Homesteading Skills to Learn While You Wait For Your Farm | Roots and Refuge Farm

[@celinathompson2321]

I'm only in 8th grade and i have had his small idea in my head but know that i've been bingeing your videos for the past couple days and you've motivated me to do this with my life and learn and do as much as possible until i move out and set my dreams into action

[@mckennarish9870]

I'm in the 8th grade too! My mother and aunt have been recently talking about homesteading! We're on a 3 year plan and hope to be at least getting our houses built by next year. I really hope your homesteading dream comes true like mine is. :)

[@OKae88]

Absolutely awesome. A wonderful goal to strive for

[@mckenzieshattuck6668]

Great job kids!!! You can do anything you set your mind to. There's lots of books and stuff at the library about this type of thing too if you want to check that out

[@epayne]

Sewing is also a good skill to master. Even of you don't make things, learning to mend clothing is a game changer.

[@thecairnstead7085]

Also useful for repairing your horse rugs, making an emergency jacket for any animals not coping with the weather as well 🥰

[@sharonp.6505]

You are, hands down, the most skilled motivational/inspirational speaker in the current homesteading YT community!

[@joanl3669]

I was just thinking the same thing. I'm not a homesteader but I find these videos so interesting and I enjoy learning about a new way of living. You are a natural teacher. This is life skills as much as homestead skills. I will try to apply the turning the waiting room into a classroom approach. I really like the way you refer to the past as another season. Thank you.

[@jeanhile4870]

When I decided to go back to college in my late thirty’s for an engineering degree I was plagued by the feeling BUT it will take 5 years. Guess what? Those 5 years will go by no matter what you do with your time........so I succeeded. Just like Jess said so well in this video...do something to hone your skills with that time that will get you closer to your dream. What a great motivational video this is. THANKYOU

[@gia777gia]

Your melodic banter speaks of one born to write.

[@rachelmerrill9051]

My father lives in a suburb of Columbus. He grew up on a farm and he grows a wonderful garden in his back yard. A few years ago we had some family issues and couldn't care for it. Things were going to waste. A man walking along the city bike path saw and stopped by. I gave him a bag and allowed him to pick. He showed up a few days later with jam and salsa he had made for us. I loved sharing that with him. I think of him and that experience often. Fellowship goes such a long way in getting things done and feeling good in life.

[@wendysurbanhomestead5011]

Hi there ! your comment reminds me of my very old neighbour. She grows so much food , when she harvests it she ties big bundles of greens and just tosses them over the fence into my backyard...lol

[@sunnysideup57]

My neighbor and I share things over the fence all the time. She always gives me cucumbers and zucchini. She knows I have a hard time growing cucumbers. I like to give her something I grow that she doesn’t, like broccoli and potatoes. We also share gardening tips and tricks. Also when I have bountiful cabbage I like to give to some of my neighbors and they appreciate it. You can’t out give bc it always comes back to you in many ways! It’s a Christian principle that works!

[@mrs8792]

I took pressure canning classes at the local extension office for $10 fee. It was taught by an older women who had 30 plus years experience. She lined out safety and canning tips and had us work from start to finish pressure canning 3 batches of vegetables. I can’t tell you how much confidence she gave me. I love pressure canning. I like to pressure can outside in the summer, sitting in a rocker and listening to the swoosh sound of the canner. The house stays cool and my winter goodies are preserved.😉

[@A.W.-nr4jg]

6 years later and this is still great advice. I never would have looked for canning classes without this video.

[@kristileighr]

Your videos make my heart happy. We are stuck in the rent rut and don't know if we will ever be able to get out, but you are an inspiration and I thank our Father for leading me to you. It's amazing how He knows our hearts and what we need. Truly, thank you. Your videos are beautiful and inspiring. I'm so happy that you have been so blessed. You are lovely by all definitions and I'm grateful that you have shared your journey. ❤

[@brandilee520]

I first fell in love with the idea of homesteading about 2 years ago and have done so much research since. But this year I decided I HAD to do something so I searched around and found a bunch of planters that someone was just going to throw away and I now have a little container garden with herbs, fruit and veggies. Is it a big amazing garden that produces the majority of my food? Not even close. But I have already learned so much just by getting my hands in the dirt. My husband and I recently moved into a place that is much cheaper than our last one so that we can start saving to get our own place and it has a raised garden bed in the front yard and a couple of fruit trees in the back. It works out perfectly because it's allowing me to grow more and learn more until I can actually have that homestead of my own.

[@sarainsopo9743]

Oh my! The part of your video about who we are as consumers, completely hit home. It’s so funny, I was dying to have take out pizza tonight for dinner. That was after canning all day and still having veggies on the verge of rotting. Do I get the pizza I really want or cook up and eat yet another zucchini that has a bad spot on it? Ha! Pizza it was...but I made it and added a little zucchini for a topping. 😂

[@GLASgirl05]

I loved "turn your waiting room into a classroom"!!!

[@nooneinparticular2822]

I’m a high schooler and finally convinced my mom to let me have chickens! (I used the pandemic as an argument for food security being important)

[@janicejurgensen2122]

Sharon P. said it best! But, I want to say Thank YOU and your sweet family. I'm 52 and still have 4 kids at home. You have helped to push me to make the garden beds I've desired for many years!! This is the first time I'm growing anything!! I grew up in Manhattan, NYC and it has taken me many years to accept I am happy as a country girl. Your spirit is divine!!

[@lizbetz]

My dogs health led me to homesteading. Some people laugh, but I love that in the process of searching for the best food for her it lead me to my ultimate dream. For now I started a garden thats about 3’ x 6’ and I’m so happy!

[@danadillon2629]

Jess, you are such a blessing. I actually quit living my dream for a while, and watching your videos has put me back on track. I know God put you in my life for a reason. Thank you. You are so inspirational and you have a calm guidance about you that has made me search and learn as much as possible. Today, I have four carrots that popped out of the dirt...YAY. I was so happy to see them. And I have 16 Asparagus plants that I will babysit all winter. How do I know I will do that? Because you have helped me realize this is what I am supposed to do with my life. And again, Thank you. I thank God for you and my progress every day. May God continue to bless you and your family. Have a great day!

[@homeandheritage9119]

I have watched this video and the garden devotional about waiting for the farm over and over. You crying in barnes and noble is so relatable because I found myself crying weekly from longing. We have prayed and prayed for direction and guidance and God answered this weekend! We have secured 84 acres of land and are getting the keys this weekend! Thank you for the encouragement, jess! I needed it so badly and it's been such a blessing to me.

[@donnkasten4111]

Hey Jess, thanks for taking the time to help people (like me) know where to start before they can start! Appreciate you and all that you share.

[@cottingwhite7784]

You remind me of me fifty years ago! I got side tracked. Don't you! But I am still trying to homestead after years of gardening in Africa and Asia and Mexico. But never realized I needed to "stick..." to build so here I am in NC beginning to build my soil. Here I go again!

[@Abzarad]

There is a real danger that I am getting addicted to this smile!

[@brendaboll8639]

Jess, thank you!!! We just bought our homestead a month ago. The next week we found out our daughter and son in law are expecting twins (very exciting), they also have an 8 month old. After dreaming this dream for so long we finally found the "perfect" place for us. It's about 1 hour and 45 mins from our kids and grandbabies. But we feel like we need to stay in the area to help them since they will have have 3 children and the oldest one will be about 14 months. Thank you for the reminder to keep using our current property in town as a class room and not a waiting room. We found your channel about 2 months ago and have watched just about all your videos. You are an incredible inspiration! And your love for the Lord shines on this platform He has given you!

[@johannahs1967]

You spoke to my heart today. I grew up homesteading but have spent my adult life moving around. I've been waiting a good 15 years to buy my own land and start going back to my roots. All this time I've been learning skills. I know I have so much more to learn about gardening and animal husbandry. I raised goats , chickens, rabbits and water fowl as a kid. But...i know i have more to learn. I'm so close to being able to buy a home and property and it has become so very emotional for me. Every year that passes , every year I get older it becomes harder to be patient. I'm in my mid 30's now and I just want to settle, plant some roots and build a life I can be proud of.

[@theasumpter7299]

I just recently started waiting your videos. And I just want you to know you're so inspirational. I started crying to this video. I have a homesteader's heart but not quit there yet. I'm waiting on to closing on my land but you helped me realize the little things & skills I've learn is building & preparing me. I just thank you this video has really touched my heart & encourage me. God bless you ❤

[@tawnystair4215]

Can’t even begin to tell you how inspiring you are- I could listen to you all day. You have such a wonderful laugh. My garden keeps growing- i have Aladdin. For growing food and bringing native bees and insects in. My husband and son do not any of my fruits or veggies except some bland lettuce and radishes. I truly believe that If God gave me this passion that he will find a way to bring glory to Him. You inspire me to keep going even if I am the only enthusiastic person about the harvest. My husband does build me the most amazing structures for my garden - he loves to help. Just wish he would Love to eat.

[@nataciasteere5595]

I feel like you're talking to me directly. Thank you for this wonderful video. ❤

[@aprilcoolley4918]

How good is God that he can use something from two years ago to minister right where I am at today. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Instead of getting frustrated during the waiting period...I am going to embrace it! God bless you Pastor Jess 😉🌻

[@craftybeeshomestead1050]

I keep watching this over and over for a reminder.

[@nanajane9612]

This was your best garden teaching video ever! A culmination of all that you've done and have been leading up to. You totally NAILED IT! Kudos to you, girl; pat yourself on the back, awesome! (applause!)

[@Snow_Blue_Pearl]

So before I even start watching this video, I have to say that you have been allowing GOD to use you to speak up on a topic that I was starting to scratch from my heart because of me being tired of waiting, and waiting... Sometimes waiting hurts...but not giving GOD a chance hurts more. GOD BLESS YOU Jessica!

[@Jenn_OfAllTrades]

I am literally crying watching this video and the 3 or 4 before this one (including today's posted video). It was so timely. I am so depressed right now. I'm a single mom of 5 (2 sets of twins), lost my job at UPS last month (no fault of my own), I'm behind 2 months on my rent for my apt, I just want to run away to the country and live in the woods. I have no idea how to pull myself out of this hole I'm in emotionally, financially etc. I have been in this learning, waiting stage now for 10 years or more. In 2016 we finally got property to begin our dreams (with my now ex) but after our well, AC, fridge went out, a hurricane destroyed the rest of the property and left us homeless and 8.5mo pregnant with the last set of twins. Now this. I feel like nothing is ever going to work out for me. Your words give me hope but I'm starting lose hope honestly. Please don't ever stop making videos. I'm living vicariously through you and it's keeping me afloat mentally.

[@joyborazjani5757]

One of the gifts you've given me is the shift in mindset to see myself already on the homesteading journey rather than that I'm desperately waiting to start it. 😇

[@angelahite75]

You made me tear up with this one. Im so impressed with you. You truely are passionate. Not only about homesteading, but also preparing others. I agree there are many being called back to this life style. I myself am one. Unfortunately, im disabled and limited on doing it alone. Im trying to expose, and teach my daughter and grandson so what Ive learned will not be wasted. God bless you and your family. You have been called for something much greater than just homesteading. I think you already know that.

[@onemoreteaspooncreative7398]

Jess, you are so encouraging. I am so blessed by your channel! My husband and I rent 1/3 acre at the edge of the suburbs. It already had established plum trees when we came. Our landlords allow us to have chickens, and there are plenty of garden beds that we’re growing food in. We dream of being homesteaders on our own land one day. We’re both disabled, and I deal with chronic pain, so the dream seems a bit hard to reach, but we work hard at our “tiny homestead” and make the best of this classroom time. Making and canning plum jam every summer in my great-grandmother’s water bath canner has become a true joy for me.

[@masuganut2082]

The end made me cry. I do feel uplifted. When I was a child, every birthday I wished we would have a farm, probably wished it for over ten years before we moved to a small farm. It needed so much work and not having much money and I was still so young. But in my mid teens I drew up a diagram of my self sustainable farm complete with a chicken coop design. I’ve always wanted it. Now my family and I live with my parents on the same small farm. It’s not self sustainable (yet) but this year I’ve finally done my own plant starts successfully. I’m learning and soaking up everything I can. Which is how I found your channel. Tonight I proceeded to tell my mother thank you for all she did growing up for us to “turn our waiting room into a class room” and now that I’m a mommy it’s even more important to me. To set a good example, to help others and work the land as best I can (even if it’s not as large as I had thought it would be) I’m grateful to have my bit of earth to work and truly believe that God has blessed me with this love and desire. Very long comment I know but I wanted you to know a bit so you could understand just what this video and all others you put forth mean to me and so many others. Thank you Teacher Jess! ❤️

[@sharonhendricks9706]

I have watched so many of your videos and I can honestly say that I have yet to find one that isn't packed with valuable information of one kind or another. I was born during the Great Depression, thankfully I was too young to realize the hardships of it but because of it I learned so many life skills that people today just don't know, or don't care about. I'm always amazed at how much you know and practice at your age! It's gratifying to me. I love your heart for the things you do, and your heart for helping otbers, but mostly your love for God. Your family is so blessed to have you. Thank you for encouraging your viewers to get away from this "throw away" society we live in...to let go of this "instant gratification" desire, and convenience foods vs real foods. I bless you, Jess.

[@annelogston]

This was EXACTLY the video I need right now. I’m going out of my mind waiting for next March, when my husband retires and we move to our retirement homestead and I can START MY GARDEN. I actually found permaculture via foraging rather than gardening, as I’m a lifelong forager. Thank you so much for laying out these things I can do constructively while I wait!

[@shirleypeterson4221]

Jess i totally needed this video today. We are in the midst of the hot Arkansas weather and are building our house ourselves for our homestead dream. Sometimes...alot of times my husband and i get very impatient about waiting to have our dream started. You have reminded me that we already have! Since we planted our fruit trees 3 years ago. Even though we don't live on the property yet...we harvested our first apples. You inspire me and my husband to march forward. Thanks so much!!!

[@nikkibell653]

You made this video so long ago, but it’s exactly what I needed today. The story is so, so so long, but at age 27 my parents have decided to buy land to homestead and.. well, who knows exactly what will happen just yet, but the dreams are huge! They asked me to move onto the property (not found yet) and work for them as their farm/ranch hand. I didn’t even know how badly I wanted this until it was laid out before me, so obviously I accepted the offer! 😂 All that is so say, I’m so excited and have just been consuming and consuming content about it, but I’m ready to start something NOW. So I needed to hear everything you said. I feel such a huge connection to you already from the past 2 or so weeks of watching yours (amongst the rest of the KZbin Homesteader crew) and I am just so grateful. I can only hope that wherever we land, I can make connections as beautiful as the ones you have with the community. All my appreciation and love for you 💕

[@pegstamps]

We started a local Homesteader group several years ago that has been so resourceful. We share/teach classes, do farm tours, seed swap and host our yearly Larder Swap. I learn daily and pass on that knowledge. I have backyard chickens, I garden, can, make Kombucha, and more because of our group. Sharing this to our group. Thanks!!!

[@lyndeyrepic6543]

I have been researching the homesteading lifestyle for at least 5 years now. The deep longing I feel to be out in the country or in the woods is so real, like I can't even describe to you. Due to various circumstances over the years (divorce, death, debt, etc etc), I have yet to encounter the right time or resources to make this happen. Aaaand moving on. This video is so true talking about learning skills now. I have gardened whenever I've had space to do it (apartments in the city with 2 windows at street level aren't great for growing). I've learned how to cook from scratch. I've learned a lot about medicinal herbs and how to use them. Thrifting is in my blood. I've done more research on soil than anyone I know. All I'm saying is, even in the middle of Boston of PIttsburgh or Columbus or Manhattan... it is STILL possible to learn. P.S. -- I watch your videos while I'm working in the office and I find myself tearing up with almost every video because of how happy you and your family are. The fact that you guys are out there, living the dream and are so happy... it warms my heart to know it's possible.

[@VerbenaComfrey]

I listen in the office, too. It makes me so excited to get home to my (suburban) garden and kitchen!

[@hollywhite5683]

This video came onto my feed the day after I had a break down because land prices are way too high for me to afford, and I was having doubts that I would ever get to build the homestead I dream of. I can't thank you enough for making this video, because it is exactly what I needed today.

[@DeepSouthBama56]

Excellent video Jess, so much for people to think about and do before they make the jump to Home Steading. The fun part is the dreaming about it, the wishing for it, making all those plans. Then comes the reality, for once the garden is in the animals are bought, then come the daily chores. The garden must be tended, watered and weeded. The animals let out, fed and watered. You have to keep a close daily eye on the health of your animals. There is land to be maintained, hay to cut, new projects and maintenance of existing structures and equipment. The list is long and its everyday,even Sundays. Its not what you see in the 10 to 20 minute videos, its much more than the snapshot shown on KZbin . On KZbin you you see glimpses of what its like, the good and some bad. If working with your hands outdoors is satisfying to you and you do not mind long hours, then its very rewarding, if not,it will become your nightmare. In past 5 decades I have seen a many of 100's people come to take it on, I also have seen more than half of them leave and return from where they came. Just like this summer,my day starts at 4:30 am, get dressed,have some coffee and out to do the morning watering. It will take 3 hours all carried by hand, then picking up a chainsaw and clearing off more of this old neglected home place, so I can revitalize the old garden plots in hopes of putting in a fall garden and a spring garden next year. There is a chicken coop still to be built, a goat barn and pen. My day ends with doing the evening watering, again another 3 hours carrying water as I continue to fight the drought and severe heat in the Deep South of Bama. I can not skip a day, or what little I have planted will just wilt and burn up in a day. Its been a tough summer, but that is the reality of it all. Some years will be easy, others will test you to your limits. Jess's advice to go out, talk to others doing it, maybe volunteer a Saturday and help on their Home Stead or farm would be the only real way of seeing what you are getting in to. I highly recommend you reach out and get to know those that are doing it for real, offer to help for a day or more. Find someone in the area you are thinking about buying property in, see what they are going through daily. Jess makes it look easy, but I bet she is one busy lady every minute of most days. Well I could not sleep tonight so I am just going to stay up,my day starts in 2 hours.So till next time, you' all stay safe, take care and God Bless You and Yours. Mr. Tom

[@cltinturkey]

I'm a long-time fan of Roots & Refuge but somehow missed this video. It's SO practical and a great primer for beginning homesteaders and even young adults and/or people learning how to cook. Thank you!

[@rondacorkhill1654]

How appropriate is this video right now. I've been sewing my own clothes (when I have time) since I was 15. I made a few skating outfits and picture dresses for my daughter when she was in elementary school.

[@wildgingerliving]

I am in that stage now. I needed this.

[@b.e3366]

Same here Ginger! Definitely needed this video too 🥰

[@annacatherineevans]

Hey there! I'm only 7 mins in, BUT super true about learning to forage (or just familiarizing yourself with what you desire to grow) is such a big thing!..... I recently have become so attracted to the idea of food forests! Right? WELL I live in 10a (been at this house going on two years now / we have so much more space than we used to) and so I've been watching videos about fruit trees that grow well here in South Florida.... I realized when the weather started to warm up, and trees in my neighbors yard started really waking up that he has some fruit trees I had learned about from youtube! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! One of my favorite trees that is hanging over our fence is a black mulberry tree! The first year I didn't think ANYTHING of the fruits! Then winter came and the tree went dormant. Came back this spring and I was like THOSE ARE MULBERRIES!!! Now I'm picking mulberries that are hanging over on my side! And also Lord Jesus is SO AMAZING that I now have like 5 little mulberry trees growing ON OUR SIDE! Praise Yah. Anyway, I learned he's got a loquat tree and even a macadamia nut tree! It's incredible! I've also found on our property passionfruit growing!! So YES learning about and familiarizing yourself with what's growing around you is a great point! And just seeing all of those trees next door is such a blessing bc I feel it's God showing me how possible it is, and seeing those plants/trees in action next door shows me I'm getting closer to my dream of living closer to the land. Youve actually helped me personally in the sense that you have mada me think about how we have to actively (and patiently) pursue the dream, and allow God's will to unfold while you're doing those little things to align yourself with the dream (such as learning, experimenting). Thank you for your videos! :) keep up the great work! Failures included! Have a blessed day! Ps I also realized that the property over the canal has banana plants! I'VE NEVER IN MY LIFE SEEN THAT IN PERSON! [No bananas yet, but I see that stalk they grow on! :)]

[@sandraperdun8911]

I have been waiting since 1978 when I met my farm boy from small town Illinois , we were both in the army. When we got out the country was in a recession and we had one son ...after 3 years of near poverty and cousins who kept us from hunger we went back to the army life and chose to stay in until my husband retired we had four children by then, and moved into a small house not much room for self reliance. our oldest enlisted lol we had quite a surprise when our 5th child arrived in 2003! Now all we have are empty growbeds and Chickens. Lol

[@dustinevans7827]

You have a knack for making this grown ass man cry

[@cassandrag3816]

In the waiting season now. I have built up so much knowledge (and many homesteading skills) and have cried a lot of tears over not-yet-fulfilled dreams. Your words blessed and encouraged me - thank you :)

[@brittanyw1817]

I came across your channel yesterday and I've been binge-watching a lot of your videos this is the first year that I've grown my own Garden my fiance and I purchased my grandpa's house from my brother with 7.5 acres mostly for the horses but now I'm so excited about growing and using our own veggies that your videos are inspiring me to try to do alot more things on my own and relay less and less on the grocery store thank you so much!. My mother's friends have goats and they have the most delicious cheese they traded to pay my mom. I really want to have dairy goats The future in the mean time I'll try your store milk mozzarella 😊

[@CollegemomLynn]

Brittanyw 181725 Me too! 😂😂

[@Violetdelusions]

Oh man Jess. That line about our homesteading journeys start when we decide to pursue them brought tears to my eyes. You are so right. Our home isnt zoned or spaced for homesteading, but we are at least growing big beds with cattle panel trellises and raising chickens next year (we've been gardening for a few years but without the intent of feeding ourselves, it was just a hobby). We are getting chicks on Friday for our birthday that we share and I keep saying in my head, Friday is the day my homestead begins, but really it started 5 years ago when I had the desire and started learning skills.

[@kyabernathy1008]

I’ve watched so many videos on KZbin about homesteading and a lot of it was useful. This video is by far, my most favorite and useful video I’ve ever watched. My wife and I are anxiously waiting for the day we can buy that piece of land and call it our own. Unfortunately, it won’t happen for a few more years, but this video has been inspiring and so helpful. Thank you for making such a heartfelt and honest video.

[@pressedearth9492]

My goodness girl you unpacked a whole load of gold in this video. Turn your waiting room into a classroom. So much actionable inspiration just flowed from your heart through your lips and onto the internet.

[@sarahadams5419]

You are so sweet. I just found you a couple of weeks ago. We just bought are 5 acre homestead that we have to start from the ground up. Thank you for the incredible motivation. God gave you a gift girl! By the way, I was listening to this while painting my kitchen yellow!

[@BloosSelfReliance]

Thanks Jess for inspiring me to relearn the skills I’ve lost through lack of use. Thankyou for reigniting a dream I have had for 20 years. It will happen I just have to let it xox

[@markaveravlogs]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin. This should win awards.

[@elizabethsessions4486]

I've literally been doing about 95% of what you're recommending for a while. It was still motivational and just let me know I'm definitely in the right place!

[@jillrulli8535]

While I don't want to become a true homesteader, so many of the skills I want to possess align with homesteading. This video was such an encouragement for where I am in my life. Thanks so much for leading the way! XOXO

[@lynnb7511]

You are wise beyond your years!!!! Thanks for all your lessons!!! I learn from you every day,

[@missourigirl8447]

Yes girl yes! I want desperately to be back in the country but now is not the time so my 5 gal buckets with my tomatoes are lined up with my flowers on the front edge of my front porch. It ain't much but I love them just the same.

[@mrs8792]

My Grandmother use to mix mashed blackberries with apple sauce and dehydrate. Holy cow, she made the best blackberry fruit roll ups and practically free to make.😉

[@karentuthill8308]

Hello beautiful lady 🤗 Wow! I am in absolute AWWWW 😍 I want to cry. YOU, sweet friend, are soooooooo inspiring!♡ You have such passion for what you beleave in that my eyes just fill with tears listening to you! Thank you so much! I love you Jess💖 -Karen

[@LizNicholsArt]

I live in a rented apartment. When I got to be 50 yrs old. I just decided to JUST start. I saved and bought a quarter horse, something I had been wanting for 30 years, when I sold my horses to pay for my Dr. and Hospital to birth my daughter. My now 4 yr old mare stays a few miles down the road at my friends farm which is not ideal. So, I have always gardened since I discovered Square Foot Gardening and Mel Bartholomew when I lived in Hawaii for a year back in 1984. (They broadcast Mel's show every day at Noon on Hawaii PBS.) This is my third year having hens I started with six. My second flock has eight. Getting permission from my landlord and neighbors was key to this. I look everyday at farms for sale in my town on Zillow. Someday soon I will have my own place. This is not ideal farming climate (Northern Az), but I am also looking to move somewhere, (my grandfather moved here from Arkansas with the CCC during the Great Depression). My chicken coop , garden fence and Horse pen I made myself out of found pallets. Harvested some peas, beans and tomatoes today. My fall garden is in red cup starter pots. I love your channel. I work full time at my father's gun shop and also am a fine artist (drawing and painting horses, animals and landscapes). Not that into cooking, but I would do more if I didn't work all day.

[@yesenialucatero2638]

Thank you for this beautiful advice! I’m waiting for my dream homestead farm knowing Psalm 37:4 is God’s promise to fulfill it. Your videos are so inspiring. God bless you🙏🏼

[@kelliwebb2870]

This was a really wonderful video! We’ve been on our farm for 9 years now. I’ve been out of the rat race since 2009 and have moved more and more to sustainability every year! This is my life, my passion and God’s blessing! I love my life, hard or not, it’s what keeps me going! Thank you for this video!

[@FairilyFiberFun]

Jess, Thank you for filming this episode. I am currently in the waiting period with no end in site. I desperately need and want my own homestead, but currently see no way of ever getting one. It is wonderful to find I am already doing a lot of the things you recommend to do during this waiting time, and even more wonderful to learn a few more changes I can incorporate into my life now to prepare both myself and my kids for the radical changes to come. God has inserted me into a community almost an hour away from where I live and those people are such a blessing to me and my family. It is where I want to live and homestead, so I know it is God's doing to connect me with that very same community. Right now, I am preparing my first serious garden. My seeds will be here any day now and I'm so excited! I've already made room for canning equipment and supplies in my kitchen and pantry. Thank you for sharing your faith, your passion, and your life with us here on KZbin. You are a blessing to so many people.

[@AgnesBeans]

I get that this is an older video but I've watched a few of yours and you're perfect to learn from. And towards the end it was such a positive, hopeful note with even more good information. Thank you for making and sharing homestead content 😭💕

[@lorivarak6931]

I am slowly working on a degree in Sustainable Food and Farming from U of Mass. You talked about classes, they have some great ones!

[@mckennarish9870]

These videos are soooo informative! My family and I are going to be homesteading. My mother and aunt talked about it yesterday, and it's happening! 12 people in tiny houses on a huge plot of land! This is going to be so exiting! I'm watching all the videos possible to learn! Thank you!

[@jyll.7132]

That Backyard Farming book...yeah. I have that. Sigh. We're doing all of the things in this video on 1/3 of an acre in the middle of a city. We're crazy.

[@JLoveGardens]

Jess, you are a light in the darkness. I love your videos, especially your devotionals! Thank you! I am in my first year of gardening and what started out as one 4x8 raised bed and a couple of flower boxes in April has quickly turned into three 4x10's, a 4x4, and about 30 containers consisting of over 50 varieties of plants! I've definitely caught the gardening bug. I'm learning more every day and I have been blessed with many successes. God bless you and your family.

[@dianehammer7559]

I am so glad to hear I’m not the only one who cries over their dreams! The way you worded “I really believed the call to go back to the land is on so many people’s hearts for a reason”... made me cry. It is a calling but for some reason to hear it said that way out loud really hit me. You are awesome! I’m so happy I found your channel!

[@jennyvandenberg5932]

I can tell how passionate you are about this. I love watching your videos, you are so informative. I’m in the dream state of owning my own homestead. Over the course of my life I have learned a lot of skills, making bread and so forth, however this past year I have really been passionate about learning how to be more independent. Watching your videos are so inspirational. I feel like I am on the right track to owning my own Homestead. And even if I don’t at least I have the ability to take care of my family through the skills that I have learned. And be more independent, and save money.

[@Oregonmac]

Stop! You just said building a coffee table! Literally what I’m doing right now and was getting discouraged. God is amazing and I’m so thankful he brought me to you 💕.

[@sheilasmith3847]

Great video. our brains are meant to be used not abused.

[@shonnonguest7976]

This spoke to me. My goal is to cut down on my dependence on the store and grow as much as I possibly can. I know I can't get to 100% but I want to control as much as possible. When I have had access to fresh produce I prefer their flavor over that found in the stores. When I can, I buy organic. I want to be as organic as possible but I am human and I know that I will not be perfect and I am ok with that. It is having better tasting food that I am after. I have tried growing a garden shortly after moving to Northeast Arkansas (a 7B zone - big change from Southern California's 10A that I was used to!). It didn't go as well as I wanted, part of which was trying to figure out how to grow food and NOT have it 'accidentally' sprayed with chemicals that the neighboring commercial farmers use. I held back for a while since of that experience. Earlier this year I was blessed with a whole bunch of seeds (all of which were at least a year old but I didn't complain because they were free!). Even though I didn't do as well as I had wanted to, I had better success this year compared to the last attempt two years ago. But as you have said in other videos - 'just grow'. I did and I learned. I will take those lessons and apply them to next year's garden. Another obstacle that I have to going self-sufficient in regards to meat is that I don't feel like I have it in me to cull animals for meat consumption. I did find some ethically sourced meat places and will use those. I do plan on having the following animals though: chickens (for eggs), goats (for milk and foraging), alpaca/llama (the wool!) and rabbits (for their manure). Thank you for being an inspiration!

[@guadalupemartinez3141]

You speaking makes my heart smile. Thank you!

[@southernarkansasgardener3983]

Oh, Jess! I've watched this video before...but, MAN your words are hitting home so much more now. Over the last year I have really started to dream of going back to the land. Telling me I'm not a "wannabe" is just the support I need to make my next move. Thank you for encouraging so many of us. You're my friend and mentor, and you don't even know it. God bless you

[@katd2440]

I absolutely love learning about foraging and what's growing wild right in my yard. I have great memories of going blackberry picking with my grandma and cousins and going back to eat her delicious blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Yum

[@makerofstuff]

In town you could check meet up for local groups.

[@heatherwilliamson9232]

This video is for MEEEEEEEEeeeEEEee! So thank you big! Your videos are so comprehensive, I love them! We are a Christian-homeschooling family of five, living in a neighborhood. I started our first garden this summer, in preparation for our country homestead. We finally bought some property after dreaming for years and are slowly working on it on the weekends. It was all woods, so we're clearing, and if it wasn't 30 miles away, I'd already be planting a garden there, but I can't be out there everyday yet. I've been doing everything that you mentioned, so I feel super confident now that I'm on the right track. Do you have any videos about the things that you can't produce on your homestead? Like salt, oats, rice, sugar, oil, etc, things that pretty much all homesteaders have to store in bulk? Or maybe a video debunking the myth that we can't produce those things?

[@HumesLittleHomestead]

I love this video so much, I've had it on my watch later playlist forever and I'm so glad I took time to watch it today. Needed all of the reminders of why I want this lifestyle and my dream too. You are so inspiring I'm so glad I found your KZbin channel. - Katie

[@seekingandspeakingtruth7118]

Thank you for this video. I truly believe that if we will do what is possible, God will do the impossible. I'm new to your channel but I've already binge watched a bunch of your videos. I've heard you talk a lot about how you felt like what you have now was out of reach for you back then. And then God provided for you. I believe with all my heart that our Father wants the very best for his children. I love your garden devotionals so much, I showed one of them to my sister when she was struggling with her faith and it really helped her. You all are doing God's work and reaching a lot of people. I will pray for God to bless your family tremendously.

[@jbiebs1001]

Although it was lightly touched on, the importance of learning to can cannot be overlooked. Preserving food is so essential when growing a large garden. Getting a dehydrator and learning the in and out of canning can be key to helping alleviate costs later on and saving times because you have gone through the trial and error. Farmers markets are great places to get a surplus of fresh food to use in canning.

[@CatherinesGardenHomeLWS]

It is a waiting room of learning...this applies to any dream. WOW! The call of the land, yes... God bless you and keep you, Jess. Amen

[@BrokeUrbanFarmer]

I just stumbled upon this and it spoke volumes to me! I live in town on a 50x100 city lot. It’s small but I’m learning now how to just make where I’m at work! This year I’m doing my first fall garden thanks to one of your current vlogs. I am so grateful to have stumbled across your channel. y’all resonate with my heart so much! Much Love! ❤️

[@westvirginiagirl9544]

I would add a couple of investments you may want to make now as prices will probably continue to rise. I'm not a homesteader yet, but I do live in the country and have found these items to be very useful. I have two pair of overalls, an insulated pair for cold winter days for those that are in colder climates, or are "frost tender flowers" like Jess. I also have a denim pair of overalls that I can wear on warmer days, that may still be muddy or damp, I also have worn them over shorts if it's warm but you still need to protect your legs from brambles, briars or mud. The other investment I would suggest is a good sturdy pair of work shoes/boots. Sometimes tennis shoes or sandals just don't cut it. My nephew and I are planning on making my 1 1/2 acres into as much of a homestead as possible of the next few years, as we've both been "Hankering for a Homestead."

[@gvas7560]

Awesome video!!! I totally agree about educating our selves before we see our dreams come true. What we do today will become our tomorrow. Is in thd bible. Where the mind goes the men follows. Thank you for sharing this. I am on the waiting season, but doing what I can, educating myself and trusting the Lord to see my dreams come true. God bless you ☺

[@grammyspieface1]

Girl, you should write a book someday!!, love your videos, I am learning the things now as you say, I just got my grain mill and Einkorn wheat berries,rye, spring white wheat red winter wheat, so excited !! Starting over at 61

[@WomenLivingTorah]

I am a huge believer in all the points you mentioned. We have some acreage with chickens, ducks, geese, and honey bees. Eventually, we'd like to butcher our own poultry meat. To prepare for that, I have stopped buying meat pieces. I buy the poultry whole because that's what I expect to have to work with when our homestead produces our own poultry meat. Anyhow, that's just one thing I've recently started doing while I wait for the dream to unfold a little more. ☺

[@dorisendomimiparker7754]

I needed ti hear this entire video!!!! I cried a little the other day!! Thank you for doing this message 💗!

[@ladygrey6401]

Thank you for the information and inspiration. I dream of doing something similar. I grew up on a horse farm, but have been away from that kind of lifestyle for so many years, and I miss being on a farm, around animals, and being in touch with nature. My husband and I are looking forward to one day having a homestead of our own, learning every bit about sustainable living as we can. I love watching all your videos and learning. You are so helpful. Thank you so much!!

[@purgatoryfarms2102]

Jess you are so motivational I just started watching your channel and I cannot stop!!! I can only hope my channel can one day become successful as you!

[@JackSpellerberg]

So many valuable skills to aquire even if you aren't wanting to be a Homesteader. The advice in this video is spot on! I've been doing exactly what this video is about..practicing for about 8 years for when I do get a house and some land. Thank you Jess for sharing this with us. God has Blessed you and your family and we see that with each upload.

[@keziamedina7782]

Thank you so much for the encouragement. You are a breath of fresh air. I have been so discouraged lately. It’s not that I don’t have the land. I have plenty to start a small homestead. But I have no help. It gets frustrating sometimes to not have someone to help when I can’t seem to figure out a project or I need that extra motivation. But I found your channel and decided to dry my face, pick myself up by the boot straps and quit wallowing in my own self-pity. I am strong. I can do all things through Him! He has given me this desire. When I’m still and quiet I hear him say this is right path for me. So I started building raised beds (never used a saw or a drill in my life) and it turned out great! Got some fall plants in. Then I got super sick. I was on strict bed rest for two weeks with a wicked virus that then turned into pneumonia. But I’m back. It’s a slow process of recover and getting my energy back. But I keep watching your channel for inspiration. I’m praying this week I can finish my second bed and maybe get a few more veggies in for this fall. Thank you! Keep posting!

[@artofcreationhomestead]

First off, awesome video from an awesome woman of God as always. Second, here is a piece of advice for you from someone who learns this. Instead of antibacterial soap use unscented dr. Bronner's Castile soap mixed with a little bit of water and about 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is natural antibacterial and antifungal. This soap is great for your skin and for your goats.

I'm a new subscriber and I'd love to hug you right now for everything that you share about your life! It's become much clearer to me what skills I need to work on and what I already have. I've realised how grateful I am to my grandparents, who taught me gardening when I was a child, and for my boyfriend, who makes it fun to experiment in the kitchen. (He bakes our bread!)

[@mrsparrish10]

I found your channel a few weeks ago looking for videos on goat births butbim obsessed and binge watching!

[@gingerkirby8208]

If you can dream it, you can have it!

[@chrissyfandel-steeg4810]

This was very inspirational. I get discouraged when things I want so badly can’t happen now. But you are correct on the gaining skills and turn everything into a classroom. I have done some steps you have suggested. And have books for the other! Trying not to get sad when I walk out my door and my neighbors are so close. But next season I WILL get those raised beds. We have to START somewhere! 🥰🥰Thank you as always your so kind and motivated!

[@itsathriftylife1313]

I have no idea how anyone could have given this video a thumbs down, unless it was by mistake.