The Biggest Tomato I've Ever Grown! | A Fourth of July VLOG

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I'm spending the day in the kitchen making some delicious farm to table dishes for our Fourth of July Cookout. But first, I've got to harvest my ingredients in the garden. On the list is the tomato I've been watching ripen for days, its the biggest tomato I've ever grown and I can't wait to weigh it and find out exactly how big it is!
The Roo Apron: rooapron.com
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Salsa Recipe: Listed on this very only blog post of mine. Scroll to the bottom thehodgepodgeda...
The Pioneer Woman Fresh Mozzerella Recipe: thepioneerwoman...
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[@tiffany02020]

Just from a filming standpoint, the shot at 2:30 with the tomatoes in the foreground and you harvesting left to right and then depositing ur harvest is SUCH a good shot!

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Wow that's a huge tomato! Thanks for sharing

[@sunsetsky594]

I started watching your channel almost two years ago and I have watched some of your older vidoes that I've never seen yet over the past few months, however recently I have decided to put more consistent effort onto catching up on all of your past videos. It is fun to seen the difference in your garden in Arkrnsas in the earlier days and also to pick up on all the great garden tips that are included in those older videos. I'm having lots of fun!

I love Climbing Trip-L-Crop for overall production. It generally produces large but not Giant tomatoes (usually under 2 pounds). For Giant tomato competitions I grow hybrid Big Zacs. My personal best was about 4 pounds. The world record tomato was actually about 10 pounds!

[@kelliebaranowski]

Please do more cooking videos!!!! I love them them!!

[@advancedrescue4083]

Yes! More recipes please! I love watching your videos.

[@swhite8381]

those cherry tomatoes look beautiful in the bowl

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Wow

[@karenjensen-britton802]

I like seeing the food prep. What to do with my harvest is always a hang up for me. I will be making that salsa when our tomatoes get ripe.

[@nancyschwartz5665]

March 2024...snowday...what else makes sense but to pick up some crocheting and watch Roots and Refuge videos from the beginning. Just got done with goat maternity photos... lol!!!

[@michellel5444]

Flag poke cake is a tradition in our house on July 4th! :)

[@rosemaryogarra6957]

Thank you for such a lovely video. I only subscribed a few days ago and was captivated by your beautiful smile. I live in New Zealand am 73 years old and love gardening and love the Lord too. I have made garden beds as best I can. I live in a rental property so don't feel I can put up too many permanent structures. Would really love to. Love the way you have done vertical gardening. Very sensible. I make do with what I have but you so inspire me. Thank you.

[@christinacross1572]

Alien weapon. I laughed so hard!

[@gracecakes8241]

Yes!!! Tutorial on goats milk mozzarella!

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

You are amazing i used to be able to do what you are doing. Not as able anymore but you sure inspired me. Keep showing how its done!!

[@mr.greenjeans8323]

Congrats on the tomato ..its huge..i love squash, zucchini,eggplant and portabella mushrooms on the grill..all that is great on a grilled pizza too

[@Gina-dz4jg]

I so enjoy your videos... I'm heading out to work and just couldn't resist watching a couple more first. Have to tell you how much I loved your "alien weapon" comment about the oversized okra! Too, too funny!

[@PatBarr55]

That's awesome, I miss fresh grown tomatoes. I use to have a few gardens but nothing as large as yours. A lot of work! I might do one bed.

[@amandaforeman703]

That is a big tomato! Nice job!

[@faithfamilyhomestead]

That tomato was huge!! Maybe you'll get a bigger one for your last growing season this year (At this property of course)

[@GrandmaSandy]

Great Fourth of July video .

[@Jimisuec]

Yes on the cheese video

[@Jimisuec]

And a pantry walk through pretty please

[@sandragillanders2425]

I just found your videos and love them. Your garden is so amazing. I have a very small garden. I am also 71 years old so probably not ever going to have a massive wonderful garden like you. I just love all the information you provide. Thanks so much.

[@jaclynrichmond1049]

I grew peppers this year, banana and jalapeno but the banana peppers were dry and not any thing like you would buy at the store for salads. Am I suppose to pickle them or something else because I can't imagine eating them dry? Your attitude towards being real about cooking from scratch has helped me tremendously.

[@donnawest866]

Love your philosophy of making no foods taboo but teaching your children to make good choices…and Justin! So awesome of you to make the cake!

[@LorriesWorld]

Your salsa looked quite tasty! I've saved the recipe. ♥

[@MsChopperdog]

I`ve been watching you the last week or so. I love your videos. You are so adorable, and I love your tattoos !

[@crochetaholic7105]

I'm getting so jelly of you're super long growing period that I swear I'm going to walk to Arkansas to start our homestead lol but I'm kinda seriously ☺️ I wanted to ask where you got you're nifty garden apron? I was like OMG the bottom opens up(when you opened it to add the cherry tomatoes to you're basket) !!!☺️

[@jordanolsen6571]

For a substitute for growing cilantro try to grow Papalo it is really similar in flavor for use. It is very heat tolerant!

[@sharaharper2253]

Honestly I think I’d watch a video of you changing your lightbulbs 😂 love your presence in front of the camera and your accent. Could you explain about the cake - I’m Aussie and have never heard of such a thing but I bet my kids would love it. I’ve got 5 kids from 10 down to 5months and I always say I’m the most organised disorganised person you’ll meet!

[@ffwife1210]

Love your videos! And yes please share a video of you making cheese!!!

[@tammynevil2422]

Love caprese salad

[@sonya3772]

If you ever have the spare time I would love to see a video on how to make the mozzarella :)

[@OnCall24Seven]

LOVE Ezra's video bomb!

[@melissab5432]

I just finished this video with my 3 red headed boys, and we have decided to try to make a poke cake! Looks delicious and best part, easy! Thanks Jess. Slowly watching your channel from the beginning.

[@greersonmission]

That beautiful basket of tomatoes!!! And I love your apron! Too cool!

[@mork00001]

I have one years ago 2-1/2 lbs I brought it to the supermarket with my 7 year Mia.and tomato in tow . I asked if we could weight it, he asked did we could use his scale ,and did we get the tomato at the store . I replied,does this look like anything you sell here? Lol .

[@johnhorn9810]

Need to try an heirloom tomatoes called mortgage lifted they are giants with great flavor

[@OnCall24Seven]

Jess, I haven't tried this myself as I am not getting any charge out of coffee these days, but I read that you can use "oversized tough okra" seeds mixed in with coffee grounds.

[@Pollypole]

Please do a video on how you made the cheese :)

[@bookishhomeschool8010]

Where did you get your apron?? I love it!

[@amyjones2490]

Love the apron where did you get it?

[@fareebug8439]

Okra...."alien weapon" size....🤣😂🤣🤣

[@tammysarrazin7078]

lots of dishes you have to do get the kids moving and make them do some to save you for later lol

[@PinkWillowRanch2024]

what was that yellow squash you picked first? it looks like a star

[@patjinx60]

Jess, love your garden, love your spirit. May GOD bless you, your family and your farm! ❤️

[@Junglejuicejenny2.0]

I make my own yogurt every week.. Is love to see a cheese video and start making that as well

[@tracybowers979]

I love watching you guys maybe a tip or not but have a look into ormus water for your vegs

[@healthybeginnings8542]

I would love to see your mozzarella tutorial. I love pioneer woman but it would be fun to see your version.

[@lindadeclue.2215]

Very cool. That tomato was huge. Never seen how to make mozzarella before. Would love to see you make a video just on that. Do you have to use goats milk only?

[@artofcreationhomestead]

Pretty please on the cheese making video

[@krystalgonzalez3907]

Would love a cheese video please.

[@suburbanhillbilly2999]

Bruschetta on homemade bread

[@franmaricich8579]

Great video! Love your apron! Where did you find it, please?

[@Annettec457]

I like your channel came upon it this morning, I am hooked. Your garden is simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing a little of what you do.😊

[@tantaw0]

Have you ever grown Belgium Giant? Most are two or three pounds and if you get lucky a four pounder! If you don’t have seeds let me know and I’ll send you some

[@Annettec457]

I know this is a little late but do have you canned your salsa? it looks really good.

[@ultimatecouponlady]

I love tomatoes! Nice harvest! Not sure if you have done it since this video but it would have been nice to go with you to each plant while you harvest the tomatoes off the vine so that we know what to do or what to look for when we harvest our own tomatoes, especially us beginners. Not sure if you noticed, but we really can't even see what you're doing while you're harvesting. We just see the results. That food looks absolutely amazing! I know it was a year ago but what else did you have on your menu for that Fourth of July celebration? I don't have a garden yet but after seeing you are fresh salsa, I'm going to go to our local farmers market today and get some fresh ingredients and make some salsa! I absolutely love homemade salsa! This is all so new to me so bear with me please. Why don't you have a mother goat to feed all of the kids instead of you having to do it?

[@barbararupley6998]

Where did you get=your apron you wore in the garden for gathering ?

[@blitzburghbilly7813]

NEW SUBSCRIBER HERE.... AND YES ( VOTE ) FOR A VIDEO ON HOW YOU MAKE THE HOME-MADE ( MOZZARELLA 🧀 CHEESE ) PLZ .....

[@veganjen3545]

I just found you and you seem to have a warm spirit. Thanks for posting videos I’ll keep watching,

[@brandym1212]

Do the climbing triple crop tomatoes have a core? And where do you get seed for it? I looked at Baker Creek and didn’t see them.

[@bethlink6954]

I just found you this morning and am totally binge watching your channel! I love your videos! I love that they are all about gardening! Thank you! I got so emotional watching your introduction video. Gave me so much hope for my dream of a farm 💕

[@johnnymayo8534]

Awesome garden haul!!!! Happy 4th....and day after!

[@pammohler3253]

Where did you get the apron?

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Therooapron.com

[@melissasnellagnew3854]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@missourigirl4101]

I'm amazed how much you have to do. Don't know how you do it all. Thanks for all the tips and recipes. Great video. Hopefully the kids can learn how to feed and help with the goats. God Bless

[@cynthiabligh5718]

Happy 4th! fabulous veggies!

[@stephensannie]

I am a beginner at gardening. Just found this video today. This is probably a stupid question but what are the hanging glass jars with lids used for?

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

They are just solar lights

[@seedaholicgardens9085]

If no one eat it.. Ha! With all those gorgeous colors? It will be eaten, I am sure! ?I loooove watching you harvest. You have inspired me to get a loot more use of my allotted spaces. Thank you for inspiring us! Keep up the great work!

[@marydsanders]

I loved this entire video, but I was blown away when I saw you feeding 4 baby goats at one time! You've got mad skills my friend!

[@allisonp7041]

That tomato is awesome! I grow Amana Orange tomatoes and they are regularly over one pound and beautiful.

[@josephinele3364]

Thanks for your tomatoes videos.

[@PegsGarden]

Your salsa looks delicious! Have a great 4th Of July!🎆🎆

[@valerieelfering692]

Your tattoos are so colorful and beautiful!

[@justinemcguire4926]

Do you ever have trouble with fruits falling out the corners of the roo apron? I just got mine last year and I would absolutely love it if the fruit didn’t fall out! Lol

[@Christine_Taylor]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Makes me wish it was summer and I was prepping for the 4th and a family gathering. :)

[@sarab9337]

Yes I would like to see your full tutorial on your Mozzarella cheese! Your garden is beautiful ❤️ Loved to see your busy day, I have three kids and a small garden so I know how it is. Maybe you can do a video on what you use to fertilizer your garden too I'm curious

[@yergman]

You are an inspiration! Never change!

[@loririchards-guenter3047]

Yes, please! I woukd love a video for making mozzerella!

[@SherryGlow1]

My first garden 2 years ago was eaten up by fire ants. I live in zone 8 (Lexington, South Carolina). I also had problems with spiders, long-legged daddy spiders and they were on 80% of my plants. I lost about 90% of my plants. I got a few tomatoes, green beans and squash. This year I am starting out smaller since I do not get much help as we work long hours. I had a raised garden bed also and it was attached by bugs eating the leaves and also sugar ants in that bed. I am beginning to think we have a deep infestations in our ground of ants. Part of land used to be a cow farm and there was a small man made pond that dried up. We also have underground springs where the pond used to be and where all the ants seem to congregate. I think I am sticking to above ground bed this year only. Tomatoes of course, cucumbers and some lettuce, chard and kale. I love, love collard green also. Any advice on how to keep those devil ants off of my plants?

[@MichelleHernandezcraftymaven]

Alien weapon stage. too funny!

[@palecompass3598]

How do you get so much done. You seem to be juggling a lot!

[@Pepper5655]

about the cilantro, I have found a plant called popalo which is a heat loving substitute for cilantro. It is a Mexican plant. It takes a while for them to germinate, you do have to start the in starter trays. Here is a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npiyamx9draEg9k. Honey that salsa looks delish! yum yum. Get you some popalo I know u will love it. It is an amazing plant and grows well in this triple digit Texas heat.

[@Beecozz7]

Holy moly!!! That salsa looks delicious! Well done! Whew, i'm tired just watching!

[@butterfliezhomegarden3098]

Great harvest 🍅

[@vadaann1279]

Beautiful job. Very impressive.

[@delsurf71]

Nice job with the multi-tasking. You rocked it.

[@Jillianfosho]

you seem like such a sweet person! Thanks for the vids!

[@debbieventimiglia2216]

Gotta beat on the large tomatoes, oa couple of mine weighed over 3 pounds! And that's just ONE tomaoe, not two grown together, I grew these tomatoes plants indoors from seed last Feb and I feed them fish emulsion organic fertilizer,vyou should try it

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I will definitely look into it! Thank you debbie!

[@hillariebaker3778]

Was watching the video to decide if I wanted to subscribe to your channel. Alien 👽 weapon convinced me 🤣

[@mjf719]

I have been considering getting goats for milk, but am concerned that we won't like the taste. Would you say the milk tastes gamey or grassy? I have purchased goat milk from the store and didn't like the taste, but I've heard it is different when it is fresh.

[@bsofar1675]

You have the energy of six of me. Awesome garden harvest.

[@abbiefultz7447]

Roast them with olive oil, onions, peppers, basil and smear it on some sourdough bread or a baguette 😋 looks so good. Gotta love those poke and pour cakes.

[@Lisa-pn1eu]

What a wonderful video I really enjoyed this new subbie!!

[@TamairaElise]

Why/what do you feed your baby goats? Are they drinking something other than mom's milk so that you guys can milk mom? Sorry if this seems like a silly question. I have never had farm animals before so I'm curious.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

No we feed them moms milk.

[@lindabaker2326]

You have inspired me to start a KZbin channel this weekend on the beginning of my gardening life with God. I can't wait for the journey to begin. Thank you so much!

[@johnharden790]

I have a bumper crop of cherry tomatoes this year. It was partially my own fault for starting way too many seedlings in our green house, late winter. I canned many of them whole, to use for soups and stews this winter. I also canned pickled green cherry tomatoes this year. New subscriber. Enjoying your channel.

[@Articwolfgirl6786]

Watching these videos in winter makes me so excited for the upcoming spring and summer!!

[@emilykiesling2315]

I think it’s sweet your son is helping making the cake, which I may add looks yummy . I love salsa, I really enjoyed watching!