Harvesting with Ben | VLOG

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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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Leesville SC 29070
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#rootsandrefuge #homesteading #gardening

[@deewinston5651]

A great first harvest and to have precious Ben as a garden helper makes it a super special time. Thank you Ben for not only helping your Mom but also teaching us little garden tips. Double blessing.🥰

[@Mylittlehomesteadlife]

“They are best not washed. The water washes off the flavor”. My favorite tomato line so far! Lol

[@gogogardener]

Made me smile too. He's a bright boy full of sunshine.

[@angelad.8944]

Could be a sticker or shirt in our future!

[@janruss316]

Made me smile - great saying for a new shirt. Right up there with store bought tomatoes taste like disappointment.😊

[@susanmcconnell6041]

It's SOOOO good seeing 'my' Ben out in the garden!! I loved his tomato taste description, "Theyre best not washes. Water washes the flavor off." How absolutely RIGHT, Ben!!! How precious! I truly enjoy his genuine enthusiasm!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@savannah-x1u]

Stop😂. When Ben sang “for the first time in forever!!!!” I cracked up. Now I’m going to be sining Frozen for the rest of the day😂. But on a real note- I love that you guys are raising kind, hilarious, knowledgeable, young men.🖤

[@riniewebb6855]

I trust that your garden grows as beautifully as Ben has. What a blessing he is.

[@shelbyknapp1737]

Miah: "I'm not gonna put on a dress. And I'm not gonna do a garden tour.... But I'll watch it" 😂 the dry humor is so rejuvenating ❤

[@victoriaaustin2468]

Ben is such a sweetheart! I'm laughing and crying at the same time seeing this extraordinary future generation in the garden with his Mama and Papa. This is what the world needs now! And yes, I'm singing along. And laughing at Miah's "Meats back on the menu, boy!" Too funny! Praying for more space to grow squash, zucchini and cucumbers. Right now my two VegePods can only hold so much. Love you and your precious family! You give us hope for the future!

[@amysmith3967]

Ben is so cute!!!!! I just love his innocence and love for gardening. I hope he never loses that. 💗

[@marygrott8095]

Ben is absolutely adorable! I hope he never loses his love for gardening.

[@anitadodson4316]

I've really missed sweet little Ben.. Thank you for letting us share some time with him. ❤️

[@crazyqueen1992]

All those fake family channels are nothing compared to your family and how truly authentic it is. It never feels like a play for the camera when you're interacting with your children or Maya. 💚 Thanks for being real - we need more of that in the world.

[@cindyannefontenot]

You baby boy is definitely destined to have his own show! He’s a sweet, precious boy!

[@missourigirl4101]

Oh Jess Ben is precious. He has grown so much! So smart and funny like his parents. Just a joy to watch. Glad to see he loves the garden and appreciates it so much.

[@angelahutt4957]

I am always so tickled by watching the pure joy the garden brings to you. It lifts me up and brightens my day. Thank you. For everything.

[@kellybesse4625]

“Because, obviously, we’ve taught our children about Johnny Cash.” LOVE IT!!! One of our 4 year old’s favorite songs is Ring of Fire!

[@terrytt2932]

What a precious gift to have Ben share your love of gardening!

[@BurneyMountainHomestead]

All you’re boys are so precious. You’re truly blessed. My son is 39 years old and loves his momma too. Nothing like little boys

[@susanprice3454]

Gardening with Ben. It is always an adventure. Farm boys know how to have a good time.

[@tonyaknisely6011]

Love when Ben works with/helps you. Reminds me of when my boys were his age. I know you enjoy every second!

We've missed you, Ben! So nice to see you helping Mom in the garden. 💚

[@april5666]

It seems like forever since we've seen the "garden boy" -- he and all of you are so sweet and instructional -- great family package :)

[@Apothikerry]

Oh that Ben….. 🫶🏻 he’s so darn adorable!! I love him!

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Ben in his giant Dahlia boutonniere, schooling folks on garden stuff! You go dude!

[@jilllaingen9430]

Thank you for sharing Ben with us! What a gentleman!

[@myshuda1]

Watching Ben in the garden just melts my heart❤️

[@kaygarvin1452]

Happy to see your wonderful harvest! Thank you Jess! Ben is so precious!

[@lareinaolson3460]

When Ben is in your videos it makes my heart sparkle 💖 He is so precious and knows so much. May his love for the garden grow wilder still.

[@shannonstephens4245]

Little Ben gives me such hope for our future farmers!! 😊 so cool!!

[@debihuntsman9314]

Your sweet Ben is just adorable! And what a wonderful garden helper! I'm really enjoying your videos.

[@GoodTimesHomestead]

Thanks for the “not a garden tour” Ben and for all the good tips. Wiping the prickly bits off prickly cucumbers, not killing spiders in the garden, eating red cherry tomatoes as soon as you see them… 🥰🤩

[@bluebirdhomestead]

What a great harvest! I remember watching your earlier videos and you would talk about having Ben cut the grass with scissors and look at him now all grown up! I have been borrowing that trick for my own kids this yearned having "cut the grass" for me haha. 😂-Cara

[@SowGrowandSustain]

That feeling of the first harvest is amazing!! Squash recipe ideas: squash and cheese casserole with crispy onions on top, zucchini fritters which you can add this about anything to, and zucchini Zoddles instead of pasta!!

[@jeseniaescobedo4063]

When Ben said “best when not washed” is perfect for a shirt message

[@screechinglilies]

Does Jeremiah have a channel or videos on how-to for homestead infrastructure? I would like to see how to build a nice and strong fence, or a how-to on a green house, or an indepth how-to on how to build the water system you have, or a how-to on the chick shaw... I can go on.

[@rose77778888]

I thought he was going to start one? Maybe got too busy with the move and new farm?

[@Gramsloveschickens]

Yes, I agree. I really enjoyed the ones he did when he first got on the property, preparing for the family and animals. Love this family. Becky, from Oregon

[@Sherrie_D]

I’m sure Miah is extremely busy but I agree, he would do a channel of his own really well. He was great when he did vlogs when he first came out to your new land.

[@samanthan2999]

New sticker quote "best not washed" 😂 Ben is such a great garden boy! ❤❤

[@sharylfuller9277]

Sauté zucchini and yellow squash with onions and tomatoes ... add favorite seasonings ... best ever fresh squashrecipe

[@susancramer5668]

Ben is SO cute! What a great harvesting buddy!

[@DarleneDeSilva]

Warms my heart seeing mom and son picking the fruits of the hard labor and excitement of what they will be made into…..LOVE

[@SpecialKindofMotherhood]

My 3 year old got so excited watching this and called Ben “the garden boy.” He is so precious!

[@organicgardenmamavictoriab2768]

My 4 year old daughter loves seeing him too.

[@kaymoen4965]

I agree with Ben. The harvest always tastes the best right off the vine without washing.

[@lovelight9164]

Ben is such a sweet garden helper.

[@janenichols3880]

Love seeing the harvest! Ben is a joy. Blessings!

[@diannemiller4754]

I agree Ben, best unwashed! Jess make him some fermented dill pickles. They are ready in a short time without heating the house. Thank you Ben for teaching us the best way to pick cucumbers. Ben I'm in Michigan and don't have cucumbers yet, please eat some for me.

[@marking-time-gardens]

Absolutely! Or some refrigerator pickles. Both quick and easy. 😊👍

[@edenridgefarms]

“YOU saboteur!!!!” I absolutely busted!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Beecozz7]

Excellent!!! I'm so enjoying your joy! TY Jess, Ben and Sweet Miah!

[@xSunshinex4206]

To see Ben's enthusiasm about the garden and the bees and all, it just makes my smile go as wide as it gets. Love it ❤

[@rachelpaschall4046]

Your Little Man is so very precious!!!

[@CourtneyZadik]

Oh Ben….what a sweetie! I enjoyed seeing him! It’s been a while since I’ve been able to watch and he’s starting to lose that little boy voice 😩 He’s just the sweetest!!!

[@piratetaylor29]

I am awe struck by what you've been able to accomplish in such a short time. Teamwork makes the dream work! Truly, ❤️🌻🌻🌻🇺🇸

[@elizabethlink3993]

💚 Yay for the garden harvest! The alpacas look so cute freshly shorn 💚

[@DJ-ok5ov]

Ben is the cutest ever! Nice harvest.

[@therusticranchgarden]

Ben is absolutely adorable. All that squash- wow.

[@yukonsmomma3562]

Oh, Jesse, it was so good to be back watching you, your family and your garden. I've been busy the past few weeks and I've missed you all!

[@MagicalMandi]

Lol love seeing Myah quote Lord of the Rings. My little harvest is in. I had spinach earlier in the spring. My cucumber have been great already and I have some radishes. I also grew My own sunflowers for the first time this year.

[@singinginthesunshine857]

I loved hearing the Lord of the Rings Quote too!

[@cekfraun]

What a sweet time in the garden with you and Benjamin. 💞Thanks for bringing us along. I loved seeing the kittens, the cows, Bear, and the ducks. And I'm glad Miah isn't going to put on a dress for your next garden tour! 🤣🤣🤣

[@myrnaedmisten599]

Yep “Back on the menu”! Beautiful harvest.

[@leslieollerhead1114]

👍🏻💚thank you for making us feel good .. Ben is such a joy!!

[@debbieisham1864]

We don't get many cucumbers because of the heat, but we've pickled squash and they taste great

[@lindavancleve9363]

It was so nice to see precious Ben. I missed his "Ben izzums". "They taste better not washed". It is so nice to see an inquisitive, smart and polite young man. Kuddos to his parents because raising a child like Ben starts at home.

[@rhondacarranza6547]

Love seeing Ben and you back in the garden!!! I've missed that.

[@robinreneefrederick6598]

Best feeling is harvesting from your own garden😀

[@sarahslovely08]

Love a harvest video 💕New farm, new harvest 🙏

[@anitakenepp2675]

I don’t have a squash recipe but for the yard long beans, if you roast them like asparagus that’s what they taste like!!! I wrapped them in bacon and oven roasted with onions and garlic. Yummy!!!

[@lindawoody8501]

Nice that Ben is still interested in your family garden and wants to help. Cute about the begging for pickles but he is worth indulging. Glad you have a lot of good quality squash. Now you know it grows well in your area. Best wishes with your kittens.

[@jenniferkessener1111]

Ben is such a great, knowledgeable, fun boy. He reminds me of one of my grandsons. Hot day here, recovering from watering. Your garden is amazing!

[@denisemankewitz8480]

Thank you! 🥰 I find myself smiling so much when Ben is with us. I’d make Zucchini lasagna and freeze a couple baking sheets worth, and lots of zucchini chips🥰

[@yardenrice]

I like to dehydrate surplus zucchini and squash, to use in soups and stews in the winter 😊

[@happyheartgardening]

"Farmer Ben" .. It was good to see him out in the garden again:)

[@robbiedickison2005]

I have missed seeing Ben's cute face. You have a great little helper there so make sure he gets his pickles!!!

[@iartistdotme]

Beautiful evening spent with my fun/happy virtual neighbors.

[@denisewade6439]

Jess, my Nana uses to make a frittata type dish in a 9x13 pan with squash, eggs, leftover bread cubed up, onions, herbs, and whatever else she wanted to throw in it. Sometimes she would put sausage in it for a heartier dish, and throw parm or leftover cheeses on top and bake it and chill it. We’d eat it cold in the summer as a snack. Worked really well for the zucchini that grew to the size of a watermelon. Just seed it though. We’d eat pans of her “garden frittata” in the summertime and now I’m doing the same. Oh and stuffed zucchini and zucchini bread and butter pickles are also really great too. Hope this helps!. Sooo good to finally see the abundance of food in your garden again! Blessings! 🥒🍅🧅🥔🌶👩🏻‍🌾❤️🌻🐝♥️

[@gogogardener]

I think I'd like to try that frittata. We're trying to eat at home more, and quick breakfasts on the go are our weakness. Sounds like a cold slice of frittata on a bagel... And we could be on our way and not needing fast food. Thank you.

[@jennifercullison]

To Ben..continue to grow young seed sprout...you were planted and cultivated by God to feed future generations...and shall be blessed

[@simplegodlylivinghomestead]

With YouTubing and Vlogging you get to document things and watch how much things change, etc.. However, one of the beauty's that I personally most love and adore.. is how much our children change and grow. You see things with your life, but especially your children and their change and growth through documenting, YouTubing and Vlogging, that you otherwise would have missed, not noticed and didn't see/catch 💝 Love Always and God Bless Ya'll 💞🙏

[@spareparted]

My favorite of all time zucchini/squash recipe. Mustard pickles for burgers Pickled Zucchi's* 2 lb zucchini or squash 1 medium yellow onion 4 TBSP salt 3 cups good cider vinegar 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 tsp dry mustard 3 tsp crushed yellow and/or brown mustard seeds scant 1 tsp ground turmeric Wash and trim the zuchs/squash, then slice 1/16 inch thick on a mandoline. Slice the onion very thin as well. Place together in a large but shallow bowl, add the salt, and toss to distribute. Add a few ice cubes and cold water to cover, then stir to dissolve the salt. After about 1 hour, taste and feel a piece of zucchini- it should be faintly salty and softened. Drain, making sure to remove any remaining ice cubes. Dry very thoroughly between towels, or spin, a few handfuls at a time. In a salad spinner. [Excess water will thin the flavor and spoil the pickle.] Rinse and dry the bowl. Combine the vinegar, sugar, dry mustard, mustard seeds, and turmeric in a saucepan and simmer for 3 minutes. Set aside until just warm to the touch. If the brine is too hot it will cook the zucchini and make the pickles soft instead of crisp. Replace the zucchini in the bowl and add the cooled brine. Stir gently to distribute the spices. Transfer the pickles to jars, preferably ones that have "shoulders" to hold the zucchini and onions beneath the surface of the brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least a day before serving to allow the flavors to mellow and permeate the squash, turning them a brilliant chartreuse color. They will keep indefinitely refrigerated.

[@janenichols3880]

Just when I needed a recipe for my zucchini! It’s producing better than my cucumbers so far this year! I’m hungry for pickles. lol! Thanks for this recipe! Blessings!

[@lauraklein6405]

Sounds delicious! Copying this to try if I get enough zucchini this year. Thank you 😊

[@DZ-rl8ut]

Your parenting shines in that little boy.

[@starfarms664]

I shred zucchini, freeze on a sheet pan and crumble into a zip top bag to keep in the freezer. I use it in meatballs, or spaghetti. It keeps the meatballs moist, and extends the meat a little. Someone else suggested dehydrating. In going to try dehydrating the shredded zucchini this year. I'm trying to get away from relying on power (freezer) to preserve my food

[@gogogardener]

It really shrinks when dehydrating. But, it works well for some things like soup. It doesn't rehydrate to original size, but adds flavor and bulk.

[@acm5843]

I do this as well! I add shredded zucchini to just about any sauce or casserole I make.

[@charliehoos9773]

Picking food from your garden with you makes it really feel like home for you to me - if that makes sense. How wonderful! Squash mugs and vine bores are always here, but for the last 3 years we’ve learned they’re bad so they’re hand squished upon site. Yes, Miah, squash is on the menu again! 😂

[@garretbrown575]

Thank you for sharing your skills and your family. God Bless and keep you in His perfect will and in right timing.

[@dhansonranch]

Garden looks great! Zucchini Marmalade is wonderful. And then there is always baking and freezing.

[@robinsnyder3881]

I was just thinking the other day that I miss seeing Ben in the garden. Thanks.

[@cuznclive2236]

Good stuff Ben and Jess! The other day our two year old granddaughter was pointing to ripening cherry tomatoes while saying "not ready." A week ago she would have picked them. It's never too early, or late, to teach and learn how to garden. I'm 52, and this is my first time growing vegetables.

[@juliedalgardno3361]

Late watching but you made my day!!! It's amazing how Gardens can bring so much more than food...but "back on the menu" is good too! Love it. Generations of goodness!

[@reginalew9783]

Hi Jess! Squash preservation suggestion. Slice them into rounds and dehydrate them. When time to eat, soak in water until pliable, sauté with some garlic and oil. Or, you could rehydrate & preserve them with oil Love that Ben is enjoying and appreciating the garden snacks. God Bless!

[@beccatischler7407]

I love that Miah associates new produce with Lord of the Rings. It makes my nerdy little heart happy. Your garden looks beautiful!

[@margieitsabouttime5157]

It must be such a joy to have one child enjoy the garden with you. I could watch him enjoy the garden for hours. More Ben please.

[@afrlala3593]

Your first vegetables in your new garden. Congratulations!

[@mariabeaulieu3732]

Seriously can’t handle how big Ben is and SO handsome

[@pharris6314]

Ben is so cute I agree don’t wash them off they have better taste eating straight from the garden. And that cucumber is just for him. How cute

[@jenniferpulskamp5592]

We shred, measure out and freeze summer squash for zucchini bread for when the weather is too cold for fresh zucchini. I also cook and purée zucchini into winter tomato sauce along with a little bit of puréed pumpkin. It’s fantastic.

[@caprisuncancermoon4989]

Ben is so smart and so stinkin cute!!!

[@SuesSecretGarden3]

Good to see Ben in the garden . He is getting taller. Smart baby😊

[@lauraashmun5302]

Armenian Cucumbers are my favorite. Lightly pickled in fridge eating them with hummus. Yum!

[@lauraflaherty2733]

'Best not washed' perfect for a t-shirt! 🙂

[@Thegardenwhatcanbedone]

I love that I finished Jeremiah's sentence before he did. "Meats back on the menu boys"!

[@DawnPalmer55]

Onions, garlic, crispy bacon, potatoes and squash fried up in a pan is absolutely delicious! Fry bacon crispy first and then use the grease to fry up everything else. Yum!!!

[@erinstraub5710]

My favorite way to preserve zucchini squash is to shredd and freeze into 2 cup portions for zucchini bread. We’ve also frozen zoodles. Ben is so cute and his excitement over harvesting the garden is awesome!! Keep that enthusiasm Ben! My boys used to love it too, but no interest anymore.

[@gabrielvankempen7863]

What an awesome impromptu vlog sharing a day in the life with education by Ben and the 'meats back on the menu' comment by Miah rang a chord with me as well. Y'all are a blessing to watch on KZbin.

[@thislittlefarm1166]

I would love to watch your journey in fibre arts! I’m also dabbling in spinning with my pet sheep’s wool and it’s such a fun journey, although I don’t have much time for it with an 11m old baby. Also Ben is looking so grown up 😭 so exciting to see him back in the garden with you.

[@angiejohnson3565]

Ben is correct- the worker bees are female. 😌. He is so darling and says the cutest things. Smart cookie too! He definitely could teach a gardening class for newbies. Thanks for sharing your garden ( is it bad for me to be jealous? I live in Oregon, and we only got temps in the 70’s starting last week, and I have something eating about 80% of my plant sprouts- I think it could be my backyard squirrels. My garden is so sad compared to yours, but I’m holding out hope.) and thanks for sharing Ben with us. 🥰

[@abhayathomas1232]

Oregon here as well. Arghhh....we will prevail!❤

[@jess6327]

WA here and the slugs have been destroying all the seedlings. And I'm super jealous too lol

[@kabodick]

Agreed, Ben is such a sweetheart. He’ll be so knowledgeable by the time he’s a teen. Jealous of your 70 degree temps. It’s been in the 80s and 90s in my area of MN for most of June 🥵 with only a couple of days in the 70s. I’m very far behind in getting my garden going this year. I’ll have plenty for later this summer though….😅.

[@jalenejohnson8484]

jealousy is just a feeling... it's what you do with it that matters. ;) AK here. Second attempt at a garden is finally planted (in by solstice) but now I'm worried that things aren't growing right and I'm running out of time. our growing season is so short up here.

[@angiejohnson3565]

@@kabodick yes, the temps right now are perfect, but we were having highs in the 50’s through half of June and torrential downpours. We are used to a lot of rain here, but we had a record setting amount this year, and even people who like the rain were complaining. Lol. I have planted my seeds numerous times, and while direct sowing has always been best for my garden, this year, I’d get a teeny seedling compared to years past, and it would just stay small over a number of days. Then I’d go out to check things out, and it would be gone. So defeating! I read that squirrels don’t like crushed red pepper, so I’ve been sprinkling that around my seedlings. So far, so good now that the sun is out.

[@Hookedonfaith-akasandramoody]

My childhood self would agree with Ben. I remember taking the salt shaker out to my moms garden and eating all the juicy unwashed veggies. He is so cute.

[@michelle-bargainbellasvint3632]

I love Master Ben and how he lights up like u in the garden.

[@lauriesickles5393]

Next to garden tours, harvesting is really fun to watch as well!!!