My Tomatoes Are Sick! How we are helping them recover!!

[@riverduck3]

Heavenly Father, please make it so that this farming neighbor starts having a heart of compassion and care for his neighbors, and uses common sense about when to spray his fields. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

[@janicew6222]

Lord, I am in agreement with this prayer, Amen

[@riverduck3]

@@janicew6222

[@greenthumb8266]

Powerful !

[@ArukahFortifiedFarmstead]

Amen! 🙏🏽🤍

[@shirley7137]

Yes, Lord please soften his heart and make it receptive to change to help his neighbor.

[@katherinestanley556]

I’m sorry that the farmer has no regard for his neighbor. I hope your tomatoes make. I love watching your videos and know how much work and pride you put into your garden.

[@ItsChilly-WearMittens]

Yes, I can imagine Ruth Ann's deep frustration, especially when it would take so little effort on the part of her neighbor (wait a day til the wind dies down) to fix the problem. When things like this happen to me, I remember the (many) times when I was young when I dismissed other people's legitimate concerns with a "why are they making such a fuss; they're just being bossy" and try to improve my own empathy and consideration. It kinda helps. 😂

[@jozi4136]

Exactly. I am a farmer. We are extra careful about drift. Usually just spray early morning and evenings after the winds die down. It makes for more planning but hopefully better neighbors. My husband is very appreciated by the neighborhood for his concern. Admittedly more people have moved to the country and both have to learn to live well together.

[@riverduck3]

@@jozi4136, you sound like wonderful people.

[@lindaleach7954]

I'm so sorry that you experienced the damage to your tomatoes...and possibly other things. Just like the farmer making a living with crops from the fields, you are growing plants that provide food for your family. That farmer is very inconsiderate. He knows what he is doing but does not care and hopes he can get by by spraying during windy conditions.

[@terrifox5073]

I so appreciate you honestly sharing the good and the disappointing happenings in your life. Your thoughtful solutions and Godly attitude is an inspiration. I pray your garden recovers and grows abundantly. ❤

[@joynjrny]

He’s not being very neighborly and considerate of those around him. The farmers who use that stuff know but do it anyway. At my age in what I’ve dealt with in people I would not be so restrained. I pray for a good outcome, for your tomatoes and your neighbor.

[@atticusk8548]

Ruth Ann, so sorry to see your garden looking so very sad! I would definitely call the Extension Office and have them come and take a look at your very unhappy looking plants and also ask them to take some soil samples and do their normal tests. I do think at a minimum your farmer neighbor ought to tell you what they sprayed so that you will at least have that knowledge to share with the Extension Office and I think given how close you are to their fields that it would be courtesy for them to drop a note in your mailbox or stop by and tell you when they plan to spray so you can at least keep children and animals indoors and windows closed. The issue of 'spray drift' is a big one and depending on where you are located some places even require notice of spraying to impacted properties (usually adjacent properties at a minimum). With so many places trying to go organic the issue of 'drift' is enormous and yet we see so many still continuing to spray in windy weather and not follow notification rules in our area. I hope your treatment plan for the tomatoes works!

[@deadshortbroadcastin]

Live your videos and content. We are farmers in Nebraska. I don’t know a single farmer who will spray in the wind (over a certain mile per hour). Please understand that sometimes a farmer only has a specific window of time to get a field or crop sprayed. My husband will spray fertilizer if it’s a little windier because it won’t wipe out a garden or other crop. We don’t have many fields that are next to or across the road from someone’s garden either. I can’t speak for the farmer who sprays next to you. Only what I know to be true for my farmer and our community of farmers here.

[@southloupriverhomestead4696]

I,m also in Nebraska. We own the cornfield next to our house. The farmer that rents our field trys to be so careful. Nothing seems to help. They only spray when the wind is away or calm. We put big blue lick tubs over each plant and push dirt up around the bottom of the tub. Still we get the same damage she is showing.

[@riverduck3]

I'm very sure that Ruth Ann understands the time restrictions. But now I'm wondering if this farmer knew that she would be out of town, and so this was a perfect opportunity to spray his poison.

[@southloupriverhomestead4696]

@@riverduck3 The farmers are very busy just trying to get there work done in many fields . I don't think he was sneaking while she was gone. That's not how it works in big farm county.

[@belindakinmon1395]

@@riverduck3 you obviously don't farm. Most farmers are very cautious about spraying and don't "wait" til the garden owner leaves town

[@mariasmith8433]

Lost all of my tomatoes 2 years ago when the electric company sprayed the power lines in mid June. Most farmers want to be conservative with the chemicals and don’t want to have the waste of drifting.

[@jeffreywade4095]

Bless Ruth lord with strength to do all her day commands her to do with family and household needs daily

[@pearlrawson8636]

My motto: God takes care of what belongs to Him. So, I pray that your damage control will solve the problem and you and your neighbor has peace! 🙏♥️ 🍅

[@kandimccann9055]

Yes ^

[@amandacoyne1663]

The manure because it is aged is what I would classify as compost and the grass is what I’d class as mulch. I wish I lived in the countryside and owned my own home so that I could have a decent garden. And my dream kitchen and pantry.

[@shandaandreoni7132]

We also have to watch the manure compost that we use. If the animals ate hay from fields sprayed with Grayson, it will kill crops.

[@carolineherron4306]

I think you should follow the proper procedures with the farmer he should know the damage he is causing but understand your need to not burn your bridges however that is exactly what he is doing to you❤

[@danielleterry2331]

Bless your heart, I know how much possible loosing your crop hurts , the deer took out my whole garden one night, when I walked past my back door I saw 10 with more coming in, we have such a bad deer, mountain lion issue here in Texas so much so texas parks and wildlife has said if we have a garden or growing crops and orchards we can take out and report 2 deer , mountain lions are like our wild hog and can be taken year round, my heart was broken as I rely on my garden but I am able to replant which I have done and put up deer alarms which hasn’t made my neighbor happy being woke up by dogs barking and gun shots which my alarms are loud, but my sitting up all night isn’t a option I work 10 hr days. Hope your tomatos bounce back and in Jesus name I pray you get an abundance for your family

[@homesteadinthevalleyannabo6783]

We have a similar neighbours on both sides of our property We are allowing the wild blackberries to grow as a border. Some kind of hedgerow could help. I am too familiar with herbicides. I lost almost my whole garden a few yrs ago, which was a big investment for me too. 😢

[@catherinemiles2172]

Gardening is hard enough without the outside influences. Watching your video I was very upset at what was taking place and I would have confronted the farmer but I loved the way you handled it. I learned more from your solution than I would have learned any other way. This was a huge learning curve in caring for sick plants. Excellent!

[@belieftransformation]

Great knowledge shared; thanks! In my town yard, I’m also concerned with a neighbour that uses herbicides to kill everything that isn’t grass (but did kill her grass with it a few years ago). My raspberry patch has suffered from it but what can you do if you’re going to remain peaceful? I’m praying that the wind doesn’t drift it my way. I’m sure your plants will grow strong now. Blessings to all 🤗🇨🇦

[@PhuongFarmLife]

Let's support and learn as we help these tomatoes recover! Wishing you healthy gardens and thriving plants. 🍅🌿

[@Singing434]

My tomatoes are curling the same way. I had used 3 year old horse manure I had gotten from a fellow homesteader . 200 plants all looking like death is coming for them.

[@reibersue4845]

Horses may have grazed on fields sprayed with an herbicide. I'm hearing more and more backyard gardeners complaining about Black Cow killing their seedlings. Or manures they obtained that did the same, only to later find out the animals grazed on treated fields. Some have added the manure to their existing compost pile which now needs to be disposed of and started over.

[@Thingys-Jill]

This might be a silly idea, but what if you put a stake at each end and in the middle and put plastic up so the drift hits the plastic instead of the plants? Love your videos.

[@Justacasualstranger]

I'm here for feisty Ruth Ann!

[@Ruthannzimm]

Lol

[@debbiewood7718]

I think you should have the extension office and have them come and collect the evidence. The herbicide manufacturer needs to know it is not working. Going to the neighbor is a separate issue.

[@barnrazedbyjesse6893]

We ran into a similar situation. We planted beans as well as our neighbor across the road. Their beans were round up ready, ours were not. It drastically damaged our beans along the roadway across from their field. They noticed as someone who previously worked in Washington for the USDA should. We now grow alternating crops each year. That does not help your garden though😢 My garden is protected by the house, barns, hay fields and fruit trees however, according to your children that may not have helped either.

[@meganlalli5450]

Ruthann, i am sorry and angry this happened to your crops. I'm sure you're praying about best next steps. I think gping to the extension office to nake sure it's herbicide damage would be best. Then you can ralk with the farmer, explaining this isn't the first time this has happened ehere you plants were suddenly unwell after he sprayed, but you wanted to be sure it was herbicide damage before you talked with him. I agree not wanting to burn bridges, and am reminded of the scripture that if we have aught against our brother to go to him first. I think in this case "going to him first" would mean waiting until you hear back from the extension office so you can have proof rather than saying something now, unless you say you sre going to the extension office as herbicide damage is the likely culprit. In any case, you want healthy plants and successful crops! Prayers for a successful outcome all the way around.

[@Ruthannzimm]

Thank you!!!

[@reneedickerson4489]

Document, take pictures, save plants then take evidence to farmer and explain again what has happened because of his actions. Praying the farmer finally understands what his action has caused. Blessings

[@jacquelinegemmell612]

We use a motion water sprinkler system to keep the critters out. I am so sorry about your garden. It's disheartening after so much work. Difficult situation to be in.

[@mce6328]

i would still get the tests done that way if it happens again then u can take several years to the farmer it might be his income but that ur food to feed ur family and to me there is no comparison family always beats financial gain!!!❤❤❤

[@glendabenard3772]

Ruth Ann. I have a question. Not to do with your tomatoes but about how to water bath canning asparagus. HELP!!!!!!

[@melissazabower339]

I learn so much watching your videos! 💛😊

[@joyceyoder9401]

Thanks so much for the info!! I'm finding a little time to garden again after a number of years of being too busy! Hubby built some raised beds for me-yay!! So my question-we are in mid Kansas, and I found a number of tomatoes setting on yesterday. 1 larger one has been sitting on the ground-do I need to remove any tomatoes on the ground? Will they carry disease also? The dirt is new Miracle Grow bagged dirt. Any advice is surely appreciated!! Love watching your videos-i grew up conservative Menn!!

[@ritascott7901]

Do you ever use watery milk on your tomato plants? I googled this idea & got positive feedback. This is the first time I've tried.

[@TheRhonda1957]

Go to extension office. Have proof

[@lynlyn4539]

Oh my. Sounds like your neighbor is not being neighborly. But give him the benefit of a doubt go to the extension agent to make sure it is his fault. Explain to him what you are doing with your organic gardening. Pray first before going to talk with him. Never thought of cutting the bottom of the tomato leaves off. Good information. I have to say you are a very smart lady. I wish I knew all the parenting skills you are teaching your children when my children were growing up. Thank you for posting this video. Looking forward to your next video of your garden growing.

[@susandavey3312]

You have a Common Courtesy Issue. Go with support from your extension service. If the neighbor sprays on windy days, after your having asked him not to, he obviously needs more education and is not interested being courteous to you. You tried "Nice Neighbor" his response to your neighborly request was "Business as Usual." If you want change, he needs what he considers to be a real reason to be considerate and do as his neighbor asks. Sometimes, the embarrasment of others in the community knowing how he treats his neighbors may work. Good Luck

[@candacewilliams6869]

So sorry that you're having trouble with your beautiful garden. That's not the fun part of life! I will pray for you. Sounds like God is giving you an opportunity. I wonder if you could plant a hedge around your garden. Not sure what exactly would resist the herbicides and manage to trap them. Also, I've heard of using mushrooms, interplanted in a crop to get rid of herbicide. Might be worth a try!

[@Ruthannzimm]

Thank you so much!

[@sherrielewis2651]

I've learned so much today. Thank you!

[@barbaramiller349]

Good Morning. I’m sorry that this happened. I’m sure it wasn’t intentional by the farmer to hurt your garden, but nonetheless it did😢. I think i would get the documentation needed to inform him of what is happening, maybe some photos of the damage it caused. Then politely ask him to refrain from spraying on windy days in the future. Not sure if he will be accommodating, but I’m not sure what recourse you have at that point. It’s sad. You work extremely hard to grow healthy, organic food for your family and to have this happen in the few days you were gone was very upsetting I’m sure. Of course your first reaction would be anger, who would not be angry. Then sadness and frustration. You did the right thing by sleeping on it and praying on it. Actions done in anger only produce more anger, and that emotion does not actually achieve anything. Deep breaths and prayer. That will help you. Being productive and caring in your garden is productive. Calling the extension office for documentation is productive. I think you are doing a fantastic job focusing on how to move forward. I pray that God will bless all of your effort and the fruits of your labor will be an abundance of tomatoes! I know if they can be restored you will make it happen, with God’s grace and blessings of course 😉🙏

[@elizabethbordeaux2741]

Well, Ruthanne, I understand you not wanting to burn bridges...but neither should your irresponsible farmer neighbor. It should work both ways. Prayers for your crop and for your neighbor to wake up.

[@jessb6555]

You need to go to the extension office and fight it. It’s for the safety of your family. So many of the farmers have no regard for anyone except themselves

[@johnreginahenderson7032]

Great video once again RuthAnn! I always learn something new when I watch you! Thank you!😊Regina

[@kathycooper3594]

The damage has to be heartbreaking after working so hard to plant a garden. Can you install a windscreen that would prevent the chemicals from blowing into your garden

[@Ruthannzimm]

Yes. That’s a great idea b

[@lisanorris6518]

Please give an update on how you handled the farmer across the road. Did you and your husband go and talk with him with the report of chemical damage? If so, did you talk with the farmer or did your husband? And what was the response from the farmer? I'm interested to hear how this was handled according to your upbringing and your current beliefs. I'm divorced after 41 years of marriage. My ex-husband would have never allowed me to say anything to the farmer or to him. I had to keep my thoughts to myself. I am very curious.

[@Ruthannzimm]

In the Mennonite culture it definitely would be frowned upon for me to contact the farmer.

[@riverduck3]

@@Ruthannzimm, therefore aren't you once again glad that you are no longer part of that community? It's unhealthy to feel that you can't speak up when someone needs to be aware of wrongdoing.

[@nancykraus719]

Have you ever had your potato bugs migrate to your tomatoes? I've been picking the potato bugs off the potatoes so I guess they are trying to survive by moving on but I have never had them eat my tomatoes!

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Farmers need to be responsible for their actions. As someone commented, your children were breathing that drift as well as your plants which are your annual food supply. As much as it might not help neighbour relations he has not been a good neighbour to you. The extension office needs to be involved as it sounds like he has done it before. Take care =-)

[@carriehealth]

Anti drift may be available to the farmer, but it’s obvious he doesn’t use it. 😢

[@riverduck3]

"Anti-drift" sounds like a made-up word for the gullible or indifferent.

[@ErinRhyne]

This was so helpful, thank you❤

[@KellyHall-f2b]

Do u put an irrigation line on top of the mulch to water your tomatoes?

[@NienelNienor]

Maybe talk with your neighbor and Find out his schedule to spray and then you'll have some time to cover your plants if you can.

[@riverduck3]

I think they should post a big windsock at the property line so that he realizes that they are keeping a close eye on the wind conditions.

[@amyrose9311]

I just want to cry for you. Last year my neighbor sprayed Roundup all around his driveway and it drifted and killed some of my squash plants in my garden 😔. Have the extension office document it. If it’s not documented no one will ever believe it happened.

[@lisathayne7333]

Thanks for explaining the difference between mulch and compost. Also, do you have a mulch pile? I can’t ever seem to keep one active.

[@Ruthannzimm]

We do have a ‘mulch pile/manure pile

[@lisathayne7333]

Maybe you could do a tutorial in the future on mulch piles❤

[@LeahRuth5324]

Are you familiar with Bermuda grass? Would you still spread that on your garden? I love the idea of using grass clippings, I’m just a little scared to use it with Bermuda cause of how invasive and viney that particular grass is and how it grows thru anything🙈

[@Ruthannzimm]

I am familiar with it. It’s spreads through the root system so I don’t worry too much about the seeds of Bermuda grass.

[@ArukahFortifiedFarmstead]

How frustrating! I’m so annoyed that this is actually still a practice. While I get it, I also battle weeds daily. 😅 we just did a video putting down weed fabric because of it. I’m not sure the answer but ruining someone’s garden and food supply is definitely not it. Praying your garden recovers. I’ve heard you shouldn’t grow in it for 2 years after. Not sure how accurate that is

[@reginacarrithers4454]

It is EXTREMELY IRRITATING I realize, but...here in southeast Missouri, when anyone "orders" herbicide"...(which is done by crop dusting planes), it SEEMS LIKE, they (the company) DO NOT CARE at all about the wind conditions. It's irritating for 2 reasons...#1 the drifting into gardens (which you're experiencing) and #2 for the HUGE EXPENSE it costs to treat your crops (rice, soy beans, etc), it's NOT reaching the intended places. Either way...very irritating.

[@FROGSJC]

What is the gadget on your hat?

[@cbak1819]

Mic for better clarity.

[@Ruthannzimm]

Yes. My wireless mic.

[@Longfamily3]

I think it is her microphone.

[@duaneandmarymartin5375]

The fact that your children were home and outside breathing the same air that damaged your crops is even more worrisome! I would definitely document this with the extension office and then take it to the responsible party.

[@riverduck3]

Ruth Ann is a woman of great composure and wisdom. I on the other hand am very reactionary when it comes to my loved ones. I would have stormed over to that farmer's house and would have said regrettable things. I want to be Ruth Ann when I grow up, lol

[@Paula-po9kx]

Thank you Ruth Ann. Yeah, I’d be madder than a hornet, I’d be at the neighbors raising cane especially knowing my children probably were breathing in those chemicals but probably best you go to the extension center and get them to do the work their paid to do. I pray for your garden to recover and produce much fruit.

[@sfdf1979]

Thank you for the reminder to cut the low branches! I have yet to do that on my tomatoes.

[@nancyannsoltis1055]

I agree w duane&Mary, document this, as they said you don't know how much your children were exposed to. Forbidden any future health issues. Look at all the law suits because of "round up". Love your Chanel, and have learned a lot about canning. Even though I did learn w my mom & Nana yrs ago as a child. But forgot a lot. God bless your wonderful family.

[@ArukahFortifiedFarmstead]

10000%% awful! 😬

[@CherylBlue-x5t]

I would go to the extension office first to make sure it is from the herbicides and if it is, I would definitely confront the farmer about it.

[@queenbee3647]

Confront isnt the right attitude if you are looking for compromise.

[@riverduck3]

@@queenbee3647, is "discuss" better? How about "chat", or "communicate". Ruth Ann has worked very hard planting all of those things, and at a great expense. And her children were breathing that poison. But you are concerned about language.

[@erinpruitt201]

"herbicide drift" this is why organic is never really organic. We have chem trails from planes overhead. Document, document, document. You can still be gracious in your approach with the farmer. What if it was killing your animals? What if this was your only source of food? Thank you Ruth Ann, you look adorable in your hat❤

[@riverduck3]

I chuckled at the words "herbicide anti-drift" and immediately thought about the masks and the plastic sheets between cashiers and customers because magic kept those germs from jumping over the sheets, lololol

[@paulinewayland713]

From planes above you exhaust fumes, the same as from a car only on a larger scale. They are not Chem trails as in some conspiracy theory

[@fannybuster]

I had 18 zucchini plants growing beautifully, then one day they started spraying the skies .Then it started raining for 2 days .Sun came out on the third day and I discovered all my zucchini had just withered and died ..Rain don't kill plants,chemicals do.

[@janebeard8902]

I sure hope your tomatoes come out of it. A few years ago I went to see my son in Colorado and my husband was taking care of things. I came home and asking him what he did to my [plants. Come to find out that the farmer had sprayed and it drifted over to my garden. I was so upset because my tomatoes were doing so well before I left. Happened again the following year with my cherry tree. It was full of blooms. Not one cherry that year and the tree almost died. Took 3 years before I was able to get a crop of cherries. Yes, we did let the farmer know and they seem to be more careful as of now. Love watching your videos!😊

[@Ruthannzimm]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@jeffreywade4095]

Lord dispatch angels across the garden to bring healthy crops in spite of all the chemicals

[@kathylane5934]

Mine too. Thank you

[@marthabeatriceharris6134]

Amen, may the Lord protect your garden for your food supply.

[@helen1962]

Oh yeah that’ll work. I think Ruthann has a better idea.

[@riverduck3]

@@helen1962, why not pray AND take action? Just because Christians pray, God never told us to not do what is necessary.

[@wendyjonasen9746]

Oh my goodness! I laughed right out loud when you had snippers in hand talking about common sense. I feel for you & I hope your tomatoes recover.

[@Ruthannzimm]

lol!!!

[@marigoldlancs8937]

Me too 😂

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

That was really funny!!!

[@jrae6608]

Herbicide drift can go for miles, don’t forget the crap dropped from the sky. Excellent video.

[@kriskeuler4455]

Love your videos So very informative ❤❤❤ love seeing your beautiful family helping you ❤❤❤

[@katie7748]

Ugh don't even get me started on the crap dropped from above (not to mention the fact that most people still refuse to believe it's real) 🤬🤬🤬

[@Margo5050]

There wasn’t evidence of crop dusting mentioned.

[@helen1962]

@@katie7748it’s not real. Good lord.

[@riverduck3]

It's laughable that the herbicide companies thought that the population would buy into their wordage of anti-drift, lolol

[@krickette5569]

TWO THINGS, Thing one- If you decide to visit the farmer, maybe go into your pantry and choose some canned goods to take along. Perhaps a jar of salsa (and a bag of tortilla chips from the store) and maybe some canned peas and a couple other items. :D Package them nicely and when you go visit, talk to him about the drift vs 25 mph winds and then hand him the package. Maybe tell him it's from last years harvest and remind him that you depend on that garden to feed your children. Thing Two, Here where we live, if you want the herbicides to spray your land with you are required to take a class that's hosted by the extension office. In that class they Very Clearly explain drift and hand out all kinds of paperwork and pamphlets on it. I took that class myself. They also tell about a couple of local lawsuits that took place where unthinking persons sprayed and completely killed the gardens of their neighbors. Their neighbors won those lawsuits. I'm not suggesting you prosecute, but that farmer Knows that the product used to "stop drift" only helps stop the drift on days when the wind is minimal. Since he sprayed on a day when the wind was 25 mph, I feel like it was done knowingly.

[@jennifercope4577]

We use to have a garden very close to a farmers field. He use to always tell us when he was spraying and he had several very large tarps that he helped us cover the garden while he sprayed then he would take them off. It worked well.

[@islandgrl7346]

What a kind and considerate neighbor!! ❤

[@kathyschauer2114]

Common sense is a flower that doesn’t grow in everybody’s garden

[@soyoucametosee7860]

Yes, document the spray drift with the Extension Service. It is important to know what the cause is. That will also give the farmer information about what he needs to do.

[@nicolewiley2763]

Your hat made your face look like it was covered in gold freckles from the sun. It was so pretty!😊

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

How frustrating !!! They should have bans on spraying on windy days, just like a burn ban. Honestly I would see if your sister has any leftover tomato plants and replant, I’m up in northern Minnesota and am still planting tomatoes and peppers so you still have time for a harvest !!! May the Lord provide all you need to feed your family 🙏🏻

[@paulashoultz6092]

I'm so sorry. We have had this happen to us as well. You are so kind. We did file an insurance claim against the sprayer. We did that because we had 100 year old trees and tons of other plants that were damaged. They were much more careful after.

[@WillowsGarden]

Hi RuthAnn and sweet family! I feel your frustration on the spraying and people not using common sense. I would like to see more of the harmful chemicals and pesticides taken off the market and using a more natural solution. Snuggling is the best, enjoy the grandbaby. I hope everyone has a blessed day and week!

[@tmd7859]

How infuriating. Common sense is not so common anymore.

[@guntaweiland3428]

Your rational take on life is so good for me. At the age of 79 I still need to “count to 10”. Peace to you and your delightful family.

[@riverduck3]

I'm 69 and I still have to count to 10 three times! lolol

[@renestewart604]

I pray(all the way from Germiston, South Africa) healing prayers on your tomato crop, prayers also extended to the rest of your crops. As somebody else stated "God protects his own". Please give the neighbour the strength and means to protect his crops without having to resort to weedkiller. It is an evil I have come across where I stay where an innocent medium such as bought compost has been infested with weedkiller and your seedlings die or do not flourish from the compost.

[@thenodiggardener]

I hope your plants recover. Nothing worse than the careless actions of others that could easily be avoided with just a little thought.

[@ilzetuceka9610]

I love God's wisdom in you and your videos, you are amazing 😍❤

[@andreamcgaughey2707]

Our Nation is lacking "Common Sense" God help us All 🙏🙏🙏 blessings to you and your garden 😇

[@lettucesalad3560]

I've had herbicide drift damage for the past 4 years to my backyard garden, likely from my neighbor who hires a lawn service to treat his yard every month. The past year I contacted my State Agriculture Dept to test my peppers and tomatoes. Their tests were inconclusive, it seems you need to get the samples within the first two weeks, which is sometimes not possible to notice the damage in that time-frame. The day the lawn company treated, was over 85 degrees with a slight breeze. I wish they would stop treating after mid-May while temps are still cooler. The lawn care company said they add adjuvant to their herbicides, so it can't be their fault..so I agree they use that excuse to be more reckless applying. Herbicide producers should be paying compensation to victims. For Tomatoes, they all recovered within a few weeks.. for peppers, many don't recover and produce almost no peppers which is heartbreaking after growing them since February.

[@Ruthannzimm]

So sad!!!!

[@riverduck3]

It's sad that those who don't use poison have to always go the extra mile or ten because of those with no regard for others.

[@janew5351]

William, the permaculture consultant had a helicopter spray his fence line. Here in my area of Ontario I see the tanks of spray on trucks or long wagons that tractor can pull. It's everywhere! We need massive petions to send government a message!

[@CherylBezzant]

Ruthann you are amazing, I love watching all you videos!

[@medeaboguslaw8130]

From 1989 until 2003 we raised our family in Nebraska. We were blessed enough to have a feedlot former feedlot as an area for our garden. It was so rich and nutritious that we didn't need to put manure on it very often however I did use grass clippingsand other organic items. It makes me happy to watch you because you barefoot garden as I help keep the balance in your feet observing those minimals from the soil. The nutrients and warmth just feels good all over.

[@riverduck3]

Ruth Ann, what about this idea ~ place a big windsock high onto a pole right at the property line between your land and the land of the farmer, and that way he will see that you and your husband are keeping a very close eye on the wind direction on any given day, and that you are also keeping an eye on him.

[@StormWarningMom]

Maybe a camera too... perhaps a game camera that takes pictures when there is motion. Gives you proof of what happened on what day.

[@silver_threads]

Love my Saturday mornings on your homestead! Watching you helps me be more intentional with our chicken manure and grass clippings...I realize I need to utilize it more effectively in our garden. I know I've said it before, but your encouragement and example are so, so valuable to me. We use fabric mulch around our strawberries, but everywhere else we have begun a few years ago using grass clippings and leaves (in the fall), and our soil is showing much improvement. It was also so good to hear your thought process as your work through dealing with a neighbor's methods of farming that affect your garden; being such a good example of patience and kindness, but also honesty and strength. Blessings to you and yours, Marie

[@maureenbrophy7852]

This is best to local people::::::: your children are breathing in these chemicals too 🙏🙏

[@dawnworrill5950]

I love your hat!! I'm so sorry and your tomatoes. I hope they recover.

[@vickihogan8207]

If that herbicide drifted it has contaminated your whole area! Your grass which your animals eat, it goes into your milk, your eggs. How heartbreaking and morally wrong of your neighbor! I am heartsick for you!

[@loomandbloomstudios]

Hi Ruth Ann, so very sorry about all the damage from the spray! We farmed organically for 20 years. Drift was extremely frustrating especially during inspection time. Part of our certification was to send notices to farmers around us that we were organic and that we would appreciate them taking as much care to avoid chemical drift as possible. We felt very vulnerable sending out the notices, especially in a world where taking offense is encouraged in our society. You did the right thing to sleep on it and think about other strategies. As frustrating as it is with all the hard work you put into gardening, sometimes confronting even with the best intentions and being kind about it could make the matter worse. Very few people are mature enough to be able to discuss a serious issue without offense or retaliation. It is the sad state of the world. God bless and keep planting and replacing garden plants. 😭

[@karenhorn6685]

But really the guilty party is the developer of the herbicide. Because that drift also must certainly be effecting human digestion as some digestive microbes are plantlike. It is serious because of your tomatoes but even more so because of human health consequences.

[@carolmalko615]

Oh RuthAnn, my heart aches for you with this problem. I hope your plants survive and flourish for you. Do you have another section of property further away from the neighbor that you could garden instead for next year? Perhaps on the other side of the house? It's probably not practical to do that, but I'm thinking out loud. I'm praying your next video shows improvement. Hang in there.

[@PaulaHolmes-v9k]

Aren’t the grass clippings also contaminated from the farmers spray?

[@zelmanewell5486]

I would get documented information from the extension office first & get all your ducks in a row before you talk to the neighbor.

[@rosemaryparnell377]

My suggestion, according to scripture, is go to the farmer first…. then if he doesn’t see his error, go to the extension service for documentation to give him.

[@darleneprice6467]

So sorry about your tomatoes. Hopefully they can be recovered

[@catherinedowdymeyn1565]

My former neighbor sprayed roundup every single year. I repeatedly asked him not to spray on winy days, to no avail. In fact, he seemed to delight and wait for me to go to my garden, before he sprayed. Then he would laugh and gun the engine!! I didn't know to call the resource you mention. He has passed away now. Despite his behavior, i miss him. May he rest in peace.

[@ElizabethBarber-tu9ey]

I hope all the grass and manure are enough to boost your plants into recovery and that you get a bountiful harvest! Enjoy the week ahead.

[@abcjerilee]

You are so lovely explaining things. Thank you for that!

[@carolynhowe9223]

I’m so sorry that happened! I can feel how upset you are.😢🙏❤️

[@barbsnyder1352]

Arent you worried about the drift in the grass too? Was the grass used as mulch safe?

[@kathylane5934]

I have drift this year but was not my neighbor. Mine my husband. His grazing field. Mine are just container garden. But I have 3 trees I started and my herbs for salves

[@terrystarnes4413]

Get documentation first so you have proof & he can’t deny & brush you off. I’m so sorry this happened.

[@jAnEl1111]

Thanks for sharing your world, it always brings joy to mine!!!

[@judymarielamb2408]

25mph winds! That's irresponsible of the farmer spraying... inhumane even.

[@riverduck3]

I am now very suspicious of the fact that he seems to have purposely done this while she was out of town.

[@barbaranielsen2888]

You are so knowledgeable! Thank you for sharing

[@lorenstribling6096]

Your kids work so well together, especially your 'twins' pushing that cart. 🙂 I can tell that Maxwell is your animal lover.