Large Raised Bed GARDEN TOUR (Week 13, Part 1)

[@sew_So_beautiful]

Watching a little boy following you around and eating everything he can find as he goes along and thoroughly enjoying them is the best advertisement for home gardening.

[@helenpenner9899]

Praying my 10 year old will get like that about veggies ...would be soooo AWESOME!!

[@kerrynuman6145]

I know that's right

[@lmd2454]

My youngest son who is about to turn 14, was seriously the cutest little boy, just like Ben! I remember asking him a million times "how did you get so cute?" and his answer was always "because God made me" in the sweetest little squeaky voice 😍❤ Melted my heart every single time! So hearing you ask Ben that question, took me right back to when mine was that little ❤

[@myparentsgarden5042]

„Where are the adults?“ - I melted!! I love this garden tour so much, have watched it ridiculously often and will probably continue ❤️

[@theseeker4700]

Awwww my heart cant take all the cuteness!!!! I will literally cry when my little man gets past his cute stage.

[@dalynnholling4572]

I totally teared up when Ben said, "I bless you until next time." So sweet! So excited for my little one to follow me around in the garden someday.

[@shellfisheh]

When you found a baby melon and Ben was all "where are the adults?" I lost it haha. Such an adorable little helper he is :)

[@donnasalvador3070]

OMG. Same. What a precious doll.

[@jennifermccrabb301]

Ohmygosh me too. So stinkin cute!!

[@sheilamorse2624]

Jess, I have been gardening since I was nineteen....I'm in my early 60's now and every season is wonderment to me and the experiments are on!! Never lose your joy and wonder for the plants!

[@msjenjenp]

Benjamin is a little doll and he's so willing to help. So cute. And so unusual.

[@brandialford6079]

Ben is by far the best garden tour special guest EVER!! Whoohooo Ben!!🥳🥳🥳🥰

[@claireisacamel]

Just so Ben knows, I fully cheered after his introduction, just like if he was on a tv show 😆🥰

[@kristylynn8400]

Same and I melted when he was looking at momma and how pretty she is

[@kimcritchfield5796]

I melted at the sign off. Jess’s kiss on him was so precious!!!

[@sandij.1888]

Ohhhh Ben... you just make my heart sing!! You're right... your Mama IS pretty, but I can guarantee that it means the most to her when she hears that from you!! 💗 You are the perfect garden partner & God bless YOU ... till the next time! 🤗🤗🤗

[@willslac]

@@kristylynn8400 ikjj jjikjjnkij to

[@PsychoPixie57]

Me too! Always cheer for Ben cameos!!

[@sylviafoust9545]

That's one cool guest you had on tonight. He's so cute to. Bless you Jess and Bless you Ben

[@judithjohnson2111]

You have the best garden sidekick ever. Love seeing him eat his way through the tour. He is a chip off the ole block & for sure is going to be an incredibly successful gardener. He's the cutest taste tester. Heartwarming to watch him. T.Y. Jess AWESOME video.

[@amandadudziak9023]

I wish I started gardening when my kids were little. Now they’re 14 and 16 and getting them to do anything with me is just pure torture. Lol. I even caught my daughter giving my lettuce sprouts dirty looks earlier this year 😂😂 Enjoy every single moment you have with your kiddos. You are such a great mom and gardener. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and learning process with us! I’ve learned SO much from you!

[@hollyarechavala9451]

Such a blessing to have a helper in your garden like Benjamin. So precious! Thank you for sharing tender moments.🍅🌶🥕❤️😊

[@johnliberty3647]

Bens garden enthusiasm at age 5 is heart warming, I actually thought he was older in previous videos.

[@tahliel]

My little boy woke super early this morning, so we are snuggled in bed listening to the rain outside and enjoying the garden tour together. He really enjoyed seeing Ben and bear in the garden. Xx

[@ParagonRidgeRanch]

I started all my garden tours on my channel as well but life gets busy and its so easy just to do your chores and be done. I appreciate Jess and all her time she gives us, I know its a LOT of work to do what she is doing. Keep it up Jess and Mia!

[@julieschlender3823]

You need to always bring Ben with you!!! Although I got so busy watching him I totally forgot what you were saying. Thank Ben for hanging out with you and entertaining us all!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Having your son gardening with you is awesome.My granddaughter is 6 and helps and has been growing her own zinnias from seed. Building memories. I started her at 4 because she just wanted to do it herself. Love your videos.

[@jenniferfree8746]

Ben is just the sweetest little boy, and will definitely follow in his mum’s footsteps ☺️

[@deannatucker1322]

Jess....please pause just a sec in front of your garden board so I can see your written message. I love that!

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

Yes please. I want to make me one for the entrance of my garden because I dearly LOVE quotes and things like that. I bought me a chalkboard already but when I got it, it's way smaller than what I thought it was. Back to the drawing board I guess. lol I am using it on my patio tho.

[@ng3069]

Deanna Tucker Tomatoes are better than dinner!

[@jessicahall6549]

SouthernLadyWithManyHats use chalkboard paint! Cheap and works great, and you can get creative!

[@quiltindee]

Thanks!

[@ramibu239]

Agree! She needs to make this part of the tour. A minifeature during the feature if you will!😁 I love to see what new msg, phrase, verse, scripture, etc she has written for the week!

[@seedaholicgardens9085]

My best friend Marcella is 100% Italian and her Papa pronounced it just like you did, so well done!I always love watvhing your tours, the beuty, the musings, the knowledge shre and your sherr joy and enthusiasm always refill my vcup. And the bonus of Benjamin's sweet heart,what more can anyone ask?"Blessings of Bounty and May Your Gardens and your Life always Bring You Joy,Inspiration and Abundance!" - Hope (& Mark!)

[@LittleMountainLife]

Ben-“this thing is a disaster” 🤣 beautiful garden tour, Jess!

[@Lyndsay-jh2um]

I just absolutely adore your kind soul. I've been following you for a couple of years and I don't regret one second I have spent on watching you are your family grow as homesteaders. If everyone had the same outlook on life, family and gardening as you and your sweet Miah the world would be a much better place. Love all the way from Canada.

[@Bellavanacoffee]

Hey jess. It’s hard not to get garden envy watching your channel (esp high tunnel!). It’s great to see how much y’all have added. You’re always helpful and humble. Much love from a long time subbie!

[@samanthatorres9517]

Hello Benjamin! I'm so glad you're officially a garden tour guide! I love to hear what you have to say about your beautiful garden!😀 I bet you'll be a master gardener by the time your 13! "This is a disaster" moment was a very insightful observation.😉 I hope to see you do your own garden tour very soon😘🥰❤ Jess, you couldn't ask for a better friend and companion in the garden. Love love love this video!

[@plentifulprairie]

LOL I'm certain Ben thought Mom was a little crazy with saying it was the beans birthday 🤣 he's like yeahhhh...

[@samanthatorres9517]

🤣

[@ramibu239]

He's still not get quite the real meaning of "birthday"😆 Which by the way, who else thought of Frosty the Snowman when he said it's its birthday? "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"⛄

[@weirdheathersgarden]

I love that - you wanna find out the things that aren’t found out yet. 🥰 I’ve never understood people who think that learning stops after school. There’s just so much to be curious about 🌿🌾🌻

[@allisonhubble8118]

When I was growing up everyone grew cucuzza and chayote, but we didn't call them either one of those things they were always called baseball bat squash and mirliton. While looking very different they are closely related and were used interchangeably. The cucuzza were peeled, seeded, steamed, drained, mashed or chopped, and added to so many dishes as an extender in sauces and casseroles. They were also sauteed with onions, garlic, spices and seasonings then combined with cooked ground beef, shrimp, or crawfish, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese to make a casserole or stuffing. Mirlitons were treated the same, except they were often boiled whole, cut in half, had the seed removed and the flesh scooped out to form a shell the stuffing was then stuffed back into. Topped with breadcrumbs and cheese then baked to meld flavors. I spent many summer afternoons with my mom, aunts, and cousins helping preserve all that squash.

[@elizabethmoyer3807]

Ben is so adorable. A total ray of sunshine.

[@PsychoPixie57]

Your kid is the freaking coolest. I can only hope that if I'm blessed with children that they are as sweet, and loving of nature as Ben is!! It's such a joy to see him add some extra joy to your videos with his smile!

[@SuesSecretGarden3]

Precious little garden boy 🎈

[@kristinacragerud4477]

Jess, so excited, dug up one bucket. And got 14 Yukon gold potato’s! Woo Hoo !

[@angiedasner]

Ben is such a sweet soul; he makes my heart swell. So good he’s interested in gardening. These skills are going to be so important in the future. Thanks for sharing a peek in your garden. Now I’m craving a good homegrown tomato. 🌼🐝

[@juliapounds5829]

You mentioned that you so want to learn more and know more. But, my goodness, there is so much you do know! We love learning from you. Love your family too.

[@pugglebiscuit9600]

seeing Ben Yeet that tomato to the chickens made my day 😂

[@smarsh2307]

I wish I loved raw tomato even half as much as Ben does lol. He is precious!

[@4themotherload]

"tomatoes are better then dinner" Epic! You have a great partner in crime😛As a mom, nothing better then your babies learning right along side you. Wish you and your family well.

[@michellefinneran1209]

You and Miah sure made a gorgeous little angel....

[@adaseale1262]

Love little Ben ♥️ he has such a beautiful smile and I love how he loves the garden♥️🌻♥️🙏♥️🌻♥️🌻♥️🌻

[@mitchellfamilyhomestead]

Ben is so precious! Our youngest just turned 3, I hope he has the passion, like your little Ben does, as he gets older. He already loves coming in the garden with me, my older three have not really gotten into it yet.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

I keep iced teas in my fridge for hot times. I like iced coffee. If we had hot mornings, I would keep iced coffee in the fridge. 8:06 yes, soil is key. I really believe a gardener should always be building soil instead of trying to directly fertilize the plants. Compost and organic mulch every year.

[@chamelaroo4683]

Thanks for touring with us today Benjamin!

[@whisperjoy4757]

I absolutely love seeing, “Tomatoes are better than dinner” on your garden sign! 🍅 That was a cute nod to your previous video

[@morgan.b.writes]

We need a tour of the kid’s garden, narrated by Ben 😍

[@AutumnLeavesChristmasTrees]

You can use the banana leaves as a cover underneath your pot cover when cooking yellow Spanish rice. You can also use them to wrap “pasteles” which are basically a Caribbean tamale. You blend yucca, plantains and some other root (yautía) items to make the paste. You put meet (or veggies) inside. And wrap them w the banana leaves. Since your banana trees don’t fruit, this would be awesome. KZbin “puerto tocan pasteles”. We eat them around Christmas time.

[@hollybroughton8768]

The special this week at roots and refuge restaurant cafe and education center is "Ben's snake squash ratatouille". If you order this dish your table will be over run with cucuzi squash vine free of charge. 😁🤗

[@KenS1267]

Anyone living in the South told a creeping vine will overrun their table while eating will run screaming. That holds a special place in all our nightmares. Thanks kudzu.

[@Riverwytche]

@@KenS1267 Tell me about it. Battling several acres of it right now 🙄

[@KenS1267]

@@Riverwytche If its at several acres you're doomed. Wait till winter, sell to a yankee and flee. :( Joking of course but best of luck I truly hate the stuff.

[@Riverwytche]

@@KenS1267 I do too. A friend figured out it was edible and it was actually really good stir fried this past Spring. But a whole school of kids couldn't eat enough of that stuff to knock it back! And now it's covered in those nasty green kudzu beetles. Setting the whole thing on fire sounds good some days lol but it's the roots, those things are MASSIVE!!

[@KenS1267]

@@Riverwytche The Georgia Extension Service was telling people that back in the 70's. They had a pamphlet full of recipes even. But it still seems to be here. They also insisted cattle would eat it but I've seen dairy cows turn up their noses at it. My grandmother's back woods got infested and we tried to get rid of it. I found one root and started digging it out. It started around 2" across and I got down around 5' and it was still going. My dad found and reminded me of the first rule of holes. We filled it with kerosene and burned it. Didn't kill it but it slowed it down some. They say if you get something like goats and keep the vine ate down for a few years it will just die but I've never seen it myself.

[@silentjustice5657]

Ben is my absolute favorite! That kid is so badass! I sometimes use his picking method by twisting and pulling. Lol. ❤

[@heathermorin]

I loved this video with your special guest, and his question about the baby watermelon, "Where are the adults?"

[@willow3310]

Oh Jess even tho some of your garden is a hot mess its is still beautiful! You are such an inspiration to me for next year! You have taught me so much and have built my confidence like no one has! when I put my first plants in the raided beds, grow bags, and even an old tote I said "Since I have never grown a thing in my life if I get one tomato I will be happy!" I have to go harvest about a dozen tomatoes! You and your family have been a huge blessing to me!

[@RainyJo715]

Omg’sh, Ben sure is a little heart ❤️ stealer!! So cute and smart, and that boy is going to be an amazing gardener one day, just like his Mama!! 🙏🏼👌🌻🍀🌷🍅🙏🏼

[@emilygardner]

This is the video I found your channel through. I've finally made my way back to it. I found it a few months ago. After keeping up with a few videos, I decided I needed more backstory. So I went back to late summer 2019 and watched almost every video. I've learned SO much from you. Looking at this video again, it's no wonder I was captivated by your channel. I enjoyed it before I even know the story behind the garden and your family's growing adventure. Can't wait for the book! I've ordered 2 stickers so far. love the opportunity to support you guys for the hours of content I've consumed this summer/fall.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

This blesses me so much. Thank you Emily. ♥️

[@rainspringing]

Catching up on ya'lls year (this is the time of year I get to watch a lot of KZbin!). Didn't see anyone say this, but once sunflower heads get to be at least that full of seeds, even before, you can cut a good bit down the stem and take them away from all the ants, birds and squirrels. The seeds finish ripening as usual, just don't let heads get too damp after removing from the stalk.

[@grandmaofthree897]

My mom used to let some green beans get to seed size and would mix them in with the young green beans. My favorite way to eat them. Going to try my best to do that this year!

[@denisevance1045]

Your little Benjamin is sooooooo precious. Takes after his Momma, I am sure! Thanks for the tour! Your garden is so far ahead of my little NW garden. Getting some SunGold cherry, very few, but not my biggies yet!

[@debrabray8855]

Just fabulous ❤️ Benjamin is going to be a Gardener Extrordinaire! He already knows so much about gardening.

[@karenswedan3991]

Enjoyed every minute of this! I love Ben being in it! I'm the Mom of 4, three of whom are boys, but one of my sons was *always* my shadow when he was that age. (Now at the age of 20, he is the sweetest boyfriend to his girlfriend!) Your Ben reminds me of my son... so expressive & full of sweetness! I love seeing Ben's excitement & joy in the garden! Thanks for brightening up my days! Hey, also, would you do a short video on "pulling out the cucumber plants" or squash/zuc plants... I am a first season gardener & it makes me sad to think of cutting them down. The decision to pull them is a hard one. The cucumber plant I am considering pulling out is pretty much done, but it was in my first seedling tray under the grow lights back in early April, so I just want to be sure before I pull it out. Hard to say "it is time" but I know your advice would be so helpful.

[@anchalmehta8007]

The cucuzi plant leaf is also eadible. You can sortae it in oil with onion and garlic and eat like spinach with flat breads. The gourd also tastes nice in soup and also you can roast it

[@HeyShayShay]

Glad I'm not the only one who invites ppl to my garden & says "this is a chocolate cherry tomato" *eats tomato* "these are Tigerella tomatoes" *eats tomato* 😆

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Well what other logical thing WOULD you do?! 😂

[@k.j.krimson2590]

Me too 🤷‍♀️🤣😂

[@HorseyGal4ever]

My garden is doing the best it has in a few years, and my tomatoes and cantaloupe are popping! Thank you for being such an inspiration to dig in. Next year, I hope to have the long bean trellis. I'm 5b.

[@vajra0765]

Hey Jess,you can use those banana leaves for breakfast, lunch and dinner,I mean literally every meal. You can put hot items on it and eat ,no problem at all. In Southern part of India we eat in those banana leaves a lot. Its a must especially during weddings. Eco and bio degradable.Just sprinkle some water and wipe before serving food on it

[@LindaStitches]

I’m dreaming of growing an archway of noodle beans next year!

[@mostuniquemary]

Ditto! It's so whimsical looking!!!

[@zoeburruss677]

Me too!

[@jujube2407]

I informed my husband...unless things really hit the fan this winter...Armenian white is the ONLY seed I want to buy(I have many from this year) and want to use my "seed money" for a cattle panel arch out back! My pvc arches were wayyyy to small! He looks at me like I'm nuts!!!

[@maryfeist8080]

My husband doesn't really like vegetables, but he has been helping me with our container deck garden. He just wants me to stop planting. My fall garden plants are growing from seed.

[@zoeburruss677]

@@maryfeist8080 my kids didn't like veggies either when growing up ..so I shredded lots on the cheese grater and slipped them in anyway..lol

[@sparklyjewlz]

Ginger has the most fragrant flowers! We make leis out of them here in Hawaii.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

I got such a chuckle out of the jumanji reference. I love when you let things go wild. My garden is too small to let that happen so I love living vicariously through you.

[@zoeburruss677]

Ben needs his own show!!! What a doll. Love his passion for gardening and food!

[@ramibu239]

Well try out these new melons Jess. If they taste good be sure to save the seeds. Plant seeds & grow next year in a reserved spot (where they can't be cross bred w/ anything else again). See if you get the same exact plant/fruit you did this year. Then repeat all steps again for the next years (2yrs from now). If you still get the same results - congrats! You have just successfully bred a new melon plant. (Some states may require at least 3 years of tests & trial to ensure the variety will stay true - not revert back to a mother/parent plant - especially if you ever want to sell the seeds.

[@stephaniarowena]

The mysterious Kiku melon cross will be so fun to see how it will taste! Let us know please

[@rosiec1974]

Ohhh I love that Gourd is taking over the pavillion.. Like a freaky escaping vine from Kew Gardens

[@michellelockett6518]

Love a tour with the adorable Ben 😁xx

[@melissamusick5864]

Holy smokes! I didn't realize y'all are in Arkansas! That means 'Miah had a long drive to Ben and Meg's! Bless you both for being such awesome friends and awesome people. Your gardens are magnificent! ❤

[@Mrroberts003]

I LOVE LOVE your channel! Thank you for showing us the not so pretty side of gardening along with the pretty side. I have been trying to grow veggies for a few years. I have some success but many failures. You encourage me so much! P.S... I love when Ben makes his appearances on your videos. He has captured my heart! Thank you so much!!!

[@jessbulley4163]

Jess thank you so much for all your videos. I learn so much from you, and seeing Ben love your garden as much as he does makes me hope my future children as excited for the garden as he is! My first cherry tomato ripened and got pulled off the vine yesterday. Had to split a cherry tomato in half to share with ith the fiance to commemorate the moment😂. We are so excited for them to ripen so we can devour them.

[@magome16]

I love how you let your kids "ruin" their dinner by eating from the garden. It is such a gardens move I love it!

[@kathykat3548]

Ben using the "snake squash" as punching bags just make me melt! 😍

[@Sheywh12]

Loving your guest today!! Bens great 👍 He missed Momma a lot!!

[@donna9384]

Ben is so adorable lol. Thanks for hanging out with me too Ben lol. Big hugs.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I love seeing the plant take over the chair, it has a feeling of invading life as so many things do.

[@briwindau4861]

Yes the long beans are a relative of cowpeas and can be used young as green beans, mature to be shelled like black eyed peas and other cowpeas, or dry. Great multi-purpose plant!

[@kiprussell6102]

I love watching ya'll share your time in the garden this is the way to raise children. Thanks for blessing my soul

[@marianwillis6017]

Loved your garden tour today with special guest Benjamin, with a cameo by Noah!

[@petuniafuzz9083]

Ben is a "dumpling". That's what my Mom used to say when she was complementing a small child. I guess he can't help but like all kinds of veggies having you for a momma.

[@monicam.8006]

Your kid is cute, and that plant was hungry. That's why it was growing towards the table.

[@frostfire827]

Make some cold brew for those hot days! I just use my french press. Fill it with coffee and water and put it in the fridge. The next day you can press it and pour out some nice cold coffee.

[@MWoods-rs4wp]

I think I’ll do a garden tour of my small garden, to give me ray of hope later.

[@TheFragrantBunch]

I wish that when I have kids in the future they'll love my garden as much as Ben loves yours 🥰

[@tammyclifton5800]

I love your enthusiasm about learning. I wish I had known my love of gardening at your age. I am now near 60 and loving the time I have for gardening. I too try different things just to see how they grow. Love your channel. I am in Indiana.

[@seasideparrot]

Oh my goodness! So happy for you on the pre-sale of your book! Best-seller! Woo-hoo! I love how much your son enjoys the garden!

[@MWoods-rs4wp]

Melons can cross with other melons? And squash or cucumber? Ohhhh that would explain my weirdly shaped watermelon 😂

[@crwood439]

Lovely. You’re such a sweet and patient mom. Ben is such a cutie!

[@gladysanderson1351]

Ben is so so cute! I love seeing those beautiful tomatoes. Waiting to see the rest of the garden tour!

[@rainmomad1103]

We have what we think is a cross-pollinated kajari melon/burpless cucumber growing on one of our kajari vines. they are not even in the same bed, lol! it's elongated like a cucumber, but has the kajari stripes and fuzz.

[@carriewebb5764]

I LOVE wood chips in the garden for many reasons, but it has come to my attention that adding wood chips can contribute to slug problems (via Charles Dowding). I don't know if you have slug problems in the south, but they decimated a lot of our plants this spring and I am considering going lighter on the wood chips as a result. We had some luck with beer traps, but the slugs still did a great deal of damage. If you mulch with wood chips just be conscious that slugs can become an issue :/.

[@emptynestgardens9057]

Good job Momma, Ben is a sweetie. I chuckled at the Jumanji comment. 😂

[@linuxelf]

Blue Gold Berry are one of my absolute favorites that I discovered this year. Such a good little tomato. I harvested a bunch of seeds, and will definitely be replanting them next year.

[@cathyherring6424]

Love visiting with you ..., ❤️💕❤️😇

[@marypeal7237]

Love that Ben and you Jess. Enjoy you're videos and am telling others about you!

[@Denecree]

Ben is the cutest little garden youtuber!!!

[@love4daydreamer]

Get my zen on living vicariously in your garden!❤

[@amermaidstale1447]

In this absolutely insanely crazy world...it has brought me such hope to know Sweet Miah is in the NC Mountains helping to get the Hollars all set for this baby....Hope is definitely what we need at this time...did I mention how excited I am about this new life? As if I am a relative? Lol ❤⚘

[@WoochiRanch]

I would love to see this squash cooking and popsicle video on the farmers table !! 🎉 I love the story on the Italian squash! I have the cave bean from baker creek and I tell people the story and it seems to only fascinate me! Lol