Use your herbs! (And changing up the garden) | VLOG

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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#rootsandrefuge

[@rebeccaryan6229]

The hibiscus used for tea is called Roselle hibiscus and is totally different than the kind of hibiscus you have. “Hibiscus sabdariffa” The Calyx’s that remain after the flower dies is what’s used for tea. It’s a very rich red color and incredibly high in antioxidants. It has a tart taste similar to cranberry’s. You can dry the calyx’s for tea or make jam out of the fresh calyx’s. It loves hot weather. It is an amazing plant I grow every year. It’s an annual.

[@Cindyd25]

That's one of the few things I can successfully grow.

[@TheWaldHaven]

Thank you for that information 🙂

[@leeoregan9766]

our seasons are so mild here ( coastal subtropical Queensland, Australia) other than hot wet humid summers, Rosella grows best Autumn, Winter and Spring, they're pruned in Summer and are perennial here... best and happiest red flowered hibiscus that gives and gives and gives ❤️

[@Alexis_9339]

Yes! This is definitely what you want to grow for hibiscus prpducts

[@carmentrevino4704]

Your videos are always amazing and filled with good ideas. Your garden is awesome. Love you, GOD bless you and your family.♥️🧓😘

[@bekind4018]

Don't forget to allow yourself the time to stop and smell those roses. You and your hubby have worked hard to build a wonderful setting for your family to grow up in. You inspire and look to be supportive of others all the while. God bless you.

[@poplarcreekfarm19]

Zucchini’s paws were the star of this vlog ❤

[@KeeKeeSoto]

Good Morning Gardeners 🤗🌿

[@jeanrichards8042]

This comment is so sweet, it just tickles me 😁 Good morning right back to you!

[@missiechako5917]

Oh & good morning Sweetie to you as well ❤❤❤❤❤

[@gdavischick7004]

Good morning!!❤❤

[@gwenwright1979]

Good morning 🌻

[@youngflourishing4632]

Good morning!! ☀️

[@zoebossie1653]

My grandfather used to have a whole garden of just rows of berry bushes. Raspberries, black berries, blue berries, etc. It was magical as a little kid. Id highly recommend turning that space into a berry patch

[@BibleBeltRanch]

Our 3 month old daughter watched this with us this morning and she could not stop smiling at you

[@jaclynfrank]

Oh my goodness…the little paws that popped up in front of you right above the garden bed 😊. Such a cute kitten and camera hog lol.

[@tiffanyhallmon2367]

I lost it too.... I rewinded and played it again!

[@mamajobx]

My favorite part of the video!

[@missyweidenaar5016]

Dear Jess… you have a BEAUTIFUL space, for “all the things.” That said, don’t spread yourself so thin that you can’t enjoy it all. I love the idea of the berry patch. You have my vote for that (for what it’s worth). 😊

[@justgoodness333littlehomes5]

For the more permanent middle space, David the Good does amazing things with grocery row gardening incorporating berries, small fruit trees, and understory planting anuals.

[@zoeshorthouse7913]

I agree.

[@SewBreezie]

I had the same desire as you to grow hibiscus for tea/medicinal purposes, and found that the ornamental hibiscus are actually not the right kinds for that purpose. It has to be specifically Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as hibiscus roselle, rosella, florida cranberry, jamaican sorrel, etc. This is because it needs to grow those calyxes after blooming which the other hibiscus types do not. I'm growing roselle for the first time this year and it definitely looks more like okra than it does ornamental hibiscus. Im in zone 5 so it can only be grown as an annual here. I grow the variety "Thai Red" because it is shown to start blooming much earlier than the other varieties, which is necessary for my shorter growing season as well. I hope this helps!!! ❤❤

[@debbenelson1219]

I have friends in zone 5 that have 2 hibiscus plants in their back yard. Amazes me to see the plants for 8 years now! I haven't been successful in my yard, but I'm out of town a bit, more a zone 4 I always think. But I'm going to try them again soon.

[@jennawundrack7478]

I planted my entire garden plus the flower farm and then got very sick with my pregnancy. I watched it all get taken over by grass and weeds I couldn't keep up with and as hard as that was, God has still provided fruit from the garden plus this amazing baby girl I am growing. It took a lot of crying to realize that in this season of my life I need to stop pushing and start giving myself some grace. The permission to slow down when you've been in grow/build mode is hard to get from ourselves.

[@LaMoynihan1]

❤

[@thepraticalgardener]

The idea of a permanent garden for berries and medicinals is a good one! Do it!

[@Smashlynne13]

You said “Hey horses!” and I immediately thought YES hay *is* for horses!!

[@amandaschwarz5745]

Just sitting here waiting patiently for Jess’s homesteading cookbook. And then the one after that, Homestead preserving. 😂

[@gardenswithgrace]

Love the idea of a Food Forest area for berries, perennials, herbs and medicinal garden. That would be perfect in that location. You would get the benefits of beauty, some areas of shade, and lots of seasonal interest (such as many shapes and textures of trees, plants, shrubs, of various heights, would not just be functional but would be stunning to walk through. Someday when I have land I hope to be able to create similar spaces. Until then I will live vicariously through you all and be inspired by your videos. 😊 Continued blessings and grace to you all!!! Kimberly Grace

[@meemkaplan4315]

I garden for many reasons but they joy I feel when I go grazing in my garden is worth all the work!

[@rtrrecords]

👍❤️👍 God bless your family! Smile, laugh and share! Right on 😊

[@jenniferrescott1149]

Oh the garden kitty Zucchini just made me have a flash back to your Kitten George.. he was such a sweetheart Love herbs I spend hours of week picking ,using and dehydrating herbs, then using for teas, infusions,herb blends, medicinal extracts..they are SO awesome Make that a perennial food space. asparagus, artichokes ,strawberries and perennial herbs , maybe border with berries.. that's literally what I am doing in a part of my garden

[@juliedalgardno3361]

I was so excited to hear your ideas on herbs and Zucchini really did me in! She's priceless! I love your ideas on the middle garden. Your boys would probably love more berries and it's another one of those expensive grocery items that pays off. You absolutely will need fencing though. Raspberry plants, like roses, are deer candy once they find them and figure out when they can get to them. Thank you Jess! Lovely garden! I agree to taper back. Don't ruin the love by burning out!!!!!! Protect your passion ☺️.

[@earthladyadventures5018]

I watch your older videos in the winter months to help me keep a positive mindset and look forward to the next time Ican start seeds and grow something.❤❤❤ thank you for everything you do and share.❤❤❤

[@cynthiahennessy7]

The berry/herb garden sounds glorious. It could be the “resting garden” space between the “working garden” space. Yes, it would still be work, but not needing the same amount if care once established and you can just breathe when puttering in it. 😊 I have also come to the same thought process this year after expanding three areas of garden. I feel that my gardens are complete and now I have enough. I enjoy that you share your thought processes. It is inspiring. Blessings!

[@justgoodness333littlehomes5]

Agreed. I love hearing gardener's thought processes.

[@ramblinrosecottage5983]

"Could be July talking." LOL "Downsizing always feels good in July".....you took the words right out of my mouth. Earlier this spring I was telling my daughter and her hubs that I want 3, maybe 4 more raised beds made this fall for next spring. I don't have enough space. Well, now that the heat has hit I'm thinking.....good enough. This is good enough. I hear ya, sister. I hear ya! lol

[@evawood9655]

Yes!!! We canned, froze so much this year...and next year is our 7th year! So with that, I'm gonna plant cover crops next year, fall, and a summer!🎉

[@mrwormtester]

Totally agree about the herbs! So easy to grow, take so little space and absolutely the best return on time and money invested.

[@karenjohnson7355]

I started my gardening journey growing herbs. It is still my favorite thing to grow. I dry tons and use them, make blends, give away as gifts. Herbs are expensive, dried or fresh. I don’t garden to save money but herbs definitely give you the biggest bang for your buck. (And yes, the hubster and i both narrate our dogs daily😆)

[@stupidusedrnames]

Do you know if I can still dry my Oregano even though it is all flowering? Thanks so much!

[@karenjohnson7355]

@@stupidusedrnames i don’t know the answer. I know I’m about to harvest some bolted oregano and I’m just gonna chop the flowers off and dry it anyway. I’ve done it before and it still tastes fine. But if that is technically correct, I have no idea. I just kinda wing it, lol.

[@wulfwire]

I just have to say, I am watching this WHILE I am cutting up potatoes (that I grew for the first time this year!) to roast them. As soon as I heard you start talking about using herbs, I was like 👀 It was such a loud sign from the universe to go out and harvest the Thyme I worked so hard to grow from seed this year. I thank you for your amazing attitude towards growing and loving the land. You are hands down my favorite KZbinr and one of my favorite people ever.

[@hollyknowles5936]

Good morning, Jess. I've been gardening for a while now. I moved from VA to TX about 5 years ago. The heat is unbearable. My husband and I are looking at land in TN now to expand the garden and enjoy the beauty of nature. Thank you for sharing your content. You have truly helped me try new things in the garden. I appreciate you educating me on how to plant certain vegies over the years. Gardening is so therapeutic and enjoyable. God bless you and your family!

[@hearnefamilyhomestead2301]

Yes! Roasted potatoes with butter and rosemary is our favorite! 🌿

[@cargold7597]

You bring me such joy just watching you!

[@vonniemerriam974]

Given your love of figs, I could see you turning that spot into a row of figs surrounded by berries of your choice for an endless supply of goodies for years to come.

[@farmyourbackyard2023]

Will takes great care of your gardens! He’s amazing.

[@homesteadrevivals]

Love your chats! You will never regret building so many raised beds. As we get older, gardening in the ground gets harder and harder. For those of us dealing with autoimmune issues, the raised beds may become our only gardening option. Accidents, illness, and aging will come to most of us, and if we haven't planned for it, we may find ourselves having to give up some of the things that bring us joy.

[@rebeccagray2591]

I think your planning ❤of changing up the areas of your garden sounds like a great idea!

[@LindseyfromBFCG]

“Chasing hummingbirds” would be so cute on a shirt from y’all! 💗

[@bethgaither1214]

A very easy but elegant meal is pork tenderloin and roasted potatoes, both seasoned generously with fresh rosemary. Chicken or tuna salad is raised to new heights by the simple addition of tarragon. And my basil is used for basil tea and homemade pesto. Thank you Jess!

[@dlsdyer9071]

Pot roast with garlic clove, a cup of Chianti and a sprig of Rosemary. Fresh herbs not only taste great but also have real health benefits.

[@Pepper5655]

Jess, I think growing more long-term plants like berries and fig trees are an excellent idea. I do not think you will regret having those delicious plants to grow, they do not require as much care and will love the heavy mulch. thnx for sharing I love your channel. Good job.

[@stephanieg5195]

I love your new idea of planting something more permanent in the potato beds!

[@JB-pd4ni]

I have to say it again, it's delightful to see you healthy and full of energy, enjoying your farm. I'm so happy for you and yours.

[@HeatherCooan]

Preach, girl! Herbs are not only incredible for the reasons you mentioned. Herbs are the most nutrient dense plant foods available. HUGE bang for your buck in nutritional value. They're veggies and no one ever thinks about them as such. Everyone should be all up in the herbs like we are! And then, of course, there's the medicinal elements when concentrated. HERBS RULE!

[@perplexyasmr5493]

Yes I would totally turn that area into a little fruit forest. All types of blackberries & raspberries, grape arbors to add some structure and drama, maybe a few pomegranates, blueberries, cherry trees! It could be so beautiful and I just imagine your children having fond memories of foraging in the fruit forest 🥰

[@myheartland2015]

I've been transitioning more heavily to blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, mulberries and figs because our small orchard hasn't produced much fruit due to the weird warm spells in the Spring and then normal frosts that then kill the blooms. All of my berry bushes are super heavy producers and don't need much care. I say grow things that thrive on their own - it's so much easier to manage during a hectic gardening season!

[@justpatty7328]

Yes, I've experienced this as well. I've added more blueberries and want to triple the amount of bushes. Wild blackberries are wildly taking over an area- much to my delight. Thorns and all. I'm loving the wild of July's garden. God bless each of you!

[@greenecrayon]

Every time I see all your basil, I just imagine basil tea being a staple at your coffee shop.

[@gardeningwithdiane]

I have this big ole, plastic coffee container that I reuse for the miscellaneous herbs I harvest from my indoor hydroponic “Gardyn” and the herbs I pull outside. I put them in my air fryer on the dehydrate option and adjust to the lowest temperature it allows. I mix the herbs willy nilly and call it my house seasoning. Thyme, lemon balm, rosemary, oregano, parsley, cilantro and dill. It doesn’t matter what I have, I dump it in and use it on anything. I add to oils or butter…it just makes me feel like my effort is not wasted and it makes me happy and proud to tell people I grew the herbs myself.

[@amyharris7337]

I love the idea of a perennial food forest with berries and fig trees, etc in that space would be amazing.

[@Mama_Nells_Garden]

A former boss of mine let us design her 14-acre organic farm and we had a plot about the size of your old potato space that needed something. We outlined the whole area with a Fruit Tree Hedge (evenly spaced fruit trees pruned in a hedge like manner). It gave us the opportunity to grow several peaches, plums, pluots, nectarines, figs, apricots, ect..... that would fruit at different times giving us fruit throughout the growing seasons. From late April into early October. Then in the center when did gardens with edible plants like Daylilies, pineapple sage, artichokes, blueberries, and so on. It was a memorable garden to hang out in. We even placed a LONG outdoor table in the center space for gatherings. I can't wait to see what you create!

[@brittanybates7498]

I love having fresh herbs on hand! One of our favorite seasonings now is mixed basil seasoning! We just harvest all the basil we have, carefully pull the leaves off without getting the stems and put on a baking sheet on the lowest setting in the oven until they are crispy and dry, then using a mortar and pestle we crush and put into a jar! Seriously, it is good on any kind of meat!! :)

[@ArdaKroesen]

Only last week i realized how much of my herbs I let go to waste... So I have a bunch, cut them up and put them in the freezer. This video made me go back to my garden, harvest again and now I have some hanging in a spare room to dry as well.

[@samanthahoos9827]

When I first got married I remember not knowing what to do with herbs or how they changed flavors of food. Now I have my own herb/tea garden making tea bags for ailments, dehydrating herbs for seasonings, cooking herbs in men’s fresh - heck, I grated ginger into my coffee this morning YUMMY!

[@ROCKIN40]

My grandmother had all of her soft fruit that needed to be trellised in the same area like a vineyard. Beautiful plus easier to manage and protect. Grapes, Raspberries, Blackberries. Always made jam, jelly and wine every year. Grandpa had a still in the basement, he made apple and cherry wine.

[@rebeccawolf3196]

New gardener here, I have watched so many episodes of you in the greenhouse that I now say "happy birthday little ones" to my seedling sprouts. Lol

[@marshashelley8668]

Rows of raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries, yellow raspberries, black raspberries!! The list is almost endless! Love my raspberries! Fertilize in Spring and water. Easy and such yummy results with little effort!

[@ChickadeeMountainHomestead]

I think some berries, figs, herbs, and roses would be a good idea. That way you will still have something in bloom at different times so your pollinators will be happy. Maybe stage it in a way that it's eye appealing since it's right off of your driveway.

[@growjoyfullyhomestead]

Berry bushes are a great idea, but make it beautiful with stone paths, rose covered trellises, a pergola for shade, and another bird bath or fountain. Outdoor rooms!❤

[@johncarpenter6425]

Sometimes I get upset about getting so busy in the garden and forgetting to sit back to enjoy it.

[@BeccaNiederkrom1]

Yes, yes and yes!! Herbs are my luxury in my home. And like you said those clamshells of herbs at Kroger are between $4 - $5. I cannot believe I used to buy those. Now I harvest my own herbs daily to use in my food, to make hair rinses after I shower, to make vinegar herb cleaners, laundry cleaner and additions to gift wrap. Plus they keep the bunnies away! Such a gift.

[@virginiafox8708]

Barry Garden sounds like the perfect solution to that space you want to convert from till to static. More snacks!🎉❤

[@Waninggibbouscreations]

Love your garden so much and seeing how much it has grown. I think I that space herbs and roses would be *chefs kiss*

[@samanthabirklid]

Herbs are my favorite things to grow in my garden. I make sure I always have a variety to choose from all year round!

[@marycountry]

Thank you for always teaching us so much info on gardening😊

[@ohdeerdesign1387]

LOVE that baby zucchini !!! So adorable. Those little paws coming up over the edge of the garden bed - too precious!

[@sarahkelly4026]

Tip for using fresh herbs: double the volume you would use for dried herbs.

[@felicialopez6627]

My grandma had rosemary next to her walking path out her front door and every time I pass I run my hand through it to smell it. So I repotted my rosemary next to my walking path so I can smell it as I come and go. 😊

[@iartistdotme]

Red Turk's Cap hibiscus is the most sweet of any I've ever tasted. They are an old variety and certainly beautiful with it's true red blossoms.

[@TheWaldHaven]

A maze of berry bushes with seating spaces would be amazing

[@cherri0228]

All of it. All of those gardens More devotionals I love you.

[@lynnsorensen503]

I love figs…& fig trees give nice shady places to sit😊

[@jobrown7647]

I suggest growing some grape vines where you build a pergola to support them. Grape vines are so beautiful and the pergola will provide lovely structure. Plus you get grapes.

[@carrierichardson6619]

Herbs are glorious! I moved from Oregon to Tennessee & I didn't bring all of them with me. This first year trying to build a new garden really reminded me how precious it is to go outside & harvest what I need whenever I need it. Herbs are so healing & I think everyone should at least have Oregeno, Sage, Rosemary & Tyme.

[@lorenzopreston]

Welcome to Tn😊

[@mothermedicinemusic]

And Cilantro!!!!!

[@georgiakristine4224]

Yes to downsizing and putting in Fig trees. Maybe blueberry bushes too. We downsized this year focused around fig trees. I rooted some and last year and they went right down the center of my garden. Yep I did that .Then this year we decided just do it cut the inground space..we did it and it hurt at first. Honestly I have never enjoyed my growing space as much as I have this season. It is so much more manageable for me. I have been able to really experiment and pour myself into growing and overcoming a year of so many weather related obstacles. I feel so successful within myself !! Thank you Jess for everything!!

[@michj7185]

Berries fruit trees and perennial herbs are my vote for that space!

[@gardenswithgrace]

This is such a simple thing that brings me so much joy, but whenever my sister is cooking or preparing lunch she just hops on over to my yard to grab parsley or whatever herbs she needs. Makes me so happy to share the garden goodness. 🌱🌼🌻😁 It really is the simple pleasures of life! Blessings and grace! Kimberly

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

The berry Idea in the middle of the garden I think is great idea

[@IttyBitty1973]

I love that you have another garden kitty❤❤❤

[@patriciahopper453]

Thank you for sharing your joy & passion for gardening! Perennial food gardens are such a wonderful addition to any home garden. My fav perennial is the Joan J thornless everbearing red raspberry. We purchased one potted plant in June 2020 and now have a 20 ft row of canes (natural spread and intentional transplanting). We can’t get enough of these delicious berries and few, if any, ever make it to the house. I frequently find my husband or kids spending several minutes snacking on raspberries in the garden and friends and family always head to raspberry row to help themselves to these goodies. We dig canes up and share with others every summer. And talk about bang for the buck with the cost of raspberries at the store and their flavor doesn’t even compare to our homegrown berries. We love these berries so much! Yes, raspberries take over the space they are grown in but they are well worth it for us. They have come back every year (zone 6b), tolerated wet weather and droughts and seem unfazed by the Japanese beetles. I’ve completely neglected them - no sprays, no fertilizers and yet they bless us with delicious fruit all summer into the fall, every year. 😊

[@victoriac1672]

Figs and berries with secret walk ways woven through! Another fountain in the shade for birdies cooling off!!

[@johnnietubbs261]

Blue berries ,blackberries, grapes, raspberries. I could see beautiful grape arbors. Yes beautiful roses too.

[@laurenloertscher1319]

Another beautiful, peaceful video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@PatrickPoet]

During corn season, my dad would get water boiling and _then_ send us out to pick the corn. We'd shuck it on the way to the house and from picking to hitting boiling water was only a couple of minutes (he always grew corn on the beds closest to the house just for this reason). It was pretty good. Commercial canned or frozen corn gets processed right away too which is why they're usually a lot sweeter than the corn in the vegetable aisle of the grocery store. Those ears have made a lot of starch. One of the rare time canned or frozen is better than fresh in the grocery store. It's the same with peas too.

[@debsenritchedrefuge603]

Awe.. Such a great way to wake up here in the PNW, Pacific North West! With Beautiful Jess! & a Gorgeous Hibiscus! Your horses are looking great! So appreciate you sharing your passions the way you do! Growing Something Lovely with Encouraging Words! R🌻R

[@takishasage-freebeautyzone]

I think a medicinal herb garden sounds like a great use of space. It will serve as a good learning and teaching opportunity too. I swear I could learn about herbal remedies until the day I die and not know it all. Yahweh is so awesome in His creation of food and herbs that can heal us.

[@happiest.northwest]

Good morning, Jess! Thank you for the video. ❤️🌻🐓

[@debbiep7419]

Yes, I am one of those people who grows herbs (in addition to a nice veggie garden) but doesn't use them. Thanks for the encouragement and ideas. I also have good luck removing the herb leaves from the stems then placing them in paper lunch bags to dry (I don't like the stems in dried herbs like oregano); I also pre chop my rosemary before drying in the bag (I prefer small pieces and easier to chop when fresh and soft than when dry and brittle). I think the berry patch is a great idea - I love the blueberry bushes I put in last year, super productive! The hibiscus is majestic and Zucchini is adorable!

[@reneethompson523]

Zucchini’s paws coming up…the cutest!

[@ghostmonsters9585]

Wow yes Jess herbs as a border blueberries, raspberry, blackberry, all the berries your family and ♥ desire would be lovely, blessings

[@cayleegaddis1300]

Deff more permanent with that space, I like the idea of Berry bushes, and a medicinal garden

[@melissagardner8894]

I think Zucchini Kitty is the Bear Dog of Kitties. Always there protecting you!

[@mimip3330]

Elderberry and blueberries with a splash of flowers around them would ❤

[@leannejarocki4457]

Lovely. Thanks for taking the time to grow and share!

[@skippydugan6848]

I make homemade pizza (gluten free with cauliflower crust) and I always put chopped fresh oregano and basil on top. Fabulous!!

[@thekaylornator]

July is horrendous! I'm in East Central Alabama with high heat but most of all OPPRESSING HUMIDITY!!! I've called my blueberries, "Stand Alone" food sources. Mostly I do nothing much to them and they supply bounties of food. My suggestion? Continue to plant, but plant those things which come back without much required encouragement! "All you can do is all you can do, but all you can do is ENOUGH!

[@janefeerer1690]

This year I cleared my hill, brought in soil and mulch and have planted gooseberries, currants, elderberries, and honeyberries on the lower level and cherry trees at the top. I am hopeful for some wild sweet things, but if it doesn't work out, I still have my deck containers of blueberries and raspberries and my strawberries in the greenstalk. There is something to be said for planting areas that don't require a great deal of tending. Also, last year I discovered the joy of sauteing zucchini with tarragon and mint. Now I don't worry about how prolific the zucchini plants are since I have found such a delicious way to consume them! HERBS!!

[@KeeKeeSoto]

Im absolutely obsessed with herbs! Last season I made peach lavender jam, strawberry rosemary preserves, blackberry sage jam & blueberry basil jam. Gave some away as Xmas gifts to friends and coworkers! I make a pitcher of herbal tea for the family daily. They like the lemon balm, basil and strawberry leaf blend the best. Listen to Jess yall...Use Your Herbs! Happy Growing 💚🤗🌿

[@KeeKeeSoto]

Also made lemon balm jelly 😊

[@carolmcmillan1108]

A couple of fig trees entering into that space full of berries and herbs would be divine 👌 and maybe a line of roses for rose hips too .

[@Onnada]

My forest naturally mulches my garden with needles. I left 1 garden completely naturally mulched this year when planting this year. Pulled a few baby trees from my other gardens. 😂😊 I loved showing this stuff to my kids in the spring. So far my naturally mulched garden is growing great 👍. Next, when putting my garden to bed for the winter, I plan to try adding the needle mulch to the other gardens and then see how that works for me next year. 🤔 We also love rolling our roasted potatoes in dill and garlic. ❤ I grew my own dill this morning. 🥰😆 New herb every year. 😂😅

[@kelliesmith4068]

Here is another vote for blackberries, raspberries & blueberries. We planted the 1st two in late summer of 2022 & when I tasted the few blackberries that ripened, I could hardly believe how delicious they were! Like comparing grocery store tomatoes to garden tomatoes, the same goes for berries! Store bought Berries are tasteless in comparison! This year all my blackberry & raspberry bushes are thriving & I can hardly wait for them to ripen! I planted my blueberry bushes in 20 gallon plant pots in 2021& the berries this summer were to die for!

[@chrissyfrancis8952]

I had a wooden rod that held a tapestry years ago. I hung that across the top of my kitchen window then got a bunch of large S hooks. I tie bundles of herbs up & just hang them on the hooks when I don’t have enough to fill my Excalibur. Thyme is my favorite herb. It’s in all my chicken & fish. My Sage & oregano is going crazy. We planted lemon verbena this year & love it. Pineapple Basil doing great, my Italian Basil isn’t. Nothing like fresh herbs!!

[@judyhorn6931]

I love for the potato space- all kind of berry trees, fig trees even nut trees. Fruit trees or a section for each.

[@karionhawkins3091]

Fig trees and berry bushes would be a Great use of the space❤

[@mountainsidelane9894]

Herbs are one of the things I enjoy most in the garden. There is nothing like cooking with fresh herbs… you can take the same dish in 10 different directions depending on the herbs you use. Not to mention the amazing medicinal teas you can make with them. 🌿❤️🌿

[@Junkinsally]

I would make that middle space a modified “food forest” by putting two dwarf fruit trees in middle and spreading out on both sides with some soft fruits like blueberries and thornless blackberries. No rows just clusters with a meandering path. Plan for a bench under one of the trees when big enough. Put your herbs in clumps around the edges.

[@alysiagregg133]

Yes. You should put your berries and figs there. Then they will get picked frequently because you are passing them constantly. Plus it would be lovely and a nice transition from the other garden structures.