What Worked and What Didn't in the 2023 Garden?

[@melissarecob1944]

You hit the nail on the head regarding the emotional side of gardening. Had a long discussion with my SIL and decided this year I am going to focus more on having a QUALITY abundant garden vs a QUANTITY abundant garden. I am not going to worry about what others are doing and I'm not going to attempt to compete. I may end up with a much smaller garden this year in the end, but as long as what comes out of it is high in quality, I will be a more accomplished gardener. Thank you Jenna for supporting us Ohio gardeners! Good luck with your 2024 garden!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes, yes, yes!! Quality over quantity is KEY!

[@puppylover8991]

Thank you for this video. I'm sitting here during this horrible cold (-7 actual temp in Missouri) and find myself still occasionally beating myself up for not planting the fall garden. However 2023 came with so many demands on my time. My husband and I got married in September and we had the ceremony at our homestead so it felt like we were working like crazy for 18 months prior. I just didn't have the bandwidth to dedicate to a fall garden. Once the wedding was over and we finally caught our breath, the days got short and nothing was germinating. I've been working on my 2024 garden plan but I seem to be stuck in my 2023 garden. A little Grace goes a long way! We need to allow ourselves that grace!

[@shockingdocumentaries4255]

Well said. ❤

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh my goodness- I can understand why you didn't have the bandwidth to dedicate to a fall garden! You had a LOT on your plate. Congratulations on your wedding, by the way! I hope this season brings you a bit more space to breathe and relax (though I know how tough that is when you're running a homestead). 😀💚

[@tobtnosike9433]

I'm gonna love Growfully with Jenna Forever in 2021!

[@crissyzoey4409]

I too struggled with taking on too many garden projects and expansions with the result that I had little time to enjoy the summer . It lessened my joy in gardening and I was feeling slightly depressed. This year I’m scaling back. Good to know I’m not alone in that feeling!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I suspect its something that many gardeners struggle with at some point or another. Finding that balance is crucial! Best wishes for an enjoyable season this year!

[@jaytoney3007]

Fall gardening is great, as it needs a lot less of my attention. It has been a goal of mine to garden year round, and this year I did it, although I grow a lot less, and have most of my raised beds and grow bags covered with a thick layer of leaves. As of today, I still have Komatsuna, hard-neck garlic, Elephant Garlic, Nagasaki Cabbage, Purple Top Turnips, Tokinashi Turnips, Mint, Spearmint, Greek Oregano, Seascape Strawberries, Lemon Thyme, and Comfrey growing in my garden. I have tomato and pepper seeds starts planted and am waiting for germination. This year, I am growing additional plants for a spring plant sale. ASs soon as they get going, I'll do seed starts for Fordhook Swiss Chard, Japanese Giant Red Mustard, Tokyo Bekana Mustard, Basil, Chives, Red Bearded Bunching Onions, Creole Onions, and chives. (Alabama zone 7B) January 2018, it got down to 9F, and Dec 2022, 7F in my area. It may be a micro climate, but it was recorded by the weather service. For whatever reason, the temperatures weren't figured into the climate zone changes, so I will continue to treat my area as climate zone 7B.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I agree- I've been trying to transition to slightly less warm/main season crops and putting more focus on fall. I find it to be very rewarding!

[@Markephillips77]

No need to build a bed for the wine caps! Just use straw mulch around some plants (I used it around my squash) and inoculate that! You’ll have an amazing symbiotic relationship between the mushrooms and the plants where the mushrooms are feeding the plants and the plants are providing shade for the mushrooms! That was easily my biggest success for 2023! For 2024, I’m challenging myself to grow cauliflower and cabbage. I’ve been so nervous about growing them because of the potential for cabbage moths destroying them, but I’m gonna give them a try and see what happens! I’m also going to finally conquer growing summer squash (especially zucchini) by using grow bags and having a planting in the summer for a fall harvest. Third time’s a charm!

[@jaytoney3007]

One of my goals this spring is growing Wine Cap mushrooms. My plan is to plant the spore in straw bails under a maple tree. It should provide the shade needed for them, at the very least blocking the afternoon sun as they will be on the north side of the tree. I'd plant them with my summer squash, but in my area, I only have a short growth season for squash, April-June. July and August are bad months for powdery mildew. By then, it is a constant battle, and I generally end up ceding defeat, but by then, I have enough squash to last through the winter. I still have squash in my freezer.

[@johnjude2685]

"Red acre "cabbage doesn't draw the white moths ( well, nearly) grow both the red area is safer

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you for that tip!! Definitely giving this a try. And my very best defense against cabbageworms has been to cover them with insect netting the moment I put out transplants. I use 76" hoops and can typically keep the netting on almost till harvest. If the worms do to much damage after I've removed the netting, I spot treat with Bt.

[@chrisedbrooke6533]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I had great success using tulle last year to cover my green cabbage. It was a tall Birdies bed, and I spaced out three metal posts in the bed to make a tent with the tulle, and covered the posts with some cheap plastic cups so the tulle wouldn’t be ripped by the sharp posts. It worked great (not one worm to be found!). I suspect it’s much cheaper than actual insect netting?

[@sammyboyde6489]

EVERY GARDNER should watch this video. Honesty is an expensive gift, never expect it from a cheap person. Good Job Jenna.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

💚

[@GROOMERS0]

“Wax poetic over poop” 😂😂😂 I love watching your videos. I love gardening and you are just ahead of me on the curve, so you often talk about the very topics that I am interested in knowing more about. And we have identical climate. I’m so excited for the coming season. I am intercropping some this year and hope to tackle drip irrigation. I’ve had some drip, but it basically needs ripped out and redesigned… because you know we gardeners keep expanding! Thanks for the video, I’m gonna get back to watching it.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😄 I need to get on top of the irrigation this year too!

[@hogue3666]

Gardening has always been a great excuse for me to enjoy the April sun and I usually get burnt out with pest pressure and mosquitos in August. I can handle heat. I can handle bugs. I can't handle both when tomatoes are $0.40 a pound at Kroger and I'm wondering why I did all this work. Let's be real. I just like playing in the dirt and giving this food away more than I like eating it myself. Thanks for sharing your feelings on all of this. I've often noticed that I'm shy to ask for help in the garden and I have to take it all on alone. My garden is smaller because of this.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I love that you are honest with yourself about this! I've had those moments too, of 'why am I doing all this work'!?

[@t-bone6467]

From the professional quality of your videos, the size and complexity of your garden and the other obligations you mentioned, you my friend are a high achiever. Now it's your challenge to dial expectations back some and still be satisfied. Best wishes in figuring that out, you're already on the way!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!!

[@sharpland]

A very honest sentiment that so many of us can relate to. In spite of this wonky Ohio growing season, we practically forced our best season yet. The water bills were... large. We also nearly exhausted ourselves to a breaking point as well, but we too go through. Hang in there, Jenna! 2024 will be a year we're all thankful that we garden.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you get a break from those water bills this year! Here's wishing for a great '24!

[@jessb6555]

Burnout is real! There’s always something to do as a gardener. The garden is my absolute favorite place to be but I was thrilled when we finally got a hard frost and it was over this year. Did I just go through my seeds yesterday though? Sure did. 😂

[@joybrown8644]

You bet! 😂😃

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Haha- exactly! I just did a bunch of seed ordering and I think I have more than ever before 😆... the addiction is real!

[@jessrouse8475]

Feel this!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@fedupwithem6208]

I love seeing kids learn how to work. That's the making of a good man! Great job!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Couldn't agree more!

[@ItsSammi29]

I loved everything about this video! I had to adopt a similar sentiment to my garden this year. It may never be as far along as I hoped, but I’m proud of myself for listening to my body when I need rest or a change. My gardening journey is just that, a journey. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it’s allowed to just be what it is. ❤️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

And you definitely should be proud of that! You are a much wiser gardener than I!

[@lynnlovessoil]

I will need to listen to my body as well. It’s been yelling at me lately.😂

[@345renee]

I felt that way last growing season. I felt burnt-out and Saud I wasn't going to garden this year. After I rested, I decided to sit down and plan how yo make this growing season fun and enjoyable

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's a smart wat to approach it!

[@Gardenfnp]

Thank you so much for being so open with your mental health struggles this year. I pushed a lot this past summer and I do find that I am a bit burnt out. I’m doing what is easy now and winter sowing a bit but making sure I rest. I am excited about expanding winter sowing this year. Definitely going to try herbs now too! Thanks for all you do! One of the joys I did just for me this year was create a butterfly garden. It has been a huge mental health project for me. ❤

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I love that you created a butterfly garden as a project you could enjoy- such a great idea!

[@GrowWhereYouArePlanted]

Thanks for the advice about resting. I am searching for balance with respect to gardening, too. I have decided to cut back on the square footage of my garden. Less space equals less work and more free time. Best wishes for your 2024 garden!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Less work and more free times equals a more enjoyable gardening experience-- smart!!

[@Jacob-qr8pl]

You are great! Not only do you provide great educational advice, but your attitude welcomes a community to gather 'round.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you 💚

[@TheGardenFamily]

That heat wave in August really made the Fall growing season tough! We did the same thing...waited...waited...waited...finally planted them out in low 90s weather because we had no choice. We did get a good broccoli harvest and semi decent small heads of cauliflower but it was a tough end of the season for sure. I definitely think you are right with shade and frost cloth being more and more of a necessity as weather gets more extreme...we are planning for the same. And thanks for the courage for sharing about burnout...social media can definitely be a double edged sword: an amazing way to connect with others and a "pat on the back" for your efforts, but also a lot of work, and that can shift something that was supposed to be a joy and something that gives us energy into a chore of filming editing etc. Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing 2024!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh how I'd love to have a nice mild spring & fall season this year (but I'm not holding my breath) 😆. And it's absolutely a double-edged sword-- I certainly have a new found respect for those who can manage to consistently produce content for years. I hope you all have a wonderful 2024 as well!

[@marymccormick7806]

Hello from Miami County Ohio! Enjoy your videos. Life balance is important- we all struggle. Thanks for sharing- helps people know they are not alone 🥰

[@joybrown8644]

Warren here.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello Ohio neighbor! 💚

[@harmonyfamilylifetk]

I got so excited for my big garden last year and was anticipating all kinds of great things and when it didn't happen I stopped taking care of my garden out of frustration. I am going to remind myself this year that there will be failures. I'm also trying to do some more preventative measures, like cover cloth etc. And I need to rest so I don't feel like I've worked so hard for so little.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The preventative measures go SUCH a long way! For me, the big one is heavy mulch to cut back on weeds. When I don't get it done I want to burn the garden down come August 😆

[@Javaman92]

Anyone else posted a video that spoke of a garden tour, or how their garden did, I would ignore it. BUT I know that you always share SO MUCH good information in every video you share that I didn't hesitate to click on this. And of course, I was right. I think it is important that you shared your mental struggle. It is probably the biggest thing that people, especially driven, go getter kinds of people, struggle with. And I got to agree with you that it is going to be a problem for you to not overwhelm yourself. I am sorry but I had to laugh on how you transitioned straight from telling us how you put too much on yourself right into all the BIGGER plans you have for this coming season! Your garden is so beautiful and it is NOT small. And that doesn't count your parents garden. Perhaps you really should step back and think about what not to do this next gardening season.

[@joybrown8644]

I thought the same thing!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That means a lot to me- thank you! And you are right about the irony in saying one thing and then going right to my bigger plans 😆... I suppose I'll have to figure out what I need to cut back on first before jumping into those projects!

[@barryganslein986]

It was indeed a tough year in Ohio for the garden, and as you said, it’s easy to get discouraged and down. Thanks for sharing, we need to talk about the emotional side of gardening sometimes.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Here's hoping for a more cooperative year weather wise!

[@amandagoodlett5185]

Your videos are the best! I always learn something 😊 I heard lots of people, myself included, get overwhelmed with the To Do lists related to gardening/homesteading in 2023. By Aug I was giving myself a pep talk every morning that a messy garden still produced and to let it go when it came to weeds and things. Now, I'm spending the nicer weather days during these colder months setting up my garden to have less maintenance in 2024. Thanks for sharing your struggles, it's important for all of us to recognize the need to rest.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much! And such a smart use of time during these colder months-- I need to be doing more of that!

[@copasetic216]

Glad I found your channel a few days ago. I’m in the suburbs of Cleveland, and it’s nice to hear someone from Ohio talk about things that I can relate to. Looking forward to watching more.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Welcome to the channel-- I'm glad you're here!

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

That gate not only looks solid but makes for a grand entrance. I have 3 gates similar into my garden and there's something about a nice gate that completes your garden.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

So true!

[@sc-dw6gt]

"the rest is more important than the work"---I think this video really speaks to the situation a lot of us find ourselves in: the amount of work to be done can be potentially unending! The idea of "sustainable" gardening must include whether we ourselves are creating a system that we can sustain, and be sustained by. These tenets are also found in the basics of permaculture, creating systems where functions are stacked and where systems can become more self-supporting over time (I don't know about you, but every year I seem to be older than the year before!). Love your channel, thank you for all you do.

[@joybrown8644]

Yes! And I don’t have “helpers” in my home anymore!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes, yes, yes! I'm trying to learn about and create more of these stacked systems and permaculture in general. I just always feel like I'm doing more work than I probably need to be doing.

[@dawnburton5961]

Hello Ohio neighbor. Thank you for this video. I too was getting the "homesteading burn out." It's really hard to take a break when you're so overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. That being said, it's completely necessary to take a rest or the depression and physical pains will force you to. Good vibes/prayers for a productive and better rested new season!❤

[@addysbeeandgarden320]

Yeass!!! My husband told me this year, so what if some of the tomatoes get eaten by worms, the chickens love wormy tomatoes! It kinda set things different in my brain.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@addysbeeandgarden320 such a smart way for your husband to reframe the situation!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@dawnburton5961 I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with the homesteading burnout too. I hope you are able to find a way to relax and take care of yourself!

[@657449]

You can’t water your plants with an empty pot. Don’t burn yourself out. Don’t go nuts like people do buying seeds. Just buy what will work for you and one or two new things. You have a life outside the garden so don’t think that you will starve. The supermarket is down the street. Wait another forty years and see how challenging gardening becomes. Old age is not your friend. I wanted to grow a lot to give away. Weather, old age issues, etc., put a crimp into that. Last summer I had enough tomatoes for me and enough to share with neighbors. It was still a big win. Great video. Most of us don’t have the area for a farm with multiple beds and animals but everyone can do something. Grow towers are great for patios. Pick your plants carefully and monitor their condition. Gutters can be attached to fences to grow lettuces out of the reach of rabbits . I prefer winter sowing to starting seeds indoors.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Very very true! But I've already messed up... I've bought more seeds this year than I think I ever have 😆 It's a real problem.

[@Anna-jl1rx]

What a nice channel you have! I much appreciate the fact that you are not trying to sell things and that you are not preaching any garden ideology. You're just honestly sharing your experience. That's great!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I appreciate that!

[@Alphastarcar]

I’m your neighbor from PA. Thanks for sharing the realism of gardening. Like you I experienced burnout with the 2023 growing season. I believe that the weather played a huge role in my harvest. I’ve been successfully gardening since 1992 and can’t think of a year that produced minimal results. This year was almost considered a bust by me. Weather manipulation, pollution from fires and what ever else was sprayed on us from the skies seriously stunted my gardens growth. The system that I had figured out for a successful crop failed in 2023. I did check myself, my soil and seed source and there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary as compared to previous years of gardening. I guess we are heading toward what is said, “we will own nothing and be happy”. Let’s see what 2024 brings. Thanks for sharing your results from your geographic location. It’s sad to say but now I don’t feel as bad hearing how others had similar results.

[@657449]

As long as you have enough for yourself and others, it is a great year.

[@rachelwonders8975]

From PA also and I thought I was the only one dealing with burn out this past year and just couldn't explain it. The desire was there but the motivation simply wasn't no matter how hard I tried forcing it. 😢 excited for 2024 though! Have some redesign plans and removed brush that was severely blocking sunlight... 😊

[@Alphastarcar]

@@rachelwonders8975 I think the main reason for feeling burned out was because things didn’t seem to be going smoothly. It’s the first time I’ve ever experienced that and I’m convinced that it was due to all of the weather and wild fire pollution. I’ve started my herb seeds and I’m praying for a smooth growing season with a bountiful harvest. Good growing to you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It's definitely frustrating-- and so hard when it feels out of your control. I truly hope the 2024 season goes a little smoother for you. And I don't know about you, but I don't plan to ever be content to fall in line with those who have coined the 'own nothing and be happy' line.

[@657449]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Those who want you “to have nothing and be happy” want to make you into serfs or slaves. They will have it all. The trick to doing projects is knowing your limits. There are just so many hours in a day that can be dedicated to a project. Living alone and being old doesn’t help either.

[@yuhasfarm429]

Here in Central Ohio had our challenges also. Was so happy my husband completed a deer fence enclosure for our garden and set up several hugelkultur raised beds. The downside is we were plagued with cucumber beetles and had almost no cucumbers or cantaloupes that we enjoyed in past years. If anyone else had issues with this in Ohio please let me know if you were more successful combatting these bugs and subsequent wilt. Thanks, Jenna, for being a great Midwest resource! - Alice

[@joybrown8644]

I only had one cucumber plant but it produced abundantly. I’m not sure how much the nasturtiums I planted under it helped but it was successful. I even saw a baby praying mantis once!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear you've got a deer fence in place! Cucumber beetles are a major challenge here. I had good success with using a variety of techniques. I tried to select varieties that have bacterial wilt resistance and/or aren't as appealing to the beetles. I delayed planting. I kept young plants covered with insect netting as long as I could. After that I kept plant coated with Surround kaolin clay spray.

[@lindag4484]

Yep, crash and burn from overload. I too have experienced that, but not recently. I used to take on so much that I was spread too thin for all of it, and I ended up not at all happy with the effects burn-out had on every aspect of my life. I had to really concentrate on turning that around and continuously remind myself that the old saying, "less is more" is an old saying for a reason and one that is commonly said and commonly heard. Hoping for a good gardening season this year! ☺

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm sorry that you had to deal with that too-- but you are spot on... less IS more! Take care!

[@Sunnylane02174]

That’s why I didn’t have a winter garden this year. I did plant my garlic for next year, but aside from that, I planted nothing else. I was done & I had so much to can up & preserve that it kept me so busy this winter. Now I’m refreshed and ready for the 2024 season. It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to switch your focus to other things for a bit. It helps me refresh & be more ready for 2024! I stocked my pantry & freezers & we’ve been eating good this winter. Greetings from a fellow Ohio gardener!! ❤

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear you are refreshed and ready for this year!

[@jenniferreed2254]

Thanks for sharing your story about needing rest. I can totally relate. I feel so burnt out. I'm a mom, I work full-time, and I run my home myself. Right now, my garden looks like crap I didn't take any of the dead plants out at the end of the season. I just needed a rest. I figure that the old plants contribute to the ecosystem, and in the spring, I will just mulch them down and plant. Sometimes, we just need some rest.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Take that rest... and don't feel guilty about it! 💚 And you're absolutely right- old plants DO contribute to the ecosystem.

[@joanneferro2546]

Thank you for being so honest and sharing your struggle. I was so overwhelmed this past fall and holiday season because I wasn’t getting everything done on my to do list. I was to the point of having panic attacks. I finally sat back and told myself, you get done what is humanly possible and the rest can wait. There will always be a to do list, but your mental and physical health is much more important than that list. We all need to give ourselves some grace and enjoy the moments in life that pass so quickly. 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I am so sorry to hear that you were going through this. But you're right- giving ourselves grace is SO important. Please take care of yourself!

[@BettyBoopBarnes]

Jenna what if those "failures" were lessons? Reframing that negative connotation that it and you were not good enough, because there is nothing further from the truth in that 💚 doing your best doesn't mean wearing yourself down to nothing. It's doing your best while feeling your best. Thanks for sharing your garden! I really enjoy learning from your videos

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

They absolutely were lessons- and important ones. And you are right- I should be framing these as lessons not failures! 💚

[@gblyndensrandomreviews]

I love the candid sharing in this video. I am right there with you on the fatigue thing. As a new Dad with a daughter that wants my attention 24/7, running three KZbin channels, new to porch gardening after a decade long layoff, and being a marketing professional by trade, it can tax you to the point of exhaustion. Of course, I spent the weekend at near 0 degrees temps planning the pest control part of my garden for this Spring and started a lettuce experiment indoors.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I can completely understand how that could tax you to the point of exhaustion! I hope you take a little time to get the rest you need!

[@roccoconte2960]

Great video Jenna. Im 67 have been gardening for 60 yrs. You hit the nail on the head . You can over do it and burn out it happened to me starting 3 yrs. Ago. I now pant less but aim for high quality .

[@WesternMONo-TillGardening]

I also delayed fall plantings too long due to the heat 😥and have decided I'm going to have to break down and get shade cloth next year, as the heat in Missouri is more brutal and lasts longer than it used to. Like you, I didn't clean up my garden much this year. I had worked really hard to attract beneficial insects and wanted to be sure they had plenty of debris around for the winter. Glad to hear you're working on balance. A few years ago I gave myself permission to rest more and not worry about being so productive all the time. I'm a much happier and healthier person now. We appreciate all your great content, but put yourself first.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I am SO glad to hear you are a happier, healthier person--- that is really what is important 💚

[@tomcox5063]

Thanks for that heart to heart at the end. So many of us fail to rest and I am so guilty of this. Good luck with finding balance. I’m proud of you and all similar folks😉

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I suspect many of us gardeners are guilty of this. We all need to be sure to take care of ourselves!

[@rachelianni2567]

Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy your videos.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you like them!

[@juliemulie1805]

Eventually, when you're looking through your catalogs (including greenhouse and hoophouse) you will ask yourself "do I want to work that hard?" Took me a while. 'Just enough' can be very satisfying.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

So, so true.

[@Beaguins]

I also struggled with the cool summer and overcast skies. My peppers and eggplants never did ripen. However my main trouble was with a 10-month foot injury. It made garden work so difficult that much didn't get done. Thanks for sharing your own challenges (and successes!). I hope you're looking forward eagerly to the spring!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh my goodness! I hope you are finally, fully healed! Take care of yourself!

[@nameless4411]

Thank you for the update! I was worried and praying for you! Thank you for your honesty about burnout. I too found myself overwhelmed but ready to get back to it and try again. So glad to be seeing you again. It is really nice to have someone with more experience to look to in the same zone in Ohio.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you for that! I'm sorry to hear you were feeling overwhelmed also-- but I hope this season brings you less overwhelm and plenty of joy!

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

Thanks for sharing your successes and failures for 2023. My greatest success was moving my garden from grow bags and pots to raised garden beds. I now have 10 it has been a game changer for me. My failure for early 2023 was starting my seeds at the wrong time. The projects I didn’t get done were setting up a rain catchment system and re-doing my compost bin and moving the rest of my pineapple plants from their pots into the ground. I started my garden in 2020, and each year, I keep growing it. I live in zone 9b SW Florida, so I garden year-round. I'm in my late 60's and I'm a one woman show. Last January, I planted 3 banana trees, 7 papaya trees, and a lemon tree. I was able to get a harvest from all my trees last year. I also have 20+ pineapple plants. If I knew, I would have loved gardening as much as I do, I would have started my garden when I was younger.

[@forgivenangel7]

While I adore your "on topic" content, your personal message really spoke to me. One day last fall I walked out of my (much smaller) garden and didn't return for two months. It was just too much all at once. I think the various circumstances of the last few years got to all of us more than we realized, the burnout seems to be a common thread with so many. We're practicing ancient skills in a modern world, the perfect balance is exceedingly hard to strike. But don't label any of that a failure! There's no failures in gardening, there's either growth or space to grow. Well, there's also bugs, but that's beside the point.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh my goodness- practicing ancient skills in a modern world-- so spot on. So many of the things I do seem in direct conflict with modern life (like... it would be SO much easier just to go the grocery), but I know in my heart they are important. It IS a hard balance to strike.

[@rherman]

Hi Jenna, I had my own set of gardening problems this year in northwest Ohio. The late spring drought and heat did a number on my container blackberry plants which dried up all the blooms and hurt production drastically. Thankfully in late summer a few of my blackberry plants flowered again and I ended up with a few blackberries. This upcoming growing season I'm going to move them from containers into the ground and hope that helps them do better when the conditions in the environment are less than ideal. I did notice the rest of my plants didn't grow as tall as they have in years past due to the drought and wildfire smoke. Hoping for better conditions this year for all of us. I appreciate all of your videos and wish you the best.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm sorry to hear that! I certainly hope we can catch a break this year!

[@jackiemarchand2647]

Finally got my garden fence up, my asparagus patch planted and successfully grew tomatoes from seed!! Big wins ! Sadly didn’t manage to split my hostas like I wanted to fill out the edge of the yard but so grateful for what I did accomplish!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Those are definitely big wins! Awesome job!!

[@jackiemarchand2647]

@@GrowfullywithJenna thank you Jenna! And thank you for your fun and informative content 🤗💚

[@MidLifNoCrisis]

Thank you so much for the honesty. Many of us need to listen to our bodies and rest when needed. I hear you 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes we do!!

[@bublhed]

I’m glad you took the time you needed to rest. I had a lot of burnout because I started my seeds too early. They got to be too big indoors and I struggled trying to up-pot, and keep everything watered. Then I was hustling through harvest in the fall so nothing was wasted. I had a lot of failures last summer…mostly due to insect pressure and blossom end rot. This includes bitter melon, cucumbers, kajari melon, sweet peppers, garlic and a few San Marzano tomatoes. I had great success with snow peas, Swiss chard, trombonchino, green giant tomatoes, Sungold cherry and butternut squash.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope this season brings you a little more joy!

[@ARSmith76]

2023 was a very good gardening year for me overall. It was a GREAT year for peppers, and my Candy onions were larger than they've ever been. I successfully grew garlic, blueberries and raspberries for the first time. I also had more success with cucumbers this past year after planting the Dafne variety (which I think I learned about from one of your "favorite varieties" videos). What didn't go well for me were the garden pests. I've never had any major problems with aphids, but they were EVERYWHERE in my garden in 2023. Cabbage moths stripped my collard leaves down to nothing (this year I'm going to be covering those with fabric)! And while all of my fencing and trap crop solutions slowed down our local groundhogs, one still managed to find a way to get into the beds in late summer and mow down my carrot tops.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm thrilled to hear your season was very good overall! And I feel your pain with the garden pests-- they can just be overwhelming some years. I hope they give you a bit of a break this year.

[@bjbrown6488]

Enjoyed your video. I will say turning 74 this month. You do learn how to rest and you do learn how to take on only what you can physically handle each day. it is not worth hurting yourself for sure.😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are right- it is definitely not worth hurting yourself! 💚

[@fuzzytale]

So glad you took the break you needed, so sorry it was because you ran yourself ragged, and SO happy to see you back. Great video

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much!!

[@essentialcomforts2166]

I see that you have a rather eclectic garden which I love! Im curious if you have certain things you prefer in the raised beds and why. You certainly are a go getter. just after saying you need to rest more, you listed things you want to do, haha. I'm excited to see what you do but yes, do rest and take care of yourself! I love the idea of less garden cleanup and also seeing kids in the garden with you! what memories being made! I'm sending up a prayer for you and your family for 2024! Thank you for sharing your beautiful garden with us!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much! I do prefer the raised beds for certain things- carrots is a big one, as well as my very early season plantings, because the soil drains and warms faster than my in-ground beds. So I often plant a lot of my early greens- spinach, lettuce, arugula, mustard, etc. in the raised beds.

[@Blessedbeyondmeasure1111]

Great video thank you for your honesty. A lot of times it’s hard to watch KZbin creators. Their life looks so perfect. Their garden looks so perfect. Match luck in the new year. Happy growing.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome! I'm hoping to convey that my life and gardens are NOT perfect 😆 and that it's OK. I love a beautiful garden as much as the next gal, but I think a lot of those folks that only show perfection aren't being entirely truthful with us.

[@Blessedbeyondmeasure1111]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I usually don’t comment on things but I always thank creators for showing us real life because my garden, cooking, diys and general life is messy and it helps to know I’m not alone.💛🌱

[@DavidSavon]

I also experienced burn out this past season. I have decided to scale back and hopefully enjoy gardening again. I was so focused on production and abundant harvest for sustainability I overwhelmed myself and lost the love I had for gardening. I’m just now thinking about what changes I’d like to make this year. Burn out is real, I had never experienced it before. Thank you for your encouragement. I have been gardening in Ohio for years also and it was a difficult year for me too.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm sorry to hear that- but I'm glad you decided to pivot and change your garden to make it more enjoyable for you, rather than giving up! Best wishes for a wonderful '24 season!

[@solitarybea]

i related to the burn-out bit, while the unpredictable weather was one thing, what's really bringing me down are the voles. theres just so many voles. we splurged on a small tunnel, with the hope of extending the season and they moved in as soon as the temps dropped outside. i get it, it's nice and toasty in there, but i don't think anything i plant in there stands a chance. mouse traps, car exhaust down the tunnel all work some. but they just keep on coming... i am eager to see your mushroom videos, been curious about dabbling with that. winecaps in mulch in no-dig setups seems to come up a lot, would be so fun to try if it can thrive in TN

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The voles... I feel your pain!! I will never forget the year I had beautiful cauliflower in low tunnels, and when I went to check on it one day every last head had been eaten down to the base 😭. I still haven't found a foolproof solution.

[@solitarybea]

​@@GrowfullywithJenna they're the worst. I enjoyed the video you put out about dealing with them. all the clever ways we can try to outsmart them to at least put a dent in the population , particularly now over winter. wishing you best of luck with the ongoing battle 💪

[@addysbeeandgarden320]

Yeasss!!! Thank you for this. I'm looking forward to reading the comments! My successes this year was composting in place, similar to your hugelculture, I just kinda dumped everything including chicken coop manure where I intended to leave it, everything grew like crazy. I also planted an almond tree in the spot where I'd had a compost pile for more than 2 years. The dirt was so nice there having been worked over by the worms that the tree went crazy. I'm doing a hybrid thing this winter where I threw down hot compost of chicken shaving, covered it with a thin layer of cold compost and throwing wheat and diakon radish on it. I'm the only person in my neighborhood with a nice green lawn at the moment. My failures this year include not knowing where my property line is and having my neighbor mow down some tea plants. That one kinda turned out as a win though because they were really nice about it and they didn't mind that I had taken over 15 feet of their land for my garden😂😂😂. Unfortunately for me I got my garden going so nicely and then life whammied me with a catastrophic car wreck where I broke both of my ankles, my knee and 7 ribs. I was forced into non-weight bearing status for months and I missed out on the best time of the year for harvesting, and fall planting. I'm not the kind of girl who can be still for long so that was hard. Don't pitty me though, my brain is intact, my spine is intact and my daughter is fine, bones heal, and I'm grateful for good insurance and short cell phone cords (that's a thing btw, a 1 foot charger cord probably saved my life because it kept my cell in place where it could easily be accessed by my hero of a daughter who saved my life that night.)Special shout out to my bff who took on my momma pig and her 7 piglets who were born the day before my wreck and my sweet husband who never complained about taking care of the farm, the inside chores and me, and my son and his sweet wife who moved back in to help us with everything as well. I did, with the very generous help of my beautiful husband get all of my pepper plants inside for overwintering, they look kinda sketchy at the moment, so hopefully I'm doing it right. I started a fodder system for the rabbits, they really like it and it's cut down on the feed bill, and I started my peppers on Thanksgiving because those guys are slow to start, my tomatoes were started Jan 1 as is my tradition. Sweet potatoes will go in the dirt on valentine's day. If you're wondering 4th of july for fall brassicas, it's just easier to remember the holidays for planting. One of the simplest wins was to put a small square piece of brown paper from a feed bag at the bottom of my pots, it kept the roots from growing out of the bottom. I trialed 5 different types of Roma types and big momma hybrid was the winner being first to produce and last on the vine and giving me an abundance, san marzano gave me a ton, but they kinda petered out in the heat of august where big momma didn't our weather in zone 8 routinely runs in the high 90s in August so that was important to me. The looser was better boy hybrid where I didn't get a single tomato from any of the 6 plants. All that being said, hugs to you and thank you for addressing the mental health part of it. I know it's your job to grow stuff, but work life balance is important, you only get 18 summers with your babies. Mine are mostly grown now and I wish I could have them back, so I'm glad this has dawned on you while they are still little. Take care of yourself, and I hope 2024 is fantastic. Also you made me laugh really hard about waxing poetic about poop😂😂😂

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh my goodness- what a year you went through! I am so sorry to hear about your accident- but SO happy you are recovering and your daughter is fine. What an incredibly harrowing experience! I hope the '24 season is good to you. 💚 And thank you for sharing what has worked well for you!

[@DavidMcLeod-f2l]

I changed jobs over 2 years ago. I used to have Fridays off May-August because I would work 2 8 hour shifts and 2 12 hour shifts for the summer and was only a 5 minute commute. With my new job I work 5 8 hour shifts but I also drive an hour each way so I dont get home until 6 and then eat before heading outside. I mow my yard and then an elderly neighbor's yard (1 evening for each) I just felt I can not keep up with weeds and watering. I get so excited now because I just ordered seeds and started onions last week but I hope I can keep up with everything come summer. I really enjoy your channel because we are in the same zone but I am in eastern Ohio along I-70 but my son and his family are in the Dayton area which is where I believe you are located. I start seeds then give some to them for their 2 raised beds and also for my daughter in Canton Ohio area that does 5 gallon buckets for a couple of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh wow- that schedule is definitely a challenge- best of luck!

[@barbellgardener]

Hot and dry here in Western Canada in 2023! Many challenges and even water rationing at end of season. Thanks for sharing your experience and emotions on your journey.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I certainly hope you get a bit more rain this year!

[@TheTrock121]

I put in a 12x30' Hügelkultur Bed for Currants last Winter. The Currants look great, and we had volunteer Winter Squash take over the bed that grew much better than ones we planted deliberately.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Very cool! I found that winter squash/pumpkins LOVE my hugel beds too.

[@franksinatra1070]

It's good to keep track of successes and more important failures so you can adjust. I had a good year last but grew to many potatoes and I just tossed a bunch in the compost that were getting soft. So I decided to cut back on potatoes and grow more berries to see if I can expand the different berry harvests throughout the summer. The brussels you recommended did well so I'll be growing them again next year. Thanks for that. Just got my onions planted today and did decide to grow more Patterson since they store better and cut back on the red and sweet onions. Probably not many other major changes for me. Thanks Jenna

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sounds like some smart changes-- I probably need to grow less potatoes and more berries too!

[@coloradoprofessionalinspec720]

You are my favorite garden tuber. If it were possible for me to send vigor, I would. Living a rich life is exhausting. Fear not, it is so worth it. Happy New Year. You will find the tweets that you need to find your balance. We had many failure to and in general took on too much. I'm sure that you will be spending more time on your garden benches admiring your stewardship and the amazing way that your plants give back. ENJOY!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much 💚. I hope that you & yours have a wonderful 2024!

[@Falcon4646]

The biggest and most pleasant surprise in my garden last year was the Campari Tomatoes. For whatever reason, I'm horrible at growing tomatoes due to various pests, BER, spotting, you name it, but the Campari came thru exceptionally well with none of those issues here in my little corner of SW Ohio. I didn't bother with buying seed, I simply went to Kroger's and bought a package of them... ate all of them except one and saved the seeds to dry out. I started them indoors under lights and they took off much faster than I anticipated. Germination rate was roughly 80-90%!! I love the size, texture, and flavor of Campari's. If you are not familiar with them, they are about the size of a golf ball. Being an indeterminant tomato, I had them climbing up a cattle panel such as yours and produced tomatoes into Oct. Be forewarned though, two plants will go a long way as they are very prolific! My big disappointment last year was celery. I've never tried celery before and seemed worthwhile to try. I found seed (called Utah) at my local garden center and gave it a shot. It was incredibly slooooow growing... but then again they were competing with nearby cucumbers for sunlight, so that may have been the issue... I don't know. They didn't earn a spot in my garden for 2024.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

A great tomato is always a welcome surprise! And for celery- I highly recommend the variety 'Kelvin'- it's outperformed every other celery I've ever tried.

[@jenniferwalters579]

It really sounds as if your failures are really gonna wins for the long term! In this video alone I’m encouraged and excited! This video in particular struck a chord in me Jenna!❤ Like you, I’m going to up my cold weather game. I have mostly hillside and lots of wood, brush, leaves, kitchen waste, frost cloth… now I need to locate some window panes or greenhouse paneling. I do put so much pressure on myself to produce some (all) of the groceries and I find it’s just gonna take years for that here on a clay and shale hillside with limited resources. Hey, I have more than some people do! I homeschool and help my husband run a local gym and training studio so thank you for encouraging me to enjoy the process. im going to be watching you in your mushroom endeavors too! It’s something I wanted to tackle but some other KZbinr largely discouraged me saying it was “too hard.” :( I just figured with the shaded parts and trees nearby I’d get going but decided to wait for more info. Love YOU Jenna.❤

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are one busy lady! But you're right- I think we do have to focus on all we've managed to achieve rather than all the things we have on our to do list.

[@seanfitz2468]

Don't beat your self up to hard kid ya did great. Ya brought us a lot smiles and inspiration. I'm single dad to two full time kids 96% of the time. I tried the second harvest on watermelon this yr after watching your second harvest planting plus adding the two week rule you had. I had no luck but I'm so glad I tried because I really learned a lot about what time I have left in zone 7 east point lighthouse NJ. It sounds crazy but I was still happy not harvesting any but it helped me over all with understanding my limits to that second harvest in my zone. Ty so much for your dedication and inspiration take it from me there's a lot to when gardening but cracking a beer and taking a much needed break is worth it. I look forward to this season w you and this beer I crack open is for you. Cheers 🥂. As I plant my bunching onions .Evergreen long whites.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks so much!! And I love how you took what some might see as a negative experience (no harvest) and turned it into a positive learning experience... it's what gardening is all about. Cheers to you as well... and best wishes for a fantastic gardening season!

[@Kawarthabackyardfarms]

Fantastic video, thank you for sharing your successes and failures. Our failures were our potato grow bags, needed way more water than we had expected. One of our main successes was saving seeds.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you.

[@LordJesusIlove]

I am enjoying and loving the snow and cold weather right now. Thank you Lord so much for snow, cold weather. It feels so good . Bundle up and you feel good. Thank you Lord fir creating snow and cold and your Word tells us that as long as the earth is here we will have cold, heat, snow, rain ,seed time and harvest time. Always can be wirk outside in the garden and yard no matter what the weather. I am surprised how many people dont do any work outside in the cold. Ot feels better then be hot and sweaty. Whether there is snow on the ground or not i trim branches, pounded my garden down tighter as it had loosened up , layering my 2 new raised beds i built in october, mixing compost pile. Last year in January when there was a time with no snow on ground i mulched. Oh and the fun, we hike on snow covered trails, wildlife watch, sled, ice skate and build snowmen. Thank-you Lord

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I agree! I'm loving the cold & snow too!

[@donaldallen7173]

Your testimony about what worked and what didn't work was amazing! I'm glad that you took a much needed break. My garden isn't as big as yours is, but I really had a hard time last season and it wore me out mentally and physically. Hopefully I'll have better luck in the spring. Good luck with your harvest this year :).

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much! I hope that this season is a little easier on you and me both 💚Take care of yourself!

[@helenahudon7527]

Great video, great honesty!! May we all learn the need for rest and selfcare!!! Wishing all a beautiful 2024 season! 💚

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Same to you!

[@quantafitness6088]

Thank you so much for sharing the overehelm you have been dealing with. Everything feels inspiring and important that we push away the need for rest. Until it is too late. Resting more is a good idea.❤

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

💚

[@esthersdaughterlong8149]

Thank you for this video. I'm in Florida and I lost everything during the hot summer month's. I use grow bag's on my patio since I love in a condo. I have peas, lettuce, carrots, and beets growing beautifully right now.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm sorry to hear about the summer's loss... but so glad your cool season crops are growing beautifully!

[@annschneible5386]

It was a tough year! I live in a part of VA that is somewhere between Zone 6b/7a. My successes: I managed to plant out my overwintered onions and garlic in time, and my arugula and some lettuce has lasted well into the winter. I also managed to grow a single large pumpkin that produced enough flesh for 6 pies! The failures: Not getting my deer fence up in time, and not being diligent in building up my hügel beds in time for planting. As a result, I had a fraction of the success with summer veg that I had hoped.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow! I would have liked to have seen that pumpkin! And sorry to hear about the deer- they definitely know how to take advantage of an unguarded garden.

[@DeRicha762]

Hi Jenna, this is such a great video! I enjoyed seeing what went well and what didn't turn out. I moved to a different home and took 2023 to put a new garden up and seeing your modifications reminds me that it's ok to take my time and not feel like I'm behind or working fast enough. Your content is some of my favorite, I learn so much from you! If part of your work-life balance includes less KZbin... you still have a forever viewer here :) - sending love from Michigan

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much 💚 And really- we're never behind... we always just adapting and learning in the garden!

[@dianekerekes6988]

Thank you for this video. I love that you found yourself overwhelmed (tested) and realized perfection isn’t an option. However, what you learned was priceless, you have gained wisdom. It was beautiful to hear how much you learned. May you be blessed in the new year with learning and the joy of success.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much 💚

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I plan to think for more long term and try to grow the right foods and a bigger variety to help sustain me more during the winter months. Thanks for being vulnerable, Jenna. I had a similar experience this year and I turned to food as solace and comfort. But this is new year. Thanks for another great video!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's a smart way to plan! And I'm right there with you-- food is my comfort too... I'm definitely an emotional eater. It's another habit I'm trying to break. Take care of yourself! 💚

[@_SunRa_]

Yes yes Hugelkultur and trench and pathway composting is where it’s at !!😊😊😊 I did lots of the same last year too !

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Absolutely!

[@Hillsidegardener]

Your channel has inspired me to get started on my garden planning for 2024. Thank you for sharing your insights! I also loved your planning process. Wishing you all the best in 2024!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear that! I hope you have a wonderful season!

[@jessrouse8475]

I totally feel you with burning out . Last season i burnt out so badly like you i missed fall deadlines for planting got 2 pumpkins only. Wasted seeds. Between homeschooling my young kids and all the wife duties etc . Wow i was beat down. I will not allow myself to run so short this year. I took the whole winter to relax as much ad possible. No canning in winter (except cranberry juice around the holidays). Ready to start fresh . New sub here from canada❤. Thank yoy Jenna for being real!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm so glad to hear that you took the winter to relax-- please continue to take care of yourself 💚

[@vonniemerriam974]

I never saw that winter sowing technique in half-cut milk jugs. Thanks for that! Good luck with the mushroom grow kits! Last May I created a wine cap bed under my peach tree using some bagged hardwood BBQ pellets for my lack of hardwood chips, mixed with a bag of composted manure. I worked in a 5 lb bag of North Spore Wine Cap sawdust spawn and covered with the bark chunks that had been in that bed for years. What a happy dance in August on the first day I saw those marvelous plate sized mushrooms. I harvested soooooooo many mushrooms right up until end of Oct here in Central NY. I also inoculated 2 soft maple logs (only hardwood I had access to here in my tiny backyard village suburbstead) with 100 plugs of shiitake spawn. Sadly, neither my snow oyster nor morel spawns took hold, but like you I'm planning on some blue oysters and another Lions Mane here inside soon. Here's to a productive and prosperous 2024! Cheers!

[@kittiew260]

Great video, Jenna. Appreciate the success and opportunities. No such thing as failure. Love the message about resting, so relatable.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@julie-annepineau4022]

I love the reframe on rest and productivity. It is a much healthier perspective. You have good people in your family to help you see that. I expanded a lot in 2023 so this year my focus is going to be on efficient use of space and adding beauty. I am doing a small expansion for a corn and squash bed but I think that will be a plant, mulch and forget it space if I do it right. Well weather depending as always.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm biased, but I have the BEST people in my family 💚. I love your focus for this year and let's hope the weather cooperates with us!

[@jimmason1072]

I alway pull the tomatoes, squash,pumpkin and cucumber plants....to keep the winter bugs away from nesting in the ground.....and yes I was burnt out by the end of the year....40 years of working for myself has caught up to me...and my garden...suffered....but this year is another year....the early April warmth of last year was a real problem....

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm sorry to hear that you suffered burn out as well. But you are spot on- this year is another year. Let's hope the weather treats us gardeners a bit more kindly this year!

[@Aphidman1]

Regarding overwork, I noticed this year that I don't always have to hustle as fast as I can around the place. Cut that walking pace in half and the day seems longer and less stressful while getting almost the same amount of work done. I tried growing squash and cucumber up a cattle panel trellis and it was not as easy as it looks on KZbin! The plants wanted to sprawl, not climb. 🙂

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

My trick- velcro tape. It works wonders for getting vining plants to stay where you want them, without hurting the plants!

[@lenaweisman861]

This hit hime for me especially the "failure"! Thank you for putting ot out there!! And all the grate info you share!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

💚

[@nelliekampmann9354]

Fellow Central Ohioan here! Yeah, the weather was the dickens to deal with. My game plan has been to search out extra hardy varieties to try and to make sure to save the seed from the plants that did well. On the plus side, I get the fun of experimenting with several new to me varieties that my small garden would have limited me on in the past. Last year was my first attempt at winter sowing. It failed miserably. I'm not sure what went wrong. The seedlings never got more than an inch tall, aside from one kale plant. I will concentrate on herbs this year per your advice. Those did seem to do better, even if they did not do well. I have been using hybrid hugelkultur raised beds for a few years now. I set them up in the fall and planted the next spring. Since I knew the logs would not have rotted much, I stuck with plants that had short roots. Even the first year, I was astounded by how alive the soil was. That was the best win I have ever had in the garden.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That is a smart game plan! And I'm so glad to hear you are a hügelkultur fan as well.

[@jessie-2023]

I really enjoyed this video. I’m expanding my garden space this winter.. planning to plant even more flowers next year to attract all the pollinators. This past season I had some successes and fails as well. The biggest success was the zinnias that grew over 5 feet tall in pretty heavy clay soil. It had been amended slightly but happy to see those thrive in the bed with the least amount of effort. Another win was using all of our Fall leaves for the first time as winter mulch. One thing I hope to improve is planting Fall cover crops and not waiting until it’s too late to get started. Thanks for all of your tips.❤

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! And even more glad to hear that you had some big wins in your garden!

[@jessie-2023]

@@GrowfullywithJenna ♥

[@johnsix1749]

the greener the wood the faster the mushrooms and myceleum forms. I add pine bedding and pine pelltes to my soil here in columbus. I'll put 80 pounds on 1 4ft by 30 ft beds. I almost always have mushrooms popping up somewhere in the gardens. My sweeet corn never grew due to lack of rain and I really thing the lack or rain that spring let me seet potatoes get diseased. That fire smoke was nasty. Excellent video, I'm glad you post these. Helps to know I'm not the only one farming heavy clay.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for the tip! And I'm sorry to hear about your corn- it was a rough season for sure!

[@amymartin7291]

Thank you for the video! What your sister-in-law said is so true! I was wondering if you were ok, when it didn't seem like you had as many videos as normal. However, your health is more important. I hope you get some rest this winter and I look forward to your 2024 garden, however big or small it may be.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much! 💚

[@marykappesser5145]

Hi Jenna, I had a good carrot harvest for me. I tried some in ground and container growing, they both did well. My kale was very successful, but is not a crowd favorite. Broccoli was a big failure. I did leeks for the first time and was successful enough to want to try again. I learned how to start onions from seed and learned the hard way about not crowding onions, but was successful enough to try again. I tried ground cherries for the first time and was mildly successful. I saved seed for this year. My happiest success was starting strawberries from seed. I was able to grow about 25 into full grown plants and have them planted out under leaf mulch in a raised bed. Hoping for a good strawberry harvest. My biggest challenge was the heat and drought and bug bites. I came in every day with 20 to 30 bites every time I was outside. I itched so bad, they even got me between my toes and in unmentionable spots. It got to the point I didn't want to go out . I am hoping for a better outcome this year. Thanks for sharing your struggles with burnout. We all need that reminder I hope you have a wonderful 2024 growing season.

[@joybrown8644]

Yikes! That’d be enough to make me quit. I itch intensely. Maybe wear more clothes and change immediately?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hooray for great successes! Strawberries from seed is very exciting! I'm sorry to hear about the bugs- was it from mosquitoes or no-see-ums (biting midges)? I know some folks are super sensitive to them.

[@marykappesser5145]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I think it was a combo. Fleas for sure, cause I saw one on my leg, maybe no-see-ums and various mosquitos. I have one kind that I squashed that had black and white strips on it, that one I am highly allergic to, itches for a week. Others bite me and it only itches for an hour. - gotta love Mother Nature huh?

[@RealBradMiller]

Hoping after this last cold period we will have a more mild winter down here in Wheelersburg, Ohio! Just a light dusting of snow today, but the winds are hat and breath taking, literally! 😂 I'm still new to gardening in cold weather, but I need to grow stuff, so I have multiple areas with grow lights, and a grow tent on its side for more room for smaller seedlings... That's taking up my dining room table! See you soon! Stay warm and safe!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hear you! Wind chill in the negatives the last couple days here. And growing supplies taking over the dining room table... sounds familiar 😆

[@joycedagostino8869]

Thank you Jenna, such a good video. You are so right that if we're not rested, that pushing us to exhaustion and frustration doesn't work either. 2023 was a crazy growing year for most of us, so a good lesson learned thatconditions may not be ideal. After last year's rainy and cold spring, it really held back my tomatoes and peppers, so this year I will try using the Walls of Water season protectors, used them in the past and they do help. Appreciate your information and your honesty and look forward to your 2024 reports.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Here's hoping '24 treats us a little better!

[@gryphonrampant1]

Your sister must have been talking to my husband; he's been encouraging me to do the same: rest to earn work, not the other way around. I have some chronic health issues, and strive to use gardening strategies that accommodate my needs. Weed barriers and mulching so I don't have to choose between weeding when sick and letting the garden be overrun, vertical gardening on cattle panel to avoid that much bending and stooping, soaker hoses and a hose timer to minimize effort in watering, and choosing crops that maybe don't mind being ignored for a week straight if I'm not able to get out there and tend them. (green beans that also produce good dry beans if i miss the harvest, summer squash that can be let go to winter squash for the same, etc etc.)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Listen to your husband- he's right! Please take care of yourself. Very smart to work on strategies that accommodate your needs!

[@rhondapetsch9646]

Drip was the adventure of 2023. Game changer! 2024 brings need for new wood on beds due to breakdown. Also the opportunity for a new garden footprint after removing a rotten play set. Here’s to a great garden in 2024!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Drip needs to be priority on my agenda this year!

[@mala4027]

So thankful for your videos! Glad you are back and will def just wait for videos as you decide to make them at your pace.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@mantzbrinkman4780]

You are like a real scientist doing experiments. Love it! Thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@davidaleshire4292]

My biggest oops wan in not taking into account basically everything with my new garden space and spacing between plants. I moved my garden to a location that gets about three times the sunlight as the previous location. My plants went wild, and I had no room to move between plants. Also meant poor air circulation. Not a complete loss though; twelve jalapeños and six SAN Marzanos gave me more than I know what to do with. Now, I just wanna say that you are the most important part of your garden, and in a way, you are a garden within yourself. You need to put you first in order to benefit those things you love most in your life. Anyone and everyone who truly cares will absolutely understand when you take time to recharge. Remember some of your own teachings: don’t try to do it all at once. We all love you, and want the best for you and the family. By the way, your young’un is gettin Gun big. 🥴

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This has to be one of the most common gardening oops's! I still do this sometimes. You'll just be able to plan better for this year. I appreciate the second part of this so very much- thank you 💚 And he IS getting big... they grow so ridiculously fast.

[@gmanamerican5015]

Jenna, PA Zone 7, last season was good for Squash (Pumpkin, Zucchini and Spaghetti) as well as Ping Tung "Eggplant" which produced so much the neighbors started running away from me. I failed to eliminate the Roly poly and slug problem I thought I could from 2 seasons ago. Thus, my brassicas all suffered as well as root vegetables. I am hoping this year is better, even thinking of getting chickens to help.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear your squash & eggplant did well last season! And I highly recommend chickens to anyone who's on the fence about them. A word of warning- I wouldn't let them in your garden while it's actively growing... but they're a great cleanup crew at the end of the season!

[@susanwellin]

Understand your issue with the overdoing in the garden! I, too, will take more time to understand my needs. Thank you for your video! Planning to add some hoops and cloth as my broccoli went to the worms!! total waste.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh my goodness- I could NOT grow broccoli if it weren't for hoops and insect netting. I highly recommend it!