There's always next year (Food and farm appreciation) | VLOG

Slow Food Ark of Taste (US): slowfoodusa.or...
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Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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WHERE TO FIND US (Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we'll receive a small commission but the price remains the same - OR BETTER - for you! Be sure to check for any mentioned discount codes.)
- Our Website: rootsandrefuge...
- Sign up for our newsletter: rootsandrefuge...
- Join our Patreon to get early access to podcasts and other information, plus monthly LIVES with me and Miah: / rootsandrefuge
- Abundance+ (Grab a FREE 7-day trial): rootsandrefuge...
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- Order my first book, "First Time Gardener": rootsandrefuge...
- Order my second book, "First Time Homesteader": rootsandrefuge...
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- Email Us: [e-mail]
- To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
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- To support us through PayPal: www.paypal.com...
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge...
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge...
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge...
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge...
- Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge...
#rootsandrefuge

[@luannewilson620]

Jess, when I found your channel, I was at a very sad time in my life. I lost my husband 5 years ago and we always had a big garden, that we loved! After he passed, I lost all interest and just gave up. Then Icame across your channel and with your wonderful devotions, I started to listen and come alive again!! For the first time in years , I have a garden that I’m so enjoying!! Getting my hands in the dirt along with seeing things grow and produce is bringing such joy back to my life!! So, if you ever wonder if you have made a difference with all your hard work, please know that a 68 year old widow was given a new awakening because of your channel!! At the end when you say I bless you, I always answer, and I bless you too Jess! ❤ Much love and appreciation always!!❤️🙏❤️

[@heathermayfield4247]

What a lovely and inspiring post.

[@susanblauss5829]

This is lovely

[@jackcsaffell5641]

Hi Luanne. As a 68 year old widower, I too find great friendship in watching Ms. Jessica and her beloved family members. btw I lost my deaf/blind wife of 40 years, 8 years ago and I too miss my cherished spouse. If God is for us who can be against? Take care and God bless you.

[@luannewilson620]

@@jackcsaffell5641 Thankyou so much!! God Bless you also!! ❤️🙏❤️

[@tracypeden3961]

Jack and Luanne! So glad I witnessed this sweet moment! I came to the comments to leave my own love note to Jess and the fam and farm! I love to read a few comments (the best on the web, I'm sure of it) especially after a video I really really loved- like this one! Did you all see there's another 68 year old in the section? Anyway 😂 I love LOVE ❤ Bless you all until next time! ✌️

[@babyrn6851]

Oh Jess, you are such a blessing ❤️ I am 68, started my 1st garden 4 years ago, the same time I started following you. I've learned so much every year. This year my 33 yr old son started gardening. Tomatoes& peppers...he learned so much about healthy soil fed his wild garden. I gave him a black cherry start. Yesterday he harvested a bowl of beautiful tomatoes and a full bowl of black cherry tomatoes. He saw people walking by, asked them if they wanted some...he met new people and shared food. This life is so amazing. Thank you for your words, your honesty, your passion..I could smell the composting leaves! God is so ,so good to be part of His creation and to witness His abundance in places we never even thought about.

[@sandralafond3818]

♡

[@tarabrickle8745]

What a beautiful message and thank you to your son for demonstrating love of others. God is an amazing artist, there are no words. Praise His Holy Name

[@colleenbellscanadiangarden9180]

God is so good 🥰

[@Forage_and_hunt]

Beautiful ❤

[@deebrown2318]

Amen 💗

[@SimplyStacyL]

I love that Ezra could articulate that the reason he wanted to try Fairfax strawberries was simply because he likes saying fairfax 😂 such a fantastic reason to try a food ☺️

[@robinsnyder3881]

About 6-7 weeks ago, my daughter asked if I could grow zucchini next year. I said, "I might be able to grow some this year." I am harvesting some zucchini today (In Illinois) Thanks Jess. I could hear you saying you get nothing if you don't try.

[@kathymc234]

You must be in zone 8 or 9?

[@allenfarm]

Gosh Ezra has grown up into such a strong, educated young man. His articulation of words has me amazed! Such a little smart guy.

[@yvettesaxon8572]

Loving seeing Ezra learning. My 15 yr old daughter recently questioned her English teacher on why they were analysing movie themes rather than learning to write resumes and how it would benefit her future lol. Back to homeschool next year. We often don’t eat till about 8-8.30pm. Queensland life.

[@kathymc234]

Great daughter!!

[@amandacallow1095]

Well.... you made me cry today, when you said you wished we could all stand with you and witness the beauty of the fall garden, dying leaves, etc. My grandparents' family homestead was sold this spring, and I've been mourning that loss since the day I found out it would be sold. I loved everything about gardening with my grandparents, their self-sufficient business, and I wish I had the money to buy it. I do garden, on my very small property. I appreciated the virtual invitation to experience it with you... some of these tears are appreciative tears.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

For those of us still in the classroom, watching you go through the seasons is important! When it us our time we'll be ready. Till then, we dream...

[@tracypeden3961]

Here in the classroom with you! I failed this year 😂 but what an encouraging video! ❤ REDEMPTION! ! Blessings to you!

[@MissBetsyLu]

Well said. Many grand blessings everyone everywhere and always

[@tinymillymakes]

The one thing that has kept me going in adulthood is the realization that ALL things change. EVERYTHING changes. Feelings come and go like the seasons and when I'm in the low I just keep telling myself that it will come back around. It's more than just wisdom for the garden but for all of life. I get stuck in deep pits of depression and agony or longing from the state of my life or the world sometimes and I just have to remind myself that these things come and go and that I before I know it another season will move in to fill the spot of the last and that things will change. I have learned so much from watching you, Jess. So much knowledge you have to give and I will always be here, eager to learn. Thank you for sharing your perspectives.

[@MrsDebBee]

I can see Ezra as a grown man having his own educational youtube channel and referring back to the things his mother taught him as a child ❤🥰❤

[@kathymc234]

I thought the same thing as I heard him talk.

[@Julie-bq6iz]

I pictured him as a chef, owning a farm to table restaurant. Maybe even partnering with his mom.😊

[@melissamiller399]

I just want to say thank you to you, Jessica; No matter what is going on, and how bad of a mood I'm in, when I watch your video, and listen to your message I just feel at peace, joyful and positive again. Your spirit just brightens the world and I appreciate you so much. God Bless you and your family and I look forward to watching all your future projects and everything you choose to share with us.

[@debwiley3914]

Jess, you have blessed me so much today! I'm in the battle of my life for the safety and well being of my twins who are 41 and on the spectrum. Their step-mother is on a power trip and will not allow me time to see my sons (at this moment it's been 2 months, during which they were hospitalized without anyone telling me). I'm trying to obtain guardianship and custody of my family so that we can grow together. Josh absolutely loves to garden, and Joe absolutely loves to can. I don't want them to lose those things that are sources of joy for them. I'm going to believe that my sons are coming home, and I'm going to prepare for their arrival.

[@RiannaNicole]

I hope the best for you and your sons!

[@SaltCreekFarmstead]

My daughter’s mother in law has Navajo churro sheep! She is involved in the program through the tribe that is focused on preserving the breed. It was fun seeing them mentioned!

[@commonlaw5400]

I gladly anticipate starting the new seedlings as I pull the old plants out. It's the mark of a new beginning.

[@johnfourteensix4910]

Ezra is such a doll; it’s wonderful to see a child so interested in the future of food! I owe you a thank you for encouraging me to dream again. Watching you the last few years has been a beautiful inspiration!

[@missouribroad978]

Oh my goodness, your boy is the sweetest! Sounds like you have a world renowned chef in the making. So cool!

[@reginagibson1908]

Jesse I live in the city and have a little garden space. I almost on a daily basis, people commenting that garden is about done isn’t it? I’m like no I’m just getting my fall garden in my peas are starting to produce, I have carrots growing, my peppers are starting to explode, it was too hot during summer because they were in the direct sunlight all day. You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for your encouragement in your videos. My garden does well mostly because I tell them to grow and reach for God their creator. Even the pollinators I tell them go do what God created you to do, and I thank them. Sometimes I have to intentionally have to look for something to be thankful for because I may be feeling down or depressed and it lifts me up.

[@hitthacienda]

Serendipitous moment: Jess said “If you marry it (the garden)…” I was chopping bell peppers that I received for free to freeze for winter and I picked up a piece in the EXACT shape of a 💚heart!!! God is so amazing.

[@amyharris7337]

Jess, your encouragement is such a blessing! Thank you for your wisdom and love that you share in these videos.

[@sandralafond3818]

I love your optimistic outlook and happy heart. You are such an inspiration! An young Ezra ~ his critical thinking skills are developing, beautifully. He's going places! He exudes confidence, yet is humble. You and Mia are great parents

[@commonlaw5400]

Never fail carrot seed germination. Mix together 1 cup cold water with 2 tablespoons corn starch. Heat in pot on stove slowly until it forms a gel. Let cool. Mix in carrot seeds. Spoon into a plastic bag. Cut the corner and squeeze mixture into the soil where you want your carrots to grow. Cover lightly with soil, pine needles, sawdust. Water gently everyday. The gel keeps the seed moist until they sprout. Works every time.

[@caraoiler711]

I’ve never met Ezra but I can tell I’d love him to death lol that little smirk and head shake 😂💖 too stinkin cute!!!

[@fridomsnowbird6678]

Hey Jess, just so you know, Fairfax Strawberries 🍓 were the best tasting of all of the Strawberries ever bred. The only place that you can get Fairfax strawberry plants from is the USDA/GRIN Seedbank. The reason that they aren't readily on the market is because they are highly disease prone. There is a variety on the market called "Sparkle" which is a cross of Fairfax and another variety to increase disease resistance in Fairfax Strawberries. You should check to see if Sparkle can be grown in your area. I have grown this variety here in Northern California even though it isn't recommended for my area. I have had moderate success with it in my garden. It does have an amazing taste.

[@sharonrook4851]

Jess, you are an amazing blessing to all that follow you!. With all the chaos around us these days, you remind us all what's truly real! Thanks

[@jaimebudzynski1131]

I didn't get a chance at the garden in my own yard this year but I helped my friend with hers, it was such a joy to help her with hers. And when we got to our new place I immediately planted peas I have little plants growing and they bring me such joy to see them. I'm so excited for our new place and the gardening I'm going to be able to do here but right now I'm most excited about those little pea plants.

[@allaboutabasket]

I’ve been checking you out for a little bit. Not sure I’ve ever commented but, your moment of descriptive appreciation for the season there, I’m with you girl! Got a little teary eyed. I’m in NC but probably same planting zone. you seem to be the most relatable KZbinr I have found for location. I have a sampler fall garden going thanks to one of your seed reviews. I find you to be very genuine and knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing 🤗

[@stephaniehanuman-dale6279]

The changing garden also teaches me to use what you have when you have it and not to take things for granted. One year may have an abundance of tomatoes the next it might be squash or peppers Make the best of what you have while you have it🌱💚❤️

[@jIlLiAnganz]

Those high tunnel beds look great! Miah always goes above and beyond in his projects for you Jess. You must be so proud!

[@kath-phlox]

I did that scent experience over 40 years ago. I stood in a garden centre admiring a Philadelphus Belle Etoile in full flower. I breathed in that scent, it was amazingly strong. I stayed there a long time breathing it in because it was so beautiful. This month I have planted one in my front garden. I just hope that I can smell that again in my life. If not, my neighbours will enjoy this fabulous scent when I am gone.

[@sundaynightdinnerswithdebo945]

The Slow Food Movement was started in Italy as a protest against the opening of a McDonald's in Rome in front of the Spanish Steps. As my daughter was began her enlightened food journey with me, she realized she had used the restroom in that very McDonald's!

[@loriepierce____4978]

Thank you for the pick me up today. I had my worst gardening experience this year. I had a hail storm early this year that just shredded my garden and a lot of deer pressure on top of it. I have a suburban garden. Gardening was very hard for me emotionally as my garden was almost destroyed. It is already torn out for the year and no fall garden this year either. But I have been buying seeds for next year. I will try again next year. Your video today did make me feel better about everything. So thank you very much. You are very much appreciated.

[@amandablalock3191]

I'm baking while I'm watching this and was so confused when the timer was going off (I still had 13 minutes left). My 3 year old son came running and said "mom the muffins are ready!" 😂

[@taraconroy6631]

After the hardest garden season to date I needed to hear these words of encouragement 🙏💗🙏 So happy that the high tunnel that received contaminated soil will be your beautiful abundance this winter. Looking forward to all the R&R updates this winter and all the seedlings of hope pushing us through winter ❄️🌱❄️

[@Zinniaqueen]

Thank you for the reminder that each garden year is different. This year I had a pretty puny harvest. But I’ve had years with so much abundance I was preserving baskets of food everyday. Thank you for taking time to share your beautiful gardens with us! Bless you!

[@julie-annepineau4022]

I love these mindset videos matched with the beauty of your farm! My garden is finishing for the year but it was abundant and rich. I still get very moved looking at the space and amazed at the food growing in my polytunnel. We had a few frosts, a tropical storm and so much rain this fall but I love the land and the garden so much! And Jess you helped me bring that to the front of my mind and into my life!

[@skival]

I feel like you are the kind of person who would understand why getting a truck load of worm dirt has me so excited!

[@sharynhassard1625]

Change is inevitable... Growth is wonderful... Love is everything... I love you Jess. ❤

[@charlenejutras1595]

Thanks for the pep talk, Jess! Yeah, this year had it's challenges, but in the rear view mirror, I had some things that did exceed my expectations. The absolute BEST was having grandchildren develop an interest in growing food-that alone was worth the sweat, sore knees and insect bites. Love your inspirational videos!

[@galeharris6696]

Hi Ezra, we actually make birch and beech and maple syrup here in VT. I have only silver maples here close to my kitchen, in my yards, but they make very fine syrup, it tastes like regular maple syrup. I just have to boil down more gallons of sap for each gallon of syrup, so more like 40-45 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup than if I used sugar maple sap, which uses about 35 gallons per gal. Birch syrup takes A LOT of sap for one gallon, like 70 gallons to make one gallon. Birch syrup is very dark and tastes less sweet, more kind of molasses like. But it has lots of good minerals in it, as does maple syrup, too. Have fun with your food travels!

[@jackied5617]

You are such a blessing! You have changed my life on so many levels! I was clueless about gardening when I first started following you. Because of you enthusiasm and ability to share your knowledge and heart, I jumped in with both feet! Now people come to me for guidance, suggestions, and encouragement. I'm thrilled to continue to pass the torch that you passed me 4 plus years ago. Thank you! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

This really blesses my heart and makes me so proud of you!

[@dianebevans6864]

He has the cutest dimple and so smart. Can’t wait to see what he cooks.

[@jennifercullison]

I did plant radishes and beets last weekend and broadcast leafy greens in another raised bed that had some starts in them so hopefully I get good germination...I took all my older seed packs and just broadcast them...mustards, spinach and leaf lettuce..I'm in north Alabama and have all kinds of tiny sprouts...I had nothing to loose..thank you for helping me be fearless and just doing it

[@wandalohr7731]

I think you have a lot of followers experiencing our own “sappy” moments. Was so pleased to have found your channel I like that you dig deep in spiritual teaching. That you laugh often and talk about the harder subjects. Blessing a hundred fold on you and your family.

[@evquinn2156]

Gardening, I find, is an act of faith and hope of the future. Like planting a tree.

[@cltinturkey]

I LOVE volunteers! This year I had a ton of multi-branch sunflowers all over my garden. Such happy flowers. My garden is an absolute jungle at the moment, but this was one of my best gardening years ever. Blessings to all the gardeners and all the miracle seeds that grow from a tiny speck into a mighty flower, or fruit, or vegetable. Happy fall, y'all!

[@CrMizer]

I felt that. When you crossed your arms and blessed. I felt that a day later, that's a beautiful power. Thank you

[@ginnysulya9805]

So enjoy making soup when it gets cooler! Made two of our favorites recently, Tomato Bisque and Greens and beans with Gnocchi! I enjoy barbecue season but soup season is so comforting to my heart and my body! The garden is wrapping up but the spinach, Swiss Chard, carrots, beets and turnips! So happy with how things are going so far! The fall colors are deepening every day! I need to get in and pull some spent plants and plant garlic soon! The smell of grapes on the vines and seeing the fall mums in full bloom! Great pepper year, dahlias, Lisianthus, Statice and then not so great tomatoes, sad Ranunculus! But it is so beautiful now I can let the lessons from this garden improve next years! So much to look forward to Jess! Breathe deeply 💖😄

[@sallyboothe911]

Last year I had a wonderful tomato year, this year I lost them all to disease really early. But I grew enough green beans for my family for a year + and for my neighbor who helped me with the garden, for my pastor and family, for my brother who forgot to plant green beans Lol. God is so good. Oh, sweet potatoes, first time growing in ground, approximately 200 pounds, plenty to share. Blessings y’all 🙏🏻🥰🍠🫑🧄🍓🫐🍅🌶️🥒🥬🥦 WOW when I think of all we were blessed with this year, even with the fails (cucumbers) I got sweet potatoes and butternut squash from the leaf compost 😂 oh my Ain’t GOD good!!!😊

[@elizabethpayne6844]

Jess, your a wonderful blessing. When I had a hard day at work, I watch your ahow when I get home after along day, sorry forgot tell you I am Nurse for elderly So there are days that just tear your heart, when things just happen because of life and it's time, when I can work on the garden it refreshes my heart and or when I take in a tomatoe for they can enjoy the smile is SO BEAUTIFUL and they tell me the remember the summer time makes me smile. Thank you Jess I Bless you till next time😊

[@denisemccartney9723]

Loved this! Last summer was so heartbreaking for my garden struck with floods and cyclones disease and devastation. I watched your spring planting with such longing and excitement. Here on the other side of the world we are entering a new spring filled with hope again. So blessed to have that joy❤️

[@clairetitus6904]

It is getting cooler and 32 degrees predicted for October 6th so we picked all of the jalapeños, a whole lot of banana peppers and some green peppers. We made four boxes (one meal each) of stuffed peppers with cheese and hamburger/sausage and taco sauce. Plus one box of taco meat. Plus a batch of jalapeños poppers for supper and eight vacuum sealed Jalapeño/banana peppers/green peppers to freeze for many additions to scrambled eggs and other cooked dishes this winter. A very satisfying day.

[@gaitedtrailsfarmandlonghor8986]

Love Ezra's extensive vocabulary. You are such a great mom. So much patience

[@user-ec8zh8be3p]

I love the smell of rich earth. The kind you can find in wooded areas where trees and vegetation break down to create that dark rich soil. I live on the Chesapeake Bay and am so blessed to have water and earth. God’s blessings

[@threewillowsfarm7779]

I love the elegant Wilderness that is your garden. And I love those Confederate Roses. God bless you until next time.🌿💛🌿

[@ThereGoesDan]

My new favorite thing to listen to on my hour drive to work has been your podcast episode with Daniel about creativity. (I find it quite inspiring so I just keep listening to it on repeat haha).. But in that episode, you mentioned that Ezra was one of your kids that uses flowery language. Knowing that now, I thought it was so fitting when he said he liked Fairfax strawberries because of the mouth feel of the word "Fairfax"

[@marcidevries5515]

Ah, October. The garden is dying but still yielding like crazy before the frost that coming at any moment in Michigan. I love the fall leaves and the final tomatoes, but I'm ready for the season to come to an end. I'm ready to rest after all of the harvesting and processing.

[@benteross2677]

When your expectations are high, it's easy to put more emphasis on your shortfalls than on your gains. I often have to step back and look at what I have actually succeeded in growing and write the failures off as just another lesson. We all struggle with wildlife, pests and adverse weather conditions in the garden. I often look at the bare spaces, the withered up seedlings or crops that have prematurely gone to seed and feel disheartened but taking and looking at photos forces me to look at the garden from another perspective. It's just what I need. The joy of going into the garden and freshly picking the ingredients needed for the nights evening meal, is just too overwhelming.

[@susanrichards4844]

Loved story time with Ezra! It was wonderful hearing him talking about things he wants to grow. I absolutely loved your conversation ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@thebuddinghomemaker]

As a fellow former Arkansan that moved to the Carolinas (North Carolina), I know the feeling of thia state feeling like home. The October garden is amazing and i had an absolutely amazing, prolific, abundant, and beautiful garden this year. Thanks for your continuous encouragement.

[@lynhyslop6933]

I'm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our first frost date was Sept.. 6th. Only one light frost so far and none anticipaated in the10 day forecst. My tomatoes plant are still rocking!!

[@lorassorkin]

I just recently watch a yt vudeo showing the making of that salt. Fascinating technique! What a wonderful subject to explore, Ezra!

[@heavenly-dreamsdairygoats]

You're all our teacher, even though most of us know what we're doing. Thank you for sharing. God bless

[@belieftransformation]

My daughter grew Celosia in her greenhouses this summer in central Alberta, Canada. I’ve been collecting the seeds of the ones she sent home with me & there’s hundreds of seeds! Im also hanging & drying the flowers! They are so beautiful! The yellow ones haven’t made seeds yet. Great information; thanks for sharing the inspiration! Blessings to everyone 🤗💕🇨🇦

[@michellewallace3152]

I mowed my garden early out of severe grief and heartbreak. And there are plants perking back up and I just praise God for his grace ❤ I hope to one day be able to come to your place and experience all the blessings on your property.

[@robingirven4570]

I still have strawberries in my greenstalk and in the ground. I’m in northern Michigan!!

[@leahharbison4932]

Bless you Jess ! Fall smells are the best. Round bales sitting in a field feels like hope to me. ❤

[@andreajones7023]

I live in the south of France and every day smells fantastic from the flowers and fruits of the day, right now it is ripe apples, grapes and quinces.

[@__Shellspace__]

you say exactly everything i feel about gardening and growing my own food and being out in nature

[@brettelizabethspore]

You truly inspire me to “try again.”

[@cassyreif697]

Me too! On the smellovision! I love the smell of autumn...for me its the oaks and yes the rotting things as well. I would luv to smell your place...thats one of the pleasures i take from nature...if everyone that lived in the city and could smell the smells of pure nature..they would never live there again..or well i wouldnt. Thank God i was raised rural and was able to appreciate what comes with that.

[@caydancebloom]

A year ago this month we were getting excited for renovations to be completed soon. We were looking forward to the winter being a time of settling in and rearranging. We were going to start canning and cooking more at home. Now on this side of things.... we are still recovering from a shady, predatory contractor. It's been a long road of recovery, involving way more than I will get into. All this to say, though... I can't help but be hopeful about next season. As excited as I was last year at this time, I am as excited now... maybe even more because I have continued to learn and build skills where I can. This year I "harvested" safe pallets from a hardware store, snow machine and bike shop, hot tub warehouse, FB marketplace. I built a raised bed tall enough for my sister to use with her back pain. It sits in full view of the window where her husband with dementia can look out at it while we work in the back yard. I am hoping to entice him to come out next year with a magical garden that calls to him. I don't think vertical gardening is something he has ever heard of. I learned yakisugi and am getting excited about that technique being used for the chicken coop, all the raised beds, the compost bays and the salad bar garden I want to make outside their other window on the north side of the house. Over the winter we will be getting the house in order. I have already filled the compost bays for the winter and pruned everything. The extra compost is sitting where the chicken run will be to create a happy place where bugs like to be. I've practiced weaving birch saplings together for a trellis. I hope to do something like this over the chicken coop and grow vining plants over part of their run. Part of the yard will be separated by an arbor with cold hardy grapes because my sister wants to learn how to make wine. All the ideas floating around in my head because I keep learning about things... I can't help but be excited! I'm also excited for winter because I am going to be using the solarium to grow some plants in. I hope I can pull it off. And then when my other room is ready I want to grow some tomatoes and peppers! Exciting things afoot.... I'm just a year later than I thought I would be.

[@hoofclawhomestead6333]

So glad to hear and see you say ‘theres always next year’. Ive had challenges in the garden, as we all do, and sometimes wanna give up. However always go back to the garden and redo where it failed. Over taking weeds, grass (that horrible Bermuda!), drought, my energy/health.. so many factors. Its IS well worth going back and amending the fails. ❤

[@rachelgalus]

So good to spend some time with you, Ezra. My Benjamin is 8, and has also taken an interest in cooking. Would love to hear about some of your favorite things to cook. Hope to see you more this winter ❤

[@ETN_123]

Hey, for people in Europe it’s totally normal to eat dinner that late! We just have to make it work with what we’ve got 😊

[@kmarshall53]

My small raised bed backyard garden is still giving me little treasures - Patty pan squash, turnips and beets, peppers, radishes and lettuce, basil….I have lots of spaghetti squash in storage and a nice square of carrots growing like crazy. Lovely! I’m in SE PA, zone 6B.

[@domesti-city]

I love the smell of a fresh bouquet of lilacs, but burning leaves and composting leaves beats that out every time! My garden was a sad place all year, planted late and neglected. But now I have gorgeous ripening tomatoes, petite french green beans, and loads of basil blooming that makes a great addition to a bouquet of sunflowers. I'm going to rip it all out as soon as I get through tax season, and start my fall garden with a vengeance. I need me some fragrant dirt and growing veggies!

[@kalenabatt2143]

This is my second year gardening. I moved last fall so it was my first year gardening in a new space. We don't have the room for an in ground garden so I did container gardening (even bought a greenstalk!). The garden didn't end up being my priority this summer - I work as a massage therapist, we got a puppy, I started weekly horseback riding lessons and my military boyfriend ended up being gone for a lot of the summer. Thank you for reminding me that it is ok to try again next year when life isn't so hectic. This season was different and often challenging but it gave me my dog and it brought horses back into my life - for that I am grateful.

[@ThePineFarm]

Oh Jess, their biscuits are the best! Keep trying your hand at it too! Great video and my gosh, you are going to make me cry! We’ve been saying that daily. It smells Devine underneath our Carolina skies. Ahh, great Minds think alike!

[@sarcasticallysour]

Oh, I know the smells that you are talking of and that is why I enjoy fall! It's so relaxing to me. ❤

[@angelad.8944]

I can smell it!!! We have unusually hot and dry weather up here in Ontario. It is am amazing mixture of leaves and basil. I totally lose my basil by this time of year but it is still going. It's spicy and sweet and fall smelling, all at the same time. It's a bit of a hot topic around here. Everyone is commenting on this amazing mix of seasons. ☺

[@jessiortiz3191]

Where we are pinching pennies we are definitely blessed in tomato sauce. ❤ you Jess

[@paulalatimer7286]

Hearing the killdeer in the background reminds me of my childhood on the farm❤️

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

Every year is definitely different! Last fall, I lost every single Brassica I sowed to cabbage moths before I could even get them transplanted. I bought some replacements from the nursery and those failed, too. I think I got one cabbage out of the whole lot. This year, I have three beds full of healthy cabbages, broccoli, kale, and cauliflower all started from seeds except for one variety. Heck, even the same year can still be redeemed, if you're willing to try! I lost every pepper I started this February (and most my tomatoes, too) to a virus that swept through my indoor seed-starting space. I was 6-wks behind when I restarted all my seeds, and I'm having one of my best pepper seasons in 10+ years because our PNW weather just happened to be on my side this summer. Patience and persistence are, perhaps, two of the most important things the garden has to teach us!!

[@joanneganon7157]

Hey Jess and Ezra, a very nice Lady show ed methe basics of Cooking while I washed her dishes😂. The first thing i Baked was a Pineapple upside down cake. We did it together over the phone so that I would have something to donate to the Bake sale for the Band to go to NYC! And YaY we got to go🎉. What a wonderful memory! I hope you make many😊. JO JO IN VT 💞

[@cheifcreekturtle]

Jess! Now that you have sheep, here’s a fun tip i 18:10 found on a Swedish homestead channel, they insulate the roots of fruit trees and such with sheeps wool on the ground to over winter. Maybe you could try that with some of your more “tropical” plants! And just test it out. 😉😃

[@EmmaMG21]

I can’t do all that you do. But I just stopped for a second and thought: I’ve just boiled a handful of elderberries I picked this morning on my walk with a friend, for my son who’s not well (mixed with honey I got from a grower in Moldova) I’ve picked two dry cosmos flower heads to save the seeds, from an allotment I walked past (now labelled and in my seed box) I’ve shooed a squirrel from digging the bulbs in my pots. I had a handful of grapes growing in the garden for the first time in about 6 years of having the vine. Homesteading is a mindset. I can’t do it to the full measure, but I’m learning and doing what I can. In London, UK, on a windy but sunny October day. I’m grateful.

[@christineloungo6160]

Inspiration, thats what you are!!! Watching you walk through your garden and seeing your red noodle beans and your cucamelon I have grown them this year and it was so exciting and a great new adventure for family walking through my garden! I also planted Baker Creeks carrot manpukuji, it was so much fun pulling those two-foot-long carrots out of the ground. I also did a raised garden outside of my garden area where I planted zucchini and this is the first year after 20-plus years of gardening in Upstate New York that I actually got a harvest of zucchini. Some things like tomatoes and cucumbers didn't seem to produce as much but then I got these other crops that are brand new and it has been a lot of fun, thank you so much for your positive inspiration and encouragement!

[@rayyoung7780]

Today I am on vacation and visited Fredericksburg, Texas. One of the things we did was visit a museum dedicated to the pioneer days. There was a smoke house there that had been there since the late 1800’s and it smelled so good. I have heard you talk about smells so often but as an urban living retired person who doesn’t vegetable garden I only get to smell certain things. But today was a treat . Thanks for sharing

[@freelovedragon1417]

My garden was a failure in that I had to abandon it to take care of my sick child. BUT I still learned so much. I know exactly what I want to grow and what I should grow now.

[@sunitashastry5270]

I love this time too. Less to do in my 5 b garden. But still bulbs to plant. I love the smells too. If something is done, you can just pull it all. The wild ones can stay till frost - no need to make it all look neat any more. Really enjoyable.

[@barbaramix1683]

I wish you could give me an hour and a half of what you just described about fall. I love fall smells. The air is so clean and crisp. I love volunteer plants. I will be looking for them next spring. This has been a great growing season with little pest pressure. It was hot enough to grow melons that don't usually grow here. I was watering a lot but it was worth it. I bless you as well. It is so good to see you so happy. You deserve it.

[@iwanttobelieve5970]

I'm still gardening. My summer garden is still producing here in Southern Indiana, zone 6b/7a. Just picked tomatoes, okra and peppers. And my fall garden is very tiny because of squirrels uprooting everything. I have to keep everything covered. Darn squirrels 🐿️. I'm also working on my indoor winter garden. I have to start more seeds for it but as long as I have some cherry tomatoes plants growing for my granddaughter, that's all that matters. I find that continuing to garden outside with help from plastic sheeting, and indoors helps with my Seasonal Affective Disorder. Gotta keep something green 🌱🪴growing.

[@paigegough6929]

I like putting comfry on the edge of walkways to use medicinally and for compost and clover in the walkways because they need less mowing and it's so pretty

[@naybelauren]

Jess, I just to wanted to let you know all the way up in Maine. I still take the time to go sit in the rain and observe my wild weedy, mostly finished garden and it was exactly what you described. We are actually still getting some squash and peppers hanging in there with this warmer fall season. Winter will be here soon enough but I’m never rushing my garden away. ❤

[@kerrycoyle8930]

I still have radishes, turnips, sugar snap peas and various lettuces growing strong... I pick a handful or two of cherry tomatoes and munch on them during every garden visit and I've also got a few more decent sized green tomatoes that should ripen and if not I'll make fried green tomatoes for dinner for a couple of nights Probably around mid December I'll clean up everything and put my little garden to bed for the Winter.

[@diannemiller4754]

We had an abundance tomatoes and peppers 😊 My comfrey i grew in the spring is doing wonderful i have dehydrated some. I planted potatoes, squash, beans, corn, Daikon radishes at the community garden. The raccoons and squash bugs enjoyed and destroyed them. But the rest was rather successful 😊😊very happy with this season of gardening. Im pulling the rest of my home garden a planting garlic 😋 🙂 i will let the chickens have their time in there too. Jess the huge plant up by your steps is beautiful. Im not sure exactly what it is but i love it😊

[@fatgirlfarmsteader4824]

I just now got to watch this today. What a lovely video. I had given up on having a full on Fall garden because it stayed so hot for so long, but now we're cooling down here I may good stick some lettuces, cabbage seeds and peas in the ground and greenstalk just to see what happens ❤ PS Ezra looks a lot like you, and he looks like Ben too. He's precious! I love his desire for cooking.

[@bowtielife]

Wow!! The new beds at 10:47 are amazing!!! I am so happy you went with two boards high. My back aches for you when you said you were only going one board high in the previous video.

[@Olivia54984]

And, bless you Jess! Thank you!

[@schex9]

Put cardboard at the bottom of the beds, turned up a couple of inches on the sides, to try to keep the Bermudagrass out. I battle it constantly, and that has been the best prevention.