The Right Spot Makes All the Difference
Choosing the right location for your garden isn’t just about convenience—it’s about giving your plants the conditions they need to thrive. Here are the three key factors to keep in mind:
Sunlight: Choose Full Sun
- Most vegetables and herbs need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day
- Avoid shaded spots or areas blocked by fences, trees, or buildings
- More sunlight typically means better growth and higher yield
Drainage: Avoid Waterlogged Areas
- Pick a location that drains well after rainfall
- Stay away from low-lying areas where water tends to collect
- Consider raised beds or soil amendments if drainage is an issue
Accessibility: Make It Easy to Reach
- Position your garden close to a water source to simplify irrigation
- Choose a spot along your usual walking route to check in regularly
- Accessibility makes it more likely you’ll tend the garden consistently
Placing your garden in the right spot saves time, reduces maintenance, and sets you up for success before you plant the first seed.
Choosing the Right Raised Bed Material
The materials you choose for your raised beds impact everything from longevity and appearance to cost and sustainability. Whether you’re aiming for modern aesthetics, durability, or sustainability, there’s a material that fits your garden style and goals.
Popular Raised Bed Materials
Wood
A classic choice, wood is widely used for raised beds due to its availability and ease of use.
- Cedar: Naturally rot-resistant and insect-repellent; usually higher in cost but long-lasting
- Redwood: Also rot-resistant and visually attractive; another premium but durable option
- Pressure-treated lumber: Affordable and durable; modern versions are generally safe for gardens, but always check safety standards before use
Stone or Brick
If you’re looking for something that blends durability and design, stone or brick can be a great option.
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Adds a permanent, structured look to your garden
- Heavier and more labor-intensive to install
Metal or Galvanized Steel
Achieve a sleek, contemporary look while ensuring longevity.
- Rust-resistant and built to last
- Great heat retention for early-season planting
- Modern, clean aesthetic
Repurposed Items
Get creative and eco-conscious by using upcycled items.
- Old dressers or wooden crates: Offer a rustic look while reusing old furniture
- Shipping pallets: Inexpensive and easy to source; be sure to use heat-treated pallets only
- Stock tanks: Durable and low-maintenance; ideal for larger beds
Final Considerations
When selecting a material, consider budget, local climate, garden style, and how permanent you want your setup to be. Every option has trade-offs, but selecting the one that best fits your priorities will make gardening easier and more enjoyable.
Vlogging has been through just about everything — shifting algorithms, rising platforms, demonetization waves, and burnouts — but it keeps moving forward. In a digital world where formats fade fast, vlogging stays standing. Why? Because it adapts. It doesn’t rely on one trick, one platform, or one kind of creator. It morphs with the moment, whether that’s leaning into short-form chaos or leaning out to build slow-burn narratives.
2024 brings another round of changes. Platforms are shifting the rules around visibility and monetization. Tech, especially AI, is creeping deeper into the creative process. And audiences, once happy with flash, now want real substance — even in videos under a minute. For creators, this means reading the room and shifting with it. Staying passive won’t cut it. But for those willing to fine-tune their game, the field’s wide open.
Micro-Niching for Loyal, High-Intent Audiences
Broad appeal used to be the name of the game. Not anymore. In 2024, vloggers are winning by going deep instead of wide. That means picking a very specific lane—like vanlife for single dads, or sustainable streetwear hauls—and building a tight-knit audience that actually shows up.
Why it works: these micro-niches attract viewers with intent. They’re not just scrolling for noise. They’re invested, which translates to higher watch time, more meaningful comments, and stronger retention. Vloggers with a loyal base might not hit millions of views, but they build communities that convert—into patrons, buyers, and long-term fans.
It’s also a smarter path to monetization. Brands are more interested in niche influencers who talk directly to an engaged tribe, not just anyone with a high sub count. Depth is the new reach, and laser focus beats shotgun content.
So if your vlogging strategy is still trying to please everyone, it’s time to get specific—then get consistent.
The 3-layer method is a no-nonsense approach to building out a solid, fertile base for raised garden beds. It’s easy, cost-effective, and great for recycling organic materials you probably already have around.
Start with the base. Lay down cardboard or newspaper directly over grass or soil. This acts as a natural weed barrier and will break down over time.
Next comes the filler. Add a loose layer of branches, straw, or other compostable junk. This gives the bed structure and improves drainage. It also creates pockets for airflow as materials settle.
Finally, top it off with your growing mix. Go with equal parts compost, topsoil, and either peat moss or coconut coir. This combination holds moisture while still draining well, giving your plants strong support from day one.
Pro tip: Before planting anything, test your soil mix by watering it. If the water pools or drains too fast, tweak your blend. You want it moist but not soggy, light but not fluffy.
Starting a garden doesn’t have to be complicated. A few low-maintenance crops are perfect for beginners: lettuce, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and herbs like basil and parsley. These grow fast, need minimal oversight, and give you a quick win, which is key when you’re just getting into the rhythm of planting and harvesting.
Companion planting is another smart move. Think of it like good neighbor dynamics for plants. Tomatoes like basil. Radishes keep pests off lettuce. Grouping certain crops together can improve yields, cut down on pests, and make the most of your growing space without extra effort.
You also want to know the difference between annuals and perennials. Annuals grow for a season and then they’re done. Perennials come back year after year. If you’re all in for a long-term setup, perennials like chives or thyme can be a smart play. But if you’re testing the waters or short on space, annuals are low-stakes and flexible.
Watering your garden shouldn’t be complicated or wasteful. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses hooked up to a timer take the guesswork out of the equation. They deliver water directly to the roots where it’s needed, not sprayed all over the place. Efficient, quiet, and out of the way.
Next up: mulch. Not just for looks, it’s your first line of defense against weeds and moisture loss. A few inches of organic mulch can drastically reduce how often you need to water. Plus it suppresses weed growth, which means less time pulling and more time enjoying your space.
Finally, keep a gardening calendar. Whether it’s a simple notebook or a phone reminder, tracking when you plant, feed, and harvest helps you stay on top of your garden’s rhythm. No more guessing if the tomatoes are late or if the soil needs amending. Stay consistent, and your crops will thank you.
Going green with your home or garden doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by choosing untreated, sustainable materials. Think raw wood, natural fibers, and low-impact finishes. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about keeping chemicals out of your space and making choices that last.
Next, don’t let organic waste go to waste. Composting your kitchen scraps and yard clippings gives you free, nutrient-rich soil and cuts down on garbage. It’s low effort, high return.
Finally, good gardens support life. Bring pollinators into the picture by planting native flowers alongside your usual greens. Local bees, butterflies, and birds will do more for your ecosystem than you think. For tips on making a pollinator-friendly garden, check out this guide: here.
Start with a single pot. Or one raised bed. Too many beginner vloggers try to plant the whole thing at once—gear, schedule, content strategy, branding. It’s overwhelming and rarely sustainable. The smarter move is to find one creative seed you care about and experiment. Post something low-pressure. See what draws in comments or sparks a save.
Over time, the layout of your channel—your themes, your upload rhythm, your editing flow—gets easier. You’ll learn the kind of content you actually like making, and what your viewers show up for. It’s not about chasing trends every week. It’s about figuring out what you can water regularly.
Vlogging isn’t just a technical skill or a growth hack. It’s rewarding in a more grounded way. The connection, the feedback, the identity you build one post at a time—it grows into something bigger than the numbers. That part? It’s worth sticking around for.