We Got Out What We Put In

[@brettsteele7386]

Ben, the smile on your face and the relief in your voice is so wonderful to see and hear. You are even carrying yourself more upright and seem lighter on your feet. You did something that the whole family needed. You are one amazing husband and father and friend. It brings me to tears just thinking about how you are feeling about getting the house done. You are inspiring.

[@tammymckenna1899]

True

[@maryjemisonMaryjay1936]

Amen 🙏

[@grandmasewhappyhomestead187]

So true

[@kathrynjones5858]

Hey. Stop being hard on yourselves. Remember homestead rule: Good Enough is Perfect! You have done a magnificent job. Pioneer rules: Build the barn to take care of the animals. Then build the house to take care of the people. Then build the farm to take care of all. You are right on schedule. :). Great job guys.

[@margaretbedwell58]

I want to compliment Brett on his garden. It is just luscious looking. I would claim him the master gardener. He is very good at it, he has passion for it so maybe it's his calling. Next, I am glad you are not beating yourself up over your gardens...you're growing a baby, you're growing a home...all of which are doing beautifully. So, well done. Y'all have a Blessed day.

[@jackielong9927]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@denisewilson8367]

You have been a little preoccupied with the most important part, shelter. You have gotten some veggies, but you forget that you have produced a lot of food too. The chicken harvest and the pigs that you harvested already since you found your property. You have reclaimed the land and started building your soil too. All of which is a lot more than others have done. They have not had the set backs your family has been through either. So, be VERY PROUD of all you have accomplished in your year on your new homestead. I for one know that I would NOT have gotten that far if it were me.

[@paperchaser9565]

They are amazing, so much was accomplished. Be very PROUD OF YOURSELVES.

[@jtownscrapper]

Baby, remodeling, animals. Something has to fall to the wayside. By next spring, you can really focus on the garden. Amazing what you have managed to do since moving to this property!

[@JoJoDragonslayer]

❤❤❤

[@sandyc6569]

👍

[@sandyc6569]

@Lynne Dare 👍

[@MommaOG]

Well looks like Bret is going to be a good gardener if the children want to help let them have at it, that's awesome 🥰💐🌷

[@carmenc4926]

You put in a lot to this neglected property. The garden isn’t the barometer of the work you’ve put in. Enjoy your newly renovated home! 💕

[@JoJoDragonslayer]

Truth! ❤❤❤

[@sandyc6569]

👍

[@kimmurphy6864]

True!! 😃😃😃

[@FLgardener67]

Brett is a natural at gardening. Congrats to him, it looks great. Guys you can't be hard on yourself, you had priorities. Your garden will be amazing next year.

[@dianamason9454]

Way to go Brett! Your homestead is coming along and your kids are so blessed to go thru this journey with you!

[@carolkimbell5174]

His name is Ben

[@itsbadlands]

@@carolkimbell5174the kid... im all screwed up also i got confused too

[@My.Lifes.Journey]

The OP is referring to Brett's garden at 7:18 and then they complimented Brett's parents. They didn't use punctuation so it looks like they're talking about Ben only.

[@itsbadlands]

@@My.Lifes.Journey yup im on board

[@carolkimbell5174]

Simply Myla K. Oh! Sorry about that!

[@deniseharris9363]

Ben look how happy Meg is when she talks about her kitchen ! Well done!!!!

[@wheelori814]

Sounds like it was a perfect time for having a baby! Pushed you to get your house done. Got meat in the freezer, garden was a semi success but still a experiment, got your routine for the animals down pat. I think you all have done great! Not many get as far as you have the first year! Congrats!

[@janehutchinson9860]

There will be time for the garden. Yay! Brett. Good job.

[@janew5351]

Just loved the garden tour! It happens. BRE TT did a great job.

[@loygreen]

I'm so happy for you ! What a long haul that house project was. Congratulations !!! Your son has a green thumb that will be a great blessing to your home in days to come . Absolutely awesome .

[@judyrsf]

Meg, you look like that baby is almost ready to be welcomed into your awesome family. And Ben, you are doing a wonderful job with everything!! The boys are working too, I saw them on some of the videos helping their Dad. They are learning so much from the two of you. May the Good Lord keep blessing you!

[@tanyajenkins919]

Congradulations on getting your new home ready for your family

[@villagesteader3552]

I just love your spirit! Meg you are radiant! ♥️👍🙏🤓🐝🌻

[@mariayelruh]

Most people the year 2020 will bring up crummy memories. I've been enjoying your updates because they show me a sense of normalcy and growth. You've moved into your home and your baby is almost here. So 2020 is a landmark year for you guys. I know I've enjoyed watching you and likely itching as much to help as Meg. Meg was so hands on in the early days and then said that what you guys as a family needed was her to hold down the fort so that work could proceed.

[@elbertajohnson937]

I am 68 and am still learning every year. Some hits with the misses. I live in PNW and weather was strange here too. As I walk barefoot most of time to sense soil temperature and moisture. We had late seasonal changes and cooler summer. Blessings to y’all and prayers for the new live coming anyway ❤️🙏

[@jamielenoir4618]

Y'all are looking happier now that the house is further along. So happy for y'all. House is looking great. All your hard work is paying off. Ps Epic slip&slide !

[@irmibullinger1421]

You all did really good with the garden.....considering you had no time for it. And look at Brett, you are awesome! After the previous video I decided to go back to the one where you had just gotten the title to your property. This was 1 year and 2 months ago! I had seen it then but I wanted to refresh my memory about how it looked. What an amazing transformation in a little over a year! I am looking forward to the home reveal, the new baby and all of the things you will accomplish in the next year. Your boys have learned so much this year, they are going to be a huge help to you. Onward and upward!

[@Zeke-yv3nw]

Man yall have done awesome! Since Brett is in charge now he needs to be getting the fall garden planted. Good job Brett.

[@wolfpack3889]

Bret is your new Garden Assistant 😊😎 Great job! It's so wonderful the boys love to help 💗 Team work makes the dream work. House looks so beautiful 💗 It's okay the garden didn't work so great. It's for first year on this property, first year using this soil. Trial and Error. So happy for your family. God bless

[@albanymtnlife]

The Cherokee Tan pumpkins take a long time to set fruit, harvest before the first frost. Leave a long stem to store long term in a cold dry place. They can last up to 1 year. I got over 20 + pumpkins from 4 plants

[@JohnDavidLong]

Hey, at least you can say you KNOW now what parts of the garden need more work on the soil, which is important too. Plus one of the boys is showing an interest in gardening now too. Good work, if unintentional. Praying for your family every day.

[@sandral2178]

First of all Meg, you look so cute, second anything you get from your garden is more than you would have if you hadn’t planted, and looking forward to see your pretty new home and especially that sweet baby coming to bless your family!

[@nicolaiitchenko7610]

Wow! You guys have done SO much and so well...Special boy to have such a garden heart. Might suggest you get the chickens and turkeys to mow your lawn (move them every other or third day, from spot to spot) and include the areas you hope to till. Those critters will clean up real quick.

[@donnamays24]

You guys look like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders! So happy for you all...now you can get going on the land in a serious way. Blessings from Western NC🙏🏻💖

[@deborahlawing2728]

Hi Donna. I too live in WNC just outside Ashville. We're practically neighbors 😑

[@donnamays24]

deborah lawing I’m just outside Maggie Valley...howdy neighbor 💖

[@acornhomestead3575]

I love the first year gardening! The learning curve is very steep. Couldn't tell from the video but corn is self pollinating so it needs planted in squares... 3x3, 4x4 etc. Last year I grew a 6x6 patch and it was so cool. I loved watching it go. One of these days I will test the soil... I'm sure mind needs amended too. But I'll be changing my beds out this winter. I can't wait! Looks awesome Brett! 😍😍😍

[@FranchesicaMiddleton]

Meg, you are absolutely glowing and such a sweet soul. Y'all are doing an amazing job!

[@sovereigns1grace]

My corn did the same as yours & it didn't get a freeze. Thanks for the update on your garden. It helps me feel better about mine being neglected due to life, too! You've had a lot on your plate so next growing season should look much better. All the luvs 💕

[@rebeccahenkins1697]

OK - your garden looks like what I fight all the time down here in Central FLorida - so don’t feel bad - you have been super busy and you still achieved huge goals! Save chicken egg shells - dry and powder and till that in - helps the blossom end rot as a slower release calcium. Brett is wonderful - he has a talent - be proud and support him - maybe that should be part of his farm chores - gardens!! That rooster in your mobile coop is huge - what a fine fellow!! Move them to the old veggies and then till it when they are done. What wonderful parents you are! Keep it up and keep sharing! Consider getting bees - many professional bee keepers will put them on your land - you get pollination and a share of the honey!! Consider it - will help up your production even more, can learn more and in time maybe catch your own swarm and get going!

[@lisawostalsmith3310]

I had blossom rot on my tomatoes and I read to take dried egg shells and crush them up and sprinkle them all around under the plants. It worked fantastic! Free and effective! Great work on the house! Waiting on the big debut! Love your channel! ❤️

[@susanknight8961]

Your can only do your best, and you did. So it’s okey not to have everything perfect. The main thing is you are in the house. Everything else is gravy.

[@debrezo58]

Ben I love your attitude and perseverence for priorities! You and Meg are such a great couple! And your son's garden? Jackpot! ;) Keep on cultivating your family, farm and life!! Both of you are doing an amazing job all around! ♥️🙏♥️

[@HomesteadWhereImPlanted]

I SO LOVE THIS CHANNEL AND THIS FAMILY! I’ve been watching from almost the beginning of your journey! Just feels my heart with joy! With everything going on, it calms my heart! 🙏🏻🤟🏻 Thank you for the smiles, laughter and tears!!

[@patjones5723]

So...the garden fell through the cracks...stuff happens guys. It's all good. Most important is your home is now livable and ready for baby 👶. Ya can't do it all and Brets garden looks great ya'll should be proud. Still excited to see kitchen and new car AND meet baby!!! Ty for another great video 🥰

[@kelseym4613]

I didn't realize how much I missed videos from around your property and outside!!! I am so excited for you! You BOTH felt more relaxed and it was so nice to see! Rest up for awhile!!! ❤

[@carolecrystal5907]

Looks like there is a lot more to eat from your great garden !!! And lots of greens !!! You've done such a huge amount of work this year, accomplished sooooo much !!! And I'm still enjoying your soaps and balms too !!! Prayers for a speedy, safe delivery of Baby Hollar Homestead, your finest blessing!!!

[@sharonnowlin2297]

Considering all the things that have been going on with your family this year ... you still got some things out of your garden and still things still in there to cook in Megs NEW kitchen!! When you look through the gardens closer, you will be amazed what you will find!! When Brett asks again for "Dirt" you give him every bit that he wants. His garden is beautiful!! GREAT JOB, Brett!!! So many people had NO luck with gardens this year and they tended them everyday!!! Here in Southwest, VA we had a very, very late frost, non rain, then super hot and dry, now lot so rain!! ... So all in all you got your home pretty much mostly done .. Before BABY Arrived and the boys got to sleep in their NEW bunk beds!! Can't wait for the reveal !!! What we have seen so for IS BEAUTIFUL !!!

[@claudialautenslager8695]

I love your attitude about your garden, we all have failures, but next year will be better. Hang in there, life does throw you curves. Love following you, and God Bless you both and your family.

[@hoofandpeck]

Love it guys, we’re right there with you on the beginning side. We just sold everything, moved to a camper and are expecting our twins any time now. I worked my butt off to finish our house and sell it and the garden we started at a different property went to the wayside. I just had adrenal failure from all of it. So happy to see you DID NOT! Keep it up guys! This is all so worth it.

[@rose77778888]

Those Sowards are good folk, aren't they? It's good for kids to help out. I'm so happy that y'all are at a breathing point, and your little will get to come home, to home. Awesomeness Brett! Looking forward to seeing the reveal on the home!

[@4philipp]

Brett must have figured with another sibling on the way, the only way he will have enough food is if he grows his own. He has survival skills.

[@jillthomas4926]

Lol

[@Katydidit]

Too funny...

[@thejunkincolvards8843]

Love it!! My garden sucked I got lots of green beans, A handful of carrots, there's 4 large cherry tomatoes that are still green. My big beefy tomatoes flower then the flowers go away and don't do anything. It's my 1st garden so it's my test garden. We're moving soon so it doesn't matter to me so much on what grows and what don't. My spinach died so did my sweet peas. My son's water melon is flowering but isn't getting anything yet. When we move I'll start one there and try harder. Y'all's are awesome love ya!!

[@MrHiggsrocks]

LOL I had it Labeled...Life comes hard and fast, you folks are doing Fine.

[@elizabethbrooks4849]

You have only been there a bit over a year. What you have done is amazing in the garden for the critters, you've butchered chickens, you got turkeys,and you gutted and rebuilt your home. Garden will be there, you can work the soil all winter for next season. Your baby is due very soon. Depending on due date, maybe on my birthday, which is coming up soon also hehehe. Be proud of all you have done, don't sweat the rest. Your son Brett, did a great job. Maybe he'll help with next garden, he's got the green thumb. Regardless great video, look forward to seeing the reveal. So happy for all of you, plus one

[@shuddle82]

Spaghetti squash with butter, parmesan and lemon. Yum!

[@mariamaricle4070]

Once more I apologize for a negative comment I made over a year ago.... I am proud of you and your beautiful family. Best of luck in your new home with your new baby! You are my favorite Family.

[@dianacollinson2424]

Compared to last year, your homestead has really come a long way! And its fun to watch your soil continue to improve. Everything looks great.

[@kennethgibbons2487]

Thanks for the garden tour - nice to see the two of you looking so much more relaxed - a lovely couple - God Bless you (and when I say that I mean it - its not just a throw away expression) 😊

[@cherylcasio9401]

No apologies needed for your garden! You are prioritizing your life, and that is a good thing! God bless you and your family!!!

[@okier7368]

Go Brett! Isn’t it fun to see each child’s interests develop as they grow? If you have a baby girl she’s going to be sooo spoiled with all those big brothers.

[@diannt9583]

Even if it's a baby boy, since the child will be so much younger, I can see the potential that either gender could be "spoiled". (But I doubt these parents will let that happen ...)

[@paulinelarach938]

Poor soil poor corn, lst things first for baby belly is low and days are numbered so wish you luck for all will come out o.k. in time. Happy day for all comes new baby. Nice walk about, much needed by hubby with noisy birds in back is typical of farms, so relax all goes well, hard work will pay off!!

[@bilben68]

Hats off to the Hollar Family! They have made it work for them.

[@frankbollotino2270]

Actually there is quite a bit food in your garden .

[@nancydavis14]

Can't wait to see the BABY!!

[@writetotrisha]

Hi again Hollars. I think it is so great that Brett has a garden. He did such a great job. I remember him planting in pots when ya'll first got there. He was so cute and has come a long way and it is so great that ya'll encourage him the way you do. Do I remember seeing some great camera action from one of your boys? Maybe while are so busy, they could film things like the water slide. They could learn to edit like Jonah Rhodes does too. We would love to see them more.

[@lavoncloward7878]

This grandma just loves you guys. I am so happy for you. I've had many gardens like yours. lol. I'm 80 now and still trying. It looks like the house is almost done, the garden is almost done and the baby is almost done....just finishing the plumbing. I wish you the best....Love you and yours.

[@sandyc6569]

👍

[@ladymoongoddess]

I'm exhausted just seeing all you've done in the last few months. And what a great job Brett did on his garden! Love watching your boys be your helpers, seeing the next generation being taught valuable work ethic warms my heart. Since it appears vastly lacking by a good majority of the younger generation born into technology where everything is too easy. ❤❤❤

[@cathrinagroiss604]

Yes! A garden thriving on neglect!!! Granted, it'll look better if you break your back at it, but it might just be more efficient to take the lazy rout... ya know? 😘 I love it you guys, it makes me feel like I can accomplish something in the garden too...

[@hopehall-sanchez1913]

My garden was a semi disaster too, we got a few things out of it. I am new to North Carolina from the West Coast and the squash bugs killed the majority of my garden. I tried to combat them, to no success. So I’m going to learn from this and hopefully next year I’ll catch it soon enough to where it doesn’t become a huge problem. Also, having five kids is a blessing but it also keeps you extremely busy. You guys had a lot on your plate this year so it looks like you had a beautiful garden with everything that you had going on.

[@soniaspangenberg8557]

My husband and I are reading the JADAM Korean, organic pest control book. Very interesting, on Amazon.

[@deborahlawing2728]

I took a hint from a local gardener here in WNC near Ashville who told me not to plant squash before the 4th of July and you would not have squash bugs. It has worked for me ever since. Hope this helps.

[@charlotteforrester3118]

I hope you do a montage of a year in review! Meg is getting so close to delivery. She looks like she has dropped. So happy you finished the house before the baby arrives! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kathydavie7004]

Give yourself credit for all you've accomplished ! God Bless!

[@MySGarden]

You grew meat, your home and a baby. The garden will come a long in its time. I have a 6 month old baby and my garden looks the same as yours. Each season is just another step in life

[@mccormickshiddenhomestead1147]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who let stuff go. I know I shouldn't compare myself or my situation with others, it's just that sometimes, that strength in numbers really helps.

[@katherineparker4836]

Thank you so very much for sharing, y'all are truly beautiful people ❤

[@fammims5107]

It looks like the baby is dropping almost there Hollers! Congrats on everything!💖

[@احمدالقحطاني-ب2ق]

There is nothing discourage,,coz you as parents did everything ,,built a sweet home ,grow many kinds of fruit and veggies(first time),,raising birds ,,animals,,taking care of your kids and teaching them about homestead skills,strong woman also with pregnant,,you did all of that in one year ,,congratulation this is unbellievable and amazing ,,even you had sad time with vehicle but you passed that time with patience and hard working ,,thanks a lot for inspiring all families👏👍🖐️

[@lynnlpickering9076]

In my grandparents' garden they did not stake tomatoes but put down straw and let the tomatoes spread out.

[@loisdavis1682]

glad you are in your new home. Blessing to your family.Praying for the best .

[@bettinah.7429]

Hey,you can’t live in the garden ,so your energy was definitely on the right task. You can still plant some stuff (or get the young gardener too do it). You can buy veggies ,plus you have lots of friends with bountiful gardens.

[@christinedehn3257]

Pac choi, carrots, beets, spinach, peas, green beans, lettuce, radish, zucchini, pickles...Basically anything that is ready in less time than you have 'til your first frost, plus an extra week because the days are getting shorter can be started now. Help Bret prep the space and let him loose! He can use that compost the chickens made for you,

[@bettinah.7429]

Rain7 Mic 🤷🏼‍♀️lol

[@loriwagner6299]

Meg you look so beautiful! I'm glad you are doing so well. 💖

[@SuesSecretGarden3]

Meg you looks so happy I'm proud of you guys. Keep living your Dream can't wait to see the reveal.🙏🏿❤

[@sonyagregory5711]

Hey you guys have rocked it this year in every way! You have built a house, defied the Squatch wreck, showed us all what faith truly is. And now... here comes sweet baby, The Grand Finale! What a blessing you are to everyone. You certainly know how to ... Journey On! ❤🙏😊

[@sandyc6569]

👍

[@PureWhiteLilly]

Have y'all ever eaten Amaranth greens? I just tried them for the first time two weeks ago. They're very tasty! I scramble it with my eggs. Wow Brett! That's one heck of a first garden! Keep doing it Kiddo!

[@lindaglover9248]

It was fun to come along for your garden tour. Thank you for keeping it real! Helps take the pressure off for some of us a newbie gardeners! As an aside...That's why I love you, and so many of your core gardening friends. What a wonderful community! I'm looking forward to your home tour! I truly appreciate you allowing all of us to share your journey!

[@lindaglover9248]

I would love it if you would allow me/us to have a " Fill In The Gaps" baby shower. I would like to contribute if there's anything you find you need after the baby's born. It wouldn't have to be specifically a baby gift, but perhaps something that would help your family, so that you could enjoy the little one. Something perhaps that would take some of pressure off, in any area. I don't live close enough, or know you well enough to bring you a home-cooked meal, but if there's something I could gift, I would love the opportunity.

[@sallyboothe911]

Yes! I have looked, hoping that Meg would add a baby wish list so we could bless them and the baby. Blessings 🙏🏻🥰

[@mrmacgregorshomestead233]

Yes! I can contribute as well.

[@kathrynwhite8482]

Wood ash works great for tomatoes. One step at a time, you have done amazing.

[@cindynorris2750]

Hello can't wait to see finished home.😁😁😁

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

You two are just so cute walking around your garden beds talking about your veggies, and fruit. No worries about weeds, and plants not producing....we all have some of the same issues with our garden beds. My corn is so dried out, when you shuck the corn it looks like dried out old teeth.. LOL! Such as life.....no stressing...you win some, you lose some.

[@sarabarentine8310]

You definitely get what you put into it. My attempts at gardening are just that. Im looking forward to all the possibilities of next year.

[@tinamariegregory3130]

Mackinac Island ! Yeah ! I hope you actually went and enjoyed our island. God bless , we're praying for you all.

[@shortofvintageoldstead4210]

Loved the walk-thru-the-garden! How are your fruit trees doing that you planted? Our Honey Crisp apple tree is finally loaded after 5 years! Can't wait to eat apples this fall!

[@sallyboothe911]

I’ve wondered how the fruit trees are doing. I want to plant some and was hoping to see how y’all’s are doing. 🌻🌼✨

[@irmibullinger1421]

Honey Crisp.....the bestest apple yet! So expensive at the store but if you are going to eat an apple it might as well be the most tasty one!

[@homeandgardendiaries6384]

Before winter it will be great if you had a poly tunnel to protect your vegetables from bad weather also a greenhouse. Looking forward to seeing your kitchen. Blessings to y’all.

[@RickMitchellProvenanceAndRoots]

Our gardens looks similar. So I fully understand. (But, then again, I didn't remodel a down-to-the-studs house.😎) Can't wait to see the finished house! So exciting!

[@mylifesjourney...sharonkar7802]

I think everything looks great! Especially y'all!❤🙏

[@claireisacamel]

Ya know, Neglect Gardening is a legitimate practice that people do haha you’re just trendy!

[@thatotherdebra1834]

They need to just call it a food forest and they'll be all set! 😉😁

[@kkg02122]

What she said

[@marilynqueen4360]

Great for instant mulch

[@heatherk8931]

I have one of those!

[@wannabesomethingmore]

My Maternal Grandparents were my influence to gardening. You're both giving your son a great reward in allowing him to grow his interest as well. We just put down 8 out of 10 Bronze Breasted "Freezer Birds" and we have 5 Black Spanish Turkeys where 1 is a male for breeding purposes. They are in a 50' x 100' fenced in plot. Also, my garden sucked this year as well.

[@yellowdeer7163]

The 110 degree heat destroyed my two raised gardens. It's been a record setting heat for two weeks in west Texas. Last night at midnight it was 91 degrees. Believe me no amount of water would help. Your garden look great.

[@jenniferrescott1149]

Great job with your garden, Brett!

[@lisamaria5867]

They ferment those lil corns here in Germany its delicious

[@mgtmoffat8411]

Thank you for the walk around your gardens. That is not neglect, it is giving Mother Nature a free hand!! Looking forward to seeing your home, baby too! 💕💕🌷🌷

[@audreyabdo7719]

Mustard greens are a cool weather crop as is Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

[@jenadidio6536]

Be proud! Look what you’ve all accomplished in a year! And the wonderful friends who helped, great job! ❤️🌺✌️

[@claireisacamel]

Just eat that Broccoli as Broccoli Rabe!! Tasty with a little sausage over some pasta! 😋

[@deeaguilar2183]

Brett your garden is amazing! No worries about the garden this year. My first garden in 15 yrs and a hail storm came by destroyed most of it, but next year I will try again. Can't wait to see the reveal!

[@safffff1000]

I notice viewers numbers go up on these house projects and the income probably help get materials so not much lost.

[@juliejones7358]

You may have neglected your garden to focus on your home, but looking on the plus side you have still got a lot of vegetables that you can harvest to either can or make pickles or chilli jams with. So a win win xx

[@TheKellyGreen]

My tomatoes liked being a jungle this year. It's just my tomato jungle now. 😂

[@angeliquemcniff3076]

Totally let Brett plant the old Broccoli garden. You two will get crazy busy again with baby duties. A few months from now you can again show us all how beautiful Brett’s 2nd Fall garden is.