Week 2 update on progress of Hoophouse

[@annmcintosh4524]

You are an inspiration. Your work ethic, providing for your family, is awesome. Very interesting to watch as you learn and grow.

[@stewsstructures83]

You may want to think about shade cloth before to long. I have to use them on my tunnels in full sun and I am in a cooler climate. It would help- to compensate for the ventilation issue also by keeping down the over all temps.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

I have one that I will throw over here soon ! It’s not to big, but I think it will definitely help!

[@bluebirdhomestead]

Nice! It is looking great, seeing all those bags in a straight row looks great!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thanks! It’s slowly getting there. I can’t wait till I can just watch them grow.

[@bluebirdhomestead]

@@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead I am sure!

[@marthaduffy8386]

I am really really interested in what you're doing with growing your williow. I'm wanting to grow willow to make wreaths for my dried flowers that I grow and I'd like to grow some of the curly willow to put in my local arrangements. Where did you get your cuttings and how do you grow them? I know you're busy but I'm so excited in any info your would want to share. I have space on our property to grow willow and would so love to get into growing specific types. I also have a 9×12 greenhouse that my husband and I built last year that I could use to get cuttings started. I also bought some propagating balls that you put soil in both sides and you peel away the bark and zip tie the 2 halves over the twigs and they will root. I know this is a long comment but every time I watch one of your videos my wheels get to turning as to what I could do. Love your drive! Can't wait to see the next video.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Hey, Martha. I sell curly willow in bunches. I have been selling it all over the country! I have had two sales on it so far. It seems to be doing well. They are super easy to root. The bark itself is a natural rooting hormone that people make “willow water” out of. Check it out. I maybe make a video on it soon! I’m going to stick all of them outside soon as they have some good roots to them!

[@marthaduffy8386]

@@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead did you just get the willow plants through a supplier that sells shrubs? I'm in zone 3 up north in Vermont. We have all kinds wild willow that grows near by but don't know if we are to cold for curly willow in my zone.

[@rebeccapem5550]

I really like hanging baskets and love to receive them as gifts. I used to gift them to my mom. I like flowers/greenery that flows over the edge. You can also do strawberries or hanging tomatoes.

[@oswaldocastano887]

I admire your work ethic. Best of luck with your business. Thanks for sharing.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thank you

[@popcorn4030]

@The Flower Farmer ....Just some quick thoughts and ideas that may help...I would use the smaller grow bags and sell dahlia plants for an early income, i also would be out foraging, lots of things like curly willow root in a bucket of water within a couple weeks so you can get a ton of other plants to sell. you can mix sand , which is cheaper in that soil to prevent rot but not sure if they have drainage. You can also start your own farmers market , pay for your cost with the booth fees, if you can use that parking lot , plus will draw in costumers. I would buy flags and signage instead of planting the frontage with flowers, . you can get hanging baskets at , greenhouse megastore ,..you'll have $3.00 each into them without soil cost. or plant ,.. get green or dark if you have hardwater , white will discolor. Just trying 25 or 50 won't .

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

That seems to be a good idea ! I like the thought. I need you on my side of brainstorming! I maybe take clones to sell them in smaller bags like that!

[@Frank5921]

Great video, can't wait to see what you come up with next. Hey we need to brainstorm. I think those grow bags seem to wet for Dahlias. Make sure they are draining well or those tubers will rot.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

I’m little worried about that. I need to really look at that!

[@joelc9421]

When do you cut things like redbuds and fruit trees. Should they be blooming allready? Love your channel

[@royshaul2392]

Hanging Baskets are easy money on mothers day. They are steady sellers the rest of the year if you have decent traffic.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

That’s a good idea ! I need to think about it for sure

[@chatugespringsflowerfarm]

I’m wondering if the plastic bags are draining well enough for you with the rich, heavy soil. You have a great setup in spite of the hail damage. I would plant sunflowers along the fence line. I like the zinnia placement. Look into the JADAM method for fertilizer and pest control. The cost is pennies and your ingredients are local to you. Love the hideout for the kids. Yes, focus on what you have a passion for and that can be a challenge for all of us. I didn’t know that you lost your dahlias. Do you need more tubers?

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Yes, I need to get more tubers for sure. It has been a bad year on tubers. Luckily, I have 1,500 tubers on order. It is still not going to be enough to meet the demand :(

[@marywilliams7977]

Hey buddy what do you need? Better black bags or what? I really want your place to do good.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Hey, Mary. Could you shoot me an email? [e-mail]

[@cg3251]

I think selling dahlia tubers could be very profitable. They seem to sell out very quickly!

[@rebeccapem5550]

Where did you buy the hives?

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

I would love to speak more about this! I got them in a grant!

[@ekstromsblomster]

Could the overhead be used as an extra frost protection?

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

It’s something to look into. Do you have any resources on it?

[@ekstromsblomster]

@@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead not that much. Just that it works down to -5celcius (28F). I've invested in sprinklers that can be used that way in the field.