Why we Don’t Use Tomato Cages, and What we Now Use.

[@BeckyLinsley]

Please don’t apologize for doing gardening videos! My husband and I both enjoy immensely watching your garden grow! Thank you for sharing!

[@pollen8]

Love seeing their bare feet in dirt and being taught skills! You are a GREAT mom!!!

[@nanasloves]

Amen!

[@kathleenpowers5160]

Handsome, strong young men helping their mom. Doesn't get any better!

[@marlenehod]

Two main things that you may or may not have thought of: 1.) By going to the state extension office, you have made the authorities aware of this problem for other farmers in the extension office's jurisdiction, so they can make other farmers aware of the possibility this may have happened to their plants. 2.) By informing us all on your video, we are aware that this could actually be the reason why our plants are not doing well in our area. I am in Minnesota, and never would have thought to look for spray from a neighbor's farm or known what to do about it. Thank you for the great videos.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Minnesota here too !

[@frenchysandi]

Also from Minnesota and am glad I live in town after hearing this. My neighbors have a lawn service and when they are spraying I stand by the fence and tell them to stay away from my garden.

[@janeschultz9951]

Southern MN here. Dealing with too much rain now!

[@frenchysandi]

@@janeschultz9951 absolutely flooding everywhere

[@nesaclark1059]

I watched a video from the UK this week. All over the world, airplanes are dispersing chemicals to change the weather. If you look to the skies you will see Chem trails. This has been goingbon for decades but now the government is trying to change the weather to make it cooler. Google for yourself, you will be shocked! Stopped trying to grow a garden here in west coast of Florida. The garden would cook itself out before the produce ripened. Now the hibiscus di the same. Our rainy season is a drought. God help us all! He is the answer!

[@amandadunville54]

My youngest son (10)is quite a bit younger than our older two children 21 & 16, and after watching your videos I began to focus on teaching him and requesting him to assist me in our garden. He is in charge of our fruit( strawberries and watermelons) and also our potatoe bags by choice at this point. He is even upset if I do too much in the early morning hours before he wakes up. 😂I’m amazed how fast he is learning and we have been studying garden tips together. Thank you for all your garden tips that are so helpful this first year gardening for me, but also giving me an example of how to include children in the garden. I love your channel so much!

[@jsalyersarts]

This is amazing! It's so hard to remember to slow down and be present with kids while you're in the thick of raising them. Enjoy that young'un! Mine are long grown and I will always wish I had taken more time.

[@joryan237]

You’re so correct, time is the only thing we have and that can’t be left to our kids. It has to offered whilst it’s present. Thank you Ruthanne and thank you to your beautiful boys for helping your Mumma in the garden.

[@se5594]

Teaching life skills is literally the PARENT'S, not the school, not the church's job. Good job Mom! 👍🏻❤

[@whitefeather572]

It is wonderful to see the little guys helping! I have 4 grown children and you are correct in your assessment that they need structure and responsibility. More important than just nurturing the garden, you are growing capable children!❤

[@Angelhugs1990]

Oh please do not ever apologize for taken us to your garden. I love your garden it’s always so beautiful, I love watching it grow, and you can ramble all you want, it’s great to hear you talk about the garden and all the love and care it takes to keep it growing. You three boys do an amazing job helping Mom and they are learning wonderful skills that will help them in life as they grow into adulthood. God Bless

[@christinebryant3566]

I never get tired of seeing garden videos from you. I always learn something along the way.

[@melindawargowsky8176]

My husband farms, and I have a hobby greenhouse business. He is EXTREMELY careful to have crops sprayed when the wind is in the opposite direction whenever possible. I am so grateful for his support!

[@jscasecase471]

I love how patient you are while teaching your children how to help out. Teaching traditions is so important.

[@robby9710]

Big farmers need to know that family farms are just as important as their fields are, I admire your moxie as momma would say. I also love your wavy cattle panels their "groovy man!" 💛 😀 Praying for your family as you deal with the extension office and your neighbor, may God soften his heart to your words and concerns, Amen.

[@kathyhoot7277]

I call it ''home made perfect''!

[@robby9710]

@@kathyhoot7277 Yes indeed!!

[@galeharris6696]

Thank you for speaking out, Ruth. It takes courage to do so, and it is all our responsibility to do so, if we have proof that large farmers are using toxic chemicals near our land, and we are being affected by it. As Marlene below pointed out, you also are giving other farmers a heads-up that this is a very common problem. Jess from Roots and Refuge had grazone drift in her high tunnel a few years ago, and it decimated everything in her high tunnel that year, and took quite a while to locate the source. She also spoke out, and I think the more small gardeners and farmers let the big guys know we do not appreciate their mistreatment of our soil (and theirs, truthfully), the sooner we can get serious action. I am like you in that I COULD buy my food at a store, and do buy my corn at my local organic farmer down the road from me, but I just love how healthy and tasty my homegrown food is, and I am appalled at what is going on in the industrial food world. I don't want to support it. I also get great joy from just being in my garden! Because I lease my front field to that same organic farmer I buy corn from, and he's growing his corn crop in my field this year, I will be able to have free corn this year! (Part of our deal!) As always, your videos are thought-provoking and educational. I ALWAYS learn something new about gardening, even though I've been gardening for longer than I want to admit to, ha ha! Thank you, Gale from Vermont 🌻

[@janedavis81]

I am unable to garden anymore and it gives me such pleasure to watch you in yours. Thank YOU for humoring this old woman. It gives me such peace and enjoyment .🙏🏼❤️

[@dboufedji]

I will never get tired of your gardening videos. They are so informative and give me garden goals . I love seeing you all work together as family. ❤

[@jenm6836]

I love love love cattle panels for trellising things. I do tomatoes and peas on cattle panels. They are the first things I plant in my garden every year and then I put the plants / seeds in along the panels. I couldn't homestead with out cattle panels, zip ties, and duct tape lol. I love your garden visits, never apologize for time spent in the garden. Your parenting advice regarding chores vs free time is spot on.

[@lauramclean515]

Our entire garden suffered from herbicide drift earlier this year but our corn was hit the worst. We were absolutely devastated but we, like you, pampered everything and it all pulled through. It’s a feeling that I can’t put into words. We feel exactly as you . . . We want what we planted. Extremely valuable to us. I pray you turn everything around and you don’t loose anything.

[@johnbieller8252]

Amen, Sister! “ I don’t want his money, I want my garden”. Keep on keeping on. Appreciate y’all, God bless!

[@glenmckenzie3243]

Best way to tie any plant, or tree; bring both ends of the tie from back of stake or cattle panel, then cross them and bring them to front of plant and then tie. Stops tie from rubbing against plant stem and holds plant well.

[@laurietravis1]

They look so happy to help. You have amazing children with amazing parents .

[@Joe-ew5rt]

Often times having children help is more trouble than help. But, if you want to raise healthy children you need to keep allowing them to help, and positively encourage their efforts. You do a good job with both. Thank you for the lovely video. God bless.

[@katescaringcorner6765]

I appreciate you bringing us into your garden and show us how you rectify problems so that you can feed your loved ones with real food. I learn so much from you in the kitchen as well as the garden! ❤

[@almaruby9014]

I love your gardening videos!! They are so helpful . So please bring them on!! It's a joy from the Lord to see how your family works together!!

[@HappyLife-w3f]

I also LOVE that you and the kids go barefoot! I always did as a kid and still try to as much as possible at 64 yo.

[@erinpruitt201]

Earthing

[@BarbaraHines-i9e]

I love the way you are raising your family, I wish the world would do the same. If I could go back in time, my family would be so different, I love you channel

[@denniscahill9683]

I no longer have a garden, so watching you guys is my vicarious gardening.

[@lindahostetler4572]

We'll "humor " you any day! Your detailed info is wonderful. Great to see young ones working together.

[@lynlyn4539]

Ruth Ann you are so smart how you are teaching your boys. Kendrick using his arm to measure. Such a great idea. That's what I call good parenting. Showing them short cuts that will help them through life. I love watching your videos whether it's gardening or cooking. You are fantastic! I'm 69 and learning so much from you.

[@kathryntroyer6503]

I look forward to this new upload every Saturday morning ❤ I grew up Amish and our lives were much the same as this. A lot of hard wholesome work and so worth the effort. I love how these boys willingly help knowing the reward of harvest and the good food you make for them. I also love how you are always patiently teaching the boys. You truly are an inspiration ❤

[@WillowsGarden]

Hi RuthAnn and sweet family! Good job supporting and tying up your tomato plants. The boys are such wonderful helpers. I always used a roll of concrete wire and made my tomato cages. They were so sturdy and I didn’t have to use any stakes for support. They lasted years and years. I agree, the garden is more important than money especially for the health of your family. I’m glad no farmers close to me spray their fields. Your cattle eats the grass that probably has over spray and I would check your pastures too. I hope everyone has a very blessed weekend!

[@wuznotbornyesterda]

I am using the cages my dad made for them in the 60s! They are getting thinner, but I sure appreciate them. It's not fun having them stacked in storage only to have the vines and grass grow through them, but they are great for those 6ft tall plants! I alway weight them down on 3 sides with big bricks so they don't blow over in the wind.

[@carolswiedomstephens]

The idea of neighbors cooperating with each other is an old idea. I love that! We all help each other in my little neighborhood.

[@Barbaralee1205]

I have a story: I had a heart attack in 2016. My Amish neighbors came and stayed with me 9 days in the hospital!!! And when I got better they said that since I wasn’t going to die, maybe I should build a bigger shop for my small business. About 30 of them showed up a very cold January morning and in 4 days put up a 4,000 square foot building. This caused my business to really prosper. In turn I became their “ambulance” for the midwife team and now 8 years later I am still alive and still thrilled to be on-call night or day for any emergency! This is what real life is all about!

[@celinejohn-wv6wg]

I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and was raised on a milking farm. Since there was thirteen of us kids, we had this huge garden. Remember hoeing for hours, picking strawberries, blackberries, raspberries for days. I can appreciate what you are teaching your children. It will serve them all their lives. Surely instilled valued knowledge and experiences. God bless you all.

[@carmalitayanock9584]

As a new gardener I enjoy your knowledge & years of toil & wisdom. I know a beautiful garden like yours didn't happen overnight. I'm 73 & my grandparents had gardens but my parents did not. So we lost out on learning & having knowledge of how to garden. Love your gardens, your family & I am greatful I found your channel. Thank you.

[@DeathandTaxes21]

Mrs. Zimmerman, please don't apologize for giving me a bright spot in my week. I adore garden videos and find your channel enchanting. Thank you. I do appreciate all the work that obviously goes into these as well as learning something new every time I watch one of your videos.

[@mariasmith8433]

I am so happy that you’re cattle panels get “grown” into the side of the shed like mine do. I love how patient you are with your boys, and how you really parent with intention. 😊

[@Ruthannzimm]

🥰🥰

[@littleme3597]

So good they have chores, but YOU know that! Builds self esteem. Being productive and an achiever!

[@karenmickley1716]

I wish I had your wisdom while raising my children. They have grown up beautifully, but I didn’t have the wisdom to teach them along side me. It was kind of a one man show, and was harder than it needed to be, and they have had to learn on their own also. Thank you for sharing your knowledge it will help so many!

[@sherryalderman6721]

I absolutely love your garden . I use cattle panels as well only difference I use zip ties to attach the panels to my posts don't have to worry about getting poked or cut . And super easy to cut when the season is over . I let my grandsons watch your videos . It inspires them to come help me do so many chores. Always a pleasure watching your family. Thank you for all you do

[@Nature.nurture.nirvana]

37 year old stay at home, homesteading mama raising two under two over here in Vermont- just stumbled across your channel and couldn't be happier that I did! You are a wealth of knowledge and breath of fresh air in the homesteading youtube community :) thank you!!!

[@arlysdavis3694]

Nothing is better than a home grown tomato. Your cow is admiring the corn and drooling. Thanks for the video

[@DianneHauger]

I love your program. Going barefoot was never allowed by my mother. I was raised on a farm.

[@marigoldlancs8937]

Its never rambling......it's always useful information....you're a great teacher ❤

[@rosiesgrandma]

I have a suggestion of hanging your fence panels on the building that's back behind in the photography in the winter so that they are easy to access during the summer.

[@sandrasykes3026]

I could listen to you all day! Let the farmer compensate you by buying you bushels of whatever was effected.

[@corymichaels8670]

You can’t say you are just being humored if people are watching because they enjoy the topic. Also, some of us are even learning new ways to work our own gardens :) Keep doing what you do, it blesses us all.

[@R.C.R.]

I love watching your garden grow and your wonderful kids helping out. 🕊️💚☘️🇮🇪

[@Ruthannzimm]

Thanks so much

[@pennee365]

Your youngest are growing up fast and developing strength and skills rapidly. What a beautiful life.

[@deborahstrong7422]

Love seeing the garden! So many things you say are what I grew up with. It validates what my grandparents and mother taught us. Never get tired of seeing the beauty of nature.

[@Ruthannzimm]

Love that!

[@ArleneKorth]

Your garden is just so lovely! When you spend so much time and energy caring for it, it deserves to be shown. Truely a blessing!

[@raynonabohrer5624]

I'm glad the extension agent is going to come out. Still need to be tested. Don't want to poison your family. Then have a good talk with a neighbor. 😮😮😮

[@susanbergling8781]

I live in rural Kansas. My neighbors pasture is adjacent to my garden. My neighbor usually tells me when he sprays weeds in his pasture. I then cover my tomatoes & peppers, and anything else i can. This usually works well & yes he usually takes note of the wind direction. But, here in windy Kansas the wind can change direction without much notice. Last year, his son did the spraying & did not tell me. My tomatoes closest to the pasture really suffered all season long. They finally outgrew the damage but did not produce much at all.

[@SuAnne-lc5rw]

I love walking in the garden with you Ruthann it’s so nice for me to see the sun, flowers 💐 vegetables, etc I remember those times when I was growing up in Illinois helping my family work in the garden, we would go fishing too and catch a lot of catfish! I am 70 now and haven’t been back there in awhile; still have family & friends there. I think the told you that we have relatives in Iowa, Fort Dodge and Webster City. My husband was adopted by his parents and he always knew that, but always wanted to know why he was adopted out… for his 50th birthday I hired a searcher who found his birth mother and his half sister! Amazing for us! ❤❤

[@candymckinnon8554]

Love being in the garden with you and the boys. It is a blessing

[@karenlackey6650]

I am a grandmother, not raising children at this point in life, but I am enjoying your teaching tips and wonderful observations about how your children thrive. You have a beautiful family. Never grow tired of your garden. I'm very happy to see your efforts are paying off after the drifting incident. What a terrible loss that would have been. I hope your experience with your extention office and neighbor will be productive. Praying for great success and harvest from our Lord. How beautiful are his blessings. May God bless you and keep you. 🙏

[@kathleenberkheiser264]

You have a beautiful garden and I thoroughly enjoy watching you and the little boys work in your garden. Growing your own food provides nutrition that store bought vegetables don't provide anymore. I admire your hard work and the garden you have created. You can't put a price on that.

[@sunsetheritage]

I can only speak for myself, but I’m definitely not humoring you by hanging out in your garden with you, I’m honored.😊 I enjoy seeing how your garden is growing because I don’t have one myself this year. I will again next year and I can’t wait to use some of your tips to help my veggies grow even better. Your sundress looks so comfy and cool to work in. I giggled when you jumped getting sprayed on your back. 😂 I was planning on going to Iowa next weekend for the festival just so I could get to meet you and listen to your talks. Touring the hatchery and shopping for chicks would have been fun too. I had to cancel my plans because my modular home is going to be set this week, but I don’t know what day. Maybe next year I’ll be able to get away for a weekend and go if you’ll be speaking at it again. I could talk about my dairy cows way past the acceptable point of time too so we’ll see how long we can keep each other talking 😂 Thank you for another great video and I’ll be listening to this one several times this week while I’m working on my farm. Have a wonderful time at the festival next weekend and I’ll look forward to trying to go next year. Take care. 🧡 Lorie 😊

[@lorenstribling6096]

Your little boys are becoming young men. You and Elvin are doing a marvelous job with all of your family. As for the herbicide drift, doesn't the farmer realize he is wasting money by having the herbicide end up somewhere other than his fields?

[@silviag1547]

Thank you for proving me correct when it comes to organic produce. Everyone thinks I’m crazy for not buying any organic produce. Thank you again for sharing all your knowledge you are amazing!

[@wuznotbornyesterda]

In Southern Indiana now it has been 3 weeks without rain, possibly more, after rain nearly every day before that. Now even the weeds are all shriveled up and probably will die off. No more mushrooms 😢

[@kathygarner419]

RuthAnn: The problem I have had in the past here in the Midwest with cattle panels is when the weather gets super hot in July and August the cattle panels can burn or scald the tomato plants because they absorb so much heat from the sun. I am hoping the same things does not happen to you. You have some really good helpers. So many children grow up without learning important life skills. I agree that kids who have too much time on their hands are the ones that get into mischief. Structure is so important when raising children. Watch for local farm auctions, I have purchased many used t-posts for pennies on the dollar at these and retirement/estate auctions. The purslane the boys are eating is very nutritious it has a lot of vitamin A as well as many other valuable nutrients and most of us just pull it up and toss it out. The fleshy leaves are great in salads or can be sauteed. Any straw or hay you used around your plants should probably be removed as it may be harboring remnants of the herbicide. Your berries and tree could take multiple seasons to rebound. I empathize with your herbicide drift, when we lived in Arkansas crop dusters killed my entire garden twice in one season. Be sure you ask for the amount of money it would cost you to buy that exact item and the quantity of each individual item from the organic grocery store. When we can from our own gardens and orchards, it is easy to underestimate what those same items would cost in the organic grocery store if we had to purchase off the shelf. I totally agree with you on the canning your family's food from sources that you know and trust. That is why I canned while I was raising my children. I wanted control over the contents of every jar they were eating from. Have you ever considered planting a cover crop between the rows. White Dutch clover might be an option it produces nitrogen for the other crops, but does not grow very tall and the bees love it. There are other cover crops that you can plant in the fall after the garden is harvested that can be mowed down for mulch then the remainder is tilled in to provide a green manure crop for fertility prior to the next growing season.

[@pamelaabettis7225]

It’s a delight to watch how you have recovered such a big blow to your garden. You would think other farmers would understand the impact of their decisions on other farmers. But I guess it an opportunity to practice forgiveness.

[@valeriejohnson3831]

Your garden is beautiful. I love looking at your garden. You have a lot of patience working with young children. Great job. Hopefully the farmer will be mindful next year.

[@thedeckerhome5565]

If you lift up the panel a couple feet then attach to posts, the tomatoes can be supported to a taller height!

[@heartfulgardening8834]

No "humoring" needed Ruthann, I love your garden videos! Thank you.

[@nmdispatchlady]

My grandmother used to tell me that the outside of an animal is good for the inside of a child. I believe that applies to ALL things that they learn to become responsible for. Your children are normal children, with all that entails. BUT I will say they appear to be more responsible and well mannered than alot of children in this day and age. That is directly related to how they are raised. GREAT JOB mom!

[@sstrand3321]

I'm with you Ruthann, it's never about the money, but your values as a gardener. I've argued with farmers while at work on lunch breaks that they believe what their sales reps are telling them that the "herbicide do not affect the plants much less the end result of the crop. They think there is no difference between organic or non-gmo while some of that may or may not be true the end results is that we should not be affected by other people's choices. Love your channel, thank you for all your wisdom.

[@MysticStarLite]

I seriously love your videos. I am not from a Mennonite family, however, I grew up seeing my parents use the same techniques you use with gardening, and food. It's nice to be reminded of the things time has lost and that you're teaching people a better way of living. To God be the glory and to Jesus be the glory.

[@Tia-vj9ox]

I hope you are writing a parenting book. Although town kids tend to have less chores, the intention of your parenting style could apply to anyone.❤

[@Tia-vj9ox]

You educate us all on so many things that most of us don’t think about! TY

[@MyTi824]

My sons are both in their 30s now. I wish I could go back and teach them exactly how you were teaching yours. God bless you and your family.

[@Maryannlg]

Can't have too many gardening videos RuthAnn. I feel the same about herbicide. Love watching your boys helping, they are wonderful and a credit to you.

[@marking-time-gardens]

Thank you Ruthanne for another great garden video! Blessings on your family and your growing homestead!🌻🐛🌿💚🙏💕

[@elainekompelien9945]

I am so amazed how you mentally observe the difference in your corn status. You are intuitive and observant to monitor the response to the soil from the glyphosate laden straw residue. Good job.

[@JuliannaJohnson-nn2lu]

I do not feel at all that you ramble, you are sharing your passion, it shows in your demeanor, I become relaxed when I watch your in your garden

[@sheilaMagilicudy]

Hello Zimmerman family. I really do not know where to start here I guess firstly is how you raise your family. You and your husband are amazing parents on how you have raised your children. It clearly shows the respect they have for their surroundings. This brings back my childhood of my mom raising us 6 kids on her own. She never had to tell us what to do we just did it. Chores had to be done and we never put up a fuss about it. We always had our playtime. We had to help mom can our food from the garden and butcher chickens understanding that things are not just handed to you on a silver platter. Your kids help all the time and it just puts a smile on my face. Seeing them running around in their barefeet. Being outside. I find it so sad these days on how many hours of time small kids to teens that spend all their time on a computer or phone. Your children are going to grow up as incredible adults for our future.

[@birdwatcherjean6293]

I love watching your garden shows please don't apologize for making so many. I learn sooo much from your experience. And I just love hearing about your child raising expertise as well , its wonderful to see the kids enjoying a good mix of fun and work. Hope the farmer understands your position and pays better attention when spraying his crops.

[@janetferrell8381]

I love that you are teaching your children critical thinking, problem solving, and responsibilities. So many parents in the last 15-20 plus years have not. It's even worse now with small children 😢😢.

[@Val-jz6lf]

Thank you! I love your garden & it is summer time, and if your going to have a garden you need to be out there in it so that you have lot's of stuff to feed your family all winter. Besides being in the garden feeds your soul. My boy's loved helping me in the garden growing up as much as your boys love it. I just turned 60 this month, and I grew up helping my mom in the garden as a kid too & have never not had a garden. It's hard work, but so worth every second, and just puts a bigger connection to God. Happy Gardening & thank you so much for sharing. God Bless!

[@terrypark6148]

Look into no till gardening. Keep growing.

[@lisaholt3627]

I love going to the garden with you, and learning tips and tricks. I watch your channel every Saturday morning. Blessings from Kentucky.

[@lindamasson3094]

I have 4 tomato plants in my suburban yard. I love hearing you talk about gardening.

[@franchristman9402]

I love all your videos and especially the garden ones! So much beauty surrounds you, from the beautiful garden, the sweet sounds of the children’s voices, the sounds of the birds, the farm animals and the gorgeous sky! You are an amazing, patient, loving mom and at 71 I am learning so much from you! Thank you for sharing your world with this retired, Florida grandma!

[@shelleygiesbrecht4759]

I love your garden videos! This year, my 7 year old grandson has helped me so much, now that he is big enough to use a shovel to dig up weeds and haul dirt.

[@carolync4862]

We love being in the garden with you and learning why you do certain things. You are a wealth of information and an excellent teacher. You are so correct that your garden has just as much value to you as the farmers acreage has to him. I could watch you every week in the garden. Thank you.

[@shellakers10]

Wow! I completely understand your saying that money has no value to you where your garden is concerned! You broke it down beautifully. They can't give you a year of your family's life back. It amazes me how you're able to do so much and still have time to manage ingredients! ❤

[@BigGodLife]

What a well rounded video of all your homesteading/ raising kids. So uplifting and educational, thanks so much! ❤

[@annsmith8343]

We use cattle panels as well except we put 2 panels parallel about 15” apart. The tomatoes grow up between them with no need for ties or supporting clips on the tomatoes. Great video! Love to see your boys doing the work! Lifetime skills!

[@Taratarinski]

Such good helpers! You are raising strong able bodied men for our future!❤

[@hollytaylor6858]

i try to garden in my woods, which is where my house sits, we have a clearing in the middle where the house and small garden sits . I often bemoan the fact that I don't have a lot of sunny space. This video made me realize my trees are protecting me from the farm chemicals. I have soy ean and corn fields all around me. I have already lost part of my driveway buffer zone grass to over spray. I am hoping my fruit trees at the corner of my property don't get sprayed it's their first year . I love your videos.

[@russellcrawford4809]

I dissolve Epsom salt in water , put in my sprayer and once a week after early morning watering I'll spray my tomato plants off then use sprayer to spray all the foliage with Epsom salt mixture. It always does wonders on my tomatoes

[@pat2513]

Thanks for bringing attention to the dangers of herbicides and pesticides. Sorry you had to endure and praying all your efforts heal your plants.

[@ht6684]

Good morning from soggy WI. At least we aren't in a drought. I love cattle panels for my tomatoes, they just work so much better.

[@aprilhampton6298]

I have the biggest tomatoes this year that I've ever grown. I'm so excited for them to start getting ripe. We don't necessarily garden because we can't buy it, we also garden because we like growing our own and it tastes so much better. I'm growing in raised beds and I filled them with cow manure that had been sitting for about 3 years from a friend's farm. Everything planted it it is growing so big! I got broccoli heads the size of soccer balls. I like being in your garden.

[@chadcutkomp6780]

Farmers are required to follow the label on chemicals. MOST labels will state that they are NOT to be sprayed with anything over a 10 mph wind. You can also get ahold of the EPA and I think there's another place called Driftwatch. That's what we use for our honeybees. If it's a commerciap aplicator, they are required by law to give us 24 hrs notice BEFORE spraying and there is certain hrs that they can spray.

[@ourfromscratchkitchen]

Thank you for sharing your garden and garden tips with us! I am a new gardner and I have learned so much from you! You are such a blessing! Thank you! ❤

[@rocketcityyardstead]

I've never commented before, but just wanted to say that we love your garden videos! There's a season for everything and it makes perfect sense that at this time of year your focus would be heavily in the garden. Plus it's a beautiful place and we love walking through it with you!

[@TheNoTillGardener]

I love your beautiful garden and the way your helpers pitch in and then receive the reward for their teamwork and good effort . I also completely agree with your straw skepticism and have, for the past few years, begun bagging leaves in the fall and using them as mulch on my garden. My husband runs the mower over them with the mulched attachment and then bags the leaves. Some are placed on the garden in the fall and some are stored until spring. It works well for us and there is no bright burn that can be caused by the sun reflecting up from the bright new straw (if used) and pine shavings if used as mulch. Give it a try.

[@cathyhuddle1769]

I really think you are a blessing to these three little boys because they are learning so many character and work skills! The other children have grown, graduated, married, and have jobs. These young men are so fortunate to have your family! You are such a hard worker and I see how lazy and spoiled I am. I’m 70 and have never grown a big garden. BUT when I was a child I have so many memories of picking beans, canning half runner green beans with my Grandma Gray and my mom! We pulled up plants, sat under the shade, picked off pods, breaking beans and canning. I got married but have never had a garden. I have tried setting out tomato plants in yard but never been successful. I love watching the generations of new farmers!

[@pamelajones4412]

I just love seeing y’all barefoot in nature the are hard working and learning skills that will last a lifetime for generations

[@robingreany899]

So glad things are coming back whole and with new growth. I applaud your outlook on the guy spraying the herbicides and requesting him not to spray on windy days. You both can be happy. Love watching your boys help you in the garden. They are great workers. Please stay safe and healthy and hydrated. ❤️

[@maryparet8408]

I love watching you in your garden . My happiness days are working in the garden. You have much wisdom .

[@elizabethfincher3916]

Love your family! Love seeing how you manage your family, cooking, gardening etc.