My Reasonable Goals (Growing as a Gardener) | VLOG

Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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Leesville SC 29070
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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
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- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
- Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge.com/neptunes-h...
#rootsandrefuge

[@marievtbxviiii]

Let me tell you how hard my jaw hit the floor when inside edition referred to Jess as “a South Carolina mom” 😂 Yes, true, but do they even know?! Farmer/gardener, author, teacher, MOVER/SHAKER 😂😂 cmonnnn!

[@SuperDave71176k]

Consider that a hidden blessing of the main street media being underwhelmed.All the better for the if you know you knowers

[@mariapina1973]

😮 I saw you at inside Edition I told my daughter hey I know her well I follow her on you tube 🙂🌻

[@marievtbxviiii]

@@resaunders26 and public speaker! The descriptors are endless! 😂

[@DebbieC624]

Thank you, Jess, I only have assorted nursery pots to grow in. I’m trying to get them rearranged so they will have better sun. I am trying a couple new cherry tomato this year as well as pole beans. It’s really hard for me some days because of the pain in my back and my right shoulder. I do try and push through it because I know it needs to be done. I currently have a beautiful trellis of 4 different kinds of sweet peas, containers of broccoli, cauliflower, collards that are a little behind, but being in zone 9A FL I think they will be fine. I’ve gotten some of the best radishes this year. 😋 just ordered some seeds and will be looking to start a few more broccoli and cauliflower next week. I will only be growing things I like and what some of my neighbors like this year. As always I really love your videos and all the encouragement you give to me and everyone else. Have a blessed day. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️👩🏻‍🌾

[@jks9204]

@@DebbieC624 I use empty food containers to grow seedlings. I keep milk jugs, slurpee and ice cap cups, sour cream/yogurt/etc containers. Large slurpee cups are my fav. Can start tomatoes w low level of soil and as it grows add more soil. Gives room for growth if plants take off before I can plant out.

[@rosewright9451]

Jess, as far as I know you are the first person ever to say that every person's situation is different and therefore the gardening experience will be very different, and that if their plants don't grow it is not a loss, it's a learning process. Well said.

[@kbsuzyful]

Even if nothing prospered I benefit from getting outside breathing fresh air and moving. Along with this is the communication with my savior! Thank you Jess. I’m nearing 70 and enjoy each minute in my garden as small as it is. God Bless

[@user-fl9oo6rn6b]

Me, too! But I'm losing my abilities since I over-used my body when younger doing construction... I'm 69 years old with the body of a much older person. Also losing decent weather. The storm before this last one really compromised my big greenhouse/high tunnel. The cover is now hanging off the back of the bracing and it's bent horribly. I'll use some of my bamboo to slide into those tubes for strength but I need enough of a break in the weather to get out there and fix it (with helpful teenaged friends). Thankfully, they helped me batten it down but the wind was just too much. We have temps in the 20s beginning tomorrow for about a week so today I'm bringing in the spray nozzels and draining hoses. All this going on with it being King Tide season with heavy winds! So thankful I'm inland a tenth of a mile from the bay shore! Praying we don't lose power cuz we're on a well and the wood stove is rusted shut. Gettin' older is hard for maintenance jobs...

[@louiseswart1315]

Going on 65 I am of the same frame of mind. We learn more from struggles than from successes. How are we going to learn what not to do in our unique micro climates of our gardens(even spots in our garden) if we don't make mistakes!? Whatever, it keeps me moving, bending and challenge my heart with hard labour on some days.

[@JeanneKinland]

I have grown cabbage in the snow in zone 5b with simply a frost cover on low hoops. People couldn't believe it if I didn't have pictures. It was the best cabbage ever with no pest pressure.

[@elizabethlink3993]

💚 One goal for me is to grow more flowers, and not to plant things we do not really love to use/eat. Thanks Jess! 💚

[@CrazyCatLady-dx8uj]

I’m so proud of you! You set an example for people that get trolled on social media and the news!! You showed more class and grace than Inside Edition ever has!! Thank you for all your videos, you have been a great inspiration for me and my tiny apartment garden!! 🤗🥰

[@margiebrown7436]

I’m so chomping at the bit to plant my grow stalks! I received them the day I broke my arm and back. They were sitting on my front porch when I got home from the hospital. I haven’t been able to plant them yet… but I’m going to plant them this spring and I’m so excited! 🎉♥️🎉

[@domesti-city]

Last year the demands of life overtook my garden goals, and I had to acquiesce and let it go. This year, I am planting flowers, and lots of them. I just dragged out my cheap plastic greenhouse, and this weekend I'm buying soil to start flower seeds. I hope to sow ALL of my flower seeds, old packets and new., and plant them out everywhere I can find to squeeze them in. I'm only going to plant enough veggies to supply my limited needs, and everything else is going to be herbs and flowers. I need some beauty in my life, and I'm going to do all that I can to get it.

[@RespectMotherNature84]

Last year was a stellar year in our greenhouse in Montana. Peppers and tomatoes soared! This year more medicinal herbs and making use of our wild dandelion crop in the spring.

[@coyotecrossingfarmnv]

This year is going to be a big year for us. We are building a greenhouse and adding more raised garden beds. We are also adding an herb and flower garden. A lot of growing this year and we're ready for it! We've been on our property in the high desert of N. Nevada for 4 years and have slowly built fences, an orchard area, and a garden. We've planned, re-planned, and re-re-planned many things and know that now we are ready to move forward with expansions and additions of spaces. I'm super excited and would love to think I could start seeds right now but at 27 degrees and 15 inches of snow on the ground, I know the "January me" needs to hold off for a while yet.

[@MaryBornforHealth]

Last year we added another GreenStalk and another Vego garden bed. We now have 3 each of these and my goal this year is to be as productive with these growing spaces as I possibly can. Being 80 years old, growing in the ground is nearly impossible. The only inground gardening I do now is potatoes and even those I've used grow bags for "ease of harvest". The big part of gardening is not just the harvest but the joy of the process. This year my main goal is to be joyful in the garden. Mary Born, ND

[@plot10homestead58]

I'm a suburban homesteader with a small raised bed garden, three Greenstalk planters, loads of terracotta pots, and containers tucked in every space I can find. My gardening goal for this year is to leave no growing spaces empty in the garden, and better utilize my Greenstalk planters. Last year, succession planting didn't happen in a timely fashion and there were often patches of bare soil or containers sitting empty. This year, my goal is to start the season with a basic plan, add new perennials, and plant new seeds whenever an area is cleared. I hope to have a garden that is filled with every stage of growth, all season long!

[@tst1200]

I need tips! My community garden closed down this year and I've always in ground gardened. I have a green stalk which I did grow a few things but only 2 produced really last year. Of course it was likely due to hear and maybe prioritizing the community garden. I can't keep a houseplant alive in the house. But now I'm forced into mostly containe and greenstalk growing. I might get a 2 by 5 space to grow in ground. I have NO IDEA where to start or what to grow where!

[@kalenabatt2143]

I'd love a cooking video on different snacks you make! Especially kale chips, I'd enjoy seeing how you make them.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

lol this is literally what I was planning on filming this afternoon 😂

[@kalenabatt2143]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm haha perfect, can't wait to watch!

[@IttyBitty1973]

​@@RootsandRefugeFarmgood afternoon Jess different snacks foods for road trips / lunches I would like that too🧡

[@Sky-Child]

Ooh, can't wait for this. We home cook a lot but that falls apart when it comes to snacks 😂

[@cultivating_home]

My goal is to still have a garden this year even though I will be simultaneously growing and bringing a baby into the world. I'm due right around our last frost date. Its important to me to retain my hobbies this time. With my first, I felt like I kind of lost my "self"/identity. This year's garden is going to help me retain that piece of me ❤️

[@fatgirlfarmsteader4824]

You can definitely do it! I gardened while pregnant with both of my last 2 babies and I'm so glad I did. Just be willing to do what you can do and be ok if you can't do it all! It will still be beautiful and productive either way ❤

[@susanturner9023]

Congrats Jess, I bet the writer of the inside addition is a FAN of the channel! I’m looking for it now. ❤❤❤

[@sharonpack4889]

I can't find it

[@sharonpack4889]

i found it😂

[@talmariehalliwill]

link?? @@sharonpack4889

[@l.m.4014]

@@sharonpack4889 I found it.....by just searching > 'Inside edition Woman Takes Refuge in Greenhouse.'

[@l.m.4014]

I found it.....by just searching > 'Inside edition Woman Takes Refuge in Greenhouse.'

[@vonniemerriam974]

I think you perfectly captured my ambition in one inferred point....like you I want to concentrate on growing the GARDENER Within more than just the garden without.

[@user-dx3rf6pn7n]

WE had a set back here in Central Maine with the last storm....our greenhouse caved in from the weight of the heavy snow. Well Mother Nature CHALLENGE ACCEPTED...new mission to rebuild stronger and sturdier!

[@tericamcginnis5848]

I love spending time together! 💙🐸💜🐸💛🐸💚🐸 thanks!

[@NanaPelletier]

Just today I commented in a gardening group that I'm upping my succession planting game. I want spring, summer and fall gardens this year. So starting seeds and direct sowing every week is my plan.

[@jacqsbackyard1562]

This is such a timely conversation for me. It's summer here in Australia and I've just decided to let things go as it's too hot and too wet at the moment. In the future I will be focussing on Autumn/Winter/Spring growing (I'm in the subtropics). But...I have kept zero records from the past 3 years of gardening, and I can't remember what went well and in which season. So, this year is all about taking good records and experimenting with what will grow, when! I'm really excited about it. 😀

[@michellenorris211]

Hi, also from Australia, but highlands not subtropics. I'm a very new gardener, though I use alot of produce from my father's garden, and I'm starting out with keeping records too. I'm doing this to learn about sowing times etc. as here it's colder and we seem to be far behind other gardens that are only an hour's drive away.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Sweet Jess, this spring my plans are to install large sunshades over my beds because last year the sun, and temperatures were to intense which in turn killed/burned off some plants. I also want to introduce more flowers in between my vegetables to make a gorgeous garden, something we can sit in, and just relax, and take in the view.

[@taraconroy6631]

A few years back I experimented planting out kale seedlings before the last frost in zone 5a. Was I excited to get my hands in the dirt - yes! I was prepared to lose the seedlings as they were extras. Frost came hard and about 50% of the fragile seedlings died off BUT 50% pulled through and became the strongest plants that season. Even stronger than the ones planted out after the frost. I remember that lesson each early spring and am less afraid to experiment.

[@angelad.8944]

I have been challenging myself to make my bed every morning. So far so good. 😅 One gardening challenge I have been doing is, every other year, I have been transitioning select beds and areas to no dig. I think I will always have a couple areas that are till but I find it really good for saving time. I have also challenged myself to really thing about what we eat fresh and plant those things closer to the house while putting the, to preserve, crops further out. The longer growing time crops are out there too so I don't have to fuss around them much. This give me the closer areas to do the transitions/succession, inter planting crops as well. It's a work in progress. 🤪

[@theIAMofME]

THIS is why I love you so much. I loved everything about what you said!!! ❤New gardeners....listen up! She is RIGHT! Gardening is so individualized in a lot of ways for so many reasons. Dumb luck happens too! LOL

[@katiebrodeen4241]

This year will be the first time I actually make a plan. I know it's going to help me manage things and I'm excited to figure it out. I got First Time Gardener for Christmas so I've been reading little bits in between taking care of my baby. 😊🌱❤️

[@tasteofheavenhomestead8553]

I always seem to have overly lofty garden goals. I think I'm better served to make the one goal of getting something/anything done out there. I was gifted 2 commercial greenhouses, so goal #2 is to deconstruct, transport and reconstruct on our homestead. Seed starting has begun here in Central Texas. Battening down the hatches for the super cold that's on the way!

[@averinielsen846]

Thank the LORD for your video, Jess! My sons and I are first time gardeners. We have seeds bought, basement grow setup established and I’m dying to get started but also almost at “analysis paralysis”. We’re moving to SC this spring from OH so my brain is a little jumbled. But we’re doing it!! My boys and I are going to start a couple of seeds indoors “too early” just to learn and have fun together. Thank you thank you for your content.

[@kehaulanipuou3644]

I love watching and listening to you along with all of your viewers! I agree and I so appreciate learning from you and loving my experience with being a baby gardner. Mahalo (Thank you) Jess!

[@jackcsaffell5641]

Happy New Year Ms. Jessica. I'm not sure if we've talked about this already. I'm sure we have but for newbies. When one lives in the country it's good to know when a plant is deer resistant. Calendula are very deer resistant and attractive to boot. God bless your family.

[@missyaltman9815]

I grew up on James Island, SC, going to Folly Beach all the time! It’s where my husband and I got engaged! And it’s where the whole family came together every summer for a week-my mom and dad, brother and his family, and my sister! We have lived in the Raleigh area since we were married 37 years ago, but Folly is still my favorite beach. As my brother used to say, “I can finally take a deep breath!”

[@schex9]

I've always said, "Every season is a new opportunity to learn something new about gardening. You learn from the successes and failures."

[@jackieseekamp4145]

GROW is my 2024 word for the year. I love how relatable and encouraging your videos are

[@paulhanson7329]

This was like when miss rachel was on good morning America. Congratulations!

[@angelad.8944]

Dehydrated kale into powder is your new best friend. I put it in all kinds of stuff. It's amazing how a wheel barrow full of fresh kale fits into a jar. Just wild is all I can say. 😅

[@anitakenepp2675]

Great video! This year I am really trying to utilize my humble 6x6 greenhouse I built. Heating it is a big ordeal. So timing is crucial and I’m working on that on my garden notes. I just started my brassicas today 🥰. Central Oklahoma here. Also we are getting some downright freezing temps next week 🫣. I have purple cauliflower in my greenstalk that’s been growing since last September! I’ll cover with frost cloth and say a prayer 🙏🏻

[@CkHolly-hz2vv]

I saw someone used heat lamps, that you might put in a chicken coop, to warm up her small greenhouse. You might try that.

[@sharonpack4889]

The inside edition thing was kinda cool. . Love ya all. God Bless. LIttle do they know, Your a star. Yes. You all are our STARS. 🤩💕. 🌟

[@tinataylor2698]

Jess this is why I love you … you are so wise but still know you don’t know everything… I find so many on here are know it alls and stress that everyone should do as they do. Life is constantly changing and we can never know all things… that’s for God ❤

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

Thank you for your honest thoughts. One of my gardening goals this year is to create a "Joyful garden " that's right out my patio door with all of my kitchen herbs and some salad greens. I'm going to be putting in a small raised herb bed along with some pretty pots, I already have to plant more salad greens and some strawberry plants. I'm visualizing making a sign that says " The Joyful Garden " and just have a space I can sit and daydream about pretty spaces I want to create throughout my garden. Last year I put in 8 raised beds along with some fruit trees. I'm blessed to live in SW Florida where I've always got something growing and harvesting. 😊

[@atkinsonlife-in-between6341]

I have been gardening for nearly 35 years. We recently moved and now I have a blank slate of several acres to garden in. Talk about analysis paralysis! I think I have a plan and then I see great ideas from this garden community and I question and reimagine. Thanks for all your thoughts on garden and life

[@takeitslowhomestead5218]

One preservation project a week-I like that. Thanks!

[@OrganicMommaGA]

I adore your videos, Jess! And I think it's awesome that a national program picked a clip of your video as part of their reporting. I likewise don't have (or watch) regular television or cable, but it's still pretty cool. I agree that experience is the best teacher, but also you INSPIRE us to try different varieties and EDUCATE us on some tips that aren't always readily available on a seed packet or website or gardening book. There are a few varieties I would not have tried, had I not seen them grown and harvested because I was so comfortable (and bored) with the typical varieties. In 2022, we grew a terrible garden full of weeds and plants that failed to thrive with only a few exceptions. We were discouraged and thought about giving up! But then we were watching you growing all those different varieties and commenting about some seasons being better than others, even with the same soil and amendments. We grew as gardeners, persevering to plant again in 2023. And 2023 was a bumper crop year for tomatoes and peppers for us! We grew three varieties of tomatoes and 5 varieties of peppers and gave away so much! We were so happy to be able to bless others with our produce. We grew a lot of other vegetables, including summer and winter squashes, cucumbers, peas, beans, carrots, kohlrabi, bok choi, watermelon, asparagus, sweet corn... And several varieties of most of them to see which ones worked best for us in that season. So, with successful crops comes HOPE - and we have expanded our garden space and are planning more this year to accomodate our multi-variety plans. Thank you, Jess!

[@robinlj5767]

Another great chat Jess!!! My goal this year is to establish a solid three (maybe 4?) season garden here in the Denver area. I want to kick up my cold season infrastructure to do that more efficiently. Also continuing to focus on succession planting and preserving more with less waste. Thanks for all your understanding and inspiration 👍💖

[@Harrowfarms]

Oooo I love this conversation. This year I want to focus on making the garden a place that I want to spend more of my time. For me that looks like growing more flowers and beautiful things. Setting up a nice sitting area where I WANT to spend my early mornings or cool the cool of the evening. I also aim to be less stressed about the production of food. While, of course, I want to be growing things for us to eat fresh and preserve (another goal), I want to cultivate a space that brings me joy. A place that I just want to stop and sit for a minute because it adds to my happiness instead of taking away. In years past I’ve definitely set too high of goals and pushed myself too hard. The garden became a chore and by midsummer I didn’t want to go out and tend to her. So that’s what I want to challenge myself to this year: to fall in love with the garden again.

[@lmullens75]

I have gone at it so hard the past 3 years, that I’m giving myself a bit of a break. That’s my goal - to not push as hard and just enjoy it. Being hyper focused on producing food made me so anxious even though I have enough money to buy my own organic produce if I wanted. My sanity and health need to just have fun with it this year.

[@IttyBitty1973]

Good afternoon everyone❤

[@farfromhomesteading5255]

My plan is to expand the perianal herb garden to plant more medicinal herbs. The last few years my focus has been on improving my health, after being diagnosed with Pityriasis Lichenoides (PLC), a rare inflammatory skin disorder in 2019. I remember being in so much pain and not really being able to get outside without the pain becoming unbearable. I spent a few summer months just binge watching your videos and other great homesteading/gardening content creators and learning everything I could. You have done so much more than teach me to garden. Watching your videos gave me the strength to endure when I wasn't sure I could. There was one in particular that has stayed with me for years. It was a devotional early on called I'm so mad. I really needed to hear that. Thank you, for sharing your amazing life with us.

[@l.m.4014]

Strength to endure. > You are a brave soul. “Do not judge me by my success.......judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

[@carlagustka325]

I may be making all the mistakes! I have all my brassicas out in the garden since early November they're currently thriving, but it's going to be 15 on Sunday, 74 today! So weird! Started all my tomatoes indoors last week because they couldn't handle the heat that came so very early. just hoping for the best here I guess lol! Thanks for the video.

[@TheHomesteadTrail]

Great advice, I had to unfollow so many “gardening” groups on social media because someone would ask a question and get 17 conflicting answers, all of which people were very adamant THEY were right 🤣 you have to trial and error your way to a green thumb for sure!

[@alisablalock7716]

I feel like you are way more famous than you know!! I personally would love to meet and hangout with you more than any other celebrity. You are loved Jess!

[@gelwood99]

I am thrilled, my hubs got me an 8' X 12' greenhouse to be delivered in a week or so. We are resetting my front yard inground garden beds also. I am also putting down the woven fabric under the Willow oaks in my front yard to keep their roots out of the containers I am going to use there. Only growing what we eat and preserving it. I am getting the Presto electric canner since it is just 2 old farts I don't need to put up many jars but I will put up veggies as they come in. My gardens are huge but they will provide what we need. I am starting a few frost tenders, peppers, and a few tomatoes that I will uppot until they can go outside in May, maybe even in bigger pots (I have quite a few bigger pots) since that soil's temperatures will be warmer or even inside my new greenhouse. Grow on people!

[@wheretheroadgoes3353]

Growing more things that I don’t have to can or freeze that I can just store potatoes sweet potatoes carrots. Have Fun! ❤

[@fionaworrell4535]

I need to buy some seed compost,i have literally tons of horse manure but not broken down enough yet for seeds..then i have to evict the goat and her triplets from our tiny greenhouse,try to find the " garden",oh and find a new spot for our little black hen who hates other chickens and thinks shes a goat/dog..and repair our water storage tanks and lines..one step at a time,but must admit to be feeling overwhelmed at the moment,still trying to recover from flu.

[@EverCrest]

I love you Jess ❤ you’re a beautiful soul.

[@galeharris6696]

Yes, more containers and more heightened beds are something I want to focus on this year, mostly because of the fast-changing weather patterns up here in Vermont. I feel like I could potentially move some of my important crops or protect them from water in some way, if they were up higher. Also, I'm getting older, and would just like to get more knowledgeable about containers for the convenience. One of my goals a handful of years ago was to plant more flowers in the veggie garden, everywhere. I have continued to grow many flowers since, and my old Vermont farmer soul is just so nourished by those flowers! You're very gracious about the ridiculousness that passes for news, Jess. I don't watch it anymore, either. I will be excited to watch your adventures with containers, thank you!🍒🍓🍆🥕🌽🌶🫑🥒🥬🥬🥦🧄🧅🍄🥜🌰🌰🍞

[@kari-gs4eq]

I have gardened in containers for over a decade. Sometimes you have to water every day, be ok with that. Mulch is awesome and if the entire container isn't fresh soil, remind yourself to fertilize once a month. I use our Alexa for that.

[@angiegold6134]

My goal is to start my first garden! Getting ready to start seeds!

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

Making choices only off of another person’s experience is like having someone describe a movie to you rather than watching it yourself. Yeah, you may get the gist of the story but you’ll never experience the true feeling and meaning of it. Seeds are the cheapest part of gardening so if one has the materials and the space to try something new just go for it! My goal this year is to do more growing in spring and fall to extend my ability to grow food so this month I am starting some stuff with winter sowing method to get them ready to plant out earlier in the spring and in the fall I’m going to try and make my first hotbed 💪🏼

[@kath-phlox]

Let's goooo! 2024 gardening :)

[@Adrienn-00]

Hello beautiful soul 👩‍🌾 You were my biggest inspiration when I’ve started gardening and my channel 👩🏼‍🍳👩‍🌾 Happy new year to you all 🎉

[@rootsandarrowshomestead]

I heard something in this that has stuck with me and I really love it. I'd buy the shirt/bag with this saying on it! "Learn Gardening With Boots On The Ground" 💚

[@elizabethharrelson7669]

I have so many goals for my garden but this year I just want it to be successful. I have struggled so bad the past few years as a new gardener. So this year we are revamping the whole garden and starting from scratch

[@littlecountrykitchen]

Yes girl ❤ I wanna use my crops more in my meals! A handful of greenbeans is weird and hard to incorporate when you're used to 10x that much in a can! I am determined to figure out broccoli 🥦 3rd time trying 😅 now this coming year! Not goals of to do list bit Goals of what I wanna BE! 😊 I wanna be a better Gardner, a better stewart of what I've been blessed with, a better break maker. A better emissary of Jesus Christ!

[@jackieburke4017]

A goal I have this year is to add cut flowers and more foods that can be preserved. I’ve spent the last 3 seasons growing smaller amounts of this and trying new foods. So this season I think I’m ready!!

[@karenl7786]

I'm so glad you came through the storm okay, and I'm praying for those who may have suffered damage or injury. This year I'm going to be a lot more deliberate about tracking what I plant, how I planted it and its progress. I've just kind of gone with the flow before and I enjoyed that, but I want to get a firmer and more intentional grip for future progress.

[@mercurybard9794]

Here in the Midwest, we're supposed to get a blizzard tomorrow... but I wanna start seeds 😅 My goals in order of importance: 1. get the wildflowers sown in the patch I managed to tarp last year. 2. Get the other half of that area behind the garage tarped for next year. 3. Get my three raised beds set up. 4. Get the 3 Sisters Mounds and the front corn patch planted. Oh, and try not to injure myself and end up unable to do any kind of physical labor for months on end 🙃

[@dremaowens7570]

So, we were out for dinner after my grandson’s basketball game. We were in the MU Sports Bar/ Marshall University/Huntington and my husband says honey, is that the Jess that you talk about from Charleston, SC? I was like what are you talking about! He too had seen you on Inside Edition. Actually, got on my phone to see if she had posted anything. Truthfully, I was scared to death because I was sure a tornado had touched down because I had viewed her last video and she was talking about high winds. Jess, if you are reading this I’m so glad you and your family are all good 🙏Charleston has always been one of our favorite vacation spots. I was so excited when you guys moved there. Just told my husband that I wanted to stop and visit your coffee shop in the spring on our way down to Florida.

[@fatgirlfarmsteader4824]

My goals for my garden this year are not finite but, I want to grow more, expand space, plant more perennials. Put up more food now that I've acquired more pantry space. I want to do more preservation. While I still want all the pretty flowers, herbs and companions, I want to be focused on production as well as beauty this year. Oh and I have a goal of learning to grow and cook more with herbs!

[@samanthahoos9827]

❤ 2023 I reworked the gardens to grow more perennial herbs. 2024 I’m not going to let rats and other pests win! I had a horrible summer trying to defend my tomatoes and lost more than I ate.

[@Heidi-br8km]

I wish I could come and learn from you first hand. I'm not very far from you. I am a gardener but you have more great ideas than my brain can handle

[@patamthor4934]

Thanks for all you teach! Here in Aztec NM we have 4 inches snow and strong wind today! I am dreaming now!😊

[@jeanninemorgan3526]

Planted and now harvested my first rutabagas this week in NE Florida Zone9 a/b. What a revelation! These were tender and yummy. Nothing like the rock-hard, wax-coated ones we struggled to chop for Thanksgiving in my childhood ❤❤

[@janicegilman7672]

Our 87.1 inches of snow is preventing me from starting seeds too soon! 😂😂

[@fionaworrell4535]

Yikes where are you? Hope you catch a mild spell soon

[@belieftransformation]

Wonderful pep talk; thanks for sharing! Fun that you’re recognized on public media, even if it was about the storm! 🤗💗🇨🇦

[@lisettegarcia]

Just ended a road trip up the eastern seaboard and had hoped to stop at the educational center you are working on. Couldn't find it on Google maps so we figured it hadn't opened yet. Looking forward to seeing it brimming with activity and joy during my next trip to America. ❤

[@barbaramix1683]

I was praying for you last night. I am glad you are o.k. Please don't start 8 million seeds just yet. I understand the temptation, but if you want your babies to be happy, you just need to wait. I feel anxious to get started too. I am looking forward to growing things I haven't grown before as well as the ones I grew last year. God bless you and those you love.

[@gardenextra7415]

Growing in the winter makes it bearable

[@pattiripley7599]

Keep learning! Keep learning! Keep learning! One of my favorite learning experiences is just because it had a bad year this it may abound next. Some things just do. Also if you really like an item don’t be afraid to try it over and over even with less than stellar results. You will learn or find one that grows in your garden. What do you lose, less than cost of candy-bar or a coffee . A little garden space can go a long way. I had the hardest time with radishes for 5 years when I finally just got some and have ever since. Don’t know why, but now they work

[@carolynwilliams5861]

This year I’m really focusing on growing what I eat. Honestly I say this every year, and try to grow things I eat.. that just don’t grow well for me. Carrots riddled with worm holes, I somehow manage to mess up beets every time too. (I’m not looking for advice about the carrots and beets!) Growing the things I can grow well in my climate that I enjoy eating is my more targeted approach. Heavy on the brassica family because it can get pretty cold here. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale. I constantly succession plant lettuce in containers. I’ve been eating them right up until this week! I also love growing tomatoes and peppers. It’s amazing the amount of things I can grow during the winter here (Squamish Canada). I let one lettuce plant from each variety to go seed every year. I constantly joke to my bf that if we empty the vacuum canister into the garden and water it we will have a bunch of vegetables. I’m like you Jess - seeds everywhere! I found a pack of spinach seeds in my glove box. I have a community garden plot so I am very much into succession planting. Kale for the winter is going where the garlic is, I stuff flowers everywhere possible for all my happy little pollinators. Next fall I hope to have a carpet of watercress and sweet alyssum under the kale. Future goals 😍

[@WeirdHeather]

You absolutely are the best teacher. I’m in the uk, so I know I can’t always grow the same things, or grow things as fast, but it was you that showed me what was possible. I didn’t know black tomatoes were a thing before you. Now I do, and Indigo Cherry Drop is one of my fave varieties. Keep buying more varieties just because you said they were good lol. So thank you for the inspiration ☺️

[@pihleg]

I loved this video. Thanks for not giving in to the haters. Your videos are such a blessing to just listen along to while I get through my chores each day. It feels like I have a friend chatting with me while I wash dishes... Again... And again... 😂❤

[@elizabethlehman7375]

Watching your clip on inside edition is just another reminder of how the media twists information. Something so simple was not presented the way it really was. So how many other things are being twisted that same way.

[@M3Honestly]

All I can hope for this year is to have something growing - I'm going to be giving birth in the middle of summer, so I'm so much more focused on preparing for baby inside our home, but I have a dream of being in early labor and finding refuge in my garden. I don't care what's growing as long as I have a beautiful place to ground myself in my time of need. My only real goal is actually a task for my husband😅 to put in drip irrigation so everything doesn't die in the heat when I'm postpartum and can't keep up with the watering! So I guess my goal is to minimize effort and maximize enjoyment in my garden this year. More peace, less stress💕

[@lesleyharris525]

Sweet Jess, I'm moving soon (ish) but after a year of being so poorly, I've decided i am growing my garden, 27th January is my op, 6 weeks off and then I am starting to sew seeds. 😊. Thank you for giving me the motivation to start again. ❤

[@Greens5511]

Oh Jess! Thank you for not conforming ur gardening style!!! I love the way u mostly do things, fly by the seat of ur pants garden! I am propping my phone up on my window sill so I can do dishes and watch/listen....don't u fall in the sink! 😂😂

[@Toms-garden]

Greetings from Bluffton, SC. So glad to see a channel from the low country!

[@Junkinsally]

Having grew perennials professionally for years, I had to be very structured in that to make sure I had enough of popular items to sell. Now that I’m “retired” 😂, I just go wild in my plantings. I’m kinda structured and I do make a lot of plans but a lot of when, what and where things are planted depends on the weather, what other obligations I have and when I get stuff. I start a ton of seeds every year but I always, always end up visiting local nurseries and greenhouses and tote home way more plants than I have remove for. Every year I tell myself I’m not going to do that…… but I obviously loose touch with reality while plant shopping. My goals for this year is grow more paste tomatoes. I always seem to end up with 500 tons (fish story exaggeration) of heirlooms and 5 paste tomatoes! I already laid out a dedicated paste tomato bed where I had a compost pile so they should do well. I want to do better at weeding. The garden has a Creeping Charlie problem and I get tired of fighting it and it’s taking over. I want solve the problem of my corn always blowing over in the summer storms we always have. And lastly I want to do better with cauliflower. I’m thinking it might do better in a tunnel here as well.

[@mostuniquemary]

You should bring your Mom on for the container gardening part. I think that'd be awesome! My plan this year is to grow in bulk what we eat fresh and what I can. Right now I'm going through jars and being really realistic what we actually eat from the garden. I'm omitting plants that have been getting hit hard by pests the last few years and that's going to be REALLY hard to do (melons, squashes, cucumbers). I'm actually revamping my original 6 beds, turning them into 8'x20' with 2-3 hilled rows contained within and knocking down other boxes. It's going to be the year of "get a little more realistic Mary", while keeping the beauty.

[@ladybirdgib]

So I have always been bad at waiting to start seeds. This year I have an all caps week long reminder to not start seeds yet! Years ago one of my littles coined our indoor setup as "The Germination Station". Decided it will be known as "The Propagation Station" throughout January and most of February. I'll propagate my houseplants and some herbs for now. I gotta have some more plant activity! My goal this year as far as garden is to replace at least 1 store-bought staple. I am intimidated by pressure canning so I will be attempting to be courageous and get more from my gardens to my pantry shelves.

[@wendylinney412]

You are famous! I saw you yesterday on the ABC national evening news! Congratulations!

[@Messerfamilyhomestead]

This will be my 3rd year gardening. The first year was a total "failure". Everything but my basil died lol! Last year was much better but still not great. This year, I'm confident will be amazing.

[@carasteinborn3291]

Last year my goal was just to establish a garden and get food in the ground. I felt really good about what I accomplished. This year I want to be more conscious of cool season crops and preservation. Mom of 3 finding the time is not easy but I’m hoping to learn to pressure can so I can save more for winter use.

[@schex9]

Seeing the cauliflower reminded me of the purple cauliflower, and that reminded me that we didn't see Meliah (spelling?) during her Christmas break visit. Hi to her!

[@jphoenix7883]

This is my second full garden season where I’ll be able to plant. I went a little sew-crazy last spring and also got started very late - definitely learned about starting seeds sooner!!! This year I want to grow squash and potatoes, I want to grow lots of flowers, and I want my broccoli and other cool weather crops to really come in. I started them too late last year and they bolted straight away and I didn’t get any food from them. I also want a more organized tomato system, as well as cucumber, beans, and melons. It’s going to be a big job and I’m so excited about it! I have about 200 seed packets or so, and picking what I want is HARD - I want them ALL! 😂 as a microgreens farmer I’m super excited about expanding my horizons!! Been following your channel and reading your books and seeing your videos for several years and I feel like I’m finally getting to apply what you’ve been teaching me 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@bettyworkman9460]

I've enjoyed your videos. I watch your platform, MI gardener, and earth box. I bought a packet of dusty miller seeds from Lowes. Here in WV, they are annuals. I had them for 3 years till the polar vortex killed them. To this day, I don't know what I did, but it really lifted my spirits.

[@MorePranaGardens]

I'm moving onto blank land this year - at 51. I think my biggest challenge is going to be WAITING! I'm putting in my kitchen and herb gardens but permaculture asks me to wait a year before doing anything major. Once I know where the rain collects, sun falls, wind blows, etc I can make big plans. But patience is definitely not my best trait! Hahaha

[@juliehorney995]

Maybe do large grow bags to have something going on in the meantime?

[@MorePranaGardens]

@@juliehorney995 I have grow bags and 2 GreenStalks. It's just - digging in the ground and planting trees is so satisfying. 💜🌱💜

[@juliehorney995]

Lord willing, we will continue to strengthen infrastructure (paths) and expand our new fruit guilds into a food forest. More succession sowing too.

[@PrairieDawnC]

Goal #2 is to overseed my backyard lawn with white Dutch clover... for the bees and because of the dogs.

[@teriparrish]

2024. I have a new 8x27 raised bed. My goal is to focus on growing the produce I buy and use most in my kitchen through the year and only a handful of other fun stuff. Not get carried away with the unique stuff. And since you mentioned succession planting, I want to pay attention to that bed space to be sure I’m allowing for some succession.

[@jenniferstafford1514]

I want to keep growing the things that have not been successful for me, corn, beets, carrots....new this year are peas, my husband loves them, I do not. I want to plant my beds to get the maximum amount of plants in them so that I can have a greater harvest!!

[@HedgewitchHomestead]

My goal is to grow more gardeners this year 😁 i have a few different family members looking to start gardens this yr, so ill be sharing my seeds, knowledge,and harvests, while getting to expand my growing spaces and the joy i get by bein in the gardens 😊😊