A Month of Harvesting and Improvements in Our Alaskan Garden

In this video, we take you through a full month of harvesting and prepping our Alaskan garden for next season. We start with harvesting cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, sugar ann peas and making pickles in early September. Mid-month, we cut potato tops, harvest garlic, and harvest all the tomatoes and peppers. In October, we harvest the potatoes and make garden improvements, including tearing down greenhouses and adding fresh dirt to the outdoor garden. Plus, we answer the big question: Is gardening in Alaska worth it to us?
Thank you for watching and supporting our channel!
Katie & Chris
Music:
The World In Our Arms/Jon Algar/Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
The Daydreamer/Eric Feinberg/Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Ball Dill Pickle Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 pounds (3- to 5-inch) pickling cucumbers
1 gallon plus 1 quart water
10 tablespoons Ball® Salt for Pickling and Preserving
3 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon pickling spice
12 dill sprigs
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
Ball® Pickle Crisp® Granules (optional)
Preparation:
1 Rinse the cucumbers under cold running water, and trim any that are longer than 5 inches so that they’ll fit comfortably in the jar. Cut each cucumber lengthwise into quarters. Place the spears in a large, clean container (such as a 12- to 18-quart food-safe plastic pail or basin). Combine 1 gallon of the water and 6 tablespoons of the salt in a large pitcher, stirring until the salt dissolves. Pour over the cucumbers; cover and let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Drain; rinse under cold running water, and drain.
2 Combine remaining 1 quart water, vinegar, next 2 ingredients, and remaining 1⁄4 cup salt in a stainless-steel or enameled saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve.
3 Place 2 of the dill sprigs and 1 teaspoon of the mustard seeds into a hot jar, and pack tightly with the cucumber spears. Ladle the hot pickling liquid over the spears, leaving 1⁄2-inch headspace. Add 1⁄8 teaspoon Ball® Pickle Crisp® Granules to jar, if desired. Remove air bubbles. Wipe the jar rim. Center the lid on the jar. Apply the band, and adjust to fingertip-tight. Place the jar in the boiling water canner. Repeat until all the jars are filled.
4 Process the jars 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat; remove the lid, and let the jars stand 5 minutes. Remove the jars and cool.
You can view the recipe here: foodchannel.co...
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Products in this video:
Chris’ Holster: amzn.to/46CXaqs
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Collapsible Tub: amzn.to/3z24LDR
Katie's Overalls: amzn.to/4eM4DYK

[@peterfoster5871]

You guys are working so hard so that people all over the world can sit and relax watching your amazing videos thanks

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! Every day there's a job to be done 😀

[@StevenEverett7]

Watching you feed your dog raw veggies made me smile in memory. When I was young, I was weeding my parents garden with my dog watching me. I pulled a carrot and offered it to her. She loved it. As a matter of fact, she loved it so much that she was pulling carrots on her own for the rest of the summer!

[@bjet2]

We used to use baby carrots dog treats instead of "dog biscuits" as treats. Dogs love anything that is crunchy.

[@beckiesmith5095]

Wow the beginning of your video with the cranes, was so beautiful. Really er enjoy sharing in your adventures.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@chuckhorner3758]

Your efforts to achieve a more sustainable life are so commendable. The garden(s), the chickens, DIY cabin, and so on have come so far in a relatively short period of time. Kudos to Katie's willingness to share in this great adventure is absolutely admirable. Her work ethic is amazing! Count me among this lady's fans.

[@MicroUrbanGardenWonders]

"The birds are spreading their wings and flying as if drawing beautiful dots in the sky! Thank you for sharing this wonderful moment, like a living picture of nature's magical creation. It's so amazing. There's nothing like admiring the radiant beauty you bring to life!”

[@SherryTorgerson]

What kind of bird is that?

[@DebbieDee-lx6uk]

Beautiful photography at opening ❤❤

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@judygoode5866]

Gardening is a learning process. Moved from the Sacramento valley to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Much shorter growing seasons. First year for me was such a bust , but this year my shelves and freezer is packed. My secret ingredient this year was chicken manure. Made all the difference. I love gardening it’s my passion. Keep growing and good luck.

[@81ee]

Don’t be so hard on yourselves and don’t give up on your garden! Keep building up your soil and there will be better seasons ahead. 😊 Loved the opening shots of the cranes! You are building a life many would trade you for!

[@truthorfiction407]

"A man and a woman in a flower garden." by Renoir. Seriously, great shots of you folks working in your gardens. Great job!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@Lisamfrancis001]

For such a short growing season, you did great. Just keep trying different varieties and keep a garden journal, and soon you will dial in the best ones to plant every year. Can't wait to see your 2025 haul. ❤

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! I have my file going with varieties and all of my notes of others to try out. Next year should be better than our last two🤞

[@JAMESMT-mm6zl]

All gardening, every where is an experiment in what works and what doesn't . For "newbies" to your area, I think you're doing rather well. I spent 10 years in Alaska, and the one thing I learned is the weather is usually not your friend. Not everyone in the State can live in the Mat-Su valley. Thanks for sharing.

[@spiNETHMANI]

such a nice video actually I came here little bit late , I have my exams in next month and nowadays dealing with so much tiredness and stress , I watched this and now i feel thousand times better...I am kinda motivated just seen you...studying or gardening not giving up is common....Im so happy to see you...I gonna quit watching yt till my exams end...so let's meet again in december....

[@hullabaloo-hcd]

Stunning cinematography

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@sgrvtl7183]

Beautiful Sandhill Cranes in your intro~! You have done a lot of work prepping for your gardens & greenhouses. You certainly have the right equipment for work in the garden! I do remember how 'wet & soupy' it is in spring. Hoping you will have more sunshine and less rain next summer!💚

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! We are grateful to have the skid loader hauling all that dirt for us! 🤞 hoping 2025 season is much warmer with more sun!

[@FarmLife-k7f]

"I didn’t know growing my own vegetables could be this simple. Thanks for the inspiration!"

[@junewrogg6137]

You guys are such hard workers!!!! Everything that you can grow is a added blessing. Watch Simple Life Alaska, and see how Arial grows fantastic onions and garlic and goodness everything. They are in zone 1, I believe she said. I am amazed! Cause even though my garden gives us abundance, I still don't grow a 3rd of what they do. It is awesome you got tomato and peppers in your climate!!!! You did great! I loved that your furbaby wanted the veggies. Praying you have more sun and a longer growing season next year!!! Great video!

[@jodylancaster7185]

4:17p.m. My husband & I really enjoy watching the 2 of you & learning about your life in Alaska. We hope you will continue to share with all of us. Thank you

[@PVK52]

Great basket idea for shopping. Ordered, so hope you get the commission.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! We appreciate it! They do work well, and it's collapsible, so they are nice and easy to store. 🙂

[@KM-sr9cc]

With rising climate change and high temperatures, Alaska will be a great place for gardening in the coming decades.

[@eloleddie]

What an amazing introduction to an other viseo report from your area! It just leaves me speechless. Those birds strutting about, and floating in the air! Thank you very much for showing us this part of God's creation in all its glory. And if the Lord cares for them and provides them with all they need, would he not also care for us, - young and old. What a comfort to be reminded of that again and again!

[@AZJH8374]

You two are such a joy to watch. Great content always. God bless you all and many prayers 🙏🏻 l loved pup eating peppers! Nurse Judi in Scottsdale AZ and Eucharistic Minister 🙏🏻 ❤️ 😇📿✝️💜💓🙏🏻❤️

[@KATALINAHAZ1]

Always enjoy watching you both. Thank you for sharing your life in Alaska. 🙏🏻♥️

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@tooncrier]

There's never a dull moment, or a day you folks are not busy doing something, very inspiring and informative, keep up the great work!

[@davevandu2144]

Ant VS grasshopper I think the ant always wins, you two did great !

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@tangobravo8889]

I have a feeling next years harvest will be bountiful for you! You are a great couple and tireless workers.

[@joesmiddy7307]

Love this type of content.. love learning about gardening and plants.

[@NikolaiAstaf]

Отличный огород! Хороший урожай! Классное, интересное видео получилось! Мне очень понравилось! Круто Круто!!!👍👍👍

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! 😀

[@tckipfe]

Discovered your videos. Find them very interesting. My son is currently deployed to Alaska. I find the life up there fascinating. Look forward to seeing your cabin complete one day. I just subscribed.

[@MissouriCrookedBarnHomestead]

Tip on the onions...pull the dirt away from the bulb as it grows. On the peppers, go with the King of the North peppers. They're made for short seasons and cold climates. They get enormous just like any other Bell pepper, but just do it faster. I was growing in Wyoming for 10 years with colder temps than Alaska and shorter growing seasons much of the time. Pruning tomatoes doesn't really do much. I had my best tomato year ever this season and never pruned a darn one of them. Kennebec potatoes are the way to go. With 10 pounds of seed potatoes, I've consistently gotten 150 to 200 pounds yield. Of course, these are only tips and you do you. But, love your channel. We almost came to Alaska before finding Missouri. I'm originally from East Tennessee. Same for us, we were looking for more freedom.

[@trentdelancy3130]

You gardening abilities are so controlled by your environment. The neighbors probably have the best advice. Amending soil will take some time. You guys are doing a great job.

[@kingrafa3938]

Thank you for the video! My new couple to watch for. Count me in!

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you for watching!

[@DianeSlade-v3s]

You two are doing a great job!!! I miss you so much and I'm very proud of both of you for following your dreams!!!❤❤❤

[@robdeaton9910]

The little sweet pickles are called Gherkin. My mother loved them, myself I prefer garlic dills. The garden looked like it produced pretty well.😊😊

[@northtoalaska2022]

Yes! I couldn't remember the names of them. We prefer dills as well :)

[@katedee5890]

Another absolutely gorgeous video. They are so well produced. I think you got a nice, productive harvest. At least enough to sustain you for the winter. Each year it will get better, I'm sure. The best cucumbers for making pickles are, of course, pickling cucumbers, which are a smaller cucumber. Large cucumbers contain a lot of seeds, which is a waste of a cucumber, in my opinion. I mean, who wants to eat all seeds? Have a fantastic week. May God bless you always. 🙏

[@jamesjones8474]

I so enjoy what you both are doing. I enjoy seeing your progress, and your transparent mistakes, as you learn. Thank you for allowing me to live vicariously because I am not able to do what I would love to do because of health issues. Thank you again,

[@FarmTastic97]

What a wonderful garden! The video brings a sense of intimacy and peace as you witness each moment of the harvest in Alaska. The care that goes into each stage of planting and improving the garden is indescribable. A beautiful and inspiring video!

[@sarahschlosser1203]

Your garden did great this year, it will only get better over the few years.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! We are hoping!🤞

[@waderue]

Now when I make pickles I make garlic pickles and hot pickles and bread and butter pickles mmm good also I make hot beans it's is same as making pickles and mm so good

[@smeefamily54]

Nice start to your video. My wife actually came to watch it with me. Scenery is so beautiful to see. It reminds me of the year that I spent in British Columbia. All the best and stay safe. PS: Pat on the head for the pup.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! The cranes are such interesting creatures. Benelli loves his head pats! 😀

[@robincarrico2007]

The first year weeds did not grow in our garden it was bad. each year it has gotten better and we can grow a decent garden. we learn and our soil gets better. sun , water and good soil. it all takes time.. be Patient Rome was not built in a day. crops that thrive on neglect are Potatoes, carrots,, cabbage and broccoli. I am on the upper Peninsula and gardening is a learning curve.

[@Ariadne007]

Greetings from Austria! We do with onions what you do with garlic as well. We plant the bulbs in autumn to give them ample time to grow. Our winters used to be cold with lots of frost, so perhaps that would be something you could try next year.

[@colleencourtney4484]

You both are very intelligent, very motivated, and have a lot of common sense. You don't need advice from people who do not live in your area, or climate. You know what's best, and you'll learn more year after year. God Bless you both. Happy Harvest

[@carolyngregory9354]

Thanks for the long video this week. Great. I am looking forward to more videos on your cabin.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! It's coming along and we will have an update soon!

[@davidstoddard9160]

The best thought I have is ask your neighbors what works best for them for your garden produce, and they will know what works best in your area.

[@Michael-rz7ic]

What really surprises me is the green peppers that did so well. Maybe some things like the potatoes just had one of those years, because surely the Yukon Gold potatoes should do well on the Kenai. Your cabin is really coming along, I really appreciate the attention to detail that goes into everything. Happy fall, Peace.

[@sharonhuntley6682]

Oh Dad you good sharing the veggies with the boy

[@northtoalaska2022]

He loves his veggies!

[@craigmartin1727]

And don’t worry about everyone’s “tips”. You are doing great and it’s not like you are busy building a cabin or anything. Each year you will do better particularly if we could have a decent summer for a change!

[@glengillis7775]

You got some produce. You have the right attitude just keep trying you will get it

[@KathySouza-d3g]

Beautiful opening

[@CC-Rider4564]

The garden looked great regardless of the harvest, don't worry you'll get it all figured out for your area. 😃👍🏼 Hey guys as I had said in a previous comment not pruning the sucker limbs on the tomatoes will make the tomato 🍅 plants get huge ......But it over produces blooms and limbs that the plant is working so hard the first tomatoes don't have an opportunity to get very big. It stunts the growth of the tomatoes because not suckering or pruning the plant makes it use all it's water and nutrients to push from the ground out all of its limb shoots and distributing a little a long ways. So therefore It robs alot of the tomatoes of nutrients and water they need even producing blooms that never even produce vegetables. So it's crucial to sucker all the plants on a Regular basis the first month especially and you'll see huge results in your tomato 🍅 size and harvest. 😉

[@TeresaEdwards-kw3np]

I prune indeterminate tomatoes, however I've learned that you don't prune determinate ones

[@marlysjcollins8775]

Those small cucumbers are perfect size for pickles! Keep them whole and shove as many and you can in a jar - yum!

[@jameshenderson7232]

Read up on determinate tomatoes no pruning necessary they also produce most of their tomatoes at same time and they are finished. I enjoy watching and look forward to your next video.

[@johnhassett3771]

Gather up seaweed put it in your Polly tunnels over the winter to dry out and crush it up once dry it's great for all plants including tomatoes.

[@northtoalaska2022]

@johnhassett3771 we actually did that last year! Unfortunately, we can only gather 10 gallons per person per day, so that's a ton of trips to the beach! I do think we might try and do a compost tea with some, though, to be able to use it seasonout our entire garden.

[@christydonham6922]

Take a deep breath- I’ve been gardening for years - and it is still hard. AZ is a crazy climate to grow in and always a learning process- cant even fathom your struggle with cold - the heat is bad enough ❤

[@northtoalaska2022]

I couldn't imagine growing in that heat! We did in PA but not anywhere close to being as hot as AZ! Thank you for the encouragement. Gardening definitely takes a lot of work and dedication and still does it's own thing. Hoping both your gardening and ours flourish next year🤞

[@chuckhorner3758]

Wow, another amazing video. Your incredible content is what makes your subscribers thirsting for more. The intro footage of those majestic birds on wing was awesome. Very impressed with Katie's deep knowledge of gardening, Her after-action review and recap of lessons learned was excellent. Chris, I noticed the door on the skid steer is missing. Is it just stored for the summer or is there some bad news in there? By the way, the name for your dog and other excellent Italian made devices is awesome!

[@jacobhouser2725]

Try the magnolia sweet pea from bakers creek. Our peas grew over 13ft vines and we had harvests of peas as early as July all the way through mid September. We had 5 pounds of shelled peas plus probably a few more from the ones we are over the season. This is from a 10ft fence. You'll be amazed! We are in AK as well

[@wahnitafinnegan4410]

I love your dog he is always right by your side! He sure does like to snack on your garden 😊. Your garden beds for next year look really nice you two such a wonderful job. Even though your harvest wasn’t what you wanted you still saved money if you had to buy the produce. Also don’t forget the seeds you saved and what you learned for next year. Always enjoy your videos look forward to next one. Almost forgot your beginning was just beautiful with the geese flying.

[@craigmartin1727]

Great video of the cranes flocking and flying off. I missed them leaving this year. They get a little annoying when they are in yard all summer but you miss them when they are gone. Garden harvest looks great considering the lack of the summer we had…again!

[@richardwhite3711]

@ 1:03:12 consider electric heating in the high tunnels because during the summer you will have the most solar power of the year / as soon as the sun gives enough solar power ( I would guess late spring in Alaska ) to heat high tunnels you can start and force plants ?

[@АлексБоксгорн]

Hello everyone. A couple of tips. Set up a greenhouse in mid-April - early May. Put a small wood-burning stove in the greenhouse, the ground will warm up earlier, you can plant early plants and those that need more time to harvest. You can also make a small compost bed with a glass lid. The heat from the compost will warm the ground.

[@johnroquemore2184]

Two things are required for a plant to grow. Light and heat. Moisture is needed, but you have an abundance of that. Using plastic earlier and even supplemental heat. You have an abundance of wood. Get a little creative and see what can happen. I love your show. Both of you a amazing. Can hardly wait to see update of house.

[@donaldhenthorn5030]

You’re doing a fantastic job with your garden, and I learn things from watching. One thing I’m questioning is saving the seeds of the hybrid peppers. If it’s not an heirloom variety, the seeds can produce something other than what you expect. Quite often, it’s a different variety and stunted. Thanks for the tip about topping the tomato plants at the end of the season, so that the fruit starts to turn red.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! And good catch! These may not produce. I didn't think about them not being heirloom variety since most of our other veggies are. Looks like I may just be getting more seeds from the company. Thank you for the tip!

[@billelsener6192]

The porch and steps look great.

[@Rjg16799]

Garden looked real good.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@shirleyharvey7376]

It’s great to see your channel growing

[@micheledenise2305]

If u get any food at all its worth it...onions lettuce radishes cabbage broccoli are colder foods maybe put them in greenhouse early and let them go I haven't seen u plant squash or cauliflower 😊

[@pilchard2000]

That introduction ideo was superb , great work😊

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@louisefourie5846]

Great job. Building a house and grow a veg garden is hard work. Be strong and couragous.

[@maryellensunflowergirl8132]

I thought you did wonderful in your garden. Looks like you are ready for next year.. great job

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! Hoping each year gets better!

[@beesonjim]

Your dog is cool and low key!

[@waderue]

For the end of the year and growing bed I use a blood meal pellet and volcano compost to put my garden bed to rest for the winter then in spring I use a blood meal fish mix that I add to water to feed my garden and it all works great for me so just tips for you guys

[@charlenegrady8781]

Great job with your harvest this year. Gardening is different every year. Hang in there. I always figured as long as I have something to eat that I did ok. Good luck. Take care from Cape Cod✌️🇺🇸

[@ronaldhoffecker1161]

Nice job on the beautiful lead in. Alaska was the most beautiful place I've been too.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! It certainly is a gorgeous place!

[@beckysmith2678]

I'm from upstate NY and we totally enjoyed fried green tomatoes. Even tho it more of a southern item, good way to use the tomatoes that haven't ripened. Also i think there is a green tomato relish or jam too.

[@suz46]

❤ your channel! A lot of hard work

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@joannabowers1358]

If you put your green tomatoes in a brown paper bag and close them off to the light, they will ripen and turn red. When I lived in northern Kentucky, i used to have to do that if we had a cool summer and early fall.

[@northtoalaska2022]

We will try this method next year! The cardboard box seemed to work pretty well and kept them in a single layer.

[@GiàngThịMỷ-h8d]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@wernerstruebing116]

You guys are doing a great job with your vegetables, it’s tough to grow them so far up north. Love your videos, great quality. Greetings from Germany

[@elizabethwest2086]

I personally think you've done a fantastic job and harvested a lot!

[@RickClark-cx6pj]

I have a Honda rototiller like yours and I love it. Easy to use, reliable and gets the job done.

[@michaelgreen9721]

For Alaskan gardening you did good compared to other Alaskan homesteaders. Factors out of your control aren't your fault. This year the glass is half full if you get my drift.😃

[@carlapierle8623]

You really are up against a difficult climate for growing food there. I have no advice...I just hope you keep trying until you find the right combinations of what works best. You put a LOT of time and effort into it, so I can understand feeling disappointed when it doesn't yield what you had hoped. Glad to see the goats are thriving! Really enjoyed a glimpse of that beautiful Alaskan scenery and wildlife at the start!

[@cherylb.9766]

Good job that was a lot of work and learning what works will help produce better and better yields in time

[@Michael-uo8sg]

very good video and excellent comments. Keep going, you will find the grove eventually and gardening will become easier and better. You have a lot of things going on with the house. More time for the garden next year. Loved the intro.

[@adelenoel7191]

I really enjoy your videos! Simple living Alaska is my top channel and you are right up with them! Thank you for all your hard work!

[@veronicavanderver7270]

Excited to see your next year's garden . Another family is building two or three more green houses to compensate for the weather and growing of the garden in Alaska due to weather as a way to adapt.

[@HHeirloomIA]

Calendula and marigolds are both edible flowers and nice in an herbal tea blend. Calendula is a good saffron sub and also lovely in skincare products. Diversity in growing food is a huge plus!

[@PVK52]

Oops. Checking your product links ... Katie's overalls links to the herb drying rack you had before. Need to repost the correct link. It happens.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you for letting us know! It's been fixed 😀

[@shannonhawkins260]

Y’all have actually done pretty good with what you’ve harvested, I’ve seen other harvests from other Alaska channels and yea, loads of rain and different temps have affected the gardens, in and out of the greenhouses, and y’all’s harvest looks pretty good 👍 😊

[@virginiavanoosten5013]

Beautiful video

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@estellaknox9285]

Beautiful green healthy garden

[@MrDan-MS]

I’m betting there’s no time for TV, after these long laborious days it’s probably hard to keep your eyes open when returning to the RV!? I don’t know how you even have time to edit and post these videos - I am thankful that you do though, just loving watching you guys make progress!

[@tommysts1920]

Like your videos. Keep warm, from Texas

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@cb4874]

Wow the greenhouse garden look amazing!… mmmm garlic….

[@debbiemiller7342]

I think you had a great harvest you sure learned a lot. Thanks for sharing

[@dcba43210a]

Well done

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thank you for sharing! Always enjoy your channel!

[@DianeWilson-q7i]

LOVE SEEING THE BIRDS THERE DIFFERENT REALLY IS COOL. YOUR GARDEN LOOKS GREAT 👍 GREAT JOB.

[@DianeWilson-q7i]

DO YOU DO BEAR HUNTING ALSO?AND MOOSE IS THE MEAT GOOD?THANK YOU

[@rossbrown1748]

This was a great video, thank you

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!

[@joannaoreilly8372]

Great work!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 it will only get better.

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you! We are hopeful! 🤞

[@robertoler3795]

well done ..

[@northtoalaska2022]

Thank you!