cardboard first, woodchips, well rotted manure, then woodchips on top.i had 12 below zero last nite but spring is sure to come!🌱 winter garden planning is great fun! Thank you for all you do! Now for that list of special peppers, tomatoes, strawberries that you plant!

I knew James was about to post a video. A good reminder video for me. I don't use wood chips, not by choice, but I do use leaves and some grass clippings. This is the time of year when I'm covering my garden; just like what James is doing.

We’ve always used wood chips in our garden and have had great success! Wouldn’t have a garden without them!

Perfect timing for this video, my wood chipper arrives in two days. I plan to start my own chip pile and start our new garden in the spring. Thanks for the valuable information!

Tuck was in rare form that day! He sure was spunky! 🐶 He’s so cute. Thank you for the info about arbor mulch.

Your joy is so contagious, James. Thanks for helping me along this year (my first!) gardening in upstate New York after moving from dry, arid southern Idaho. It felt too scary at first because Idaho has so few pests and it's hot ALL summer, where here it's much milder, and there are so many bugs lol, but you made it feel so possible! :) I'm still terrified of being triumphed by insects but I'll never get better until I start!! Thank you 💜💜

You and Tuck are a GREAT TEAM!! LOVE your attitudes!!!!! Garden ON!!!

My favorite was his dog wanting to play and that he took time to play with him! Stellar!! 🎉 of course the content was good too!

I see Tucky was a little frisky today. He is so cute...I love him ❤️

Well, I'm going to have to rewatch this one cause I was too busy watching and laughing at Tuck. He was definitely feeling frisky and demanding your attention! 😂 Great video, though!❤🐶❤

I'm so glad that I watched this video. We have many Black walnut trees on our property. I've kept my gardens about 20+ feet away from them due to the toxicity of the roots. However, I was always afraid to chip the branches, or use them in a raised bed. Now I know! Thanks for your comment about the black walnut. I trust your expertise. Mary Anne Record.

Lol love that little dog playing in the middle of your video!! I was hoping you wld scoop him up! Soooo adorable!!!

I'm used to using natural cedar wood. I saw so many bags of leaves out but couldn't muster the courage to ask people for it. I pray I can do it next year.

Your enthusiasm is great! Thanks for making these videos, I've learned so much!

Thanks for another great video. You always cover the subjects I have questions about. I absolutely love Tuck he is the cutest dog ever besides my puppy cookie which is also a terrier and they love roughhousing like that . so cute. And just the fact that tuck wants to get into the garden to dig up snacks just too cute for words.

Thanks so much for approaching this subject so well. My girls and I are going to be making a somewhat impromptu move from the Pacific Northwest back down to Arizona and taking the supplies we have built up for what was to be our ‘nature garden’ as we call it. I really need as much advice as possible on preserving water in my growing areas since In many places down south, they do not allow such things as rain barrels due to the need for moisture in the water table. So again, thank you!

I’ve been marathoning your videos these past couple weeks because I’m so excited to get going this year. Ironically I’ve been looking for more info on wood chips. We have tons of free ones from the county when they go and cut dangerous branches. I was super worried I might have some black walnut in there. This one helped. Thanks James (and Tuck).

“You are being lied to about wood chips” caught my eye so I watched. You didn’t say what you were being lied to about. I have had wood chips for years and they have worked great. For the most part, people are very favorable about wood chips. So, what is the lie ?

I‘be seen that fungus in my wood chips before, but really didn’t know what I was looking at till seeing this video. Good thing to know! Appreciate you sharing this information!

I'm reading the book, Finding the Mother Tree, now, and it's all about the fungus. So glad you are talking about this!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told this method wouldn’t/shouldn’t work. I’ve been openly laughed at and one lady told me I must be living on a water source... It’s amazing how many people don’t believe this works, even when I have my whole yard as evidence that it is working.

You are correct . I have access to sawdust. I use it much like you do the chips. It's great stuff

I love that you played with your dog. Thanks for sharing your experience and skill and knowledge.

Tuck is adorable! I'm so glad you have him in your videos.

love your garden. I am starting somethings similar but instead of waiting for random mushrooms to colonize the woodchips I am inoculating with edible mushrooms like King Strophoria. With the amount of wood chips you have, you could get a whole lot more production if you cultivated edible mushrooms on it at the same time.

Six inches of wood chips will rot down to two inches of soil every two years. I turned red clay subsoil into six inches of rich black soil with a truck load of wood chips spread six inches thick once a year for four years in a row. This was in central Missouri on a lot scalped raw by the house construction process.

Gotta love Prigioni's enthusiasm!! Gets me pumped, love the guy.

James, thank you for your work and being of service. I have learned so much from you. Also you have a great attitude! Keep it up my brother.

Tuck is a doll! You should do a video of just Tuck! I'd love to see more of him.

BTW, your grasp of how nature works is astounding.

You are an awesome teacher and instructor, Sir.! Thank you for making a KZfaq Channel! You rock!

Thank you cousin. Nothing better than being in the garden with your dog. 👍🏼

My new favorite phrase: "Importantly incrdible." So fitting for so many situations.

Hey James I love your videos! I don’t currently have space for a food forest except for a little strip in between my neighbors house and mine. I decided the best crops for a micro food forest is Chestnut trees! I’m curious if you have ever considered adding 2 chestnuts on dwarf rootstock to your forest? I also have been planting hardy figs around the warmer parts of my house! Keep these awesome videos coming! - toast from SE Pennsylvania

Thank you James. I agree totally about the organic matter helping towards soft and moist soil. Just to go further and do not stop there, is to plant annual seasonal cover crops for regenerative soil. Only living plants can use the carbon from the air and put it back into the soil for the fungi's to keep functioning and grow more.

Subbed! Too much great content to ignore. Love the detailed info, debunking myths & bad intel, and the overall stoked demeanour and cheerfulness you bring! Also, Tuck is a beauty!!

Intentionally adding specific species of mushrooms are a great way to build soil and harvest food at the same time. Paul Stamets sells plenty of different types of sawdust spawn.

Sunday nights with James and Tucky 💕💕💕💕💕🍵

Thank you so much for giving us the deep science and understanding of successfully using and assisting nature for the production of our food. Amazing James.

Thanks James, I love that you are so enthusiastic about your forest garden. I learn so much.

Tuck is so cute! Makes me miss having a dog. After our last one passed away due to old age, we just haven't had the heart to get another one.

What’s up with Tuck? It’s like he’s trying to warn you about impending danger. Whenever Lassie started acting like that we knew Timmy was going to fall into a well!

Termites like wet but not rotting wood, as with mulch. If you have a leak in the walls of your house, such as around doors and windows, or in the eaves or roof, the water will seep down and saturate the framing inside the walls. This is where termites will come to live/infest. Love the dog. Very good in depth info on wood chip mulch.

Tuck is a Hoot!!! We were given Cedar Wood Chips for Free...very Green with Leaves & Sticks...placing them on top of Weed Fabric on all my Walkways & around all our Fruit Trees. Thank You

Tuck said, "It's my show today! Let's go baby!" That was gold.

Paul Staments is becoming a real hero of mine. His book Mycelium Running has became one of the most important books I have read.

I have used woodchips in my garden for years. I love them help so much with weed control! never has an issue and grown a TON of stuff . I dont think i could garden without it!

I live in the low desert of Arizona in the summer my wood chips feel dry on top. I did worry on the 4th of July and watered my front yard, which is covered in wood chips, my neighbors were setting off bottle rockets and other types of fireworks that catch things on fire. My woodchips are about 2 b=feet from my house but as a precausion I sprayed my yard down. Which I did other times as well as we did not have very much rain this past summer. but I did use much less water by using woodchips. I do love your garden and your videos. Thank You!

When you talk about the wood chips/mulch it reminds me of that Back To Eden Film with Paul Gautschi! Thank you for all your hard work and information!!

Loving the content as always!! James + Tuck is absolutely adorable :)

From Québec City, we love your videos, we are learning so much and we will absolutly do a forest food here. We will try to make videos like yours in french canadian to inspire people from here :) thanks for everything ♥️

I use wood chips as much as I can. I have been a believer for a long time. James thank you for your videos. I love your enthusiasm. Keep doing the good work.

Paul Stamets is the man of men. Thank you for mentioning him. He IS saving our world.

Totally got my attention when your pooch was trying to play with you!!😂😂

🤣🥰　Hi, Tuck, good boy! Thanks for sharing, James! I am finally making progress in my garden. I found a source for free wood chips, but I have to haul them myself. Thankfully it’s just a couple miles straight down the road. I currently have about 1/4 of my garden covered. Just planted my first two fruit trees, and today a hazelnut is going in. Annuals are going into my old raised beds.

Thanks James, I updated my ChipDrop info to include pine, can hardly wait for my first drop, TUCK IS SUCH A GOOD BOY!!!!!

absolutely correct... i have mountains of wood chips that i allow to age for a year and use it all over my land. i had pure coarse sand like the beach and it would not hold any water. after 7 years of using the chips i did not have to water my fruit trees all summer even though we did not get any rain for 6 months. also... chickens love them as they are a great source of worms as they age. to speed the decomposition, you can use coffee, urine, or any source of nitrogen. birds that come for the bugs will leave their droppings so that helps. don't let anyone tell you it smells... it does not. and it is not a fire hazard as just an inch or two deep it will be moist even at the end of august. call tree service people in your area... they usually keep a list of people who want chips and will bring you some when they do a job close to you. chips shrink in volume 1/3 per year so a truck load at first seems huge but trust me... it is not much in the end 🙂 p.s. also... feel free to bury dead animals or meat waste in the chips... they will decompose with no smell very quickly and improve decomposition.

😂🤣😂 Tuck was so funny‼ He gave me such a good laugh here, thank you! Bless you guys 🙏

I ordered a load of free wood chips from a tree company near me just today! James, THANK-YOU so much for telling us about it! I would never have known. I can’t wait until they come.

Great info. Thanks. Your dog is the comic relief for your show. Hysterical!

Great info. I enjoy your inspiration and gardening enthusiasm👍🏻

You are an amazing teacher. Thank you so very much.

Like your videos. I've had a food forest going on for a few years now but your videos definitely help. Now when I go out to pick stuff your opening theme song plays in my head.

I love your understanding and explaining the science of why it works or doesn't.

Any fan of Paul Stamets is a friend of mine.Thanks for sharing.

Did I miss a video on making that hinged tunnel? Thanks for all the knowledge!

Love this content just subscribed. I find that tons and tons of " plant people " professionals and hobby gardeners No one talks about mycorrhizal fungi, I've been a fan for 20 years and will not plant anything without it. it makes me look like a super hero to my customers. Keep up the great work

Tuck was all riled up. So cute. Thank you for the great information... as usual. ☀️🌱🐞🐝😁🥒🍓🌽🥦🍆

I was going to keep my composure today and suck up all the information , but 9:55 I lost it when The Tuckster got busy!😍

thanks for passing on your knowledge, always learning from you.

I’ve been watching your videos and appreciate how informative you are and the way you deliver your information. One thing I’m hoping you can clear up about the back to eden way of gardening is the soil. I’ve read from people that started with just chipped trees that they’ve had limited success. Then I read you should mix in Manure as the chips need this to help with decomposition. I have 2 acres of land I want to prep this summer for planting next summer and want to do it right the first time. Thanks in advance and thanks for your posts.

Tuck is the best medicine so whenever he wants to play I don't mind watching an extra ten minutes of video. Thanks a bunch

I just got on “Chip Drop” program last week. I don’t know when they will bring it but, I figure if I get on their list early I hopefully will have a lot of wood chips for my garden and chicken yard. I can’t wait!