Trying to beat the storm (Garden with me) | VLOG

- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
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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PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge.com/butcherbox
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
#rootsandrefuge

[@rogerstuart4693]

Wanted to let you know that my husband who has Parkinson's related dementia brings you and him and me a cold drink when he sees you working in the heat! Kathy

[@evalinawarne1337]

GOD BLESS YOU 🀄🛐👍. You touch my heart. My dad too PRAYING WITH YOU..

[@rogerstuart4693]

@@evalinawarne1337 thank you.

[@marcellacruser951]

Oh, you made my heart squishy. God bless you both.

[@daniellelady27]

Wholesome 🥰

[@greenhousehomestead8047]

💚

[@lindahodgkins4197]

ASHER: What a great son helping you lift your GREENSTALK.

[@KeithandPamBilyeu]

Pam here…..great to see you Asher, even though you prefer to be a BTS..behind the scenes very valuable worker!

[@KimberlyLoweWilliams]

As the mother of teenagers and young adults I am happy crying on your win of Asher helping out today. That IS A BIG WIN!! 🎉😊❤

[@juliepizzolato1911]

Just ordered a seed packet of Sweet Sue dwarf tomatoes...for the same reason you plant dragon tongue beans...sentimental journey. My baby sister Sue was lost to me shortly after she turned 40 years old here on this side of the earth. I didn't need more tomatoe varieties, but any plant whose name evokes good memories is a forever blessing and another reason Forever Susan lilies are a staple in my gardens 💚🌿

[@joanneganon7157]

Sorry you lost your Sister so young Julie❤. JO JO

[@mystlkitchengarden]

Your mention of a secret garden reminded me of something. My grandmother, my mom's step mother gave me the book "The Secret Garden" because it was my mom's mom's favorite book. It is the reason I garden today. It truly says a lot about my grandmother in that she wanted me to know something of my true grandmother, a woman she had never met that died of cancer when my mother was five. Thank you so much for the memory trigger.

[@MissBetsyLu]

Blessings.

[@erin2535]

❤❤❤ such an evocative memory, I'm so glad you commented this

[@HappyCanadian_2021]

I am in the middle of revamping my entire garden❤️ I am so excited! Thank you for igniting that fire to not only grow real food but to make it pretty and romantic❤ my husband is even getting involved ❤🥰

[@kathymcmc]

How wonderful!

[@searchingtruth6693]

I feel your excitement! My husband 100% supports my passion and we went huge this year. Jess has given me so much confidence and inspiration. My daughter moves to NC in May after college graduation so this is my “empty nest” garden. 😭❤️

[@megrp81]

You are my Barbara Kingsolver. Thank you, for igniting my love and passion for gardening and feeding my child real food. You continue to give me the courage, knowledge and excitement to keep going. For that, I couldn't thank you enough ❤

[@HabitualHobbies]

It doesn't matter what the daily project is, i will watch every video that comes out on this channel. I so badly want to move to North Carolina and start my own homestead! I'll probably be able to shop at the Carolina Homestead Exchange by the time I make it, which will be super helpful! Your videos are always so inspiring for me! Thank you Jess!

[@kathymcmc]

If you start looking, look in the eastern half of the state. You want to be close enough you can get to her shops.

[@HabitualHobbies]

@@kathymcmc for sure! Im looking in a vertical strip between Charlotte and Raleigh and as far south as fayetteville! I don't really want to be in the mountains or right on the coast lol

[@ThereGoesDan]

Moving to NC from NY 8 years ago was the best thing I have ever done in my life ❤

[@ThereGoesDan]

Also I'm in the Raleigh-ish area...there are a lot of outlying towns that ate fantastic options. Let me know if you'd like some town recommendations 😉

[@HabitualHobbies]

@@ThereGoesDan good to hear! It seems like a great place! Most of the land looks amazing and that makes me so so happy!

[@deewinston5651]

Your garden is going to be epic this year Jess! Very excited for you. My little raised bed is small, but at 73 it’s enough for me and I will be thankful.❤

[@glenwitteman2585]

Hello, Jess. I've been around for 75 years this summer. It always lifts me up when I see younger folks like you and your hubs get a handle on important things. I believe the ability to hold remembrances is one of the cornerstones in a life well lived. Looking back without regret is possible and very healthy. I do love those beans. God's blessing on you and the fam.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Sweet Jess, There's nothing better than having yoir kids help you in the garden. Asher, greater job helping Mom in the garden! One of our boy's helped us in the garden today with the large heavy bags of soil, sand, and compost. He even graded the driveway up by the house for us.

[@kledaneb420]

Oh wow ! Asher on camera definitely is rare but a joy ! I love this time of year when yes, most of the time I'm solo out in my garden which I don't mind at all but it's so special when my hubby helps out with the tposts etc and my family later in the summer especially my young nephew and niece come over and get excited picking cherry tomatoes 💕

[@WithrowUrbanHomestead]

I love the planting out early enthusiasm! Gardeners bursting with so much passion we just can’t wait!

[@searchingtruth6693]

It turned cold here yesterday and it’s 46 this morning. 😢 I want so bad to be in the garden but watching a new vid from Jess helps me to cope with the cold weather. It’ll be in the 70’s until Saturday so my garden time will resume tomorrow. 🎉

[@magsstewart5488]

Holy cow….I would totally plant okra for a wall, it’ll be a Great Wall of Okra. But that’s a ~lot~ of okra. I was overwhelmed one year by THREE PLANTS. I had to pick 3x’s a day, ate it every night for a month, gave it away to neighbors, froze a bunch, saved seeds. I have Okra Trauma. 😅

[@MissBetsyLu]

Lol. If you're going to have a disorder, okra trauma sounds tolerable to me.

[@paularunyan8588]

Crafters love dried pods for making santas.

[@TracyCotterman]

Dragon tongue are my most favorite bean. We pull them off the plant and eat them raw straight from the garden. They are also phenomenal with hummus.

[@susanwright3843]

Awww Zucchini helped you plant every little okra seed.... And Asher helping even though he's camera shy. They LOVE you! ❤

[@janicegilman7672]

I am so excited for the Roots & Refuge Secret Sale!!!

[@WS-by5cl]

Is this for the t-shirts? I missed the last pre-order and need a comfy gardening shirt 😊

[@danweddle4044]

When I read the title to this video riding the storm out by REO Speedwagon started to play in my head.

[@jessicabowen2760]

Right before you said it was a big deal Asher was out there I was typing a comment to say I love seeing him out there with you! ❤

[@jrc1975]

I think 'Animal Vegetable Miracle' was the gateway book for many gardeners, it's just lovely. Barbara Kingsolver's 'Prodigal Summer' is also one of my all time favorite novels. 🥰

[@belieftransformation]

Great planting progress! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm & thanks, Asher, for helping your mom! Blessings to all 🤗💜🇨🇦

[@FaithfulFarmstead]

What a sweet phase to have your boys be men that help do the heavy lifting for Mom. Sweet memories you’ll cherish I’m sure

[@tracycouture3955]

I admire your heart beautiful lady 🌱😘🙏

[@JB-ks2wh]

Everything is coming together beautifully! God is so good! 🙏 💜

[@deltorres2100]

We got them storms ..my plants 🌱 loved the rain..my Rain barrels are full .. 🌧️ 🌱🍐

[@MissBetsyLu]

Good place to be.

[@debrasaints3809]

I love to hear your suburban planting stories and about your early gardening days! You are a beautiful old soul Jessica! Love and blessings to you and yours 🙏🏼❤️

[@nancys.100]

"This is why you should have a plan". I luv that!

[@marcellacruser951]

I grow little yellow pear tomatoes for the same reason. When I was a child, my mother planted them in our garden and she'd chuck culls over the back edge, into the gulley behind. We moved down the road, but they took off on their own, and 30 years later I was still going to the top of the neighborhood to pick little yellow tomatoes gone wild. I take them with me wherever I've moved, and there's little wild patches in three states now.

[@BradfordHomestead]

Jessica, my farm store in Blount County Alabama, sells 50 lbs Baccto for $11! The mushroom compost is $5/40 lbs! I love the country! My air conditioner was acting up and last week I neighbor man came and fixed it for free. Get yourselves into a community of like-minded folks. Love what the Sowards are doing for their town❤🤟

[@kathymcmc]

I bet you are growing all kinds of food...

[@MissBetsyLu]

What's Baccto?

[@southloupriverhomestead4696]

@@MissBetsyLu It's a bagged potting soil mix. It was the brand Jess was using

[@shegrowshegrowswegrow8970]

Watching as I up pot my brassicas here in zone 5b upstate NY

[@InTheGarden2070]

I put solo cup over the center hole in my Green Stalk layers to keep from losing soil. I didn't think about lining up the water holes. Thanks ';D

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

So excited about this Micro Dwarf Tomato project in the Greenstalk! I have that same green 5-tier, and when I got it last fall, I thought how fun it would be to try some tiny tomato plants in it. And you even picked the exact same companion plants I would have picked, marigolds and basil!!

[@kathymcmc]

I'm growing the Orange Hat micro tomatoes in my AeroGarden. They are soooo tiny.

[@WhittAcres]

Always glad when you remember the camera 😂

[@MissBetsyLu]

Lol

[@passportalwaysready]

Animal Vegetable Miracle changed my life as well. I planted asparagus immediately after reading it and I’ve been on a gardening journey ever since. Thank you for sharing yours

[@corneliabugelnig5654]

Thanks for sharing🙋🏻‍♀️👌🏻🤗from Austria

[@theaeroponictowerchannel]

I found all my dwarfs at Victory seeds. They have so many varieties. I'm excited to document how they do!

[@clancarney2541]

had to scratch my head for a bit, "these are my micro dwarf... they are kind of puney.." well yeah, they are micro dwarf. then you mentioned they were growing faster once transplanted. then I caught on.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

😂😂😂😂

[@hannahrosefl]

I planted store bought pepper seeds a few years ago and ended up with the ugliest, smallest fruit ever that tasted delicious. I saved the seeds and the next year I planted those saved seeds in between my sweet peppers. I kept doing that and now I have the most beautiful, delicious and huge peppers that are resistant to everything, even the drought we're going thru. I'm going to keep going cause why not. I don't plant anything we don't like so if we get a hybrid of 2 peppers we enjoy, it could be worse.

[@Nikki-mx5my]

The Dragon’s Tongue beans don’t even make it out of my garden, they’re a snack while I work on my other garden tasks. 😂

[@kathykaehler7304]

Comforting and inspiring as always

[@FairyRosee_]

Watching this while seeding a massive tray of herbs and veggies Love these long videos to enjoy as I cook and clean too!

[@katherinebelk8398]

I did something similar today. I needed to get my eggplant starts in the ground so I shoveled out a bigger section than I needed for each start, partially refilled with a better soil. Tomorrow, I'll finish the project and put my start in, then fill the surrounding area with compost.

[@SuzieqNC2606]

Excellent video! Love your smile and knowledge of planting! God bless you! 🙏

[@janeb7633]

I absolutely love the dragon tongue bush beans, they are actually my favorite. It’s funny how we all can have different varieties that one of us don’t like as well while another loves it. That’s the beauty of having so many to choose from.

[@kkcarricaburu6042]

Your smile is a blessing

[@WhatAlexThinksAbout]

We’re farther south, but we got heavy heavy rain and small hail with that storm! Fortunately, the plants seemed to survive mostly unscathed! 🤞🏻

[@HeatherCooan]

I fill the base of the GreenStalk, then add the watering layer and the next tier. Then fill each next layer as I stack them so I don't have to lift layers full of soil.

[@VonPatzy]

Zucchini tryin so hard to have her own video. I love that your garden cat is the one named after a squish squash.

[@charlespongo6840]

Thank you so much Lady......

[@cortneynichols8537]

For the 1st time ever I bought Pro mix compressed potting soil. It was expensive but I have bought every soil on the market and this stuff was STUNNING. Highly recommend

[@barbaramix1683]

Thanks for taking us along. I love to watch you plant seeds. I am a couple of weeks behind you. I will be planting some things this week. I bless you as well.

[@charlespongo6840]

I love your tutorials... I've learned by watching you....

[@melsolomon8256]

This morning, I planted some okra, and the reason I decided to put them where I did was to create a wall to hide my compost area. I come here, and Jess talks about planting her okra for a wall. Lol

[@charmainemrtnz]

Hello Asher! Love the blue hair! It is very great to see you helping your mom. I am setting up my GreenStalk units too. I am only able to do one every other day or so. I live in central Idaho so it is ok. I will need to get some help before I am done or I will miss my growing season, lol. I bought 8 systems that I’ve broken into 13 by adding pieces and parts. I am disabled and short! This has made it possible for me to have a garden. I use the spinner systems. So once planted I sit on a stool and care for the plants.

[@MissBetsyLu]

Splitting the growstacks and tending them while sitting are great ideas. I'm disabled and any ideas that make the physical things easier are real blessings for me.

[@haleymglick]

We love you Asher! ❤

[@jmcdaniel0588]

I sweep my garden every night lol. My spare bedroom in my urban apartment is my grow room. It’s been one hell of a month! I just planted peppers in the pots on the porch tonight, and I’m gonna have to work on hardening up tomatoes off, but the weathers isn’t working with that process at the moment. Everything is grown from seed non-GMO.

[@anitamurphy2454]

Just came in from planting dragon tongue beans😊 I saved Jing orange okra seeds last year, and they have germinated so well! Each pod produces so many seeds. SW Arkansas and some of the nights are still getting to high 40's but my tomatoes and peppers are looking fine. Days are hot already in mid 80's. Yay for strong boys to help out!

[@michellerobinett9276]

I can totally relate with swooning over the seed catalogs.

[@fields-n-feathers]

Good morning, Jess!

[@cynthiakelly202]

It will be fun to watch the gardens grow. Blessings

[@deannewilliams3321]

Thanks for the inspiration! I do need to get more seeds planted. Also trying to get this grass under control before it’s a huge job. I love the rain but it sure makes the grass grow fast lol.

[@kathymcmc]

Wish I could get rid of the grass and make it all food.

[@deannewilliams3321]

@@kathymcmc I’m working on that lol

[@MissBetsyLu]

@@kathymcmc I did that one time in a rental. The landlady was stunned. She said 'i don't care what you do with the yard as long as the rent is paid. When I reminded her of that conversation, she exclaimed "within reason!" I said "you didn't tell me that part."

[@maeganedgerly9242]

Before you said anything about the greenstalk sale, I was thinking next time they go on sale I’m definitely going to finally get one. I love that your son is helping you.❤️

[@lisanowakow3688]

I live in the high desert and my beans have always germinated too.

[@WildHeartsHomesteadSC]

I’m so jelly seeing you wear sandals in the garden 🤣 the biting ants are so bad, and sometimes don’t even make hills so you don’t know you’re in one until they are attacking you, so anymore I only will go out if I have knee high boots on 😅

[@CrystalBarrow-mt9xc]

Awesome video Jess ..

[@Lincsgirl]

Looking lovely in your new tee, the prefect model, love the colours. Sending blessings from UK 🇬🇧 x

[@MissBetsyLu]

Blessings right back from USA.

[@lauriefederico6039]

Bless you😊

[@shandysgarden]

I'm in & outside myself today!! In-between showers. Gotta get the taters out, some more weed fabric down in walkways, starts in pots, a couple beds weeded & my Greenstalk planted! Weekend worrier here, since I can't work every single day! Oh, how I can't WAIT until that's where I am. To be able to work on my home and garden all day, every single day! I'm the definition of a homesteader you described in your podcast😊 I'm mindful and learning in my classroom, while falling forward, so that when I get where I'm going, I'll be ready! Cincinnati Ohio waiting for my move to South Carolina ❤ to be near family, finally. I'm not sure when, but I'm here for it all 😉

[@CarolynOfria-hn3ty]

Loved being in the garden with you today. Was able to be out yesterday.

[@fatgirlfarmsteader4824]

Alabama Reds are mine and my husband's favorite too! ❤

[@foragingandurbanfarmingatt4745]

I was brave enough to plant out my tommy toes. I am waiting til this weekend or early next week for my peppers. You are a little warmer. Here's hoping we both survive

[@andrewlittlefield3425]

I just started catching rain water for my garden 😊

[@BethEmily763]

Me too!

[@andrewlittlefield3425]

You just reminded me to pull my blossoms off of my tomatoes for the same reason ❤️

[@tfisher67]

I'm so glad to hear you planted okra and bean seeds today because I just planted mine yesterday. I'm a new gardener so seeing you do what I just did, is encouraging that maybe I might actually be learning something...lol! I'm in N MS, our weather is so similar. We had a good thunderstorm last night, right after I planted. I was worried at first but then decided that the rain was probably a good thing. Love watching all of your vlogs!!

[@marlaherrington5320]

I always look forward to all your videos ❤️

[@BrendaJMay]

Just Love Watching Anything & Everything Yall Do! Yall Are Amazing! Much Love & May God Continue To Bless Yall 💯🥰🙏😇🙏❤️🙏❤️✝️😘

[@tinabloomfield7228]

I love dragon tongue bush beans.....al dente lol

[@Meg_Davis]

I've been in a very "make it work, it's adequate" season with my art business. Comforting to see you doing it too!

[@kathylane5934]

Everything looks great

[@bearrootshomestead7210]

Loved Barbara Kingsolvers book! It catapulted me into gardening

[@jcthompson7666]

Wow, your mentioning of Barbara Kindsolver’s book resonated with me. Loved it.😂 It was so instructional and inspirational!

[@Onniesprairiegarden]

Impatiently waiting for the greenstalk sale. Lol oh hey...I fawn over the Tiffany's catalog AND my baker creek catalog! The same. Haha!

[@Gardensiren24]

Awwwww me too about beans 🥲 but mine were green beans and yellow Cherokee beans been watching you for maybe going on 4 years now. 3 or 4 years when I started my gardening journey right before COVID it's been crazy haven't been able to keep channels and record my gardening but yeah takin it easy this year since have learned sooo much but makes me soo happy (gardening). And haven't watched your channel this last year but came to check and literally just planted some peppers too 2 days ago just winging it going to see. Just put in garden seeds today and compost starting to look better and after some crazy years.

[@WickedAwesomeGardening]

I always soak my peas here in the Northeast, only because at the time that we plant them there's still a good chance that there will be a freeze and we don't turn our hoses on until about late April

[@priscab7085]

Wow that was great - I love rush planting a garden ❤️

[@lugoismad]

I've been growing microdwarfs in 1 liter soda bottles using kratky hydroponics method. Its a lot of fun.

[@terresiagregg9326]

Good afternoon Jess love your videos keep on planting

[@johnowen7648]

Your garden is amazing! Great video as always!

[@Christine-Mrs.GilliamFarms]

I would love a green stalk planter, but I can’t justify the cost. I know they are worth the money because if the quality, but again justifying isn’t there. Also, great job Asher!

[@AmzBackyardOrchardandVineyard]

Everything looks great! this should be a great growing season. thanks for all the tips and tricks! Cheers 🍷

[@rosiescozylife]

I love “Animal Vegetable Miracle”! Should be required reading in my opinion 😊

[@cydney3283]

Fresh, new soil is so pretty. I love Spring. I am growing more of everything this year. Super fun!

[@dinacasey7034]

Love your story about the Dragon Tongue Green Beans. I can so relate to that.😍 from Missouri

[@charmayneagar2595]

What a sweet sentimental heart you have Jessica…you make me smile❤

[@CindyWhopantsCarter3421]

So excited to get me a green stalk can’t wait for the sale

[@marieschieler1914]

Just had two days of rain. Looking forward to getting back out and finishing my expanded garden.

[@MrRedback22]

Loved this one

[@julieb7068]

Oh! I’ve been wanting one so much! Need to start budgeting for the sale!

[@teelehansen4995]

Validation! I've had so many people roll their eyes at me when I removed those "biodegradable" pots, but the plants always did better without them. 😊

[@TheEmbrio]

I like content like this, action in the garden !