How to Teach Gardening to Beginners

If you know people in your life who want to learn to garden, it's so helpful to be able to teach them. Knowing what they need to know, what they don't need to know, and giving them just the right amount of information to keep them from getting too overwhelmed.
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Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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Leesville SC 29070
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge...
Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge...
ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge...
Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge...
#rootsandrefuge

[@BradfordHomestead]

I stepped out last year and did this: I made a post on Facebook to my friends, saying, if they were going to start a garden, let me help them. Let me start the seeds. Let me grow them up until they’re ready. Let me harden them off. You get your spot ready and I’ll bring you the plants. Approximately 15 families jumped on! It was a little overwhelming, but we did it! I helped each family if they needed it with advice throughout the summer. The pink boar tomatoes and cucumbers made an amazing side dish for a gender reveal party, one of the families hosted. I smiled as I spooned that onto my plate, knowing I had a small part in it. I used solo cups for starts and bought large trays at dollar tree. You can do it too! I would never have had the courage if it were not for this channel. Thank you Jess!!! ❤🤟🙌

[@sharongraybeal4804]

What a blessing you were!!!

[@phyllisbruce213]

Awesomeness!

[@pathoward5721]

That’s amazing love ❤️ this!

[@katiaramirez9827]

What and amazing idea! Thank you for reminding us how powerful we are and how much we can positively impact our communities if we think outside of the box and are a little brave!

[@nikkid1038]

I absolutely love this!! What a kind heart u have. Keep it up! You will be blessed ❤

[@Joyfulfarmer]

My mother who is 65 is growing food for the first time this year. It is contagious without having to be pushed. Start with the people in your circle, or gardening FB groups in your area. I never expected to be a mentor, but I love it as much as I love the garden itself! 💚💚🌱🌱

[@mlee7037]

I have shared seeds with my students and school staff now for four years. I had a student ask me last week if it was time to plant the flowers yet. 😊 I love it!!❤

[@Joyfulfarmer]

@@mlee7037 that’s so wonderful!!

[@SignsForSustenance]

If you or your friends/family would like access to learning gardening in American Sign Language please point them to my seed starting video 😁

[@cuznclive2236]

I taught my 2.5 year-old granddaughter how and when to harvest tomatoes and zucchini this past summer. Toward the end of the season I began asking her "Are they ready?" as a post-teaching test. Her replies ranged from yes, to no, to NOOOOOO!!! as you might expect as a child's reaction. She was spot-on every time! We plan to work with sowing seeds in trays for her third birthday in March. Hoping not too many "squirrels" pass by during the lessons. Y'all be well, and feed the soil!

[@shelshele]

Hey look a squirrel syndrome lol

[@sharonknorr1106]

Would like to say that Jessica's book is one of the very best, if not the best, for a beginner. I am an experienced gardener, but bought her book anyways. Did learn a few things and the photography is spectacular, which is enough for me. But while reading it, I was saying to myself, "this is exactly what I would share with a beginner." She includes some basic, but really important, information not found easily or at all in other books, of which I have many.

[@leewillis2908]

I totally agree. A nearby church invited me to be part of a teaching team. I’m just trying to overcome my insecurities. I love what Jess said about not needing to set ourselves up as experts. I realized that’s one of the things that has drawn me to Jess. She’s real.

[@justgoodness333littlehomes5]

BOOGER WEEDS, shall forever be part of my gardening vocabulary from this day forth. 😃

[@jeremiahthelion]

This video posted right before my gardening small group 😂 I have been leading this group for two years now, and the best advice I can give is to let people see you try and fail, because that encourages them SO much. When they've seen me lose an entire flat of seedlings but keep going and start another, it really breaks off that fear of failure for them. They know if a plant dies, they're still a gardener! And it helps YOU know that even if you fail, you're still a teacher! ❤️

[@rebeccanagel1036]

As Master Gardener (which is truly training to be shared with others) since 2001 I just want you to know how much I love to watch your videos. The joy you get from gardening growing things and sharing that with others is inspirational for so many up and coming gardeners. Keep doing what you're doing. You truly are a blessing to others Jess.

[@homesteadinginthevalley]

Ive gardened many years now but learned the most important lesson or piece of advice last summer. I started seeds for the first time on a major scale. I was overwhelmed by multiple projects and let my tomatoes get too leggy and it was late June in Virginia zone 6b. I was going to throw them away and buy starts. I reached out to a honesteading group on FB to ask advice. They said just plant them!! It was simple advice. Stop being ruled by fear of failure and just do it!!! I had the best crop ever!!! Of course all by the grace of God!!

[@wendycherry1784]

Jess, I cannot express how appreciative I am for you. My dream for a few years now is to turn our family farm from just simply food independence for my family to actually a small business. I have dreamed and planned or a few years now. One part of that dream was classes to educate my community. I have posted photos of our farm projects on my personal FB page, whether it be making butter, processing hogs, etc. They always get a good response. One of my passions has been teaching homesteading skills to others, especially our younger generation. This year I finally said, "There is a time to dream and plan, but then there is a time to put those plans and dreams into practice. So yesterday I had my daughter help set up a separate FB page for our farm. And I immediately scheduled and posted a seed starting class. I have followed your journey for a few years now. After taking a leap yesterday with scheduling a class, I come on this morning and the first thing I see is this video. It is confirmation that what I am doing is the right thing. We may not have anyone sign up. But I am hopeful, and I will not give up even if they don't this first time. Thank you for being such an inspiration for me. Please be in prayer for our small farm and my family as we branch out on this new part of our story. Side note: My husband got me tickets to the Homestead Festival this year. I was most excited about you being one of the speakers. I cannot wait.

[@jimshirey2293]

Watching you build a garden in a kiddie pool was my inspiration to get back into gardening last spring. I grew green beans, Roma tomatoes, radishes, basil and parsley all in totes and was able to can 12 quarts of spaghetti sauce this fall...so excited to get started again this year because of your motivation. Thank you Jess, Beth 🥰

[@flowershopdazejennybehling2615]

I have been teaching gardening, growing, floral design and horticulture for years. Love this video! Thank you! I always give my students a list of resources as a reference sheet for continuing their education....in the past three years it has included you and Roots and Refuge ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@biggestlittlehomestead]

I have the words “fail forward” tattooed on my arm because my grandfather said it to me quite often. I love that you use those same words 🥰 I’m managing a community garden this year in addition to my home garden and our offsite garden. In total I’ll be overseeing almost 3k feet of garden, and I’m so excited to share.

[@tashapickett1085]

This is going to be my second year of gardening. I actually found your book at my local library and you are one of the reasons I got really excited about gardening. Your book was very encouraging. Thank you for helping me.

[@growingonlessthantwo]

Divine timing, between your life & mine.. I was asked a couple of weeks ago by a friend to teach a small seed starting class at a local library. I agreed, nervously. I have never taught a class on anything, in my whole life, but here I am agreeing to show strangers what I know about gardening - which is not extensive. This video arrived at the perfect time, and you gave the perfect advice. I'm feeling much more confident & excited to teach my community how to grow food

[@virginiabur2653]

Had to watch this twice to absorb all of its awesome info! I’ve been gardening for 40 years, but this year will be very different. I’m turning my backyard into a mini food forest. I’m studying permaculture and hoping to inspire my neighbors to start their own gardens. I love your passion for sharing your knowledge, Jess. This video is exactly what I needed to affirm my desire to do the same 💕

[@toniajones3572]

I'm a pool tech by trade and one of my customers about 5 years ago asked me if I would be willing to help her out at her house for like 2 hours every couple weeks outside just helping her maintain her very nicely landscaped yard and minor things because her daughter didn't want her doing things like getting on a ladder to trim some of her roses and she was finding she just couldn't do all of her planting and weeding by herself anymore after her husband passed. Well I started my 1st garden last year thanks to your channel and Inspiration (and Jill's channel) come to find out through helping this customer of mine that she actually has a degree in horticulture and her and her late husband were in the rose society for over 20 years. She has become a huge mentor for me who I can just text or call on a whim and ask questions and bounce ideas off of. You never know who you will find. I've even been helping my mom at her house in her garden after watching you channel and I've been teaching her stuff and she has been gardening for 35 years

[@chelseyrhodes2114]

This video brought me to tears and once again, as you always do, inspired me! You and your videos taught me atleast 90% of everything I know about gardening. I will never forget that I found your “when to harvest” video when searching for when to harvest cucumbers when I grew my first garden. Now after sharing my gardening efforts and results, several people I know have decided to grow their first gardens and ask me questions. I always share what I know and if I don’t know, I say “I actually have no idea, but I’m going to research that, because if you had the issue I may deal with that in the future too and I need to know.” Seeing the effect of me spreading the gardening bug is just so beautiful and really gets to me, I’ve never had such a great feeling ever! And I AM NO EXPERT. I just choose to share what I do know! It really makes me see the power in small things done by small people.

[@Amy-ks6ku]

Thanks Jess! It's one thing to harbor knowledge - about anything - but it's entirely another thing to be able to give that knowledge in a meaningful way to a willing recipient. Teaching is an art, thankfully one that any Human Being can do. It's inherent to our nature as living, breathing children of the Living Father. Funny thing is once you begin teaching someone else, your own horizons expand in ways you never imagined and that's something we can see all over your face! Thank you for your hard work and for caring for Humanity. Carry on soldier!

[@MarthaHenry1]

Roots and Refuge is a resource for our students in the school garden club. Thank you, Jess!

[@EhGardenerGuy]

I decided to become a Master Gardener because I love to garden and get joy in sharing my knowledge of gardening. I don't know everything but I know how to find the information.

[@ramblinrosecottage5983]

I was preparing my desk with all the necessary things to begin the most dreaded yearly task...taxes when I noticed you have posted a new video. Even though I didn't think this one applied to me, I never pass the opportunity to watch an R&R video....and to procrastinate in doing my taxes. lol. But dang it if you didn't inspire me, once again. I love the pig story at the beginning because it is so true. The pig eats the rotten food you give them, they poop out the seeds, and viola, next year you have a new garden! Neither one of my kids share my passion for gardening. They both appreciate it, but they aren't passionately obsessed like I am, and that's been a bit of a disappointment because I really have no one to share my passion with in real life. You got me to thinking about how I might be able to share my love of gardening and teach others how to garden. The ideas are germinating in this old brain of mine. Time will tell if any of them bear fruit. Thanks for giving me a nudge.

[@FaithfulFarmstead]

Mulching! YES! I use my grass clippings throughout the season to mulch my garden and then “put it to bed” with dried leaves in the fall for the winter. Chip drop is also a great resource for free wood chips! As a Mom of two littles, mulch is a lifesaver!

[@michepatrick]

I found you (like so many others) during the 2020 lockdown. My first seed starting attempt was late winter 2019. TOTAL failure :) Your videos and amazing teaching abilities inspired me to try again. In 2020, I started seeds again with your guidance. EVERY seed variety I started thrived. That summer I grew tomatoes, peppers, various flowers, ground cherries, baby watermelon, chamomile, and potatoes. And yes, now I'm the person others come to for gardening advice. My garden saved me during that difficult time. Thank you for your passion, teaching skills, and for continuing to do the work you do!

[@pathoward5721]

Gardening 👩‍🌾 is like therapy…..it heals the soul 😊😊😊

[@commonlaw5400]

Congratulations! I've been gardening for 18 years and have failed at carrots,broccoli and brussel sprouts for three years straight. I'm not giving up. Every "failure" is a learning experience.

[@leewillis2908]

I’ve been gardening for many, many years. I tried growing onions, year after year and always failed. I kept at it and this past year grew a lovely crop of onions. I was so thrilled!

[@emilyk1160]

“Please stop identifying yourself with failure” wow. I needed that this morning!!

[@hollyhurd9208]

I just gave my daughter in-law some seeds for her to grow in her kitchen window. It felt great that she wants to start to grow. Made me smile 😃 when I taught her a few things.

[@jenniferhoy7544]

GREAT INFORMATION!! 💕. I have been gardening myself at home for 18 years and am still learning!! I love this because even seasoned gardeners need reminding of this!! Thank you Jess!!

[@Joyfulfarmer]

The best way to learn is doing. Part of dispelling the mystery is letting people physically participate in the process. I walk people around my garden and they take it in. Show them how to start the seeds, water the seeds, but let them do it too! Encourage them to start, get their hands dirty, and ask questions as they go!

[@christiscamelotgardens47]

I have been gardening in some way or another my entire life, yet I still feel like a beginner every season! I think to stop learning and assume that you know everything there is to know is a mistake. I try new things every year and encourage people around me to grow whatever they can with whatever space they have. Tower gardens, aeroponics, and greenstalks are fantastic ways to grow food without a lot of space. And before those were a thing, I used to just grow in flower pots on friends' and neighbors porches and windowsills. I'll never forget growing peppers and tomatoes in 1/2 whiskey barrels on a pet sitting client's back porch when I was in high school and I didn't have the space

[@rainwaterrefugehomestead2267]

Hosting my (5th?) Seed swap this morning!! And that's because of YOU! Thanks for being so awesome :)

[@marlaherrington5320]

I've grown up with gardening but learn something new every year. I love to garden, I'm learning how to garden with disabilities now it's hard but I refuse to quit trying. Love your videos.

[@pathoward5721]

God Bless you sweetheart ❤❤❤

[@belieftransformation]

Great guidance, Jess; thanks for sharing! My daughter & her partner bought an acreage with huge greenhouses last year! What an adventure of learning! I’ve never processed so many tomatoes in my life! She & her daughter started all the plants in her basement with grow lights (Canada) & was very successful, while working full time, with a family. It gave my granddaughter & my son some new experiences keeping the plants alive & harvesting. I even helped harvest some wonderful strawberries, tomatoes, peppers & green beans (I’m in my 7th decade). Blessings to all 🤗💜🇨🇦

[@gypsymiller3683]

I grew up on a farm in zone 7 with hundreds of acres. Avoided growing veggies for decades when I lived in apartments, but I had tons of house plants. None of the above prepared me for trying to grow food in my current tiny backyard with very heavy clay. Zone 8b. In 4 years, I've gone from trying to grow tomatos and other things in grow bags in the only sunny spot available, to having the 80 ft tree cut down that was blocking the sun, designing and building a potager garden and adding 6 greenstalks because the new beds couldn't hold everything I was trying to grow. Everyone says "you will fail", and I'll admit that it feels like failure when something doesn't sprout, or grow where you put it, or the bugs get more of your harvest than you do. But, I'd like to change that concept. Every so-called "failure" has taught me something. (Some things that a seed packet says need full sun actually do better with a little afternoon shade in my garden in the middle of summer.) Learning to observe, and understand what I see has been the biggest lesson. There is nothing instantaneous about it, and it has required a lot of effort to slow down and look. Friends have said we should move somewhere we could have a huge garden, and why bother with all the issues here. (They still have grass and buy their produce at the grocery store). 4 years ago, it was a big deal to spend 20. on seeds, not knowing if I could even grow them. But this 'classroom' has changed my life in ways I could not have imagined, and being able to eat super fresh organic food is the bonus. Thanks for the inspiration to persist.

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

The wisest advice I ever received as a teacher is that the best teachers are the ones who know how to say, "I don't know, but let's find out together." Because teaching isn't really about being an expert at any subject other than learning.

[@gingerhaven2642]

Yes, so true... Thank you for encouraging "me" to get out there. I have a lovely centrally located property in a small town and would love to get started sharing and teaching but am very Introverted but so excited that I want to push thru that feeling!

[@juliesperanza6417]

I tell people after 15 years of gardening I still learn new things and I still kill seedlings from forgetfulness. I give myself grace and keep going. The benefits of the peace and stillness outweigh the oopsies. Not to mention the beautiful food that I can look at and know what made up it's beginnings. No poisons just love. Thanks Jess for continuing to encourage even the long time gardeners.

[@Nikki-mx5my]

One of the many things I love about gardening is that there’s always something new to learn. And it feels like a joyous, safe place to learn and make mistakes. No one is coming to my garden to grade me with a red felt marker if something doesn’t work out. As a brand new gardener back in 2020, it brought me back to that curious, child like self exploring nature.

[@anitahouse3600]

I am teaching a seed starting class last Saturday of Feb. I'm so excited! I love teaching gardening. I just love it. Thank you for all your love and sharing. I bless you!!!!!

[@EnglishMadeleine]

I’m sincerely impressed that you can write something at the same time as speaking… I couldn’t do that in a million years 😙

[@deannewilliams3321]

A few years ago I was buying seeds and a girl in her 20’s ish asked me which seeds were the green beans that you snap. I think it was the Blue Lake green beans I handed her. That was the only pack of seeds she bought. I also have my cousin growing in her raised bed she got her husband to make…they also moved a huge orange tree that the woods grew up around…and she had volunteer watermelon and pumpkin growing from the grandkids spitting seeds off the porch and carving pumpkins lol. Yep! Seeds just want to grow 🌱🌿🪴

[@katshaw2097]

I feel that when you teach someone something it also helps you learn more.

[@RevLetaLee]

potttts, seeeeeds, tags, soil. Doing my winter sowing as I watch. Definitely have been thinking about a little teaching/coaching of would be gardeners.

[@redcyan77]

Okay, I’m not even a minute in and I’m drooling over those purple pots. Soooo pretty! Okay, back to the scheduled program. 😊

[@rhodi-anne]

Thank you for your encouragement, here I sit on the other side of the planet and each time I sit down to watch a video it feels like a good friend chatting to me and I realise you have no idea who I am and yet I am so grateful for you. Thank you for being you.

[@brigittemadrid3739]

I think the coolest thing is that my coworkers in the hotel/hospitality industry are asking me random questions about plants and I now have the knowledge to tell them all the information I have about that specific question. It's been super cool to be known at my work that I'm the plant lady!!🤩💚🌱

[@sheilaholmquist6648]

We live in zone 4A in Minnesota. We have grown a garden for about 30 years, changing and adapting as needed. We raise beef cattle and use 2-3 year composted manure to amend our garden annually. If anyone would be interested in learning how we've grown over the years, we love to help people help themselves. ❤️

[@melissakrayenhagen7763]

I love you! I just started teaching a class at my kids’ homeschool co-op. I have been so nervous, and actually I am using your book and your and Jill’s class as some inspiration. My class is ages 9-12. I am so excited to hopefully get them excited. Thank you for everything you do. You are definitely the reason that I feel confident enough about the subject to be able to teach gardening.

[@Flanuora]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I recently sent 20 little packets from my seed collection to my sister and ordered her your book. She expressed interest and now has a sunny balcony to put some grow bags on. I am so excited to see how she grows. I have enjoyed it so much and hope to share it!

[@stephanieg5195]

I looked at how long your video was, and in my mind, I said, yay! I love these longer ones. Great information Jess and even if we have been gardening for years and years, it’s still a good one to listen to! Thank you.

[@laurajordan8517]

Yes, I came to you not so very long ago knowing nothing about how to garden and now God has blessed me with the ability to help a couple of my sisters in Christ to master it as well. Just last night we sat down with my seed box and blessed them with alot of seeds. I also sent one home with your book and one home with Justin Rhodes book and said when you get done just switch. I am so glad God has directed me to the people I needed when I needed them and now I can be that for someone else.

[@heatherludlam1715]

I have been watching you since your cattle panel arches for trellising years ago. I can’t even begin to tell you how much you have blessed me and my garden ; and those around me that I have taught along the way . Thank you and blessings to you and your future adventures ❤

[@homesteadlove]

I think of myself as beginner gardener, however I've been in the garden since I was a little girl (and I'm 40 now). There is always something more to learn, especially in our ever changing world.

[@katiebirdsgarden]

Grew up with gardens and we finally bought a home 5 years ago, so turning a blank, sterile suburban yard into beautiful and productive gardens in zone4b in Minnesota. Now I enjoy sharing what I learn and create via a podcast and website. Your videos fill my frozen winters with garden hope each year!

[@nikkid1038]

I started learning to grow food 16 years ago. I started watching Jess over two years ago when I became disabled n was bed bound. I have to say, every single time I watch this channel I learn something! She’s so great at explaining and encouraging… this is hands down my favorite channel to watch n learn from. ❤❤

[@sjones3735]

Locally in middle TN a few gardeners decided to do a first ever garden tour in our county. The proceeds are going to our local animal rescues because our county does not have a shelter or animal control. It is such a beautiful way to encourage people to grow things and at the same time raise funds for the animals that really need it.

[@dirtroaddestiny]

Gardening can be calming and overwhelming at the same time. I love it always ❤ im learning all new stuff and im glad to have gardeners to learn from on here.

[@acera2043]

Thank you for sharing your love of gardening with us!💗🌱

[@soniamarshall9293]

Yes! Mulching is very beneficial. It keeps the soil dressed. Like the word modesty you added.

[@MrsLeer]

I gardened a bit off and on in my early 20s (2005-2010). I came back to the garden in 2020 and looked for vertical gardening on KZbin and found Roots & Refuge. I've gained so much just following your channel, including the devotionals. And for one of our summer events I'll be teaching kids at our church how to start gardening! Prayers appreciated >.

[@ConnyChimby]

Love this! Currently starting my own seeds while listening 🥰 Best date with myself 😄

[@vickihalverson6328]

Thank you for making this video. I have a couple friends that are needing help with gardening and so I purchased your book to help guide me in teaching them. I've been gardening since I was around 35 and am now 77 and I am still learning something new everyday about it. Whatever knowledge I might have I want to pass it on to others, so they will be blessed with the enjoyment of growing their own food and flowers. Thank you again for your help.that

[@Steinru73]

I see you’re using a Sharpie to tag your pots. I’ve found that sharpies do not last this stage. I’ve had my label disappear with watering. I’ve found using a garden pen works best for me. I get mine from my local garden center. I found also that planting basil with peppers keeps the bugs away from my pepper plants. By accident. I planted amazal basil variety.

[@robertbridge7678]

I enjoy your channel very much!! I have been growing a Small Garden for many years. I was in the Marines so not every year was I able to, but when I was home I always have a small Garden. I sometimes grow to much but shared with my Coworkers and neighbors. My wife's favorite story is about the Vegetables rolling out of the refrigerator. I since have learned how to can. I turned 66 and finally retired from the Military and federal service. This will be my first full year without worrying about not having enough time. I have encouraged my fellow neighbors when they started their own garden. I usually gift many with my extra plants that I started from seed. I also make an effort to push rebuilding the soil and mulching. Coastal Carolina can be unforgiving with the weather. Bless you for all you do!!!

[@scofieldfarm]

I totally agree! One way I have taught beginning gardeners is to have them help me in the garden while I garden, and then we talk what we are doing and why as we do it - super hands on effective way to learn. One gal has planted seeds with me, sized them up cups, transplanted, done mulching, harvesting, supplemental watering... I have sent her home with plants to grow at her home and we talk about what is working and what isn't as we work together and it is great learning and community building.

[@samanthahoos9827]

I love your first book! I’m saving it to gift my future son in law, who wants to buy a home in 2 years to grow a garden. Thank you! 😊❤

[@daniellelady27]

Jess, forever sharing her wisdom 💕

[@flowershopdazejennybehling2615]

I LOVE teaching in my garden using a garden tour. In the height of summer when the garden is at her prime, the class writes itself. I am always sure to leave my failures in the garden to show even a bumper year has struggles. And being able to show pest damage, disease, poor soil, in consistent watering, etc is the best teaching tool!

[@therusticranchgarden]

You have inspired me all these years! And I have your book too! Thanks for helping me. And “yes” people have said to me…. “Teach us,”. Thank you thank you thank you! God bless you ! Bertha in Texas

[@elaineaugustin9189]

Thank-you Jess! Starting a class using your book in my small town at the beginning of March! I am so excited!!!!

[@mariahplassmeyer7259]

We finally made a plan and we’re sticking to it and I owe a lot of that to you. I made our green stalk layouts and some planter bag combos and now it’s time to start some seeds in the house. Soooo excited to finally be in a classroom instead of a waiting room 😊 I think the anticipation of seeing what works and what doesn’t will probably kill me 😂 but it’ll be a fun journey to watch our garden grow 😊 thank you for everything you share and bring to the world!

[@tonyawiley9575]

We are teaching our first Faith-based, Regenerative Gardening class this weekend. So excited!

[@katehopkinsbrent5573]

Hey Jess- a garden tip I'd like to pass on, is from my Dad, he's long since passed, but he taught me gardening, gave me my own row : ) He poked holes in a small metal pipe, when tin soups came out, he used the cans, but he would dig down and put the end with holes at an angle along side his tomatoes, he would water them in the can and the holes let the water straight down to the root, he'd then just water the remaining gardens and go back to the tomatoes and water the dirt around the stem... he never had split tomatoes, curled leaves, no blight issues and I use that method today and praise GOD, it works wonders with those issues tomatoes seem prone to at times

[@lizatrue7543]

I've been gardening for the past 60 years and I'm still learning. Because of moving to different states, having different climates and different soils, having to change from traditional gardening to waist-high raised beds due to age related issues, my gardening keeps changing and I feel like I have to start over. Not complaining, just saying that even with all the previous experience I'm still no expert. Because I love gardening and cooking from scratch, I keep on making the necessary adjustments to do so and don't give up. I also share what I've learned with others, and help when asked. Gardening will always be a wonderful and sometimes frustrating learning process, but is so rewarding for so many reasons. Thank you, Jess, for putting out this and all your videos. You keep teaching me and encouraging me so much!

[@laurakuhn8682]

I have been gardening since 1994 and just started taking a Master Gardener course. Wow, there is so much to learn even after having my hands in the dirt for close to 30 years! Teaching to others to share the wealth and benefit of gardening can never hurt and only help. Our Master Gardener program partners with local schools to do field trips to the Discovery Garden and teach the grade school aged kids (probably 4th graders?) about gardening, pollinators, and all kinds of fun things. Can’t wait to be a part of that!! Thanks Jess for being such a great encourager to all of us. You have the gift of being able to share well and I always get something out of each video.

[@borealliving5859]

Where are you taking this course? Is it online?

[@laurakuhn8682]

@@borealliving5859 the course is offered from the WSU Extension. Often offered at the county level. The Master Gardener program is now offered all across the country and outside of the US. I would google it for your area and see what pops up.

[@laurakuhn8682]

Forgot to answer your question: No this is an in person program, courses are once a week for four months, plus a good dose of study time (on line) and then 60 hours of volunteer work and on going education. Some areas may offer the course on line, but it is best to do some of the learning in “hands on” situations.

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

I've helped friends and family unknowingly sometimes. It feels good to influence...

[@RedeemingEden]

Super grateful for these videos. I'll be building a Christian drug rehab in a few years and intend to rely heavily on gardening and animals. I'm very new to gardening and hope to hire a gardener, but while the wheels get rolling I'll probably have to do a lot by myself. I'm 100 percent the target audience for this video. Thank you!

[@ginagruber1732]

I'm always sending your videos to a friend because of the message that you need to accept failure. He's always worried and struggles to get started or not do anything because he doesn't know instead of just trying. Failure from trying is always better than not trying at all.

[@susieclark1498]

Jess, you are a natural teacher, I've learned soooo much from you and your books are treasures. Thank you for helping a ton of us. Blessings from San Diego.

[@tammyhamilton3827]

I am not a new gardener but I remember being one. My labor of love journey started by stumbling into a kiddie pool garden system. Gravel in the bottom, drain hole in the side about 1 1/2 inches up and grow bags. I couldn't afford soil but I could buy the ingredients. 1/3 peat moss or coir, 1/3 vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 compost. I bought plants, put water in the bottom of the pool until it ran out the hole, and the plants were never too dry or wet. I didn't know at the time it was a great system for someone like me, but I really succeeded because no one told me it was hard. Now I garden in raised beds, hay bales, and grow bags and all from seed. I found someone with rabbits and goats and have a ready supply of nutrients for soil building. You can do it. However, I should probably warn you....I do think I need a 12-step program for seed buying. Grow all the things.

[@jackcsaffell5641]

Spreading the love of gardening. I really liked that sentence. This morning the Rose Society will be teaching rose pruning at our local historical society and then the Church property down the street from there. The general public is invited. Our society starts teaching pruning each Saturday from January 7th until February 14th. These demonstrations are for the public to learn. Just last week at the local botanical garden we taught about 40 people how to prune roses. I give a small group, let's say 7 people, each an opportunity to prune by using my tools and I over-see the thought process they go through in choosing what stem stays and what stem goes and why. God bless your family Ms. Jessica.

[@j.j.lisaadams8133]

If you want to start gardening. I found that Clyde's gardening planner is a must, no matter what location you live in! And the book, Carrots Love Tomatoes! (Companion planting) It has worked for me!!!

[@karenl7786]

When you get bit by the gardening and growing bug, you can't help but want to share because it is certainly contagious! This was just what I needed because I am in that space where I want to share the knowledge and grow the growing world. Thank you

[@Seasoncromwell]

I am floored. It's just a skill you haven't learned is a bullet point i JUST used doing a talk for my women's group. I love how God is The Gardener of our life and he doesn't demand fruit from us he produces it. #process There are no Apple seed's ashamed of themselves that they're not producing full-grown apples yet. We shouldn't be either. Love your message and kindness.

[@fairytale_after_dark6696]

I have all new raised beds, 6 of them 10 x 4 in size, and I bought 6 metric tones of compost, well rotted horse manure, top soil, mushroom compost, potting soil with worm castings and mulch. I spent a LOT of money buying all this, along with fertilizer for the different crops I was growing (onion, berries....etc) and everything that grew looked like it was grown for the smurfs at the bottom of the garden. Everything was in miniature. My cauliflower and broccoli were the size of golf balls. My sunflowers didn't grow past 1 foot high with a head 2" across. Carrot tops that grew to 4 inches in height but would grow no further....although the Carrot itself was a lovely taste they were only 2" long. I don't really know what I did wrong but I'm looking forward to making it right this year🙄😂🤣🙄

[@carayoung117]

As someone who has never grown a garden, but would really love to. I found this video so helpful! I have learned so much from you Jess. Last year I decided to watch through all of your videos from the very beginning, and it’s been awesome watching how you and your homestead have grown. I attempted to grow some plants on my patio last year, and I started with seeds. They never grow past the first sprout due to too much shade, but the joy I had in seeing the first sprout come up encouraged me tremendously!

[@mcatronw]

Jess, you will be happy to know that this video inspired me to turn off the TV and head out to my garden.

[@ninarines588]

Jess, I have learned so much from you these past few years..I'm 56 and I had my first volunteer cherry tomato plant last year and I was amazed ❤ I picked everyday from that precious plant..I absolutely wanted to grow..and grow it did!!! Thank you for inspiring me to grow food. Much ❤

[@thomasallen531]

my wife struggled with looking at her successes and kept focusing on what she failed on and would get discouraged. I think I have finally helped her get over that after 8 years of us being together. I think her seeing me fail despite gardening since I was pretty much born and still being confident to try again has encouraged her. I've been teaching our kids so when they are out on their own they will have the knowledge and confidence to grown their own food should they choose to or the need arises out of necessity due to food supply chain issues in the future.

[@anneshirley3786]

Just taught a few neighbors how to water bath can this weekend. It was so fun!

[@borealliving5859]

Sometime around 15 years ago I was the typical beginner gardener that gardened on my tiny balcony in rubbermaid bins. I drowned a lot of my plants since I didnt put any draining holes and I watered daily, haha. Our apartment was so tiny my bed was surrouned by plants when I brought them inside, haha. I continued and learned to start from seeds. Ive been starting my seeds now for maybe 5 or 6 years, on and off. Its been 3 years thar I do it seriously and that I start to actually have some knowledge to apply. Now my challenge is to convert everything I read, watch and listen to, to my really cold and short zone ;)

[@FaithfulFarmstead]

So much value in face to face community! My friend started a homestead meetup where we meet once a month. We take turns leading/teaching a topic, discuss questions and just support one another in this journey of growing food. It’s been soooo life giving! Highly recommend people to gather with others!!

[@karrenbrazel8844]

Hiya Jess....I feel very overwhelmed by when/what/where and how all things gardening. I live in Australia and it's quite discouraging planting so much money into the soil only to watch it die from the heat and sun (summer here).........I have no idea what I am doing and feel I have to start all over again....so I'm pulling up my big girl bloomers and starting again. I actually really appreciate all the tips and tricks you and many others share on KZbin...don't stop sharing, even if you think it's nothing.....it's something....so thank you.

[@kymzyanks]

5 years ago I deemed myself a “black thumb” convinced gardening was a talent I didn’t have. In 2020 during the pandemic my wedding photography business came to screeching halt, I was constantly concerned about my future. I spent a lot of time outside in the little space I was able to keep alive, envisioning more. That’s when I realized what it was like the first time I picked up a camera. (I didn’t even know how to attach a lens! 😬) and somehow 10yrs later, I’m a wedding photographer. I had to learn. I dove in head first learning all I could. My gardens became show stoppers. I had pride. I recently was offered a position at a local private school to teach gardening skills to high school students. Being upfront with them telling them I am by no means an expert gardener they still offered me the job. I now have a 1/3acre garden space, complete with a growing dome and approximately 15 students I’m teaching and I’m having a blast. My wedding photography business is picking up and thriving. How lucky am I to get to do two things I love for my career?? Knowledge takes time and patience, but loving it makes that time fly.

[@chalkingwithaprilchalkcout9707]

Thank you for encouraging me for the past 2 1/2 years!

[@squyrestudio2703]

I’m teaching a beginner gardener class this Saturday. I was really reluctant to because I was nervous I didn’t know enough to share, I’m going into my 3rd year. So far over 20 people have signed up so I know there’s a desire here for more knowledge. This video was so timely for me and now I’m excited to share what I know this weekend 🥰 thank you!

[@tracyguillemette6255]

your video is so timely! My husband and I were asked to present spring gardening to a group of recent immigrants with limited income, mostly women, how to start gardening no matter where they live or how little funds they have. I just wanted to thank you for the way you support the gardening community! I'm a little nervous, but I think our passion and love for the circle of life will come across. We are thinking of having them to do some soil creating, teaching them simple composting, the no till philosophy and hands on transplanting and seed sowing in pots on a porch gardening or in the soil. I'm starting some green onions in my greenhouse, hopefully they will be up, so I can pop them into small pots with new soil and have everyone come away with a plant and a pot of soil to take home. We are thinking of writing up a tip sheet so it can be translated into their language before the event in late March. I am excited!

[@dixielandhomestead5874]

Jess, I think a lot of people would love to garden but are scared. I always tell them do not be scared we all have to start some where and learn. I am not a pro by any means so I always say to always be on a learning level no matter how much you know or learn. There is always more to learn. Thank you for all that you share Jess, and being a blessing to others.

[@stephaniejones678]

Love this! Thank you for sharing! You are so encouraging! I have been on the fence about starting some form of community to share my love of growing things and your videos keep encouraging me and knudging me to start doing it!

[@pathoward5721]

You go!!!🎉

[@amywert8088]

I have a terrible yard for a garden. My mother had a huge garden in the back when I was small, we got horses when I was about 6 and now there are mature trees and a barn. Doesn't leave much space for a garden! I have gardened enough over the years, living in different rentals with all sorts of conditions that I'm confident that I can get something back for what I put in. And even if I get no harvest of produce (seems unlikely) I will harvest all sorts of lessons from going out and spending time in the dirt! Amen!

[@TheTinkerersWife]

You hit the best point well Jess. Appreciate how generous you are in shoring topics like this and encouraging all of us. One thing always amazes me, that in teaching others, I'm always learning something too. It helps moderate insecurity new gardeners may be experiencing. Learning to love what the harden teaches us can be life changing. I GA e my copy of your book to a dear friend who will be gardening for the first time on property they purchased. It's such a wonderful resource. I can't wait to see how they do.