Good Soil and Low Expectations (It's Me, I'm Counting) | VLOG

Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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- Our Website: rootsandrefuge.com
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- To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
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-The music in this video is by my friend Daniel Smith: / phillip_daniel_smith
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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...
- Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge.com/neptunes-h...
#rootsandrefuge

[@kewpiefan72]

Please thank Toby for being so generous as to spend time with your followers. This old grandma very much enjoyed seeing Mr. Toby! P.S. he’s getting so tall!

[@coryart]

It's such a joy to see how much you two ADORE each other.

[@suevalenti9584]

I put a hot tub in my greenhouse. Stays pretty temperate, my plants love it!

[@piperhomestead5698]

I loved that Miah said "just look pretty"! My hubby says that to me everytime I ask him if he needs help. ❤

[@dariataylor510]

Toby is a mini Miah 😂 his looks, mannerisms, temperament. It’s so funny to see. What a sweet boy.

[@choirmom78]

I love it when your boys say "I bless you until next time." Right along with you.

[@chezelleconroy2951]

I, too, have low expectations for brassicas. So much so that this year I grew a bunch of cabbage and they all went bonkers! Everyone who comes over at the moment leaves with their very own pet cabbage!

[@tammynevil7852]

You two are so sweet, may God continue to bless your family and viewers.

[@ria9881]

I love that Toby jumped right in to say the good-bye blessing 💖

[@kimdavidson7925]

I really like seeing you 2 work together.. .such a great team, even if your just the bucket girl looking pretty

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Woo I'm early!🎉

[@amboe13]

Toby and Malia (hope that’s spelt right) favor sooo much. Beautiful children. Lord, please let all the baby seedlings stay warm in the cold. Oh and Lord Jess too! Amen!

[@bethhubbs9937]

Even if Fern wasn't running back and forth, she was clearly interested. Super cute how she played with the boys that one day. I agree that seeing cows run and frolic is super cute and funny. Nice to see Toby. :)

[@marygrott8095]

Two R&R videos in one day! What a blessing!

[@sharoncardenas5447]

I love you Jess!!! That precious man of yours is a keeper. I've had 2 husbands. First one has passed. Second one wewontspeakof. Cherish each other & cling to one another!!! Y'all swell my heart!!! I Bless you!❤

[@kathystarnes6744]

I just love how gentle and kind Miah is with you❤️ Your love shows and it’s heartwarming. 🙏🏻❤️

[@nikkiiketo2154]

I love watching your greenhouse videos. Makes me want my own sooo badly. *all in good time 🙏*

[@dhansonranch]

I really like Jeremiah's idea of double pane on the greenhouse. I grow snowball cauliflower and the only time I have had the head rotting is when it rains a lot as the moisture hangs out on the head. Snowball are also not self blanching and so the leaves need to be tied up or at least a leaf needs to cover - which helps prevent moisture from hitting it and sun from turning yellow. My experience is that they will not recover or generate a new head. The leaves are good eats though. Good video!

[@bethhubbs9937]

UPVOTE because it sounds like you know what you're talking about. I hope Jess and others see your comment. Other comments seem to agree by indicating too much rain/moisture appeared to be the issue and your specific comment seems right on. Happy gardening.

[@rmashers]

That was such a lovely expectation setter! that only 30% harvest of what was sown and that being ok ! Thank you again Jess for a lovely afternoon! 😊

[@Nancelot13]

Good soil and low expectations are always the best outlook! lol

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

I am still reeling over the home video Miah and you put out. So exciting- stay warm everyone.

[@paulalatimer7286]

I totally feel you on the temperature dispute. My husband drives with the window cracked in the winter(in Utah! ) Then I get teased cuz even on 90 degree days I take a “light jacket” everywhere we go. Cuz AC is cold. 🤦‍♀️😂😂

[@amandar7719]

Straight to the comments about the cauliflowers to check out what might be the problem. Apart from a mineral deficiency still to obvious answers for you apart from maybe an inherent seed issue… My thoughts were immediately a fungus issue from an insect. We get earwig issues sometimes on broccoli or cauliflower. Second was downy mildew but the leaves are sooo healthy. I’d take photos of the different stages and lift the worst affected plant carefully and take high res photos of the roots. If you decide to remove all the plants I’d definitely take out the roots too. Perhaps also take a soil sample from around the roots and bag another sample of an infected head to take to your local extension office or university with an horticulture department. I’m sure your followers would appreciate learning what it is. And you seeing as you have multiple cauli seedlings growing in the greenhouse. Could be a water borne pathogen…. Well water?

[@ellendunn559]

I have the exact same radiant heater in my office here in Maine where the outside temp is in the teens and I can feel the cold air coming through the wall and picture window. I crank the heater up and snuggle next to it all winter. I know you guys live in the south and have greenhouses, but the idea of starting seeds in January - or of an iris blooming! - just blows my mind. It’s fun to watch green things growing, because our spring is a loooong way away!

[@karenlindstrom8266]

I love your content. Please keep as much personal content that you feel comfortable with. We all have real life stuff we deal with.

[@NeilFraser-tn5ws]

Hi Jess the temperature near the walls is colder than towards the centre so moving the stands may save some of your seedlings, may still get as cold but not for as long

[@katiez5660]

We had a pond that was medium size. It was full of frogs that would be on the edge of the pond. Our dog would run along the edge and the frogs would jump high into the pond. A heron did get them though. Nature makes you smile at - frogs and dogs.

[@jenninemclaughlin3522]

Just love the way your kids chiming at the end when you say we bless you until next time. Really lovely to see your family interactions.

[@jenniferwarwick5644]

The spider webs on the light fixture makes me happy :)

[@christencurtis9047]

I've had the hardest time with snowball cauliflower too! I tried from seeds inside the last two years, both snowball x and snowball Y. If they head, they're ugly and yucky and small. However the purple of Sicily, grow lush and big and beautiful. I plant mine all in my outside raised beds. I ordered cheddar cauliflower and another white variety to try this year. I'm trying one more time with my snowball, they also had poorer germination compared to the purple.

[@AS-tr9zx]

You've got to try a large exercise ball for the cows to play with! Especially when you have young ones 😊

[@sc-dw6gt]

love the greenhouse! We use heat mats in ours, and really recommend them (plants LOVE them!)---the pro mats come in long or short lengths, adjustable heat, use hardly any electricity, heat the plants right where they need it---and, best of all, we never have to worry about bringing the plants in! (plus, you know, sometimes there are just TOO many!). You might like them

[@marykappesser5145]

I think its cute, when you say it's 45 and really cold outside, today here in SW Ohio its14F.

[@jenniferapplin5605]

Yes! I am so jealous...blooming iris, hollyhocks and strawberries poking up?! It's-46 C here in Northern Canada lol thanks Jess for sharing to get me through the cold snap!

[@lindabrinson3999]

Yes - Cincinnati here! Springs like 60 ish days away though!!! ❤

[@marykappesser5145]

@@resaunders26 Yup, doing my best. Opening curtains during sunny days, closing up at sunset . Got rolled up towels on window sills. Hot drinks and "warmies" on my feet .

[@margaretmininger9406]

An "eclectic mess"!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 The greenhouse is so beautiful!

[@rebeccadavis6812]

Your green house is great. Love how Fern likes attention. I think the animals know when we try to take their picture or video and then they do not do what we are wanting them to do for us to capture on camera.

[@magdawind13]

I can’t wait to see the table built! It’s such a beautiful piece of artwork ❤

[@darlenewright5850]

Thank you for taking the time to share. Blessings

[@karenm5681]

Best part of the video. 5:42 😂

[@clm3436]

So nice watching your videos when we are nothing but a sheet of ice here❤

[@schex9]

You're right about planting brassicas at the right time. In south Louisiana, the best time for transplants is October once the heat breaks.

[@samanthaquant7411]

It’s 53 degrees here in Minnesota at the end of February and we are all going out in our flip flops and short sleeves. Maybe a light sweater… but certainly no hats or coats!

[@foragingandurbanfarmingatt4745]

That shade cloth business! It looked like a strange but beautiful marriage ceremony!

[@Abiding.Farmhouse]

Recently found your channel and I'm loving it! I really loved the kitchen tools must have video. Very helpful. ❤

[@fields-n-feathers]

Your coffee made this single digit temperature day mighty pleasant. Thank you, again.

[@bonniethomson3697]

Love your greenhouse!

[@barbarasiders288]

You have a busy brain. You are not over thinking. You see obstacles and plan.

[@lisahodge1122]

That mosaic is so wonderful. Instead of a table I think it would be great to hang it at the coffee house as art so many more people would be able to enjoy it. Just a thought.

[@LGrothier]

I love how much you and Jeremiah smile and laugh together. There’s so much love there. 🥰

[@TrixieJFerguson]

WOW! What a difference. I have a 50% shade cloth on my greenhouse and I’m shocked at how much different the light is. I need to get my shade cloth off too.

[@sandyisaacs3802]

I too, for the first time, am having trouble with my cauliflower rotting. Mine are planted in my open garden.

[@kburkes4245]

Greenhouses are such a temperature juggling act. My best gadget is a Wi-Fi thermometer connected to my phone that alerts me to temps at a set high/low point. And a vent fan and heater that turn on/off automatically. It's a lot to fuss over but worth it.

[@alannahvankoughnett2369]

Every time I've grown snowball cauliflower it's done the same thing. Doesn't matter if they are from starts or seeds. Even the ones from nurseries go brown and mushy. I just started to pick them small and they taste great.

[@AuxhartGardening]

Same thing happened to my snowball cauliflower, and I started them myself! I also had it happen to my purple as well. Granted, I have very few plants so it’s hard to draw large conclusions, but I haven’t had any cauliflowers get big and stay healthy this year.

[@Devie-tx8ri]

Put 250watt heat lamps in rafters. Far enough away from plants. Only use for heat when outside temp drops. Will be cheap quick fix for season but still enough to warm greenhouse as springtime. Sounds like a plan Stan!

[@AnneLeigh.]

#someday we'll have a greenhouse of our own with beautiful stained glass painted about. Two of my favs, plants and stained glass.

[@abundantacre9]

I’m listening to you talk about the temps… It was -25 F (-42 F windchill) this morning in SE Wyoming when we got up and only 49 F inside my house. Wood stove cannot keep up in this weather. BUT we got to 25 degrees today! Woohoo!

[@sharonknorr1106]

So I'm with you, Jess, keep it toasty. Now that he's getting older, my husband doesn't mind it being a bit warmer in the house so much. As for the greenhouse, I'm not sure there is enough square footage of dark wood to actually make a significant different in the temperature. I would really research that before doing anything drastic like repainting. Our greenhouse is painted light green and white, outside and inside, and it still gets very hot when the sun is shining, even in the winter. Unfortunately, didn't shine enough to keep the temps above freezing the past five days when it has been single to double digits below zero. Covered everything with blankets and the weather finally broke today, actually got above 32 for a while - we'll see how everything looks in a few days. We have tender patio plants in there as well as some stuff in the ground. It is an earth battery design and we had a heater like yours going, but was just so cold without relief and little sun. This is the longest really frigid cold spell we have had since we moved to northern CO 12 years ago and built the greenhouse. It's a good test of our resilience, I guess.

[@Kight213]

I have also used the little heater(s) in my greenhouse for the last 10 or so years. They are wonderful. As for the “Snowball” cauliflower, for three consecutive years I tried to crow it. Thinking it was gardener error. I finally gave up. I have a couple of gardener friends who have also tried it once or twice and they could never get it to grow. We started to believe maybe Zone 8A was just too warm for it.

[@sandragillanders7009]

Would be a really cute picture of Toby by that tree. You could take one each year until he is grown. Maybe on his birthday.

[@Megbower6907]

68 is perfect in both seasons, these are indeed fighting words! 😂

[@SerenaPeacock]

A funk. I woke up this morning in a funk and watching this video hearing your laugh just helped break me out of it. As a note, I have a green house within my greenhouse to keep my seedlings from freezing. Mind you my little greenhouse is no wear near as well built as yours. But it does help.

[@alexusdutton35]

I’m in Missouri and it’s been low low and even in the negatives and I get so exited when you post videos about the garden

[@SimplyStacyL]

“I’ve abandoned my post as bucket lady…” But you’re still pretty, so no worries. 😜

[@jeanrichards8042]

Ooh Jess ...it would be amazing if you put quilted shutters on your doors (to replace the moving blankets) I've seen pictures of them over house windows, but that would bring lovely color to your greenhouse in the winter months when not much is growing (in or out) just a thought, you'll find what works best for you!

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

Jessica, the one thing you said about getting the timing right with growing your crops is so true. I'm in zone 9b SW Florida, and this is my first fall and winter crops I've ever grown. I've only grown spring and summer crops, and my crops are doing really well. I definitely love fall and winter gardening the best. No heat, no bugs, no sweat 😂

[@fromsunrisetosunset1192]

Me too! I’m in zone 9 B in southeast fl 😊

[@PackRatManiac]

My husband and I are polar opposites when it comes to the thermostat. He'd have the windows open if it was 50°f outside if I'd let him. I got a snuggie in the white elephant gift exchange we do at Christmas. I'm really enjoying that snuggie since it's 29° here in southeast Texas. I'm also starting my frost tender stuff even though that seems ridiculous right now. My last frost date is supposed to be February 15th but we have gotten hard freezes that time of year in the past. I usually don't plan on getting things in the ground until early March. I have 50% shade cloth this year so hopefully that will get them through some of the hotter months. I'm really hoping we all have a successful gardening year and miraculously the squash vine borers and squash bugs population took a hit with these freezes lol.

[@izenmama]

Cauliflower looked like that last year and I couldn't figure it out until one day when I saw a slug eating the top of the flower crown. Not sure if they come out at night or what but they ended up destroying every single one of my cauliflower and left all of the broccoli alone.

[@laudya1]

Maybe you should get a light colour shade cloth, Jess!!

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Helen was like " I am not here for your amusement, I am here for your loooove!" 😁 The boys are getting so grown up, better grow extra this year Jess, there's growth spikes ahead!! 😁

[@jillsarcasmo]

I won't lie, seeing you still having issues with brassicas, makes me feel better. I've never been able to grow any. So frustrating. I am also in a very humid place and I've heard that can be bad for cauliflower in particular.

[@metalmartha2571]

🫶Oh, thank you so much for addressing that beautiful iris blooming on the side of your greenhouse! I noticed it a couple Vlogs back and was going to comment, but then forgot. so excited for you… Just the most lovely flower that ever existed!🥰🩷❤️🙏👏🏻🫶😘

[@itsallperfectlynormal9805]

Cauliflower browning likely either a boron deficiency or uv damage - didn't see small leaves curling around the head to protect it. You can try clipping a leaf or two from the plant over the head of one that hasn't browned yet to see if that prevents it. I'd have the soil tested. That will help with all your crops.

[@anitakenepp2675]

I’m in central Oklahoma, I had such great expectations this year for my purple cauliflower as it was about 1-2 inches round and beautiful and then… -15 degrees and the greenhouse just couldn’t keep up. 😩. Well maybe next year 🤣

[@carolynfulton4060]

As always I enjoyed your video-thanks!

[@PatriciaFierro-id4pp]

Some years from now you will appreciate the cool temps -"Hot Flash Realities"

[@GodsDesire4me]

Hey Jess , my cauliflower starts have done the same thing. I can’t figure out what happened to them. But I’m definitely getting ahead of the game this time planting from seed. Thanks for sharing ❤😊

[@blindpro6404]

Great job folding up the shade cloth 😘😂🙏

[@annluke4544]

Love the greenhouse!

[@lynne5893]

Glad things are going so well. God is always good

[@starrmiller8737]

I’m the same Jess, that’s why I love wood heat. It’s a different kind of warm.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I LOVE wood heat. One of my favorite places to be is laying in front of a wood stove

[@secretgardenhomestead3251]

Maybe painting the inside beams of the greenhouse white would help slightly. I LOVE the black though! :-D Love ya Jess xx

[@Nan-Elle]

Gee, Miah would have loved being up here in Massachusetts this past week. Yes, it was 14 degrees outside. Then it went up to the low 30s. My seeds are starting in my kitchen and dining room windows where I get a lot of sun. I am always chilly, too, and I hate going out to get the mail at the end of the driveway. BUT I try to be brave and I continue on about my errands, etc... while dreaming of spring and summer and my little greenhouse.

[@suemcculley7073]

❤ HI Toby! Thank you your input was interesting. Cows? Who knew?? (people like you)

[@marykeffalas3700]

My husband and I are at awh with Miah's carpentry work and other items that he makes. My husband watches your videos with me and he always says to me, "Miah, made that". I tell him yes.

[@leahharbison4932]

Bless yall Jess !

[@barbaramix1683]

We have 23 degrees with freezing rain, over snow. Stay warm, you frost-tender flower. I am excited for spring too. I bless you and your family.

[@jeshurunfarm]

Jess, thank you for always having one more space for me at your table.

[@chezelleconroy2951]

Running cows are hilarious 😂

[@jessicakivett7838]

I think black greenhouse would greatly impact the light reflectivity. The black just soaks up the light like a sponge

[@plot10homestead58]

I can't imagine the color of the greenhouse has any significant impact on seedling growth. Hartley Botanic and other famous English greenhouse manufacturers offer their greenhouses in black, as well as the more traditional white finish.

[@janicegilman7672]

Frost tender flowers must be having a difficult time during this cold spell!! It was +10 today in Anchorage and I was cold - and I am NOT frost tender!! 😂😂

[@eddiejohnson3458]

if you put another sheet on the roof gap it about a 1/4 inch this way you can make it a double pane roof just make sure to seal the top and side and bottom but make sure to leave a weep hole so the moist can get out

[@tinaschaller8055]

Your plants r going to thrive Now!

[@agooddaytogrow238]

24 yrs and you two are like me and my love. It's like serendipity watching y'all. Watching the two of you is the hubby and I when we were ya'lls age.😅 Blessings to you and your family ❤

[@AlleyCat-1]

I'm the heat loving human in my house too. Hubby's the cold a/c loving one. I need a greenhouse to go live in too. But going thru the cold, I'd have to have the greenhouse attached, which we talked about doing, sort to block or insulate the excess heat from the sun in the winter & the cold wind in the winter & have front door access, literally 😅 but I'd only be able to grow succulents because of the heat. 😅

[@KE-hr4sb]

My husband and I fight over temperature too! I’m native born Texan, he is not. It was in the 40’s and he was walking around wearing shorts and everyone was staring at him suspiciously!

[@louiseswart1315]

Now the greenhouse is certainly not so black anymore. It looks light and bright.

[@christineclark]

I totally thought you were dragging the zip line back and going for a ride with the camera! 😆

[@cherylmoran5134]

The temperature issue is just the opposite at my house. Be patient Miah, give her 10-15 yrs, and that may change. LOL

[@roxannetarjan1411]

You and Miah!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️