Visiting Roots and Refuge Farm - an interview with Jess 

I just watched Roots and Refuge and as soon as Jess introduced you and I knew I would be following you. I trust Jess and everything that she does. Her faith, care, love, and concern shine through in all that she does and if she is encouraging us, I’m here for it, and for you. I can’t want to learn more. Wishing you the best with your channel. Welcome to the United States to you and your family.🥰

I just watched roots and refuge And I jumped over here and subscribed

It was wonderful meeting you at Jess' Roots and Refuge. Good luck on growing your channel.

Find yourself a friend that looks at you the way Jess looks at Chrissy ❤

So happy Jess introduced us to you! Love being able to find kind spirits on RU-vid to watch or listen to while I go about my day!

So excited to watch your videos~! Jess has not been wrong about anyone so far in whom she encourages to get into RU-vid videoing~! We are in North Carolina and starting our homestead as well. Good luck I think you are going to do amazing~!!~~!🥰✌🦃🐔🐓🐤🐄🐖🐑🐐

I just watched you on Jesse's channel. I live in SW Louisiana so we are neighbors of sorts. Texas is big so we may not be close neighbors . I subscribed and are so excited to watch your story unfold. Putting God first and seeking his direction is the best way to live. I'm excited to watch your journey.

Turning LIABILITIES into ASSETS (as Jess explains by replacing a grocery expense with a farm asset) is truly a nugget of wisdom for life. Now, I just need to figure out how to do that with fuel ⛽️ for our vehicles. 🤔 😂

Great interview. Some of Jess' best knowledge and wisdom. Thanks.

Just came over from Jess' channel. Welcome to you & your lovely family! Looking forward to your videos & experiences. Best wishes & blessings.

Have been following Jess for years, and now I have hit the subscribe button to keep you in my feed! All the best with your move to Texas, your homestead, your renovations and your RU-vid channel. 🎉

I remembered exactly what I was doing the day Jess aired the podcast with you. So happy to finally see your beautiful family's journey! Cheers!

I love watching Jess because I am learning from her. I'm happy we can also learn from you and with you.

What a wonderful adventure for you and your family. I will follow your journey. God bless you. 😊

New subbie here… thanks Jess at #rootsandrefuge for leaving the breadcrumbs leading us to this channel!

haha i was watching jess and heard someone say "go hard" and was like wait Americans say that too??? lol nope, im from NZ and it stood out soooo much 😄

I just watched you on Jesse’s channel. I can not wait to get to know you and your family. Any friend of Jesse’s is a friend of ours ❤

Hello, I came from Jess too. You will be blessed by her subscribers !

Great chat to get me through the kitchen clean. Fellow big family boy mom here 4 boys 1 girl. We're in East Texas too cedar creek lake area. One thing we've learned is we have to water every day. The last 2 years we've had a drought. Come July and August nothing is alive outside without water except the mosquitoes and the grasshoppers. Afternoon shade is a curse in the spring garden but a blessing in the summer garden. I Look forward to watching your journey!

Caught the visit on roots and refuge. So happy to be here. 70 years and trying to get my nerve up to start being active on my channel.

Great video. A newbie here. I loved when y'all talked about the deer. I had a garden here since 2013. The last 2 years, the deer jumped the garden fence and chewed everything down. We planted potatoes in a field and never had a problem with the deer til 2 years ago and they even ate down the plants. I need to try what Jess is talking about. I love herbs, but grow them in pots, which I really want to get away from the pots.

As a deer defense for the vegetable garden, watch the Living Traditions Homestead videos from a couple of years ago when they built a Chicken moat that was so many feet wide and encircled their entire vegetable garden. The deer can jump one fence but not 2 spaced fences. And the chickens are close enough to toss them the scraps and pests from the garden.

Hi from Queensland Australia, found you through Jess, will enjoy watching your family's journey ❤

Hi from Central Texas. What a pleasure to meet you (through Jess). Look forward to following your family's journey!

Came over from Jessica Sowards R&R. So nice to meet you! Looking forward to catching up with your videos and meeting your new homestead. Blessings on your day Kiddo! 🌻🐛Carolyn in Ohio 🌿

Hi , I just came from Jess's channel. Look forward to seeing your videos. Welcome to America and I wish you the best of growing. I am more of a yardsteader. I grow mostly in raised beds and pots. I really don't have much land , basically just a back yard. I start my own seeds and raise chickens. I love watching things sprout up and grow.

So excited to see your homestead grow ❤! We do have deer fence here in NY , it’s 8-10 ft. Tall , Thankfully we don’t need one , but I do know farmers and home gardeners that do 😊

Fellow Queenslander here (Sunny Coast). So thrilled that u 2 like-minded lovlies have hooked up...more joy for the world. ❤❤❤ Can only try it imagine the highjinks with ?10 little dudes together. Great informative authentic discussion in the greenhouse. Just watched yr sourdough demo...off to feed my neglected starter now. Where in CQ did u live? Xx

I so wish I could plop both of you down in my little community here in rural Vermont about 40 years ago, when this commune was beginning, Mother Earth Magazine was my go-to knowledge source for composting, and there really was hardly any internet, at least here. Vermont was very unhooked from the rest of the country back then, and because of our idiology, myself and my husband, along with our tenants/friends, and my parents, who were part of it all, decided that we wanted a community that worked together as much as possible. We all had other jobs: some of us were landscapers, some were musicians, some had 9-5 jobs, but we had about 4 families, and a passle of children between us. My son was an only child, but had his constant companions, 3 other little guys, and 3 of us Moms took turns doing childcare. I was a musician/landscaper, my friend Wanda worked at UPS from 4 am to 11 am, and my friend Lisa was a yoga instructor on vacation from France, who came over every summer for about 10 weeks. My son assumed he had 3 moms, and he knew I was his "real" mom, but he loved his Aunt Lisa and Aunt Wanda, and those 4 little guys roamed all over our property, eating from the garden, swimming in the river, riding their little bikes and generally getting into mischief of the best kind. They all still carry those values learned in that communal environment, and I still live on that property, and farm it. They see each other and get together, though they are now hooked into social media, and scattered all over the map. I still see Wanda and Lisa, the bonds are strong, and it is a humane way to live and raise children, and grow food. I would say that in order to share parenting in a community like ours, the family values must be similar. Not absolutely identical, but enough alike so your children will not be confused by completely different sets of rules from one adult to another. But other than that, our children are very well-adjusted, and if people don't understand why I choose to live the way I do, I don't put much effort into convincing them. Sometimes it just takes time. I loved this video--you were talking about a life I've lived for a long time! It does exist still, in some places. 💖💚💙

I use the trellises for sweet potatoes on the west side of my central TX garden to shade the other things. They create a wonderful full shade wall. I use okra as a wall between the garden and the chickens to give the birds extra shade.

Came over from Roots & Refuge. I just subscribed to your channel & looking forward to seeing you grow... in more ways than one 😊. God bless ❤

Jess @rootsandrefuge channel just changed your life! 😊 I’m here from there too!

I’m so incredibly excited to join your family’s adventures! I watched your video with Jess and am so thrilled to follow you and your family!❤❤❤❤❤❤

Fun interview. I hope your family got some good ideas and inspiration from the trip. Jess has always seemed very likeable and I bet you enjoyed your time there. Her books are on my to be read list.

Hi! Coming from R&R. Welcome to the States!!! I’m in Eastern Oklahoma.

Blessings to you! Saw you on Roots and Refuge and was delighted to be able to subscribe to your channel. Looking forward to following your adventures.🤗

I just subscribed to roots and refuge farm! Always happy to follow a new channel!

Came over from Jess's channel and subscribed. I'm excited to watch your journey to homesteading here in America. And welcome to Texas! I live in NE Texas. 😊

Just came over from the Farmer’s Table. It is so clear why you became friends. ❤ Thank you for sharing hope.

I’m mulling around the idea that you just briefly touched on - “am I being the community that I want my community to be?” (vs drawing back because I don’t trust the community)

Hi. In North Texas we want to protect a lot of plants from the afternoon sun. We say that "full sun" doesn't mean full Texas sun. So glad I saw you on Jess's channel yesterday. I'm subscribed here now.

Hi from across the pond 🇬🇧. Me too came over after watching you both on roots & refuse . I’m so pleased Jess has introduced you to us. I’m interested & looking forward to watching you grow . New subscriber 💐

Lovely chat ladies! You might like the Grocery Row Garden method by David the Good. He would mix fruit trees and bushes along with veggies, flowers and herbs in rows. It's a hybrid permaculture system where rows can also consider contour. Godspeed m'lady!

Saw you on Roots and Refuge and just fell in love with you and your accent! So glad that Jess shared you with us.Can't wait to learn from you!! Much Love and Blessings

SOFA KING HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Jess sent me ❤ Looking forward to supporting you ❤

I just watched Jess on her channel and she introduced you. Happy to meet someone she recommends highly. Jess is so trustworthy and faith filled amazing blessing to many and I look forward to your inspirations as well. I’m from Virginia Beach hopefully moving to the Carolinas soon.

You can try putting a double fence around the garden. Try 6ft apart. I've also seen people put an invisible fence (fishing line) about one foot to 18 inches tall around the garden and it worked for them.

I'm in TX too ! We definitely benefit from water catchment and late summer shade ! Welcome!

Thanks for sharing, I love learning new ways, please keep going. BTW, Jess sent me from Roots and Refuge...God introduced you to my attention as God has put her there also.

Such a good testimony from you both. I love this so much. God bless you both!

Excellent interview!!!! ❤❤❤

New sub from Jess! What a great interview with her! Can't wait to watch your other videos. I wanted to point out, just incase it's not my connection (this is the only time I've had issues today) Around ever 3 minutes or so, the video stops. Turns black. Then picks up again. No clue what's doing it. But I've not ever seen it before. Could be my connection I guess?? Also... I'm positive Jess Mentioned this to you. But you should totally check out Seed Time. It's absolutely PERFECT for designing your garden spaces. Even the FREE VERSION tells you where and when you should plant. It's truly an amazing app. You just put in what you're planting and your zone and it gives you all the dates needed. When to start seeds. When to plant, etc. And you give it your dimensions and pop your plants on it. It's really the neatest thing ever! I can't even imagine what the paid version is like with as much as you can do with the free! Anyway... I look forward to getting to know you all thru your future videos! Wish you luck in all your homesteading ventures! And.... WELCOME TO AMERICA!! Aussies ALWAYS welcome in my book!😊😊😊

From the Farmers Table. Looking forward to many more recipes

I came from Roots and Refuge. Good luck with your channel and I know I will learn from you just like I do from Jess. Welcome.

Great to see a fellow Aussie doing the whole "starting from scratch homesteading" thing - I just watched you over on Jess's channel making the slice and I knew I would want to follow you 😀 I look forward to watching more vids x

Hello from Pearland, Texas. I'm a little south of Houston. I find it a little funny that a family from Australia chose to live in Texas. I often joke with my husband that Texas is the Australia of the US because of our wildlife. My area has alligators and sharks but west Texas gets more big spiders, rattlesnakes, and scorpions.

Jess introduces us to incredible people. Looking forward to following you and your families journey.

I love the name of your channel, so perfect. Thanks for sharing your friend Jess.

I too have landed here from Roots and Refuge. I am excited to see you and your family grow your homestead.

Loved this video. You both beautifully put it into words.

Wow you just boomed overnight! We love jess and Jeremiah's channel and family vlogging. Look forward to watching more of your content.

Following from Roots and Refuge. Can’t wait to see you grow!

I just LOVE me some Jess!!!❤❤❤ you do know that we are all jealous of you 😂😂 JK. You're blessed to have her as a personal friend. Good luck with your channel and your farm!!! BLESSINGS 🙌

Just hopped on to listen to this vlog after listening to Jess's. Great questions! The wood chip problem has been answered. Thank you!

Please share your recipes of prepared snacks you make homemade. I love your style. You are a wonderful soul and encouragement!

So glad to find you! I subscribed to watch you grow ❤

Respect from Africa 🇿🇦

Thank you. This was awesome to see. I came over from Roots and Refuge. It was a joy ❤

I saw your visit with Jess. Glad to join your journey.

I so enjoyed the podcast you were on with Jess and I'm SO glad she introduced you and where to find you!! Instant subscribe :)

Just watched Roots and Refuge and enjoyed the two of you so I decided to follow your channel and this popped up. It was great conversation 💞

Came from Jess!! Glad I found your channel😊

Good luck to you and your sweet fam here! I look forward to following your adventures!

Hi I’m a new subscriber and had seen you on Jess’s channel and saw you make your Aussie slices and knew I would enjoy your channel and learning all you have to teach. I absolutely love back to basics type cooking and living. God bless! 🥰❤️🙏🏻🇨🇦🍁I’m in Canada

🌻I just subscribed to your channel, as I follow Roots and Refuge, and saw the video with Jess and you on there, also the Farmer's Table. Bravo--I'm excited to have someone across the pond to follow!

Thank you Jess for sharing. Looks Interesting

Just saw you on Roots and Refuge. Looking forward to following your journey!

Been watching Jess for a long time and I just subbed to you now.

New subscriber from Roots and Refuge, Jess’s channel. Looking forward to watching your channel grow!! ❤

Look at you two sitting at the new table with coffee 😊

Jess sent me!

New sub how blessed you were to spend time with Jess ❤❤❤🕊️

Texan here. Came over from R&R. Have you considered dairy sheep instead of cow? Get a broad fork if you don’t have one already to aerate the soil. I will tell you here in West Texas, the past 2 years full sun plants needed some shade to survive. You could line a side of your garden with sunflowers that grow really tall to make a border

Sending you blessings from El Paso, TX/Santa Teresa, NM corner of the world! 🙏🏽😍🤟🏼🥰

I love Roots and Refuge and have subscribed to your channel. Lookin forward to your journey in the US.

Came here from Roots and Refuge. Yay

Chrissy, Like you we purchased a farmhouse 7 years ago with 20 acres in Oklahoma. The house desperately needed work, and so did the property. The first thing we did, make the house comfortable to settle in, and function. My husband, and I also sat down one day with a cup of coffee, talked, and made a list on a white grease board (placed that list next to the side door on the wall so we can see it every time we exit, or enter the house) on all the projects which had to be done. As we finish projects we put a line through the project listed on the board. This way we get to see our accomplishments as we break down, and work projects on the list. We still have this project board with a few things still on the list after 7 years. Emergencies came up, and unexpected surprises therefore, our project list doesn't have an urgent timeline. Another thing we made sure to do with our money. Every time we got paid from my retirement, and my husband's job we made sure to pay ourselves first (deposit money into saving account) then use the rest of our income for groceries, utilities bills, animals, and projects. My husband, and I agreed in advance what percentage of money we needed to save. Otherwise, if we didn't save, we'd end up spending all of our money of fixing our place. Another thing we did, shop Habitat for Humanity store, estate sales, yard sales, and thrift stores for items needing replaced (faucets, mirrors, cabinets, doors ect...) I'm looking forward to your next video😊

Jess' cousin Lacy here! Nice to meet you! Absolutely loved this video!

As many others state, watched you on R&R and chose to follow you too. Welcome to America.I look forward to your content.

Good talk!

I just saw you on Jess's channel and came right over to subscribe and cheer you on.

Did you get to read Jess’s books she’s written? Love your accent. Glad you are here ❤️✝️🕊🙏🏼

I wonder why Jess won't let the deer alone since the deer leave her garden alone. Symbiotic relationship is important in my opinion.

I’m in Texas as well and am planning to build the same type of trellises for my garden. I would love to see how you do it 😊

This was so interesting. Loved your discussion. Really gives you something to think about. I have some property but just a garden and plant containers is what I use. We have so many squirrels and chipmunks that get anything they can. Nothing so far has gotten into my garden as my husband and boys built me a great garden that is protected by aviary wire that is too small for them to get in. I also put the wire around my fruit trees and on the ground too which are enclosed with doors for us to get into. I have a problem with weeds right now. I just hate having weeds. I made up a solution of vinegar,Epsom salts and Dawn dish soap that is supposed to kill the weeds but am still waiting for it to work on my rock lawn. Being in the desert we have lots of wind that blows the sand into my front rock space that is allowing weeds to come up. I can pull them up but have hernias that prevent me from bending down for a long time. Do you have a solution for killing weeds? Would like to send you a picture of my garden but do not know how to do it. Wish we could do some of the things you do but I am 73 and my husband is 81 so we are limited with what we can do. Love watching and listening to what you say and do. ❤

Cute! 💘💘

yeah with my garden i do have to see how the sun goes cuz i get mostly shade, it sux actually... my garden suffers alil cuz of that but i am learning😀

❤

Texas girl here!!!