The NEW FARM PLAN (Layouts, Aerial Shots, and What Goes Where) | VLOG

Have you seen our new show Wilder Still yet? If you haven't, head over and sign up for Abundance Plus to see all our episodes - you get a FREE seven-day trial! rootsandrefuge.com/yt-wilder-...
Check out our new blog here: rootsandrefuge.com
And subscribe to our weekly email list so you're the first to hear about new blog posts, sticker launches, merch, and special giveaways! (We do monthly giveaways ONLY for our email subscribers!): rootsandrefuge.com/signup
NEW stickers & MAGNETS from our shop: www.rootsandrefuge.com/shop
Sign up for email updates here: www.rootsandrefuge.com/r-r-on-a
Order my book, The First Time Gardener: amzn.to/393lzZZ
Our Instagram: roots_and_refuge
Our Facebook: / arootsandrefuge
Our website: www.rootsandrefuge.com
Greenstalk Planter :
Use the code ROOTS10 to receive an additional $10 off:
lddy.no/6xhd
Our Music is by our friend Daniel Smith
/ @danielsmithpsalmist
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...
______________________________________________________
Want to Support Our Channel?
Shop for our favorite things in our Amazon Storefront- support our channel at no additional cost to you!- www.amazon.com/shop/rootsandr...
If you would like to financially support our channel and farm, you can shop through our Amazon affiliate link, which will earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you here: amzn.to/2NcCBZ4
Also, sometimes I link Amazon Affiliate links in the description. Shopping from these links supports our channel with a small commission without any additional cost to you! So Thank you for using these links!

[@MsNicholsLiz]

Don't be afraid to start over again. This time you are not starting from scratch, you are starting from experience.

[@yardenrice]

Wow..so true

[@LilSinger097]

This needs to be a sticker haha

[@alexandracrowfoot9309]

Love this reframe!

[@cathysteele924]

Brilliant.

[@fareebug8439]

So AWESOME!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ ***Haul that crap off, don't burn it and leach those chemicals in your ground - particular with a water well and garden less than a few acres away and fish which are very sensitive. 😬

[@kcconynemtmior]

Majorly ditto on this one! You don’t want those chemicals anywhere near your future house, garden or pond. Expensive to haul them away but really worth it in the long run. I say this as someone who is getting a degree in studying how communities deal with toxic waste/waste removal. Creosote is nasty, nasty stuff. Not creating a waste site in the first place is the best policy!

[@bev.albright6873]

Plus, won’t the pile just collapse after a few years and make a giant sink hole?

[@growjoyfullyhomestead]

Yes please!!

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

Advertise for free, you're in the south now, Jess. No waste, someone needs that material and cannot see how they'll ever afford it...

[@southerngardengigi]

Ditto!! I would add that it’s not just the chemical leaching or the potential sink hole. When you burn, chemicals will release into the air. Jess, y’all do not need to be breathing that in, nor your animals, neighbors, or wildlife. I’m sure someone call haul it off for a fee or for free if you ask around

[@eddiechristinadeese6060]

Thank you Jess and Miah for walking with me on this journey! We too bought a foreclosure in 2018 and put major sweat equity in it, sold it for 2.5x what we bought it for in 2021- and landed 112 acres of our dream home property. We spent the last 4+ years planning this- paying off over 167k in debt and praying hard for the right one. Our new mobile home was delivered the same day yours was - and now were working on a plan for our homestead! Watching all your videos happening at the same time ours does makes me feel like I have a friend who knows what I’m dealing with! I pray God blesses you 10 fold on your new property! ❤️

[@debwallace100]

My grandpa had a pond, about the size of the larger pond. He had a load of sand brought in, and dumped in a small area of the shore, so the grandkids could swim. Such great memories 🥰

[@reddirtshack]

Make sure you post "DO NOT SPRAY SIGNS - ORGANIC FARM" along your road front atleast 20-30 yards before and after your property line, on both sides of the road. If you post, the county cannot spray the ditches on either side. We do this here in Alabama, and they have not sprayed our section of road since the signs were posted. We posted in Spanish and English.

[@christopherfisher128]

Every State has different laws. Check with your State about what laws are in place for organic farming.

[@joyceobeys6818]

That’s a good idea.

[@danajessop2835]

Good advise

[@kelann89]

A outdoor kitchen would help with canning.

[@christycoalson36]

I was gonna say that too lol an outdoor kitchen would be awesome there next to the fish pond 😊 I would love to see that happen 🤠

[@gardengatesopen]

Which could easily aid in using the fish guts as fertilizer! My husband is a big fishing guy, and I've always wanted a fish cleaning station for the ones he brings home! Regardless, we still use the cleaning leftovers as fertilizer, and it's just fabulous!!

[@nikkib5151]

Deep south homestead is the pond water to water some bc of the "natural fish fertilizer" in the water lol

[@ardenpeters4386]

can hardly wait to build outdoor camning kitchen similar to Stacy's

[@julieharris3861]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKDUnoOXa6-peas

[@DeepSouthHomestead]

Beautiful property just be careful putt trees near the dam. Tree roots can penetrate the dam causing leaks in the future. Nothing like fresh fish from your pond. Happy fishing.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Do you thin elderberry would be a good option to plant there or would it be best to leave it clear?

[@thomdavis1273]

You definitely don't want trees with big root systems on your dam. You will have to pull it all out and rebuild the pond in a few years. I would limit your planting on the dam slope to bushes and small plants. Peaches do well in your area but on the level ground in front of the dam. I grew up in McCormick, SC and spent a number of days going to the peach sheds to get bushel baskets of peaches, tomatoes, etc. to bring home and helped my mom to freeze, can, and pickle for the winter. Best way to get rid of deer is to get hair from the barber shop and stuff in old panty hose and lay out a barrier. Also - county boy thing - get the boys to "mark" their territory. The human smell will drive away the deer but has to be renewed after rainstorms.

[@theglitterballlifestyle675]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm you could get fruit trees grafted onto dwarf root stock to control root sizes too to help :)

[@emilybh6255]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm Yes Elderberry is big in Permaculture. You could ask Tory at "Permaculture Homestead" channel who has stewarded multiple food forests in SC. He grows Goumi Berries, Paw Paws (also big in SC) but Mulberry is popular in the Carolinas. He has all of those growing

[@robinrummel1359]

@@emilybh6255 I had a mulberry tree in my back yard that was probably a volunteer from birds originally. The roots go out at least 20 feet and were encroaching on the sewer drain pipe so I had it cut down. Not something I would plant near a dam. Delicious fruit the birds and I both enjoyed every year though.

[@maevepowell7980]

Baby doll sheep in the front with the large fruit tress. Very whimsical and romantic.

[@alyssa_meadows]

Why am I weeping by the end of every R&R video these days?! Guys, there is not a family more deserving of this amazing and beautiful adventure! You are my biggest inspiration, and I can’t thank you enough for sharing your journey and helping me learn to dream big and keep my waiting room a classroom! You bless my life tremendously in ways you’ll never even know! I couldn’t be more excited for you and I’m praying for y’all every day!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ugbedeabu8104]

I can't tell how deeply emotional I get this days watching how much God is doing in Jess' life. When I saw this stage of their lives, I wept like a baby. God never ignores a dreamer. As long as we don't stop dreaming, God will always be there to make it happen. God bless keep Jess and Miah @ Root and Refuge farm.

[@mzabs1871]

So crazy to think that while we are watching this, Jess and the kids are on their way to their new home. Safe travels to everyone!

[@ACryin_Shame]

I just commented that same thing pretty much! Lol

[@vernareed2692]

I had forgotten what day they would travel back with last load! Was trying to figure out!! Lol thank you

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

We made it!

[@sydneemata2783]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm So glad you guys made it safe 🙏 your future is so bright there ❤

[@vernareed2692]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm i KNOW that was such relief & good feeling to get there!!

[@garryspencer2019]

Hi Jess. Came aboard after your introduction through Justin Rhodes. I’m a 71 y.o. Retired Accountant that has come to love homesteading. A little late for me to embark on such a journey, however, I want you to know how rewarding it is to share your adventures. Loved the overview for the new farm & can’t wait to see what unfolds as you round every new corner. Best wishes guys. 🍀

[@jkq9717]

Thousands of people are so relieved you made it! Can you wrap your mind around that? LOL No matter where you are, there will always be an angel to help you.

[@irvbarth2069]

I learned from Joel Salatin that you don't want trees on a dam. It will compromise the dam. I am no expert, but suggest you research it. We are loving the adventure!!

[@rebeccafoust2963]

true. we had trees volunteer on parent's dam during years of prolonged illness and other issues. .... major issues now.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

I think it's a berm, not a dam. Edging more than keeping the water in? That's what I thought :)

[@gardengatesopen]

I'm soooo happy to tag along on THE FIRST FARM TOUR OF SOUTH CAROLINA with you!!! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ Thanks for inviting me!!! 😊

[@gardengatesopen]

It's going to be a wonderful journey! ❤🌻❤🌱❤🐎❤🐐❤🦙❤🐣❤🦃❤🐄❤🐕❤🐈❤🌱❤🌻❤🍅❤

[@nikkib5151]

I cannot wait for each video already...Miah has done such awesome work already on the new property. These plans sound so amazing.... going to be a beautiful journey!

[@bryannaodessa6429]

Hi, mom of a toddler here rewatching parts of this video up to 15 times to get the full picture while juggling everything else. 😂

[@bryannaodessa6429]

Update: it took me a little over 6 hours to watch, which I don’t feel is bad for an hour long video. 😂😭😂

[@pamlindsey7481]

An old cowboy/farmer I loved to talk to, bought horses from a few years back told me to always remember "Plan your work and work your plan"!!! He was so much fun so knowledgeable and very wise! So now I always remember that!

[@sharonbrown2352]

I know you are traveling today and Miah tonight-Prayers for safe travel.

[@elizabethlizwilbert7364]

Agree Sharon, praying today for Jess and boys safe arrival. You go girl, we are with you!

[@scsfulsarahr598]

Agree, sage travels 🥰

[@lydiamitchell6814]

My grandfather grew watermelons below his pond… easy irrigation to run off into rows. Huge sweet watermelons. He sold them in town of Ava Missouri. You may want to consider planting a few there.

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

down by the bay, where the water melons grow :)

[@CariMachet]

Smart

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

From experience: when I was 15 my Stepfather built a pond on the land. My Mother planted White Pine trees all around it, including across the dam. These trees grew to phenomenal sizes! Their roots made the dam leak!!! This year we tore out the dam and removed many trees and rebuilt the dam. With all of the rain here in TN, it is already full! So pleased with the outcome. PLEASE be careful what you plant along the dam!! I was thinking Blueberries, as the soil is acidic from the Pines. But I still need to research their roots system. I don't want that to ever happen again! Danny is a Heavy Equipment Operator and did the repair himself! Otherwise it would have been Costly! GOD bless

[@ameliakat9982]

I'm wishing you luck, energy, and peaceful moments as you continue on this new journey ✨

[@JC-gm5xc]

Be careful how close you plant the fruit trees next to the dam, you don’t want the tree roots to break through the clay layer of the dam. Congratulations on your new property

[@mountainsidefarm8357]

Check out your building codes. Here in WNC you can not put the foundation of a house on a spot that has buried trash, old scrap etc. unless it has been numerous years and it passes tests for soil stability and safety. The property is beautiful!!

[@debsenritchedrefuge603]

Totally agree!

[@Clippiedippie]

Boost

[@ClassicKas]

Jess! Look at what you’ve all done so far! Holy moly, what an adventure you’ve been on. God has put you here for a reason and I just want to thank you for your sharing of family, home, gardens and animals.

[@kelseybogus7354]

I just wanted to say I really appreciate that while you are planning this new space you are also looking to cultivate the souls of the people there as well as the functional needs of food and critters. Blessings.

[@BroqueCowgirlHomestead]

Just a word of advice. All gates need to be 16 ft gates. There will come a time when something is big and won't fit through the smaller gates, such as hay equipment, tractors with implements etc. If I were yall I would most definitely designate 5 acres for hay.

[@robinrummel1359]

Especially with a cow and maybe a horse or two...or three. I used to work on a farm that boarded horses and raised goats. They grew grass hay and alfalfa hay in separate fields. They also grew oats for the grain and used the straw for bedding.

[@jkq9717]

Great advice!! They will need it. To be self reliant on this too would be an integral part of the big picture.

[@earthlovingmomma1703]

Alot of rural counties spray the ditches and power line areas for weeds. Consider that before you plant it all up.

[@melissasullivan1658]

And for poor bees.

[@rebeccafoust2963]

@@melissasullivan1658 Many areas have restrictions about spraying in bee areas. Check with area officials about this and what beekeeper needs to do to protect bees from established county maintenance programs. Local bee associations are often a great place to start.

[@gardengatesopen]

I'm betting they haven't forgotten that same lesson they already encountered in Arkansas. 💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

[@marybk882]

We can opt out of county ditch spraying where we own property. That said, we would have to otherwise remove trees that grow too close to the power lines at our expense. Better than that poison spraying around.

[@lazyhomesteader]

The comments on all of Jess’s videos teach me so much. Thank y’all 💛

[@mikeginnyholloman8206]

I love watching your vlogs. So interesting and informative. I wish I were at least 40 years younger, but at 79 I will have to homestead through your experiences. I do have a small container garden which is all I can handle. So thrilled for you to begin this new season in your lives. God has really blessed you abundantly.

[@katherinemikkola8316]

Get busy Jess, time goes too darn fast. I"m 61 now and I can't believe it. I used to have muscles I thought that made me look like a gorilla. I had a stroke out of the blue and boy your strength goes fast. I"m dreaming through you and Jill now. Wish I was there and could help you guys. 💘 prayers. And peace to you and your 👪 family. 💘 kathi

[@loritanner4478]

Yeah I feel like I was just 30 and now I'm almost 62! Yikes!

[@katherinemikkola8316]

Yeah, about 5 years ago I was walking all over town and riding a bike. Now I'm scared I"ll fall down and I won't be able to get up. Maybe my dog will eat me. It happens. I can't believe it I walk like grandma.... Hopefully it won't happen to you guys. 🙏

[@sdole9448]

One good trick is to do chalk lines to outline your plans on the ground (like they do on sports fields) so you can better live with and imagine and trouble shoot the plans.

[@PiscesMoon2You]

Or use paint cans like they do when laying electrical wire etc.

[@minwellitsanicknamebegrate2531]

My parents did that when sectioned off half their property for animals and the garden, they put them up for a few weeks while they got things ready and found out they needed to rework a few things so they could move the animals around without letting them into the garden or having to cut through other animal yards. Their first plan made sense on paper but not in life

[@Flipflopbarnyard]

Goats are why we can't have nice things. LOL So excited to watch you build your dreams.

[@sydneykasmar]

Love your perspective on setting thriving goals and learning about the plan you are working with right now. "A rich and full and fruitfull life." May we all enjoy it as it is already provided.

[@SingleDadHomesteading]

I can't wait my friends I think I am almost as excited as you guys are and ill be thier the whole way to help out

[@meganmackenzie5993]

If only everyone had a friend like you, SDH!

[@SingleDadHomesteading]

Megan you do hi my name is Chris 😃

[@meganmackenzie5993]

@@SingleDadHomesteading yeah, I was pretty sure your name was Chris. I've seen you on R&R a lot. But, since I was only "mostly sure," I just used your channel name because I figured that was better than getting your actual name wrong. 😊

[@cekfraun]

Rather than burning and burying toxic things on your homestead future house site, you might want to rent a dumpster and have it hauled away. I wouldn't burn creosote coated posts or bury toxic things under my house!

[@cindyhill5970]

It can eventually get into the water

[@torontohomestead9254]

I would haul it away too. It can cost so much money to remediate contaminated land. The cost of removing the garbage is quite small in comparison.

[@jaditelady173mary4]

Agree...too many schools built over toxic materials that were buried...leads to cancer etc. Things we don't know are toxic now could be found to be toxic in the future. Be safe ...have it hauled away.

[@annmarienoone9879]

I thought the same. Why build over a toxic landfill? Haul it away, keep it out of your water supply.

[@crazylicious85]

Yeah I expected her to say they would have it hauled off. Was pretty shocked they plan to leave it there 🤨

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Is there ANYTHING more exciting than planning a new garden? I am so excited for you and your family and all your dreams (that you're working so hard for). Dreams can come true, but they still need work!

[@katew1030]

There is something so beautiful to watch families achieve their dreams!

[@PhilandAlex]

Excited to see the new dreams become reality for your family & future garden education center!

[@tinkerbell9396]

I am listening to this and kept checking my phone for my bird alarm, then if finally dawned on me it's the birds in your trees 🤦, yup, (🦕) ⬅️ me. Beautiful property 💗 very wise decisions and goals! 👍 Love it all! 🥰

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Aren't we all? 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿

[@lanak.fromnewmexico1143]

What a great property!! It's beautiful there!! I'm so happy for you and Miah and your family! Can't wait to see as it all comes together! Love y'all and God y.

[@poodledaddles1091]

I missed where the learning center is going to be built!

[@worleyhavenhomestead1448]

Can't wait for the learning center I'm so excited, me and my hubby are already talking about coming to visit and learn for you guys!!!

[@TheSouthernersNorthernGarden]

This is definitely a marathon and not a sprint! You've got to put down good Roots to support all of that top growth that's coming, and that can take some time! :)

[@sarahslovely08]

Loves this

[@Jenna1814]

Jess, I am vicariously living through you. I love how Jesus is blessing you all and I am so excited to watch your journey unfold.

[@jessicadeas5828]

I am beyond ecstatic for you guys! I was born and raised just outside of Columbia, and my husband and I still live here! “Smiling faces. Beautiful places.” is a true motto for our state! We too have been looking for more land to grow and farm, so we are excited to follow your journey, and to learn so much from your precious family!! Thank you for sharing with us ♥️

[@kimrobles9732]

I once had figs stuffed with goat cheese wrapped in bacon and drizzled with reduced balsamic goo. Yum. 😉

[@ssmith5127]

Now that sounds like a Google recipe search for today. Thanks

[@marymilligan1490]

That sounds amazing!

[@kimrobles9732]

@@marymilligan1490 It was!

[@kathymcmc]

Balsamic Goo = Balsamic Reduction. Good luck.

[@mrsladyhummingbird3229]

So happy and excited for you and your family. Keeping you all in my prayers. May God keep blessing you abundantly 💖💖💖🙏💖💖💖

[@staciafrase6953]

My grandmother had a fig tree and they are my absolute favorite in the world too and the fig preserves… oh my…heaven!!

[@KareMom4]

Thanks for being my favorite REALity show. It’s refreshing to see the whole truth about your journey. Thank you very much for inspiring us to learn!

[@teresaminnick2252]

“Plan…???? We are going to get sheep…”Miah leaves picture…Made me laugh out loud!

[@ardenpeters4386]

sheep frustrate me!

[@ingenoordam7422]

Same here!!

[@EverAcademic]

During the pandemic I was caring for my extremely ill and vulnerable mother. Due to her condition, I wasn't able to leave the house at all, even to pick my own groceries. The shoppers who delivered our groceries often brought us produce that was wilted and a day removed from moldy (or were molded already) and that was if they could find it at all. The garden I'd installed on her property the year before was our primary source of produce (and only source of reliable food) for the majority of 2020. It wasn't much, but it still made all the difference. Really drove home the point that you don't need to go big to have it count -- even just a small garden patch is worth having.

[@reformvideos4303]

God bless you both!

[@Justin-vk6eo]

Praying things are getting better for you and your Mother. Best of luck with your farm!

[@sarataylor1569]

Just putting a suggestion out there - consider putting “wash tables” (wood frames with wire mesh top surface) on the wetter side of your future greenhouse. You can A) use these to set your trays of plants on when hardening off in the transitioning out of the greenhouse, and B) would leave you with a spot to wash down large batches of produce at once, without creating a mud pit somewhere else on the property (I’m assuming you’ll put a water hookup in the greenhouse for watering). Maybe even consider a gravel floor/base under these tables to prevent mud in the first place. We used mesh-top tables like this when doing CSA prep work, and it makes it SO easy to wash everything in large batches and allow it to drip dry.

[@blueminutes4686]

Brilliant!

[@HumesLittleHomestead]

I'm just so happy for you!!!!!!!! It's so awesome to see how you have been blessed!!!! Been following you for a few years now, you have inspired me and lifted me in times I struggled.

[@elainehinton2860]

You may know this already, but be careful in choices anywhere near the pond dam. Roots naturally seek out water and can create leaks. So excited for you all!

[@davidbaber8473]

Agreed, plants near or on a dam could possibly weaken the structure.

[@MaryDavidson911]

It’s a spring fed pond, she said. Not as worrisome

[@rebeccafoust2963]

@@MaryDavidson911 yes it is. leaky dams are no joke ... spring fed just means you have less overflow with leaky dams.

[@beccagee5905]

The fruit trees will be planted in the swale between the road and pond. No way are the roots going to be anywhere near the pond dam, it's literally acres of area.

[@sherror]

Miah deserves his horses. He works hard. Loved the tour.

[@jaditelady173mary4]

Yep..a horse and cow can graze comfortably together in those pastures. Loved my horse growing up.

[@cherylbertolini3140]

yes he does

[@jamjar5716]

I think the boys would also enjoy horses!

[@insearchofsimple]

FIGS! A girl after my own heart!

[@Hobocreekfarm]

All the deer in a two mile radius know that you have a persimmon tree there at your pond. That’s one of their favorite foods.

[@gailwatkins8843]

Humidity is going to be your biggest battle in a SC high tunnel. Just a little advice from a former SC resident, WAY over ventilate the greenhouses. We learned the hard way before we moved to VA. Bless you as you build your dream :)

[@darleneclark6098]

Do you mind me asking what county in VA your in? We purchased 25 acres in Henry county. Moving from CT to homestead. Gonna be a real learning experience soil is so different from our urban homestead here. We've never dealt with clay soil. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[@gailwatkins8843]

@@darleneclark6098 I don't think I could be of much assistance as we are in southeastern VA. Our soil is about half clay, half sand. We have to use a lot of compost and amendments to our soil to keep it healthy. You will also be a good bit cooler than we are here. We are about 50 miles inland from the ocean and about 20 miles from the NC border in Southampton County. You will probably have a somewhat more significant snowfall than we have and it can tend to be a bit windy in winter out on that side of the state. If you think I can be of any assistance, I'm more than willing to share any knowledge that might help. Blessings on your new homestead (and your escape from CT). Clark is a family name on my husband's side, do you know where your kin come from originally? His people came from upstate New York. Again, many blessings!!

[@darleneclark6098]

@@gailwatkins8843 your so kind. My husband s family is from Maine. But my maiden name is Clarke and we don't know much about my Dad s side. He never knew his father. We are 13 min to NC boarder and they rarely get snow. If they do it's gone the next day. We like the change of seasons, but hate the long bitter cold and huge snow accumulation in CT. Not to mention the taxes and the government here. Fell in love with the climate and the like minded people in VA over 10 years ago. Took us many "vacations" in our camper hiking many properties to find our dream home. Gonna take alot of hard work to get it to where we want it to be, but it's work we both love and a positive future for our kids and grandkids. Your are absolutely correct when you say escape!!! 😂

[@gailwatkins8843]

@@darleneclark6098 I don't know why, but when I looked at the map I thought you were farther north, kind of by the Lynchburg area. Duh, silly me. We love that area. We had kin that lived near/on Lake Gaston and it was so beautiful. We are in our 70s now so we do what we can but because of hubby's health issues (bad ticker) it isn't much. We have a 3/4 acre semi-rural homestead. We are in a tiny town (3 streets, each 2 blocks long) and have recently had to let our pygmy goats move on to greener pastures. We can visit as it is fairly close, but somehow just not the same as watching their daily antics. Hubby recently blacked out and went face first into the porch steps. This resulted a trauma flight to Norfolk, 2 weeks in the hospital, 6 plates to put his skull and face back together, and we are facing multiple heart surgeries in the not-so-distant future. So as much as it broke my heart, I knew I could no longer provide for their needs by myself. We have about 25 chickens and I just finished processing 25 meat birds. I will NEVER do cornish cross again as they were a pain in the rear. They stink, they don't do very well in the heat, and the whole experience was not what I expected. We will continue to develop our "dinner" birds using dual purpose birds. That way we can have food and should we not be able to process at a specified time we will have eggs. We have 10 Khaki Campbell ducks and 2 geese (Lucy and Ethel) and a 40 x 40 garden that (hopefully) will soon become a greenhouse with raised beds as I have some physical limitations. How big is your homestead, what is the land like, what animals do you have or will you get, at what type of gardening are you most proficient? LOVE hearing about other people's experiences if you don't mind sharing. Watching R&R plan their new homestead is very exciting to me, I would love to hear your plans too.

[@darleneclark6098]

@@gailwatkins8843 I'm so sorry to hear about your pour husband. Prayers to him🙏. We bought 25 acres of A1 zoned land that was partially clear cut. It has a beautiful wide all season creek and a natural spring higher up . It has a 90s mobile home which we gutted and are in the process of rehabbing with a good well, Septic, and electricity. Although we are rewiring the whole thing due to rodent damage. It was vacant for many years. We currently only have laying hens here ( only an 1/8 acre) and I use every inch of space to grow as much food as I possibly can. But can't wait to be able to grow big crops like corn, melons, squash, potatoes etc. Eventually will have a high tunnel. Our plans got put on hold right after we came back from a two week work vacation, I ended up in the hospital with severe kidney stones. I'm recovered now, and very ready to get back to VA and work. We have never raised meat chickens, but wanted to try half Cornish cross and half heritage breeds to see what we like better. I'm not a fan of having to rely on hatcheries every year for my chicks. I'd love to get a couple milk goats in future and then once we feel comfortable with that get a dairy cow and raise two calf's a year. Definitely some pigs. But going to take it slow, so we don't get burned out. We're in our early 50s. But my husband is a mechanic and we're both jack of all trades if you know what I mean. Hopefully my oldest son will choose to join us on this journey once we get our home established and then build our dream home. He can then have the mobile home if he wishes or we'll just keep as a guest house for now. We also have a younger son who might want it. We'll see. The thing is we have many options and we can do as much or as little as we want. And my poor hubby won't have to work until he drops dead. If we stay in CT he can't retire and that's not fair. Henry county is beautiful and we have a gorgeous mountain view I can't wait to wake up to every morning instead of looking at my neighbors mess of a yard. And sirens and screaming. Never any quiet or peace where we are now. So nice talking and God bless you

[@alyssaharris5943]

Didn't expect another one so soon!! So happy now!!

[@ingenoordam7422]

Here the same; was starting from the first one up greetings from Inge Noordam (the Netherlands/Europe)

[@elizabethbrooks3790]

This is going to be an epic journey. Thanks for sharing this with all. The excitement in your voice says it all. Cya soon

[@mmegraham]

Golly. As soon as you opened this vlog to talk about the new farm, I just started grinning. Wishing you joy and success with this dream place.

[@judifarrington9461]

What a beautiful property! Nut trees would be wonderful too!

[@leamontegut4992]

The foodforest at the entrance is such a good idea ! Strawberries would thrive on the terrace area. So many berry bushes to play with as well to create a second layer after the tree canope. And it would be lovely with a lot of edible herbs, like oregano, thym, rosemary and lemon balm. Can't wait to see the evolution of this beautiful piece of land. Blessing to you and your family !

[@nikkib5151]

Thought that very same thing. Everbearing strawberries would be gorgeous. Ben would love to eat his way through that area lol

[@vernareed2692]

I was wondering about grape vines too somewhere!

[@colliecoform4854]

The deer will love it. Don't count on them not coming close to home. I live in a suburb, 1/3 acre, surrounded by homes and fences and the deer come in every night to forage, I survive only due to animal repellent and strong scented herbs and individual fences around some beds that we take down in fall and replace where needed in spring.

[@GrammaRosesHomestead]

Oh my word! You have no idea how happy I am for you. One of these days in the not too distant future I'll be able to say, "I knew Jess when..."!

[@janetdierker751]

Planting borage around the fruit trees will help with pollination:-).

[@mmcq3360]

I can always tell when Jess gets excited, her pitch goes up an octave and speech speeds to a 3! 😂 Go Jess!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

😂😂😂 you know me

[@meagantrout2127]

Ooh 50 plus minute vid on a day when I’m putting up peaches and zucchini 🥰🥰thanks for being my canning and freezing friend on this day

[@dawnbrady152]

I completely applaud keeping the garden AWAY from the wood line and any trees actually. The roots get into the garden beds and create misery when digging etc. The roots will always find a way.

[@barbseverino1278]

Whatever you design for this farm will be beautiful. It will be so nice to watch the progression.

[@emilybh6255]

If you want a little known (but popular in Georgia and South Carolina at least) fruit tree that is drought tolerant and pest resistant and has fruit that can stay on the tree and be eaten when you feel like picking, as the fruit changes in texture and taste, plant two Jujube trees. The Lang and the Sherwood Jujubes are thornless. They start out crisp, sweet and juicy like an apple, change to a drier sweet marshmallowy texture and then more dense when fully dried.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Awesome! Thank you for the tip. I’ve heard of them but I had completely forgotten

[@kimr4005]

They make great jam also

[@jcus300]

My family recently planted a Strawberry Tree... it is native to Ireland, takes a year for the fruit to ripen, but drought tolerant ... the fruit is rather gritty though (lots of tiny seeds inside)

[@vernareed2692]

I think they can be used like dates too! A lady i knew had what she called date trees but another friend told me they were probably jujube trees! They looked,& tasted like dates.

[@angelad.8944]

@@vernareed2692 You are right! In China they call them dates. I buy them dried from an Asian market. Lots of great uses for them. They would be an awesome addition. I will be living vicariously through these guys! I'm a USDA Zone 4 up here in Canada. XD

[@jujube2407]

Something new and fun... also for the kids... (its something my 6 yr old learned via KZbin last year) was hydroponics...she heard you say pons a few times (she's 7 now) she said ohhh they should put a floating raft of some sort to grow something lovely IN AND ON that pond momma! Im sure youtube has a video they can watch! Aquaponics...fish fertilize the plants...plants help clean the water...and if you did the floating rafts youe big fish will hide under then and the kids will know where to hunt the big fish

[@gardengatesopen]

SUCH a Great Idea!!!

[@beccagee5905]

Great idea!

[@edithskillings6053]

You and your family are an inspiration. Love your videos and enthusiasm for life and everything that comes with it

[@secaughey]

Love seeing your excitement as you share your plans!

[@jenn6838]

"As much as I tell [the goats] to not eat the flowers. They just don't listen!" -Jess 🤣 So excited to watch how you and your family steward this new land. Ohhhh.. I see fruit tree & perennial shrub videos in the future!

[@mamiebobb4173]

I thought those goats were raised on roses anyway!

[@jenn6838]

@@mamiebobb4173 No kidding! It's not called deadheading anymore, it's goat treat time!

[@mikedashortz8398]

I laughed out loud at that comment...🤣. This is all so exciting...I cannot wait to see what you guys do! 😍

[@samanthaquant7411]

Also! Having the garden in the middle away from the trees: full day of sun! :)

[@JessGier-11]

If you ever think about grapes trust me I regret not doing this but an overhead trellis that lets the grapes hang down will definitely wow your heart and make a amazing secret place

[@katrinalau4137]

Omg! You could put a little vineyard in the front driveway by the pond!!!!! That would be great! Grapes 🍇

[@kathymcmc]

In the Low Country usually people grow muscadines.

[@JessGier-11]

@@kathymcmc they grow wild where I live and pull down the trees over my fence line and are basically a weed.

[@janebishop5885]

Grapes do not really grow well in hard clay and rocky soil like they have. I am familiar with this as a relative lives in the same county.

[@br8714]

We say I'm not a prepper nor a survivalist...I'm a ready-ist. Lol. Blessings to all you guys.

[@kathymcmc]

Right? I don't think growing a garden & canning food makes one a prepper. Its how I was raised.

[@CanadianFarmGirl1]

Seeing this video pop up just made my day!!!

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

I made plans and God laughed. I'm so proud of your family to embark on this homestead journey. Homesteads are part of communities and I see you've already are developing relationships with your neighbors which is one of the Golden Rules. God is blessing you. Keep going through the valleys.

[@haleybuntothehills]

"Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leave of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing." Ez. 47:12 Praying for abundance in your new space; blessings on every tree, every limb, every flower. It's gonna be awesome!

[@m3half768]

It would be fun, one year later, to have a reaction/response to this video (on youtube or in the podcast) about what you've already decided to change/rework/or add to this plan

[@cheriarnold3317]

Be careful about planting on or near the earthen dam so as not to compromise the dam. The government has lots of rules and regulations some rules seem a bit tedious, but some are for safety. A healthy tree doesn’t really harm, but if the tree dies, the roots as they decay can cause seepage…. Great property & beautiful dreams and plans!

[@missywalker7846]

Oh goodness, I’ve seen many compromised dams due to trees. Especially at times when rainfall is heavy. Tree roots usually fan out as far as the Hight of the tree(I’ve been told). I wouldn’t plant fruit trees anywhere near that dam. It is a nightmare to loose a pond.

[@sharonadlam3195]

This is such good advice, came to the comment section to post something similar - I to have seen so many dams damaged by trees planted too close thus compromising the berm. Good luck with all your plans.

[@franziskabertram3286]

I wanted to post something similar. Lots of research in their future.

[@shevwheels]

I'd suggest a shorter scrub cover, like perennial clover and grass if you need to stabilize the surface.

[@Mindy56743]

Don’t plant trees on the dam wall of the pond! It will brake the seal on the pond! Plant in front of the pond between the pond and the fence. Do some research on ponds.

[@Karamelk4]

Yep, fruit tree roots will penetrate and raise up concrete!

[@maryellenwilson9214]

@@Karamelk4 That’s if there is concrete there. If not, it will be fine. Luckily the people who have owned this land so long & sold, live next door! So they can ask all & any questions the awesome Neighbors.

[@quietpassage]

@@maryellenwilson9214 I think KAramel K.’s point was that tree roots are very strong and disruptive, so much so that they’ll even raise concrete. But... the point made by the original comment about the dam wall is valid. No, they won’t “be fine” if they plant trees on or too close to the dam wall because the roots will breach the wall. Many people are telling them in comments, though, and I’m sure they already plan on doing further research before making the final decision. Have a good day 🙃

[@maryellenwilson9214]

@@quietpassage I Thank you very much for clarification on this!! You guys are all so awesome sharing knowledge!!❤️ Nobody can know it all! Two heads are better than one! 4O0 & something Thousand heads are also so much better!!!! We all learn from each other & I am thankful! Truly So Thankful for that! This is the best most beautiful group of people I have known! ✌🏽❤️🌱🌻🍅

[@maryellenwilson9214]

@@quietpassage I know the Willow has already been planted near the pond.

[@lucieengen7046]

Hi Jess, not sure if building requirements are universal as far as foundations go, but here foundations are build on undisburbed ground so that it won’t settle and shift. You may have to move your burn pile.

[@Clippiedippie]

Boost

[@ruthwarobick7998]

My same thoughts, we have a business parking lot where tree/clearning debris was buried before we bought the property, 20 years later it is a lumpy mess with small sinkholes.

[@amynorthcutt13]

+1

[@pamletourneau5112]

Not sure how rural you are but, thankfully in Vermont we have sources for various metals even TVs and computer parts and bulbs and batteries- and for hazardous materials. I know we are very fortunate and larger states may not have this luxury. Just wouldn’t want anything in question under a home if given the choice. But, gotta say everything you have looks so lovely. I envy your energy! Best wishes!!

[@gratitudejunkie]

Wow! Just beautiful! 💜💙 Thanks for taking us along.🙏🙏 God bless you and your family.

[@januarysdaughter6664]

Im off work today due to COVID-19 exposure (kinda yay) and I've been sweating in my raised bed gardens all morning. One day, Lord willing, I will be doing this full-time. Nice Roots and Refuge video break. ✌

[@srmc5453]

When you mentioned your Dad, building a place, keeping in tie with the farm building a "Barndomium" would be awesome for them. ;)

[@lindasuerussell4398]

I had to watch this twice, but I can say that your plan is well thought out and is going to be beautiful. I'm so glad that you have decided to share the experience with all of us. Thanks

[@jenniferlroberts5994]

It is so wonderful to see the joy on your face as you describe your dreams which are coming to pass. You, truely, are having the time of your life!! It really is so much fun to plan and then to see it becoming a reality...Wow!

[@TwinKarma1]

Plant strawberries on the dam wall, no fruit trees (they will compromise the dam). Down south using a lot of wood chips can invite termites to the area.

[@ranns160]

Girl! Jeremiah’s expression when you said “sheep”…. Priceless!😂😂😂. Y’all bring me joy.

[@THardy.]

A very sound plan. You have obviously given it much thought and planning. I can't wait to see it all evolve.

[@valerietruett1930]

‘I can see”. I say this so many times when trying to to people about new plans I’ve started over time. I wish you and your family luck and love in all your future endeavors.

[@rokdoctor6144]

Awesome overview, thanks. Have you considered growing nut trees as source of easy stored long term nutrition? Trees like hazel, walnuts and possibly pecan in inter rows? They can store over several years.

[@sunshinejenny5536]

Yes. Good area of the country for nut trees!!!

[@LeaC816]

Loving the drone views! I hope once y’all get the animals in place you will do another drone view tour of everything. I would love to see from above all the work that’s already been done as compared to the first tour before y’all got started 😁

[@ashleykunisbentley7433]

Wow!! I have been watching you all for a few years. So excited to see you make a another beautifully inspiring farm. You are an inspiration and I am so happy for you all. Also, please get that man a horse so he can be the cowboy he wants to be!

[@rchic09]

I love figs too! I wrap them in prosciutto as a yummy snack. Sometimes prosciutto with some chèvre with figs as a sweet, salty, tart flavored snack.

[@AtHomeWithSheree]

I’m one minute in and realizing a need to get my lunch and sit and take this all in. This is so exciting! What a journey this will be and great for us to all see it from the complete beginning!

[@pjkz63]

Beautiful land Jess. So excited to watch what you and Miah do to it. Blessings to you all ❤️. And then Miah rode in on his invisible horse and I choked on my coffee 😂.

[@roannaelisa7144]

So much content for years to come. Not only your dream for your family but also such a great chapter for the channel. ♡

[@ladybeetleco]

I have been telling my husband for weeks how excited I am for the content on the new property especially the orchard content. We bought our first home (only 1.24 acre) two years ago and that's the first thing we did. However I struggled finding people doing it step by step and talking about varieties. This video is really exciting.

[@DreamingBigSC]

I had to laugh when you said the animals would keep the deer away. Our hogs and non-dairy goats live side by side on the back acres of our property. The deer have chosen to jump the fence and bed down in the back of the goat pasture. There are deer tracks everywhere!! However, the back of our goat pasture is wooded so maybe with open fields it will be better. As for the pigs and pond, that is a great idea. We have mule footed full size hogs and they love to swim! They look like hippos out in the water and live in the pond all summer long.

[@rebeccafoust2963]

Deer and goats will share the land nicely. be aware deer can transmit illnesses to goats- does not happen often but it can. fortunately, the ones we had to deal with the treatment was easy to administer through the goat's water supply.

[@DreamingBigSC]

@@rebeccafoust2963 good to know. I didn't think about that.

[@jujube2407]

Have you ever thought about learning how to use your goats for landscaping purposes? I know goat rental/landscaping is a big thing... could you train the goats to move able fencing to help move them around and around where the brush is to help you out to clear areas and save on feed some? And or as the kids get older they could make a local small business out of it?

[@steveclark5794]

There are NO trees on the pond dam for a reason. The roots create voids and channels and undermines the structural stability of the dam. I know you will find a source that says if perfectly ok but its really not. Just something to think about

[@LisaBerdan]

OMG HOW EXCITING!!!! Thank you for bringing us along! We love and care for you so much, and so happy for the blessings that God has provided.... Wow, wow, wow♡♡♡