Blessings from a Total Loss on the Homestead!

#gardening #preserving
I don't quite understand my lack of "want" to fight for my tomato plants. I think maybe it was easier to just walk away from the thought of this loss and I knew had to face it but, it wasn’t time yet. My garden isn't perfect and neither is my homestead. In fact this year has been rough, but I had to pause and see true blessings in all of this.. Good, Bad, and sometimes down right Ugly!
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[@karmas8864]

You didn't walk away. You were led. Accepting "help" is much harder than offering and giving help. We can't see abundance without occasional lack.

[@angelad.8944]

Horn worm grubs are in your high tunnel soil. That is how they got in there. All you other efforts were really good. You have the option to pull it all up and till it up a few times to kill the grubs or you can plant other things in there for a couple years to disrupt everything. I think you could just let your chickens hang out in there after each till so they can eat all the yummies and clean things up. That would mean you could try again next season. ☺

[@TheHoneystead]

I was thinking the same thing!!!

[@heidiedelman6840]

exactly! they pupate in the soil.

[@fludrbywest3886]

😢❤❤❤😢 so sorry for the loss dear❣️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 for your earth ❤️‍🩹

[@brendashine343]

The years that I raised my chicks in the greenhouse I never had hornworms. It seems that they clean out all of the bad bugs and fertilize - and it provides a safe warm place for them to learn and grow. ❤️

[@georginarose-lg1tr]

Best advice, chicken will not eat the tomatoes but loves those bugs.

[@TheHouseThatBuiltMe406]

I love the elderly woman. She seems so happy to have something to do and help.

[@stevieray7203]

We call it a loss and God calls it a lesson 💛💛💛🙌🏻

[@hivicar]

Blessings are arriving, This disappointment will fade with all your spiritual involvement. They have it covered!

[@luvmywings25]

I needed this today. I just left hospice visiting a dear friend, Grandma Jan, and we always did apple pies together in the fall. Please keep sharing these sweet moments with your Mom and precious Grandma. Your blessed beyond measure and I know you understand that. Life is short folks, enjoy making memories like spaghetti sauce and apple pies. ❤❤❤

[@TheHoneystead]

Oh sweet friend, my thoughts and prayers are with you all!

[@danielletdg8423]

My thoughts and prayers are going out to you, Grandma Jan, and those connected to her. ❤

[@tamararoberts9307]

🙏 in Jesus's Holy Name Amen 🙏

[@luke-270]

Please LORD, hear our prayers of thanks for good as well as the challenges. That we may share Your love and knowledge with one another. In Jesus Holy name we ❤ 🙏 ❤

[@debibreul7820]

My thoughts & prayers are with you🙏. Your comment couldn't be more true.

[@cathyhewlett6094]

I had a lot of hornworms in my garden last year. I went out every night with a blacklight to keep them under control. This year I planted large leaf Italian basil in the rows with my tomatoes along with marigolds. I only found 4 hornworms this year! I have read that planting basil with tomatoes repels them and I guess it's true. Besides the fact that my plants didn't get attacked, I have a ton of basil to preserve. I also never peel my tomatoes for sauce, spaghetti sauce, or even diced tomatoes.

[@loismegin8036]

Predator wasps eat caterpillars. I wish I could share a picture I took last year of the white sacks on the back of our tomato Horn worms. When I saw that, I left the caterpillars on the tomatoes. They just dried those caterpillars up to the point where they were dead. I didn’t have to do a thing, and the tomatoes were abundant.

[@TheHoneystead]

I am so doing this!

[@taylorshomestead3934]

I plant basil in between as well, only 1 worm in 3 years

[@hammettsean2]

That is what I did this year. I wasn't sure if the basil was what kept most of the caterpillars away or not but it seemed like a good idea at the time. I have had relatively few bugs this year.

[@isabelladavis1363]

I did that as well the basil was prolific and I did freeze dry a lot!..the tomato were not 😞

[@alisonrittener5606]

God works in mysterious ways! what an awesome God we have!!🙏

[@raymschmidt6032]

Thanks be to God. Feel blessed to hear you thanking him instead of whining!

[@venidamcdaniel1913]

Basil. Lots n lots of basil. N no hornworms. They hate it.

[@saffronskies333]

Yes!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@grannypeacock]

I wondered why I was supposed to plant basil by my tomatoes. I always do because I read that I should but I wasn't sure why

[@venidamcdaniel1913]

@@grannypeacock now you know. Lol. We always learning aren’t we.

[@RockStarVee]

I have been conducting a little garden experiment this summer. Hornworms HATE dill. I sowed seeds all between the tomato rows and around the plants. Just let 'em grow willy nilly. Not one hornworm. Two rows away, with no dill in sight, several volunteer tomatoes came up. Found hornworms on those and some random volunteer tomatillos. I highly recommend the dill. It works! I'm so sorry about your heartbreaking loss, but next year will be great. 💚

[@popshillfamilyfarm6897]

A old man that I once worked for told me if farming was easy then everyone would do it. You are one of the strongest women I've had the honor to know. You will be just fine . I have faith in you. Keep your head up. The Father never closes one door without opening another. God bless you and family.

[@patricianelson7911]

God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! Priceless sharing of how God provides!

[@abigailwittrock2910]

I didn't expect to be crying over tomatoes today but here I am! Thank you for sharing this 🥹

[@gloriamoore766]

I just saw how God blessed you! Our God is sooo good!

[@kstewart3901]

God amazes every day. Isn't it wonderful how God knows our needs? It must have been hard holding on to faith in the face of apparent disaster, but just goes to show we should, because God provides.

[@emummy2]

.....And God still provided....We lost our home to fire almost two years ago. Devastating. Hard. Horrible. BUT. No one, no animals were hurt. Sure, we lost our home, we had to say goodbye to so many things that were ruined (including the house itself) Tho that makes me sad, I can honestly say I can't think of a single thing that I am devastated at the loss of. My point-thru all of the last two years God has been present and has provided needs we didn't know we had. He has brought us into the company of others who have lost so much more than we did. In this season, God has taught me so much about how to receive blessings from Him and others. That's really hard. He taught me not to rob others of the blessings they will receive because they were obedient to bless me. In the end, my life is so much richer, so blessed when I am able to receive and give blessings. Prayers for your tomato's!

[@JaneNorthrop]

I am so sorry that you lost your home. I can't imagine that. Blessings!

[@russellaymond312]

I plant 6 30 foot rows of green beans each year. My wife saids why you plant so much when 3 rows would take care of us . I said I like to plant extra to give way to people who are able to plant a garden god always blesses

[@Volvican]

oh, this made me miss my grandma.I miss her soft hands and squishy hugs.

[@JubileeHomesteading]

I have intercropped basil with my tomatoes and I haven't seen hornworms. I wish you all the best in your next growing season. Thank you for sharing your loss and the blessing that the Lord gave you through your neighbors' generosity!

[@JubileeHomesteading]

Interestingly, I found a hornworm yesterday, but on my ground cherries! I had harvested all of its pest-repellent companions-- sage-- a while ago when the vining plants had overtaken the space and shaded it from light. My daughter saved the hornworm into a glass jar to see it eventually turn into a sphinx moth. They are pollinators that some trees depend on for pollination and their survival. Fascinating little creatures, but definitely not on our garden spaces!

[@gregfitton5512]

Synchronicity.

[@annmccormick2983]

I’m crying, sadness tears and happy. God is good!!

[@deltorres2100]

You gave me HAPPY TEARS..so emotional and I feel it relays to us in some way or another 🌱✝️🙏🏽🌱 Yes thank you for that Testimony 🍅

[@debibreul7820]

Oh my Grandma is the cutest person ever❤

[@missmartpants2269]

His blessings are very abundant even when we just can't. God bless!

[@jeanbeaudreault2458]

Some days are hard, some garden seasons are hard. You are amazing!

[@amandayoung5656]

Thank you for sharing this! Hearing how the Lord provides never gets old. God is good sister! 😊

[@tommielourogers4327]

😮 WOW!!! You really were BLESSED!!! God is so good to us.

[@GraceFilledHomestead]

I rarely comment because I'm usually cooking or cleaning and watching. So I came back today just to comment!! First I always love seeing Mom and grandma in the videos!! I absolutely love your authenticity..... You openly shared your heart with us ( you could have kept it secret & just showed us your processing the tomatoes) but you didn't. You inspired & encouraged so many people with this video. What a light that is shining bright in you. The reminder of Yahweh/ Gods provision in our lives is so on time. I'm really excited for the sweet homestead lady that will be blessed. I'm sure it changed her life and she is excited for answered prayers and provisions... Looking forward to seeing how her life changes and more greatness from you ❤❤❤

[@chanelcha7288]

I love the grandma 😍

[@juliannefarrey2957]

We need to keep sharing how God provides!! Love this!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

OH NO Kaylee I'm so sorry! I know how special sauce day is for you guys. We have had huge success with spraying BT in our high tunnel for hornworms. They will overwinter right in the soil under the plants and pupate under there. So there might be tons under the soil ready for next year. I agree with people saying to have chickens go through there.

[@getitright5863]

Dog gone my chickens won’t eat horn worms. I have easter eggers, Delaware, sexlink Rhode Island reds . So far the most bug eating are California whites. Which Im getting next time.

[@tesshomestead8019]

So sorry dear . God has your back . What a amazing sweet neighbors you have . God always provides. ❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jwaltsmusic]

God is soooo good! I have gone through something similar….my husband rolled his semi truck and was in the hospital for 7 weeks….praise God he is ok! But in all of this my garden totally burnt up and worms took the rest. Some of my friends figured out what was going on and have been gifting me with fruit and veggies and have even gone foraging for me…I am crying as I type this I know we serve Jehovah Jireh my provider! He always provides. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@vivians3696]

Always thank God for your blessings and He will give you the wisdom and peace to deal with problems!

[@alanbiesemeier6930]

Horn Worms can be devastating. They are hungry...Sorry for your loss. Your High Tunnel Jungle has always been fantastic. Till the soil and turn your chickens loose for a feast on the Grubs. Plant Basil mixed in with your Tomatoes next year. I commented on your last video that you have a Blessed Life, You know I have watched you and your Family more than three years and have always stated how hard working you all are to achieve your" Blessed Life". Your neighbor knew his overflow would find a good home. Whether he heard from someone or not...he knew you would take care of them. God can surprise us at times. I am so glad it turned out well for you.

[@pamela8644]

We serve an incredible God. He is always ahead of us.. clearing our path. The circles He works separately and then in union always amazes me.. oh to be loved by such a kind Father.

[@marykayfrederick]

Awww So sorry, we had issues with growing vegetables this year. It will be ok. Pray for wisdom and jot down lessons learned. Plant basil with your tomatoes.

[@TheHoneystead]

It’s been a hard year for sure!

[@donnasmith5697]

I LOVE to hear of the goodness of our AWESOME GOD!!! Thanks for sharing with all of us!

[@MrBigedtc]

I would just roll up the sides of the tunnel in spring and invite birds and the predator wasps in. This is the first year I had no horned worm damage at all. The only difference that I can point to is feeding the birds and having them around to feed on the horned worms. I love your channel.

[@tom_of_earth]

I was thinking the same thing. I'd add -- if you don't mind -- birds and wasps are receptive to telepathic requests from a good-hearted person. You's be surprised.

[@carolwhite6979]

so frustrating to lose your crop, your hard work to critters like that. Grateful for caring friends and neighbours.

[@raynasummers3633]

Around here we call that a God nod! Those teaching moments that God sees your need and He sends your neighbor with tomatoes! I hope your neighbor enjoys the honey and you enjoy the sauce this year. God bless your family.

[@susanturner9023]

Your neighbor sounds amazing, and your the honeystead! ✌🏻🙏🏼❤️

[@cindys.w.8566]

CORE FIRST then blanch = less mess. That is a grapefruit spoon to eat grapefruits with I use those as well for many kitchen projects. Great for cleaning out squash or pumpkins with as well as many other foods.

[@julierussell4316]

Inspiring and human path we live together... all of it girl, all of it... Thank you

[@shulamiteKINGSbride]

I use BT, Thuricide, totally cool for organic gardening. That's what I do

[@Feribrat99]

yes it is the best have used it for over 40 years but still have to get out there and pick some off occasionally since a few will avoid the solution. It kills them by letting them starve to death, even when they are eating so you will see some damage, but it will get them in the end. It is not in the soil!!!! They lay eggs on the plants not in the dirt. pull the mats and till it up and put it back down and start over.

[@laurieshatney9279]

OMGosh, "crying here" what a beautiful bounty and gift. God surely does work in mysterious ways for sure. Enjoy

[@cole1710]

I can tell this is not a video you wanted to make, but I agree with everyone else that I also really needed this message too. My garden did not meet the grand expectations I had in mind this year, but I am so excited to give it another try next year. You aren't a failure, working with nature always comes with some unexpected turns!

[@angielockhart9976]

Thank you for sharing your faith in God with others and showing them how He provides for his own. God bless you ❤

[@debrahenderson798]

I’m in such awe all the time! The Lord never leaves our side and is always moving the twigs that may cause us to stumble. You are very blessed beautiful one. ❤ Have a wonderful weekend.

[@John_Lete]

So true...even when life has its trial and aches, yet our Lord Jesus surely is with us and before us while having his ultimate victory set before those whom believe He is whom He says He is. Blessings to you and yours, in Jesus name. 🕊

[@skyloan2007]

Hope, and Life is a blessing. 🙏🙏🙏

[@sabrinaoilworks]

Let your chickens in your poly tunnel while your tomatoes are growing. They eat the hornworms. Also, you may have to treat the ground for the eggs they would lay. Pretty sure after they turn into moths they would lay eggs, but might want to do research. Maybe they are turning into the moths in your poly tunnel.

[@ez4009]

I WAS GOING TO SUGGEST THAT TOO, I THINK THE CHICKEN WILL DO A GREAT JOB

[@ivymoonstone8080]

I must’ve had spoiled chickens because mine never would eat a hornworm 😂

[@Swarmstead]

​@@ivymoonstone8080mine have never eaten one either.

[@PYehl1]

Yep mine won’t eat horn worms either. Earth worms absolutely- but I tell them I don’t blame them - they are really big and eww. Lol.

[@sstargaze333]

I was going to say this. But, chickens also love tomatoes, that was my issue this year. So before they start coming in lol

[@elaineberry3082]

God is so good to His children! God always provides for us! God Bless you and your family! ❤

[@lisaprice6314]

So proud of you for giving Our Mighty Lord the credit! Bless you

[@cyndihand5187]

Thank you for sharing! God is so good!!

[@sharoncarlisle7089]

You are a remarkable family. God knew your need before you did... He provides... ABUNDANTLY !!! PRAISE HIS OMNICIENCE... Thank you dear Father for Your provision...

[@vj563]

That's amazing! God sees us. He knows. Praise God for His love, mercy and grace. 🙏

[@marilynmiller9864]

Dear girl, I'm so sorry the hornworms demolished your crop. I recommend BT at the very first sighting. It only kills caterpillars by paralyzing their stomachs. Also someone else recommended letting your chickens in after the harvest. I have the kitchenaid attachment sauce squeezer. I've always cooked the tomatoes before running them through. It might help the machine work better. You are certainly a wonderful person. Thank you for being you.

[@donnamcatee5323]

What is BT?

[@countrybee6235]

Bacillus thuringiensis A natural bacteria that does exactly what she said. I have used To inject my squash stems to protect from squash vine bore larvae. Another option is buying some parasitic wasps and releasing those in your high tunnel. Here in NC they are naturally occurring and do a pretty good job of taking care of the hornworms.

[@carrenv9984]

​@@countrybee6235 I also live in western NC murphy area and we have had a hard time this year as well with something eating everything our beans broccoli, all of the tomatoes I chalked it up to the devil is just trying to destroy everything on this earth. I'm going to see what seeds I can plant for fall and get busy this week and see if I can find some of this BT what besides dimatious earth do you recommend for all the other bugs oh and to top it off some guys came by supposedly with the hwy dept and sprayed our Big elderberry tree and killed it made me sick they've never done that before so God's got our backs I have faith we will be ok. Thanks and please let me know.

[@harry8442]

I'm so sorry. I did some research for you. Turning over the soil in the fall helps kill the pupae that burrow into the soil. They emerge twice twice every season, so be ready with the Bt spray. Marigolds are said to repell the moths and help kill nematodes and pupae in the soil through exudates released by the roots and the horrible smell they emit. I would hang some bird houses and bird baths to encourage birds to hang out. Artificial lights will attract the moths, so keep that in mind . Good luck

[@francessmith4463]

I, too, have had great success with BT.

[@polomandy9351]

My tomato plants were eaten too. Those are hummingbird or sphinx moths. They were fluttering all around my flowers just about dusk. I had never seen them before and I am 70. God is always our provider!

[@momcomputer6461]

So sorry for your loss. I know that would be devastating! If it were me, I think I'd take up the plastic, too. Not sure where the horn worms overwinter, but it might be good to take it up and turn some birds into the hoop house. I know my turkey love horn worms and chickens would be happy to look for anything in the soil. Ducks might grab whatever they see, too. I understand your disappointment when first seeing the infestation, but I think the right timing would have been to turn the birds loose in there when you first realized you couldn't keep up w/it and was not going to get a harvest. God Bless your neighbor! That's the way folks should be! God Bless you. Oh! Could it be that The Lord was promoting fellowship, sharing and bartering? I think that might be it! Take care of one another, people! 💖

[@jAnEl1111]

Tears of joy, thank you for sharing ❣️

[@katemcpherson3492]

What a wonderful neighbor! You truly are blessed!

[@MichaelLagree]

Loss is a part of life. It’s how we rally from loss that matters. You will persevere. Best wishes.

[@sherihicks1427]

I'm so sorry, Kaylee! That's devastating, but you can trust the Lord to care for you! I have always moved my tomatoes from year to year because of tomato horn worms (evil vermin!)

[@lovelight9164]

Oh my Lord how he provided, God is so good, You are blessed with huge hearted neighbors as well.

[@patriciaschafer3199]

What a wonderful story...God provides! Clean out the old tarp, spray vinegar, put new down, then plant next year with basil. We used to grow 1200-1600 tomato plants a year and can 100+ quarts of sauce. Basil works. then you can use the basil for sauce too. I have the same grinder you do.

[@denisekenney2027]

You have touched my heart with your message. I'm sorry for the sadness it has caused you. Thank you for sharing. You are truly blessed and amazing. 🙏 FAITH💕

[@brendagarrett815]

I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. Just keep doing what you do, Kaylee.

[@lauriaktahi]

Thanks for naming that, I just found one in my garden yesterday. Im sorry, For all your pain, and loss.

[@jillwinn7399]

What beautiful tomatoes! God is so merciful and gracious to provide for us in our times of need. What a wonderful neighbor you have! Blessings!

[@josephcarter769]

Thanks for sharing! May God continue to bless you!

[@tinabloomfield7228]

Oh boy is God so good!!!! Thank you Jesus for providing.... girl you got me crying right now!!! I've had hornworms too .. and they devastated my tomatoes. It was so hard because I babied them.... everything was looking so great, then within two days... all gone. I'll be praying and thanking God for your provisions ❤

[@rustismith761]

They ate my bell pepper plants too! 😢

[@Linda-kq8ef]

What a beautiful testimony !!! God is so Good !!! Thank you for sharing, this will help other people. ❤

[@jkodot]

Thank you, Jesus! I love this testimony ❤

[@belindahopkins7875]

Amen to the Blessings we do get❤

[@marleneespinoza1902]

What a beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing. God cares for us in all ways. He knows exactly how to show himself in our lives. My husband and I have had testimonies just like this in our lives and they are so much for our souls. Thank you for You channel. We enjoy watching together. 🩵

[@davidj.mackinney6568]

So sorry about the loss. And God provides.

[@maryl.8417]

God is good all the time! So sorry for your loss, friend. Thank you for sharing your sorrow as well as joy. 😇

[@claudiaschneider357]

Absolutely gorgeous tomatoes. Yes, God was looking down on you

[@mtnlindama8146]

Your ability to show vulnerability and God’s love and grace is a real talent given to you by our Father. Thank you for being willing to show us. I’m glad to know I am not the only one who always makes a big ole mess! 😊❤

[@ashleymcdonald2239]

Thank you. And Thank you for sharing your testimony of the goodness and compassion of our LORD. HALLELUJAH!!✝️❤️🌍🗡️

[@JulieAnnScott]

You will never know how the tears 😢did flow over your confession of disappointment in your garden, then the smiles breaking through when your BLESSING 🙌 came true! I needed that so VERY MUCH today! YOU, your precious grandmother & mama...that is a picture of my past with mine ♥!! Family & loved ones are irreplaceable! Keep them close & tell them how much you love them all the time. You are a WONDERFUL content creator and I Love Your Channel! 💘

[@cindys.w.8566]

i love the free workshop guest...

[@SeareanMoon]

It was great to see your mother and grandmother! I do hope you encourage your mom to do her own channel!!! She is as charming as you!

[@danaorr5773]

I'm so sorry, Kaylee. But what a beautiful story you have to tell. And with every jar of tomatoes you open, you'll be reminded of the bounty of God's provision. Our God is good. ❤

[@CRRBennett]

God is good all the time. What a wonderful blessing your neighbor was able to pass to you and you to him. That's community, no one should be an island. Thanks for sharing

[@mikewright9163]

Character is not defined by the adversity we face but how we respond. God bless you more fully and may you grow as you cope. My payers are with you.

[@donnachildress2231]

What a wonderful blessing from a hard experience. God is so good! Thank you for sharing.

[@4everblessed.grateful]

Those moments are God moments…He is always at work and always wanting to work thru us!

[@oadkins1]

What tomatoes did your friends grow? They’re beautiful! Thank you for being real…we lost our 4 hives to high winds and all the bees froze…yes, I cried. This year, we started over and now have 8 hives. Learning most of what I know from your channel. Trying to keep them as organic as possible and adding lots of herbs and flowers to their diets. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your vulnerability friend.

[@lovelight9164]

I was wondering the same thing, those tomatoes are gorgeous.

[@heidilarkin3074]

Your are truly utilising your blessings

[@GregWalker-f7e]

Kaylee….thank you for your transparency and genuine witness to Gods greatness and blessing in your life. I can’t get over how much I enjoy your channel. I’m learning so much!

[@annetten4166]

I love that, we never give up, we get up and go again. You make me smile.

[@jmessick8163]

It’s been devastating in the garden with pests especially from blister beetles. I am going to not give up and persevere these times. Many blessings, Linda

[@debbiecapps670]

So. Many. Blister. Beetles!!!

[@gloriamoore766]

So sorry for your loss! So much work...

[@hoopnfarm]

I absolutely love the thought that your sweet neighbors abundant garden was helped along by your ladies and gorgeous hives. It is an awe inspiring full circle. You did well. ❤

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Thank you for sharing. Truly a heartfelt video on many levels.

[@brendaalent6464]

What an inspiring and uplifting testimony. Heavenly Father blesses abundetly

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

God has been very busy😊 Bless your neighbor!

[@juliehamel4518]

You are Blessed 🙏😇💝🌹 this was a wonderful show today 🥰 and it's so good of you to include your Grandma 💝 she is a treasure indeed 🎉

[@kathycannon4805]

Without the loss, there wouldn’t have been need. Without your need, the connection would not have been strengthened. Loss makes space for something new.