Roots and Refuge FULL Farm Tour | Spring 2023

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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WHERE TO FIND US (Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we'll receive a small commission but the price remains the same - OR BETTER - for you! Be sure to check for any mentioned discount codes.)
- Our Website: rootsandrefuge.com
- Sign up for our newsletter: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-signup
- Join our Patreon to get early access to podcasts and other information, plus monthly LIVES with me and Miah: / rootsandrefuge
- Abundance+ (Grab a FREE 7-day trial): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-wilder-...
- Shop our Stickers & Shirts: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-shop
- Order my first book, "First Time Gardener": rootsandrefuge.com/yt-ftgbook
- Order my second book, "First Time Homesteader": rootsandrefuge.com/first-time...
- Instagram: roots_and_refuge
- Facebook: / rootsandrefugefarm
- Email Us: [e-mail]
- To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
- To have a gift sent to our house from our Amazon wishlist: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
- To support us through PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/jessi...
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge.com/butcherbox
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
#rootsandrefuge

[@alexisd8190]

Sitting here as a 19yr old with big dreams of owing a homestead here in England, your videos never fail to inspire and educate me. Watching this video not only allows me to see what could be but also opens my eyes as to how I would operate and create a space that allows both the animals and the land to thrive. Thank you for bringing light to my days and creating these videos for us to enjoy and take refuge from the crazy of the world. You have done so much in two years and I can't wait to continue the journey with you from a far! Take care of yourselves, love from England.

[@roseveldnyangoni2084]

Do you already have land or you’re hoping to buy some?

[@myhappyplacehomestead8727]

It was such a blessing to meet you at baker creek today!! You're videos are the best antidepressant ever created. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and my little Chloie. She is your biggest fan 😉

[@brittanydotson6145]

Rory and Jess were amazing speakers together and actually getting to meet Jess after was amazing! Of course I froze up and didn’t even say anything 😆

[@myhappyplacehomestead8727]

The moment I saw her my kids were like mom are you ok cause I got so excited.

[@rhondacave938]

Loved meeting her--Can't wait to watch her videos

[@courtneylee2187]

My lil Chloes been watching her videos since she was a newborn ❤❤❤

[@haleighbartlett8642]

COW-CALUS 😂😂 Seriously though, Jess. I’m so excited to see the farm grow and see all of your dreams come to life!

[@carlagustka325]

The snapping turtle geese situation made me laugh audibly while gardening 😂 thank you.

[@torinoelle7215]

“Cow-culus” is the funniest thing I’ve heard all day!

[@janeshaw24]

Giving your younger boys that lifestyle has to be the most satisfying thing ever ❤❤😂 Boys are funny

[@Katsimagination21]

Jess, not sure if anyone has commented this, or you probably know, that the baby goslings will be food for that alligator turtle , PLEASE keep,a,watch on them if they make their way to your pond ❤ and as always thanks for being you 😊

[@hollys1498]

Is so wonderful to live vicariously through you, your family and your farm. Thanks so much.

[@ilenehorowitz3060]

I can't believe what you have accomplished in 2 years. Miah is quite a visionary when it comes to structures and you are when it comes to the garden. What a combo!!

[@silver_threads]

Heading out asap to get Visual Thinking from my library! I am a retired intervention specialist and so loved working with my students with Autism. I have also been blessed with a couple of grandchildren who have Autism. Temple Grandin has been a great source for my growth as a teacher. Can't wait to read this! You never disappoint with your bits of wisdom and joy and resources!

[@renie847]

Thank you Jess for the walk and the sounds of your beautiful farm. You and your family are such a blessing to me.

[@annemorris8434]

You two amaze me! You’ve accomplished so much, so quickly! Thanks for such a Comprehensive video.

[@ginnysulya9805]

Happy Resurrection Day! Enjoyed this tour and update on the Farmstead! Also the partnerships with your neighbors and the community for the future! Always exciting to hear about all that is coming! 🙌💖😊

[@Homestead_Adventures717]

Happy Easter! My girlfriend and I love your channel and I must say it is refreshing to hear to that there are more than enough to go around after harvest.

[@allenfarm]

I know longer videos take longer to edit and may not get the best views as a whole. But these videos are therapy to me. It's like talking to a friend. Since I don't watch much TV or spend a lot of time on other YT channels; longer videos I can relax and just listen.

[@jeas4980]

So educational! I love that you go through the details of the costs, the needs, the "why" behind the set up and the plans for expansion and pulling back. It's a true resource for us. Much love and many blessings this beautiful day of rebirth. A story and plan so powerful... God told the story in nature itself! 🙏💚

[@GoingGreenMom]

So nice to have farm tours again!

[@takishasage-freebeautyzone]

Thanks for the update. You guys have done a tremendous amount of work over the past 2 years! It's inspiring ❤.

[@HallLiving]

Y'all have come such a long way! My heart just jumps for joy for you and your family and where yall are in your season of life. Please keep educating people about food. But, the videos that you have started sharing and talking about God and your relationship with him and how he guides you absolutely warms my heart. Please keep doing what you are doing and walking in the blessings of God!

[@samanthahoos9827]

Obviously you know you’ve created a dream homestead for many, but my heart jumps with joy at all the blessings God’s given your family! Your videos lift spirits, ward off depression moments and sharing your talents with others is passing on blessings to us all. Thank you! 😊. I’m planting potatoes today no potting up pepper and tomato seedlings, but I love to listen to your podcasts as I work to keep motivated.

[@mhcmhco]

you and miah admiring each other--- so cute. relationship goals for sure.

[@TracyFriel-kw3ye]

Love watching you and your family!

[@michellebalaz1343]

You missed inspiration in your list of what the farm sells!!!! You and your family inspire us all with your content, no matter at what point we are in our life and gardening journeys 🥰🥰🥰

[@doulacoach6801]

💯❣❣❣

[@Growbacktoyourroots9]

Amen

[@kellysflippinlife2682]

In your sheep and brooder barn on the wall it says Sing Beulah. Beulah was my mom's name and this made me happy . I lost my mom when I was 29, she was only 54.

[@Heather_At_The_Ridge]

Thanks so much for this Jess. We are just closing in on our first full year on 58 acres. We’ve already got our orchard planted and four beds with garlic and perennial food plants. This week we have been working to build my greenhouse (an absolute necessity in Canada 🇨🇦 in my opinion) and I will soon be breaking ground on my veggie gardens. I appreciate your thoughts on planning.

[@RKmarie2011]

Your turkeys look great Jess! I love seeing the pigs and the whole farm today, thank you!

[@sandieweatherup]

Benjamin sure is growing up. I almost confused him for one of your other sons because his hair hair is darkening. So sweet to see y'alls relationship.

[@jmac9199]

Thank you for sharing so happy for you and your family and seeing the progress you’ve made, making real food‼️🥰👍🏾

[@adventuringtheeveryday]

You are such a blessing to Jacq and I.. we look forward to our visit with you via videos nightly.

[@rayofsunshine3697]

Happy Easter!!! He has RISEN!!!! 50 minutes with Jess, the garden, & the animals. YES PLEASE. 😊😊

[@julie-annepineau4022]

So amazing to see everything that you have achieved in 2 years. Interesting to see the redirections from the old space now that you have such lush pastures as well.

[@FisherPriceless]

Hope you had a blessed Resurrection Day celebration today! Looking forward to watching this video with the family! -Nicki

[@d14551]

Thank you for this very interesting, comprehensive tour of your farm. You and Miah have done so much in these last two years.

[@arlinerobertson6377]

He is risen! 🙏

[@sistermarieskitchen]

I want to thank you for the clarity this video has given me. We are in the late planning stages of doing a family farm. Thanks to your explanation of set up reality is even closer.

[@debbiearthur6660]

Great video, I really enjoy the farm and garden tours. I'm excited to see the store project again and the coffee shop. I'm hoping to plan a trip to visit once these get done. Thank you for the tour!

[@stephanieg5195]

Happy Easter, He is Risen! I enjoyed your video and hearing all that y’all are doing. I find myself being very happy for you and your family living out your dreams!

[@kathleen2460]

Jess, It would really love to see an aerial view of your farm layout. It's hard for me to comprehend where everything is. Also, I would like to see the actual layout of the barn. We are currently planning out a new farm space in Kentucky, and we are looking for ideas. It is about 30 acres.

[@lindanelson8969]

Love your dress. Cut flower bed as a welcome at the frount of your property is a great idea. Love it. ❤❤

[@turtle2212]

Wow, you have come really far the past 2 years despite you becoming sick! You are doing a wonderful job and I enjoy your vlogs so much, thank you!

[@zoe0abundant]

I'm curious to hear more about your fruit trees (or bushes or any nut trees), what kinds, why you located them where you did, why you chose certain fruits or varieties, etc.

[@Sky-Child]

This would be an interesting video.

[@roosdriesse2209]

Your communitywork is a blessing 🪄💟👩‍🌾

[@JeanneKinland]

We get fresh dairy milk and eggs from a local farm that works on a system called, "on your honor". They have a jar that you put your money into. There is a security camera and once in a while the owner will be sitting out there to greet the customers. It's really nice and clean. Their meat is kept in a locked freezer and they have to get that out for you.

[@janeskinner3497]

What part of nebraska?

[@JeanneKinland]

@@janeskinner3497 SE corner

[@barbaralopez7921]

He is risen! Happy Easter everyone. Thank you Jessica for putting a video today. Everything looks beautiful. So much hissing towards the turtle from the geese.

[@phyllisbruce213]

The Lord is risen indeed!

[@MissBetsyLu]

Happy Easter. Many blessings to all of you/us.

[@roxannegray2796]

He is risen indeed!

[@tommielourogers4327]

I went to a Tennessee college that had a big pond filled with Muskovy ducks, and at least one very large, snapping turtle that used to hunt underwater for the ducks with babies and come up and snatch the babies from underneath which caused the students to throw rocks at the turtle. So I don’t blame your geese at all for hissing at the turtle, they can be pretty dangerous into both domestic and wildlife on the pond.

[@MissBetsyLu]

@@tommielourogers4327 I agree. My Dad used to tell me they will bite off the teets of milk cows if allowed in same pond.

[@cindymccarty4454]

It’s amazing what you have achieved in a years time. God bless. Happy Easter 🐣

[@blessedabundance6266]

I just Love everything going on your property right now.... it seems Very Well Thought Out. And you make ALL THIS look flawlessly even tho we all know it is NOT ! Blessings and Abundance ❤🙏

[@gaylewatkins4685]

Fantastic farm tour and your farm is already so lovely and we'll planned out. 💕💕

[@gaylehill6165]

Did I hear you say you made very cowculated decisions on your cows? Love it… guess that’s one of the steps in cowculus!

[@SimplyHappyHomestead]

Happy Easter to you and your family. I hope you guys had a day or blessings and much worship and reflection. God bless. Thank you for the amazing tour.

[@barbaramix1683]

You have made great progress. I can hardly wait to see what you will do in 2 more years.

[@Sandfarm]

Wow! You have done so much in the short time you’ve been there! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@donnabalisle2645]

Hey Jess, Sat in yours & Rory talk at Bakers Creek. Wanted to come up say hi, but was too many people & with all walking those hills, my back & knee are weak I was afraid I might fall if I got up to talk to you. I was just as happy to see & hear You & Rory. Tulips were beautiful! Didn't get to go to seed store to log of line. Was with my husband & he's not Myia! But he did come out today!! Have fun the rest of your time here in Missouri! I live in Ozark, Mo want to get some of those blue peas you talk about.

[@alisharhc]

In reference to about the 17 minute mark.. I can confirm... I only have 3 sons (15, 8, and 2).... VERY HUNGRY! I cannot imagine the amount of food I would need for 5!!

[@livmegargle5420]

What a fun update! I’m curious how many acres of Papa T’s property you all are utilizing on top of your 27? It’s eye opening to see how many acres it really takes to maintain what you do! Even on the gardening side - it’s a lot of garden space. I realize your purposes are different than most of ours but dang! Love the way you share and your content. It’s so much great information Jess!

[@erikas974]

Hope you all had a fantastic Easter🐇🐰🥚🥚😇🐄🫂🌏🐨🦘

[@Kathy_StrawberrySpiritsHome]

What a wonderful way to end this wonderful day! So happy to have met you at Baker Creek and to have shared such a beautiful hug. Thank you for sharing your energy. And now I'm watching a farm tour! Much love and many blessings m'dear!

[@meggo329]

Hey Jess I have been watching for a long time you helped me start to garden. I'm getting married this year and I finally figured out what part of the guest gifts should be Seeds of course gardening like marriage is hard work but with time and effort and patience you reap the rewards. I'm thinking one flower perhaps bachelor buttons and one veggie something easy for people to try to grow for their first time but is unique

[@MissBetsyLu]

So interesting to hear of your wedding. Maybe listing 4 or 5 plant/seed sources and recommended choices. Then they could give gift certificates and what the purchaser thought would be a good gift.

[@MissBetsyLu]

For guest gifts, bush beans are easy. Carrots aren't always easy but so pretty on seed packet. Beets, radishes are more color. Marigolds are easy and colorful.

[@kovacs-barabasboglarka9480]

We once received wild flower seeds at a wedding as gifts. It was wonderful, i was over the moon about it.

[@jodibillingsley]

We did seeds for our wedding!

[@magsstewart5488]

Geese hissing is the funniest thing to me!

[@belieftransformation]

Wondering, thorough tour; thanks for sharing the many achievements of the past 2 years! All your hard work has gotten your family a wonderful farm! Blessings to all 🤗💜🇨🇦

[@RebekkahTheBand]

thanks for sharing! i love how patient and strategic yall are. very inspiring. 🙂

[@candicesmith8543]

Beautiful... I have always wanted a little summer kitchen off from the house to do veggies, grilling, fish fry, family fun, etc...

[@bluepassionrose9086]

So glad I got to watch ya from the other farm to this one and how much u have grown! True inspiration

[@lynnpasteris4362]

Thank you for the tour of your farm. Love how peaceful it seems. So many places to go to just sit ad take a deep breath. Beautiful. Seems like a lot of work but so worth it! God bless to you all.

[@julliefillippi8155]

Those turtles make excellent eating. Turtle soup yum!

[@tamararoberts9307]

Wow y'all are building a paradise I've been dreaming about my whole life❤ the fruitions from your visions are so beautiful 😍 may God always bless y'all you beautiful people 💗

[@patburgard2115]

I just really enjoy all your videos,so nice to see you getting your health back!❤😊

[@1HappyPatty]

Oh this was a lovely visit, sister. I'm looking forward to Miah's discussion about future plans...

[@robinjohnston8180]

Congratulations on your two-year anniversary!

[@MissJens]

Happy Easter, Jess and family!!

[@melissakasner9722]

❤it's so beautiful I can only wish I had what you all have

[@dancnluc1]

Happy Easter to you and your family! Great tour. The place looks wonderful.

[@kelliecorum5427]

❤ TFS !

[@debrabray8855]

Wow....y'all have done so much in such a short time. What a beautiful farm.

[@kimclayton7728]

So happy to see this video this evening!! I’m going to up pot tomatoes while I watch.

[@angelasmith4286]

Ues the tallest tree on treeline so bees can fine there way back home. This is important. At base of tree is a good shady spot. Next to open feild too.

[@hereiknowmyself-jeaniealks377]

Just wow! I’m excited for what’s to come and in awe of what you’ve accomplished!

[@WildHeartsHomesteadSC]

I still have not started any flower seeds. I think I will just try to direct sow them this year. Love the whole farm tour!! It gets my creativity and dreaming going 🤩

[@regor4830]

I really enjoyed this video tour of your farm. Please give us more.

[@manometians]

Happy Easter!🐰💖🐰 Can’t believe it’s been 2 years already!

[@francesahrens1578]

What a great tour😃! You have learned about and accomplished so many things over really such a short time - I don’t know how you are still among us!

[@WildOrchardOasisFarm]

You've done so much!!! We've been on our new homestead 2 years at the end of May and also made a few trips before the move in. I'm probably almost old enough to be your mama so we're moving a little slower but I'm so happy with all we've done. I wish we had a body of water on our homestead in NW Arizona. Your homestead is beautiful!

[@wendyrotchstein98]

Howdy neighbor! Well I’m in southern Arizona but hi!

[@TeacherMom80]

My dearly beloved grandmother, Marlene Provencal-Josephson ("Bebe") used to wake up every morning, thank God she did, and say, "Thank you, God, for another day. Always guide me, Lord, I pray." ...I'm not nearly as graceful. I tend to pop-up in bed & raise my hand like Im late for class, with my eyes still closed & say, "Here I am! Let's do this!" (Like a Home Depot commercial 😆) "Show me the way!" God be with you & yours, Patara. Keep going. Peace be with you all. Happy Easter! 💖🙏🏼🕊

[@Familyhavenhomestead]

I have dairy goats chickens quail duck and a kune\potbelly cross (not for consumption❤️) on 2.78 acres. I did not realize Turkeys required an enclosed coop. Thanks for letting us know that. They are next on our list. I love every video. I am in SC about 2 hours from Batesburg. Can’t wait for a homestead store in our state. Your farm is beautiful.

[@judydrouhard2651]

You guys have done an amazing amount in two short years. And that’s an understatement! 🥰

[@janicegilman7672]

Happy Easter to the Sowards family!

[@katesterly547]

And now I need a nap. All of these plans just have me exhausted! And just so you know I'm glad there are others that will remind you to make that tape in two years. Because in two weeks I will probably forget it if it last that long. Happy Easter. Be well, stay safe, love from Texas.

[@MissBetsyLu]

@kate Many blessings to all of you.

[@alicerossleon4313]

One year out! I don't know if I will remember to remind you in another year😂❤

[@TheFamilyFarmstead]

I love seeing the progress your family has made. Hard to believe it’s been almost 2 years. My family has purchased our forever land. Hoping to apply some of your advice and ideas over the next 2 years. We are working on infrastructure at this point. My mind is constantly swirling with idea. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@vahlla78]

Living the dream ❤ Everything looks wonderful. We had to leave our dream farm that we started due to my home being full of mold from a hurricane. It caused me major health problems that I’m still dealing with. We hope to build a new home there and pick up where we left off. It’s hard work but sooooo worth it!

[@carissalizotte8977]

You guys are the best! 🥰🫶🏼 Your farm is just such a heaven… I totally understand how “woowed” you get with it! You all deserve every inch of success etc. hard work and intention pays off! Thanks for the update tour! 💚🙌🏽

[@Kelleena1on1]

Impressive , Jess ty Jesus .

[@larkendelvie]

I'd love a review of your utilities -- like where you get water from for humans, animals and plants, electricity, heat, internet, etc. Also would be good to know of any items you grow specifically to feed back into the system, like clover etc.

[@debinbc]

Nate and Katie Kramer of Kramer life just got a patch of land worked up for a garden their neighbor is helping with tractor and tilling 👍 they are working towards the same things you guys are🥰💕🙏

[@lcostantino7931]

very NICE tour.....I remember when u moved in July going straight thru ATL GA on rt 20....lived not far from there n kept my fingers crossed no accidents before u got thru....sweet....best wishes.....

[@dawnpleasant2319]

Thank you for the tour! It's educational and entertaining! Everything is coming together beautifully.

[@dhansonranch]

Looking good! I like the idea of another in ground garden - it gives a place for more peas and sunflowers, but it gives you an opportunity to rotate your potatoes through there as well. Giving pigs and chickens milk definitely deals with extra milk - My Dad (84) tells that they gave milk to pigs and chickens almost daily. I get Berkshire and they have a nice fat/meat ratio. Nothing wrong with turkeys in pens.... I know I have said it before, but I love that barn. You have clearly thought this all through. Good video Jess! Thanks for sharing.

[@wandamacpherson8733]

Hey Y’all Jesica, Love your linen dresses and shirts.

[@GARDENSTATEGARDENER]

Wow look at that turtle wow SO cool to have a worm hotel

[@clm3436]

Our kitty was very confused by the farm sounds☺️ she came running into my arms as if to say "Mama, mama, there's a rooster in the house‼️"😉

[@seedrootsprouts2290]

How does one find much less afford 27 acres of virgin land these days. At 60, I’ll just have to live vicariously through you.