Gardening, Raising and Preserving Food

Spring is right around the corner which means it’s time to think about the garden, the animals, and plans for growing/raising and storing food for another year!
Our Freeze Dryer: bit.ly/thebestfreezedryer
56 Egg Incubator: amzn.to/49JQgBF
Sourdough Granola Bar Recipe: hopewellheightsblog.com/chewy...
My 2024 Seed List and Gardening E-Book (FREE): bit.ly/2024growingguide
Order Baby Chicks or Hatching Eggs from my Favorite Hatchery: cackle.ositracker.com/356491/...
How to Use the 56 egg incubator: • Amazon 56 Egg Incubato...
My dresses in this video: www.neuflora.com/?ref=W4OeJ
Shop my kitchen and homestead essentials on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/hopewellh...

[@Kpc12345]

U will love ur freeze dryer! Make sure to do bananas early on cus the kids love them and they r quick and easy. Also no u will not want the noise of the freeze dryer right under u where y’all r the most. It also gives off heat….lifting u up n prayer for ur delivery of ur new baby!! It’s neat to me that I get to pray for the people I watch their videos, just know u prob get a lot of prayers because of ur channel patrons. Take care. Ty!

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you so much!

[@ruthbentley2090]

Love your seed storage system! What a brilliant idea. I’m now on a hunt for a photo album. Thankyou 🙏🏾💕

[@gamingisabellajones6880]

I'm looking forward to the birth of your baby! I pray you have a safe and fast delivery.

[@Kim-n-Brian]

My husband built our coop then built a run for our chickens ..its 30'L x 15' Wide x 6' High nothing can get in to them from below or above. He built it attached to the coop so they come out of the coop right into the run . We had 1 run same size on each side of the coop . We down sized chickens so we took one side down but we love it and don't have to worry about our chickens...we have had chickens for 15+ years and not 1 chicken loss to predators and they only lay in the coop 😊

[@wendylawton8274]

I'm so lucky that we have friends who plant way too much and I can buy fresh veg and reward them for their work. I plant herbs, because I like them fresh, tomatoes, of course, and eggplant because we love them and if you buy them from the store they are too often soft already. Plus the eggplant shrub is so gorgeous, it could be al landscape plant.

[@karend8575]

Oh MY GOODNESS that cow is SO PRETTY! 😂🤣🥰 Right off the bat love this video! Lol!

[@kristasahlin]

What a wonderful video!! I love the look at the freeze dryer! Can you keep going with this series, and how items taste and how they taste reconstituted? I'd love to see how red peppers reconstitute, green beans, celery. Some of these things dont taste right dehydrated, so I'd love to find better alternative to preserving.

[@staceydavis4639]

Thank you so much for your content!!! I am completely with you on your beliefs about the world and where we are at spiritually. You are really an inspiration and I pray that I can get myself together. I have land that's free and clear but it's an old house. I have a well and that's great but I'm really behind on getting all the prep together. I love watching you cook and I just wish that I could taste it!!! Lol

[@mandys6323]

Make sure you open the door after defrost so it doesn’t mold inside. I actually just leave the door open and hit no defrost and it defrosts on its own without using heat. Also I find a lot of times food needs extra dry time, especially strawberries. If you notice they become spongy in the jar, they probably needed a bit more time. I learned about the dry test which is when you weigh the trays after the cycle is complete and then add more dry time and weigh again after 2 hrs to be sure it hasn’t lost more water. If it has lost weight add more dry time until they don’t lose weight. 😊

[@tsilbaugh5314]

Love that you got this! Fun to watch! Congrats on 100k! Woohoo!🙌🏻

[@aprilhampton6298]

That bull is so handsome! I love his face.

[@GridIronHillFarm]

We absolutely love our freeze-dryer! Preserving eggs and milk for when hens stop laying and cows are dry has been a game changer. We freeze dried cucumbers and cherry tomatoes and find they could almost sub as potato chip alternatives. Grated cabbage/ zucchini/carrots all are amazing in soups. Definitely don’t love peas freeze dried. The consistency isn’t terribly enjoyable. Hope you love yours❤

[@Raising_Arrowsx5]

I just found your channel this morning. I have been trying to live exactly like this. My goal this year is to learn to can from my garden. I am studying up on owning a dairy cow. Im worried that its hard. Learning how to keep them milking. I guess its good to have another homesteader or cow owner to breed with.

[@susanvelez6534]

Oh dear lord i pray for my sweet friend to welcome baby soon. I wish I lived on a farm living in the Forrest is just too much, we have 12 feet of snow right now…… as always I had so much fun with you

[@HopewellHeights]

Oh wow!! That’s a lot of snow!

[@annapachaclarke2392]

You are glowing lovely lady. Thought you seemed more tired last week, but you are full of energy here 😊 Bet that precious baby will be born in just days. Your lovely little Ernie playing there, he is adorable 😊 We had a gorgeous day in northern England today, love the spring ❤

[@HopewellHeights]

Feeling good so far!

[@TodaysBibleTruth]

We have a problem in our garage that we think may have been caused by the freeze dryer. This storage shelves and many other items have rusted. We think it must be from the moisture put out by the freeze dryer. Has anyone else noticed this?

[@cathykillion6544]

Enjoyed the video 😊

[@sanlen1944]

This was a great informative video on freeze drying , I may look into buying one soon . Thanks for sharing :)

[@lw7240]

Fantastic well done darling xx❤

[@lindacook9300]

Those eggs are so pretty it was like an Easter Basket. 😀

[@tarapaton5155]

I am so excited to watch more videos of you freeze drying foods. I have been thinking of purchasing one for a while. Love your channel

[@andreablackler9193]

Thank you for your videos, I learn something new every time😊❤

[@pattymankowski5375]

Fantastic love your channel

[@YouAreRight29]

That granola looks amazing ❤

[@rebekahfranks4205]

Love your videos

[@angiebrown4012]

Such an inspiration ! I wish more homesteaders would make this content!

[@irony11]

There are many that do.

[@angiebrown4012]

@@irony11 not as in depth, or explain things the way that she does

[@VictorianRoseSoapCo]

Transplanted in all of our crops so that we have freshly tilled soil, 2-5 inch tall plants, allows us to keep crops weed free. 40 years of market farming has taught us how to grow great crops with minimal work

[@judymcintire8061]

Definitely going to make your granola! 😊

[@NicoleHoltActress]

I think you'll love your freeze dryer. I've had mine roughly a year and I've freeze-dried everything I get my hands on that might spoil before we can use it up. Love it love it love it!

[@rachelt761]

I am so inspired by this type of content. Thank you for the work you’ve put in to post regularly. You’re doing such a great job ❤

[@moniquerodriguez8110]

Those egg colors ❤️prayers for safe delivery and healthy baby

[@marytillison8392]

Really love your videos dehydrated strawberries are bomb!! Your so beautiful and intelligent, one day I will have a freeze dryer! Until next video!

[@MsAliciasaurus]

Loved this video and your experience with the freeze dryer. Thank you for sharing with us! I love watching your videos 🥰

[@greenrockgarden2851]

🤗I’m sorry sooo happy for youuuu! A freeze dryer has been on my wishlist, but is beyond my reach. Soooo, I watch everyone who gets one use theirs. 😊

[@sleepinglabradors]

Congrats on 100k!!!! Thanks Steph for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us, I’ve learnt so much from your videos. My favourite recipe so far is that Pullman loaf 🤤

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

Your brown dress is lovely on you, Steph.🤎

[@felicitysileas1051]

Wow! That is awesome! I know my family has been looking at a freeze dryer for a while now. We have chickens that get broody and go on strike lol 😂

[@kathylane5934]

Beautiful eggs

[@juststoppingby390]

Freeze dried berries are lovely in granola bars

[@katush80]

I tried doing seeds indoors a couple of times and really didn't see the necessity. It seemed like more trouble than it's worth. Well, to be clear, only because I do not have a green house or any room or a good set up for all that. But it also didn't seem like veggies take that much time to grow from seed and you can get organic herb and veggie starts at the store to stagger the growth.

[@susanvelez6534]

We have ours down stares and it is one that has big long wide trays I used it for morel mushrooms :)

[@charlenehamm]

We freeze dry sliced strawberries and bananas then use them in our cereal letting the milk reconstitute them. Also, powdered them for smoothies.

[@janicecancilla913]

Your hair is gorgeous!

[@loriezweifel3364]

Oh how I wish you were my neighbor!

[@MindSetMagick]

I love your videos so much they are so calming.Do you have a sour crout video if not can you please make one.

[@Wakeywhodat]

Another awesome video. I’ve definitely been considering a freeze dryer. Don’t worry about the kids in the background noise, it lends credibility!

[@madimccown383]

I want one so bad! Lol. That , and a really good generator , are next on our list” to get” list. But it will be a bit

[@susanvelez6534]

Oh one more thing I put shredded coconut on my granola bars that I made using your recipe with the chocolate chips and it taste delicious

[@janegrey9]

That is a crazy looking cow.

[@HomesteadAtDawn]

I have that incubator! When you pull the rotators out, plug the gap between the tray and the sides. My first time hatching I had chicks fall in the crack and get stuck upside down and under the tray.

[@HopewellHeights]

Oh this is so helpful!! I will do that!

[@melissabuchanan8013]

Me too!! I’ve been getting 18-25 a day!

[@Simplyinspried]

You will love the freeze drier. I use mine all the time. I would highly recommend to defrost after every use like the manual says. The walls is what collects the water from the food and freezes.

[@rhondamontiel3827]

I'm sure that someone has mentioned that strawberries rehydrate from the air very quickly. Freshly freeze dried strawberries will be crunchy

[@deeatwood4048]

so jealous wish we had farm fresh eggs, as a fellow nurse and mom love your channel. Best wishes and prayers for a speedy safe delivery. A freeze drier too, blessed

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you!! I will say, after being very low on eggs all winter having an abundance now is such a blessing!

[@susanvelez6534]

Congratulations on 100k darling 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you!

[@gamingisabellajones6880]

@@HopewellHeights I enjoy your channel.

[@sewfun2263]

Steph! Please share how you break the cows for milking!! Need that info asap!! Love all your videos, look forward to Wednesdays!

[@user-xr5uq1qx2y]

Look up Homesteading Family. Caroline knows everything freeze drying and you will find her info so helpful! Excited for you.

[@nicolewatters4062]

I want a freeze dryer so badly!! I'm excited to watch you enjoy your machine until I get one❤

[@HopewellHeights]

Planning on putting it to use a ton this growing season!

[@WendyDeLaTorre-dl5lv]

Congratulations on the freeze dryer! I got mine almost 2 years ago. I have shredded zucchini in it mine right now. I’ve done eggs last summer when eggs were in abundance. It’s nice to have eggs throughout the winter when the girls are not laying. I’m a bit concerned about freeze drying raw eggs with the strawberries though. ❤

[@jeanetteoliver7945]

I was looking up to freeze dryers. They are a lot of money and you have to say to really get one but well worth it when you can buy one. They also are giving one away in a contest so I entered it. I hope I get lucky and win one. I love your granola recipe, and the only thing I have to do is start sourdough starter. Love your channel.

[@alesiawallin3860]

I’m in NW Georgia and farm fresh eggs can be anywhere from $5 to $7 per dozen

[@deebee533]

I used to buy I think it was, Special K cereal from supermarket. They came out with a strawberry version. Those were freeze dried. And reconstituted in the milk in no time. But usually they did not last that long, those were the first things I picked out to eat. I would love a freeze dryer. Corn would be a could thing to try. I have had that and it was delicious.

[@ka6148]

We only use H seeds, never highbred we put up 1gal tomato powder, 180qt tomato sauce with 150 plants You need to decide if determinant or indeterminate are best for you... And depending on what you are making with your fruit, are they just for topping a sandwich or salad ? Or canning salsa, sauce, paste, powder? I stick close to amish paste, roma, san marzano with a brandywine for fresh eats

[@HopewellHeights]

I love Brandywine and Roma! This will be my first year not growing them so we will see if I miss them and rotate them back in!

[@marychristensen4254]

Have you heard of “winter sowing” method, to start seeds in milk jugs that go outside till planting. It’s a great way to start seeds without a green house. ~Baby blessings to you❤

[@haileymiller9339]

First thought was freeze drying your own beef liver instead of having to buy it in supplement form!!

[@NorthFork-Ranch]

Thank you for sharing about the freeze dryer, they're interesting and expensive....maybe later you can share your thoughts on if the expense is a good investment over freezing (in our refrigerator/freezer) and or dehydrating

[@AussieAngeS]

You look so beautiful pregnant or not, your hair is so nice, I love how energetic you are even being so heavily pregnant. You do so much, I admire you and I love your channel. Those granola bars look fabulous, I need to make that recipe. 😍

[@twigcreation]

Congrats on getting the freeze dryer! I’ve been wanting one. I do have a suggestion. When you are loading your freeze dryer, I would put the raw protein items on the bottom. Just like you should store raw meets in the lower level of the refrigerator. You wouldn’t want raw meat/ protein products to get splashed on the fruits. Just my thoughts. Love your videos!

[@alesiawallin3860]

Yes ma’am you are correct - 1 1/2 dozen eggs per tray. The only time it is any different is when I do duck eggs and, I stand to be corrected here because it’s been a minute since I had duck eggs, but I believe I could only get 13 duck eggs or 12 chicken and 3 duck.

[@alexmac6386]

Stayfresh is what I have as a freezedryer ,the hr that I bought never worked from out of the box so I sent it box and my stayfresh is a workhorse

[@HopewellHeights]

Oh no! Glad you found something that’s working well for you!

[@gunther13101]

Check out winter sowing👍👍👍

[@TinyT777]

I absolutely love your videos and blog. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Recommendation for egg shells If you have a dehydrator you can dehydrate your eggs shells and crush them up or blend in your blender and use as calcium in your garden. We found this to be a great way to give our garden calcium as plants can deplete the levels.

[@HopewellHeights]

Love this tip! I usually just give the shells back to the chickens but this is a great idea!

[@user-xh3hf7pj5c]

Calcium is needed for big watermelons.

[@Ellisfam2023]

Love this video! Just wondering what brand your apron is?

[@ka6148]

Waterglassing eggs helps alot with extending eggs

[@HopewellHeights]

We’ve done that as well!

[@jenniferr2057]

I wonder if you could reconstitute eggs in raw milk? Super food! I detest dehydrated bananas but I LOVE freeze dried bananas. Do those! Our HR is really, really loud.... No way it could be in our living space.

[@shantalnino4378]

Not sure if you have shared where you buy your dresses. I would love to know. They are beautiful and look so comfy.

[@ThisMamasFaith]

How was the sound once the pump is on? Mine is in my laundry room on the same floor as my kitchen and I’m able to shut the door :) I did 6 dozen eggs while watching your video so thanks for the recommendation ❤

[@stephaniebroerman9335]

Love your dresses, where do you get them?

[@Michelle.z4]

I hope all is well! Always defrost before the next load ! Primarily do raw items separately from cooked items

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you for the tips!! I’ve only done raw so far, excited to try cooked!

[@luciacapodieci3368]

I will go further use like items together like just strawberries or just fruits with the same consistency, because all ingredients doesn’t have the same dry time, some products can be dry and some not fully. And strawberries can be tricky also because the little seeds on them take more time to fully dry if you want them for longer storage.

[@caitlinlizarraga5696]

Do you have any book suggestions for someone just starting out with homesteading? Anything that helped you with the beginning process …

[@zwerglein84]

Hi! Thank you for your interesting videos! 🤩 I am also eyeballing with a freeze dryer. Are there any additional costs in the future for the freeze dryer? Thank you! 🤗 🍀🍄🐞🐷 for your homebirth ❤️🌀

[@agathagiesbrecht3529]

You can freeze dry your eggs

[@alesiawallin3860]

Okay, helpful hint - use a blender to mix your eggs and it’s much much easier to pour into each tray.

[@HopewellHeights]

Great idea!!

[@staceydavis4639]

Do you ferment?

[@alesiawallin3860]

Nope - you have to defrost between runs. I’ve tried to use it for one more run and it failed miserably. I wound up having to put my trays in the freezer, defrost the unit then start over. Also, you didn’t say if you did warm trays but that will help a lot. I select warm trays and that helps me while emptying my trays so that I can leave my other trays in the freeze dryer so I don’t have to worry about moisture seeping back in them. Don’t mean to be a bossy know it all, just have had my freeze dryer for 2 years now and trying to give you some helpful info. The only thing I’ve found that takes a super long (seems like anyway) time to reconstitute is potatoes.

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you for all the tips!!

[@kaylavillalobos1779]

Where do you like to shop for all your dresses?

[@angelramos5949]

How many more weeks ? I am 36 weeks and just want to savor these few weeks😊❤

[@janecannon5567]

What do you do when you come across a bloody egg or do you check them some way?

[@blackbarnfarm3948]

I had that incubator. Unfortunately I didn’t like it. Hard to keep humidity up, and I didn’t have good rates either. It’s also very hard to clean! 🥴

[@shawnaaldstadt7440]

Where can I buy an apron like that one?

[@angelatarrant6032]

I don’t see the link for the 4x6 photo sheets. Can I please get the link?

[@adriankaritorres7301]

Do you plan to freeze dry any breastmilk when you are nursing baby?

[@lindakrieger6667]

Another channel I love with a freeze dryer. 😔 most people can’t afford them. Oh well, lots of fast forwarding.

[@melissabuchanan8013]

Midwest where?

[@TheTandumbs]

Besides scraps what do you feed your chickens? I make mine feed mix but it's getting crazy expensive.

[@HopewellHeights]

Nothing! They are totally free range most of the year. Sometimes my husband locks some of them up in the coop when the weather is really bad and he buys them feed but I’m not sure what it is?

[@ruthie1967]

I would think moldy bread wouldn't be great for chickens

[@susanvelez6534]

Do you guys have solar panels on your home? Is electricity expensive where you live as it is here? We can’t have solar panels on this mountain home. Which gives us massive electric bills. :(

[@Nicereview763]

It's interesting how small things can be so different between countries, in the UK it is illegal to feed kitchen scraps to your chickens or pigs even if you are a vegetarian family becuase it is thought this is how some of our big outbreaks of disease have come about. Something that was always so traditional is completley banned!

[@MiraSky]

What zone are you/is she?

[@susanvelez6534]

Your bull scares me lol