Dear First Time Gardener, You CAN Grow Food | How To Start Gardening | Roots and Refuge Farm

[@mitche499]

I adore gardening!! I am 80 years old, started gardening around 25 years old and love, love, love to see things grow. I learn something new each year, so the garden educates me, relaxes me, helps me feel closer to the Lord above for the blessing of growing my own food. Each year I am blown away by the beauty of growing plants and the bountiful harvests. Jess I love your videos. :-)

[@tammyhanson7843]

Jean Mitchell hello, have the gardening methods changed much over the years?

[@dollyperry3020]

I'm with you Jean! I've been gardening for years (I'm 54) and it is my therapy, my joy, my healing place, my science experiement, my craft and more. I love, love, love my garden!

[@cheakychic1]

It's so great to see that alot of people garden for the same reasons i do ...Gives me so much peace and a wonderful place to reflect...to talk to god...I am 63 and compared to alot of you i am a newbie to gardening my only regret is i didn't start alot sooner : )

[@dollyperry3020]

Just concentrate on from on now :)

[@mitche499]

Hi Tammy, yes the methods have gradually changed for me. Chemicals are frowned upon, care & nourishment of the earth is alive and spreading, sharing knowledge through technology, living off the grid, organic farming. Enthusiasm for gardening in front/back yards planting our own food is coming back again. Yes so many changes. I am a Urban Organic Gardener and love the perks and even the failures of the garden......all gardens are beautiful to me.

[@dawnjohnson8739]

I’ve never heard anyone speak on a subject that covers the most important things - that somehow others just skip. I am SO impressed and inspired. Thank you!

[@sueketzlermalone7063]

You are such an encouragement for this 58 year old woman. May God continue to bless you and yours too!

[@gingerkirby8208]

GIRL!!!! I cannot believe you made a video JUST FOR ME! 4 months ago I had never grown a piece of food. Never. Somehow a video by Justin Rhodes showed up in my recommended videos so I watched it. Then I watched a few more because his kids and baby cow are so cute. Then I thought, I bet I can grow some herbs in a pot since my granite yard is too much rock to dig in, so I got some herbs and put them in pots. They grew. That was kind of rewarding so I thought maybe I could grow a tomato, which is my favorite food on the planet. So I got a tomato start (one plant people) and put it in a 7 gallon pot. It survived the night. Jalapenos are my next favorite food so I went back and got 4 jalapenos, 3 bell peppers and a thai chili pepper plant. They, too, survived the night. All of the plants started putting out blooms right away and most of them set fruit fairly quickly. That instant reward is what motivated me. But one lone bell pepper never flowered, the leaves began getting holes from pests and it was pretty pitiful. I just left it in its pot and watered it whenever I watered the other containers because its a pretty plant. Then the tomatoes started coming in and OMG I was hooked. I went and bought the last desperately lonely cucumber and squash plant from HD and planted them in 20 gallon containers, not knowing if they would do anything that late, and not really caring. Justin Rhodes says 'JUST PLANT' so thats what I did. I lost some bells to what Im guessing is a weevil, but I have a few almost ready. I've eaten plenty of tomatoes and still have more coming, my thai chili plant is a prolific little thing and all of my jalapenos are keeping me happy. That one little bell pepper though...I had decided I was going to put it in the compost pile and went out to dig it up so I could use the pot for something else and guess what? That little plant that could...did. As soon as I decided to let it go it shot out 3 of the cutest little bells Ive ever seen. I have baby cukes and squash too. All of them in containers, and soon all of them to be in mah belly. So thank you for all of your advice and inspiration. Next year I'll have a bigger garden and more veggies, and I'll have you to thank for the confidence to do more and be ok with whatever happens. Sorry for the long post but this video was speaking directly at me...and my mom taught me that it's rude not to respond when someone speaks to you hahahahaha.

[@GreenThumbGardener]

Taking action like a boss. I love hearing stories like this. 🌱

[@soulserenade.kcn1992]

Ginger Kirby so good for you!!! :)

[@suej4430]

Thx for sharing your experience!

[@deeh5048]

What an awesome experience! Thank you for sharing! 🍅

[@audiophilesallowed6479]

This video is so inspiring and so is your message to her! I’m just starting this year and it’s so encouraging to hear these kind words!

[@Mellowman468]

Best piece of advice i can give about gardening is to always remember that these fruits and vegetables want to live and you are helping them do that. The relationship is symbiotic.

[@lila2k03]

Awesome!

[@deborahzamora479]

So Jess, when is your book coming out??? You know it will be a best seller, look at all that you have already taught your audience. The benefits to you would be enormous and of course the benefit to the rest of the world is that there will always be a record of your teachings. This video is a perfect example of what I mean, you have an audience and you have a voice that you can use in a way that will be a benefit to all, yourself included. Think about it. All of your followers will buy a copy and probably a few more for gifts. You are sitting on a goldmine here my friend, I hope you will consider the idea, and keep us informed, we're waiting . Best luck in all your endeavors.

[@LadyWisdomSpeaksAcademy]

Yes! I think Jess needs to write a book. She is a great storyteller and she understands how to communicate to the heart. Yes a book is in order! Amen

[@thepatriotfarmer3580]

But no pressure right? lol

[@anjaliradhe]

But she excels as a speaker and quite often people are either excellent speakers or excellent writers. Maybe she's both but writing is very time consuming.

[@Tina06019]

anjaliradhe You are spot on! Writing is a definite profession & craft. This lady is a great speaker & presenter. She may also be a great writer... I think she should do what she ENJOYS doing.

[@gelwood99]

@@anjaliradhe Jess is both a great speaker and awesome writer.

[@liasosa4100]

Awwee Jess, you are just so encouraging and a great teacher. I just came across your KZbin videos yesterday and have already watched about a dozen of them. Thanks for being so real, your authenticity is touching, I have learnt so much. I am a city girl, but do have a small yard. I mainly grow flowers because they bring me such joy. I have resisted growing vegetables because they take forever to be fruitful, and then there is no assurance the product will be great. Dare I say, it is so easy to walk into a grocery store and pick the best produce of the day. But now I am inspired, I am going to give it a second go at trying to grow vegetables (yard not big enough for fruit trees). I obviously know a lot more about gardening now then I did the first time around, several years ago. You are so inspirational Jess, thank you! I wish you and your beautiful family the very best!

[@jaclynkessler9596]

Growing up my mom gardened and I had zero interest. I am now 30 and I regret not spending time with my mom in the garden. We do garden together now and I am enjoying spending time with her doing what we love. Thanks for the video.

[@angelacowley6568]

Jaclyn Kessler how do we donate

[@jaclynkessler9596]

@@angelacowley6568 not sure what you mean?

[@jaclynkessler9596]

@@angelacowley6568 oh, hang on let me see if i can copy her paypal link

[@jaclynkessler9596]

@@angelacowley6568 paypal.me/jessicasowards

[@ArtByEmilyHare]

Me too, but my mum and gran liked ornamental gardens, never veggie growing so it seemed pointless to me. I started gardening for the first time in 2017, first time I had a garden and I turn 43 this year and I, so excited at my years of growing ahead.

[@juliezerbe7571]

So I have used wood chips for years. I put grocery brown bags, I get all my friends to pack their groceries in brown bags, I cut them over the winter to lay flat. Then after I lay they down, a few at a time, then we put down the wood chips.. no weeds! By the next season it has all broken down into the soil. This year we used cardboard under the mulch since I did not have enough grocery bags. NO WEEDS!

[@shelleywelch55]

Just listened to your arched trellis videos...for the second time, the older one...have decided this year we need to enlarge our garden area! We also have a hydroponic tower and bed... your videos do inspire! Have gardened for years, my Mum always had a big garden, but have learned alot from all of your videos!

[@kevindecoteau3186]

My garden, (1st year gardener) has been full of lessons. The first one is to not take it personally, whatever happens. It is a lesson in life that so much be learned, when to plant when to tend, when to allow to pass on. Gardening is reflective of life itself.

[@boa9535]

I am so grateful for your philosophy of “partnering.” A little soil, some sun, some seeds and some work will produce fruit but you add learning to the equation. Your info is so helpful and satisfying to listen to. You’ve really got people going and we’re so happy to hear your encouragement to just keep trying.

[@permieforlife]

I used wood chips for mulch in my raised beds. It didn't work for me, because when it was time to add compost, I had to pull back all that wood chip. Then I tried putting compost over the wood chips, but the next year I had a bunch of saprophytic mushrooms poping up in the raised beds. The chips would form pockets that plants wouldn't grow in. Now I stick with 1 to 2 inches of straw/hay for the raised beds. Easier to manage, cheaper, can compost over last year's mulch w/o difficulty, makes worms happy.

[@dalefyock6478]

I've often wished that I could hire someone like you to come to me and help me intelligently establish a garden while teaching me the ins and outs. If you've ever been interested in doing a week or two onsite instructional program, I'd be happy to work with you! Thank you so very much for sharing your wealth of knowledge and your generous spirit, you're doing such a beautiful thing for this gorgeous planet!

[@marygailnelson7024]

I wish there was a "love" button for this video!! Your love of gardening shows and your enthusiasm is contagious! Thank you.

[@barbarastephenson6222]

Thanks so much Jess. I am 55 and this is my second year gardening. I did not grow up with gardening and was scared for years to try. It seemed so overwelming to me. I finally had a friend at work who gave me some pointers and told me to just try. I set up a 20X30 spot and all I new was I wanted organic. I failed at seed starting the first year (this year was great) so my tomatoes were Bonnie organics from walkmart. I grew a handful of types of vergetabls and was mostly sucessful . I didn't even know what things looked like when they grew on plant! I was so excited when I saw things growing I was dancing in the garden. There was enough that grew to overcome disappointment at what didn't (like the fact that I tried to grow carrots in the summer in Virginia)! This summer was even better, I enlarged my garden to 20X40, tried a few more varieties and I am going to put in a fall garden this year and a spring garden next year as well. I am ordering all my seeds from Baker Creek from now on and really getting into herlooms. I can't believe how much I have learned and am so excited to keep learning more. The journey truly IS the destination :)

[@MimsysGarden]

Barbara Stephenson 👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼You are inspiring too!! 😍

[@barbarastephenson6222]

aww thanks!

[@virginiaallisonpeck2517]

You go girl… awesome 👏🏻❤️☮️🙏🏼❤️

[@andraacram]

My first real garden was a disaster. I made rows and planted everything full of hope with grand visions lol. 1) my dad made my brother build up more dirt on my first row which left my tomato seeds planted too deeply, so they never grew. 2) my peas started off great then succumbed to a wilting virus and died before bearing more than 2 pods. 3) my broccoli started off great but then became incredibly infested with tiny bugs and ate all the leaves so it bolted immediately with no sprouts. 4) during all this I came out one day and 2 out of 4 of my corn plants were bent over with a broken stalk. I thought maybe high winds or something, but no...a caught a neighborhood cat using the corn as a scratching post. It eventually killed the other 2 the same way. I was very frustrated, but now I just look back and laugh about it.

[@kbsavage2010]

I almost gave up until I found your videos! I love how you explain the reason "why" and explain things fully! I adore you!!! Please never stop because your changing hearts one garden at a time ❤️

[@brandyD33]

I can't even tell you what that smile on your face does for my soul. Girl your life is something I've dreamed about since I was little. Your courage to do the thing and your transparency about what it's really like are such an inspiration. What a generosity of spirit for you to share all of your hard-earned wisdom with the rest of us! I pray Jesus blesses you guys in every endeavor, and that He keeps your family centered in His truth and in His love 🌻🌱🌻 Keep on keepin on sister.

[@StringfieldRidgeFarm]

Love that you said don’t feel like a failure- we learn from our mistakes all the time, everyday! Thanks for sharing this! We love gardening but still have a lot to learn!

[@dollyperry3020]

Doesn't it seem like every year we have something that fails and something that does wonderfully?

[@PhilandAlex]

WOW! I’m so impressed by you! We can’t wait to grow our own food and your content has helped us! Yay! Go you, friend, Go you!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I’m so glad to hear it!!!

[@rachelgriffin5741]

@philandalex I'm here from your channel

[@madisonmorgan4183]

You are such an inspiring speaker 😊 I just started a little apartment patio garden and your channel has been a goldmine for me!! I wish I could come see your farm in person! ❤

[@rileylong]

Well said. Definitely love these videos

[@kattykatstuffs5631]

I had to take myself back to this video this morning and watch again. I was overwhelming myself, stressing out, & trying to control every aspect of my new garden. Had to step back and remember that God is in control. And then LET Him have the control. Thankful as always to you Jess for making these videos and helping people along like myself and many others!!! God bless you and your beautiful family!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I’m so glad to hear this!

[@Kevin-co7cl]

Absolutely loved this video, I just started vegetable gardening this year and I walk through my garden every single day. I’ve learned so much and can’t wait to see what the future holds

[@benb7727]

I’m starting my first garden today. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@BrokenAnguissette]

Ben B Good luck! I somewhat recently started my first serious attempt at gardening, and it's very rewarding 😁

[@tammyhanson7843]

Ben B that’s fantastic 😃you are going to have a ball. It’s going to give you a solid sense of pride and joy to eat what you’ve grown yourself. Good luck from Washington state

[@Lithillia]

After just a minute and a half of hearing you talk, I was filled with inspiration and forgiveness of myself for my past failures and I thank you for that, and secondly I want to learn from and with you forward. Thank you so much.

[@D.A.Hanks14]

For years I have been mentoring people on how to grow dawn redwoods, but now I find myself the student as I learn gardening. I need someone like myself with redwoods, to teach me gardening, and your videos are extremely helpful. Thanks a bunch for putting them out.

[@BrokenAnguissette]

Absolutely love that you talked about your volunteer tomatoes and partnering with verse controlling your plants. My front garden is fully half periwinkles at this point, and they're all volunteer. I water and feed them when I'm tending my roses, but they showed up all on their own and would definitely keep going without me. Everything wants to grow, we're just giving all our plant friends the best leg up we can 😊

[@brent73rn]

I wasn’t expecting this to be a philosophical video. I didn’t realize I needed this. Thanks for all the realistic but positive thoughts.

[@tashastubbs-davies3628]

I get so much comfort and encouragement from Roots and Refuge videos. As for first time gardeners, my first vegetable bed for a total failure. Difficult soil and disease, and lack of knowledge were my downfall. That garden became beautiful and productive in other ways. Now my second attempt at growing food, a small kitchen garden, is becoming established, and i'm happy with my progress. I had a blackbird who was pulling out my seedlings, so I applied nets, and she's no longer a problem. Thanks Jess, your back catalogue of videos is keeping me company while I work most days!

[@phinehasfenne]

I strongly believe gardening is in our DNA. I live in a crowded city and can’t have a garden, but I love watching you guys grow your gardens! 😎 👍👍👍

[@jenniferhancock7292]

I'm new to your channel and this was the first video I've watched. I appreciate your gentle soul and encouraging words! We've started a garden for the first time this year and have much to learn. I've found myself getting excited when new sprouts come up and then offering them encouragement to keep growing. Thanks for having a place for newbies to learn from! ❤

[@angelica0269]

Oh my, I am so glad I ran into your video. You made me feel so much better about myself. Today I experienced what I call a "mini anxiety attack" feeling overwhelmed with so much information about growing herbs/vegetables/fruits for the first time. Having my own vegetable garden has been a dream of mine but because of lack of time was simply impossible. My hubby just finished building 4 beautiful raise garden beds!!! I couldn't believe it and I am so happy with the results... simply amazing A+ job. They are located in a sunny area to the side of the house and the soil was just delivered! The weather hasn't been too cooperative lately as it has been a really cold spring (we had some a snow flakes yesterday!!) I have to do this right from the beginning, so I have been glued to my computer doing research and gathering valuable information and specially to be aware of the most common gardening mistakes. There is so much information but my brain can only retain so much. I want to believe this is going to be an easy process but realistically I know I have to be patient and learn from my mistakes. I love plants in general and I grow them everywhere inside my house, but they have been very easy to take care of, as I have lots of windows and my house inside keeps a confortable temperature from the sun all seasons. With my new vegetable garden, I just kept questioning myself about how I was going to be able to grow a successful vegetable garden? We are already in the middle of May and because of the time and bad weather I purchased the seedlings ready to be transplant this weekend. I have the following seedlings: 4 kind of tomatoes plants, 4 kind of peppers, Basil, Romain lettuce, cilantro, parsley, oregano, thyme, lavender, Rosemary, sage, swiss chard, and one Pack Choi. All are vegetable and herbs I used in my everyday cooking. I'm also planning on planting and growing the following seeds: Cucumber, carrots, potatoes, radishes, and onions ( I have lots of little onions bulbs), asparagus, garlic bulbs, ginger, kale, spinach strawberries and green onions. I know you might be thinking that I am taking too much already to begin with! Yes I agreed :) I promise that I will be dedicated and I am so glad that my hubby will help me with this new wonderful adventure. As you mentioned on your video, different plants thrive in different PH soil levels so now I need to make sure to test my soil ph next and if needed I must adjust it accordingly for the different raised beds and according to the specific needs of what I will be planting on each of them. Ok now I am left with a new task as I need too to figure out which of my vegetables and herbs can or cannot be planted together in the same raise bed??? Thank you again for such a great video, I will continue watching them.

[@Elisheba79]

Hi Jess! I’ll be 40 next month and I just moved here to Texas two years ago and I just started gardening last year.. the first thing we grew were greens and it was a success.. that gave me so much hope and happiness that this year I’ll be growing tomatoes and bell peppers and even some herbs and flowers.. I have watched quite a few videos and read some books.. I don’t know how I found your channel but I’m in love!! The knowledge you have ( I have to get a notebook lol) and just love seeing your beautiful garden.. just makes me even more super excited to get started this spring.. I even rubbed off on my Father in law who never grew anything and he started off with squash and did a wonderful job!! Thank you so much for being us along and educating us!! 🙏🏾🥰🌹🌱

[@LadyDewinter]

My late husband used to garden, when he died suddenly March 2017 he left his spring garden seedlings growing int he house. As a memorial to him I planted them all and they actually gave me tomatoes and peppers! The cantalope didnt make it but they tried really hard...LOL. Sometime along that time the gardening bug bit me. Im using raised beds and store bought soil but Im really enjoying gardening. Thank you for this video, it was a REALLY big help for a novice garndener!

[@heartsfiregarden6352]

Oh Jess!!!! You truly have NO idea how much I needed THIS video TODAY!!! I’m in the second year. I’m struggling. Pests of every kind have hit my garden this year. And the cost of my beds, and the cost of my expansion is on my hubs’ last nerve! He is not amused at my little hobby. I literally looked at the bomb of a mess that my garden is in yesterday and truly thought about throwing in my sad little towel on it all. But I kept thinking “Jess never quit. Look at her! You can do this! You found Jess’ videos and she’s an amazing teacher! Keep. GOING!!” So while you bless us all by your tutelage, I AM blessed by you!! And I say THANK YOU!! I know this is an old video, it’s still pertinent to all of us beginners! Big, big hugs to you my dear!! 💜💜💜 And I bless you!

[@Shallop.7347]

Seriously the best gardening video to date! I love your approach on “no such thing as a dumb question,” and starting from the basics. Because you’re right, a lot of how to videos assume we know what they do. And I don’t! I appreciate your motivation and optimistic perspective for the beginner gardener. I can’t wait to get started.

[@s.cbelle1844]

My husband and I have been discussing the benefits of having a garden. Especially during these uncertain times. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of gardening and encouraging those of us who want to start planting.❤

[@netechma7724]

To ME personally she is one of the best youtubers on the subject of gardening on KZbin. If you haven't subscribed yet you are missing out. She is an amazing communicator and gives unbiased, plain easy to follow information and anticipates questions, problems and scenarios for you. Just hit that subscribe, she's awesome.

[@audiophilesallowed6479]

Oh my gosh. This made me cry. Thank you. A million times....thank you.

[@douglasbyers3094]

Greatest gardening tip ever - get out there and ENJOY it!!!! First cultivate a sense of humour, if it does not work first time don't give up - just try another way. It is a great hobby.

[@Laneymac]

1:40 Such a positive and powerful message of encouragement to newbie’s young and old! Thank you Jess!

[@Iris2Roses]

I knew that zucchini blossoms are edible. I have stuffed them with sausage. I learned today that okra flowers are edible. Maybe you could do a video about what parts of plants are edible? A lot of people don't know this.

[@virginiaallisonpeck2517]

Yes, I’d like to know too…

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Thank you, Jess. You’re always good for some encouragement, the shot in the arm I need to get back out there and enjoy my garden and learn! I have been gardening for decades and every year I learn something.

[@Brandigrhm]

This is the video that gave me the courage to try gardening last year!!! Now I’m building raised beds and starting seeds indoors !! Thank you for all ur honest content!!!

[@deeh5048]

Yes, I do feel encouraged! And thank you! You did such an awesome job with this video. Thank you for being authentic and for caring so much, which is obvious in your desire to share what you’ve learned. I appreciate you! 🌻🥦🌾

[@evacoppersmith6680]

I happened upon your channel by accident. Thank you so much. I am hoping to grow a couple of veggies in my front flower bed after we amend the soil. Never did any before and I am 67 years old. I am also starting some herbs from seeds. I am so excited. And you have given me hope that I can do this even though I have killed many plants in the past. Love your channel.

[@chachadodds5860]

Awesome advice, as always, Jess. Thank you for sharing who you are, with all of us. ❤

[@awakenedxbeauty1085]

I have 2 cucumber, 5 tomato, 1 zucchini , 2 strawberry, bell peppers, basil, green onions, & 5 lettuce plants. Also 2 house plants lol, sunflowers, all growing beautifully because of THIS video. It's so inspiring and it's the only video that made me feel like I could actually do it! Thank you so much. I'm learning from my mistakes and I know why things may be going the way they're going, I don't feel like a failure because I don't have a big cucumber harvest. I know that next time I need flowers to bring in the pollinators. I feel like a crazy plant lady and I love it so much. I can't wait for the future to get better & better. Thanks so much Jess, love you guys, and good luck to everyone else wanting to grow your own food. You can do it!! :)

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you for sharing this! I’m proud of you!

[@karlaarguello3482]

The amount of info you provide in each video is amazing. I’ve gathered more info from your channel than from anywhere else and I just started watching them

[@sumthnspooky]

I just found your channel and i’m loving it and you already! I recently started gardening this past spring and really got into it, I really want to grow my own food and you’re making me feel so much better about the entire process. your energy is so uplifting and motivating, thank you for sharing your knowledge and positivity💚

[@theladysamantha193]

I grew up on a hobby farm and my mama has a green thumb the size of texas. Early summer salads made from all moms garden stuff except mushrooms and salad dressing was a lovely treat. Sadly, I didn't inherit her green thumb but the things she told me that keeps me from giving up is to not expect anything and to learn from your failures, just as you say. She taught me to consider gardening this constant experiment. Lots to learn from...

[@JohnKidd]

So glad I found your channel Jess! I am in a uniformed service and move a lot; recently from New Hampshire to Mississippi (Zone 5 to 9), and it seems like every time I move I have to spend a ton of time on KZbin and nurseries to figure out the climate, when to plant what, and goodness all the new bugs to contend with. I basically become a new gardener every 2-3 years. Just when I figure it out, its time to move. Your videos are so inspirational, genuine, and most importantly they make sense. I can't wait to see what I can do with this Mississippi 260-something day long growing season!

[@andronikewells5210]

Thank you I’m learning sooo much. I’m a first time gardener at 73 Sept. God bless you. U R sooo inspirational

[@yusahara]

The screaming animals have me weak. But i really appreciate this video :)!! Its helping me get some gardening basics down.

[@brandonbernstein4181]

I'm really considering to start gardening and I love how she puts a spiritual aspect to it. It's super encouraging and and entertaining since it's not all technical yet she explains the important basics. Really feeling the want to now after this video. Liked and subscribed

[@carlajames3255]

Thank u for breaking this all down so clearly. I'm a true beginner. I have no clue about gardening at all. And I love the way you take your time and breaking things down on an ABC level for beginners like me. Thank u and I will be watching more of your videos.

[@melaniekoukola7173]

Last year I tried my first vegetable garden out of a pallet... ended up growing one super sad eggplant that got eaten by a squirrel! My heart broke and I never wanted to do it again! Watching your videos makes me really want to pour into it this year 100%! Thanks for the inspiration

[@Dixieshep]

So, twice you made me emotional. Thanks for giving me hope and reminding us newbies that it's a journey. It helps me to not be so serious about learning. Thank you.

[@69MOONKAT]

Love your positivity and zesty energy. Your smile is so genuine and warm. much love to your family and you from a Kansas admirer. Keep up the good work 💛🧡❤️♥️

[@lindamitchell3332]

Finally a video for beginners. I think there is such a need for more. Information to people like me who doesn’t know much about gardening but love it. I had to work all my life to raise my family so I just grew plants inside. Now retired and started growing in pots. There is still so much I don’t know just wish there were more for beginners instead how to build or how to catch a pig or kill chickens. I know there is a need for that but there is so many things I want to know and don’t know how to start. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@MimsysGarden]

Breaking ground for my first Spring garden this Friday! That’ll give me the winter to make sure conditions are optimal by then. I practiced this summer with 6 little things w a success ratio of 4 out of 6. I LEARNED A LOT, especially of where I goofed up or got things backwards lol 🙈.... I’ve taken notes, made plans, watched a variety of KZbin videos... especially for my area (zone 8) ... this summer has been brutal as far as heat & humidity for sure! I am going to try some cabbage this fall too but no real expectations 🤣 - up until this year, I’d never grown anything more than a houseplant (I’m 48!). My grandfather was the green thumb, older years homesteader. I’m praying that I can take after him somewhat. I did teach myself canning this summer - I’m totally addicted now. Thanks Jess! Your channel is AWESOME!!!

[@mikeedward3161]

Jess, thank you for being there and your words 'don't give up', I know they were meant to be for growing food, but I hear these words also for not giving up to learning about how to now manage life under lock down, not with just being unable to obtain compost, seed or what ever for growing because so many others are doing the same as they are now at home more and just like supermarket buying those with the greed get in at it first. So more are growing and being taken up big time! Jess this is the time for you to take to book writing, just like Deborah Zamora here stated 2 years ago. I have been following you before COV- 19 came about, because I wanted to improve myself in the area of growing veg and salad, as although I am pretty old and did a few edible plants still wanted to do more, but my husband always said that I would find it to be far too time-consuming. I had a rotten Christmas because my husband went into hospital for help in October and was there to get help with his diabetes and Parkinson's but was put in a ward with COV19 patients and caught/contracted that in hospital and after fighting for his life, he is left with bad lung scaring /fibrosis, and now has great difficulty breathing some times more than other times, been with emergency help for the same. So any garden producing I am on my own. I am expected to pay for his care as he is left with early dementia and care needs to be met either that way or do myself which is very difficult because he has intense needs to be met Which although he is 79, and I am 73, I also care for two adult disabled sons. So, if you can please ever show on video how to manage any veg/plant/growing/garden/chores, way to cut out steps that still lead to successful returns, please do catch these on video, as they will help us all. I love the peace, the therapy but my old bones have little muscle support and plenty of arthritis, so the words you have used in this video 'don't give up' resinates in my head when trying to achieve my growing goals. Your content here has helped me - thank you. I so hope you and your lovely family are staying safe Thanking you in anticipation of hearing from you, but I do understand if I don't as you have so many writing to you, it is so time-consuming in its self, but I post this here as maybe other subscribers have some ideas of how to cut back on some heavy work areas. Maureen

[@berlysblossomgardening2816]

This is my 4th year of Gardening and every year I’ve made it bigger and more variety of food 🤗 I just love gardening more and more each year 🌱🌱🌱💚🥰🥰🥰

[@smallspaceprepping]

I live in a small condo in Florida. I get No sun in the front or back of the building. I have a screened porch with natural light, but no sun. I love gardening but I have no idea what I'm doing. BUT, I keep trying. I appreciate this video so much! Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge. God Bless.

[@jessicadennison6506]

I’m so excited - as this is our first year in a house so I can garden! I’m so intimidated as I moved from zone 9 to 3 and it’s just a lot to wrap your head around. I’ve been watching a ton of your vids, I’m excited to give it a good “try” this year! Haha

[@loletafetty4963]

Thank you so much for your wonderful inspiring and educational video. You're a natural teacher! Your kids are adorable too! I hope to move close to my son and 2 grandkids in Chico CA and grow my own food. I can't wait! Love to you and your family. I grew up in the country and I really miss it! God's continued blessings.❤ Aunty Leta

[@dvndr3702]

I am a beginner in the gardening started gardening at the age of 57 from the last 1yr taking clues from the you tube videos and able to make good soil using kitchen waste and able to grow okara in my pots it was a mind blowing experience today by chance clicked on your video and got so much encouragement for facing challenges in the future gardening so impressed the way you explained about the gardening really thankfull for such an encouraging vdo keep it up

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Welcome!!! Thanks for watching and I hope your garden is abundant this year!

[@karenf14]

Jess I started gardening for first time now that I’m retired. Planted seeds, watched videos, got all the supplies recommended. I have to plant in smart pots on patio. There were 30 plants mostly tomatoes. They grew beautifully. Every day I watched them grow. The tomatoes reached four feet with alot of blossoms and fruit Then high temperatures came with no rain for a month. Only 2 of 25 plants had tomatoes to eat. Today is composting day. Next year will try again. Will learn from your information. Thank you for this timely video I probably would have given up and thought I was a failure

[@thepatriotfarmer3580]

Don't compost your tomato plants, burn or haul them off....especially if it is possible they had any disease.

[@DemonetizedTravel]

You have a much bigger message than just gardening. Write that book!

[@shelbymcbride324]

I came back to this video because I've been pretty discouraged about starting my first garden in the spring. Thanks for always giving us encouragement! I really need it

[@annadickinson6935]

Hi Jess. Learner here. Been trolling the internet for about 2 weeks now looking for ideas tips and tricks and just basic info. Your videos are great and easy to understand. And you tell us it's ok to play around with other things. Some other videos they are so particular and a bit more advanced than I am ready for so I loved this one about the basics of getting started..thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion. Hoping to start a container of strawberries with my boys later this week to see how it goes. 😁

[@GraceHomesteadFarm]

Thank you Jess!! Thanks to you I have ordered varieties I NEVER knew existed!! I love trying new things! My okra doesn't even make it out of the garden because I snack on it while doing other things. :D I am a 5th generation farmer who is starting out on my own with no previous knowledge. I did find a soil test layout of the farm that my grandfather had done before he died. Very neat color coated layers in depth BUT that was eyes ago so I am sure the soil has changed some. My grandfather who loved gardening died when I was 2 and my dad only ever had cows. BUT it warms my heart to think I am gardening where my great grandparents did. It might not be the exact same plot but it is their land! It is where they raised 15 babies and grew the food to feed those children! I am finding glass (blue, white, ceramics and even old buckles) as I have worked in my garden soil. It has always been my passion to have a garden for my family. This year is my first year and I went big for a beginner. 50x30 is my guess lol I also have 5 4x4 raised beds BUT I am working on filling them with dirt for fall plants. I planted late because of our wonky spring AND part of my garden (where the 20 tomatoes plants are) has very Orange clay 4" down! :/ I did find a horse farm that gives manure/shavings that have been sitting about a year so that has helped my plants tremendously! They started thriving almost immediately after adding the poo/shavings! Most of my potatoes were a bust but trial and error is good! I have a few I haven't killed that are thriving in the bags. I LOVE sitting in my garden and just watching the plants grow. ;) It is my therapy. I am planning for next year and I definitely will go bigger! I know now I will plant more then a couple okra plants, will be adding corn and I will be adding a fence and the pigs in the fall to help with the soil. Thanks again for your videos! I wish I could tap into my great grandparents minds but KZbin has brought that chance in. There is only so much you can read and then you just have to do!! You and a few other channels gave me the kick to JUST START!!! :D

[@heyitsagoodlife]

this is an amazing story!!!

[@anlyq2]

GraceHomesteadFarm What variety of okra? My okta is too fibrous to eat straight from the garden. It did well, but i never plsnted it again. Just cutti g it with a knife was a workout.

[@GraceHomesteadFarm]

anlyq2 Clemson spineless is the variety I have. They are green and soft. I have 2 I have left on the plant, letting them grow for seeds and even though they are HUGE they are still soft to the touch. I planted 5 plants and they stand about 5ft at the moment. I have forgotten clippers a few times and the okra just snaps off easily. Give this variety a try, I am sure you will be pleased! These are so soft and good I always eat them in the garden while I work or on the way home. (We live 9 miles away from the farm) none have mare it to be cooked lol. BUT now that I am getting A LOT daily I may have to start cooking them ;)

[@anlyq2]

GraceHomesteadFarm Thank you.

[@anlyq2]

2 months later and I got my first okra. I ate it fresh from the garden. Yes, it's definitely delicious. Thank you again.

[@MsAuraMatic]

Jess, you are a treasure. I love watching your videos. I feel your passion for gardening and I get so inspired when I watch. Thanks.

[@alishaw566]

YOU are a beautiful soul. A true light in this world, you have encouraged, inspired, and made me feel confident in partnering with mother nature. Thank you friend. Bless you.

[@cindik8017]

Thanks again Jess for sharing your knowledge. I am enjoying my garden more this year than ever before. Like you said, I am enjoying learning, nurturing and tending the plants and not just looking forward to the fruits. I can’t wait to get home from work each day to check on things. We have fought squash bugs like crazy, they finally won... hunted tomato horn worms with our grandchildren at night with our black lights and have looked through my Bakers Creek seed catalog so many times. I bought a small greenhouse, started making raised beds, and will be fencing it all in for next spring. The sunflowers and zinnias are covered with pollinators and the yellow finches are visiting too. Our Lord has given us such beauty in nature and sadly, I had forgotten how much being in the garden blesses me. I can’t wait for each new video. I am learning so much. Thanks again. Sending blessings your way!😊

[@TheWicklunds25]

Your passion for gardening is quite infectious. You can really tell when someone is consumed by their work. Super job. Thanks for the info. Keep growing yourself and your knowledge. It is apparent that you are absorbing knowledge like a sponge.

[@DebbieArnoldDiningWithDebbie]

I was not happy with wood chips as mulch in the garden. I really felt they leached nitrogen too readily. I have since removed all of them. Use your County Extension office for soil samples. They do a very nice job. The only thing I could possibly add to your amazing advice is to get your kids involved if you have kids. Let them pick their own plants and seeds and have a spot. They'll learn to eat new things while also learning to be responsible for their care. Above all, make it fun for them. Great job. Blessings.

[@flowersfantasy9686]

I am 44 and started growing with my grandparents at an early age. Now I have a kitchen garden and a piece of land we call an allotment in the Uk. This is a work in progress but it is my happiest place, I suffer with anxiety and it really helps relieve stresses. The rewards are amazing and for my girls to know and learn where their food comes from and the process is second to none. You truly are an inspiration x

[@mackenzieroach7807]

Thank you for sharing you knowledge. I've always envied individuals with a "green thumb". My family and I have had a lot of discussion about starting a garden. I'm excited to say that we are going to grow our very first gardens this year. We're planning on 2 gardens. One raised bed with a few of the "veggies" we like to eat. And a wild flower garden for our pollinators. . Both gardens will be visible and a constant reminder. Like you mentioned, you saw your garden every time you left the house. I can't wait to see what I learn through the process. Thank you again for sharing.

[@katieking8804]

I got my first handful of peas. Cheers to new beginnings! Thank you for your words of encouragement

[@suelarsen6922]

This year I wanted to put in a raised bed, but life got in the way. So I improvised and made one out of large sturdy cardboard boxes. Folded in both tops and bottoms, set on ground in desired configuration, filled with soil, and planted. It will definitely last the year, maybe one more. Will find out.

[@sarahmannluker7528]

Its amazing that each season teaches me something new or reminds me of something I've forgotten. I'm excited for the fall garden and know that yours will be just beautiful. God's design is awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@Catigizmo]

I have to say alot of this is some solid advice that I wish I would have heard before I started, I have 3 pepper plants, 8 sugar snap peas, and green beans. I am doing container gardening, and they're things that my family eat. I am just being conservative, I am also starting baby greens. I know this is an old video, but I love all your videos, and thank you for the kind human you are. I am gonna start radishes, just based on your we never ate it now we love it comment. :D Have a blessed day.

[@johnhass1525]

What a great video. Ive been growing for 25 years and I still earned a little. Just a wonderful and pleasant video.

[@leahawad9392]

Thank you for your help. Love to listen to you! I CANNOT WAIT TILL SPRING! Will be starting from scratch , so this is so helpful. Peace be with you.

[@heathermitchell3832]

I am super excited to start my garden. My daughter and I have outlined our beds. We will start getting the beds ready this weekend. We also have started some seeds and she is as excited as I am to get it in the garden

[@Tina06019]

Dear Jess: I like your videos. I got stung by our ground-dwelling bees 7 times this summer; fortunately I am not allergic to bee stings. I reminded myself that all flowering plants, including the strawberries I was attempting to grow, absolutely NEED those bees.

[@JForrest64]

Our local organic master gardener loves to use pine straw as mulch. That way by the end of the season you can just blend it in with the soil and will help add nutrients back to the soil.

[@ashleyfeinberg2988]

I love watching your videos! I live in a hot dry climate, so there's a lot of things I don't think I can successfully grow. But I started 8 different indeterminate tomato varieties from seeds last year and I have about 30 plants now! My goal in planting so many types was to see what can survive a 115 degree summer here. I'm excited to see what happens! Thanks for the encouragement!

[@rosedowning6466]

I started my love of gardening kind of late in life, in my mid-thirties (I'll be 61 in just a few days). And then for many years it was only flowers. I didn't grow my first veggie garden until 5 years ago. That first garden was a total bust. I started small, just planting green beans and zucchini. My zucchini were all destroyed by insects and critters before I was able to harvest even a single zucchini. I managed to harvest a hand full of green beans though and watching the flowers become little, teeny tiny green beans before my eyes had me hooked. I learned a lot that first year, and I am still learning. Gardening is my passion, and it's wonderful to find like-minded souls that share my passion. As always, your video hit a home run, Jess. You gave excellent advice to first-timers. Thank you!

[@tarabuell2171]

You're so well versed, confident & inspiring! Thank you 🍅🥬🌶🥰

[@8Slades]

I love your advice! Very inspirational to think we are partnering with nature.

[@isowigrow939]

Thanks for sharing. I’m a beginner and look at your videos for tips and tricks.

[@billysummers377]

Wow and thanks

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I think it is great to let new gardeners know they will struggle and things will die, you are right, it is a learning process. My first year I lost at least 80% of what I tried to grow, they were live plants I purchased! Seeds were even worse, and I still struggle with some things, but I have not stopped, I am starting plants from cuttings to propagate the fruits that I cannot afford new trees. It is working too!

[@jonikaye8572]

Just getting started with growing food. After watching your video I’m changing the location I had decided to put it. Thank you

[@MelissaKollerW]

In Arkansas, and most states, you can get a soil sample kit, for free, from your extension agency. They AG agent can explain the best way to gather your sample(s). Remember, you will want several samples from throughout the area you plan to garden to get a good overall knowledge of your available soil area.

[@DebbieArnoldDiningWithDebbie]

Yes. We just take our samples in in labeled baggies. I really appreciate this service.

[@nikkigrunenberg9329]

This was supportive to newbies and encouraging, too.

[@annebeck2208]

You are amazing and the right attitude! One thing: soil is dirt without life, putting down cardboard/paper and compost (with all the good life in it) or worm casting will make your soil live again and you can plant right in it. See Charles Dowding's videos and Ruth Stout and Back to Eden (he puts down chicken bedding and then woodchips, but it is the manure that has the microbes). Rather new research in this and it shows really amazing creation!

[@summerbreeze789]

I USED TO feel like KZbin content was like rummaging through a bunch of random unuseful "BLA BLA BLAH" until this video ! Reading your reviews it's clear that you've been a true God Send and INSPIRED so many with your knowledge and the warmth you exude through your personality ! I'm a firm believer that we are all put on this planet to Create, and Inspire and you've certainly Inspired me while going through these very scary, very depressing Corona Virus Pandemic times! I'm getting off my butt this very minute and doing a list for what I'll need to get started for container gardening since that is all I can do at this time.I loved the part of you saying to JUST DO IT, I've always liked the quote that The Journey Starts by the Very First Step !! : ) THANK YOU I'm excited and finally Inspired...

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you so much for this encouragement!!!

[@moon-cyclist4565]

I'm 17 and I'm finally stepping up from potted plants to a full garden, thank you for sharing your advice and your experience😊