Plan Your Best Garden | GARDEN PLANNING | The Pantry Chat

Regardless of the space available to you, there are ways to maximize your garden space so you can grow as much as your area will allow. We're talking about garden planning basics in today's Pantry Chat!
Learn practical ways to expand and extend your growing season, how to work WITH your climate rather than against it, what the MOST important thing in gardening is, plus other tips for getting your crops to produce the best they can.
For even more tips (and other garden planning videos or podcasts) visit our blog post all about garden planning here: homesteadingfamily.com/first-...
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LINKS MENTIONED:
- Redmond Real Salt: redmond.life/collections/real...
- Azure Standard: www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=...
- Clyde's Garden Planner (use code "homesteadingfamily.com" for 10% off): www.clydesvegetableplantingch...
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Chit Chat
6:20 - Healthy Salt
12:21 - Garden Planning
13:20 - Last Frost Date
16:00 - Garden Planner
17:50 - What Grows Well
19:15 - Seeds
27:03 - Seed Saving
29:00 Starting Indoors or Outdoors
31:28 - Keep Records
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MORE ABOUT US!
WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo
Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at / homesteadingfamily
Instagram: / homesteadingfamily
Rumble: rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily
A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!
Healthy Healing at Home - Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt
Your Best Loaf - A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: homesteadingfamily.com/free-b...
Meals on Your Shelf - Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-f...
FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. homesteadingfamily.com/free-h...
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. homesteadingfamily.com/5Steps...
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT
#gardenplanning #pantrychat #homesteadingfamily

[@pyxis55]

Don't you believe it!!! It is NOT all downhill from here. I am 67 and feel better than I did in my 50's. Watch your words -- often what you speak is what you get. Aging does not have to be all about sickness and decline.

[@mariannereno8501]

I agree

[@karahernandez2687]

I think it was a joke.

[@cynthiatuerk7287]

Hallelujah Amen I agree

[@veronicadavanzo2064]

Absolutely!

[@selinasmith9542]

We have a seed library here in Buffalo, NY. You can "borrow" seeds for your garden and they ask that when you save seeds at the end of the season that you donate seeds back to them.

[@karinhoffman4432]

That's such a awesome thing. Im gonna see if they have in my area in Florida. Seeds can be really costly.

[@calamitysue1274]

Happy Birthday Josh! My 50s were better than my 40s. It's not the top of the hill, it's the Mesa. The place where you really learn the rhythm of life. You'll be surprised by the clarity that comes to you in this season. Godspeed.

[@tanyal7154]

What an awesome way to look at turning 50!

[@tomaitoe]

Love this!

[@kristycook6041]

Don't you worry one bit. You're like fine wine; it only gets sweeter and better with time. Happy Happy Birthday. Love you guys. What you accomplish is amazing, in and of itself. The fact that you also take time to share it with us is yet another feat. Thank you again.

[@MrPeteVann]

Happy Bday coming up, 50 is a great yr, I looked back on my life at 50 and said, ok what did i accomplish, I was pleased, not everything had gone right but i was satisfied with what i had done so far in life. Many great yrs ahead , especially with all those children, great job. Both of you and thank you.

[@gflack71]

Starting seeds indoors and seed saving are both very important but they both seems like daunting tasks. Could you do some videos on the how-to of those topics?

[@dlite7845]

I find both to be very relaxing and rewarding.

[@nancyseery2213]

You have made me feel that for once I'm finally ahead of the mess. I'm have already done my house cleaning and re-organizing. All of my seed orders are in and we are already half way through making two new raised beds. And yes, 50 is the top of the hill, the point now is to make sure the trip down the other side is a slow, easy trip, not a leap off the cliff.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Wow, you are on it !!!! My house is so unorganized and if I don’t get it done before spring, it won’t get done because I’ll be out gardening. I’m in a slump and it’s so cold I’m having a hard time getting motivated 😏 My excitement reading your comment will hopefully give me a kick in the pants !!! I want that feeling you have ! Blessings

[@jtharp9265]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@eliselandry-thompson4939]

Happy birthday! My mother always says G-d didn't have to wake us up this morning, so we're grateful for every day we are given. I'm 34 and have been dreaming of a homestead for about two years now. My husband and I are still saving up for land, fixing up the home we have, and getting out of debt. We have a very small garden that we're expanding this year. I've gotten my scratch cooking, bulk buying, and bread baking down pat. I'm reading and learning as much as I can about animal husbandry where we are and I'm working on getting my canning supplies together, little by little. I can only hope to be as far along in my journey when I'm your age. Ya'll are a blessing for anyone trying to learn as much as they can where they are.

[@beckygreen6847]

I want to share my experience with growing green beans. I bought my seed from Baker Creek for Rattlesnake variety of pole beans and the seed was several years old this past year. I direct sowed and the germination was a little spotty, so I filled in with some of the Rattlesnake bean seed I had saved from the previous year. That particular seed did fantastic and was incerdibly prolific, in this case it really paid off. I am expanding my seed saving and will let you know how it turns out. From Missouri.

[@apiecemaker1163]

Rattlesnake beans have been our families favorite for over 40 years here in AL. They are wonderful both taste and productivity. Glad you found them. I recommended them to Tipper last year from Celebrating Appalachia and she said they loved them also. Thanks for sharing.

[@utopicconfections5257]

Last year we sprinkled brassica seeds on top of a damp 5x12 inch planter and set it in our unheated greenhouse in early August. The seedlings came up great and were ready to transplant into the garden for a fall harvest. We kept it lightly watered.

[@debbymyers2134]

Absolutely loved your channel! Please know though that genetically modified seeds cannot be legally sold in the United States to anyone outside the mass agriculture market. Thank you so much for providing such great information.🌱

[@lynnrogers3628]

Lol

[@kristinraabe6887]

Happy 50th Josh!! I hope the next 50 are abundant and beautiful. Much love and light to you and your beautiful family!

[@theresatyree3090]

65 and starting fresh on a 5 acre blank slate property. Wish I was 50 again. Count you blessings

[@christines2787]

Your very right about growing things that do well I'm your area. Daughter was nervous during the food panic of 2020. She went to my pantry and sprouted dried kidney beans. She got the tiller out. Made 2 new beds and planted kidney beans in one, and store produce pepper seeds in the other. She did great. Took good care of them. Yield was dismal on the kidney beans. Got a cup dried. Her peppers were strong albeit very late producers of attractive large very average peppers. We got her good quality seeds for 2021 and she asked for some for Christmas 2021 for this spring.

[@cathydavis9259]

When I first saw the Clydes garden planner I was very skeptical. It was only about $5. and that included shipping. I ordered one and was amazed at how much great information it had on 1 little sheet. I'm still amazed at how simple this is. It even gives information that will help not only with when to plant but how much a family of 4 will need for planting, how big row should be and the approximately yield canning/storing produce. I ended up buying several for my kids and some friends. I didn't even ask if they wanted it, just said here take this, you're going to love it and they do. 🥰

[@tinaholan3726]

I just ordered several of Clyde’s gardening charts! Thanks for the tip. Looks like a handy tool, and I will sharing them with my gardening friends!

[@meganwells8423]

🤣 You two are so fun and just a wealth of knowledge!!❤️ Happy Birthday!! 🎉

[@katieanneozarkhollowhomestead]

I second the talking to your neighbors. We live and garden in the bottom of a small hollow, and each year record temps 8-10 degrees colder in the spring than is forecasted 8 miles away in town. Various sites have our average last frost date as April 15-May 1. We however can expect our last frost around May 3-11. The redbud trees in the front of our house on the south side of the creek usually bloom a week before the redbuds on the backside of the house/trees/clearing on the north side of the creek.

[@jennythyme1729]

Recently found y'all and so appreciate the videos! I'm a new canner who grew up with my mom canning so those videos are great! And as for gardening, this will be my 5th year!! Thank you guys for teaching me so much!

[@jennil7797]

On top of the hill? You're on the foot slopes Josh😊.Y My husband is 80 tomorrow and still not up there yet! Still working the land, caring for livestock, shovelling snow etc. (Still doesn't always get his socks in the laundry basket....) That's what this lifestyle does for us😊.

[@brittanyash8340]

Thank you both. You all are like my (inadvertant) mentors. I learn so much just from your free content that it gets me excited to take Caroline's courses. Thank you for these pantry chats, and Happy Birthday to Josh!

[@Alexis_9339]

It is illegal to sell gmo seeds to small scale farmers/gardeners. Lots of contracts and things required. So really no worries about buying gmo on accident

[@sarad2083]

GMO seeds can only be sold to commercial farmers. Seeds you order online will always be non-gmo regardless of advertisement

[@jessicawhite5666]

Yes. Thank you for commenting this. I was just going to. I think they need to let people know that. I felt they kinda scared people unknowingly about GMOs and buying seeds in stores. You CANNOT buy GMO seeds anywhere other than buying for commercial large scale growing. And only certain plants are GMO. Not all. They need to make that known. I hope they add that in the next pantry chat.

[@debbiep7419]

For a homesteading channel with this many subscribers to imply that a home gardener can "accidently" buy GMO seeds really makes me question just how knowledgeable they are about growing food.

[@Alexis_9339]

I really enjoy their videos, not sure if they didn’t know or maybe just misspoke while talking. I just wanted to include the info so that the idea wasn’t perpetuated and that hopefully some people read further down to know that, as MANY people worry about accidentally buying GMO seeds at the store, and it just won’t happen.

[@garandjopen643]

Maybe they meant hybridized seeds?

[@brendalee8694]

Oooooooo HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 🎁 🥳 !!! YOU TWO ARE ADORABLE 😍 ~ Blessings to you and your family 😇💛🌼

[@bbraskey8521]

Melissa K. Norris has a fabulous garden planner. I think y'all would love it.

[@simplyneb]

Living in northwest Montana, these are my go-to regional seed co-ops: Snake River Seed Cooperative, with seeds grown/produced for the intermountain west, and Triple Divide Seeds, with seeds grown/produced specifically in Montana. Both companies sell only open pollinated and heirloom varieties, and you can actually see in each seed description what farm harvested those particular seeds. Both great companies, and I've had wonderful success with germination and plant performance from their seeds. Happy garden planning!

[@MichelleTech]

Thank you! I'm in Rapid City, SD and will check these out!

[@lostmarblesfarm]

Even here in TN we’ve had snow, ice, rain, repeat the last couple weeks. Gotta keep our mud hydrated! 😂😂. Happy Birthday Josh!

[@One29Homestead]

This is such a critical time of year for so many new gardeners. We are in zone 8B and it's time to get tomatoes and peppers started. We were just talking about this on our Sunday live chat. Get seeds ordered and prepared for planting. If you are starting seeds indoors, make sure you are prepared with your racks and lights. We love spring seed starts!! It reminds us every year of Gods provision. Thanks for sharing!!

[@OzDrysdale]

Having just had the big50 ..... it's all in your head. 😉 Some folks count backwards from now on. I figure it's just a number though. Keep moving.... (chase sheep like me 🤣 ) Blessings for you both.

[@mariannereno8501]

Happy Birthday Josh! Keeping close to the Earth, working it, Keeps a person young. My Dad lived long , born on homestead, hard work,clean life. It's all in the journey.

[@mmcnab802]

Our local seed company is High Mowing Organic Seeds. They have heirloom seeds. They are wonderful especially if you live in cold climate weather as they are located in northern VT.

[@searose6192]

One thing that is *NEVER discussed* on homesteading and gardening channels is heat units. I live in the Pacific Northwest and the single biggest challenge I have had is getting my bountiful crops to ripen. Melons, tomatoes, larger peppers, etc all sit there giant and green waiting for a little warmth to ripen. Some years it comes and we get a lovely large harvest (although never enough for melons) other years like last year we only had 2 nights over 64 degrees the entire summer, so most of my tomatoes never ripened (they need 64 degrees at night to ripen) I did harvest them all and we had them ripening on the counter until a week before Christmas which was amazing and worked out well…but still. Heat units needs to be discussed for those of us who live in areas without warm summers (and also without very cold winters).

[@Wildevis]

Point in case, I live in Pretoria South Africa and we have warm/hot summers with summer rainfal and moderate/cool winters so a long growing season BUT, we have 2 low mountain ranges running through our city splitting it into 3 micro climates, the southern region cooler , the middle part moderate and the northern part almost sub tropical. So one cannot generalise what grows well here, you have to talk to you neighbours or even your local good nursery

[@modernhomesteadalaska]

We moved to Alaska from Arizona. Out children looked forward to snow days. They have gotten 0! Even 8 or more inches of snow no snow day!

[@ericabradbury1451]

I was just talking to my husbnad about focusing on what we grow best. Yes its good to try and improve and step outside the box. But dont let it absorb too much of your energy. We have 3 small kids and I need to be very conscious of my time and how its best spent. Also, I bought a lot of my seed from a local producer. I bought my Roma tomato seeds from them because I know they are bred to grow here in Virginia. They have a lot of great gardeners they work with. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in Virginia. Im hoping to have great success with all the seeds I got from them this year.

[@mariaayala2402]

Happy Early Birthday may God bless you both with many more years to come 😇🙏

[@autumnmackert9924]

Happiest turn of the decade to you! And I must say you guys are both looking great! You must live somewhere in the rain shadow side of the Pacific Northwest. Here in Deer park, Washington we've been dealing with some of the worst, messiest weather I have ever seen and I have been up here for 12 years.

[@elizabethschmidt6913]

I live in Colorado & purchase seeds from High Desert Seed. They don't grow all of their seeds but have a list of the other farms where the seeds are grown and all of them are still regional.

[@darlatobin2240]

Today is my 50th! I'm on top of that hill with you. Happy Birthday!🎉🎉🎉

[@calamitysue1274]

It's more like a mesa, a plateau. A long way to go before you reach the decline. My 50s have been GREAT! Nearing 60, and feel better than I did nearing 40.

[@taracriste1]

Oh good, it's nice to know my kids aren't the only ones who miss the hamper or mess up their clean clothes. How about I put a roll of trashcan liner bags on your shelf, you think you could put a new bag in your trashcan when you take your trash out 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ it's not rocket science! Ugh, I gotta crack that whip almost everyday with 3 kids LOL. Love the pantry chats. Love you guys! Happy birthday Josh 🥳

[@morganfike2662]

Happy happy birthday!! Enjoy this new decade. :)

[@pyxis55]

GARDENING QUESTION: Josh, on your bean tunnel - how did the hoses work out for raising the sides? Has that been a lasting hack? Thanks! Also -- I live in northern VT. I'm trying FEDCO seeds this year. FEDCO was established in Maine about 40 years ago and they have a strong commitment to locally grown seeds and to seed saving. They also take the OSSI pledge -- Open Source Seed Initiative and the Four Seed Freedoms. It's shocking to me that some countries/regions are making it illegal to save or even share seeds with others. So I too am building my seed-saving skills!

[@mmcnab802]

@Karen Maxon Hi neighbor 😊

[@pyxis55]

@@mmcnab802 Fellow Vermonter? Hello!

[@mmcnab802]

@@pyxis55 yes fellow northern Vermonter😀

[@suelalama3976]

I've been ordering from Annie's Heirloom Seeds out of Madison, Wisconsin. I live in Northern Wisconsin- short growing season. I've been very happy with their seeds. For a smaller company, they have a good selection.

[@simonnesimpson5551]

Thank you so much!! Gave me a lot to think about. You guys are awesome! Happy birthday! 50 is a big milestone! Enjoy it and soak it all in ☺

[@a.l.9485]

GARDENING QUESTION: I'm in the suburbs. My garden planning is focused primarily on "hardening" our food supply, meaning growing those things that we consume a lot of AND that I can can/preserve. However, I have a sunlight challenge. The majority of our back yard is partial sun to full shade. Can you all talk a little bit about things that can grow well in these light conditions and/or how to overcome the challenge? Thanks!! PS: LOVE the Clyde's Garden Planner!! PPS: For those in the MidAtlantic to Southern United States, a great heirloom seed producer is the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. They have a website and you can request a newsprint catalog from them for a nominal fee. Some varieties go back to the early 1800s, and some farther (from indigenous peoples).

[@deborahmcsweeney1650]

Got my seeds already! And love Clyde's little guide! I am finding really old heirloom seeds ( meaning they were grown way back over fifty years ago as a standard) they seem to be dealing with the changeable weather way better! I grow really ancient corns and they seem to take whatever is thrown at them weather wise. We need plants that can adapt to drought or too much rain as you might have both. And diversity is really important. Short season also. But in the end you also just have to trust sometimes.

[@slythrahgraham]

Hello! Thank you for the link to the Garden Planner. I'm so glad to have this reminder that now is the time to start planning for spring planting. I live in zone 6, about 30 minutes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. We have recently purchased a rather large indoor hydroponic system with fantastic grow lights. This will be the first year that I will be starting ALL of my outdoor garden plants on my own because I have the grow lights. I have always purchased our garden plants from big box stores to put in the garden and this year, I am so excited to not have to to that. I have been ordering seeds from Baker Creek and Azure all winter and I have quite a collection just waiting for me to put them in the nursery. Cant wait for the next video!

[@jeaneneoverholt2960]

I tried gardening a few years ago and gave up because the grass wanted to take over the garden. I was buying organic sweet peppers for my grandson and I saved some of the seeds. I tossed them in a 10 inch flower pot and they grew. When frosty weather arrived they didn't have peppers yet so the pot came inside. They bloomed and now we are eating peppers. I'm saving the seeds from the ones we eat to grow more.

[@theladysgardenandhome]

Happy Birthday, Josh! I agree with the post below, 50s you achieve a lot of clarity, also feel better now than in my 40s because I am mostly eating fresh food I grow!

[@mostuniquemary]

Already have/sorted my seeds. Now trying to decide what to plant in the spring garden. In SE Michigan, I just finished harvesting my Lacinato Kale January 9th. It really was a beast in the garden! They were direct sown and faired way better than the other brassicas. I hope yours does the same. Saves space for other started plants! Happy Birthday Josh! Didn't think you were gonna say 50. The lifestyle has done you well and I love the way you two look at each other! May God give you many more years together!!!

[@rebecca1228]

I love the pantry chats. Best part of my day to see this video pop up. Thank you!

[@homesteadcomelately6801]

GARDENING QUESTION: We switched to no-till gardening last year at your encouragement and with your direction and we absolutely LOVE IT! We had a very successful year. My question is... do we still need to do crop rotation? We have amended the soil and covered it with mulch for the winter. We are in Jacksonville, Florida. And...Happy Birthday Josh! We are in our mid-60's, don't let the number "50" bother you! Your just getting going good!

[@rode792]

Yes.....crop rotation helps break disease and pest cycles. Additionally, some plants feed heavier on some minerals than others and rotation helps balance that out.

[@jogoleegirl4821]

Happy Birthday Josh! I'm turning 50 on Friday!! I hope you have a nice celebration planned... I'm heading out for a much needed spa weekend 🥳 I love your channel. I've learned a lot from you both. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God bless!

[@dorothyrhodes4657]

Love your channel. Enjoy all your helpful tips!

[@pamelabbartol978]

Kristina!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! XOXOX PAMELA ( in Monument, CO.)

[@catiepower3550]

I started gardening in my yard 5 years ago. I have a 16x16’ garden that will be expanded to be three times that size hopefully this year along with a make shift greenhouse made from recycled materials. My son and I will be planting our mini orchard and will be working on canning more this year. I would like to get better at breads and make more from scratch things. Every step counts and it takes time. Thanks for your content. It’s very informative.

[@zamis21]

I dont know how long i have been watching your videos or been subscribed and just now found out your in Idaho !!!

[@thelittlelearningfarm622]

I order from Azure and we are in Georgia. We love this company. Gardening questions: Could you please do a tour of your gardens and how they are setup for growing the majority of your food? Are you all growing any grains? What are some of the foods that you consider a must for survival if you can’t grow anything else to feed your family? Thank you so much. Love your videos and the kitchen membership.

[@ellenwhite8395]

Hey Neighbor I'm In Southern Ga ..

[@childofgod3675]

@@ellenwhite8395 me too, SE GA

[@ellenwhite8395]

@@childofgod3675 Do You Know Where Swainboro or Twin City is ??

[@childofgod3675]

@@ellenwhite8395 I do know where Swainsboro is (I used to live close to there, I was in Toombs County.) Now I'm in Charlton County.

[@ellenwhite8395]

@@childofgod3675you was Around Lyons and Vidalia.. I'm 30ish mins away from there

[@josiegladysgardens9245]

Happy birthday! Don’t worry about the number. There’s less pressure once you get there. And you have built up a good reserve of experience, knowledge, and wisdom. Yea for you!!

[@robinreneefrederick6598]

Happy Birthday! Love to watch you all and learn new things.

[@anitaculp683]

Happy birthday Josh!!! I didn’t start going down hill until I was 60 and that was because of injuries. But still going at 66. I wish you still did an hour chat or even longer!! I learn so much from you two. Thanks about the salt I was just getting ready to order some more.

[@kathleenfalkner4478]

Happy Birthday Josh. Best years of your life!!!! Down hill is much nicer than up hill climbing. Carolyn: house organization and clean up is my winter projects too. 👍

[@lorilybrook7943]

Happy Birthday Josh!! I'm 61 and it's not all down hill, the best is yet to come! We've been gardening and such here on our Half Acre Homestead for decades. I grew up on a farm where we were organic before it was a thing. Actually, it was a whole lot cheaper. Anyway, here in Central New York I order my seeds mostly from High Mowing Organic Seeds in Vermont. I've ordered some heirloom novelties from places like Baker Creek. We save a lot of our own seed - tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, snap beans, dry beans, squash, melons, coriander, dill, etc. I also save the littlest potatoes for seed each year when we harvest those. I swap seeds with a couple of family members in January.

[@chynalani87]

What an informative video! I love how you guys go so in-depth for every level of homesteader

[@aessidhe6304]

Happy birthday, Josh! 50 isnt the peak of the hill….its more of a wide plateau. Lots to enjoy! I love my Clyde’s garden planner. I use it more than I ever thought I would.

[@bambadean3898]

Happy birthday, Josh!

[@DeconstructionBarbie91]

I started seed saving before most things! It’s so essential to sustainability in my opinion. Also, it was super easy. I feel like people over complicate it all the time. Most seeds are designed to fight to grow. Even in some crazy situations. You can do this!!

[@Sabrina1998]

I would love to learn more about seeds and seed saving … that is just as important as the quality of the soil.

[@christinakloesel8364]

That's what happened in Texas last year! Ice and snow layered for days and we don't see much of either normally.

[@jenniferkidd1127]

Happy birthday, Josh!! Wishing you many happy, healthy returns!

[@kyla3419]

Happy Birthday Josh! Thanks for all you guys do to share your experience, strength, and hope with others! I loved today's chat, reminded me of some things I've got going well and a few goals to work toward. Last year I was able to grow from seeds I had saved, super exciting! But I need to be more consistent with my record keeping and jotting down observations. Question for upcoming live chat on this topic--this year my goal is to create an apothecary and cottage garden, specifically to grow more of our own herbs for self-care. I'm drowning in research, have limited space available, and feel a sense of urgency to do this well to provide herbal medicine for our family. Could you share a layout you use for what to grow where, and what to really prioritize?

[@raftingrachel204]

Totally agree with the rain on top of snow. In central Idaho where I live (McCall area) it has been an interesting winter too! I'm a new subscriber and love your channel. Great content and well delivered!

[@amandataylor682]

I was going to be building a bean tunnel this year so seeing your video was fun. Thanks for the instruction. ☺

[@meganzambo2403]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!!!

[@idahomo8299]

I just discovered your channel today. So far I love you guys!! Thanks for the tip on the seed chart…I ordered 3. One to keep & 2 to share. I think I’ve found my new favorite channel 🥰

[@michellel5444]

Happy Birthday soon Josh! Having a power outage in the middle of baking bread and beans simmering for canning. I guess I should be glad I haven't Started canning yet.lol

[@franklinfarmstead9002]

We actually got to meet Clyde! He was at the ozarks homestead expo this past summer (2021).

[@yvonneh.3618]

Happy birthday, 50 looks good on you. Love your channel!

[@sandiegaunt285]

Happy Birthday Josh!

[@Warrior-In-the-Garden]

Excellent point about Zone vs 1st frost date. FEDCO seeds are great.

[@gracewalker381]

Thanks for the great tips.. it’ll come in handy!

[@sarad2083]

Garden Question: At what point in the growing stage can you seed save? How can you tell if the plant is ready?

[@davinakoehn8036]

Book recommendation- Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth

[@RewiredforJoy]

The seeds need to be fully matured. A tomato is fully matured when we eat it, so you can seed save at the 'ripe tomato' stage. On the other hand, a zucchini is not fully matured when we eat them so you'll have to let one grow to full size to save seeds from it. Something like lettuce you would need to let it bolt and go to seed (again, beyond the point when you would normally eat it). Also, be mindful that some plants easily cross pollinate (such as tomatoes and squash) so extra measures should be taken if you want to know for sure what variety the seeds are.

[@christopherbingel5437]

Happy Birthday Josh!!!

[@rebeccamorris1032]

I feel that way about vacuum stripes in the carpet too. 😅

[@tammystewart7615]

Good point, I really like to do some spring cleaning in the winter.

[@abbyslough1843]

I am local in north Idaho , and our public library has a great community seed library!! And it’s a great take what you need leave what you don’t or want to share! Also I saw you josh up at Schweitzer a few weekends ago so howdy and next time I’ll be more brave and say hi, love what you guys talk about on your channel! Happy growing 😁

[@lostdogfarm4513]

Happy Birthday Josh! We have been pushing around snow as well. 2 feet in three days and then a thaw and rain. We’ve got mini icebergs now. Take care.

[@mariahspencer]

Happy birthday Josh!

[@MHines]

I really liked your advice of buying regional seeds. I wish I could search the comments to see if anyone knows of a regional place for my state, Louisiana. Hey, maybe you can start a site that has a repository like this for each state! 😀Thanks so much for your Pantry Chat. You guys look like a great team working together. Keep up the good work!

[@idahomo8299]

Have you checked Facebook groups on seed saving/trading for your state?

[@lb9031]

Happy birthday! My son is turning 50 this month also

[@lisakukla459]

I found some 4.4lb Himalayan pink salt bricks on clearance at TSC for $1.79. They seemed to be meant for animals, but I thought it was such an amazing deal I couldn't pass it up. I bought 3 of them! It's been a couple years now, and I have no complaints. All I have to do is smack it a few times and put the chunks into my salt mill when it needs a refill. Still can't get over that I got 13.2lbs of expensive salt for under $6! Never experienced any grit or anything.

[@mrmacgregorshomestead233]

I'm in a short growing area. Pls touch on that sometimes bulb type plants can need to be planted in the fall before. Also, different types of planting outdoors. For instance, cold frames, mounds, raised beds, directly in the ground, Hugelkulture, greenhouses, or even aquaponics. There are so many different ways in which to grow. This may affect the overall health of the plants as well as the harvest. Love the pantry chats! Hope I was helpful for beginners. Just sitting here in Michigan waiting for the new season. C'mon Spring! Lol. Blessings everyone and happy gardening.

[@mrogers2345]

Happy Birthday 🎂! Have a wonderful week!

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

Happy 🎈 Birthday Josh! 🥳

[@angelacompton4022]

Happy birthday! Welcome to the fabulous 50’s!

[@robinlivingston2099]

Happy Birthday Josh! Hope you have a great day!

[@pamb548]

Happy Birthday Josh.

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

I use Clyde's and just recommended it on another well known channel.

[@victorenecahill9013]

The most important thing is where you place your garden---enough sun and level and not too much of a slant and easy to get to every day to take care of it and easy to water.

[@katrinar9310]

That's a great tip about ways to use the less refined salt. Another could be making broth that you will strain out, or you could dissolve the salt in water, strain it, and then add the salty water to dishes. Thanks for sharing that salt tip. BLESSINGS -Kate

[@sunshinepam5811]

Happy 50th Josh🎉🎉🎉