Harvesting Tips (and getting to the bottom of contaminated soil) | VLOG

Harvesting Video: • When and How to HARVES...
Soil3 contact info: www.soil3.com/...
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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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#rootsandrefuge #homesteading #gardening

[@trishapomeroy9251]

As a person who teaches so many about gardening, this is a spectacular teaching moment. I know you lost a lot of food production, but I see this as something that is becoming more and more prevalent these days. I hate that it happened to you or anyone, but you are able to now share this experience and hopefully a solution with SO MANY other. My heart goes out to the company that sold the soil. Something like this could bankrupt a small business. I hope they are able to find a solution that works well and are able to stay in business.

[@YACABE]

My thoughts exactly. 🙌

[@trishapomeroy9251]

@@Pepper5655 I agree. Just said the same thing to my husband after watching this video.

[@dlsdyer9071]

I bought some topsoil from another “organic” source and am having the same issues. The plants look the same. My beneficial lizards and frogs are gone from the area as well. The rest of our property is over run with them. I also had a severe skin reaction on the backs of my hands after putting it out. We have only used captain jacks dead weed and incidentally only in the unaffected areas.

[@Narrowway7]

@@Pepper5655 agree. It seems shady to me.

[@jodilea144]

@@Pepper5655 I’ve been thinking the same, and actually just told my husband yesterday that something is not right with our garden this year and speculated that maybe this is another arm of the food shortage plan. Plant growth seems stunted and production is very low.

[@debbieroland2807]

When you give them your soil sample you should take your own from the same place. Submit to the extension service and see how close the results are.

[@jillc9882]

It is so nice to see someone handle an issue with grace and dignity and not a rant. Everyday I pray to let someone see God through my actions. Let me be an example of a Christ led life. You have done just that! Thank you! ❤

[@susieclark1498]

Oh Jess, seeing you sorely disappointed yet giving grace to the company is just one reason why I watch every vlog you put out. I pray about everything and I'll be praying the company finds a quick solution, that others are encouraged by you and that we all give grace not only to each other but to companies that really care.

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

oh, I see Susie you basically said the same this as me. Basically there is a consensus of us who watch Jess & Miah build their new farm. We like-minded people who know that Gd is the One in control & we have to help each other whatever the outcome of feeding ourselves with nutrient rich food outside of the mass food growing done as cheaply as possible.

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

Thank you for taking this opportunity to teach us both how to remediate contaminated soil in our own gardens, as well as how to handle a severely crappy situation with a serious amount of empathy and grace, Jess!

[@HealthierRoots]

Bear is such a good dog 🐶 I love how he follows you to be alongside and watch over everything. He's a good boy!

[@CelticDruidess1]

I hope you don't mind me adding in my 2 cents worth re the soil issue - I'm a soil and plant scientist with a good background in microbiology (I have 3 degrees)...and Jess...I really love what you're doing with your channel. I assume that the soil company tested for Pseudomonas solanacearum (bacterial wilt - affects nightshade family) AND for Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens (bacterial wilt - affects beans). Although these two bacteria are different, given how wide spread the use of genetically altered crops is, i.e. soy beans, and given the ways in which genetic alteration is done, i.e. use of virus' is one method, and given that certain crops that were not supposed to allow their genetics to "escape" - have in fact seen their genetics escape (nature finds a way...Jurassic Park quote), then I'm going to say it's possible that one or more bacteria have created (and we can't leave out the potential for a "created" one) a "new" bacterium and or one or more have created a mutual association - either outcome is definitely possible. If the company hasn't done PCR testing, they need to do that at the very least and move forward from there. It'll give a better start point from which to ID IF it is in fact a bacterium and or virus that is causing this issue. If I recall correctly they could even use that same or similar test to determine if it is "chemical" contamination but given that you indicated that the problem is being noticed more globally, then my educated guess would say viral or bacterial considering how plant material is so globally mobile. I am really eager to hear what they find - please keep us informed as you are able...thanks kindly in advance. Just a side note, IF you do testing and soil collection from different spots, be sure to thoroughly disinfect any collection tools between locations and potentially even within locations. Use neoprene type gloves and disinfect or change between collection spots as well. If it is bacterial/viral, then cross contamination and even further spread can occur if precautions are not taken.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I’ve wondered if it might not be a viral issue.

[@CelticDruidess1]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm you're very welcome. It might be smart to even work with the nearest ag university because they'll have the equipment to do the testing. Might make a good Master's or PhD level project.

[@bettybooboo22]

Thank you for a response rooted in science.

[@steph6337]

@@CelticDruidess1 I appreciate your wisdom in this. I was leaning more towards grazon contaminated compost/manure. Can you please give some insight about grazon and it's very very long term damage.

[@marilynrafla6628]

So you remember those random seeds coming from China and being sent randomly to people, I heard some people were curious and were trying to grow them.

[@lanabisson2675]

Oh dear Jess, I understand the heartbreak. A little story here: My heartbreak had more to do with sudden 3-1/2 inch rain and hail in within a hour. I garden primarily on a terraced garden. My home sits lower than the rest of the town. a large storm drain up the road overflowed and brought all the excess water which collapsed my terrace wall and crushed my tomato, onion and pepper plants that were coming along fine. There was gravel that came from above and covered my beds as well. I had worked that soil with all the perfect amendments and started last fall. I when I tried to clean up the mess my heart couldnt handle it. I fell to my knees in tears and told the Lord this hurts my heart so much and asked for his help in getting me through this. Later that day, out of the blue I felt the Lord speak to my heart.. He said: You didnt invite me into your garden....Whoa.. what a lesson. I learned so much from that. I was truely grateful for his peace and hard but gentle reminder. From that day forward I give him all the glory and I invite his presence always into the garden. His protection is everything. His lessons thought they are hard, I am blessed he loves me enough to show me where I need pruning. I hope Jess that the charcoal works. I know my story is long, and Im not saying you didnt invite the Lord to your garden. Im telling the story to help someone who might not think to Give him presence in the Garden. Love and Blessings to your family.

[@8thcelisabeth]

oh my gosh, that is awful. That storm seemed to bring all the ill to your garden!

[@gemmaavary4996]

Lana Bisson, Always invite GOD into everything you're doing♡♡♡ HE IS ALWAYS WAITING FOR US TO COMMUNE WITH HIM♡♡♡ What A Mighty GOD we serve ♡♡♡ Have The Most Amazing Beautiful Blessed Peaceful Evening ♡♡♡

[@lanabisson2675]

@@gemmaavary4996 I usually try to remember to invite him into everything I do. I know sometimes we get so busy with our to do lists that it slips our minds. That day he spoke to my heart, immediately I asked him to forgive me and from then on he is in my day. Its a good story to share because we all can fall into that mind set of trying to knock that to do list down and be consumed with wanting to get it done that we can often over look the most important part of the day, which is to invite him in and ask for his presence in what we are doing.

[@lanabisson2675]

@@8thcelisabeth It did, but It could have been worse. God opened a new door for me and that wall was rebuilt, and I ended up getting extra garden space in another area near our house.

[@promisedjubileedaniels]

That sounds like Wyoming ❤️

[@amymarie6724]

Jess, God is using you and your measured graceful response to bring truth of this problem to people, I truly believe that. The company is doing right to try and fix this and you have been able to alert a huge audience to the problem. You will also be able to share the solution when it's found. Right now God is calling a lot of people to become more self sufficient and rely less on the broken system. This problem will be resolved eventually somehow and you can help get the word out to home gardeners and small farms how to fix it. Thank you for your transparency and heart for teaching all you know with your audience.

[@christiscamelotgardens47]

It's scary to think that the more "independent" people become, there may be "people" higher up who are trying to sabotage home gardening 🥲

[@amymarie6724]

@@christiscamelotgardens47 that's the first thing I thought of... too many issues with the food processing plants the last year and problems with supply chain. I don't like to be an alarmist, but there are too many things going on that are specifically making it hard for people in so many ways. If you have the eyes to see, you can't unsee it all 😢

[@przlsc]

@@amymarie6724 “He who controls the food, controls the man”. This is widespread and there are also huge climate issues! I have read extensively about chem trails and that would explain ALOT!

[@amymarie6724]

@@przlsc very true. I live up in Washington and had the coolest May in like 50 years or something, my garden is so stunted and I don't have much space to grow in as it is. Everywhere else is scorching hot... I'm thankful that I purchased all my bagged compost last fall and let it sit all winter til I needed it before all this started. It's a spiritual war right now. I don't venture to guess how it will all turn out in the short term, but I know God wins in the end.

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

@@christiscamelotgardens47 i have to mention what a great name you picked for your farm!! Best of blessings & outcome in your place.

[@toneliseostboe6909]

Its Aminopyralid. Charles Dowding talked about it years ago and its all over Europe. Amino pyralid. Pesticide - leftovers in hay fed to animals for years.

[@amberneef1492]

Yes, or clopyralid, same family

[@mygardenandme3545]

Hi Jess. I have been watching your channel for awhile. March 12, 2020 my mother suffered a stroke and I wanted to let you know that since then you have been first a escape and then Your channel quickly became an inspiration and now gardening is now my passion. I just wanted to say thank you. Watching you and your family got me through a really rough time in my life and I just want to get better at saying thank you to the people the help and inspire me.

[@jodibillingsley]

While frustrating as it might be, God is using you to educate. To share what works. And that is incredible. He said "okay you want a classroom, here is your first lesson to share with the masses"! And you have jumped right in 🧡 I can't tell you how much it means to me that you have stayed strong and recognized your goals, and not look at it as tho it's a failure. Because it's not! It teaches me to keep going even when something bad happens. So thank you!

[@marcenafleischli5901]

As discouraging as it can be to have soil be the issue, I LOVE the damage control the soil company is doing!! Being transparent that there is a problem, acknowledging fault, and trying to remedy the problem by offering refunds, testing their soil, asking for customers help to rectify the problem in the future, etc… all of that is incredible customer service. Shows that they care about what they do and truly, truly care about their customers. I hope they get to the bottom of the issue! I would buy from them once they have the issue figured out, please keep us updated!!

[@dianelawrence4948]

Brand new gardener here and one out of four of my beds failed in the exact same way. I had beans and potatoes in it, started out looking good, then the potatoes withered and the leaves of the beans curled up all deformed looking. If not for you sharing this I’d have blamed myself and felt I just didn’t have what it takes to garden. Because of your teaching I know I can preserve. Thank you.

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

I am so sorry,(

[@ladeacarr4245]

keep going!! the garden is a safe space.. where youre just learning... im starting my first garden too... so im saying this to you, but really reminding myself lol... we are in a classroom... so for your future self.. 1 week from now.. 2 months from now... just keep a journal and keep taking these garden mishaps as guiding lights for the future..good luck!! keep growing friend 💚💚

[@joannmahaffey1068]

Wow such a tough go for your first garden. but don't give up. What is the lesson????? Just like Jess said, make it a goal to "grow your own soil" but do not beat yourself up over this. If you can dig it out and replace it, do it. But if not... do the remedial . If this were my soil, I would not want to plant anything in it till I found out what is contaminating it as it may very well be carried in anything that will grow in it and could be toxic for you and anyone who eats the food produced in it. Just know that You Can Do this.

[@pandywilson9076]

Same here with beans. I'm in SE Tenn.

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

@@ladeacarr4245 great advice. the farmers of yesteryear did this with all their expenses as well, think Jefferson, Washington on their homesteads. Did any of you ever visit these national treasures & see it as you perused the grounds, buildings & gardens?

[@caseyiles8546]

I loved Charles Dowding's video on testing compost for contamination. It was so informative. He discussed which plants to direct seed as a trial to watch for issues like this. I had an issue with local bulk compost last year.

[@promisedjubileedaniels]

Downton Abbey is one of our favorite shows too. We watched the whole thing during my five-month bedrest, and my baby was born safe and sound, so the show was forever sealed in our hearts ❤️

[@americanrootsfarm]

While you were sharing I felt it so strong in my spirit that we should pray for the you, the soil, the company and gardeners. My heart breaks for you and your garden. I can tell you are holding back your emotions as you talk to the world about this issue. You are such a sweet person and I appreciate your positive outlook even in the bad situations.

[@foodallergyblessed3332]

I also bought contaminated soil…… not from the same company you did. I hadn’t even thought about reaching out to them, but after watching this, I think I will! So much money spent……. So much money lost……. It can really break a first time gardeners spirit…… thankful that YOU are there to provide wisdom and encouragement!!

[@Erinraewellness]

Is there a connection to curling leaves and herbicide? We bought Kellogg brand soil and more than half of our garden looks like this. We blamed the heat here in AZ.

[@foodallergyblessed3332]

@@Erinraewellness -YES!!

[@cindypack5151]

@@Erinraewellness oh my goodness! I bought that brand from Home Depot here in TN and have had such failures! Green beans sprouted, then curled up and died! Squash and cuke seeds sprouted, set first set of leaves and zero growth since early May. Put same soil in planters with brand new junipers which are now almost all tan and smothered with mushrooms from this wood chip smelling “soil”! I’m old, disappointed and no more energy or budget for redoing. Boo to Kellogg!

[@bluegirl777]

Those harvesting tips are actually very helpful. No one talks about the when/why of harvesting certain things. So thank you!!

[@mariabergstrom1615]

Got the same problem here in Sweden. It's called Clopyralide and shows on the plants like yours. Here almost all fertilisers that you buy at the stores are contaminated. It's grown into a big discussion about this and it's susch a strong substance that passes through the animals stomach and even all the manure that comes from the animals are contaminated. It's sad that "they" uses this poison on the land. Hopes it helpes you in some way. Many hugs to you from me. Mia

[@litespeciell]

Thank you for showing ”the obvious”. I had to learn on my own a few years back when and how to harvest, never having anyone show me how to grow squash. I would have loved someone showing me in such a relaxed and simple way. Like, ”this is how you do it and it doesn’t have to be that complicated”.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Jess rabbits can make tons of cool fertilizer and amendments for the garden very quickly.

[@KeeKeeSoto]

I'm glad that there's a solution being worked on. I recently lost my entire garlic crop to disease so this season is a rocky one already. Thank God for plenty of other garden blessings 🙌🏿🤗🌿

[@8thcelisabeth]

locally there is a lawn company called Kut n Kill that had an employee mess up the fertilizer mix. Killed hundreds of lawns around the city. The owner was forthright and open about the situation, and is working with all the property owners to reseed. He is doing everything he can to save his reputation and business. Thrilled that Jess is working with an ethical owner. It makes all the difference. I am sorry to hear about your garlic!

[@KeeKeeSoto]

@@8thcelisabeth thank you! Happy Growing 🤗🌿

[@dandantao5799]

Tomatoes, peas and beans are very much susceptible to herbicide... Use peas to test if there is herbicide, the problem will show up quickly if there's any. I had a same problem long time ago and searched around on the internet, one suggestion is to grow corn to extract the herbicide (corn cobs are still edible). My tomatoes turned out fine at last, stunted for ~1month when the herbicide was 'used' up

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

D. Tao i hope everyone reading these shares will read how important your work to solve in some way your trying to clean up whatever is threatening these attempts to grow your own food for this season. Good & important thought & sharing the outcome.

[@Alternativesmallholding]

The peas and beans I tested in the same soil were fine. It is a fine roots or nightshade problem here in the UK

[@heatherdoes7849]

I’ve heard there have been problems with PFAS contaminating compost as well. This is much harder to deal with because of the persistence of these ‘forever’ chemicals. I wish we as humans could consider the effects our actions have on our food, water, and air and realize that we are poisoning ourselves in the process.

[@livenletlive7537]

All my water is filtered by Berkey for my drinking, cooking, pets and my gardens. Once I read that our town 4 years ago was trying to fix the "forever chemicals" from the water, I started filtering. I often wonder if that's what caused my thyroid nodules and why my one dog died from lymphoma. Well water is not safe either because these forever chemicals leach into the soils and the water tables and are found in well water as well. They can't be boiled out of the water either. They stay in our bodies, our pets bodies and just think of commercial farming and ranching. OMG, it's easy to panic over this. It's everywhere and we can't get rid of it. I only cook in stainless steel and cast iron and glass. That's it. We as humans, have to take more control over our food, drink, soil and animals. Commercial farming and ranching are all in for the bottom dollar. They aren't thinking that the chemicals they use or the commercial feed they feed their animals will effect the consumer. My great grandparents raised their own, had their own gardens and neighbors helped eachother. If one person grew lots of corn, more than they will ever need, they shared. If another person had hundred chickens or turkeys or cows....it was shared or sold. We need to go back to that type of lifestyle so we all don't die from cancer and illnesses. Sad, but reality.

[@daleservidio2034]

Yes 👏 👏👏, never forget the first time gardeners!!!

[@MsLostnThought]

I just watched a film called "The Need To Grow" that was eye opening. I had no idea that the left over bomb materials from the war were used to make fertilizer and the left over mustard gas materials were used to make pesticides! They said in the documentary that if we continue with big AG like it is there will be no decent soil left to grow food in about 60 more years. They talked a lot about what you had been talking about Jess with amending the soil, worm teas and the no till way to garden. One guy shows that you can garden on concrete (with his methods) and get better, healthier, more yield crops than what big AG is doing with all the bad stuff. They also talked about this guy out in Montana that is doing some really cool stuff with algae and making Biochar. The guy gardening on concrete said he put it on his plants and it changed the color of it in 45 minutes! This guys method of putting the good stuff back in the soil takes mother nature's methods that take 400 years to do and he can do it in 4 days! Well that is until his facility mysteriously burned down and now he's rebuilding it. I just moved from NC to TN and had all my plants in containers, I think my soil was bad too, my cucumbers are struggling and the tomatoes didn't make it. I was bummed, this was my first year starting everything from seed.

[@mmegraham]

Thank you for stirring up a pot of goodwill, cooperation, and empathy in response to this disappointment.

[@karenwright6251]

Jess, I live in Fletcher, NC and I too bought soil from Soil3 this year (4 bags). I too have curling and plant damage on the plants growing in that soil. Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and beans are all affected. We reached out to Soil 3 and they are refunding our money but we are heartbroken over the investment of our time and efforts and the loss of our food. Thank you for calling attention to this and sharing your story. I’m sorry this happened to you but thanks for being real enough to share your hurt and loss. It helps to know I’m not alone.

[@lucydiazcolon734]

My momma says sweet Miyah is getting lots of good cooking and happy. He's gaining a love belly. So cute.

[@sparetimegardener]

In Sweden, similar damages are caused by Aminopyralid and Clopyralid. Thank you for this video! It is so important to spread the word.

[@tracienielson7183]

Yes, Grazon has become a problem all over the world.

[@larrylewis6725]

THANK YOU FOR STANDING STRONG AND ALSO HAVING THIS DISASTER BE USED AS A TEACHABLE TIME FOR MANY. GOD BLESS

[@sydneykasmar]

Glad the soil company is actively working on this and that you have so many subcribers sharing their knowledge about soil.

[@carolynclark8780]

Crop failure is scary when you're depending on a harvest to feed your family. To learn that it's likely due to herbicide contamination and, based on the comments here, that sort of contamination is widespread is alarming to me. I googled pyralids after seeing several commenters suggest them as the culprit. I was greatly saddened to learn these pyralid herbicides, commonly used on hay fields, persist in the environment in a way that other herbicides do not. That is, they do not break down passing through the digestive track of livestock or in the hot compost process. So when the unsuspecting gardener uses soil or compost derived from pyralid-laden hay - or derived from manure from animals who've eaten the tainted hay - his or her garden becomes contaminated. And as pyralid use increases, more and more gardeners experience the impact of pyralid persistence. What angers me is the persistence of these herbicides was not some accidental side effect of their manufacture. It was an intentional characteristic designed into them to provide their users the benefit of not needing to apply the herbicide as often, thus saving the user a buck. Meanwhile, everyone else pays the price.

[@jenniferbellaw5095]

My garden got hit by composted horse manure/bedding contaminated with an aminopyralid....even removing the compost and planting in the native soil beneath resulted in affected plants.

[@lilolmecj]

I think we are all learning as we go. You can’t blame a farmer for wanting to save money. Our governmental agencies are not really doing their jobs protecting us. There is the fall out to study from previous pesticides and herbacides but big companies fund the research, just like with big pharmaceutical. These sorts of channels are the best thing to happen to gardening in a long time.

[@jennenegludovatz3364]

Hey Jess we all know that God works in mysterious ways and as much as this is very disappointing I think God is using what happened at your farm to show us someone walking it out in grace and forgiveness💕🇨🇦🙏🏻💐

[@megangray7769]

Sweet Jess, thank you so much for being the wonderful teacher that you are 🙏💗🌻

[@kathymc234]

Thank you for sharing this experience (bad soil) with us. I am learning so much from you through this. You are handling it with grace & poise.

[@jessicagibson9591]

what a great fathers day then

[@hallierasbury65]

Sad to hear about your experience but I have a new respect for a company that stands behind and works to fix the issues. I am struggling with the heat here in Texas, but I am chugging along.

[@intentionallymade]

North Texas here! I feel you. It’s been brutal.

[@Jdadkins6198]

Same here in Kansas. This is so out of the ordinary day after day triple digit humidity heat with no cool down in the future is frustrating.

[@ChildOfGod0777]

Central Texas here...watering my garden daily....plus dealing with bugs...i am trying to keep it organic...its my first garden in 17 years and first garden in Texas....its been challenging and a learning experience....but we are expanding for next spring!!

[@lindadavidson2237]

Southern New Mexico and I'm struggling also. Between the high heat, constant winds this year, and lack of rain I'm just glad anything is growing.

[@kellylynnstudios2185]

@@Jdadkins6198 Ditto KCMO!

[@wenbb2009]

To have a platform like this!!💚 the comments are full of great information.

[@chesleywhitehair1513]

Thank you for your most recent video re questionable contaminated soil. In early spring I purchased a truck load of screened top soil locally. A short time later I purchased four 1cu ft bags of Soil3 to give it a try before purchasing a couple yards. I mixed the two soils together and planted a couple leftover tomato seedlings with that mixture in grow bags. The two tomato plants have done exactly like yours. I was suspecting Grazon contamination and was suspecting the soil that was delivered by truck, never suspecting it was the Soil3. I have three unopened bags and will be returning it next week, along with the two tomato plants in grow bags in case they would like them. Thank goodness I didn’t use it in my main garden.

[@silvver99yahoo]

A year into my dreams of starting a small homestead on my newly acquired 1.5 acres have been dashed by the 10 yards of trimix and 4 yards of compost manure I purchased to start the gardens. I built the beds, cleared the weeds, and planted perennials last fall. Nothing grew in the spring. Then I planted my gardens with the hundreds of starts I worked to grow. Nothing grew yet nothing died. I have been gardening a long time and was devastated by my apparent loss of all skill. Then I threw a few left over plants in native soil, just to see what happens. They are thriving. I can only conclude that my investment was lost in contaminated soil. Your plants look exactly like mine. More diminutive than when I planted them. The money spent on plants, soil, and compost is now in the wind along with all of my time and toil. I can only take heart knowing that next year I can start again. Thank you for the information. You are my inspiration to buy a property with some land and work toward self sufficiency. I'm trying really hard to be as optimistic as you.

[@kelliecarson5954]

Turning your waiting room into a classroom and still learning and teaching. Thank you even though you've had a loss your sharing is teaching so many things as you work through this issue. ❤️

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Holy smokes I'm grateful we have not had any soil issues this season but we did have soil issues in 2020.

[@kele1264]

I'm so glad that you are continuing to get to the bottom of the contaminated soil. I'm very glad that Soil 3 has admitted that there is a serious problem, is offering refunds, and is taking steps to discover what the source problem is for sure. People have lost their crops, there source of food from their gardens. How do they get that soil out of their gardens? How and where do they dispose of it? Removal and replacement could be costly. Not every gardener can afford to abate and recover from this. Who will cover those costs? Once the company finds the true issue, people need to be informed of what dangers there are to having handled and grown in that soil, and eaten the produce from it. Should people trust the non-nightshade food they're growing? Could it be contaminated also, and pose a risk to growers? Does Soil 3 sell their soil under any other brand names? These are the questions I would ask Soil 3, and I hope you do too, Jess. Thanks for being open about this issue. I hope you continue to keep us informed. Thank you!

[@kele1264]

I'm also concerned about the people and animals that have come into physical contact with this soil. I wonder if soil sold by other companies is affected. I wish the answers would come quickly. I'm relieved to hear that Soil 3, and I'm guessing their parent company, Super Sod (now there's a clue), are working diligently to find the answers.

[@katiebarber4770]

I'm learning so much on soil health, and how to build it. I really appreciate these educational walk throughs of soil.

[@tericamcginnis3282]

❤️💚💜 my heart goes out to you because of your heart for your garden. Your time, work and feelings for your babies. How honoring and respect you are showing in how you're dealing with it. And how nice, it would have been on a smaller level but, it will in the end be such a help and compassion for others. God has his hand in all things. 💚🙏😎

[@tanyareynolds1960]

I'm so sorry to hear about your soil issues. Reach out to Charles dowding in the UK, he has much info on this poisoning issues. Perhaps you could even get a video chat with him to show your viewers. I know he tests with beans as they are very quick to germinate. Best of luck correcting this

[@Chellees]

After watching your garden tour video, I realized it was time to harvest my potatoes! I harvested them this morning and I am THRILLED at the quantity of potatoes I got! This is the first year growing potatoes and I couldn’t believe I was able to plant potatoes from my kitchen and grow a crop of lovely food for my family!! Yay!! Thank you for your wonderful, positive videos!! Where many videos recently are “ doomsday related”, I’m So Thankful to have found a safe, calm, encouraging place to rest and gain courage to do and grow things I’ve never done!! Thank you and I Bless you right back!!🙏🏻❤️ 🐝🍉🥜😊

[@8thcelisabeth]

I second your sentiment. I am getting a ton of survivalist and the-world-is-ending videos suggested and ugh. It's so not me. Garden is happiness, beauty and sanctuary. Congrats on your taters! What kind? I am growing a few Pinto Gold, French Fingerling, French banana and Colorado Rose (freebie).

[@cordelia7313]

Congratulations on your taters!! You give me encouragement to do mine in the morning. For the first time I was actually dreading digging potatoes. We have grown them several times in the past with the old time and true method. The old potato patch in the back field. LoL This year I did a Ruth Stout area in the front and they have grown good and bloomed beautifully. I have had some great results from a couple other new things and a couple fails so far. Not sure why I have such doubts about the potatoes, maybe because I can’t “see” their progress. Anyways thank you for the encouraging words and fingers crossed!!!!🤞

[@thepadillafamilyhomestead]

With all the fires for processing plants and all the other issues with our food system, I have a hard time believing all the soil issues going around are a coincidence. I am so sorry you are going through this but thank you for sharing it.

[@dmaingarden9951]

Heart breaking. Thank you so much Jess for sharing this soil issue. And thank you for showing how to harvest the squash. You went to time laps and my thought was some folks don’t know…and then you stopped and shared it. Made my heart happy!!! You are a great teacher!!! Always sending prayers over you and your family! Again thank you!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

When I start your videos I always itch so badly to watch them from my chair in the garden. So I'll pause and go sit out there and resume! 😊❤🌻

[@przlsc]

My heart breaks for you, Jess! Especially since you had to leave your harvest last year and obviously have yearned for the garden through long months. I purchased a well known organic compost as well as potting soil for my raised beds and seed starting this year, here in Upstate NY. Direct sown seeds (cucumbers, radishes, beets, lettuce and winter squash) in my raised beds which were topped with the compost, took forever to germinate and are still puny. I put it down to wonky weather. My seeds started indoors, with the same brand potting soil germinated quickly but then just remained at the 2-3” mark. I finally planted everything out last week, knowing if it did not get in the ground, I would never get ANY crop! I was suspecting the compost and potting soil, but now am almost certain there is an issue. I’m a conspiracy theorist, but won’t go there right now. We should ask God into our garden, as one other commenter mentioned and ask Him to heal our land! Quite literally! We (your viewers) bless you ❤️

[@kcbeyer3467]

Jess, I think you’ve been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. ☺️.

[@threegoodeyes7400]

This is my 3rd year growing zucchini, and I’ll admit I didn’t know that partial cut-twist technique. I’d try and cut them completely off and sometimes the angle really sucks and sometimes my blade goes rogue and nicks something I didn’t want. Thanks for explaining the obvious. I’m not brand new at gardening, but sometimes I do things that he hard way for way too long…

[@TracySmallwood]

Last year my garden experienced herbicide damage exactly like this. Tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, squash, and cucumbers were all stunted with curly leaves. I thought my neighbors were the problem from herbicide drift, but after reading a lot of posts on Reddit, I found out that it was the local straw that I got for mulching the garden. When I removed the straw, the garden sprang back to life and it wasn't a total loss!! New growth was healthy and normal!! I used biochar after the harvest. This year, my garden is healthy except for a calcium deficiency with my squash. I need to do better soil testing. This has been a learning experience for sure! I wish y'all the best!!!

[@barbaracallaghan9954]

I feel your pain. Happened to me about 10 years ago. Mine was from composted horse manure. I'm guessing it was Aminopyralid. Took a few years to fully recover. Night shades were hit the hardest. I wonder if growing mushrooms would help. I've seen where they can remediate contaminated soil. Glad the company is doing the right thing. Blessings!

[@andreajones7023]

Caliente mustard can help to clear it out but the contamination can stop growth for a good 2 years. Got caught about 10 years ago. Lost everything for 2 seasons.

[@vj563]

I didn't even think of that. Not shocking though. Anyone that's awake and is aware of what's been going on with food processing plants, livestock, fertilizer, etc. wouldn't be surprised. All planned. Really makes you question things especially since whatever it is isn't showing up in a soil test... I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I hope the charcoal helps. I'm glad this company is working with its customers and is trying to fix the situation. I hope they find out what's going on. A bag of potting soil I used in one container has made the leaves of my pepper plants fall off and stunted their growth. The tops are still growing, but they're just not getting any bigger. The one I planted in the ground is getting bigger and looks great. I ended up buying different potting soil for something else I was going to plant and decided to take most of that soil the peppers are in out and replant the peppers in the newer soil. Here's hoping and praying it works.

[@AtHomeWithSheree]

I’m so sorry this has happened. But also thank you for being willing to share this and commit to providing input on an attempts of remediation of the soil. This soil contamination is unfortunately becoming a bigger and bigger issue. I’m reluctant to bring anything in to my garden at this point. I hope everyone affected can somehow reclaim their soil and their crops! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@rhondaarnwine3358]

We had herbicide damage on our garden this year. We are certain that the hay we fed our goats was sprayed with Grazon we then used our goat manure to fertilize our garden. Damage was widespread. Very discouraging but we have pushed through and not given up.

[@lorenturner4838]

Last year I had some compost from a horse farm who’s fed the horses premium hay that was not sprayed. However I had the same issue with tomatoes curling ,beans being stunted and after determining that it was from the hay that had to of been sprayed I used activated charcoal to absorb the toxins and within a week everything started looking better. But at that point in time everything was a loss but it does prove that activated charcoal will absorb the toxins and bring life back to the soil.

[@8thcelisabeth]

thanks for your reply, it is nice to know what actually can work.

[@thatlibertygal]

How did you apply the charcoal? Do you mix it into the soil? Or did you put it in water?

[@lorenturner4838]

@@thatlibertygal I first applied it by attempting to dissolve it in water but it only partially dissolved. I read on a website that that was the way to apply. Two days later I just applied it by hand. I used a rubber glove because it is very very powdery like the finest dust ever possible and sticks to everything it comes I contact with and can cause a real mess if not careful. I think using water is the best way if a person is patient and careful stirring it. I used a watering can to sprinkle it on. It will clump up and clog the watering can holes if not fully dissolved. I watered everything very well to get it down to the roots several times. Apologies if this is a poor explanation. Try googling activated charcoal for gardens. You should get a better explanation than I ever could describe.

[@domesti-city]

@@lorenturner4838 Thank you for sharing this. I may try this with my sunflowers that are struggling in the same bagged soil that affected my nightshades, cucumber, beans and squash.

[@thatlibertygal]

@@lorenturner4838 I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be dense but I’m a newbie. Do you just water all of the soil with it? What was the mix ratio you used?

[@WickedAwesomeGardening]

Good on that company for reaching out and wanting to figure it out and make it right!

[@dottiesworld979]

I'm sure you've thought of it but you should get samples from both batches of soil, that may help them figure out what the problem with the second batch is, I hope you all figure it out and I appreciate you are honest with us and always looking for solutions 🥰

[@junematthews8612]

Charles Dowding hit this problem and said it’s best to germinate a few beans in any new compost delivery. They are quick to germinate, show a strong reaction. Charles is always ahead of the curve.

[@alysiahayes2709]

I appreciate when you explain the obvious. 💕 Thank you. Seeing it done just once is a confidence booster.

[@shaunagustavus1317]

Southeast Texas - I've had issues with both my potato plants and my tomato plants with leaf curling and they are in brand new and cleaned grow bags.

[@nancyschwartz5665]

Jess, your very clear research on the issue is so helpful. It has taught us how to approach an issue like this and to consider all of the possible factors. What a great company and you were wise in holding off on mentioning their name. I hope it can be resolved for all of you. And I am so sorry it happened to your tomatoes. Hugs.

[@greenrockgarden2851]

I am in SC and have also planted directly in Soil3. I am not having any issues, thank goodness.

[@janw491]

It will be interesting to see what the research on the soil results are. To be part of a solution is a good thing and hopefully this will improve future soil production

[@8thcelisabeth]

That is what is so interesting to me. Nobody can find this pollutant in tests? So odd. I hope it's not some new pollutant that will takes years of research to find the resolution. Go science, let's find this and fix this!

[@steph6337]

My guess is GRAZON. It's widely used in farming of feed crops. Animals eat it and their manure is then loaded with it. Can take YEARS to eliminate it from your ecosystem. Wait til you look up grazon, your mouth will drop open and you'll be shocked! (Well, that's what happened to me anyway)

[@deewinston5651]

I know it’s so disappointing. Very sorry. Not be able to grow on a big scale, this is very new to me. I know that Brian, from Next Level Gardening, also had a very big issue. He’s in California. In a time when people are earnestly trying to grow food for their families it’s a critical situation. It was very responsible that the company is trying to work with you and help. We’re in Houston and we are dealing with drought issues. It hasn’t rained in forever. I just have a small raised bed and five gallon buckets, but farmers that raise a lot of food are struggling. If anyone can succeed in raising food in difficult situations, it will be sweet Jess! God has blessed you with a real gift. You and I both know, this too shall pass. Much love and prayers for a bountiful harvest.❤️✝️🙏🌻

[@jeffree9015]

Are they testing for aminopyralid, i would assume so. Also, hemp will do a better job than anything else at bioaccumulating from the soil.

[@brandon21486]

I agree this sounds like aminopyralids

[@pamelab.4731]

Thank you soooo much for posting this video!! We switched to raised beds this year & bought 4 cubic yards of the hummus compost from Soil3. Our whole tomato crop has the severe leaf curl & stunted growth…we had spend so much money on our garden & couldn’t figure out what we did wrong. We will contact soil3 to send them pics, soil samples, etc. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@tiffanymarie2097]

The soil contamination happened to me 3 years ago from a local compost company.. I gave up on our bed last year but decided to try to grow flowers in this year and they are doing ok so far. Making raised beds for next year but now I am nervous about more contaminated soil. It will be a gamble I am sure. I am so sorry you are dealing with this!

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

do a test by seeding a few legumes or night shades, dont let water drain through to soil and wait 5 weeks for signs of decline if nothing happens .. you are good!

[@diananita2375]

Thank you for showing even a failing garden. It really does help us newer gardeners. And if it hadn’t been such a big part of your garden, I

[@diananita2375]

I dont think people would understand the importance of finding compost you really trust and how important it is. Thank you. We really do appreciate your sincerity

[@lillianward1870]

This heavily affected my garden in New Zealand last year, and other people all over my city. I can recommend broad beans for quickly testing soil for this problem. They're incredibly sensitive to whatever the chemical is and it can be seen right after they germinate. In the end the only thing that helped was deep mulch and time, but it did help!

[@making.fronds]

Wow, I’m in NZ! what city are you in? And did you find out what it was? 😰

[@blablabla2616]

Me to spring 21 Gardening season tomartoes and capsicum withered yellowed and never came right. compost from Nelson Area.also suspect load of compost from 2018

[@mindfullivingwithlaureen]

Same problem in Virginia - my first year at a diverse no dig garden in 5+ years. Ive gardened my entire life but haven't lived in a place with available garden space. We bought some land with an old farmhouse and first intention was to grow! Planted fruit trees, berries, and fixing up old outbuilding for future chickens etc. I've been watching you for a while and have so appreciated all you share and also have learned so much from Charles Dowding. As my fiirst attempt at no dig, I tried to do everything clean and right, but now... ALL my tomatoes(which have been my babies since february) and beans are damaged, as well as my beans, and have had some problems with direct sowing and germination not happening. Couldn't figure it out and now I know. I did vigorous and diverse interplanting and companion planting - and YES even sunflower damage and some perennial flower damage from the issue. I cannot afford time or money however to restart and am too heartbroken over the whole thing. I am going to hunt down some activated charcoal as I have heard it may help and and going to plant some extra corn and buckwheat seed to see if it can remedy the problem. On a side note, my intention when we bought this property was not only to grow food, but to have the opportunity to build - heal the land from neglect and give to 'mother earth' by not tilling and tearing out but by giving... foraged and discovered healing herbs and wild edibles, planted some etc. And now... well I'm in the same boat as many. As you have also said in your last video - our numbers are valid and God is on our side. He has given us a beautiful earth and just as we are designed to heal, so is the earth! We are together on this journey and I look forward to the many seasons to come. Keep growing Jess!

[@janetdierker5700]

I'm thankful that the vendor has stepped up to acknowledge the problem and is working with folks whose gardens have been affected by this contamination. That company is really putting themselves on the line here, allowing you to name them, since this could drastically affect (what I think is) a small business. For the sake of their integrity and future existence, I hope that the source of the contamination can be identified soon. Like you said, I feel for the folks who used this product on their entire gardens--what a heartbreaking loss. Especially painful for new gardeners and families who rely heavily on the production from their own farms. Here's hoping for full recovery for everyone touched by this disaster and for finding/correcting the root problem. Beauty from ashes, y'all.

[@KatMac5]

Your greenhouse garden area is beautiful! 🧺💧🌨🌞🥒🥬🍅🧄🧅🌽🌶🫑🍆

[@pamelameyer5371]

About a year ago Jill Winger of Prairie Homestead talked about the same issue. She narrowed it down to the composted manure she had brought in. Apparently the hay crop the cattles had eaten had been sprayed with a broad leaf herbicide. It passed through the cattle unchanged and even when composted, was still able to damage the plants. Like you noticed, the nightshades are particularly vulnerable.

[@WS-lb5yj]

Man... I am so glad I watched these particular videos. I obtained horse manure from a nearby farmer, well composted. Tomatoes, eggplants, green beans, peppers... all dying or doing poorly. He has no idea how the hay he obtains is treated... at least I now know what it is....

[@cekfraun]

I'm so glad to hear that the soil company reached out to you and is trying to come up with a solution to the problem. Thanks for sharing about it, Jess. I enjoyed seeing your first harvest of vegetables from the garden. I'm battling slugs up here in Maine. They are eating all of my squash plants. Ugh. It's always something. 🙄

[@shellieh685]

Jess, please take heart, God may have used this with you and your famous love of tomatoes as a way to let newbies know that it is not them, and to not give up. I know it's not fun, but you may be a huge source of hope for others dealing with this contaminated soil issue and letting them know it is NOT their failure & try again. Much love from AZ. God bless!

[@apfau04bronco]

Jess love you are such a great example of how a great Christian is! Love all these tips on Gardening, keep it up! God bless you and your family

[@benchristina3489]

Same thing happened to us. We purchased bagged soil for our seedlings started indoors. My tomatoes and ground cherries were highly impacted. Leaf curl and death of so many plants it was crazy. The first time ever! Makes me push to become more self reliant with our compost.

[@rachelnal9603]

I always love watching your videos. I love how real you are with the beauty and wonder of gardening and farm life but also real about the things that fail. My heart goes out to you so much with the soil issues. I pray the Lord helps you and gives you wisdom how to fix the issue, He is our help in times of trouble! You are an inspiration in so many ways, you are living what I dream of. Blessings!

[@charityrocks]

Ok Lady! I absolutely love you ❤️ I need you to know that I watched every tomato video you have and I got 100lbs of tomatoes from my greenhouse last year. Not bad for my first year ever gardening in a greenhouse! You helped me start dropping my raindrops into a pool. I build an outdoor garden this year. I sourced out beautiful dirt locally and really lucked out. Then I put some straw on it for mulch. I think I have now contaminated my soil with it. I will be watching everything you post in the future about this becyi would like to know how to fix soil from this happening ever again. Just so you know! You have made a difference in mine and my families life. It was funny because my mom found you recently online and sent me a link and I told her that is the girl who is teaching me everything. I have followed you for a very long time and will continue for as long as you share your garden experience with us! ❤️ I sincerely appreciate everything you do and I support your beliefs as well.

[@jackiecole948]

So helpful for my heart to witness this with you. We are having such a wet June and my pest pressure has been so intense. I lost all my cucs and most of my broccoli. So hard to start at the beginning again this late in the year. I am a veteran 25 year gardener and have never had a year like this. Always learning! While I am sorry for your heartbreak, I am glad I am not alone. Sharing gardener grief!

[@piratetaylor29]

Jess, I love all your wisdom and when you say harvest when you can, it's good to understand what you'll get! More water, less water content affects flavor and freshness. You're just a wealth of knowledge and experience. Thanks so much for always sharing the reality of the garden! ♥️🇺🇸🌻🌻🌻

[@18chris0089]

Always love a R&R notification, woohoo! Very unfortunate to hear that gardeners and farmers worldwide are experiencing contamination issues. Hopeful that the food growing community will find a remedy to deal with this curious toxicity. What would a soil toxicity test garden seed kit look like? If someone wanted to test any soil for various contaminants, what fewest varieties would be best to cover the most contaminants? So thankful for minds like yours searching for solutions to issues that affect all of humanity, while integrating community.Godspeed and god bless

[@rainwaterrefugehomestead2267]

Saaaaame 🌱

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

The only test right now (and for what the issue here is) for persistent herbicides is to test the product before you spread it into the ground by growing legumes or nightshades in a pot .. (dont let the water drain into the ground) and waiting until the 4th or 5th week for decline to show up...I have more info above in comments.. there are other tests for heavy metals etc usually through Cooperative extensions...

[@JMK_Fam]

I have been following you and tomatoes for EVER, before I ever actually has a youtube sigh in. Lol that tomato tip, 100% is what I'm doing wrong. Some are super yummy and some are just not. Haha! I pick as I get hungry, this I have observed over the last few days. 🤣🤣 I really enjoy learning new things.

[@brittni827]

I appreciate that you're sharing this and walking us through it with you. I hope, if a new gardener is struggling due to purchased soil can see this and feel some reassurance that it isn't them and they can do this. And maybe see a workaround for this season.

[@bri-aunnarau8303]

Thank you for teaching the "obvious" things!!! What a blessing 😊

[@emilyswezey5001]

I know you might not see this with how many comments there already. I heard on a podcast that when roundup is applied with humates it attracts/encourages microbes to break down the herbicide more quickly. I think humates would definitely be something worth trying. Also, what about digging up some of the sick plants and planting them somewhere else? They might not be physically able to recover from it but it seems their chances are worse if they stay in the contaminated soil.

[@emiliegate2018]

Thank you so much for sharing. This is the first year we have used soil 3 and the first year we have lost all our night shade crops too. Also today have now seen all our bean leaves curl and not looking good. I know its hard for you to share this, but it some how brings comfort to all of us effected by this and how we haven't necessarily done something wrong our selves in our garden. I just emailed soil 3. Thanks.

[@AnenLaylle7023]

God. That sucks. I dodged a bullet not using this company.

[@goingguidedhealing]

I agree with the perspective that this seems like a huge opportunity to teach others how to heal the space. I'm so sorry this is happening to you and also so grateful to see this is going to help so many people!

[@4layinghens167]

I love watching you go out into your garden in the morning and wish I could go out into mine without getting eatten alive by mosquitos the size of 747s LOL.

[@TheHouseboat1]

Thank you Jess! My garden has been having so many issues this year. I enlarged my garden this year and used both cardboard and new soil (over 100 bags) from 2 big box stores and one from a local hardware store. Also this year we have been struggling with mole/vole/gophers and chipmunks so I attributed most of the problem to them by using deterrents that have not worked. So I could still salvage some of the garden I moved everything I could into containers with miracle grow soil and other types of ready to plant soil thinking it must be the mole problem. I also want to say I stared all my plants from seed in our new tiny greenhouse 😃All my plants were great until I put them into the dirt 😪then they stared to shrivel but the plants in the old containers on my deck that had last years dirt are doing fine🤔 I do not know what the new containers with the new miracle grow type soil will be as it has only been a week. So Jess when you started to tear up I did too I am 77 and worked so hard in this heat I am praying this will be the solution. How do you complain to the big box stores about bad soil?

[@8thcelisabeth]

for the voles, I had a huge vole problem, eating the roots of my apples trees and roses, leaving tunnels in the grass after snow melt. I use vole repellent stakes, the solar powered ones. I have one still working from when I first put them in the ground three years ago! Haven't seen a vole since. Good luck with the rest!

[@lesliesmith7312]

I would call the soil compony directly. As for the chipmunks and other pests, we put out some cheap bird seed and a low water dish where the little critters could get them...far away from our garden. They make a b-line for the seeds and spend so much time trying to hide them that they don't bother the garden.

[@TheHouseboat1]

@@8thcelisabeth I have tried many deterrents for the critters but after reading the ratings on Amazon I thought the stakes would be a waste of money, thank you for sharing your success it is the only thing I have left to try 😀

[@karenbramblet948]

@@TheHouseboat1 I have crazy vole issues this year too. I have been using the solar stakes and moving them around, but am not sure they are working for me. What does seem to be helping is VoleX. I locate their tunnel access holes and put some of the pellets in the hole. I haven't gotten rid of all of them but they seem to be slowing down, so I believe this is working. I have tried almost every product I can get my hands on and this seems to be the one that is actually doing something. My brother has a vole issue as well. He bought some and spread it heavily around his yard (he has a small yard) and his voles seem to be gone. If you have not tried it yet it may be worth a try.

[@TheHouseboat1]

@@karenbramblet948 I just ordered the solar stakes yesterday so will give that a try from few here that said it worked for them but this is my last ditch attempt not to kill them, I am at that point of survival of the fittest and I AM going to have a garden dangit! Thank you for the information!

[@trippingwithpippy2317]

I used compost I bought by the truck load and all my crops and flower beds that I planted with it look so puny and struggling to grow (peppers, tomatoes, cockscombs, kale). The ones I just stuck directly in my clay soil are all big and healthy. I’m in Kentucky. I have a feeling it’s all linked but we can’t talk about that openly these days if you know what I mean.

[@denaliprincess]

We bought a couple of bags of Living Earth compost that was tainted with Grazon...Killed most of the garden. This happened in the Houston, Texas area. The bags were full of sand and very little compost material as well. Buyer beware my friends.

[@tanyapaul8209]

Thank you so much for posting this. I live very close to Living Earth in the Houston area. I was going there to get soil for my new raised beds. I will now look elsewhere.

[@vickieholton8947]

I have heard that too. grazon

[@teresamerrett6171]

P ñp

[@katiesan865]

What is Grazon?

[@plumberrygardenpatch4869]

@@katiesan865 it’s a herbicide that is used on hay and livestock grazing areas to kill broadleaf plants but not harm the grass. Unfortunately, it passes through the animal that eats the grass, either growing or after it’s made into hay, and comes out in the manure still active. If that manure is used on a garden or made into compost, it can poison plants grown in it and from what I have heard it can last in the soil for a few years before breaking down.

[@angiem5182]

You are so encouraging and insightful. As I am intimidated by my overgrown backyard and beginning to learn about gardening, I’m so very grateful that you share all that you’ve learned. I just found out that we have a greenhouse that needs to be assembled. Good thing the garden is only in buckets

[@angiem5182]

I hit reply too soon. Ha! My buckets can moved around. Thank you for sharing.