Vegetable Garden Plant Buying Guide (New Gardener, Watch BEFORE you shop!)

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

What are your tips and tricks for plant shopping?

[@pinetreehill586]

Buy only what you have room for in the garden. It’s too easy to impulse buy plants.

[@tonyastadt9866]

I originally do not buy from stores of plants I like to plant my own in the garden at the time of season it's just more fun to see if they're going to succeed and it's more of a challenge I like challenge and last year I had a great success and I got to enjoy some delicious food so I don't really trust buying from stores I'd rather grow my own it's just more exciting!!

[@cassiewhite4403]

Check with your local community garden nonprofit agencies to see if they hold a plant sale. In my experience, those places usually have more special varieties and the money goes to a great cause!

[@amandar7719]

Well. 😬😬😬 When my own, grown from seed, standard sweet basil continuosly fails by mid June (UK), I buy the 50p (60 cents) indoor window sill pot from Aldi, slit and acclimatise it outside for a few days then pot it outside. Those cut ‘n cum herb pots never actually cum again indoors for me so out they go! 😀

[@tonyastadt9866]

@@amandar7719 one thing that you have to learn to organize your temperatures and here in Michigan in the US I have learned that a lot this is my second year so my first year was not that great but it was we'll just see what this year brings so don't ever let yourself down you can do it in the long run and you just got to keep your Faith😉💞

[@lisahealy9616]

Been following you for a year now and just bought your book on Kindle and i can't stop crying!!!!! Lol....im so emotional its crazy! You were the first person i really connected with in my search on youtube for gardening advice (i was a complete newb)and you have taught me, inspired me, and basically held my hand throughout my journey of falling in love with gardening. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that you do and i feel like i couldn't have done it without you! ❤

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

This blesses me so much!!!

[@kwall1464]

Welcome to the garden world , I’m also newish (my first garden was planted 5 years ago). Keep up the enthusiasm - the garden is a great classroom packed with promise, frustration and joy!

[@erin2535]

Fantastic story Lisa, you go girl!

[@ameliakat9982]

Happy growing 🌿💖 welcome to the club, we have a seed problem 😀

[@Alexis_9339]

One time I went plant shopping and it was a very very hot day. All the petals and everything were wilted and dreadful looking but otherwise very strong and healthy. The cashier asked why I was buying “dead plants”. So I told him I just wanted to give them a second chance and I knew they could be beautiful. They marked down all of them and I have some beautiful healthy perennials from it still.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Oh I think bringing neglected plants back from the brink is like the Olympic feat of the experienced gardener. Sometimes we do it just to flex 😂

[@WildflowerFarm417]

Get friendly with your big box store manager. Then you can say "Look at all these DEAD plants. I'll take them for 25 cents a piece." I walked away with a cart full of trees one year for $3 each. lol

[@apiecemaker1163]

I call them “rescue plants” ❤️

[@audreyvann5336]

I got some original $14.99 geraniums for $1 each last year. I was so excited! They were beautiful all year.

[@klaaskingma7435]

I usually get the plants that are past bloom or not in prime condition for half price or less

[@Alexis_9339]

Jess, I giggled when you got tired of trying to not say Bonnie and just blurted it out so you could talk naturally. Thanks so much for the great video!

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

Just a tip for separating plants and it works well for putting root-bound plants/trees in the ground. Soak the whole pot in water for a while so the roots/soil are really watery The roots slip apart much easier this way. It is great for unwinding roots on larger plants and trees.

[@edwardsjarje]

That’s a great tip! Thanks!

[@sunshineinfla222]

I live in Florida and do all container gardening. When a hurricane is coming I put them all in the garage for safe keeping!

[@skullykittie9889]

Me too. We are plant shopping and seeing all the cold hardy plants for sale in Florida. RIP cold hardy stuff. 90 degrees today. And it's a COLD day!

[@edwardsjarje]

I’m in North Florida and I’m seeing some of my lettuce not doing as hot. I have the five-layer Stalk and I have a feeling I’m going to see those colder weather plants moving on. I think we are done with the cold weather. We’ll see.

[@laurenparnass8343]

I drive my family crazy when an hurricane is approaching and I have all these plants to be moved in, lol. Cool weather is definitely gone here in S. Florida, it has been really hot the past week.

[@trjannerothrock4190]

That's very smart! I do container gardening where I am currently and it can have its perks for sure

[@sammieweible1980]

I've just started container gardening last year because we lost our house to a house fire. We now live on the bay in Anahuac Tx. We have a lot of rain and high winds.

[@claireisacamel]

Side effect of shopping at a nursery, a lot of the folks who work there also garden and are super helpful when you have growing questions! 💪

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

So true!

[@25lici]

Anyone else inadvertently learning Farenheit to Celsius just from watching R&R videos? 😆

[@erikas974]

Slowly yes but often go on Google converter.🙂

[@journeyoflovelight]

Yes!! Thats so funny..🦋

[@lisahealy9616]

Lol!!! I was thinking the exact same thing!!!😂😂😂

[@milissaleatherwood6837]

At first I was like, why is she doing that?? Then I got use to it, then the other day I was teaching someone else about tomatoes and caught myself "pulling a Jess" 😂

[@milissaleatherwood6837]

Celsius is so much better. 0° should be freezing. 32° doesn't make sense lol

[@chrysalis-sanctuary]

I rarely comment but today I need to tell you what an incredible inspiration you are as well as a wealth of information. I spent the day planting radishes and seedlings while listening to some of your videos. I’m in Colorado so it’s still a ways off before I can get anything into the ground. In fact, I am renting so I can only plant a container garden but as a single woman, that can provide the majority of my food all summer long. What you are doing is such an inspiration to me. I am single, retired and my children are grown. I have little hope of ever doing what you’re doing, but I have faith that my intentions will be supported and I will eventually be able to build the “community” homestead I dream of. I don’t have a partner and I’m getting up in age but I am determined to create the community homestead for those of us who are alone but still passionate about homesteading. Thank you so much for the inspiration and information. You will never know how many hearts you touch or how many people you inspire but I want you to know that I am one of them. 💚💚💚

[@growingstrongrootsSummerWest]

I was just out and about for what is starting to be a weekly EXTRAVAGANZA to a local nursery that someone told my husband about this yesterday. It’s only 10 minutes down SOME BACK ROADS just through the woods a bit and I don’t know who told him about this place but I’m PRAYING A BOATLOAD OF BLESSINGS THEIR WAY. 😁🙌🙌🙌 It was great and I could have stayed there for way longer but I was already really starting to LOOK AND FEEL LIKE THE CRAZY PLANT LADY. 🤣 I was very proud because while I was picking my starts I heard this little Jessica Sowards angel voice in the back of my mind saying LOOK FOR DOUBLE STARTS. I know you had to share that sometime in a past vlog because I came home with the exact words MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK going through my mind with multiple starts that have double or triple starts in them. 🙌🙌🙌I guess I have been absorbing some knowledge and now I’m putting it to good use. So I get home with all my GATHERINGS that my PLANTSCRATCH FEVER had sent me out after feeling totally like a PLANTAHOLIC and maybe needing a PA MEETING and I look down at the plant marker from one of the plants I kinda went crazy on and it’s name is HAPPY HOUR😳🤭😁😂 #CONFESSIONSofaPLANTAHOLIC...😂. THANKS FOR THE TIPS AND KEEP SHINING LIGHTS 💡💡💡🌱🍅💚🦋

[@faithwilerdson2939]

My tip to a gardener looking to stretch there budget would be to root the suckers! You can take one plant to 10, the rooted ones will be a little behind but they’ll take off!

[@ladyemerygizer]

I just did that with brussel sprouts left from the fall. The suckers started up the stalk so I decided to try to root them a couple weeks ago. So far, so good.

[@cathyseregny3154]

Ohhhh watch that comfrey; it can be more 'energetic' than mint!

[@CreatorInTrng]

Wow, Wow, Wow! that was a straight-forward, no-nonsense tutorial on plant buying! Applicable no matter where you live! (I live in Germany, btw.) I haven't seen your book here yet. But if that topic is not in it, then it should be in your next Book! BTW, I'm really beginning to like your new hair style. It adds a sense of sparkle to your smile!

[@cathyvarner3815]

We also have Bonnie plants here on the Southern Oregon Coast... so they must be all over the USA...

[@tjones3699]

There are so many gardening channels, but I love yours. So down to earth, such a great learning experience. I love your videos!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you!!

[@ReneeSpangler]

I will be doing garden tea parties for children when my garden blooms. I can not wait to see all the beautiful trellis tunnels in bloom. I look forward to sharing my garden with children. I even have a little bunny I am waiting for that will make the garden even sweeter to enjoy.

[@lala012310]

Just ordered your book!!! Thanks for all you do Jess. I praise God for the ability to grow our own food on our little farm. The 2 most important things to us... The gospel and providing for our family ❤️

[@redinthethevalley]

Wonderful tips! In my area there’s an older gentleman who grows so many plants each year out of his little place and puts signs up along the road and each year he’s sold out within a couple weeks. Last year I managed to make it to his place but was later than I usually went, he only had a few tomato plants left and he knew I was bummed as I was a regular customer each year. Just a side note, we previously over the years sold him cow manure at a discounted price for his little garden and he remembered who I was from that interaction, and to my surprise, by the time I left there that day, he had me all set up with plants that he was keeping for himself and also gifted me with a couple unique tomato plants that he grew just for him and his wife!! So I think y’all know where I’m definitely going this year too.. right back to him!! and this time I’m bringing him in advance some goodies to help his growing business, such as I’m gonna bag up some ultra rich topsoil and some older bales of straw and hay for his garden. So I support local as much as I can, not just because of the generosity but his plants as hardy to my area and grow super healthy which is at the end of the day when spending any amount of money pays off in the long run so many ways!🇨🇦🌻

[@tessie652001]

IM so in love with your channel dear. I’m reading your new gardening book now and I here your voice while I read it . You are such amazing friend/ lady , thank you so much . Truth be told I need help ........ thank you dear friend GODBLESS you dear

[@robertbird3086]

Just stopping by to watch your video and to say I bought your book and I have not put it down . My Hubby had to remind me that it was my turn to make dinner.. Smile. We are two old married Fogies' of 44years, and yes sometimes s we get a bit lost in things we enjoy. Ninette Bird- The Caribbean Wife.

[@nicoleriehl5356]

One thing that’s really cool, is you can buy plant starts and food seeds on food stamps. But only at places that accept food stamps. I did that the first year I started a garden because we were really right on money. And I absolutely love that they do that for people. What a great way for even low income families to start a garden 💕

[@albertaboy74]

I love the artwork on your arm. Great info on plant starts. Thanks for the smile, it means alot.

[@mgtmoffat8411]

Hello from a lovely sunny autumn morning in New Zealand. All you said applies here too! 🌻💕

[@christopherkeillor9728]

I'm a Christian prepper Homesteader. I believe in Prayer, prepping, not panicking, proverbs 22:3 Luke 22:36 Matthew 24:9. I am looking for a group of like-minded people, I am a jack of most trades what I don't know I can learn.I do not read well, so I'm self-taught and most things on this list but I can be taught to do better. I'm good in the garden, good in the kitchen, good in the kennels and stalls, I enjoy chopping and splitting wood, hunting and processing meat. Plus I have quite a few tactical skills as well as supplies seeds and more. Definitely need to get to know each other.I am a Christian prepper. I believe in Prayer, prepping, not panicking, proverbs 22:3 Luke 22:36 Matthew 24:9. I am looking for a group of like-minded people, I am a jack of most trades what I don't know I can learn.I do not read well, so I'm self-taught and most things on this list but I can be taught to do better. I'm good in the garden, good in the kitchen, good in the kennels and stalls, I enjoy chopping and splitting wood, hunting and processing meat. Plus I have quite a few tactical skills as well as supplies seeds and more. Definitely need to get to know each other. k ei l l o r c h r i s t o p h e r @ g m a i l.c o m

[@Nikki-mx5my]

Last year was my first seriously gardening, if in a small space (in pots and containers). I grew both from seeds and plant starts. I discovered a really cool family owned plant nursery that specializes in native plants. I lived here my whole life, never knew it was there. I have discovered so many helpful, local resources.

[@09echols]

Bought english lavender because they looked like they needed me today. My husband didn't even say anything. Didn't look funny or shake his head in disappointment. I must have worn him down. 🤷🏾‍♀️😏

[@lash9313]

We visited a cute local nursery today and I bought some thyme. They even have goats, chickens, and ducks! My son is 6 months and we showed him all the animals. “Look buddy! Like what mommy’s ‘friend’ Ms. Jess has on her farm!” 😁

[@jeanajett2719]

My grandmother loves buying abused flowers from the lowes discount bin. She definitely has a green thumb and knows what is salvageable and what isnt. She definitely wouldn't pay full price for them though and since she worked most her life as a buyer for retail she knows how to talk em in to a good deal. Love my nanna!

[@kimshomecatering]

So beautiful in Ohio we are getting ready to have our last cold snap can't wait to container garden this year

[@theIAMofME]

This is just a small tip that may help someone. Especially a newbie. If you our someone in your family that might help in the garden smoke....DO NOT let them touch your plants until their hands are thoroughly washed. I hear this can be the same for pepper and cucumber plants, too. Nicotine can cause the mosaic virus. Look it up. If you have a helper that smokes, ask them to wash up good and wear gloves.

[@EmilyAnn634571]

What about if you have a little patio garden and your neighbors smoke like chimneys?

[@theIAMofME]

@@EmilyAnn634571 Nah...as long as they aren't touching your plants that won't hurt anything.

[@suemcknight9051]

That is a true story...nicotine is really tough on tomato plants...👍

[@oursimplesustainablelife8432]

We always started our seeds, but our local feed store sold plants. When they got old or it turned June they would give me any I wanted. I always took some tomato varieties I didn't have, some peppers, lettuce, and a few others. Bonus. Sure, you have to choose wisely, but it was so much fun.

[@Jeff_PNW]

Jess, you pretty much nailed it. I've been a home gardener for over 30 years, and during that time I've learned everything you covered in this video(often the hard way, lol).

[@katherinemikkola8316]

Great and practical advice for everyone. I love to buy from the farmer's high tower. Thankyou Jess. 🙏❤✌👵

[@alisonmellinger559]

I second the tip for checking local nurseries for better varieties. I stopped in at an Amish greenhouse yesterday and couldn’t resist some lettuce starts. I can’t find any mention of the variety name online and I think the Amish woman just named them after her sister that gave her the seed.

[@sharonstringfellow7340]

I bought broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and spinach starts. I couldn't resist although they may not survive our heat, I had to try!

[@Newmommy23able]

Just keep them in lots of shade... it might help extend life

[@Sinnedx]

Try shade cloth, I’m experimenting here in Texas and it’s gets really hot here but I’m hoping a shade cloth and all the tomato and vine plants will provide enough shading

[@mommypov4958]

@@Sinnedx I'm in west Texas, and i planted my Brussels back in October and the bolted this week, so ixhave have grown mini balls of Brussels, I'm very sad, lol, very!

[@Sinnedx]

@@mommypov4958 i think they bolted because of the freak winter freeze we had. I had spinach and they are starting to bolt as well. meanwhile my lettuce which i was able to protect since it was still growing indoor is perfectly fine and giving me good green leaves

[@mommypov4958]

@@Sinnedx I know, I tried zo hard to cover them, with a heat lamp, a grow light, and covers. I got them to survive the freeze, but it hit 90° here a couple of days ago, when I went outside they all had little formations on top, well all except 2.

[@LowcountryGardener]

I've only started seeds the last couple of years, but back when I use to buy plants, like you I'd always look for the bonus plants. I agree that Walmart is awful with taking care of plants. I'd rather go to Lowes or Home Depot as they actually have pretty decent garden centers. Of course, nothing beats a good local nursery.

[@edwardsjarje]

We are very lucky in that we have about five good local ones in town. Sure makes it fun to see how each one attracts their clientele.

[@lindsaycate2429]

Myself and 3 other of my good lady friends from church are coming to have our books signed!!! We are from Fayetteville and are just giddy with joy at the thought of getting to meet you for a few minutes! We are also excited to buy some pretty plants from Jill and the other small farmers! I AM SO EXCITED TO MEET YOU AND WILL PROBABLY CRY TEARS OF JOY WHILE I FANGIRL🤩💕💕 thank you for being such a great inspiration to all of us in our classroom journey! We are starting a community garden at our church this year. Your videos have been such a blessing of knowledge for a wannabe growing gardener like myself. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!🤗🥰

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I look forward to meeting you!!!!!

[@marywhite5533]

I've been LOVING your channel and had no idea you had a book! Paused the video and ordered it right away! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Yay! Thank you!

[@KareMom4]

Learning so much from Roots and Refuge Farm. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise - such valuable information!

[@candaceleigh20]

Also important to note for fellow cold climate gardeners (zone 5b; Milwaukee, WI) - even if the threat of frost has passed, the soil temperatures may not be warm enough for tomatoes, eggplants, peppers etc. (!!!!) Something I learned the hard way, hahaha. But also reinforced through the WI master gardener class I just took. For instance, April 29nd is our last frost date, but that doesn't necessarily mean the soil temps will be >60 degrees F yet...in fact, I think for most years, it can take several more weeks AFTER the last frost date to reach >60 F soil temps. That being said, we had a pretty mild winter this year here in Milwaukee! Only got down to negative 20 degrees twice, so I think the soil is warming up more quickly this year. :)

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I'm so glad you said this!

[@candaceleigh20]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm Also, you're the best, Jess! Your videos inspired me to become a gardener & your vlog helped me get through a very scary, painful time in my life in 2019. And now I'm a cancer survivor that helps other cancer patients. I also teach kids how to cook and garden as a second part-time job, too. Your vlog inspires so many. Not just your direct viewers, but everyone else THEY inspire. Thank you.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

Farmers Markets are a great place to purchase plant starts too!

[@YT4Me57]

Next week (Friday) the weather prediction is 27 degrees (F)! Today it was near 70. I will be working on prepping my containers while I wait.

[@lindaerickson545]

I've found great varieties at great prices from our local gardeners clubs. They have monthly updates in the local newspapers with club meetings and activities and classes. They sell their plants as fund raisers.

[@midlifemama8420]

I am seriously at the precipice of looming threat of failure with all my gardening dreams. I bit off way more than I can chew. I have grown from seed on my living room floor on a tarp. They bloomed! Way too early!!! I’m transplanting this weekend but what if they die? I’ve lost time. They were so glorious shooting threw the dirt and showing themselves. I really want to succeed and eat all my hard work. Last year I bought tomatoes from “hardware store” last June. They were beautiful. They grew tall. I provided a support system. I think across three plants, I had a whopping 8 tomatoes. And that was with bringing my tomato grow pot inside when it got too cold in October. It stopped growing tomatoes in February all across a week’s time. 🥸

[@jenniferchristiansen2040]

Jess, thank you for all of your advice. I'm tickled to hear you're tips and hints. I was offered a free plant last year and turned it down. He said it needed a good home, I laughed and replied well I'm out of the running then. This year, I'll take it. 😉

[@poptop5081]

My local Master Gardeners group has semi-annual sales of seedling plants. I try never to miss them because they grow and sell varieties that I know are appropriate for my area, and the plants are well grown. At a nursery (or wherever) I generally lean toward the smaller, tighter starts (not as stretched out and leggy) as the others, and often (gently) turn a plant out of its container to be sure they are not root bound (roots completely filling every bit of space). I buy those plants where the roots are visible yet still surrounded by plenty of soil . Happy gardening, everyone!

[@p.j.sstitches346]

While I was @ my local Tractor Supply yesterday, the Bonnie plant truck pulled up and those ladies were so rough with the plants that I wander what happens to the poor babies when a customer isn't looking!!!! My 1st year planting as much as I can from seeds myself. Good Luck to all the Gardeners!!

[@smithy4121]

Thank you I've just watched a few of your videos and there really informative. I love how pretty the inside of your greenhouse is its lovely 😍

[@iluvmusicals21]

Here in Northern Michigan, my last frost date is May 30, but my dad wouldn't take his thermal underwear off until June. 😄 I don't think I'll plant my beds until around June 14. My nephew and niece grow plants for sale, so I always buy the majority of my plants from them. Great video Jess! God Bless you too, and Happy Easter. He is risen!

[@juliecolbourn8232]

I was so jealous when you said the last frost date is April 8. I live in northern Ontario, Canada and my last frost date is mid June!!!

[@affordableliving2756]

That green house at the beginning brings me so much joy.

[@dianatennant4346]

Great post Jess and great find on those basil plants

[@shelbygreen5132]

Oh my gosh! I'm #9!!! That's so exciting!!! I'm so late on starting seeds this year, I might have to buy starts. I NEED this video.

[@pineandberryhomestead]

"I just want the world to garden" Me too, Jess!

[@debbieselland6591]

Also local High Schools who have a plant sale from there greenhouse. This will be my second year having a plant sale of plants I have grown from seed and nurtured myself!

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I wish our schools had greenhouses and could grow some of their own food. I think it would be good for the kiddos I've met full on adults that had never seen how tomatoes grow. In fact growing any vegetables was just so foreign a concept he kept walking back out to look at the plants. Oh and the fact I ate and offered cherry tomatoes fresh off the vine. He wanted to wash them and he was used to them cold from the fridge lol. It was quite the shock but thing was he was in his late 30s not a child. He quickly got over the they're warm from the sun and I didn't wash. He took a bag full home but I sure hope he decided to grow some. They moved away after that. So I guess we will never know 🙃

[@carol67460]

So glad your here

[@frasersgirl4383]

Look at the root ball and make sure they aren’t root bound.....also potted plants will need watered more than one time per day until you get them planted! After planting make sure you give them a good watering!

[@hollybroughton8768]

Couple years ago in the plant section of Ace I asked a question to the person watering and she helped me and then said that it was her day off and she comes in to water the plants anyway to make sure it get done correctly

[@stephenscurlock]

I'm late! I was working in my GARDEN 🥰💚💚💚💚

[@choir90mom]

So much incredibly useful info here...thanks for doing this! I started my first few seasons as a plant purchaser, but the past couple seasons have done more seed starting. If you look around your home, you may find space to devote to a few trays of seed starters. I started in a corner of my living room with a clamp-on grow light set on a TV tray last year and that was enough to show me I could do it. This year, I got a much better grow light and mounted it in a book case in an extra bedroom and had space to start 2-24 cell trays of tomatoes, peppers, and lettuces. I’ll still pick up plants to fill in but it’s so much fun to try growing things you can’t find as plants. I’m trying shishito peppers because of your recommendation!

[@kjrchannel1480]

Some people are unlucky though. There are nurseries around me, but they often insist on providing the same old boring red tomato varieties. Like Red beefsteak, plain Brandywime, Oregon Spring, Some DX hybrid, and Standard Roma's just to name a few. Sure there might be some peppers to, but none of the more interesting varieties. I tend to grow some hot peppers just for flower bed color. This year I hope to grow seeds from the only Poinsettia pepper that I saved seed from. The big seed companies didn't offer it locally this year. I will try to grow some Red Peter Peppers just for fun as well. Sometimes I go to the Farm supply store to look around. They offer some different varieties at times . This year though I find the selections are more downsized to the ones that have sold more. There was no seed shortage as some thought. Once it actually gets warm enough to plant then the seed packets may disappear in stores to some degree. As we know most people only like to plant direct in the garden. I know last year a lot of them were sold out faster than usual.

[@Finnswife3]

Our local large chain grocery store had a seed root display. Specifically potatoes, that’s what I was interested in. I put a couple in my cart, only to find they were rotten, the box was soaked a disintegrating as I walked around the store! So gross! Back they went and I reported it to an employee. They were still there two days later. You’re right...if they aren’t a nursery, they don’t take care of stuff the same.

[@lydianunez9030]

Hey Jess, I found a pineapple sage at Ace my local go to hardware store. I thought of you when I saw it! I only bought one because I didn't want to be greedy!!! It was hard for me but I resisted the temptation!

[@dancnluc1]

I just bought some herbs yesterday. I buy from the same place every year. I love how much work they put into their plants. I may pay a little more then at a box store but it is worth it.

[@sharoncardenas5447]

I just want the world to garden, YES...YES! I have a friend that's caught the Gardening Bug. She called me & she had bought some herbs, tomato plants & more. Told her to wait till after April 21st or later to put tomatoes out. She argues with me about the date. Told her better safe than sorry. At the end told her to do what she wanted. If they make it great, if they don't buy more. Garden & learn!!! I BLESS Y'ALL. 🎈

[@soniamarshall9293]

Great tips and I do shop for those six packs..not afraid of separating the cluster seedlings for if some don't make it, you still have the back up that do.

[@erikas974]

Jess thank you so much that was so informative. Also like to say since I am reading your book I do a lot differently and it is working👍👌. I have harvested peppers so large I have never seen that size even in the shop. So thank you for all your advice. Tomatoes just started to take off and we are in autumn🙂. Also I would like to comment how lovely you look in the last few videos. Your hair when it is put up you look so young and glam. ( Spring look?) Love it. You make a reasonable gardener of me for my old age😄 Thank you.

[@arlenebrant5785]

I am so glad that I discovered your channel. I love your relationship with the land, the animals and your family. Thank you for teaching me...

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you so much!

[@kellykellykelly3535]

Thinking of you as the bad storms are in your state. I am praying you’re ok.

[@katiew8511]

I love to get free plants at the end of spring and seeing which ones I can rehab. Some wins and some fails, but it was fun to try.

[@antoinettegainous4883]

Excellent video, Jess. Very informative. Love you, girl.

[@itsgoodforthesoilgardens]

Loving the daily content!!! Thanks so much!!

[@maryglidden2943]

That is a beautiful color on you! We live in a tiny town and the choices are very slim hence me starting to grow my own by seed this year! So far so good though we are still very early in our season- May 15 last frost date!

[@howjohndoesit8219]

Very good information as usual! You always teach us something, and we will be going to the nursery’s to shop for this coming season in Wisconsin. Thank you again.

[@mikelleschuetz4893]

So happy I found your channel!!!!

[@robinholbrook8296]

May 8 usually here in Kentucky before you can plant outside. 2 days this week it going to be under 30 degrees

[@ReneeSpangler]

Your garden is my one of my top go too’s for inspiration. I have 7 trellises already staked in my yard and will do many more. I love to grow up because it is so beautiful. I’m ready for the weather to get warmer in Utah. My beans are growing like crazy and I am ready to get them into the ground.

[@BustlingHome]

FYI: Temperature for weather forecasts and measurements refer to the temperature at 2 meters. If the wind is calm (not mixing up the sir near the surface), the surface temperature can be several degrees lower.

[@ladyemerygizer]

I only have 3 raised beds 4x 12s. Im growing food in the flower beds this year. And totes, tires, flower pots, etc etc etc.

[@deniseallee2802]

3-4 years ago before I found You,I bought a tomato at Walmart, it became a big Beautiful plant with tons of blossoms I never got one tomato ever.I was so discouraged never knew why no fruit.Know I keep starting seeds,they come up never get second leaves and die,I've tried different places in my apartment to start them at,I am determined to get it right and keep trying ,Thanks for all You share

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

What soil are you using? You need light fluffy soil. Potting mix or seed starting mix.

[@deniseallee2802]

Thank You Jess I realized that after watching Your previous video on soil,so now I'm trying seed starting soil instead of potting soil this year, l think perhaps the potting soil miracle brand mix with little green pellets is what I used previously...oops

[@InTheGardenAgain]

I just went to Lowe’s and they had some tomatoes and brassicas for sale. Most of the tomatoes looked sick and sad... I did buy a sweet mint though! Happy gardening Jess!

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I started basil from seed but it just is failing to thrive so at the grocery they had nice bunch of basil plant for $3 some are very large so I'll be making cuttings and teasing the dozen or so smaller plants apart into their own pots. I used to work in a big nursery/greenhouse and I always looked for the 6 pack with extra plants.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

Yes, there's a number of reasons someone might buy started plants. I try to start everything from seed. But I still go to the local nursery to see if they have anything of interest.

[@donna1018]

I always look for multiples when I buy plants! Gotta always search a good bargain!

[@MsCocoalopez]

I got a cherokee purple from bonnies because i hear you talk about it wouldn't have got the seeds but know i get to try one if i like I'll get seeds next year.

[@harrietwalton3314]

I live in N.E. Ohio Jess. We don't plant here until the before Memorial Day. So wish I could plant earlier. I just have a small place to plant anything, about enough room for Tomatoes, Green peppers & Cukes.

[@debsenritchedrefuge603]

Thanks Jess for these reminders and always Encouraging words...I've made a vow to not but any plants this year until I've made every effort to start as many seeds 🌱🌿as possible!! Missing my time home looking different from Lockdown last year but not giving up on planting every second and seed I have! I definitely choose to buy local starts if needed and pray not to buy more than I can plant!!!😁

[@BlackDogDesigns]

I’m just gonna say it “Bonnie” 🤣 Great video Jess, lots of good information for new gardeners👩🏼‍🌾

[@prettyboy54321]

We all already knew that it was Bonnie, but it's cute how you blurted it out.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I will buy their bundles of onion starts but no way do I buy Bonnie plants. $3.97 for "get this, I actually laughed so hard I snorted, in the store " 1 lettuce plant started in a pot. When did this become a thing?

[@prettyboy54321]

@@Emeraldwitch30 I feel bad for the new gardeners who fall for that one.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

@@prettyboy54321 me too

[@takishasallbeautyzone]

Great video! I love how you have no condemnation in your advice for gardeners at all stages of life, interest and experience. You're like that, Mrs. Heart from Homestead Heart, Gary from the Rusted Gardener, Kevin from Epic Gardening and several others that are also approachable in their advice. Those are my favorite types of gardening channels. While I try to do everything as organic and natural as I can, sometimes I just want to grow something that's not labeled strictly organic. Gary in particular has freed me from my own self imposed restrictions on buying only organic seeds. Now don't get me wrong, I still opt for those (old habits die hard)...but I love the new found freedom to grow whatever seeds I want. For example, I'm super excited to grow these lemon cucumbers this year that I found seeds for. And I found these golden nugget cherry tomato starts last year at a local nursery that were my favorites! I don't know if they were organic or not it. It was from a local supplier and only had the variety on the labels. In previous years, I would have missed out on those gems by being so dogmatic in my self imposed restrictions.

[@JoniBarrott]

Lemon cucumbers are the best! You will have great salads this year!

[@takishasallbeautyzone]

@@JoniBarrott awesome! Thank you!

[@ardenpeters4386]

here many stores carry six types of tomatoes or lettuce in the pony packs! chard is usually rainbow.

[@dianekrasuski5677]

This video in particular excited me for the new season (even though my last frost date is May 24.)

[@marylynnenglish7046]

Great tip with the store bought plants that have "extra" plants!!

[@lindadavidson2237]

I traded a Roma tomato for a Thai basil plant today. We both had too much of some things and none of other things. Win win!

[@d14551]

I plan to try growing a few plants this year and this video was very helpful, thanks!

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I like to buy perennials that look sad at the nursery. I can usually get a discount of at least half off and sometimes 90%off. Then I take them home and fertilize them and either put them in the ground or up-pot them.

[@zazots]

This is a very informative video. I'm getting ready to buy some herbs so this was very helpful. I LOVE your videos. I can't wait to see your potato planting video. Thank you for all you do and share!

[@wagonwheelhomestead]

So excited to get to planting!!

[@marygrott8095]

Great information for beginner gardeners!

[@angeliquemcniff3076]

Consider another video on same topic but why they shouldn’t buy stuff like the following: six packs with a carrot in each cell, a $4.00 single lettuce pot, radishes in a pot, etc. Mention the things that should just be sown directly as they grow better and actually make economic sense. When I shop for plants I always explain to newbies who are always so grateful.