REVEALING OUR SECRETS! How We Keep Our Garden Looking Amazing!

[@noelleparris9451]

I am impressed by your tag team collaborative presentation style. I like how you both stop and listen to the other and LOOK at each other. It's very heartwarming. (Your garden is lovely and your tips are good, too!)

[@gabbygertie8709]

I have been gardening on a rather small scale for 40years at several different locations/or addresses. As I've gotten older and my health has declined (3 bouts of cancer survived), I had all but given up on any gardening. You two are my inspiration. After testing our soil we found no nitrogen, we fertilized and planted tomatoes, beans, squash, peppers, and cucumbers. We only have 25 x 20. Next year we are making 2 raised beds, starting a mulch pile, and putting down black garden fabric. My back can't take all the weeding. We are also going to go with heirloom plants and seeds, starting my own plants. I can't wait for next year's planting season.

[@terracotta6294]

Just because a doctor tells a patient they have cancer, that doesn't mean they have cancer. A doctor pulled that crap on me in 2008 and I tried to find the basis of his reasoning. He became so absurd I told him he was full of $hit and walked out. Yes, they will medically murder you. My primary doctor said she didn't blame me! If you have cancer treatment for cancer you don't have, it is POISON! I do not have cancer and it's been over 13 years. I've had great experiences with doctors and horrible ones. It is common for them to be completely removed from medically murdering!

[@JanicePhillips]

Food is medicine.

[@sherreeroper7656]

Good got you ,I love growing stuff mainly easy to grow plants like cucumbers. I grow not only for myself but for my chickens, too. I'm going to try to grow corn for them. Good luck to you..

[@daughteroftheking6889]

This is my first year without squash bugs. I planted French Marygolds in with my squash plants.

[@elainegregory5308]

When you said you had 100 tomato plants, my heart skipped a beat. I’m a hobby gardener & knew nothing about tomato production. I planted 12 plants last year & was SHOCKED at the number of tomatos I got. I made sauce but had trouble keeping up & friends had their own. I had cankers in my mouth from eating so many! 😆. Learned my lesson & only have 2 plants now. Well done you guys. ❤️

[@krazeyjannie6349]

I cram as many tomatoes as possible into Maison type jars. Don't add any extra liquid. Water bath for an hour. Have tomato for soups, stews or on toast all year until the next crop is ready. I've not tried making paste but I think I'll have a go this year.

[@msplum3306]

Love your unified delivery of clear organized planned information. Refreshing to see ur high respect for each other & unified cooperation. I’m downsizing as our 7 children have moved out of our home. Seeing the simplicity & order of ur home & property is absolutely encouraging. Can’t wait to try many of your gardening & harvest storing tips. Thank you & God Bless you both.

[@oscarbunda1194]

My wife Jane and I are new in Homesteading. Shifted to our new 1 hectare property in September 2020. We are so encouraged by your organic farming revelations. We were missing important points that we have now come to learn. Thanks alot for your generosity in sharing vital information. We are watching you from Zambia and shall keep watching you :-)

[@darthdebby]

I don’t know about you but when I see those perfect tomatoes my heart is filled with joy and gratefulness to God. Beautiful bounty.

[@anitablades6033]

Tomatoes make my bones ache, they are one of the 5 worsted foods for arthritis !!!! Sad to say .

[@reneduplessis6603]

I totally agree!! Our Heavenly Father is our provider!!!! Without HIM we are nothing!!!

[@sallymiller407]

I really enjoy your show. I’ve learned a lot from you! T y

[@inamkhan100]

All perfect praises belong to the Almighty alone ! The most Merciful , the most Beneficent.

[@andrewrobertson7626]

I'm so turned off from organized religion. But I know and believe in God. And good people here. Learn a lot from these guys. Great loving couple. My wife and I live way up in British Columbia. 80 acres working everyday to be self reliant. Thanks for the great videos 📹!!!!!!

[@KellyTrayah]

I love the respect you give to your animals on the farm.

[@marysimpson8457]

As always, you two are amazing at sharing what has worrked for you in the garden. I appreciate your willingness to share your abundance of knowledge.

[@sherryabbotbrooks3132]

I am so excited to have found you...I watch a few of your videos and then I clicked on, My Kids didn't know and after that, I had to subscribe...I decided I would start with at the beginning of your homesteading journey ...I also lived in Arizona...in the 70's we lived on ten acres between Florence and Oracle Junction...both of my parents worked in the Magma Copper Mines(San Manuel)..I was nine and my brother was 6...We were way off-grid...We live in an Aluminum barn, took a bath in a wheelbarrow, had chickens, pigs, a goat or two, and horses..My dad, Uncle, and cousin would hurt rabbit quail and deer. You don't know what you have until you don't have it anymore. Life moved on and we ended up in California...I married had children, divorced, and raised my children...and one day...I heard my grandchild say. "Grandma I am hungry"...but it was only a thought and that when the panic began...What would I do if I couldn't provide for my family's needs...I knew zero about gardening, I lost my only sibling Patrick and four years later my youngest son Shonn Patrick who was only 27...My oldest son being wise built me two small raised garden beds and placed them near my son's fav tree...My cat Sassy got me out of bed and the tomatoes got me out of the house...lol..that first year I had a harvest on only 15 cherry tomatoes...I am now in my fourth year of gardening...It is not only my therapy..but it is a skill that I am now sharing with my grandchildren...I tell you all of this because you are is close to where I would like to be one day...there is a small lot that is part of our property, but due to power lines no road access, I am limited as to what I can do...I have a few different thoughts..but don't have the skills yet to begin. As I scrolled through your video I was so happy to see many on the skill I want to learn, canning, raising chickens and rabbit..also going to market...The video I have watched already were made in simple easy to understand way, unlike the many many videos I have watched on the same subject...I would like to do a victory garden and perhaps a small garden to market in the next season or so...I am really excited to learn from your videos and want to thank you for posting them...You will be helping me make my dreams come true...I pray that you are all safe during this frightening time history..may God keep all of you and your subscribers safe and healthy..Again ty so very much...all my best Grandma Sherry

[@kristinaemmons-smith4199]

That 1st tomato that he picked was beautiful, Wow you guys are killing the garden game, So, excited to find your channel today, definitely subscribing to see how much you guys do. I love how you explain everything. Hi from Michigan, and I can't wait to see your harvest.

[@Meh...171]

I LOVE how you greet your animals in the AM. For some reason it just warms my heart. It's a shame that all of the animals we are so luck to nourish ourselves with aren't treated this way.

[@donmartin7728]

Year number two for squash bugs. I held food from my chickens for a day while I set up a fence to protect the rest of my garden. I removed any squash growing then turned my chickens loose. At the end of the day most of the bugs were gone. This doesn’t completely eradicate the bugs but knocks the population down enough to not affect the plants for a few weeks, then let the chickens at them again. I’m in Central East Missouri.

[@kaelapassarelli2775]

Do you think ducks would work instead of chickens?

[@donmartin7728]

Kaela Passarelli I’m not sure, I will find out next year as I just purchased 4 ducklings. If anyone has ducks that information would be helpful.

[@rrbb36]

@Kaela Passarelli, I used to have Muscovy ducks and they absolutely LOVE insects of all types. You have to monitor them though and let them get just the obvious surface bugs, otherwise they’ll start digging around plant roots and tear up your whole garden hunting for grubs. Muscovys have some serious claws in their webbed feet, too. I have no experience to speak of regarding other duck breeds’ predilection for insects.

[@donaldmiller8629]

Don Martin , Ducks may work out well in your garden. They are great insect eaters and not as likely to eat your garden plants like chickens.

[@elizaa8071]

The Stivers Homestead put ducks in their garden and they said they ate most of the squash bugs while leaving the plants alone.

[@kims.7110]

I literally say "Awwwwwww" every time that you guys say good morning to the animals.

[@llow3873]

Me too😂

[@kimdewbre8859]

I love the way they say good morning to the animals. Happy animals, happy life!!!

[@JoanOH]

I’m in SW Ohio and having a good garden year (so far). When I first plant my tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc, I put a tbsp of 10-10-10 granular fertilizer plus a tbsp of Epsom salts in the hole. I do spray Neem oil and copper fungicide as well. It’s been a bad year, though, for green beans. I seem to have some kind of bean rust fungus and the copper hasnt helped. Great year for squash (Delicata, spaghetti and zucchini) and the squash bugs and Japanese beetles stayed under control with DE and hand picking. Last year was the opposite - great year for beans, bad year for squash. You just never know what Mother Nature has up her sleeve.

[@johnchaffin5494]

I guess it's the dad in me, I can see the excited little girl in Sarah when she is doing the gardening. Best wishes you guys.

[@kimskaggs8289]

For squash bugs I fill a 32 oz spray bottle with water and add 2 tsp of dish soap (any kind Will do), then spray at the base of the plant. The bugs will start climbing the plant where you can spray them again. You don't need to spray alot. I did this in the evening & the next morning all of the squash bugs were dead and they never came back. Unfortunately the spray doesn't really work for the eggs. I use duct tape to get them off. I'm in zone 5b Illinois.

[@peggywilkins7743]

I love your videos. Enjoyable and great way to learn some tips

[@beckettowens7799]

I have been watching your videos for a couple years and have learned so much! I would really like to know about food storage. 1. Do you have a room or rooms dedicated to food storage? Could we see what canned food for a family of four looks like? 2. How many freezers do you have? Are some dedicated to just meat or veggies? 3. Do you make bread products and cheese as you need it, or do you make big batches? 4. How do you determine how much of any item you need for a year? 5. What do you do when you run out of an item? 6. How much are you spending for bulk and at the grocery store? I am not asking to invade your privacy, I just can't wrap my head around that level of food storage. I hope I'm wrong, but I think for storage is going to be more important in the future than its ever been. Thank you for inspiring others.

[@kimdewbre8859]

Oh yes, please show us. Great questions....and great questions to answer on a blog. Ty

[@vivien3150]

We’re currently harvesting 11lb of tomatoes a week and we’re in winter in Australia! Canning every weekend...

[@traceybradshaw]

Bibby 7200 which state are you in? Queensland? I’d love to have tomatoes through winter but we’ve had some frosts and super cold mornings here in Adelaide.I don’t think our days are consistently warm enough either 😩

[@carolcrudder7864]

Bibby 7200 Yum I love homemade tomato sauce! That’s a lot of tomatoes.

[@vivien3150]

I’m in SE Qld inland we get frost and cold mornings even worse when the westerlies are blowing late July/August.. Our tomatoes are self sown from last year where we threw all the bad tomatoes.. We have a very rustic garden no neat rows lol.. have things popping up everywhere from last year.

[@Vip3rNZL]

Lucky! I'm in New Zealand and my tomato plants died months ago lol got to wait for spring again now!

[@rcanty03]

I’m so jealous, I’m in SE nsw (coastal) and I lost all my tomatoes a few weeks ago in a few really cold days/nights ☹️. Glad you’re still able to get a good harvest 🙂.

[@krose3]

I had a squash bug problem last year. This year I planted marigolds. I planted them in between my tomatoe plants every 4 ft. I have very little bug problems this year. In fact I have more bees and I'm getting more tomatoes. Win win

[@CG-mj8tk]

Did u direct seed or transplant the marigolds? Ty.

[@krose3]

Direct seed

[@carolcrudder7864]

Your garden has been doing great this year! Everything looks great. I’m recuperating from a stroke in the hospital and able to watch your video. There’s nothing better than a fresh picked tomato or any vegetable . Hope you are all well and Sarah I hope you’re feeling better. God bless you! ❤️🙏

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

How wonderful that you are recuperating. Praise God, that is so good.

[@carolcrudder7864]

RoseThistleArtworks thanks Rose

[@wordvendor1]

Prayers for you 💜

[@robotnik77]

I'm a stroke survivor. You have to persevere and do a little more each day, but when you feel tired, stop & rest, not to exhaustion. Start with little things. Prayers to the Lord for you.

[@carolcrudder7864]

DEFCON 2 Thanks. Praise God it wasn’t a bad stroke . I was left with a deficit in my left eye that may or may not come back. I just have to remember to look both ways so I don’t bump into anything. I hope you’re doing ok . God bless.

[@erichemard7066]

Such a wholesome way of life. Fresh food, fresh air and the bountiful harvest. When I see the smiles on their faces and hear the enthusiasm in their voices, I so can relate. Life on the homestead is good. Keep up the excellent work guys!

[@carolcrudder7864]

Omg I could eat every one of those tomatos. One of my favorite sandwiches is a tomato sandwich on white bread with mayo salt and pepper. Nothin better!

[@pennynewell3459]

Carol Crudder you must be a Southern Girl. I love tomato sandwiches too.

[@cindybonem494]

penny newell we love them in the north too, I just had one yesterday and it was delicious, I’m growing Big Beef this year, they have tons of tomato flavor😋😛

[@carolcrudder7864]

penny newell I actually am not from the south but what could be better than a fresh tomato sandwich. Yum!

[@carolcrudder7864]

Cindy Bonem what I wouldn’t give to have a fresh tomato sandwich. I’m actually in the hospital recovering from a stroke and limited as to what I can eat. I guess I can wait til I get home to have one. 😁

[@cindybonem494]

Carol Crudder I’m sorry to hear that you are in the hospital and will definitely pray for a speedy recovery so that you can eat some tomatoe sandwiches.

[@deblong56]

Nasturtiums attract numerous beneficial insects that you want in the garden. They are also a trap plant for aphids, snails, and slugs. Plant them next to your curcubit plants (squash, cucumber, etc.) as they repel squash bugs and cucumber beetles. They have similar benefits for brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, etc.) as well. They are beneficial in many medicinal ways...leaves and flowers are edible, also. I plant them in pots, and start them earlier than the squash -- then have the pots sitting around the garden. Thank you for all the information you shared! God Bless.

[@amytate1755]

Long Acres Homestead thanks for the info I’m always looking for natural Solutions because my grandkids are always eating out of the garden

[@valeriebennett1011]

I've heard that marigolds also deter them.

[@Reeder6Wisconsin]

thank you! we had a horrible issue with white butterflies this year - their young destroyed our brussel sprouts and cauliflower and only mildly damaged our red cabbage. I'll be looking for more natural solutions to the white butterfly issue as well.

[@williampotter2098]

@@Reeder6Wisconsin Try the BT that the video mentioned ..

[@silvbttrfly96]

@@Reeder6Wisconsin that's the cabbage moth & cabbage worms they use the BT for.

[@TOMMYBITESHOMESTEAD]

I love how space out and neat the garden is

[@aniquewarden79]

What gorgeous tomatoes! Great work you two! For your squash bug issue, I've been wrapping the main stems using a self adhesive sports tape and it's been really helpful! Hopefully that helps you!

[@salonisalvi3484]

Your pigs sure are the best looking !!! It’s your love and so much pains you take ,,, your garden looks super.

[@reidweaver]

I had 40 tomato plants one year after teaching an Up From the Soil project in our local schools. I so wish I had my freeze dryer back then! Here in Maryland, we typically get ripe tomatoes around the beginning of August, but to get them sooner, I always plant them on tax day (our supposed average last frost date, but it's never really that early). I plant them on hills and bend the stem in an L right under the bottom leaves so that all that planted stem will be part of the root system to take up nutrients. Then I cover them with saved gallon milk jugs with the bottoms cut off. I leave the caps on the jugs unless it is unseasonably warm and then I pull the caps off until it gets cool again. By doing this, I am planting an average of a month or more than most in my area and the earliest I have gotten a ripe tomato is June 9th. This has really extended my growing season and my tomato eating! :-D One thing about the BT. We have a serious problem with moles here. They dig tunnels to the point you could sprain an ankle walking in the back yard and our dog loves trying to dig them up. BT, if you spray your property, will get rid of the grubs that moles eat and they move on. We sprayed about 30 years ago just one time and only now, they are starting to return. Considering we are surrounded by 1300 acres of woods, that is pretty good! I love your homestead. It's really done so well. I appreciate all your information and take notes each time I watch your channel.

[@kprairiesun]

I get cucumbers and squash by just planting more plants and at different times. Thanks for all the great information! Love you guys! You're the best! More videos please!

[@grizzleegurr7421]

My dogs get riled up when y'all give your 'good morning' to all your animals... So cute!

[@wandaleevidito]

Ours was glued to the tv too lol.

[@shalamacpherson3011]

Thank you for all of the tips! I love your videos and wake up early every day to check if yall posted a video 😅(My husband says I have a problem because I love just re watching so many of your videos, especially the cooking and canning ones lol) But ya'll have such amazing attitudes and are so upbeat its infectious. I can't wait untill we are able to move up there and start our own homestead. You both are truly an inspiration!!! Have a great day and congratulations on all the beautiful tomatoes

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Thank you so much!

[@virginiamesko6369]

Your joy and enthusiasm is contagious. So happy your garden is doing so beautifully. I must admit, I suffer from veggie envy. Lol

[@foxruneec]

I am also a big fan of fish emulsion and like the Alaska brand. Another reason why this should be done in the morning while its cool is because the stomata are open. Plants actually have pores (stomata) and they will most effectively take in the foliar spray when its cool and the stomata are open.

[@joanies6778]

I heard they open in morning between 7-10am. If you are foliar fertilizing during that time, they take the nutrients into the plant while open and it feeds systemically. Is that correct?

[@foxruneec]

@@joanies6778 Timing will depend on your geographic area but yes before the sun gets too intense and hot. The plant then closes the stomata to conserve water. Absorption and movement is going to depend on the water and minerals available in the plant. That's why you want to thoroughly cover the plant with a foliar spray. To give it the best opportunities for the nutrients to reach the plant cells. :)

[@joanies6778]

@@foxruneec Thank you!

[@melvinajessop696]

Can u add spray this at night after the sun goes down?

[@foxruneec]

@@melvinajessop696 yes you can. In fact, there is less evaporation occurring at night so a possible great absorption. I just happen to be a morning person so that schedule suits me best.

[@denverdazzle5131]

The ducks are still my favorite! Can't wait until my 1st 🍅 tomato harvest! It's gonna be a big one!

[@liliajuarez2880]

WOW!! Gigantic tomatoes!! Just loving watching you guys. Love the excitement in your voices. Love your farm life. Your animals all seem very happy. You guy's are so blessed!! God bless you!!

[@geraldgauthier8717]

I Love what you're both doing. I Love the Lord, even more, when I watch these Videos....Thank you

[@joyenglish1275]

WOW! The growth on the plants is amazing. I looked back on when you showed the planting and it was only like a month ago that they were only inches high. Now they are as tall as you are with ripe fruits.

[@Willene1950]

I love that y'all say Good Morning to all your animals.

[@ellenclayton5955]

I have had limited success controlling squash bugs until this year. An oldtimer told me to plant radishes around my squash and it has worked. This was my first year growing it like this so only time will tell if it works time after time. I am in E TN.

[@dianapollex3266]

Oldtimers know what they're talking about. Hoping you have a plentiful bounty

[@karenbrown5177]

I'd forgotten this. I did plant radishes around them last year and it did deter them somewhat. I need to write notes more on my garden. Blessings.

[@janethaffner896]

It's worth a try! 😊

[@kathleenmccall2671]

Did the same, planted a single row of radishes just about one ft. from the cucumbers and and then did succession planting of radishes here in south east PA they are moderately heavy. It kept them down and I also shake my plants every night, don't know if that helps or not but my zucchini and summer squash are doing well right now. I also put the squash in relatively late, mid June. I am getting a harvest as of last week.

[@rhondaborders3452]

Will give this a try. Thanks for sharing!

[@jerrymartin3770]

I live in North Carolina I thoroughly enjoy watching you guys farm, I've learned a lot watching you guys keep up the good work may God bless you with a bountiful harvest.

[@puskabeuford8667]

Boy! The young turkeys are getting big.

[@barbvojkufka8827]

My daughter planted radishes throughout the squash bed. We had no squash bugs.

[@gailpetchenik3048]

I tried that & it didn’t work. Maybe it’s the kind of radishes? What kind did u plant?

[@rrbb36]

@Barb Vojkufka, where? ...in Missouri??? Southern Missouri is like Jumanji 😂 (except in winter).

[@simplyblessedacres6650]

rr bb 😄😄😄 I second that!!!

[@gailpetchenik3048]

I’m in AR... even hotter🥴

[@livingthedream225]

I started putting hoops over my squash and covered with insect netting. Works 100 percent. You can take the netting off about mid summer.

[@msrobsonia]

How do they get pollinated?

[@daniellebradley2728]

I have been so frustrated with how the tulle I was using breaks down in the sunlight and consequently how much plastic is going into the landfill each year. Do you find that the insect netting lasts more than one year?

[@lynnb1226]

I was having the same problem, so this year I’m using old sheer curtain material. It’s working great and hasn’t developed any holes like the row covers do. Less expensive as well.

[@livingthedream225]

Ours is four years old and still in good shape.

[@justpatty7328]

Mid-summer as in when exactly? And what zone are you in? Thank you in advance. 😊

[@eileenhernandez6676]

You two are special! The way you equally honor each other & share in a balanced, non-competitive way is a true example of how a Christian marriage should be done. A lot of love shines through your eyes for the other. That is rare! Plus, you have a great channel.

[@joanies6778]

Best to get 100% "cold pressed" neem oil. I use pure castile liquid soap with the neem oil, which can be purchased at Walmart (over in bath products). They even have peppermint pure castile which is also a bug deterrent. I started spraying with a regular spray bottle, but it's not as effective as a sprayer with the long wand. I bought a sprayer on sale recently and what a difference! So much easier to get under the leaves.

[@racheljohnsen8209]

Thanks for this comment! My question was going to be is pure castile ok as the soup component.

[@learntocrochet1]

Peppermint castile - what a great idea!

[@joandanza]

Joanie S thank you for that information. I've put off buying neem oil because of the confusion. One KZbin video i was watching suggested not to use it in the heat of summer. I'm unsure because it's very hot, wil Neem oil burn my plants?

[@joandanza]

Joanie S thank you for that information. I've put off buying neem oil because of the confusion. One KZbin video i was watching suggested not to use it in the heat of summer.

[@joanies6778]

@@joandanza Use it late in the afternoon after the sun is down or early in the morning before it gets heated up. Yes, if you spray in full sun, it will burn your plants, as most anything wet on the leaves will burn in full sun. I have been using it on my plants this year with much success. Use the instructions on the bottle, which also tells you not to spray in the sun. I have found the 100% cold pressed at ACE Hardware and possibly at Walmart, too. I'm sure Walmart is cheaper. I live in the boonies, so if I can find it here, one of your garden supply shops should have it, or you can buy it on Amazon.

[@wendyb6446]

Live in a gated retirement community in NV, but came across your site, so subscribed. At 72 yrs old, it's not that I will ever do a garden but so entertaining and full of info. Thanks!

[@shadowgames4518]

Those squash bugs were killing me this year. They totally took out one whole section of my garden. I didnt want them to kill the rest of it so I did 2 things. I put up chicken wire around my garden beds and then went collecting frogs and toads and filled my garden beds with as many frogs and toads as we could find. They did a great job at cleaning up most of the problem. Then I pulled down the chicken wire to let the frogs out and now we laugh because our yard is full of frogs and toads, but we dont mind. :) After pulling the chicken wire down I now go out at least once a week and spray a solution of dawn dish soap and water. The bugs hate it so much they jump right off the plants. But I dont find it kills the bugs totally, I still chase those suckers down and drown them. The frogs and toads were my saving grace.

[@davelawson2564]

chickens love the bugs

[@shadowgames4518]

@@davelawson2564 I wish I had chickens. I live in a city that doesn't allow backyard chickens so I had to resort to frogs lol

[@heathergange5784]

That's hilarious. And also brilliant!

[@davelawson2564]

@@heathergange5784 Its one hell of a toady story ! Do you Toadally get it ?!

[@jenniferkorcek8723]

Try planting borage nearby 👍

[@Jay-jb8lb]

Good morning to you both. It's an inspiration to watch you both go through growth. Making videos on awesome things thank you so much y'all have a great and wonderful and blessed thing. From the Laurence Family

[@PlowAndPantryHomestead]

I was laughing about the bugs. We moved from Southern California to East Tennessee. It's like the bugs were the welcoming committee. 😂 A very persistent welcoming committee. Congrats on the good harvest you guys!

[@Nadeshiroo]

I live in East Tennessee also.

[@sarap8841]

lol Sorry to hear but great sense of humor.

[@feliciascraftyadventures4734]

Welcome to East Tennessee,our state bird is the mosquito! Lived in Knoxville my whole life, and summer is just the time for bugs! I'm fighting with squash bugs this year,and have pretty much just given up. Maybe next year will be better.

[@PlowAndPantryHomestead]

@@feliciascraftyadventures4734 😂😂😂. Thanks!

[@marybristol1064]

I'm in NE Tennessee also!

[@briannawestgate1422]

Thank you so much for all the amazing information. My husband and I made it our goal this year to be more self sufficient. Quail were our gateway animal, which then turned into chickens, and then meat rabbits. This has all happened over a period of 3 months and all our animals are thriving! There is no way we would have been able to do all this without the free information you all put out on your channel! We are amidst watching your gardening videos to help give us the wisdom we need to start our very first garden this year. There is no greater feeling than getting food right from your own back yard, and knowing your animals are healthy and treated well. So excited to raise our kids knowing where their food is coming from. Thank you again and God Bless ❤️

[@Judy-wv4mx]

Finally - I've been watching and waiting for Kevin's salt shaker. It won't be long until I take my salt shaker outside to my tomato plant. :)

[@tomdeschesne9391]

I have an old toteroad in back that im slowly filling in. I dump my manure along the top edge and plant my vines winter veggies there. I train them to go down the embankment. I plant the veggies quite thick. It is lined with trees on both sides. Late summer we go down to the road and keep the vines from going on the highway 40' away!! We dont care about pruning the vines. They climb the trees!! And yes we have pumpkins growing off the trees! After frost starts to knock back their leaves, we start at the road and work our way up the embankment. It is like Christmas. We wash and clean all the squash and pumpkins for winter storage. I know it sounds lazy. But it is a time saver when there is sooo much to do on the farm. I also plant my tomatoes under a certain tree. It is north of my garden and with the branches pruned just right to let the slanting summer sun at them. Northern Maine here. When frost hits, i get one more month of harvest out of mine. Other gardens are all cleaned up and im still making sauce every other night after work! God is awesome!!

[@brendagillespie1783]

Your garden looks amazing! Ours was overtaken by weeds this year, so we'd talked about using the black woven covering like you use. After seeing your gardens, I'm making that a priority for next year!!!

[@alanef4127]

What's different? All of a sudden your posts/videos are very crystal clear and almost as if you were on live TV! Whatever it is I can see the difference and its wonderful. Glad your garden is doing so well. Kevin, watch out when Sarah picks a couple of those huge tomatoes as they might be over the weight limit that she is allowed to lift!! Ha ha!!

[@imamansell]

I'm in San Tan Valley AZ and have been gardening in my backyard. Wow, I wish you were still in AZ, it is certainly unique gardening here!

[@elizajayne2757]

In Western PA, I tried growing squash late in the season instead of in the spring. It worked! Most people put everything in the garden in spring. This year was my "test garden" year. I'm just now harvesting green beans and yellow beans that have no damage from June bugs, etc. My zucchini have many squash that are almost ready to pick. Cabbages are tiny. Spinach isn't ready yet either. But the great thing is, NO PESTS! Oh, I forgot, I have beets and carrots that I'll harvest in a couple of weeks too. I'll always plant for a fall harvest from now on! Next year, cucumber seeds aren't going in the ground until the middle or end of July. I grow all organic and save seeds. I absolutely love your show. One other thing I do is I plant a crop of dill away from my main garden. This is for the butterflies. In their caterpillar stage they are destructive but beautiful and they LOVE dill. I don't disturb them, and they leave the rest of my garden alone. In the late summer I get to see something beautiful...BUTTERFLIES!

[@farmerdre1]

We already picked 9k lbs of tomatoes out of our high tunnels. Yall should look into getting a high tunnel!

[@robertorocha5495]

I love the acoustic guitar music you play in your videos. Very serene and appropriate for the content.

[@darlenewright5850]

The Lords bounty. Great stewardship! Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@Miss449686]

Sarah and Kevin your garden is gorgeous with big healthy plants. Well done.

[@jmbakkinator]

Hi! Regarding cucumber/zucchini type beetles, I’ve used Sevin spray just once early this season as soon as I saw one of those guys and haven’t seen any since. I live in Dover, NH and love your channel. I’m using the garden cloth system this year thanks to you!!!

[@lynnclark4208]

My husband used to take a salt shaker out to the garden for his snack. I would look out and there he'd sit on the edge of the garden snacking on cherry tomatoes. Good memories. 🙂

[@corynneperson275]

Thanks for this video. Im excited to see that you use some of the methods I've gleaned over the years (Epsom salt) I added neem oil and fish emulsion and chicken manure to my fertilizing regimen this year and they are working out well. I bought some BT last year but was hesitant about using it so thanks for that info. Im going to add the Jet Star to my tomato plan next year. The Celebrity is my go to type. I planted Pink Girl for the first time with AMAZING results this year. I took lots of notes!. I'm in the St. Louis area !

[@mk_78]

I watch all of your videos. I just wanted to say thank you for making the motions so steady. I tried watching a few other homesteaders and the video movement is all over the place and gives me motion sickness. Yours is the only one I can watch! Thank you!

[@mlm7598]

Gorgeous crops and yummyyyyyy looking! Tomatoes are my fav and I could just almost taste it as Kevin took a bite! BLT"s and yummmm So excited for you all and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Beautiful work and lots of hard work. So happy you can enjoy it all and share with the family! Blessings

[@rtjs14]

thank you for all the help you are giving me in growing my own garden. may God bless you for blessing all of us

[@maggiemay5510]

I want a tomato sandwich! Yours are so beautiful. Don't ya just love the smell of the plants ~

[@mimiohnine]

Yes!!!

[@paulaboynton8299]

Oh man! I love a tomato sandwich when the tomatoes are still warm from the sun.

[@58sewgood]

Lol thats the first thing i thought of was a mayo salt and tomato sandwich 🙂

[@wordvendor1]

Oh, yes!

[@wordvendor1]

@@paulaboynton8299 yes!

[@susanspencer9538]

You two are an example of what Jesus wants for all Marriage's 🤗you put a joy in my life & a ray of Sunshine in all your days. Thank you so so much for sharing. Please keep me in strong Prayers. I look forward to watching all your new up coming video's. They are so much fun to watch. Again Thanks for sharing. Your both so inspirational😢

[@daniellewoodward4728]

I am in southwest Florida and we have the squash/stink bugs too I haven’t found any spray that is affective but in my research and trial and error of gardening these bugs lay eggs in May and June so if you wait to plant the plants most effected by squash bugs you will avoid the problem

[@dianehall5345]

Danielle- That would work well if there is a long growing season. We are Zone 4B. I did stagger plantings and will see how is goes. Harvesting a heavy yield of Zephyr summer squash. They are beautiful squash, but yes, we are fighting the squash bugs for them! We are winning at the moment. The woven ground cover that Kevin & Sarah use has helped with weeding and going after those squash bugs.They can't hide under the plants as well...

[@alicedoucet5413]

@@dianehall5345 USE a floating net.check"Justin Rhoads"

[@daniellewoodward4728]

diane hall true I understand that would be impossible in a lot of zones without a greenhouse prior to living in Florida I lived in zone 5 a but I never had an issue with stink bugs there were a few but they never bothered my plants here they devoured my cucumber plants it was horrible but for some reason they are a lot less in fall

[@karonsluder9511]

Late July and early August and I am still finding squash bug eggs. I tear off that part of the leaf and put it in a gallon jug of water and dish soap....Japenese beetles and other catchable insects also go in the jug. Keep the lid on and keep i garden

[@craftingwithnathalie74]

I'm in southeast Florida 1st time gardening any suggestions would be helpful

[@sherrymull1728]

Squash bugs was a big big problem for us not only in squash but our pumpkins, with bore bugs.I live in North Carolina.I noticed you all have been doing better and better with your garden, want to say good job.

[@rdulaneyjr]

PS my wife is a born, bred and raised Missouri gal the best there ever was (for the last 40+ years anyhow)

[@bonnieward6378]

Hi guys I love your video’s i am old but you all brings me back to life my son and I have been talking about getting a freeze dryer i told him I would pay half for him to get us one again i Iove watching the two of you guys working together God bless you both yous just make my day

[@saltedorange]

Question: Do you cultivate your seeds from your more prolific plants to get a better harvest or just buy store seeds each year? Love your channel, keep doing what you're doing and god bless!

[@myperidot12]

I use marigolds and other plants to repels. Add them and let them grow along side veggies. When i do a harvest i would cut up a few if the marigolds leafs to mask the harvesting sent as well. I plant my marigolds first then plant my veggies. The squash get extra marigolds plants.

[@thomasdesmond2248]

Squash bugs you can use mint oil. They will stay away from the smell of mint. God bless

[@terririder4308]

This year I spray my Zucchini and cucumbers with peppermint oil everytime I prune them to mask the smell. It seems to have made a difference

[@wordvendor1]

Beautiful video!!! Thanks for sharing! Hope we get to see your parents before they leave! Hug em for me! I lost mine last summer - dad in June and mom in August - and I'm sure missing them. 💜

[@denisebozung126]

This year I planted my first garden in 20 years here in mid-Ohio. Unfortunately I got compost instead of soil for my raised beds and none of the greens (chard, kale, lettuces) grew. My tomatoes are not doing well, but that may also be due to planting them in grow bags with not enough soil. I have heavy clay so am doing everything in raised beds or containers. But I will try again. I really would love a great harvest like you get, even though there is only me to feed. Congrats on your successful garden. Stay safe.

[@cindybonem494]

Denise Bozung try adding gypsum a lot of gypsum it shouldn’t change the ph of your soil but it will change how the clay holds together do a Webb search on gypsum also Garden Answers has videos on this subject.

[@anne-marie9842]

i also grow vegetables in containers because of heavy clay soil and a hilly garden, and use the cheapest compost mixed with blood and bone. And sometimes also throw in a handful of dried sheep pellets. It seems to work well. I live in New Zealand.

[@michellerose6721]

Maybe the compost wasn't fully decomposed? If it was bagged it should have been good but sometimes bulk deliveries are still "hot" and can burn the plants. Just a thought☺

[@WinkTartanBelle]

You two are looking fabulous! Very fit and toned. Glowing skin and radiant hair. I can see a difference from your earlier videos. Hard work and clean living must suit you both to a T. So more than your garden is looking awesome. I've had no success with anything organic for squash bugs. Best I've been able to do is plant a bait crop. I feel your pain.

[@serobinson1]

Jobes also makes it organic fertilizer they sell it at Walmart. It’s around five dollars for a bag the size of what you had. I’ve used it for the last two years and it really does work well. Just another option in case You can’t find that one time

[@joanies6778]

I was unable to get the brand I had before, so I just bought the Jobe's organic fertilizer at Walmart, too. Definitely more affordable!

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

@@joanies6778 Yes to Jobes. Good all around fertilizer. NPK, 3-7-4 Tom and Veg. Important part is twice the Phosphorous, to Nitrogen. Not recommended for Beans or Carrots. Beans create their own Nitrogen, and Carrots will tend to be small and hairy (multiple roots) with a lot of leaf instead of root.

[@krickette5569]

Thanks for this video. I wrote everything down. I have already ordered the ground cloth you use as well as the Jet Star seeds I will plant next year. I talked my hubby into plowing up our bottom field the other day. It's the only one that isn't all clay from not until next Spring I will be amending the soil down there and next Spring I will be using that to expand and increase my production. I got the ground cloth for that area and that is where I will plant my Jet Stars.

[@billybass6419]

Oh, thanks for sharing. You have one of the most beautiful gardens I've ever seen. Been following the whole time.

[@lynnthompson4363]

You two are looking amazing, happy and healthy it's good to see, oh and all the animals are looking amazing also. Keep safe and well y,all........

[@traceybradshaw]

Love you guys - I get so excited every time you post. Your garden is just amazing this year 😍 so nice to see the beautiful weather while I’m sitting at home feeling the mid winter chill.

[@jojoply]

I love seeing all the critters. To God be the glory for such a bountiful harvest.

[@heidigilman1941]

I marigolds in among my gardens to help keep bugs away, the one year I didn’t I had much more bugs. I live in MN

[@stephaniekilpatrick1028]

We planted marigolds all through our garden this year and still had major issues with leaf hoppers and caterpillars and slugs

[@DonnaKohl458]

@@stephaniekilpatrick1028 use BT for caterpillars. Spray late in the evening.

[@robinlewisart_1997]

Wow your tomato harvest was awesome. Thank you for sharing your farm with us ❤️❤️❤️❤️ and for sharing what worked for you I'm your garden.

[@paulstarks7110]

Can you tell my wife Debby that she could move to MO. It would be ok! I want that garden!

[@JackieGreen71]

So far since moving here(MO), I have found the best thing for the bugs is the traps. Also allowing a trap crop of that glorious(sarcastic tone here) pigweed/amaranth SAVED all my beans and pepper plants! The bugs seem to prefer those even before my precious veg plants. I discovered that by accident when I got busy and didn't get to weeding fast enough to pull them. So I lived with ugly weeds thru June, then I pulled most of them(thankfully they pull easy enough) I did, however, leave some and the bugs still flock to them first. Saving my Cucumbers, Beans, Peppers, and even Corn plants from a lot of bug pressure(I also got blessed with Pink Lady Beetles on my corn). Now I(as a notation) DID grow my sweet corn in the woven weed fabric and I must say, that sure is nice :) So I am happy to swap notes come end of the season on whether y'all will want to do it next year, or just keep things the way you did it this year.

[@roneyhaymon4950]

I've had a lot of success usibg the epson salt and baking soda.

[@davelawson2564]

how much ? y baking soda ?

[@maryedmo7798]

Success with what? Great, inexpensive solution.

[@justpatty7328]

Yes, please explain in detail. Thank you 😊

[@gailpetchenik3048]

Baking soda? Is that for fungus? How much per gal?

[@janicehanson3263]

You should bathe in that solution.

[@masoudbarzin4663]

You two are the luckiest on earth, I wish I were you. God bless, from California

[@teresarodgers8233]

Check out Old Alabama Gardener on those squash bugs.

[@VaveeDances]

What GORGEOUS tomatoes! Here in the desert Southwest, I’ve already finished my tomato canning. Am planting some new tomato and cucumber seedlings for fresh fall eating. As always, I learn so much from you folks. Thank you.

[@mommabscrochetkitchen2439]

Beautiful tomatoes! Was so excited to hear y'all start talking about squash beetles then.....BAM! Disappointment.....all my zucchini died from those little buggers this year and still no solution (and hand picking doesn't work for growing 6 plants either ☹️) Thinking of skipping a couple of years and see if they just go away. I live in the city and no one in my immediate area has a garden. Every year they seem to get worse. Be blessed! And Sarah, you are looking so beautiful and healthy since your surgery! So happy for you!

[@ferengiprofiteer9145]

We gave up on squash/zucchini here in n/e Texas. Poison doesn't even help. We can make eggplants so, close enough.

[@dasroberts6811]

I planted jetstar for the first time using rabbit manure for fertilizer and I had wonderful results.The best tomatoes ever!

[@dazheart72]

For a quick kill, spray oil, something like pam. Swash bugs gone. Can spray at anytime

[@janethaffner896]

It's worth a try ! 😊

[@WMHhomestead]

It doesn’t burn the plant in the sun the next day?

[@dazheart72]

@@WMHhomestead i haven't had any problems, you can always do a test spot. If that make you feel better

[@dazheart72]

Spray on bugs

[@shannonstephens4245]

Like canola oil? what type of oil?

[@Tio683]

So informative!!!!! Although I'm not doing homestead, I learn so much about farming in general, gardening, plant care, produce management and so on!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@anitablades6033]

Okra is finger food if you cut the stem about 1" long. Then when you want to dip it in the batter use the longer stem. When there cooked you can use the stem to make it easy to eat!!!!!

[@mccarthymahem9672]

im in Victoria, Australia i'm loving your info and what you have to share ok we are at different stages in seasons but still the info is gold thank you both for sharing

[@angelamayrose8931]

My tomatoes did not do good at all this year . I'm guessing the heat above 90's everyday in SC . not one tomato

[@amandaforeman703]

Ya I had a terrible tomato year too :(

[@cityofoaks]

This was the first year we've had much luck with tomatoes (coastal SC). I've had to pollinate by hand but right now we've got more than we can eat (without cooking - I only have five plants, not enough to can).

[@angelamayrose8931]

Im in the Midlands . first year I've tried growing tomato since moving here 3 years ago . NY I always had a beautiful tomato plants

[@cityofoaks]

@@angelamayrose8931 last year I had beautiful, healthy plants but no fruit. This year I bought an electric toothbrush and started pollinating the blooms. It's been a complete game changer... we don't have as many bees to do the pollinating now. Sigh! The plants aren't as pretty this year but they are putting out the fruit. I hope your tomatoes start to produce!

[@philsla]

I had a bad year too!

[@eliseamiot5412]

I keep all our washed and dried eggshells, grind them up in a food processor and apply the grit liberally to all the squash and pumpkin plants when I transplant them outdoors. Seems to work, although maybe we don't have that huge a problem. I've also read that a thick mulch of hay will keep them from traveling between plants. I also plant them at opposite ends of the garden every year. Anyway, good luck!