My best tips & advice for homesteaders | VLOG

Check out the collab playlist:
• Top Homestead Tips
Welcome Grove Homestead: / @welcomegrovehomestead
Blue Belly Acres: / @bluebellyacres
Bear Bones Living: / @bearbonesliving
Smoky Mountain Homestead: / @fruittree
Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge.com/butcherbox
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
- Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge.com/neptunes-h...
#rootsandrefuge

[@Junkinsally]

The best piece advice I can give is this: When you are young time seems to move slowly. It seems that it’s taking forever to get where you want to go. When you get older time seems to move super fast. The seasons seem to move through faster and the years just tick away. Instead of succumbing to that “I want it all now” feeling. Stop and savor the slow progress you make. You don’t realize it now, but these really are the best days of your life because it’s not the accomplishment of the getting to the destination, it’s the enjoyment of the journey that makes a life well lived.

[@katiyac538]

That's amazing advice :)

[@packradtpackradt4581]

Truth. As the bard Trace Atkins singeth, "You're Gonna Miss This".

[@user-gz2qh1ie8d]

So true!!

[@rachelsummerlin2446]

This is beautiful advice, thank you ❤

[@deborahhilton]

I agree with you wholeheartedly. I will be 72 in June and life is speeding by. If I were younger I would have different goals than I have at this stage of life. I really don't set a 5 year plan. I don't know how many are ahead. With age, health, etc. I take it a year at a time. I am looking forward to this week since it will be warmer and I can get out in the yard and garden. I still love planning my small vegetable garden and planting my flowers. My only regret is that I didn't start this journey earlier in life. I didn't have much of a work-life balance for many years. It took me much too long to realize that if something happened to me my workplace wouldn't skip a beat. My home and family was a different story. My advice is the old cliché, life is too short, don't let it pass you by. Stop and smell the roses. Hope everyone has a fantastic week. ❤

[@MimsysGarden]

Jess, you reminded me of a bit of a funny… I have an Aunt that grew up in Appalachia. Her hubby started out in an orphanage but became a self made multi-millionaire. He owned 16 Shoney’s Big Boy chain stores all over East TN in the 70s & 80s including the one that was in Gatlinburg prior to his passing. She grew up fairly poor as well. I believe somewhere along the way she forgot about it. We were talking on the phone back in November for her (80+) birthday. She asked about what I’d been up to and I told her about my gardens, canning, chickens, butchering, milling my own flour and trying to learn how to use it in comparison to organic store bought flour. (There’s a learning curve). I was actually pretty proud of myself as I was telling her all of the things that I love… her reply was “Oh honey, I’m so sorry you’re so poor you have to do that!” I laughed and said “no ma’am, I’m very wealthy - I have more food than I’ll ever need and I know how to do things most of society does not”. “I actually love my life”. She just said “hmmm- that’s strange”. I said well, maybe so- but I think PawPaw (her dad) would be proud! He was a magnificent gardener and canner! I was a teenager back then and just admired from afar as I was too interested in other things. I sure wish I could talk to him now! It just tickled me that she of all people related it to poverty. Especially since she liked canning tomatoes out of the garden in middle age. lol

[@gafairbanks2434]

Same here. Everyone thinks I'm so rich. I'm truly convinced it was of all the training as a child to gather info's for what ever is thrown into your path that has molded me into my own being. Definitely gives you the strength. You surely learn to deal without ($) and still get by.

[@terraranch1459]

I commend you for this collaboration with small channels. You are giving them a chance to be seen because of your massive audience. Bless you. Hugs Jess❤

[@406regen]

Right I think it's awesome

[@aardyn8564]

I lost one of my sweetest chickens to a hawk yesterday. I feel so guilty because I got complacent. I knew we had a hawk but it had stopped coming around once the chickens were too big to carry off and I only let them range the yard about an hour before sunset. But with it being so cold this week I was feeling bad that they were not getting time in the sun and I let them out around noon (forgetting that hawks mostly hunt during the day) when I went out later to bring them a treat and put them back up for the night I was reminded why I don't let them out in the morning and afternoons. Being "in town" I''m not allowed to have roosters so their coop and kennel run is really the only safety they have. I used to sit out with them when I let them out but after more than 6 month of no hawk sighting I started letting them out without me an hour before sunset. I feel awful, I keep telling myself, "she was a chicken, you eat chickens!" But still she was my chicken and the only one of my flock that let me pet her without fear.

[@katie7748]

Oh no 😢 I'm so sorry that happened. We don't have chickens yet but that's my biggest worry...predators.

[@diannemiller4754]

Jess, that is exactly how I approached beekeeping. I started with a book, then KZbin beekeeping videos. I then bought all of the equipment, hives, and paint. My grandchildren helped me paint each hive boxes. I started researching beekeepers who sold nucs local. It truly was a year almost two. I'm allergic so my full bee suit and muck boots were a must. Planing and prepare in advance was the safest way for me to become a beekeeper. 😊I love it! As well as gardening and chicken tenderer😉🙂 It is so worth it!!! If I was in my fifties I'd have cows and pigs😮😊

[@robingirven4570]

Great advice Jess. At 62 & 68 we’ve been homesteading for a very long time. We are now retired and it’s so much easier to not have to work full time jobs and take care of the farm.

[@candymadigan9308]

I am 61 years old. I grew up on a farm, but I've spent the past 40 years living in a major city. I've wanted to go back to my roots, but neither my late husband nor my current husband have any desire to leave the city. So I know I'm never going to get my dreams. But then I started watching you, and you made your comment about turning your waiting room into a classroom. And I realized, no, I'll never get to start a homestead, but I *can* make yogurt and mozzarella, and bread, and grow the vegetables I routinely buy. I saw your video about vanilla extract and realized that's dead easy. I've been sewing since I was 6 years old (to the point where I create my own patterns), I own a spinning wheel. I can bring it out and actually learn to use the dang thing. I've been knitting, and crocheting, and embroidering, almost as long as I've been sewing. No, I'll never live on a homestead, but I can tuck a beehive in the corner of my yard and harvest honey and beeswax. I'll just put a little lean-to over it so the county won't know I'm doing something agricultural (if there were any justice, they'd be delighted about the pollinators, but major metropolitan areas can be really short-sighted. I had to hide my clothesline too.) And I can get as close as possible while living on an ⅛ of an acre in Northern Virginia. And maybe I can get just a little bit of fulfillment from that. And in the meantime, I'll do my best to help my not-daughter realize *her* dream of homesteading.

[@originalwoolydragon8387]

Yay, more east TN people! One tip I would suggest before starting out whole hog (get it?) with getting animals before you are ready is look around at nearby farms who may sell meat, milk and/or eggs from their farm. We have friends; one is a beef farmer, one is a pig farmer. Once every 18-24 months, we will buy a side of beef from Chris, he will send the steer off to be processed. We tell the butcher what kinds of cuts of beef we want and we go pick it up and refill our freezer. Likewise, the Sentelles raise their own hogs, butcher them onsite (with official inspections) and make & sell the best sausage (also ground pork & chops, etc.). There's a veteran owned farm down the road who does chicken & lamb. The two things I'm having problems outsourcing are 1) fresh milk (TN has weird laws about milk sales) & 2) fresh eggs (the recent plague drove the price of fresh egg prices up just like those in the grocery stores) + I have a lot of predator pressure that makes having my own chickens problematic. I hope to solve that issue someday. Now I just need to work on getting the 3 acres of usable land I live on planted out into fruit orchard and garden spaces.

[@MorePranaGardens]

I like what you said about maybe having things you may not fully use to support the system as a whole. As a vegan permaculture homesteady type person, my chickens are a wonderful piece of the puzzle. They offer so many benefits and I get to take the retired girls no one else wants to feed. And, of course, I have chickens because they are incredibly cute and entertaining little feather friends. hehe

[@kimberlyearly8918]

What do you do with the eggs if you're vegan?

[@mhenoussene]

usually you feed them back to the hens, their bodies use it for protein and calcium, and retired layers more often than not actually need it! you can give them away too! @@kimberlyearly8918

[@MorePranaGardens]

​@@kimberlyearly8918Most of them get shared with omnivore friends and some get fed to the chickens.

[@leewillis2908]

That’s awesome that you are good with raising the girls who no longer lay eggs but still make good fertilizer!

[@MorePranaGardens]

@@leewillis2908... and good cuddles. 💜🐔💜

[@karenm5681]

You have such important things to say.✨Thanks for saying them. ♥️

[@darlenesgardenandhome]

We have 90's and 100+ temps in summer, but practically ZERO humidity. Big difference to those in the east and south where you have LOTS of humidity.

[@packradtpackradt4581]

Maybe your part of today’s conversation will ‘set the hook’ with me and others: In homesteading, Get one system fully in place before doing something else. Sure, that includes The Infrastructure … BUT, ‘The Infrastructure’ includes education in your Waiting Room, AND logging a lot of Hands-On Time, like making things from your herd’s milk, or canning vegetables before you’re pouring it out on the ground or batting fruit flies in the kitchen. Thanks, I needed to hear that. There is so much to know about everything. How can anyone ever find the time to be bored.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

This morning was the coldest morning for us too in southwestern KY, 4°F

[@stephanieg5195]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic! We are buying 7.5 acres in S.D., It is a hay field that the owners are selling off and so nothing but grass hay is on it. Having the “steps/goals” written down will truly help us to make the dream retirement homestead come to life! Thank you so much for sharing this information with us!❤

[@AB-ol5uz]

and allowing for soil testing of chemicals, etc. will give you time to renew/repair the soil before you are dependent on it for providing your family food.

[@katie7748]

​@@AB-ol5uzYes!

[@laurafrey5244]

When i was growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, my dad decided to purchase some land just east of the Mississippi river. He built a home, hired some ranch hands, purchased horses, cattle, chichens, and grew crops like corn, hay and alfalfa. I spent weekends and summers helping around the farm and playing; I had such a blessed childhood. A few years before he passed, he sold the 3000 acre farm including the 400 head of cattel, as none of us kids had the bandwith to take it over. Fast forward to adulthood, just a few years after he passed, i started a small vegetable garden in our same suburban family home. Oh, how i wish he was here with us now. We've kept the family suburban home and have since expanded the garden five-fold! He would have loved seeing his kids and grandkids working in the garden. Myself, my siblings, and our kids all work together on our small garden, but we love doing it together and enjoying the fruits of our labor.

[@stellaz2595]

"Think big" is such good advice, because if you can't visualize it, you will never have it. Example: For years I told my self that as a single woman I would never be able to buy a house. Once I decided that I really wanted to buy a house, I found a way to do it. ADD: I don't claim to have done it alone, btw. I found the right realtor, who found the right house for me, and I was presented with just the right financing when my employer invited a mortgage company in to discuss with interested employees.

[@vonniemerriam974]

Great video and collab, Sowards fam! Just a bit of encouragement for those like myself who do "homestead" yet do so on a postage stamp yard in the middle of a bustling suburb: honesteading is a lifestyle & mindset, not just the reflection of acreage, gardens & livestock. I embrace all of Jess' tips here, tho my fences were put up by my neighbors to keep their dogs in their yards, not to keep my livestock in since my herd is kept inside...a 40 y/o cockatoo & a rescued stray cat. But her tip about learning how to utilize and preserve the harvest BEFORE reaping it is Job #1!!! Even just here in village living, I was compelled to dive headlong into pressure canning and dehydration in the summer of 2020 before the largest harvest I would ever reap thus far came in. And the best tip is her final reminder to not forsake community. Living alone it would make zero sense for me to grow & preserve all this food for just myself. So I made it priority to engage with neighbors & friends/family near & far to help them through the lean with the fat I was provided. "Love thy neighbor as thyself" took on a whole new importance to not just be in word but in deed. And the joy that comes with giving away the fruit of my labor carries me through the inevitable disappointments when something doesnt go quite as hoped or planned. Thanks for taking part Jess....now I'm off to find your co-collaborators and sub some new friends! Blessings!

[@marigoldmeadowsfarm7495]

Thank you Jess. It’s because of my hours of watching you that my retirement is my dream come true moments. We have 3” of snow in central Ky. I love my chickens. I have 2 pens, my sweet pets…silkies & my working girls. We have been as cold as -12 but not above 25 in the past week & we’ve had to go to the chicken yards multiple times a day to keep fresh water. We’ve been keeping their coops warm & checking them all for frostbite. I’m a central Cali girl & snow belongs at the ski resort, not my yard. I am so proud of us!!! We are kicking winter’s butt. Will I be up for it next year? Idk, but this year our insulated coops & preplanning has made us succeed. My first winter with my original flock 3 years ago almost destroyed me. But those girls are thriving through this season & I’m very proud! Preplanning & Dedication - that’s key. Blessings, debby

[@gafairbanks2434]

I've used the electric dog heater bowls for years in my bird pens. I get stainless steel bowls that set into them ( with a touch of water below ) for easy cleaning and refilling. Water stays unfrozen.

[@jacquelinedeering3452]

I'm in Central KY too. Wow, this cold snap has been something else! Glad you got though it ok.

[@dennisfillhart88]

I started gardening when I was 11 years old. I'm now 77, still gardening, and still learning. 🙂

[@steveegbert7429]

This is great! I watched David and Amanda's homesteader tips yesterday but didn't know it was part of a collaboration. This is a great idea where everyone has something useful to share for those looking to dive into the homesteading lifestyle.

[@violettebarnes5733]

Love the mug!

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

I believe that one might be from Amanda at Fern and Vine Pottery.

[@karenm5681]

@@ourhomesteadclassroomYes, you’re right.✅

[@fionaworrell4535]

Expect to make mistakes..theyre going to happen,dont beat yourself up,take time,regroup and work out the lessons and go again. Dont forget to celebrate each tiny win!

[@adigmon]

Hahaha! So true! My best friend and I have been gardening for years and our husbands and children still don’t understand it when we get excited about every aspect. It absolutely helps to have someone share with!

[@karentuthill8308]

Jess, you are such a rock star!!!❤ I have watched you for soo long and seen your challenges, growths, and rewards.❤ I have seen you fail, and admit to it, and I have seen you succeed, and rejoice with us.❤ You have the words that make sense from your experiences and you are soo very encouraging and inspiring. Thank YOU for hanging out with US! God bless you 🙏 ❤

[@marthasullivan7521]

Whew! I am so excited! This is one of your BEST vlogs, for sure. I'm going back to relisten and take notes. Certainly one of the best 28:40 minutes of time that I have taken part in! So may thanks from Hudson Valley, New York.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you so much! Thats very encouraging to me

[@vonniemerriam974]

Howdy from Central NY north of Syracuse!

[@user-dx3rf6pn7n]

THANK YOU! I have been through the newbie thing and have too many animals. ADMITTING I needed to downsize was the worst and best. WORST bc I felt like a failure but BEST because I realized it and was able to downsize to a level I was able to work with. We have slowly and I mean slowly added on. We have goats, chickens ducks and GEESE. We grow our own food and will be venturing into soap and lotion....but only after I am positive we can run without the additional stress of those items added onto our flow.

[@fionaworrell4535]

I'm right there are the moment,long term ill-health has made me rehome my goats and sell my horse..I'm going to focus on recovery,on my garden and poultry. Won't say I won't ever get more goats,I probably won't buy another young horse, do have a pony I can drive in a cart and a big pony I can ride if I'm able.

[@kimberlyearly8918]

I've been thinking I may end up having to rehome my two 2 year old goats. They are Nigerian/mini Nubian but are bigger than their one year old siblings. The two year old wether is SO strong and I live with chronic pain! I don't know how to go about rehoming them. I don't know anyone else around that could help me find a good home for them. The one year olds are tiny compared to their brother and sister! Much easier on me physically.

[@user-dx3rf6pn7n]

@@kimberlyearly8918 I asked folks I knew that had goats. Some knew others that wanted them and one knew someone looking for a mini donkey so I knew they were going to good homes. I AM GLAD I downsized back then because I really was not able to provide what they needed until I was able to get healthier and stronger. I did keep my chickens and got ducks and geese. I ONLY kept two goats and only recently added to our herd. I am able to do it now and my boys are older so they help out when snow is on the ground which is a huge relief. It's isn't an easy realization but I came away knowing I did what was best for the animals and myself. NOW, we are in a better place.

[@kimberlyearly8918]

@@user-dx3rf6pn7n I don't even know anyone else with goats. I'm usually fine when I shut them out of the barn while I clean. If I don't the bigger wether likes to push on my legs really hard. Before I started shutting them out I typically always had no less than 4 bruises on my legs haha. When we're not in the barn he's totally fine though so he's not a problem at all. My husband also helps when I'm feeling really bad. I'm the one that wanted them though so I don't expect him to take care of them all the time. I only have 4 goats and definitely don't think I could handle more. We also have chickens and a large garden.

[@ireneturner2944]

Good morning Sweet Jess and Sweet Miah! It's brrrrrrrrrr here in NE Oklahoma. Has been for a minute!! Next week we have spring for a week! LOL

[@gardeninggalagain]

Heh, heh, heh! We actually got a fall last year! No one local knew what to make of it! 😊

[@michellestrange4805]

Just watched the video so haven’t had a chance yet to look up the East TN homesteaders but I am excited to! I love watching Jess and was really excited to see some people from my area. I’m in Jefferson County in East TN with 60+ acres with chickens, fainting goats, and angus cattle.

[@kimberlyearly8918]

Great tips, Jess! We are having to practice patience with getting pigs. We were thinking we might get them this year but we have some other things to do before we can even think about building a structure, fencing etc. I've never really considered myself a homesteader but we have goats, chickens and a large garden. If I were physically able and had the means financially I would love to have a farm like yours.

[@Abiding.Farmhouse]

That coffee mug is too cute!

[@mistycarter9809]

I love how you broke this down. Baby steps are important for so many reasons. I grew peppers 1 season, got the gardening bug 😆....gave most of them away. Now time to learn how to preserve! Season 2 grew peppers and tomatoes...canned and froze my harvest. Got the canning bug 😂 and learned to pressure can. Now this season; garden much bigger, but I'm ready for the harvest! I love walking the garden ❤.

[@Stapletonhomestread_Ohio]

Live on your property for a while before making choices on any animals or building You'll change your mind and living on your property for sometime will let you get a feel for your land ❤

[@suewhalen3919]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. "Homesteading" to me was in rental in a town, with a couple of hens and a very small garden, but we considered ourselves homesteaders. Made our soap from wood ash and deer fat, tapped a couple of maple trees for syrup, canned, fermented, and so on. We relied very little on the grocery store and this was our classroom, while we had central heat and running water. Do what you can, where you are!

[@Waninggibbouscreations]

Always love seeing your mugs. I really hate to ask but I sent a shawl months ago and I lost the tracking and wasn't sure if you received it. There was a rash of theft at our main post office so I want to make sure you got it.

[@vixenhollow2024]

Great advice. I didn't even know I was homesteading when we started 20+ years ago. We made every mistake you talked about and then some, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat because the struggles were worth it.

[@OZARKMEL]

Jess, I think this has to be the very BEST video you have ever done. Wonderful advice.

[@marlaherrington5320]

I crave your lifestyle again, I've kinda come to terms with the fact that I'll never have it all again. But I still do as much as possible. And Yes Arkansas is freezing 🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

🐝 Thanks for the great video 🌻

[@dhansonranch]

Jess, absolutely perfect! Some excellent tips. I think back and it was viewed as a "hobby" that you kept to yourself. It has certainly come a long way. And yes, it is absolutely worth it!!!

[@charlottephillips7462]

I have been watching your family for years. You have come a long way babe.

[@tfisher67]

Great info and very encouraging, Jess. Thank you.

[@mehtarelingolien]

Once you acquire the property you will be using for a homestead: LEARN THE LAND. Take a year to learn the path of the sun throughout the seasons, where/when any flooding occurs when it rains (and how long it takes to drain), what kind of wild forgeable foods are nearby and when they are available, etc. THEN plan infrastructure/layout. On a totally different subject, I have a question: have you ever heard of using chamomile tea to help with (tomato) seed germination rates?

[@kaetikat]

I had been raising quail for a few years. At first I was getting them from a local resource that hatched them out and would sell extra females to me. After a few years I decided I would try hatching some of my own birds. I hatched some of the eggs from the quail I'd been raising, and then last spring I ordered eggs, hatched almost 90% of my order, and raised a ton of babies. I had about 40 quail chicks. I sold some and froze others and eventually had a lovely little covey that gave us tons of eggs through the summer. About a month ago, something contaminated my hutch and wiped out the entire covey. I am devastated, but at the same time I was so overwhelmed with all of the work that was piling on that I am glad for less work to do. I now get to take the time and money I would have spent on them and throw it into my garden and all of the projects we have to do. This will be my first year with a greenhouse and I have a lot in mind for it. I will have to buy more eggs this year, and I'll have less compost materials from their bedding, but I am comforted to know that I can start up again next year when I have the time and the resources.

[@tinaj8565]

That mug right there! I lost my favorite mug a month ago and I have been looking. I would love to know where you got it.

[@michellewilson7868]

My advice, "There will ALWAYS be more animals available to buy...when your farm is ready." When we first started, I thought I would miss out on that one special animal, but there are new animals posted for sale all day everyday. Wait until you are ready.

[@ginachambers5094]

Thankyou for all of the intentional and wise advice you give to us who know so much less!

[@thepadillafamilyhomestead]

Love this advice. I will replaying this in my mind all of 2024 with our life changes. ❤

[@ASpoonfulofBeans]

I just bought your first time gardener books from five below and I had no idea it was you ! What a small world

[@tamararoberts9307]

Jess, you're such a great teacher/leader with kind wisdom to share ❤

[@user-xn8pl4ou2l]

These days we experience both deep cold and snow in winter and searing heat and drought in summer. Granted neither goes on for the entire season - except maybe for the drought. In terms of temperature the most challenging is the wild swings of temperature in summer between daytime highs and nighttime lows. We find those temp swings very detrimental to our vegetable and fruit crops. Still we persevere. Being willing to adjust gardening methods to deal with the weather conditions is really key. For example, now we use shade cloths extensively to the point where we build structures over our garden beds to accommodate shading. We have been growing food for our family these past almost 40 years. One bit of advice I have when starting out - don't look at how much you have left to do to reach your goals, rather how far you have come. Good for the spirit.

[@cherylmoran5134]

It was below 0 F where I am this weekend. I was just outside and it is 26 right now. It felt glorious!😁

[@btchhopperou812]

Jess, if EVER, truer words of wisdom were spoken... what you say in whole within this video, has to be some of, if not thee BEST advice collectively that I have had the pleasure of hearing! We love your channel, and for me having discovered you guys about 5-6 years ago while looking at tomato pruning techniques LOL, all of us have evolved to a different degree yet it's great to have something to look back and remember the trials and hardships... so much WE COULD learn if we pay attention and take to heart the excellent advice given by those that have shared their experiences- Thank you Jess and Miah, for all of the sacrifices and efforts it takes to SHARE these priceless treasures with the world, it's greatly appreciated!

[@AbundanceinRest]

I love the advice on community- my husband and I just moved to an acreage in August to start homesteading. We’re definitely the odd ones out in the family 😅 I’m quickly realizing how important it is going to be to find some friendships with people who are doing what we are!

[@elainehinton2860]

We are new to sheep and one of the most common things I read about is respecting the rams. You don’t want a ‘pet’ ram because it’s not a matter of if, but when they will turn on you. Rams should be 100% livestock, respecting and keeping their distance from you. Love your videos.

[@rosewright9451]

I totally enjoyed all of your vlog, I understood all of the... and it felt like you were talking a lot of sense, I used to watch/help my dad in our garden and couldn't wait for the veggies to grow so that I could go and pick the oh so fresh food, it tasted so so good.

[@leeannandrews932]

Awesome I love advise. I'm in North Alabama we have ice. & have had it for to darn long having to feed chickens & ducks through the fence because it is and ice slick Grrrrrrr. Hoping in next day I'll be able to gather the frozen eggs. Maybe I'll salvage some. Thank goodness outside their big run is clear enough for me not to fall again. But they have a warmish house to go into but funny to see ducks sliding on the ice😊

[@katgmied3]

Small flock of sheep for meat, cow and calf for dairy. Chickens for eggs and meat. Research turkeys. Now to do research into how much space do I need, how many animals do I need to maintain what I want. Found my dream small house.

[@breahnalawrence6725]

This is an excellent list. I will add if you can wait a year or find a long term source of long term info (think neighbor who's been there forever), it can save you a lot. I wasn't able to put my in ground garden in for the first two years, I was so frustrated with containers and lack luster growing in old flower beds, but I learned that the first two spots I had picked, where unsuitable, due to drainage, light and use needs, before I put the work and expense in. Same with our pens, we borrowed some old panels to build pens, we are still reconfiguring and tweaking and can easily. Learned from the neighbor that the back pasture had been a garden, the side we were struggling with weeds, the other neighbor used to feed out pigs next too... the list goes on and on.

[@polarbear7840]

Love your journey. Have to confess I get a lot of enjoyment in seeing where your leather looking tag on your beanie will be positioned in each video lol

[@kclauren6052]

Thanks for being here ❤ we appreciate this content

[@gafairbanks2434]

1,000 % correct in all you've stated! 65 years of living & experiencing for me so far. I'm so thankful for my Grandmother and Father for giving me alot of what I've needed to make it this far. One thing to remember also is, those unexpected events, that can be placed onto your path. WILL YOU HAVE THAT NEEDED " PATIENCE " in those times? Life does consist, in it's circle here, and if you do not learn to deal and find ways around all of it, your chances will be more challenging. EXPERIENCE.... is the key to understanding why we are here. LOVE TO YOU JESS and all those willing to take the leap.💞 There's no better world, in my opinion, than this one.🥰

[@Woodlandhoneyco]

Can you do a video on what to look for in goats? I'm planning on getting a few in the spring too! I'm so excited!

[@cheryllesesne145]

I learned from you with gardening its ok to hit and miss. Just try! Since then i have gotten a lot more hits than misses and learned from those misses. Thanks again for the confidence builder! 😊

[@flowershopdazejennybehling2615]

My two cents on living where it is super hot in the summer vs living where it's super cold in the winter.... For me, I can always put on more clothes to stay warm....you can only strip down to the bare necessities in order to get cool.... hahaha! Yes to more layers and cold climate! Staying warm in South Dakota!

[@samanthaquant7411]

I’m in that camp that could not survive the heat down south. Give me mild summers and cold winters every time!

[@carenmcfarland7034]

Jess you are such a valuable resource!

[@katiebrodeen4241]

Thank you Jess. I've been a bit overwhelmed and from watching your videos and reading your gardener book I think what's tripping me up is making solid goals and planning. I really want to make progress and I don't mind it happening slowly but it's all chaotic and really shouldn't be. 😊🌱❤️

[@branditweedle9057]

Jess,you are so inspirational. ❤

[@danakrueger7833]

Those mugs! Stunning.

[@Lifesrealmoments]

OMG…. We are putting together our 5 year plan to start this kind of life style. Your vlog was a sign to start it. Thank you!❤❤❤❤

[@crasmussen1110]

I absolutely loved this video! ❤ Thank you for sharing!

[@lyndaroe9642]

In Iowa- summer well above 100 and humidity-- winter can be negative 50 snow and ice. Not every day not every season. Extreme here.

[@nooralli5933]

You said it sister

[@margiebrown7436]

Most valuable words “just DON’T quit, it’s worth it!” Amen! 🥰

[@robingreany899]

Very informative. Thank you very much.

[@macyakoon]

I love your dream big mentality jess!!

[@beesblossoms]

Oh they really can't! People are so surprised that I keep bees or have chickens! It's definitely hard to build that community! But agree it is needed!

[@desareevega3536]

❤ Why am I so stuck on the coffee mug in the beginning. Where would I find a mug this breath taking???

[@stephaniehanuman-dale6279]

You learn by doing. I knew someone who thought that after a month of piano lessons they should be able to play like Mozart🤣 Learning anything takes time and practice ❤️

[@grammydayao7581]

I might move to Florida. It is very warm 😊 and a great governor who has been working with the people.

[@gkseeton]

My best move for our homestead was to select the southernmost edge of the climate zone I wanted. It has been mild compared to where I grew up so far. :). Long fall, long spring, the miserable hot part of summer is short as possible, the mid winter worst is short as possible. I love it.

[@georgez234]

Very sweet, Jess.

[@melisshoddinott3480]

Love these tips. Five degrees sounds magical 🫣 up here in northern Alberta, we just came out of an arctic deep freeze where the temps dropped to -51c We would love to relocate to warmer climates but both our parents are getting on in years and the timing is not right. On the upside, if we can make it here, we will be unstoppable in a milder climate 😄

[@growing_gardener]

Good morning/afternoon! Im excited to watch this video.

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

My PRAYERS have been answered! This is wild...wilder still! I cannot wait to watch this. Thank you all for treading a path for those of us who are hoping to follow suit.

[@pier-annelachance4960]

I think the hardest is community. You leave behind your family and and friends. You get a lot of people online but finding people local is hard. Making friends has an adult is also not an easy task. With family thinking you are crazy is hard. I think that is my biggest challenge and I know I need to make this a goal for 2024.

[@ashleycallahan5188]

We are in East Tn and preparing to start KZbin and growing our homestead ❤️❤️❤️

[@MilknHoneyHeritageFarmz]

I agree. Fencing, water, shelters take a lot of work. Then add gardens trees animals. Things always need fixing replacing mending. Each season we plan i bigger project to complete along with the daily and small goals!

[@camicri4263]

Blessings 💞🙏💞

[@hawksfaith]

Yes to patience! Yes! I want more goats so bad! But I’m waiting till spring when some alpine babies will be born I have had them reserved for almost a year now. I’m so excited I can’t stand it

[@Homestead-ish]

Such a great advice

[@victorwilliams3788]

Great Family, Great Lifestyle. God is Great ❤

[@janetbendes9216]

T.U. Jess for bringing me inside your beautifully Warm greenhouse. It made a difference for my mind&body. Keep up the great gardens that you imagine. I love experimenting what grows best, what don't but I'll give it a Go.🌱🪴🌻

[@cindym4946]

I don't plan to homestead, but this would be a very important video if I were. I follow you for the fun of it.

[@jacquelinedeering3452]

Jess, thanks for introducing us to those homesteading channels. They had some great tips. I especially enjoyed Blue Belly Acres, because like them, I am about to start homesteading later in life. I turn 54 tomorrow and my husband and I are closing on 12 acres tomorrow, too! We stumbled upon this property in early November and I was literally fighting back the tears 5 minutes before I stepped foot on it because I was convinced we might never get any land due to our financial circumstances and rising land costs. God has come through, as usual. He does delight in giving us our dreams. Thank you for always encouraging us to dare to dream big and to hang in there. You're the best!

[@privatesuzie4071]

Love the strawberry mug!!

[@cheifcreekturtle]

Welcome to the deep sowff! Where it’s not sub zero too often ❤😅

[@candicemcginnis5249]

Great tips and reminders!

[@charmainemrtnz]

Good morning Jess.

[@ValdirSilva-sz1ms]

*VAMOS TOMAR CAFÉ ☕ DELICIOSO UMA SEMANA ABENÇOADA 👏🏻*