The Provident GardenerWhat would you do if grocery store shelves emptied out today? You can't survive on rice and beans alone – you need nutrient-dense foods to truly thrive in challenging times. In this video, I'm sharing my top 10 survival crops that have proven themselves in my Zone 6 garden, plus the secret foods most gardeners completely overlook! These aren't just theoretical plants – every crop on this list meets my four strict criteria: thrives in my growing conditions, uses water efficiently, has proven success in my garden, and tastes amazing.
What You'll Discover: *My #1 survival crop (hint: it's incredibly nutrient-dense!) *Why I don't grow corn as a survival crop (even though I love it) *The secret edible parts of plants you're probably throwing away *How to overwinter root vegetables with just plastic bags *Which crops produce food when others fail *The bonus grain that grows like a weed in my garden
Plus, I'll reveal why perennials are actually MORE important than annuals for true food security, and share my simple techniques for extending your harvest season.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.
Top 10 Survival Crops and Secret Foods Hidden in Your Garden #30DaysofPreparedness2025The Provident Gardener2025-09-10 | What would you do if grocery store shelves emptied out today? You can't survive on rice and beans alone – you need nutrient-dense foods to truly thrive in challenging times. In this video, I'm sharing my top 10 survival crops that have proven themselves in my Zone 6 garden, plus the secret foods most gardeners completely overlook! These aren't just theoretical plants – every crop on this list meets my four strict criteria: thrives in my growing conditions, uses water efficiently, has proven success in my garden, and tastes amazing.
What You'll Discover: *My #1 survival crop (hint: it's incredibly nutrient-dense!) *Why I don't grow corn as a survival crop (even though I love it) *The secret edible parts of plants you're probably throwing away *How to overwinter root vegetables with just plastic bags *Which crops produce food when others fail *The bonus grain that grows like a weed in my garden
Plus, I'll reveal why perennials are actually MORE important than annuals for true food security, and share my simple techniques for extending your harvest season.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.How to Turn Fresh Milk Into Yogurt, Butter & Buttermilk | No Waste!The Provident Gardener2026-09-19 | What would you do if someone showed up at your door with THREE GALLONS of fresh milk? I decided not to waste a drop—and turned it into homemade yogurt, butter, buttermilk, and even a delicious meal! Thank you, Brandon! In this video, I’ll show you what I did with all that milk—from making thick, creamy homemade yogurt in Mason jars to turning the cream into butter and culturing the leftover buttermilk. I even found a way to use some of the butter-washing liquid rather than pouring it down the drain!
Here are affiliate links to my favorite products. Thank you for purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you any more (some of the codes will even save you money!). We make a small percentage of the sales and that helps support our channel.
ForJars - My favorite lids and the incredible stainless steel funnels - forjars.co/providentprepper - Use the code PROVIDENT and save 10%.
Instant Pot - I use my Instant Pots all the time - amzn.to/4rn8mmK - Comes in 3-quart or 6-quart sizes. I have both, but most of the time, I use the 6-quart version.
8-oz Deli Containers - I use these all the time for freezing my garden bounty. They are the perfect size to freeze my homemade butter. amzn.to/4ixyAR3
Dehydrator - Not all dehydrators work for yogurt because you need to be able to remove the trays. Excalibur is a good one amzn.to/4cSmdvc.
Thanks so much for joining me in my kitchen. And as always, don't be afraid to get a little dirt under those fingernails and turn that dirt into a delicious dinner!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.6 Things Im Changing in My Garden Next Year, Including the One Major Crop I May Never Grow AgainThe Provident Gardener2026-09-17 | I’m taking a hard look at my garden this year—and deciding what I’m NOT growing again next year.
Amazon Storefront: https://a.co/d/0d22otVv *commissions earned* We appreciate your support and helping us continue to make these videos!
Not every gardening experiment works out—and this year taught me a few things the hard way. 🌱
As the growing season winds down, I’m taking a big harvest from the garden and looking honestly at 6 things I’m done with (or doing differently) next year. From overcrowded garden beds and disappointing tomatoes to flowers that never got the attention they deserved, I’ve learned that sometimes simplifying is exactly what the garden—and the gardener—needs.
And then there’s squash. 😩
After battling squash bugs all season and losing my big pumpkins and much of my squash crop, my family has decided to take a year off from growing squash. As much as I love growing zucchini, pumpkins, and winter squash, sometimes you have to know when to walk away for a season!
I’m also sharing what I will change next year—including growing fewer tomato varieties, simplifying what goes into each garden bed, planting fewer things overall, and focusing on the varieties my family actually loves and uses.
And it wasn't all bad! One of my biggest surprises this year was the cantaloupe. Simplifying that crop and sticking with one variety resulted in my best cantaloupe harvest yet—and my kids have loved eating them. 🍈
If you've ever had a garden crop that made you say “I'm done!”, I'd love to hear about it. What are you NOT growing next year?
Thanks for joining me in the garden here at The Provident Gardener, where we believe anyone can grow their own food, preserve it, and enjoy it—even when the garden doesn't go exactly as planned.
And as always, don't be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails so you can turn that dirt into dinner! 🌱
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Miracle Muffins: A Healthy, Portable Way to Eat From Your Garden AnywhereThe Provident Gardener2026-09-12 | What if your garden could hand you a healthy, grab-and-go meal — no fast food, no compromises, no guesswork? These Miracle Muffins are exactly that. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with real ingredients straight from the garden and the freezer, they're the convenience food you didn't know you needed.
*** Store ripe bananas peeled in the freezer, not the refrigerator :)
Links to products that I like and use: **Silicone muffin cups with edges for easier lifting (the ones I purchased are no longer available, but these are similar) amzn.to/4dc6YNK **Silicone muffin cups - pick your favorite colors and shapes - I think they are worth the investment amzn.to/3T4ljF7 **Vitamix Blender - My FAVORITE kitchen tool. I seriously use almost every day. Mine is several years old and still going strong. amzn.to/4xm0SBM
2½ cups oats (blended into oat flour) ½ cup flax seed 1¼ cup almond flour 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 generous tsp cinnamon ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
4 Ripe bananas (mashed/blended) 4 large eggs ½ cup coconut oil (or avocado or olive oil) 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla 2–4 tbsp almond milk A few handfuls of kale (blended in — you won't see or taste it!)
Mix-Ins:
1½ cups freeze-dried blueberries 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Combine dry ingredients in a blender (like a Vitamix) and blend to grind the oats into flour. Blend wet ingredients together until smooth (it'll look like a smoothie). Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix well. Let the batter rest so the gluten-free ingredients can absorb moisture — it will thicken as it sits. Fold in blueberries and chocolate chips. Scoop into silicone muffin liners and bake at 350°F for 20–24 minutes. Cool, then freeze extras for grab-and-go convenience anytime.
These muffins have traveled with me through airports, camping trips, and family reunions — proof that eating well doesn't mean giving up convenience. Whether you're managing dietary restrictions or just want a healthier grab-and-go option, muffins can turn your garden and food storage into real, satisfying meals you can trust.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Natural Pest & Disease Control That Actually Works — No Chemicals NeededThe Provident Gardener2026-09-05 | What if you could stop buying garden chemicals for good — using scraps most people throw away? These natural solutions have transformed the way I grow. In this video, I'm walking you through the natural farming methods and homemade solutions that have helped me grow healthier, stronger plants without relying on store-bought chemicals. From the JADAM system to Nigel Palmer's fermented plant solutions, these are simple, inexpensive tools you can start using right away.
I highly recommend these books! **JADAM Organic Pest and Disease Control: amzn.to/4qYzXdB **JADAM 100 Herbal Solutions (JHS): amzn.to/4gPh2x5 (These can be hard to find in English, so if you find it, get it! There are a total of 4 books) Nigel Palmer's "The Regenerative Grower's Guide to Garden Amendments": amzn.to/468i6rg
Growing your own food shouldn't mean depending on a shelf full of products. With a little effort and a few simple ingredients, you can build a garden that thrives naturally, season after season. I hope this gives you some new tools to try in your own garden!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.I Grew More Garlic Than I Could Use… So I Did ThisThe Provident Gardener2026-09-02 | One garlic harvest can keep your kitchen stocked for months—here’s how I’m preserving mine! 🧄
Amazon Storefront for all of our favorite gardening supplies: https://a.co/d/0dnkvNu4
After growing and harvesting my own garlic, it’s time to make sure all that hard work doesn’t go to waste. In this video, I’m taking you through my garlic harvest from curing and storing to preserving it for cooking all year long.
I’m sharing 4 ways I’m preserving this year’s garlic:
🌱 Saving the best garlic for seed so I can grow another crop this fall 🧄 Keeping some fresh to use over the next couple of months ❄️ Freezing minced garlic with olive oil in ice cube trays for quick and easy cooking ✨ Freeze-drying garlic so I can store it on the shelf and have homegrown garlic ready whenever I need it
I’ll also show you my simple trick for peeling a large amount of garlic without sitting there peeling every single clove by hand! And at the end, I’ll show you how the frozen garlic cubes and freeze-dried garlic turned out.
One of my favorite things about growing a garden is finding ways to use and preserve what we grow, so we can enjoy the harvest long after the garden is finished producing.
If you grow garlic, I'd love to know: What is your favorite way to preserve it?
🌱 Welcome to the Provident Gardener! Here we believe anyone can grow their own food, preserve it, and enjoy it. Whether you have a huge garden, a few containers, or just a little space, I hope you'll join me as I learn, experiment, make mistakes, and find ways to grow more food for my family.
Thanks for gardening with me!
And as always, don't be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails so you can turn that dirt into dinner. 🧄🌱
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.We Grew Every Ingredient in This Salsa — How We Make and Can It Every YearThe Provident Gardener2026-08-22 | This year for the first time every single ingredient in our homemade salsa — the tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic — came from our own backyard garden.
Every year we make and can our own homemade salsa from what we grow in our garden. But this year was different. For the first time ever we grew every main ingredient — the tomatoes, the peppers, the onions, and the garlic — all in our own backyard. And now it is all in jars, ready to feed our family all year long.
In this video I am walking you through every step of how we make and can our salsa — from running the tomatoes through the food mill to filling and sealing the jars. I also share the tools that have made this process so much faster and easier over the years and why this is one of the most meaningful things we do with our garden every single year.
What we cover in this video:
Why we use a food mill instead of peeling tomatoes by hand How long we cook down the tomatoes and why it matters The tools that cut our chopping time dramatically Why we use as many pepper varieties as possible How to fill, seal, and water bath can your salsa What to do when a jar does not seal How long we process our pints and why elevation matters How we store and use our salsa all year long
A note on the recipe: We use a family recipe that was handed down to us and we love it. However out of an abundance of caution we are not sharing our specific recipe publicly. Instead we are linking below to verified safe canning salsa recipes from trusted sources. Please always use a recipe that has been tested and verified for safe canning — you cannot use just any salsa recipe for water bath canning.
Verified safe salsa recipes:
Ball Canning and Preserving: ballmasonjars.com/blog?cid=fresh-salsa National Center for Home Food Preservation: https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can/canning-salsa/choice-salsa/ New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service: https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_e/E323/
For me this has never been about saving money or even just about the salsa itself. It is about the knowledge and the skills — knowing how to grow food, harvest it, and preserve it so that my family can eat from our garden all year long. That is why I garden. That is what The Provident Gardener is all about.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.What Happens When You Stop Taking Care of Your Garden — Honest Midsummer UpdateThe Provident Gardener2026-08-12 | I stepped away from my garden for weeks — and what I found when I came back surprised even me.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Life got busy. The heat got brutal. And honestly I just needed a break from my garden. So I took one. And today I am walking you through my garden exactly as it is right now — overgrown, a little wild, and completely unfiltered.
No cleanup. No staging. Just the real thing.
Because here is what I want you to see: even when you step back, even when the weeds get ahead of you and the plants sprawl where they are not supposed to and the garden takes on a life of its own — it keeps going. And it keeps producing food.
What I found in my neglected garden:
13 San Marzano tomatoes on just one small section of one plant Pepper plants absolutely loaded with fruit Squash still setting despite the squash bugs Gray zucchini coming in for the first time this year Raspberries that need trellising but are still growing Powdery mildew and squash bugs doing their thing — but not winning
I also lost my big pumpkin plants to squash bugs this year and that one really stings. Last year was my best pumpkin year ever. This year — nothing. That is just gardening sometimes.
But here is the takeaway. A neglected garden is not a dead garden. Everything I planted back in the spring is still alive, still growing, and still putting food on my family's table without me hovering over it every single day. Plants are so much more resilient than we give them credit for.
If your garden looks a little like mine right now — overgrown, out of control, not what you pictured back in the spring — it is okay. Your garden is more resilient than you think. Keep going. The harvest is coming.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.How We Finally Solved Our Hose Problem — Vego Garden Retractable Hose Reel ReviewThe Provident Gardener2026-08-05 | We finally solved one of our biggest garden headache — dragging a hose all the way across the yard every single time we need water.
Shop Vego Garden for your retractable hose reel and other gardening needs! glnk.io/vzw5/3oh Be sure to use our code PROVIDENTGARDENER10OFF for a discount! *note the mounting post and hose reel are sold separately, the hose reel itself does come with a device to attach it to an existing post if desired
Full disclosure: Vego Garden provided this amazing retractable hose reel and mounting post free of charge in exchange for creating a video. This hose reel is turning out to be the perfect solution to my hose headaches! I love it!
Check out my Amazon storefront for all of my gardening favorites! https://a.co/d/06HrDoHu
Thank you for your support of our channel!
If you have ever wrestled with a tangled hose dragged across your entire backyard just to water your garden, this video is for you. Our hose spigot is on the complete opposite side of our yard from our garden, which means every single time we needed hose water we were hauling it all the way across the yard and then leaving it in a tangled mess because winding it back up was just too much of a hassle.
Not anymore. Today we are sharing how we solved that problem for good — with a frost free hydrant installation and a Vego Garden retractable hose reel.
What we cover in this video:
Why we needed a water source on the garden side of our yard How my husband installed a frost free hydrant by teeing off our existing sprinkler line How easy the Vego Garden retractable hose reel is to install and use The quick connect system that makes attaching and detaching the hose and nozzle incredibly simple All the spray settings and how the reel works One small thing to watch out for with retractable hose reels Why I give this a full 10 out of 10
This thing has already changed how I water my GreenStalk planters and everything else on the back patio. No more dragging, no more tangles, no more hose sitting all over the yard. I cannot recommend it enough.
Links to the Vego Garden retractable hose reel are in the description above!
Some of our other links:
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.How I Turned My GreenStalk Into a Self-Watering GardenThe Provident Gardener2026-08-01 | Stop watering your GreenStalk every single day! This simple self-watering upgrade has completely changed the way I garden, keeping my plants healthier while saving time, water, and effort.
If you've ever come home to wilted strawberries, drooping lettuce, or dried-out herbs after just one hot afternoon, you're not alone. I absolutely love my GreenStalk Planter, but during the summer heat I found myself watering it every single day—and sometimes that still wasn't enough.
In this video, I show you the self-watering system that solved the problem completely. With the help of Eric from Thirsty Earth, I converted my GreenStalk into a gravity-fed, self-watering planter using interconnected oyas (unglazed terracotta watering vessels). Now my planter waters itself, the soil stays consistently moist, my plants are thriving, and I'm using far less water than before.
Whether you're growing strawberries, herbs, vegetables, or flowers, this system can save you time while helping your plants flourish—even during extreme summer heat.
Shop The Thirsty Earth Visit thethirstyearth.com/TheProvidentGardener Use the promo code PROVIDENT and save 10% on these incredible ollas! You can talk to Eric directly at (801) 675-8896. He is happy to help you design a system for your garden. Or email him at eric.jordan@thethirstyearth.com
Full disclosure: The Thirsty Earth provided the amazing olla system free of charge in exchange for creating a video. This is the third video I've created because I LOVE these! They have made a huge difference in my greenhouse. I reached out to them because I felt it would be the perfect solution for our greenhouse. Big thanks to The Thirsty Earth for all their hard work!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Midsummer Garden Burnout Is Real — Heres How Im Pushing ThroughThe Provident Gardener2026-07-29 | Midsummer gardening burnout is real — and right now I am feeling every bit of it. Let's talk about it.
Check out my gardening favorites in my Amazon Storefront! https://a.co/d/05lqLSow
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Can I be honest with you? I am burned out on my garden right now. The squash bugs, the powdery mildew, the relentless heat, the problems that keep piling up — it has all caught up with me. I have even found myself wondering if I should just take a break next year. Is it really worth it? Do I even love this enough to keep going?
If you have ever felt that way in the middle of a gardening season, this video is for you.
Today I am having an honest conversation about midsummer garden burnout — what it feels like, why it happens, and most importantly how I am choosing to stay positive and push through instead of giving up.
What we talk about in this video:
What garden burnout actually looks like and feels like Why midsummer is the hardest time of year for so many gardeners The reality check that helped me remember why my garden is still worth it Why pests, disease, and weeds do not define your garden How I am giving myself permission to do less without giving up entirely The 10 minute rule that is helping me get back out there Why I do not want to miss fall gardening again this year What actually defines a garden — and it is not whether it is perfect
One bad season does not make you a bad gardener. And if you are feeling overwhelmed, burned out, and wondering if it is worth it right now — you are not alone. You are just a human being in the middle of a really hot summer doing something hard and worthwhile.
Let's cheer each other on and finish this season strong. Drop a comment below and tell me how you push through garden burnout — I genuinely want to know.
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.From Bush to Pantry: Harvesting and Preserving ElderflowersThe Provident Gardener2026-07-23 | This humble little flower might be the most overlooked harvest in your entire garden. If you have an elderberry bush, you're sitting on a two-for-one crop you probably didn't know you had. Get my free printable jar labels and the full written post (with recipes!): theprovidentgardener.com/elderflowers-how-to-harvest-preserve-and-use-this-incredible-summer-harvest
Have you tried elderflowers before? Share your favorite recipes and ideas in the comments below — I'd love to learn from you too!
And as always, don't be afraid to get a little dirt under those fingernails and turn that dirt into a delicious dinner.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.This 2,000-Year-Old Irrigation Trick Fixed My Greenhouses Watering ProblemThe Provident Gardener2026-07-18 | My greenhouse bed used to dry out every single day. Then, 2,000-year-old technology and a blue barrel changed everything. In today's video, I'm joined by Eric from The Thirsty Earth to install the Automatic Olla Gardening Watering System in my passive solar greenhouse (IPEG).
Ollas have been used for thousands of years — from ancient China to Rome to dryland gardens all over the world — and this modern version uses that same simple, unglazed terracotta technology, linked to a 55-gallon reservoir, so I never have to hand-water this bed again.
Full disclosure: The Thirsty Earth provided the amazing olla system free of charge in exchange for creating a video. I reached out to them because I felt it would be the perfect solution for our greenhouse. Big thanks to The Thirsty Earth for all their hard work!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Tomatoes Past First Freeze — How a Vertical Planter Makes It PossibleThe Provident Gardener2026-07-15 | It's the middle of July and I'm planting tomatoes — and here's exactly why I'm not worried about it.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off your purchase of $75+. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Amazon Storefront for all of may gardening favorites! https://a.co/d/0784E1dy
Most gardeners in zone 6 would never dream of planting tomatoes in July. But I have a trick up my sleeve that is going to give me extra growing time on the back end of the season that most growers in my zone simply don't have — and it all comes down to my GreenStalk vertical planter. Because the GreenStalk sits on a rolling base, when that first freeze hits in the fall I can roll it right into my garage to protect it from the cold. That means my tomatoes keep growing while everyone else's are done. And when that early freeze passes and warm weather returns — which it usually does for a few more weeks — my plants go right back outside to keep producing. In this video I am walking you through everything — why I chose to plant in July, which tomato varieties I chose for container growing, how I planted them deep with worm castings for extra nutrition, and why fertilizing consistently is so important when growing tomatoes in a compact space. Tomato varieties I planted:
Roma Beefsteak Moskvich Ace 55 VF Spoon tomato Black cherry
What we cover in this video:
Why late season tomato planting in a GreenStalk actually makes sense How the rolling base extends your growing season past the first freeze Choosing the right tomato varieties for container growing Planting tomatoes deep for a healthier root system Adding worm castings from vermicomposting bins for extra nutrition Why container tomatoes need consistent fertilizing and what I use Neptune's Harvest fish and seaweed fertilizer — how I use it
I will be following up throughout the season with updates on how these plants are growing, the problems I run into, and how I support them as they get bigger. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss those updates! This video is sponsored by GreenStalk Garden. Our affiliate link is in the description above and it will automatically apply our discount code at checkout. #ad #sponsored
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Harvesting Garlic I Planted in the Middle of Winter — The Results Are InThe Provident Gardener2026-07-08 | I planted garlic in the middle of winter when you're not supposed to — and today we find out if it actually worked.
Last winter I missed my fall garlic planting window and decided to try something you're not really supposed to do — plant garlic in the middle of winter. Today is the payoff. We are harvesting that garlic and finding out once and for all whether late planting is worth it. If you want to watch the original video where I planted this garlic in the middle of winter, the link is below!
In this video we cover everything you need to know about harvesting garlic — from how to know when it's ready, to the difference between softneck and hardneck varieties, to how to cure and store it so it lasts for months.
What we cover:
Why garlic is traditionally planted in the fall and what vernalization means The difference between softneck and hardneck garlic and why it matters at harvest time Garlic scapes — what they are, when to cut them, and why you should never throw them away How to know when your garlic is ready to harvest How to harvest without damaging the bulb The results of my winter planting experiment — did it actually work? How to cure your garlic after harvest How to store softneck vs. hardneck garlic and how long each will last
Kylene also grew hardneck garlic this year and shared some footage so we could cover both types in one video. And make sure you check out her video on what she did with her garlic scapes — so good! Spoiler: the experiment worked. And if you ever feel like you missed your planting window, I hope this video gives you the encouragement to try anyway. Some garlic is always better than no garlic. Stay tuned for a follow-up video where I preserve this garlic so my family can enjoy it all year long — not just for a few months!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener . Use our link to get $10 off your $75+. purchase. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Mulberry Leaf Tea: The Forgotten Superfood Growing in Your Backyard #JarItUpJuly26The Provident Gardener2026-07-04 | Mulberry leaves are edible, surprisingly delicious, and can be used to make a mild, naturally sweet herbal tea. They're also wonderful in soups, smoothies, eggs, stir-fries, and other recipes where you'd normally use leafy greens. Today, I'll share how I harvest the leaves, compare dehydrating vs. freeze-drying, and show you how I package them for long-term storage.
Check out these affiliate links that help support our channel. **Superb Seal-It-Right is a sponsor of Jar It Up July 2026. Just for this month, you can get 25% off with the promo code ProvidentGardener. If you miss the window the promo code will still give you 10% off superbcanning.com/?ref=providentgardener. I'm impressed! **BlueAlpine freeze dryers (My FAVORITE!) bluealpinefreezedryers.com/providentprepper Use the promo code ProvidentPrepper to get 5% off. **Harvest Right affiliates.harvestright.com/901.html **Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers are from PackFreshUSA packfreshusa.com/?rfsn=7503114.ecc85c Use promo code PROVIDENT to save. I LOVE these oxygen absorbers!
🎉 **This video is part of the 2026 Jar It Up July Collaboration!** Be sure to check out the entire **Jar It Up July Playlist** featuring dozens of creators sharing canning, preserving, pantry-building, and harvest inspiration throughout July!
**Special thanks to Superb**, a proud American-made canning lid and jar company, for sponsoring this year's Jar It Up July celebration in honor of America's 250th Birthday. Watch for details on the giveaway!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.June Garden Tour — Wins, Struggles, and Surprises in My Backyard GardenThe Provident Gardener2026-07-01 | From seedling struggles to volunteer tomatoes to brand new raspberries — here's everything growing in my garden this June.
Amazon storefront for all of my gardening favorites: https://a.co/d/0bDflpPO
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off your purchase of $75+. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Welcome to my June garden tour! This has been a season full of lessons, surprises, and a few stressful moments — but standing out here in June looking at everything growing, it is all so worth it. In this video I'm taking you through my entire garden — the wins, the struggles, the surprises, and all the new things we added this year. From 46 tomato plants finally thriving after weeks of seedling stress to brand new raspberry beds already producing fruit, there is so much to show you. What we cover in this tour:
Tomatoes — why they are doing so much better than last year and what I think made the difference Peppers — 77 plants in the ground and a few that are still struggling Garlic — planted late and still produced beautifully Cut flower bed — sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias, and basil Summer squash, bush beans, and onions Cattle panel arches — pole beans, cucumbers, pumpkins, winter squash, and melons just starting to climb Squash bugs — the struggle is real and I need your help New raspberry beds — already producing fruit! New 10x4 bed added this year for even more tomatoes and peppers New fence line trellis — almost 50 feet of new growing space GreenStalk vertical planters — spring garden wrapping up and strawberries growing beautifully Fruit trees — no fruit this year after two late freezes but the trees are establishing well Self seeding surprises — calendula, cosmos, melons, and volunteer tomatoes everywhere Front yard landscape experiment — replacing rock with perennials, herbs, and flowers
This garden has taken a lot of work and a few unexpected setbacks this year, but watching everything grow and knowing it is going to feed my family makes every bit of it worth it. What do you have growing in your garden right now that you are most excited about? Let me know in the comments — I would love to hear about it!
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Building a Year-Round Off-Grid Greenhouse | Step 2: Passive Solar Orientation & Site PlanningThe Provident Gardener2026-06-27 | What if your greenhouse could heat itself all winter — with zero fuel, zero electricity, and zero utility bills? We engineered that exact result, and it all started with one critical decision: where we put it and how we angled it toward the sun.
In this second video of our IPEG greenhouse build series, Jonathan, James Spencer of Mighty Metal, and I walk you through every design decision we made before we ever broke ground — passive solar orientation, the 55-degree glazing angle, stem wall design, site selection, drainage, shade factors, and why the 18x36 footprint was the sweet spot between growing space and thermal performance.
**Purchase the Greenhouse Plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome! **The Black Totes We Use (LA Totes): LosAngelesTote.com/PROVIDENT – 10% off black IBC totes with promo code: PROVIDENT **Contact James at Mighty Metal: mightymetalinc.com/contact **Visit The Manti Homestead on YouTube and check out the playlist of Nate and Becca's greenhouse build youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGOJQruZ_XalVwbbQrhCk0BzZmcsYdhOY&si=l_Q-OIDAbEPWuZe1 **Thanks for supporting our channel by purchasing through our Amazon Storefront. amazon.com/shop/theprovidentprepper **Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint. **Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Ways to Make Your Garden Low-Maintenance (Without Sacrificing Your Harvest)The Provident Gardener2026-06-24 | If you've been putting off starting a garden because you don't think you have time to maintain it — this video is for you.
Amazon Storefront for all my gardening essentials and favorites: https://a.co/d/06siKFZc
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off your purchase of $75+. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Successful gardening isn't about spending more time in the garden. It's about making smart choices about how you do things — and being willing to sacrifice on a few things along the way. Today I'm not in my own garden. I'm in my sister's garden, helping her set up something that will actually fit her busy life with little kids and a lot of demands on her time. We talked about what she really wanted and what she could realistically maintain, and we built a garden around that. What we planted and why:
Tomatoes and cucumbers — because that's what her family actually eats Basil along the front of the beds Strawberries as our one perennial addition Sunflowers and zinnias along the back for height, beauty, and a little extra support
How we made it low-maintenance from the start:
Moved her beds to a spot with morning sun and midday shade instead of scorching all-day sun Used cardboard and fresh soil underneath to cut down on weeds early on Planned to mulch with 2-3 inches to choke out weeds and preserve moisture Let go of the need for a perfectly tidy garden — some things may flop, sprawl, or take over, and that's okay
A low-maintenance garden might not match the picture-perfect garden in your head, but it can still produce real food for your family. If you start small, plant what you'll actually eat, and give yourself permission to let a few things get a little wild, gardening can fit into even the busiest season of life. Do you know someone who thinks they don't have time to garden? Send them this video — it might be just the encouragement they need.
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Building a Year-Round Off-Grid Greenhouse | Step 1: Design & InspirationThe Provident Gardener2026-06-20 | What if your greenhouse could grow real food year-round with zero electricity, no gas, and no dependence on the grid — ever? We buried ours into the earth, and it heats and cools itself using nothing but the sun.
Welcome to the first video in our 13-part IPEG Greenhouse Build Series, where we walk you through every detail of how we designed and built an Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) that produces food in every season — even in Zone 6 Utah winters.
**Purchase the Greenhouse Plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome! **The Black Totes We Use (LA Totes): LosAngelesTote.com/PROVIDENT – 10% off black IBC totes with promo code: PROVIDENT **Contact James at Mighty Metal: mightymetalinc.com/contact **Visit The Manti Homestead on YouTube and check out the playlist of Nate and Becca's greenhouse build youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGOJQruZ_XalVwbbQrhCk0BzZmcsYdhOY&si=l_Q-OIDAbEPWuZe1 **Thanks for supporting our channel by purchasing through our Amazon Storefront. amazon.com/shop/theprovidentprepper **Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint. **Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.This Simple Trick Gets More Water to Your Fruit Trees (No New System Needed)The Provident Gardener2026-06-17 | If your trees aren't getting enough water from your sprinkler system, here's a simple trick to fix that without installing a whole new system.
Our Amazon Storefront with all of our favorites! https://a.co/d/06Pq4hzF
We have several fruit trees that just weren't getting enough water from our existing sprinkler system. So today Rob is showing you exactly how we fixed that — using a Rainbird 1800 Retro kit to convert part of our existing high pressure sprinkler line into a low pressure drip system that delivers water right where our trees need it most. This is a simple, affordable project that doesn't require installing a brand new irrigation system. You're just tapping into what you already have and redirecting some of that water to the trees that need it. Supplies you'll need:
Rainbird 1800 Retro kit (includes built-in pressure reducer) Elbow fitting Funny pipe Funny pipe cutters T fitting Drip emitters (2 gallon per hour) Emitter installer tool Fitting to convert funny pipe to drip line Teflon tape Landscaping staples
In this video we walk through the whole process — finding the right sprinkler head, cutting into the funny pipe, installing the 1800 Retro, running drip line underground to multiple trees, and placing emitters evenly around each tree for even watering. With just one 1800 Retro we were able to serve three trees without pulling too much water away from the sprinkler zone. We've already used this same method on a couple of our maple trees with great results, and we are excited to see what it does for our fruit trees this season — hopefully it means healthier trees giving us more fruit for years to come! Do you have any trees or plants that could use more consistent water? Let us know in the comments how you might use a system like this in your own yard.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off your order of $75+. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.We Built a Passive Energy Greenhouse — Heres What 5 Months Taught UsThe Provident Gardener2026-06-13 | We built a paradise in the Rocky Mountains — and after 5 months, our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) has surpassed every expectation. In this video, we walk you through a full tour of our passive solar greenhouse, share real temperature data, talk about the challenges we've faced (aphids, plant sourcing, micro-environments), and show you everything that's thriving inside.
Whether you're dreaming of year-round harvests, growing citrus in a cold climate, or building a self-sufficient homestead, this greenhouse changed everything for us — and it can for you too.
Want to Build Your Own IPEG Greenhouse? Purchase the Greenhouse Plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and we wish something like this had been available to us when we started. You are welcome! 😊
Watch the Full Detailed Walkthrough with James Spencer of Mighty Metal: 👉 youtu.be/ySSXfSSyEDk *** The Black Totes We Use (LA Totes): LosAngelesTote.com/PROVIDENT — 10% off black IBC totes with promo code: PROVIDENT *** Contact James at Mighty Metal: mightymetalinc.com/contact
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.The Garden That Plants Itself — Annuals That Reseed So You Never Have ToThe Provident Gardener2026-06-10 | What if some of your annuals never had to be planted again? There are plants in my garden that I planted once and have never planted since — and today I'm telling you exactly what they are.
Calendula Seeds: amzn.to/4e0ZHBr Herb Pack that includes cilantro and dill: amzn.to/4e0lEAA My Survival Garden Seeds favorites on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0a5Xle9V My Amazon Storefront: https://a.co/d/0hqD4Ev3
Every year gardeners spend hours starting annuals indoors, caring for them, and planting them out in the garden — only to do it all over again the following year. But what if some of your annuals just took care of themselves? In this video I'm sharing the annuals in my garden and in Kylene's garden that we planted once and have never had to plant again. These plants reseed themselves so readily that year after year they just show up — for free — without any work from us at all.
Annuals that reseed themselves and act like perennials:
Calendula — I planted maybe 10 plants once and now have hundreds all over my garden Dill — Kylene has it reseeding all over her garden without ever planting it Cilantro — same story, it just shows up every spring Lettuce — Kylene doesn't plant lettuce in her garden anymore Spinach — plant it once and you could have your own spinach patch for years Celery — readily reseeds in the right conditions Tomatoes — I even have volunteer tomatoes popping up this year from last season
I'm also running a little experiment comparing my volunteer tomato plants to the ones I started indoors months ago. Subscribe so you don't miss the results! The secret to getting these plants to reseed? Sometimes it pays to be a little lazy. Let some of your plants bolt /let them go to seed and let nature do the work for you. You can even collect and spread the seeds yourself to get even more coverage — that's exactly what I did with my calendula. Gardening doesn't always have to be hard work. Sometimes the garden takes care of itself.
What plants do you have reseeding in your garden every year?
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off your $75+ purchase. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Garlic Scapes 101: How to Harvest, Freeze, Dehydrate & Freeze DryThe Provident Gardener2026-06-06 | You're leaving one of the most flavorful harvests in your entire garden on the ground — and you don't even know it. Garlic scapes are the curly tops of hardneck garlic, and they taste like a delicious cross between garlic, green onions, and asparagus — something you simply cannot find in any store or restaurant.
In this video, I'll show you exactly when and how to harvest garlic scapes, why cutting them off actually gives you bigger garlic bulbs, and the best ways to preserve them — fresh in the fridge, frozen, dehydrated, or freeze dried. Then we'll put them to work in a gorgeous Asian-inspired salad with a garlic scape dressing that will completely blow your mind.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.What to Plant in Your Garden in June — Direct Sow These for a Great HarvestThe Provident Gardener2026-06-04 | Not everything needs to be started indoors — here's what I'm planting directly in the ground in June and why it actually grows better this way.
My Amazon Storefront for all of my favorites! https://a.co/d/02zbv191
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off a $75 purchase. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Did you know that some of the best crops in your summer garden actually do better when you skip the transplants and just put the seeds right in the ground? Today I'm sharing everything I'm direct sowing in my garden at the beginning of June — and why I think this method is better, easier, and more economical than starting these crops indoors or buying transplants. Whether you feel like you missed your window to start a garden this year or you just want to know what you can still get in the ground in June — this video is for you. Send it to someone who thinks it's too late to start a garden, because it is not.
Vegetables: Pumpkins (Peanut Pumpkin, Jack O' Lantern, Casper, Blue Jarrahdale, Baby Boo, Small Sugar, Jack Be Little) Summer squash (Zucchino Rampicante, Grey, Black Beauty, Straightneck, Golden) Winter squash (Acorn, Waltham Butternut, Spaghetti Melons (Hearts Of Gold, Hale's Best) Cucumbers (Marketmore, China Jade, Armenian, National Pickling, Muncher) Pole beans (Kentucky Wonder) Bush beans (Odeon Bush, Royal Burgundy, Contender, Provider, Wax)
Why I prefer direct sowing these crops:
Many of them grow so fast that starting them indoors isn't necessary Some don't like their roots disturbed and transplant shock can set them back It is so much more economical — a packet of seeds versus buying individual transplants
I'm also running a little experiment in this video — I bought transplants of cantaloupe and pumpkins and I'm planting them right alongside the same varieties from seed. My theory? In about a month you won't be able to tell the difference. I'll be coming back to report on the results so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss it!
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Last Years Work Is Feeding Me Now | The Power of a Prepared GardenThe Provident Gardener2026-05-30 | Life got hard — and my garden kept growing anyway. Here's what an established, resilient kitchen garden looks like when the gardener has to step back. This spring brought health challenges, a loss in our family, and more on my plate than I could handle. My kitchen garden was the last thing I could tend. But here's what I discovered: last year's Kylene was taking care of this year's Kylene. Perennials came back on their own, self-seeded lettuce showed up ready for salads, garlic planted last fall is nearly harvest-ready, and the herbs are absolutely thriving — all without me lifting a finger this spring.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.How to Plant Tomatoes and Peppers for a More Abundant HarvestThe Provident Gardener2026-05-28 | We planted 46 tomatoes and 77 peppers today — and we don't follow all the rules to do it.
Amazon Storefront for all my gardening favorites: https://a.co/d/02r8MGcH
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Today was one of our biggest gardening days of the year — getting all of our tomatoes and peppers into the ground and into their permanent summer home. And we do a few things a little differently than what most people will tell you to do. In this video my husband Rob and I are walking you through exactly how we planted 77 peppers and 46 tomatoes across our raised beds, including why we plant more densely than recommended, how we plant our tomatoes deep for better root development, and what we put in the bottom of each hole to give our plants the best possible start. I also brought in Kylene to share how she plants her tomatoes — because she does a few things differently than I do and her method is absolutely worth knowing about too.
What we cover in this video:
How we plant peppers densely and why it works for us Why we plant tomatoes deep and how to do it Worm castings in the planting hole for tomatoes How we use drip irrigation to guide plant placement Our string trellising system for growing tomatoes in a small space Why we love interplanting in our tomato beds Kylene's method — comfrey leaves, bone meal, gypsum, and nutra mulch compost
We grow a lot of tomatoes and peppers because we preserve a lot — salsa, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and more. If you want to grow enough to actually fill your pantry, this video is for you. We may break a few rules, but it helps us grow more food for our family. And at the end of the day that is what the Provident Gardener is all about.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.The Best Way to Preserve Basil (The Answer Might Surprise You)The Provident Gardener2026-05-23 | I’m harvesting 7 different basil varieties from my greenhouse today — each with its own distinct flavor profile perfect for different dishes. Whether you love classic Italian cooking, spicy Thai curries, or medicinal herbal teas, you’ll find the perfect basil here. We'll also explore the best ways to preserve basil so you can have that fresh basil flavor all year long.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.When Should You Really Plant Your Summer Garden? | Zone 6B Planting TipsThe Provident Gardener2026-05-20 | Before you rush to get your summer garden in the ground, here's what you actually need to know.
Amazon Storefront for all my gardening favorites! https://a.co/d/06ih28MS
It happens every single spring. The weather starts to warm up, everyone gets excited, and summer crops go in the ground too early. And then the cold comes back and plants suffer — or worse, don't make it at all. Trust me, I've learned this one the hard way and even shed a few tears. In this video I'm sharing why a calendar date like Mother's Day is not a reliable planting guide, what your summer crops actually need before they go in the ground, and how to watch your forecast so you can make a confident decision about when to plant. What your summer crops prefer for nighttime temperatures:
Tomatoes: at least 50°F Peppers: at least 60°F Cucumbers, squash, melons, and pumpkins: at least 60°F
Knowing your growing zone is important, but watching your actual forecast is even more important when it comes to actually planting things outside. A few extra days of patience before planting can save you weeks of setback. I'm in zone 6B and I share exactly what I look for before I put my summer crops in the ground — and why as of filming this video, my tomatoes and peppers are still safely indoors. Whether you have already planted and are worried about upcoming temperatures, or you are still waiting to plant and wondering when the right time is — this one is for you.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.5 Mistakes New Gardeners Make — Including the #1 Reason Most People Give UpThe Provident Gardener2026-05-16 | If you are new to gardening — or have tried before and given up — these are the five mistakes you need to avoid before you ever put a single plant in the ground.
Amazon Storefront with all my gardening favorites! https://a.co/d/0hRvbvdT
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off your purchase of $75+. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
I want you to be a successful gardener from day one. And that means talking honestly about the mistakes that cause so many new gardeners to give up before they ever really get started — including the number one mistake I made myself in one of my first years of gardening. In this video I am walking you through five common mistakes new gardeners make before they ever put a single plant in the ground. Avoid these and you are already so far ahead of the game. The 5 mistakes we cover:
Not knowing why you want to garden Not putting your garden in the right location (and not planning for water with that location) Not knowing how you actually want to garden Not knowing what to actually plant The #1 mistake — trying to do too much too fast
Gardening is a skill and like any skill it takes time to learn. The goal in your first garden is not a perfect harvest. The goal is to learn, enjoy it, and come back next year ready for more. Small and thriving will always beat big and overwhelming. This is the first video in a brand new beginner gardener series here on the Provident Gardener and I am so excited about it. If you know someone who is just getting started in their garden please share this video with them! And if you are a seasoned gardener, drop your best tips and advice in the comments below. Let's all work together to help others grow successfully.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Turn Your Backyard Into a Food-Producing Paradise | Stunning Raised Bed GardenThe Provident Gardener2026-05-13 | What if your backyard could produce abundant food—even with heavy rain, mature trees, shade, squirrels, and difficult soil? In today’s video, we tour an absolutely stunning raised bed garden in Virginia Beach and uncover the smart design choices that make this backyard both beautiful and incredibly productive.
Whether you live in a suburban neighborhood, have lots of trees, deal with poor drainage, or simply want to grow more food at home, this video is packed with inspiration and practical gardening ideas.
Thanks for joining me in the garden!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Gifting My Mom Her Own Strawberry Patch — A GreenStalk Garden Gift IdeaThe Provident Gardener2026-05-09 | I'm giving my mom back a piece of my childhood — her very own little u-pick strawberry patch.
Full Amazon storefront with all my gardening favorites: https://a.co/d/0iFiQqA9
When I was a little girl, my parents had a u-pick strawberry patch on our farm. People from all over the community would come to pick their own strawberries, and I even got to help run it alongside my sisters — handing out buckets and weighing the bounty when people came back in from the field. It is one of my favorite childhood memories. My dad has since passed and my mom no longer lives on that farm, but today I get to give her a little piece of that back — her very own little u-pick strawberry patch, courtesy of a GreenStalk three tier vertical planter planted up with strawberries and gifted with love. In this video I'm walking you through why I chose the GreenStalk for this gift, how I planted it up, and how I turned the top reservoir into a little gift basket filled with everything she needs to get started growing her own strawberries. What I included in the gift basket:
GreenStalk strawberry cups Gardening gloves Small pruners GreenStalk magazine GreenStalk bee magnet Homemade strawberry freezer jam Chocolate (because every mom deserves chocolate)
The GreenStalk spinning base and watering lid with the leaf opening were add-ons I included because I think they are absolutely worth it and make the whole experience even easier and more enjoyable. One of the things I believe most deeply is that anyone can grow their own food. And sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is help someone else believe that too. Gifting a GreenStalk isn't just giving someone a planter — it's giving them the experience of growing food with their own hands. Our affiliate link for GreenStalk Garden is in the description below — it will automatically apply our discount code at checkout! @GreenStalkGarden #ad #sponsored
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.My Seedlings Stopped Growing — Heres What Was Wrong and How I Fixed ItThe Provident Gardener2026-05-06 | When my seedlings stopped growing, I played detective — here's everything I tried and what finally fixed it.
Back in February I started all of my tomatoes and peppers from seed like I do every year. They germinated beautifully and then just stopped. No true leaves, no new growth, nothing. For weeks I kept waiting, wondering if I was just being impatient (not an unusual thing for me!). But eventually I knew something was wrong and I had to figure it out. In this video I'm taking you back through the whole process — every thing I checked, every thing I tried, and the little experiment I ran that finally revealed the culprit. Because if this happened to me after years of successfully starting seeds, it could happen to you too. Things I investigated:
Soil pH, moisture, and temperature Heat mat use after germination Airflow and room temperature Soil quality and nutrient availability
The experiment I ran: I split my seedlings into three groups — one left exactly the same, one left in the same soil but given plant food, and one transplanted into completely different potting soil. After 12 days the results were clear and I finally had my answer. I'll also share the one extra observation that confirmed for me without a doubt what the real problem was — and it had nothing to do with anything I was doing wrong as a gardener. The good news? Most of my tomatoes and peppers are now growing beautifully and will be ready for the garden in just a few weeks. Don't give up on your struggling seedlings — a little detective work can go a long way. Hit that subscribe button to follow all of our garden adventures! Thanks for. being here!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Seed Snail Method: The EASIEST Way to Start Onions from SeedThe Provident Gardener2026-05-02 | Forget expensive seed trays — a scrap of bubble wrap and a little soil is all you need to grow the most beautiful onion starts you've ever seen. In this video, I'm taking my garden snail full of healthy onion starts and planting them out in my garden. I'll walk you through exactly how the seed snail method works, why it produces such strong, vigorous plants, and my best tips for getting big, beautiful onion bulbs every single time.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, the garden snail method is one of the most inexpensive, effective, and satisfying ways to grow your own food. Even a small patch of soil in your backyard can produce the kind of fresh, local onions that make every dinner better.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Get the plans for our Integrated Passive Energy Greenhouse (IPEG) at payhip.com/TheProvidentPrepper. We spent years designing these plans, and I wish that something like this had been available to us. You are welcome!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.How to Build a Cattle Panel Trellis (Arches, Flat & Tomato Cages!)The Provident Gardener2026-04-29 | Build a cattle panel trellis that's strong, beautiful, and built to last — arches, flat trellises, and more!
T-Post Clips: amzn.to/48vv2Je I purchased my t-post clips from Lowe's where you can get a smaller quantity for a lower price.
Cattle Panel purchased from local farming supply store
Amazon Storefront for all my gardening favorites: https://a.co/d/03acos4T
In this video, I'm breaking down one of my favorite garden structures — the cattle panel trellis. With just four simple supplies and less than an hour of setup time, you can create a trellis system that is strong, versatile, and gorgeous in your garden. I'll walk you through two of our favorite configurations — the arched tunnel trellis and the horizontal flat trellis — plus a bonus tip from Kylene on how she uses cattle panel as heavy-duty tomato cages that never topple over. Whether you have raised garden beds or an in-ground garden, cattle panel trellises work beautifully for cucumbers, squash, melons, pole beans, tomatoes, and so much more. And because the horizontal trellis sits lower to the ground, it's also a great accessible gardening option for kids and anyone who needs to garden from a seated position. Supplies mentioned in this video:
16 ft x 4 ft cattle panel 6 ft or 7 ft T-posts T-post clips Post pounder Pliers
Once you try cattle panel trellises in your garden, you'll wonder why you ever used anything else.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.How Im Building a Drought-Resistant Food Landscape for Pennies on the DollarThe Provident Gardener2026-04-25 | Conservation District Seedling Sales are one of the best-kept secrets ever! You can get great plants native to your area for only a few dollars a piece. I'm incredibly grateful for these programs. This link will take you to a directory where you can find the districts closest to you: nacdnet.org/general-resources/conservation-district-directory
**Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint. **Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Thanks for joining me in my garden! DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.5 Tier Greenstalk Vertical Planter Unboxing + First SetupThe Provident Gardener2026-04-20 | GreenStalk planter unboxing: see exactly what comes in the 5 tier vertical garden and how it looks right out of the box plus the extra accessories I chose!
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off your order of $75+. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Amazon Storefront for all of my gardening favorites! https://a.co/d/04GhpOWX
In this video, I’m unboxing the GreenStalk 5 tier vertical planter so you can see exactly what it looks like right out of the box and what’s included.
If you’ve been considering a GreenStalk planter or just want a closer look before buying, this will give you a clear idea of how it comes packaged, what pieces are included, and how it all fits together.
I walk through:
What comes in the box The different components and layers Accessories like the spinner base and lid How simple it is to stack and set up
This is not a full review—just a straightforward look at the GreenStalk planter so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your garden.
🌱 GreenStalk planters are a great option if you want to grow more food in a small space, whether that’s on a patio, porch, or in your garden.
If you’re interested in growing your own food and creating a more self-sufficient lifestyle, you’re in the right place. We share practical tips on gardening, preserving, and cooking from what we grow.
Let me know in the comments—what would you plant in a vertical planter like this?
And if you want to follow along as we use this planter throughout the season, be sure to subscribe!
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Why Every Gardener Needs to Visit a Farmers Market (It Will Change How You See Your Garden)The Provident Gardener2026-04-18 | Have you ever driven past a farmers market sign and kept going? After this video, you won't. Today I'm taking you on a tour of the Gilbert Farmers Market — and we're looking at it through the eyes of a gardener, not just a shopper.
Whether you're growing food in your backyard, dreaming of a flexible side hustle, or just looking for inspiration to level up what you're already doing in the kitchen and garden, a farmers market is one of the best places you can spend a Saturday morning.
We'll walk through fresh produce, artisan breads, homemade jams and jellies, local honey, specialty seasonings, handcrafted soaps, and so much more. Along the way, I'll share what caught my eye, what inspired me, and how YOU can recreate many of these products right at home — or maybe even sell them yourself someday.
Because here's the truth: the food you grow, the things you bake, the skills you've built — they have real value, even if nobody's put a price tag on your backyard tomatoes yet.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Thanks for joining me in my garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Don’t Plant Until You Do These 5 ThingsThe Provident Gardener2026-04-15 | How to prepare your garden beds for spring planting (5 simple steps for a healthy, productive garden).
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Getting your garden ready for spring planting doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In this video, I’m walking you through the 5 simple things I do every year to prepare my garden beds for a successful growing season.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do before planting your garden in the spring, this is a great place to start. These steps will help you build healthy soil, avoid common mistakes, and set your plants up to thrive from the very beginning.
In this video, I cover:
How to clean up your garden beds (and what NOT to pull out) Why you should check your drip irrigation before planting Simple ways to add nutrients back into your soil How to test your watering system for better coverage Why watering your beds before planting makes a big difference
Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to simplify your process, these are easy, practical steps that will save you time and help you grow more of your own food.
🌱 If you’re working toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle and want to grow, harvest, and cook your own food, you’re in the right place.
Let me know in the comments—what do YOU do to prepare your garden for spring?
And if you want to follow along as we grow our garden this season, be sure to subscribe!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.No More Bare Soil! The Living Mulch Strategy That Changes EverythingThe Provident Gardener2026-04-11 | Are weeds taking over your garden or greenhouse? Stop fighting Mother Nature and start working with her instead! In this video, I'm sharing the ground cover strategies I use in my greenhouse — and they work just as well in your outdoor garden too.
Whether you're managing a greenhouse or an outdoor garden bed, ground cover is one of the simplest shifts you can make to spend less time weeding and more time harvesting.
You might also enjoy: **See our Seed Snails video: youtu.be/dNh_q54wQ40 **Strawberries also make a great edible ground cover, but in this video, we planted them in a GreenStalk vertical planter youtu.be/_L59_EYCOXE **Some seeds require cold stratification to germinate well. Check out how easy it is to cold stratify them in the refrigerator youtu.be/2OToC5XwgQg
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
Thanks for joining us in the garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Old Potting Soil? Here’s How I Bring It Back to LifeThe Provident Gardener2026-04-08 | Vego Garden EZ Cube Self-Watering Planter: vegogarden.com/products/the-ezcube-planter-21-x-48?variant=40674028847139 use code: PROVIDENTGARDENER10OFF for $10 off your purchase!
Amazon Storefront for all of my gardening favorites! https://a.co/d/06iWQ3E9
Think you have to throw away your old potting soil every year? Think again.
In this video, I’m showing you exactly how I revive and reuse my potting soil so I can save money, reduce waste, and still grow healthy, productive plants. If your containers are looking dry, depleted, or lifeless after a season—don’t toss that soil just yet.
I’ll walk you step-by-step through:
How to break down and clean out old potting soil What to add back in to restore nutrients How much new soil to mix in Simple ways to improve soil health for the new growing season
Gardening doesn’t have to be expensive—and sometimes the best results come from using what you already have.
If you’re growing in containers, raised beds, or planters, this is a simple habit that can make a big difference.
🌱 What do YOU do with your old potting soil each year? Let me know in the comments!
And as always… don’t be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails so you can turn that dirt into dinner.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Shopping for quality hard-to-find specialty plants? Visit Wellspring Gardens. I've been incredibly happy with the quality of the plants I have purchased wellspringgardens.com/PROVIDENT-PREPPER.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Free Seed Starting Method Produced Hundreds of Healthy SeedlingsThe Provident Gardener2026-04-04 | Have you heard of seed snails? This clever, budget-friendly seed starting method might just change the way you grow! In this video, I share how I discovered seed snails — and why I'm absolutely hooked.
Whether you use windowsill insulation foam or bubble wrap from your last Amazon order, seed snails let you start hundreds of healthy seedlings using very little soil and almost no money. I'm using them right now to grow plants for our native pollinator garden, and the root development is honestly incredible.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.You DON’T Need a Big Garden to Grow Your Own Food (5 Ways To Grow Your Own Food Without a Garden)The Provident Gardener2026-04-02 | Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Think you need a big garden to grow your own food? Think again.
In this video, I’m sharing 5 simple and practical ways to grow your own food—even if you don’t have a garden or feel like you don’t have the space. For years, I believed I needed a large, dedicated garden to make it work… but I’ve learned that’s just not true.
Whether you live in an apartment, have a small yard, or just feel limited on space, there are still so many ways you can start growing food for your family.
In this video, I’ll show you: • How to grow food in containers (even with what you already have) • How to maximize space by growing vertically • How to find hidden or overlooked growing spaces around your home • Creative ways to garden through community and shared spaces • Why starting small is the key to actually getting started
If you’ve ever felt like growing your own food isn’t realistic for you, I hope this video helps you see that it is—and that you can start right where you are.
Because you don’t need a perfect setup… you just need to start.
🌱 I’d love to hear from you in the comments: What’s ONE way you could start growing food where you are?
And as always— don’t be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails so you can turn that dirt into dinner.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Why Your Backyard Garden Wont Feed Your Family (But This Will)The Provident Gardener2026-03-30 | If you're counting on your backyard garden to feed your family in an emergency, this video is your wake-up call. The math is brutal — and most gardeners don't realize it until it's too late. Today, I'm breaking down exactly why a typical backyard garden falls short on calories, and sharing my top 10 survival crops that actually matter when it counts.
We'll also talk about how stacking systems — like chickens, fruit trees, and the right crops — can get you much closer to true food security. And I'll share the one piece of the puzzle that ties it all together.
The best time to learn to garden isn't when disaster strikes — it's right now. So don't be afraid to get a little bit of dirt under your fingernails and turn that dirt into dinner.
Thanks for joining me in my garden!
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Grow 30 Plants in 2 Square Feet?! GreenStalk Vertical Planter Setup + Planting a Spring GardenThe Provident Gardener2026-03-25 | Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener . Our link gets you $10 off a $75+ order! These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Think you don’t have room to grow your own food? Think again.
In today’s video, I’m showing you how I set up and plant a GreenStalk vertical planter to grow a full spring salad garden — all in just 2 square feet. With this simple setup, you can grow up to 30 plants in one small space, making it perfect for patios, small yards, or anyone without a traditional garden.
I’ll walk you through: • How to set up a GreenStalk vertical planter step-by-step • How the watering system works • What I planted for a spring salad garden (lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs & more) • Tips for planting and spacing in vertical containers • Why this is a great option for small-space gardening
This setup is simple, efficient, and a great long-term investment if you want to grow your own food at home—even if you only have a tiny space to work with.
Whether you're new to gardening or looking for creative ways to grow more food, this vertical gardening system makes it possible.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments: What would YOU grow in a vertical planter like this?
And remember—don’t be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails so you can turn that dirt into dinner… or in this case, fresh salads right from your patio.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.How to Prune a Young Fruit Tree for the First Time (Real Results on a 1-Year-Old Tree)The Provident Gardener2026-03-23 | Pruning your fruit trees might look brutal — but it's the secret to a bigger, healthier harvest every year. In this video, I walk you through exactly how to prune your fruit trees using the open vase (upside-down umbrella) method — one of the best techniques for maximizing airflow, sunlight, and fruit production. We even head over to my daughter-in-law Amanda's house to prune her trees for the very first time, so you can see the whole process in real time!
I LOVE my electric cordless pruners! Here are links to the ones I purchased. **MtiolHig Electric Cordless Pruning Shears (uses DeWALT 20V battery) amzn.to/4bNFOLN **Worx 20V Power Pruning Shears amzn.to/4t8gOGc **Bypass Pruners on Amazon amzn.to/4butLUM
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
Thanks for joining me in my garden! Don't be afraid to get a little bit of dirt under your fingernails and turn that dirt into dinner.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Winter Sowing: What Worked, What Failed & What I’d Do DifferentlyThe Provident Gardener2026-03-18 | Survival Garden Seeds: survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=PROVIDENTGARDENER use code: PROVIDENTGARDENER for 10% off
It’s been over a month since I planted seeds in milk jugs using the winter sowing method… and today we’re finally opening them up to see what actually happened.
In this video, I’m sharing my real results from winter sowing 50+ containers — what worked really well, what didn’t go as planned, and what I’ll be doing differently next time.
With unpredictable weather this year (including sudden heat!), I had to open my jugs earlier than usual. Some plants absolutely thrived, especially cool weather crops like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and onions. Others… not so much (looking at you, basil).
I’m also sharing: • Why I opened my jugs early • Which plants did best with winter sowing • What failed and why • An experiment with soil blocks + winter sowing (and why I’m excited about it!)
If you’ve ever wondered whether winter sowing actually works — or if it’s worth trying — this video will give you a real, honest look at the results.
Winter sowing is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start seeds: no grow lights, no indoor space, just simple containers, soil, and nature doing the work.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments: How did your winter sowing turn out this year? What worked (or didn’t)?
And remember — don’t be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails so you can turn that dirt into dinner.
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.8 Plants You Should Direct Sow Instead of Starting IndoorsThe Provident Gardener2026-03-12 | Survival Garden Seeds: survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=PROVIDENTGARDENER use code: PROVIDENTGARDENER
Starting seeds indoors under grow lights is a great way to extend your gardening season, especially in colder climates like Zone 6. But over the years I’ve learned that not every plant actually needs that head start. Some crops grow so fast that direct sowing them in the garden works just as well — and sometimes even better.
In this video, I’m sharing the plants I used to start indoors but don’t anymore. By planting these seeds directly in the garden, I avoid transplant shock, save space under my grow lights, and simplify my seed starting setup.
You might be surprised how quickly some of these plants grow once they’re planted outside!
In this video I talk about: • Squash (summer and winter) • Pumpkins • Cucumbers • Melons • Bush beans (and pole beans) • Zinnias • Sunflowers
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by starting too many seeds indoors, this might help you simplify your gardening process and focus your indoor seed starting on the crops that truly benefit from it — like tomatoes and peppers.
Gardening is always a learning process, and sometimes the best improvements come from questioning the way we’ve always done things.
I'd love to hear from you in the comments: What plants did you stop starting indoors and now direct sow in your garden?
And remember — don’t be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails so you can turn that dirt into dinner.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Starting Tomato Seeds in Vego Garden’s Seed Trays (Honest Review + Comparison)The Provident Gardener2026-03-04 | Vego Garden: glnk.io/vzw5/3oh Use our code: PROVIDENTGARDENER10OFF
If I could only start one thing indoors every year, it would be tomatoes.
This year I’m growing close to 40 tomato plants (and starting 148!), and instead of buying expensive nursery starts, I’m starting every single one from seed. In this video, I’m showing three different ways I’ve started tomatoes:
My tried-and-true red cup method
Soil blocking
And the new seed starting trays from Vego Garden
I reached out to Vego Garden to test their trays because I wanted something durable and long-lasting — not the flimsy trays that crack, warp, and make watering frustrating. In this video, I share my honest first impressions, demonstrate how the built-in watering reservoir works, and compare them to both budget trays and my traditional cup method.
We’ll talk about:
Why tomatoes are the backbone of our garden
How planting depth affects root strength
Air pruning and why it matters
Why starting seeds indoors is essential in Zone 6
Using heat mats to improve germination
How to build a stronger root system before transplanting
Starting seeds indoors is an investment up front, but it allows us to extend our growing season and grow hundreds of dollars worth of food for just pennies per plant.
I’ll be sharing updates as these three methods grow so we can see if there’s a noticeable difference by transplant time.
Have you started your tomatoes yet? What’s your favorite method?
And as always, don’t be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails so you can turn that dirt into dinner. 🍅🌱
Shop GreenStalk Planters rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use our link to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Vertical Strawberry Planter: Harvest More Strawberries in Less Space!The Provident Gardener2026-02-28 | Grow 30 Strawberry Plants in One Planter! What if you could grow an incredible strawberry harvest in just a few square feet? Vertical gardening makes it possible. In this video, we show exactly how we planted our GreenStalk vertical planter with everbearing strawberries to maximize space, simplify watering, and grow more food with less effort.
This system is perfect for greenhouses, patios, small yards, or anyone serious about increasing food production and building real food security at home. Check out the GreenStalk Planters here: rstr.co/greenstalkgarden/providentgardener. Use the promo code PROVIDENT to get $10 off. These beautiful planters are a fantastic way to grow a lot of food in a tiny footprint.
These planters allow you to: • Grow up to 30 plants in just 4 sq ft • Water everything from the top • Easily rotate for even sunlight • Harvest without bending over • Grow more food in less space
Vertical gardening is one of the easiest ways to increase your harvest and become more self-reliant—no matter where you live.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.Simple Basement Grow Light Setup (Shelf + LED Specs Included)The Provident Gardener2026-02-25 | Grow Lights: amzn.to/4ceCfjv Heat Mats: amzn.to/4s8x5Kz View My Amazon Storefront full of all my gardening favorites: amazon.com/shop/theprovidentgardener?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_YB8WQF0QS7GVPCT51RSZ
It may be snowing outside… but in our basement, spring has already begun.
In today’s video, I’m sharing our simple basement grow light setup that we’ve used for years to start hundreds (even thousands) of plants indoors. You don’t need a greenhouse or a special room — just a basic shelf, full spectrum LED grow lights, and a little preparation.
I’ll walk you through:
The 4-foot, 40W full spectrum LED lights we use
How we attach them to our shelves
Why we use two lights per shelf
How we adjust height as plants grow
Using heat mats for peppers
How we automate light timing with a smart plug
Why this upfront investment has paid off year after year
We live in Zone 6, where the garden can’t go outside until late spring — sometimes even June. Starting seeds indoors allows us to extend our growing season and be ready the moment the soil warms up.
This setup isn’t fancy. It’s not complicated. But it works — and it has allowed us to grow hundreds of healthy plants right here in our basement while there’s still snow on the ground.
If you're looking for a simple, economical way to start seeds indoors, I hope this gives you ideas and confidence to begin.
Let me know in the comments: What grow light setup have you used before? Is this something you’d try in your basement?
And remember — don’t be afraid to get a little dirt on your fingernails and turn that dirt into dinner. 🌱
DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making decisions regarding your health, gardening practices, or any activities shown in this video. You are solely responsible for your own actions and any consequences that may result from following the information presented. Affiliate Links: This description may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our channel and allow us to continue creating content. Copyright Notice: All content in this video, including but not limited to video footage, audio, graphics, and written materials, is the copyrighted property of The Provident Gardener. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The Provident Gardener. Limitation of Liability: The Provident Gardener and its creators shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of information presented in this video. Viewers participate in any activities at their own risk. By watching this video, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer.