Good Soil and Low Expectations (It's Me, I'm Counting) | VLOG

Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
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-The music in this video is by my friend Daniel Smith: / phillip_daniel_smith
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge...
Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge...
ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge...
Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge...
Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge...
#rootsandrefuge

[@kewpiefan72]

Please thank Toby for being so generous as to spend time with your followers. This old grandma very much enjoyed seeing Mr. Toby! P.S. he’s getting so tall!

[@tammynevil7852]

You two are so sweet, may God continue to bless your family and viewers.

[@coryart]

It's such a joy to see how much you two ADORE each other.

[@suevalenti9584]

I put a hot tub in my greenhouse. Stays pretty temperate, my plants love it!

[@jenninemclaughlin3522]

Just love the way your kids chiming at the end when you say we bless you until next time. Really lovely to see your family interactions.

[@bonniethomson3697]

Love your greenhouse!

[@abundantacre9]

I’m listening to you talk about the temps… It was -25 F (-42 F windchill) this morning in SE Wyoming when we got up and only 49 F inside my house. Wood stove cannot keep up in this weather. BUT we got to 25 degrees today! Woohoo!

[@piperhomestead5698]

I loved that Miah said "just look pretty"! My hubby says that to me everytime I ask him if he needs help. ❤

[@annluke4544]

Love the greenhouse!

[@dariataylor510]

Toby is a mini Miah 😂 his looks, mannerisms, temperament. It’s so funny to see. What a sweet boy.

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

Jessica, the one thing you said about getting the timing right with growing your crops is so true. I'm in zone 9b SW Florida, and this is my first fall and winter crops I've ever grown. I've only grown spring and summer crops, and my crops are doing really well. I definitely love fall and winter gardening the best. No heat, no bugs, no sweat 😂

[@fromsunrisetosunset1192]

Me too! I’m in zone 9 B in southeast fl 😊

[@metalmartha2571]

🫶Oh, thank you so much for addressing that beautiful iris blooming on the side of your greenhouse! I noticed it a couple Vlogs back and was going to comment, but then forgot. so excited for you… Just the most lovely flower that ever existed!🥰🩷❤️🙏👏🏻🫶😘

[@kimdavidson7925]

I really like seeing you 2 work together.. .such a great team, even if your just the bucket girl looking pretty

[@bridgestew]

It's been so cold here in Northern Ohio. I've had on thick slippers, a hoodie and 2 blankets and I still complain about it being cold. It's been in the low teens (F) with a windchill of below 0 (F). It's unpleasant even though it has been sunny the past couple days. That helps, at least.

[@notdiyheather]

I've had the same problem with my cauliflower this year. No clue what's going on. Maybe it's our crazy winter weather. I'm not to far from you. Coastal SC

[@amandar7719]

Straight to the comments about the cauliflowers to check out what might be the problem. Apart from a mineral deficiency still to obvious answers for you apart from maybe an inherent seed issue… My thoughts were immediately a fungus issue from an insect. We get earwig issues sometimes on broccoli or cauliflower. Second was downy mildew but the leaves are sooo healthy. I’d take photos of the different stages and lift the worst affected plant carefully and take high res photos of the roots. If you decide to remove all the plants I’d definitely take out the roots too. Perhaps also take a soil sample from around the roots and bag another sample of an infected head to take to your local extension office or university with an horticulture department. I’m sure your followers would appreciate learning what it is. And you seeing as you have multiple cauli seedlings growing in the greenhouse. Could be a water borne pathogen…. Well water?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Woo I'm early!🎉

[@tiffanyclouser4274]

This happened to me with the same kind! I’ve never had that problem with cauliflower but the snow ball did the same for me.

[@choirmom78]

I love it when your boys say "I bless you until next time." Right along with you.

[@amboe13]

Toby and Malia (hope that’s spelt right) favor sooo much. Beautiful children. Lord, please let all the baby seedlings stay warm in the cold. Oh and Lord Jess too! Amen!

[@paulalatimer7286]

I totally feel you on the temperature dispute. My husband drives with the window cracked in the winter(in Utah! ) Then I get teased cuz even on 90 degree days I take a “light jacket” everywhere we go. Cuz AC is cold. 🤦‍♀️😂😂

[@chezelleconroy2951]

I, too, have low expectations for brassicas. So much so that this year I grew a bunch of cabbage and they all went bonkers! Everyone who comes over at the moment leaves with their very own pet cabbage!

[@nikkiiketo2154]

I love watching your greenhouse videos. Makes me want my own sooo badly. *all in good time 🙏*

[@dhansonranch]

I really like Jeremiah's idea of double pane on the greenhouse. I grow snowball cauliflower and the only time I have had the head rotting is when it rains a lot as the moisture hangs out on the head. Snowball are also not self blanching and so the leaves need to be tied up or at least a leaf needs to cover - which helps prevent moisture from hitting it and sun from turning yellow. My experience is that they will not recover or generate a new head. The leaves are good eats though. Good video!

[@bethhubbs9937]

UPVOTE because it sounds like you know what you're talking about. I hope Jess and others see your comment. Other comments seem to agree by indicating too much rain/moisture appeared to be the issue and your specific comment seems right on. Happy gardening.

[@brittayoung5574]

It’s funny you are having an issue with the snowball variety, I have given up on germinating that variety. I tried a few years in a row and that variety had my lowest germination rate.

[@sunmoonrise]

Yayyy early

[@sharoncardenas5447]

I love you Jess!!! That precious man of yours is a keeper. I've had 2 husbands. First one has passed. Second one wewontspeakof. Cherish each other & cling to one another!!! Y'all swell my heart!!! I Bless you!❤

[@NeilFraser-tn5ws]

Hi Jess the temperature near the walls is colder than towards the centre so moving the stands may save some of your seedlings, may still get as cold but not for as long

[@SimplyStacyL]

“I’ve abandoned my post as bucket lady…” But you’re still pretty, so no worries. 😜

[@emmaschauer5409]

Jess, and I say this as your friend, you need yourself a sauna! 😂

[@ria9881]

I love that Toby jumped right in to say the good-bye blessing 💖

[@phyllisatkinson4401]

Hi Jess, are you planting any medicinal plants ? If they are perennials , like Comphrey, would you start them early or does it not matter so much? And biennials like mullein, I don't have a clue. Would love advice from someone who actually grows such things. Thank you❤️ I'm in So Md , it is now 24 degrees at 7 pm brrr , stay warm everyone.

[@elfkronatradgardelfkronaga6968]

Im live in Sweden and we had -21 celsius yesterday 😱

[@kathystarnes6744]

I just love how gentle and kind Miah is with you❤️ Your love shows and it’s heartwarming. 🙏🏻❤️

[@bethhubbs9937]

Even if Fern wasn't running back and forth, she was clearly interested. Super cute how she played with the boys that one day. I agree that seeing cows run and frolic is super cute and funny. Nice to see Toby. :)

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

I am still reeling over the home video Miah and you put out. So exciting- stay warm everyone.

[@christencurtis9047]

I've had the hardest time with snowball cauliflower too! I tried from seeds inside the last two years, both snowball x and snowball Y. If they head, they're ugly and yucky and small. However the purple of Sicily, grow lush and big and beautiful. I plant mine all in my outside raised beds. I ordered cheddar cauliflower and another white variety to try this year. I'm trying one more time with my snowball, they also had poorer germination compared to the purple.

[@Fawn62312]

I wonder, if you decide the black paint is part of the problem, if painting the inside of the greenhouse a light color would help? So the light can bounce around inside more?

[@Abiding.Farmhouse]

Recently found your channel and I'm loving it! I really loved the kitchen tools must have video. Very helpful. ❤

[@karenm5681]

Best part of the video. 5:42 😂

[@daleservidio2034]

Welcome to the age old marital dispute 😊

[@barbarasiders288]

Fungus. Make wind.

[@katiez5660]

We had a pond that was medium size. It was full of frogs that would be on the edge of the pond. Our dog would run along the edge and the frogs would jump high into the pond. A heron did get them though. Nature makes you smile at - frogs and dogs.

[@magdawind13]

I can’t wait to see the table built! It’s such a beautiful piece of artwork ❤

[@Nancelot13]

Good soil and low expectations are always the best outlook! lol

[@marygrott8095]

Two R&R videos in one day! What a blessing!

[@mendedkettlefarm]

So beautiful! Love learning from R&R!! is there a resource anywhere for Jeremiah’s steps on the black green build?? I know and love the video in Arkansas, but I didn’t know if there was any tweaks to this one

[@izenmama]

Cauliflower looked like that last year and I couldn't figure it out until one day when I saw a slug eating the top of the flower crown. Not sure if they come out at night or what but they ended up destroying every single one of my cauliflower and left all of the broccoli alone.

[@carrieunknown9683]

no sympathy for your 40 degrees...missouri has been sub zero...grrr. I am in desperate need of sunshine soon!! looks great lady! will be watching about your color of the greenhouse. no complaints here for 100 plus degree 😂

[@itsallperfectlynormal9805]

Cauliflower browning likely either a boron deficiency or uv damage - didn't see small leaves curling around the head to protect it. You can try clipping a leaf or two from the plant over the head of one that hasn't browned yet to see if that prevents it. I'd have the soil tested. That will help with all your crops.

[@ellendunn559]

I have the exact same radiant heater in my office here in Maine where the outside temp is in the teens and I can feel the cold air coming through the wall and picture window. I crank the heater up and snuggle next to it all winter. I know you guys live in the south and have greenhouses, but the idea of starting seeds in January - or of an iris blooming! - just blows my mind. It’s fun to watch green things growing, because our spring is a loooong way away!

[@rebeccadavis6812]

Your green house is great. Love how Fern likes attention. I think the animals know when we try to take their picture or video and then they do not do what we are wanting them to do for us to capture on camera.

[@marykappesser5145]

I think its cute, when you say it's 45 and really cold outside, today here in SW Ohio its14F.

[@jenniferapplin5605]

Yes! I am so jealous...blooming iris, hollyhocks and strawberries poking up?! It's-46 C here in Northern Canada lol thanks Jess for sharing to get me through the cold snap!

[@lindabrinson3999]

Yes - Cincinnati here! Springs like 60 ish days away though!!! ❤

[@marykappesser5145]

@@resaunders26 Yup, doing my best. Opening curtains during sunny days, closing up at sunset . Got rolled up towels on window sills. Hot drinks and "warmies" on my feet .

[@laudya1]

Maybe you should get a light colour shade cloth, Jess!!

[@karenlindstrom8266]

I love your content. Please keep as much personal content that you feel comfortable with. We all have real life stuff we deal with.

[@AS-tr9zx]

You've got to try a large exercise ball for the cows to play with! Especially when you have young ones 😊

[@kezwall4506]

Nice scarf! Did you make it?

[@LowcountryGardener]

I'm wondering if installing some windows that can be opened in the greenhouse would help with the heat. I've seen other greenhouse builds where it has tons of windows around the whole greenhouse. It also pays off in the summer when it's extremely hot and you can leave the windows open all the time. Those old time home roll up type windows that also keep the rain out seem to be the best.

[@schex9]

That's why they have fans - to exhaust the hot air when needed

[@AuxhartGardening]

Same thing happened to my snowball cauliflower, and I started them myself! I also had it happen to my purple as well. Granted, I have very few plants so it’s hard to draw large conclusions, but I haven’t had any cauliflowers get big and stay healthy this year.

[@stacyk.3402]

My greenhouse is black and it doesn’t affect my seedlings.

[@GodsDesire4me]

Hey Jess , my cauliflower starts have done the same thing. I can’t figure out what happened to them. But I’m definitely getting ahead of the game this time planting from seed. Thanks for sharing ❤😊

[@TrixieJFerguson]

WOW! What a difference. I have a 50% shade cloth on my greenhouse and I’m shocked at how much different the light is. I need to get my shade cloth off too.

[@Nancelot13]

It's not the color of the green house. It's definitely the shade cloth.

[@anitakenepp2675]

I’m in central Oklahoma, I had such great expectations this year for my purple cauliflower as it was about 1-2 inches round and beautiful and then… -15 degrees and the greenhouse just couldn’t keep up. 😩. Well maybe next year 🤣

[@PackRatManiac]

My husband and I are polar opposites when it comes to the thermostat. He'd have the windows open if it was 50°f outside if I'd let him. I got a snuggie in the white elephant gift exchange we do at Christmas. I'm really enjoying that snuggie since it's 29° here in southeast Texas. I'm also starting my frost tender stuff even though that seems ridiculous right now. My last frost date is supposed to be February 15th but we have gotten hard freezes that time of year in the past. I usually don't plan on getting things in the ground until early March. I have 50% shade cloth this year so hopefully that will get them through some of the hotter months. I'm really hoping we all have a successful gardening year and miraculously the squash vine borers and squash bugs population took a hit with these freezes lol.

[@debbieperkins2201]

I found a website called plant parent and u take ur phone and show the plant with the problem and it identify what’s wrong and gives u a solution hope it helps with ur cauliflower

[@sharonknorr1106]

So I'm with you, Jess, keep it toasty. Now that he's getting older, my husband doesn't mind it being a bit warmer in the house so much. As for the greenhouse, I'm not sure there is enough square footage of dark wood to actually make a significant different in the temperature. I would really research that before doing anything drastic like repainting. Our greenhouse is painted light green and white, outside and inside, and it still gets very hot when the sun is shining, even in the winter. Unfortunately, didn't shine enough to keep the temps above freezing the past five days when it has been single to double digits below zero. Covered everything with blankets and the weather finally broke today, actually got above 32 for a while - we'll see how everything looks in a few days. We have tender patio plants in there as well as some stuff in the ground. It is an earth battery design and we had a heater like yours going, but was just so cold without relief and little sun. This is the longest really frigid cold spell we have had since we moved to northern CO 12 years ago and built the greenhouse. It's a good test of our resilience, I guess.

[@ValdirSilva-sz1ms]

*MUITO BEM JOVEM BRINCANDO DE TIROLESA 🆗👏🏻*

[@tunyarenfrow7974]

Hi Jess, I too am so so excited about seed starting. I did get a few seeds from Tradewinds seed company. I got some Dukat Dill seeds and I can hardly wait to have it growing in my garden again! It is so aromatic and tastes great! Have you ever grown that type? I also got some comfrey and basil seeds. The basil will be for teas.

[@marking-time-gardens]

Wondering if your damaged shade cloth could be used as temporary "shade sails" over sensitive plants elsewhere in your garden this summer? Thank you for being you. Blessings on your day Kiddo!🌻🐛💕

[@michelinebercier-lariviere3095]

Do you think that the seedlings on the top shelf make shade on the lower shelf seedlings? Do the seedlings on the top shelf grow stronger?

[@barbarasiders288]

You have a busy brain. You are not over thinking. You see obstacles and plan.

[@alexusdutton35]

I’m in Missouri and it’s been low low and even in the negatives and I get so exited when you post videos about the garden

[@fields-n-feathers]

Your coffee made this single digit temperature day mighty pleasant. Thank you, again.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Helen was like " I am not here for your amusement, I am here for your loooove!" 😁 The boys are getting so grown up, better grow extra this year Jess, there's growth spikes ahead!! 😁

[@deltorres2100]

We here in Texas on day /night of freezing weather … tomorrow it should end… Please check on your neighbor Papa T I’m sure y’all have, but I’m just thinking of him. I’ve been asking all the neighbors over here if they’re all OK ..

[@raversmead]

I don't feel like the black greenhouse frame should be a problem. Plenty of people in the UK have black greenhouses, surely if it caused problems they wouldn't be so popular 🤔 and you can totally see the light difference now the shade cloth is off ❤

[@thewilsontribe8]

Google says: brown spots on cauliflower are caused by deficiency of the micronutrient boron? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@tinatedder8963]

Miah, give it time. Menopause will give Jess a new appreciation of staying "chill", HAHAHA. I'm 57 and love having the heat be around 62, but my husband would rather it be around 75. He just needs to experience one hot flash to see it differently.....

[@virginiaalbrecht802]

Zone 7b. I’ve never had much luck with snowball cauliflower. Always disappointed. I guess it could just be the variety since you are having problems too.

[@carolynfulton4060]

Hello!! I remember a t shirt you’ve had in the past that had something like-REAL FOOD COMES DIRTY-is there any way I could get one?

[@LGrothier]

I love how much you and Jeremiah smile and laugh together. There’s so much love there. 🥰

[@valerieellison2483]

I finished reading a book called "Basic Soil Science for Successful Vegetable Gardening" by Bruce McCord and it helped me understand why my veggie plants were very slow to grow. It makes me excited to fix my soil so my plants will grow bigger and fruit more.

[@janicegilman7672]

Frost tender flowers must be having a difficult time during this cold spell!! It was +10 today in Anchorage and I was cold - and I am NOT frost tender!! 😂😂

[@secretgardenhomestead3251]

Maybe painting the inside beams of the greenhouse white would help slightly. I LOVE the black though! :-D Love ya Jess xx

[@melaniegreen5823]

Check out Freeze Misers for your faucets and floats for your troughs - they're great! I really would have loved to have one back when I had to fret over keeping my trough filled. (I am not at all affiliated with them, but stumbled across them 24 hours before the punishing freeze that hit Texas in 2021, and have used them since then.)

[@sc-dw6gt]

love the greenhouse! We use heat mats in ours, and really recommend them (plants LOVE them!)---the pro mats come in long or short lengths, adjustable heat, use hardly any electricity, heat the plants right where they need it---and, best of all, we never have to worry about bringing the plants in! (plus, you know, sometimes there are just TOO many!). You might like them

[@nancyschwartz5665]

Body temperature is a real thing! And having both ends of the spectrum is always a challenge. Thyroid issues definitely make the cold temperature physically painful.

[@Devie-tx8ri]

Put 250watt heat lamps in rafters. Far enough away from plants. Only use for heat when outside temp drops. Will be cheap quick fix for season but still enough to warm greenhouse as springtime. Sounds like a plan Stan!

[@teresakooser5695]

I am always hot and my husband is always cold.😂

[@nicolephillips9991]

It is so reassuring to hear you say that about brassicas. I have only grown them for two years but it's been really hit or miss. I am also trying some spring crops a couple weeks early this year, just to see!

[@lauriknox2486]

I seriously doubt that the black framing of your greenhouse is contributing much to the greenhouse overheating on sunny days. The key to keeping the temperatures down is controlling the air exchange. I don't know how powerful your fans are but that's where I would look first. It took me several years to get my greenhouse vents and fans setup properly for each season. Now, even in mid summer, I can keep the temps in there within 10 degrees (F) of the ambient temperature of my backyard. I also use those radient heaters when it's too cool (for whatever is growing in the greenhouse at the time). They work great! My greenouse is small (~100sq ft) so it doesn't cost much to run them. Good luck.

[@victoriamulch1102]

First year gardener here - my cauliflower did the same thing (it was the “Amazing cauliflower” from Baker Creek) and I’m only about an hour away from you. Also, if you don’t plan on putting in your tomatoes right around the last frost date, should you wait a few weeks to start them indoors? My baby is due right in the middle of April so I’m trying to figure out timing!

[@teriparrish]

Oh no. I ordered snowball cauli seeds. Hopefully will be okay. Looking forward to trying the romanesco.

[@KE-hr4sb]

My husband and I fight over temperature too! I’m native born Texan, he is not. It was in the 40’s and he was walking around wearing shorts and everyone was staring at him suspiciously!

[@charitylewis865]

Hello, I love your channel and how to learn so much from channels like yours! I was hoping you would have some advice on how to heat my greenhouse , it is a fiber pressed greenhouse, no windows I’ve read that you could use barrels of hot water ?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

[@jeanrichards8042]

Ooh Jess ...it would be amazing if you put quilted shutters on your doors (to replace the moving blankets) I've seen pictures of them over house windows, but that would bring lovely color to your greenhouse in the winter months when not much is growing (in or out) just a thought, you'll find what works best for you!

[@ChronicallyHopefulChar]

Love the black greenhouse, but I have wondered whether the temperature in there, under your SC sun, might be influenced by having black framing which would probably hold heat much more than a lighter colour would.

[@8thcelisabeth]

Gosh, yes, TIMING with cole crops is critical. I have it down for everything except brussies. That and onions. I am apparently the only person who thinks onions are hard.

[@Nan-Elle]

Gee, Miah would have loved being up here in Massachusetts this past week. Yes, it was 14 degrees outside. Then it went up to the low 30s. My seeds are starting in my kitchen and dining room windows where I get a lot of sun. I am always chilly, too, and I hate going out to get the mail at the end of the driveway. BUT I try to be brave and I continue on about my errands, etc... while dreaming of spring and summer and my little greenhouse.