Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
I'm back at it in the garden, focusing on the Ruth Stout method ♥ For those unfamiliar, it's a really interesting approach that emphasizes a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, often reducing the need for tilling. I'm adapting it slightly by also using cardboard in my beds for extra weed control and to help improve the soil structure over time. You'll see the process of weeding, even some flame weeding for the really stubborn patches, followed by laying down the cardboard and then a generous layer of hay. This method can be a great choice for others because it can save you a lot of backbreaking work by minimizing digging and weeding. Plus, the mulch helps keep the soil healthy and consistently moist, which is fantastic for your plants. It's all about working with nature rather than constantly fighting it, and I'm excited to show you my progress!
📽️We have more Ruth Stout Gardening How-To Videos here: youtube.com/@1870s/search?query=ruth
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👕 Shop Our Merch: bonfire.com/store/1870smerch
🌻 HOSS Garden Tools & Seeds: shrsl.com/33ehp (Promo Code SHOP1870 for free seeds!)
🌱 MIGardener: migardener.com/1870
🌺 GREENSTALK Vertical Gardens: greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=SHOP1870 (Promo Code SHOP1870 for $10 off!)
🥫 FORJARS Canning Lids: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)
🍃 HARVEST Right Freeze Dryers: affiliates.harvestright.com/1182.html
🔦 OLIGHT Flashlights: bit.ly/3z6daku (Promo Code SHOP1870 for 10% off!)
🛒 Our Favorite AMAZON Finds: amzn.to/3ihSgZP
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Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
---------------
✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
Instagram: instagram.com/that_1870s_homestead
Pinterest: pinterest.com/that1870s
EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
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Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
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00:00 Returning to Ruth Stout Gardening
01:02 Cardboard for Weed Suppression
02:08 Removing Tape from Cardboard
02:59 Tackling Creeping Charlie and Thistle
04:01 Weeding Challenges and Seeded Beds
05:01 Cutting Hay Bales for Garden Use
06:27 Using and Adjusting Hay in Beds
07:40 Hay for Moisture Retention
08:36 Hay for Compost and Weed Control
09:29 Layering Hay and Cardboard in Beds
11:50 Maintaining Hay Mulch Long Term
12:49 Hay Considerations by Climate
13:45 Fertilizers and Organic Layers
14:42 Garden Transformation Satisfaction
I'm back at it in the garden, focusing on the Ruth Stout method ♥ For those unfamiliar, it's a really interesting approach that emphasizes a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, often reducing the need for tilling. I'm adapting it slightly by also using cardboard in my beds for extra weed control and to help improve the soil structure over time. You'll see the process of weeding, even some flame weeding for the really stubborn patches, followed by laying down the cardboard and then a generous layer of hay. This method can be a great choice for others because it can save you a lot of backbreaking work by minimizing digging and weeding. Plus, the mulch helps keep the soil healthy and consistently moist, which is fantastic for your plants. It's all about working with nature rather than constantly fighting it, and I'm excited to show you my progress!
📽️We have more Ruth Stout Gardening How-To Videos here: youtube.com/@1870s/search?query=ruth
---------------
👕 Shop Our Merch: bonfire.com/store/1870smerch
🌻 HOSS Garden Tools & Seeds: shrsl.com/33ehp (Promo Code SHOP1870 for free seeds!)
🌱 MIGardener: migardener.com/1870
🌺 GREENSTALK Vertical Gardens: greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=SHOP1870 (Promo Code SHOP1870 for $10 off!)
🥫 FORJARS Canning Lids: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)
🍃 HARVEST Right Freeze Dryers: affiliates.harvestright.com/1182.html
🔦 OLIGHT Flashlights: bit.ly/3z6daku (Promo Code SHOP1870 for 10% off!)
🛒 Our Favorite AMAZON Finds: amzn.to/3ihSgZP
---------------
Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
---------------
✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
Instagram: instagram.com/that_1870s_homestead
Pinterest: pinterest.com/that1870s
EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
---------------
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
---------------
00:00 Returning to Ruth Stout Gardening
01:02 Cardboard for Weed Suppression
02:08 Removing Tape from Cardboard
02:59 Tackling Creeping Charlie and Thistle
04:01 Weeding Challenges and Seeded Beds
05:01 Cutting Hay Bales for Garden Use
06:27 Using and Adjusting Hay in Beds
07:40 Hay for Moisture Retention
08:36 Hay for Compost and Weed Control
09:29 Layering Hay and Cardboard in Beds
11:50 Maintaining Hay Mulch Long Term
12:49 Hay Considerations by Climate
13:45 Fertilizers and Organic Layers
14:42 Garden Transformation Satisfaction
