Our Story
As a child, my siblings and I spent many hours working together in our family’s large garden. We picked endless rows of beans, husked corn, harvested tomatoes and LOTS of zucchini and enjoyed many tasty meals made with ingredients from our own garden. We also all helped my mom can and freeze the many vegetables that we grew. It was so much fun to see our extra freezer stuffed with bags of frozen beans and corn, and the rows of mason jars on our basement shelves filled with colorful, garden fresh produce. It was especially rewarding in the winter to pull a package of our own green beans out of the freezer to eat for dinner, knowing that we worked hard to harvest and preserve them the summer before. Growing up in Colorado – where we couldn’t grow anything outdoors in the wintertime – this was a huge treat!
Being raised with these experiences helped me appreciate eating fresh, healthy food. After I got married, I never liked the thought of eating highly processed grocery store food, but had never grown my own garden outside of my childhood years. Several years ago, I became increasingly aware of how bad processed food is for our bodies, and was tired of produce from the store that had no flavor. I was equally worried about feeding my husband, Jerry, and our two children food potentially sprayed with pesticides and chemicals.
At this point in my life, I decided that I wanted to feed my family healthy, fresh food and have the pride and satisfaction of knowing that I grew it myself. I wanted the unmistakable intense flavor of homegrown vegetables that I remembered from growing up, but now on my own table for my own family. I love the outdoors and bright colors, and I wanted to create a colorful, beautiful space where I could get in touch with my own thoughts, the outdoors and the soil, and build happy family memories.
However, I found myself overwhelmed with all the information out there on how to grow a garden. It had been years since I was a child helping in my family garden and I didn’t know where to start. I wondered how I was going to make my new desires a reality in my already busy life, and felt limited by the small condo we where we lived.
Kim’s First Garden
When our family moved into our house in Southern California in 2011, I was excited to finally have a backyard, and I was determined to grow some of our own food! I labored many long hours digging out a weed-filled, hard packed corner of our backyard so I could plant my garden. Still not having a true direction on where or how to begin, I purchased vegetable plants from the local garden center, added bagged garden soil and chemical fertilizer to my tiny plot.
I remember the feeling of pride and accomplishment when I picked the ingredients for my very first salad that I grew myself! I was hooked and immediately emailed a picture to my mom and dad. I decided that I wanted to grow as much of my own food as I could and I was not looking back! However, that first year, I spent several hundred dollars purchasing the plants and other supplies for my garden (money that we didn’t really have) and I wasn’t growing organically. I needed to figure out how to grow organically and inexpensively.
The following year, a friend told me about a concept new to me – starting seeds for my garden indoors before it was warm enough to plant outdoors rather than purchasing the plants from a garden center. He also told me about a simple and inexpensive way to start seeds indoors that would fit into my busy schedule. This method would make it easier for me as a busy working mother and wife to get my garden started. I started looking at seed company websites and was blown away at the incredible varieties, and beautiful colors of fruits, vegetables, and flowers available to order. I got so excited about the thought of growing my garden from seed, thus saving hundreds of dollars and couldn’t wait to order seeds that were rare, heirloom varieties that would not be available at a garden center.
I placed my first seed order and waited in anticipation for my package to arrive, dreaming everyday about the tasty, colorful vegetables and flowers I would be able to grow in my backyard. I became more and more excited at the prospect of creating a beautiful, peaceful space to grow healthy food for my family.
Setting Up The Shot – Extra Yardage Host Billy Derian
In the meantime, Jerry auditioned our family to be on a backyard remodel TV show, and we were selected! We were given a design and materials, and we provided the labor (40 of our friends came to help us for the filming weekend!). Our weed filled, hilly backyard was transformed into a beautiful, terraced oasis with tons of useable growing space for my garden. My dream was coming true!
I now had somewhere to plant all the seedlings that I would be growing as soon as my seed package arrived. Now that I was saving so much money by growing from seed, I couldn’t wait to get all the beautiful heirloom
Couldn’t wait any longer!
varieties planted outside, but I knew I didn’t want rely just on bagged soil to feed my plants, or use chemical fertilizer. I started researching ways to grow food without chemicals, and discovered many quick, inexpensive ways to do this. One of the things I discovered was composting! I decided that I would compost what I could in my own backyard to save even more money and that everything I did in the garden needed to be simple to fit into my busy schedule.
My new seeds grew into plants, and that spring I was able to get many of them in the ground. I enjoyed countless hours of “garden therapy” tending to my colorful vegetables. With the help of my family and friends, I was able to create the beautiful, peaceful outdoor space that I had wanted for so long. When the exciting time came to harvest it was so rewarding picking my own organic lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and squash (still LOTS of zucchini!) from plants that I grew myself from seed. I had such peace of mind knowing that I was growing tasty, healthy vegetables that I could be proud to feed my family and share with those I love!
Jerry has always been into cameras and video production and he and his camera buddys challenged each other to see who could post a viral video. We decided to film and post a video on YouTube of me showing how to use compost in my new garden. Although the video did not go viral, to our surprise, people started watching, subscribing and requesting more videos. We filmed more videos of me starting my new seeds indoors, and before we knew it – CaliKim29 Garden & Home DIY was in full swing on YouTube!
Four years later, we’ve posted over 370 YouTube videos teaching people how to grow their own food and be healthier as a result. Because most of our viewers are busy like us, and have never grown their own food before (just as I hadn’t), our videos are geared for someone who is just beginning to grow their own food, using quick, simple and inexpensive methods. We now have over 7 million views and nearly 50,000 subscribers who are growing their own food along with us, and loving being happier and healthier as a result.
Can you relate to my story? Do you want that feeling of pride growing your own fresh, tasty food for those you love but aren’t sure where to start? Is health a concern for you or someone you love? I can help you get started with my free growing guide, “Grow 3 Vegetables in 6 Weeks“. You’ll learn how to plant vegetables that grow from seed to table in just 6 weeks time – in a quick, simple, and inexpensive way. Click above to get started growing your garden today!
CaliKim’s eBook * CaliKim’s Garden Coloring Book * CaliKim’s Favorite Garden Products
I would just like to say I’m a fan of your channel I have a family of 8 and I just started my small garden and I learn so much from your channel on you tube one day I hope to have a big garden like yours
Hello Shenique – so awesome that you started a garden to feed your family healthy food! It’s truely one of the most rewarding things you can do for and with your family. I”m sure your kids will enjoy the time they spend with you out in the garden – the 3 veggies in the growing guide are perfect to grow with kids! Starting small is good, keeps it doable, you will enjoy it and add something new each season. Thanks for visiting the blog and for being a fan! Keep me posted on your garden!
Hello Calikim,
I have become a fan of yor channel. You have inspired myself and my family to start a small garden. We seem to be surviving through this process;however I need some help from you. My cucumber plant is growing great, but the cucumbers get to about 1 inch and dry up. Why is this happening?
Hello Tonya,
Thanks for being a fan – so glad you are learning and growing! Sounds like your cucumber is not getting pollinated properly. I’ve had this happen many times. I just posted a video last week on how to hand pollinate a watermelon, the process is the same for a cucumber. Watch this video for all the details,https://youtu.be/RltvTvEDiFc?list=PLH4z_9MDD00KNmI8ABb0zTlba7ox9oxYF. Hope this helps!
Hi CaliKim I love your videos and I love to plant. I have a red kidney bean plant that is growing indoors because there is snow outside in New York.
Hi Calikim, Please tell me why when I start my tomato seedlings they germinate but for some reason they turn yellow and stop growing and die? I did everything you said to do. I keeped them warm by keeping them on my furnace which is warm and not hot with a plastic cover for a green house effect. Please help, I’m on my third try. Thanks Don Vincenzo..
I have had huge gardens for years. But a couple of years ago some things changed on our property…one of them being the 100 plus trees my husband planted 20 years ago were starting to shade everything. The second was I turned 70 and though I don’t like it I decided to cut back and grow in containers as gophers are a terrible problem and I can’t keep up with a large garden anymore. I live in So Cal in the foothills of the inland empire. Anyway container gardening is great but a whole new game. I have one area of 3 acres that is sunny all day😂 Container gardening has not been as productive as I had hoped though. Then I stumbled Upon your video about growing large plants in containers and I’m so excited about a new approach and hoping for a more successful gardening summer.
Wow Kim, what an awesome start for your blog! Love the layout and the about us story! Thanks a bunch for the ebook as well! So beautifully made with amazing color and easy to read information. Looking forward to many more post on here…
Hello Rod – thanks so much for visiting me here – glad you like the ebook and the posts! Looking forward to sharing lots more great info. Thanks for all your support as well, love your testimonial and photo of you in your garden!
You guys are awesome. I love all the video’s and this website is another great extension to the channel. Looking forward to seeing what you do next and wishing you much success in the future
Thanks, Brian! Really appreciate all your support! Can’t wait to hear what you are going to grow in that garden of yours this summer. Maybe some more tomatoes?
Hey Kim amazing story I wanna know why my peppers aren’t growing and they’ve been in the ground for almost two months now!
Love your videos! If I have questions about gardening, I go to your page! I don’t have a green thumb but want to h ave a successful garden! I just signed up g or your blog as well! Love your recipes too!
Hello Maria – glad you like my videos on my YouTube channel and are here to visit too! Bet you have more of a great thumb than you think! What are you growing in your garden? Thanks for signing up here too – stay tuned for more info coming soon!
hiya, love your vids on gardening , just wanted to say if it ever stops raining here I’m going to get some plants in the ground, love this blog by the way great channel
Wonderful, Kord. I am so glad to know that you enjoy the videos. I hear you on the rain. Keep me posted on how it goes and I’ll see you here on the blog now, too!
Congratulations! This blog is amazing and totally you! 😀 I love it!
Cheers from Norway!
Hi Thomas – thanks so much for visiting me here! Glad you love it, looking forward to much more to come here – stay tuned!
I’ve been a subscriber for just about three years now. I seen one of your video’s while I was on a search to Plant tomatoes and there you were. I watched every video you had available that day and have been a fan ever since! You and your husband have helped me and so many others! This website is just another amazing notch to your success and inspiration to others! Congrats on your success’s and keep those video’s coming CaliKim and CameraGuy!
Lisamarie – thanks so much for all your support, encouragement and for being a fan! I always love seeing your comments on my channel and on IG. We are looking forward to going deeper on the blog, just getting started!
You’ve told my story!!! But it’s yours first! Lol! Amazing how invaluable growing up in this way is and then honoring that desire in your heart as an adult, reaping the beautiful bounty in so many ways!
You’ve been exceedingly inspirational in my own journey.
Sending love and gratitude!
So proud of you Cali – keep up the good work helping others.
We aren’t stopping, going strong here and loving it- thanks for your support and encouragement!
I Ordered some seeds for tomatoes and water melon when will I receive them I ordered them on the 25th of march thank you very much my name is Patricia Helton
I found you last year when I was looking for help on raising tomatoes and peppers. Wow did I get a lot of information……lots more than I knew existed on those and many other veggies as well. You stimulated my love of gardening. I appreciate camera guy too. Boy he loves to sample all those garden goodies and he’s so supportive. I appreciate you too for your saving money in the home videos. I’m using the laundry detergent and fabric softener recipe.
Thanks again! Looking forward to this new blog.
Congratulations! CaliKim for President!!! This is gonna be cool. I can see it already. Thanks much.
ha, ha, thanks, Tony! Appreciate your support! Looking forward to sharing more here in the coming weeks. Thanks for visiting!
hello I’m the Nectaria from Corfu Island in GREECE. Iam growing my own vegetables for 13 years from seeds than took from my own plants every year. Seeing your Video i think have frends and give me the strong to grow more and more. Thank you for the company. My chanel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNAO4egALdla_7zu53nSbig although you do not know the language’.
Nectaria, I am amazed that you are growing with your own seeds from all these years – way to go! Happy that you are part of this community – it’s a joy to be around like – minded, positive, supportive people here who really are friends. Keep on filming videos, as you read in our story, we started on a whim, and never knew it would grow to what it is today! Thanks for visiting the blog – look forward to seeing more of you here and on YouTube!
Hey Calikim,
Been following you for the last couple of years. What I so appreciate about you (and Gary Pilarchik, as well) is that you give 5 minutes of information in 5 minutes. It makes it so we can watch several of your videos if we need to and not lose an afternoon.
Anyway, I’m a big fan of yours and Cameraguy. I’ve learned so much from you and will continue to do so, I’m sure. Although, here in the midwest we are so jealous of you pulling a tomato off a plant in December!
PS–trying the Kellogg’s Breakfast for the first time this year based on your recommendation. Also, the Jimmy Nardello pepper. Can’t wait. Keep up the good work!
Hi Susan!! First, I want to thank YOU for your support and your encouraging comment. That really does encourage me to keep on gardening and filming. I so appreciate you taking the time to share this. And please do keep me posted on the Kelloggs and Jimmy’s!!
Will do, Kim!
Hey kim! first of all i want to say hello from Israel!!
I don’t remember how i met your channel but in last week, i watched one of your videos and right at this moment i became a fan of your channel! I watches all of your vlogs already and a lot of other videos. I love to see you harvesting and it gives me a lot of motivation. I want to mention that i am just 13 years old and i already know that in the future, when i will need to choose a house, i will first go to see the garden 🙂 . I went with my parents to the garden shop and i bought some basil, mint, tomato, and pea seeds and i planted them like you showed 🙂 i also cut some of the stems of the basil and placed them in water- they now starting to grow roots and i am realy exited 🙂 i have a very large garden and my dad is taking care of a lot of trees and flowers (in pots) but never got into herbs in vegetables. also i live in a kind of a dessert and the ground here is very hard and sandy and i am so jeloes of your ground 🙂 Also when i watched your strawberry videos i thought “why the heck this crazy woman wear short clothes?!” because here in Israel there are strawberries only in winter from February to March. i did some research and i was completely mindblown that strawberries can grow in summer so that is another thing i learned 🙂 So what i wanted to finally say is that you have a great channel and great garden and of course a great family and friends 🙂 keep showing your beatifull garden and your amazing gardening skills 😀 You helped me a lot and i want to say thank you and keep your great work! and cameraman thanks also 🙂
(sorry for my bad English…)
Gal, your comment is very special to me. I would like to ask you to keep me posted on how your garden is doing, please? I love to hear that you this channel/blog/community is so helpful to you. Your comment made me warm up inside with good feeling and even made me chuckle. Thank you, thank you, Gal. And do not apologize for your ‘bad English’. I understood you completely.
I’m such a huge fan of your videos. I also lives in CA and I love that we can growing vegetables here year round. I’ve started my own organic garden for about two years now and I’ve been so surprise of the things that I can grow. What I enjoy most is watching my two year old daughter picking fresh strawberries from the garden and put it right into her mouth. Thanks for your very helpful videos. I love all of them….
yes, Chong, we are spoiled here in so. cal aren’t we? And I adore the story of you and your daughter. That is exactly what it is all about. I nibble while I garden, too! Thank you, Chong!!
Hello Kim I like the raised bed you had in your latest video where you showed how to plant peppers. I wish all my garden beds where like that so I could sit on the side and garden that would be a breeze.
Yes, it is nice to be able to ‘sit’ like that. I get you; i do like the exercise aspect to gardening, too, but sometimes, the back does get sore!
Hi Kim,
6 weeks ago I got the itch to start my first garden. I quickly found your YouTube channel and have spent hours viewing it entertaining and educating myself. I’m so excited for my garden progression and to see what the future holds. I’m proud to say that last week I harvested my first item a zucchini that grew from about 4 inches to 10 inches in that last week. When asked what I would do with one zucchini, I immediately knew I would peel it into thin strips (noodles) based on another video of yours. It was delicious and I cannot wait to make so many more sauces and dishes fresh from my garden. Thanks for all you do!
Jasmine I LOVE stories like these! I just love your energy. Yes, you are on the right track with the zuchs! Thank you, thank you, thank you, for taking the time to write here! See you out on the videos-
Hello! I found your blog now. I first connected on facebook. I recently discovered that my Amazon Fire makes my tv a “smart” tv bringing up YouTube. Now, I watch you and MIGardener on the “big” screen. Both of you are absolutely awesome! I’ve gardened over 35 years starting with the Victory Garden guys (you had to WAIT each Saturday on PBS to see the next segment!!!). I’m laid up with a knee injury right now (at peak of planting ) but I’m enjoying all I can watch on your videos. Can’t wait to take many new ideas out to my garden. I’m gonna make the 5ft tomato cages as soon as I can. You are absolutely inspiring and extremely informative and highly innovative! Thank you for sharing your gardening life out here.
Darlene thanks for the very nice comment. I’m sorry that you are laid up at the moment! I hope our videos give you some good watching! How much longer til’ you are back out there?
Well, it’s been a four-week lay-up so far. PT 3 days a week started last week and already I can walk on my left leg now without pain! So yesterday was my first day back into the garden. I did two half-hour segments. UGH! still not the best yet, but at least I’m in it doing that much. My family is helping me (I’m usually a loner-gardener). Today I’ll mulch the tomato plants they put in for me for a half-hour. I’ve been juicing my collards/kale/spinach and drinking lots of water for healing. Your videos keep me lifted in hope and anticipation. *heart*
Thanks for sharing your story with us! Thanks to you guys I started my own container garden as soon as we moved into our new home! This is my second year and I’m excited to see where it takes me! If I’m successful, I will need to come up with ideas to turn my container garden into a gorgeous garden in my yard! Like you, I need help with that! Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Aww, Rebecca, I love your story! thanks so much for sharing and being with us as long as you have! You have always been so inspirational/supportive to me, I believe that there those that YOU will be an encouragement to. Please keep me posted!
Wow Kim your garden is so inspirational, knowing you started off as a “noob” like the rest of us! I am a 14 year old gardener and I hope my tomatoes yield as well as yours do !
Thanks, Nora, bu still very much a noob! HA! Thanks to folks in the community we all learn so much together! Thanks for stopping by-
Only our first little house had a good place to have a garden…wasn’t big enough, but it had a wide open yard in the back and had been farmland before the subdivision was started. The next house was in a woods, followed by an apartment and a condo with decks that only got a couple hours of sunshine on good days. We’ve now bought another house, still not a great place for a garden, but at least I have a few places I can grow things. We have been renovating for the last six months and haven’t even moved in yet, but I wanted to spend this summer experimenting…and so I have. I’m a little pumped that your intro e-book includes the three veggies I’ve had the most success in growing. Tonight, we’re eating lettuce, tomatoes, and basil that I grew. I’ve learned quite a bit in a short time, but I’m sure your u-tube videos will teach me a lot more. Thanks!
I was having problems with my vegetable plants so I started looking for ideas and solutions. I don’t remember how I stumbled upon your video but I’m sure glad I did. I am not a video person, I prefer reading rather than looking and listening 🙂 I also stumbled on Laura @gardenanswer a few months back for my spring and summer flower garden. So I had this smile on my face when you showed the succulent video the other day.
my flower and veggie gurus….my inspiration..my go to. Thank you for all you do and more power to your garden or shall i say fruits! I have to go video binging now…for the next planting season!
Hello Liza – you are so sweet – happy you are here – glad you are growing your own food and that that my videos are helping! Laura is so fun to work with too, love her succulent design for my front yard space.
Bet you can’t wait to get your fall garden started. Make sure to watch my “Growing Your Fall Garden” series starting next week on my YouTube channel. I just posted a preview video this morning, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4z_9MDD00IQd-lDl6WBHJZ8dA78lIpa. See you in the garden!
it was nice re reading you post it was lovely and i am more determining than every to be able to get the food from the garden rather than the shop we have fruit trees but were i want to plant the vegges I have some unwanted help from the dogs but i will keep working on it
I fell into gardening because I was tired of spending so much money on herbs. My first herb I grew was basil. I came across one of your videos on how to propergate basil and I was hooked! I watched more of your videos and was excited about how easy it was to grow a garden. I live in an apartment and I have onions, garlic, basil, tomatoes, roman lettuce, sage, and kale growing! It’s so much fun! Thanks for making it simple!
Hello Jacky,
So happy to hear you are growing your own food now! It certainly doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated – that’s the beauty of it. There are so many things you can grow in a container garden – gad you are having a ball and healthier as a result! Have you watched my “Growing Your Fall Garden Series”, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4z_9MDD00IQd-lDl6WBHJZ8dA78lIpa, on container gardening?
I grow parsley indoors in sunny window bought from those little plastic containers with in the supermarket. I put them at the window in my kitchen. But they always die within a few weeks. What can I do to keep my herbs alive in my kitchen???
Karina
Hello Karina – it’s fun to grow herbs at your fingertips in your kitchen! I would try transplanting them into a new container, most likely they are root bound, and need some nutrients to grow on your kitchen windowsill. For some parsley growing tips, check out the blog post, http://calikimgardenandhome.com/growing-cool-weather-herbs-in-containers-chives-cilantro-and-parsley/. Also see here how I grow herbs right outside my kitchen door in some beautiful planters that hang over my deck rail. A real space saver and looks beautiful too. Keep me posted on your parsley!
Thankyou!
I also have another question if you can advise? Do you know much about indoor grow lights? I recently bought a 7watt led grow light – heres the link https://www.aliexpress.com/item/LED-Grow-Light-with-360-Degrees-Flexible-Lamp-Holder-Clip-LED-Plant-Growth-Light-for-Indoor/32680706663.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.aKpGxk
I want to use it at night or when there is not enough natural light. Do you know much about how to use these? And is 7 watts for 8ish hrs a day costly in terms of electricity costs?
Thank you
i checked the light you got, the one you have are only good for one plant. i’m the seed keeper for my clan wolfclan. I’m a member of the St Regis mohawk tribe. we use 4 foot Florissant lights they work great you are able to use two lights side by side you can keep them about 2 inches from the plants tops as they don’t get to hot. good luck.
Yes, the light I use in my grow light box is good for a small quantity. If you are growing for a large group of people, you will definitely need a larger setup – glad you found one that works well for you. That’s what its all about – experimenting til you find what works in your situation. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Kim, I love your youtube videos and wait everyday to see what you are going to post. I never had a garden as a child because both of my parents worked. Then as a young adult I was in the military and moved around a lot so I didn’t have the opportunity to grow my own vegetables. After the military, we lived in an apartment for many years so again I didn’t have a garden. When I moved in with my fiance in 2015 I expressed to him that I had always wanted a garden and he was just as excited as I was to make it happen. We are still learning but we get a pretty good crop of whatever we plant. So thank you for giving me all the tips and inspiration every day.
Hello Chrys – I love that you are doing something now that you have always wanted to do – it must feel so great! Growing your own food is so rewarding, so tasty and healthy, and such a feeling of pride when you harvest those gorgeous veggies. Thanks so much for all your support, really do appreciate you visiting me here on the blog and for sharing such kind words too!
I will like to appreciate your effort because I have learned so much from your youtube channel. What variety of watermelon that I saw you grown in your garden? I love those elongated type and as a matter of fact I have not seen that type in my region (I am writing from West Africa, Cameroon).
I am student who wants to venture into agriculture and sell locally, please could you advice me? I was thinking of going in for tomatoes, Basil, watermelon and Tarragon. I also intend to get varieties of these herbs from USA and that is why I was so happy to have come across your youtube channel as well as your website. Hope to hear from you. Thank you so much.
Great story, Kim. And look at all those comments! Shows how many followers you have and great to hear the positive feedback you are getting. I’ve been watching your videos during my lunch hours for the past month or so (often while eating a fresh salad made from my own home-grown lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers!).
I also grew up with my parents growing vegetables at home here on the west coast of BC, Canada. When I moved into my own apartment I tried growing some tomato plants but didn’t have enough sunshine on my patio. Then when I moved into my first house I had enough room and my tomato plants were gigantic!
My wife and I bought our current house mainly because of the number of fruit trees in the backyard, everything from peaches, cherries, grapes and figs to pears, apples and even yellow plums. But of course I also wanted to grow my own veggies so I built some rudimentary raised beds, used the existing lean-to greenhouse for a few years and finally replaced the greenhouse with a custom-built cedar-framed one and this spring built some beautiful cedar raised beds with lots of space for veggies of all kinds.
Recently I also started my own garden blog, inspired by you and some of the other popular garden bloggers.
So glad you are enjoying the videos, Marc! Sounds like you have quite the orchard and garden growing- that must be such a beautiful sight in the spring! I can tell that you have invested much love and work into your place. Love that you have been inspired to start a garden blog and share your lessons learned with others. Teaching what we have learned and seeing others be able to benefit is almost as rewarding as gardening itself! =) Keep me updated on your lovely garden- happy gardening!
Hi Kim. I truly enjoyed your channel of gardening information which inspired me to expand my organic garden. Thanks for all the useful tips. Please keep them coming. Thanks!
So glad you are enjoying them, Miao! What are you growing in your garden right now? Thanks for watching and happy gardening!
Question. Do you have videos on raised bed gardening. I have moved to country and want to start a garden. My earth seems to be mostly sand. What are the chances of growing a good garden?
I am from SriLanka. I watched your all videos and through that I loved to gardening .as a result I got a mini garden. Because I don’t have enough space to grow them. Finally, thank you very much! Best of luck!
How important is planting vegetables by the moon phasesRian
Hi CaliKim,
I have always been a gardener. Mainly having small gardens and planting only tomatoes and peppers. This year im branching out to move bigger and exciting fruits and veggies. I want to know what can i do so i can have healthy flowers that wont turn yellow and fall off. I also have a small snell and slug problem. I am trying to take care of my plant with minimal pesticides. What do you recommend? Thanks I think you are the best
Love your story, Kim?, and love you videos on YouTube too. I started my small, beautiful garden 2 years ago. I’ll follow you to be a good gardener?. Thank you!
Super excited you started a garden!! Thanks for the support and and such kind words!Keep me posted!
I just recently found your YouTube channel and website. Loved reading your story and appreciate your sharing your knowledge. Having a very small area in which to plant our vegetables/herb garden, I have been learning a lot from you.
Hi Kim, It’s Camilla from Barbados. I always watch your live videos on a Monday so that I can get some real time help and advice. I started my garden because one I’ve had a green thumb since i was a kid and two I started growing my own vegetables because everything is SUPER expensive here, fruits and vegetables are almost triple what they cost in the states. So thank you for everything and I hope you continue to show us and teach us viewers more!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I do enjoy learning from your YouTube channel. I look forward to creating my own garden soon.
Thanks again,
AnitaT
Thank you for the kind words Anita!! So glad you’re enjoys the videos and super excited about you starting your garden!! I’m confident your family will find all the fun and benefits of a garden that mine do!!
Hello, Kim my wife and I live in Oklahoma. We have been gardening for many years. But we are always looking on the internet for better ways too garden. We want too work smarter not harder. We ran across your video about planting watermelon and using cattle panels and having the plant grow on the panels horizontally. But how do you curve the cattle panels make them horizontal? Also if you can grow watermelon on the cattle panels can you grow cantaloupe plants on cattle panels also. Could you help us with this? We would like too try it next year when we plant our garden. We already use cattle panels for our cucumbers. Any tips on a weed less beautiful garden?
Hey Tim!
Glad your enjoying the vids on growing watermelon vertically with cattle panels- we love it. It started as a hoop house and we decided it would be perfect for any vining plants especially melons of all types! I’ll leave you a link that will walk you through it. And the best solution for weeds is heavy mulching!! Thanks for stopping by! https://youtu.be/aMlX54LTLjE
Hello Calikim,
I been trying to have a garden for 2 years, produce was getting to expensive for this family of 4. Who loves to eat vegetables. I’m a stay at home mom, with only one income into the household, we never seem to have any extra saving for thing we want to do like vacationing. All our money goes into groceries. Eating organic is quite expensive here in New York. Thought I start gardening to help save some money. Last year was not successful, I had no clue what was doing. I planted so many seed and the only thing that year I harvest was potatoes. Even though there was nothing else in my garden survived, I was very proud of my potatoes salad made from that harvest. Still determined to do better, I started researching how to start my own garden successfully, I ran into your channel. This year I was able to keep all my plants alive with your great tips, it’s small garden. I still love it, and hope it will get larger. Thank you for sharing and being inspiring.
I have some very bad health problems, and so do most of my family members. I was injury on my job about 20 years ago and had to undergo a total replacement in my left knee, during this time I contracted a very bad infection and almost lost my life. however I work form home now, I own and operate a small Income tax preparation/ Notary service, so I now can make time for some of the things that I enjoy. And a few months ago, I decided that I wanted to work on my health and my eating problem. I have always kept a small container garden on my patio( peppers, tomatoes, and a few herbs). Anyway, I began using some of my produce in my salsa, and a few other dishes, and they were a hit with my family and friends, So next I added a few more plants to my garden, and included a Caribbean twist to some of my items, and I was told my a friend that I should try to sale my salsa and Caribbean pepper-sauce at own local farmers Market, and yes my products has became a hit. Now I have been offering my homemade jams, jellies, pickles, preserves, and more to the visits at owner home market for about 3 months now and my little business is going great. I offer some jellies, and jams that you can’t find in the local stores. I also call my products “designer” because I will add peppers, garlic, and other herbs to jams and jellies that you can’t find in the stores. And the kick is that “I enjoy it.” And I love growing my vegetables, and herbs right here in my garden. So I want to learn more about gardening on a budget and supplies my customer and my family with fresh healthy foods – I have cut out a lot of sugars in my preserves and add stevia, because I can grow it my self.
Hi Kim my is shelly start g Garden I planted tomatoes I planted squash zucchini I planted cucumbers and cantaloupes and sunflowers I planted pixie flowers cantaloupe that make it this year cuz it’s been too hot or well thank you welcome me Kim I am learning a lot of your videos
Hi Kim have ? What potting mix do you use cuz I’ve been using mirror grow and I’m seeing results nothing is growing but a little bitty and cucumber and everything else I was just wondering if you could help me out for next year have a good girl a good Garden 4 next year I live in Oklahoma Tulsa Oklahoma it’s always hot here inhuman thanks Shelly
Hey there Shelly, I have had great success with Good Dirt potting mix, http://good-dirt.com/products/potting-mix/. It grows veggies like nobody’s business, and lasts through 4-5 plantings if not more without having to replace the potting mix, saving money in the long run. Let me know how you like it – thanks for stopping by!
Good morning Kim & Jerry, after watching come of your videos I went out and purchased a bunch of items to get me started, I ordered a large variety of your seeds from you also. Kim I’m building raised beds, we live in Az. what mix do you want me to fill them with and layered how please?
I to am from Colo. where in Colo. are you from (I read your “story”)? How/where do I find your peppermint/worm team mixture for bugs?
I am really Impressed by all your efforts behind your current status . i am also involve in gardening specially Bulbus Plants growing & multiplying & saving them for next season. You are a catalyst for me in my passion for gardening , from my school time i am doing something evry day which increased my intrest in searching good & advanced things in gardening. Your work is excellent (without flattering) your videos are a great source of knowledge & practicall regarding safe & healthy kitchen gardening. In your succsess your husband had a great part (am i right ???). I started to watch your videos daily in my free time after work, these are so helpful for me .
You are also a model for house hold women who wants to get fresh & poisen free vegiz for their kitchen.
GBU.
So glad you’re enjoying the videos and blog! Thanks for your kind words and support!
What a great story! Love your videos! I’ve dabbled with organic gardening off and on for awhile but I really want to learn more effective composting methods & step up my gardening game!! ✌️?
I’ve read alot and am doing my first sprouting now for three days. I’m wanting the white body of the sprouts to be two inches. My question for you Kim is — Do I put them under darkness and wet them several times a day????? I heard you mention if you want greens then sit in window sill???? Am I right?? Whats the best course and whats the max amount of days trying to make them grow before putting them in the frig to wait for my benihana night with hubby lol….. Thanks really enjoy your blog.
I love you story and the transformation of your backyard. I live in Henderson, NV (right outside of Las Vegas). I have gardened for many years, since 1996 but always felt defeated when summer would hit and not really understanding what I was doing wrong. Then the world of technology came and my gardening knowledge has evolved. I still have challenges with vegetables but I have had great success with fruit trees. I have 15 established stone fruit trees, I have 7 that are alive but young (3 years or less). They really have to adapt to our summer heat. I have 8 figs trees (8 varieties) going in ground this winter. I have been watching your videos for several years now and have learned a lot with regards to growing vegetables and thank you for your videos! I have to contend with the occasion rat and many rabbits.
CaliKim,
Thank you for your many videos and great ideas. I have a small hill in my backyard that until this summer was covered in rogue trees. I cleared them and planted a few fruit trees, and then built some raised beds. I’ve got several more to build, but like you I’m enjoying the gardening experience. I ordered some seeds from you last week and can’t wait until they arrive. I’m hoping to get the late summer seeds in the ground soon and get one more quick planting and harvest in before the cold arrives. I live in Minnesota, zone 4, so I could be cutting it a little close, but it will be fun no matter what.
I am Albert Harris from West Africa to be precise Liberia and I just started following ur page, but I learned a lot of things from you you and I whish I could get the chance to communicate with you every day to learn more about vegetables crop’s
Hi Kim, I am disable, I use a electric wheelchair. I started planting because the doctor told me to exercise. I loss weight, but I started liking when the plants started growing and making, my grandkids did too. They helped alot. They did my foot work. I planted rutabagas, cabbage, carrots, turnips, mustards, onions, okra, squash, garlic, lettuce and peppers. My tomatoes are almost finished.
I like your shows and tips.
Hi Cali, thank you for sharing your garden acknowledge in gardening. I’m new to this.
I live in a condo with a big patio and decided (after waching your videos) to grow tomatoes, basil, parsley, thyme, dill and now I added 2 lemon trees.
The enjoyment of seeing your plants grow and harvesting the tomatoes is priceless. Every day I can’t wait get home to see how the tomatoes plants keeps growing. Now I am learning how to compose. Little by little I’m improving my acknowledge on how to grow vegetables. I’m considering on growing other vegetables, but first I need to convince my husband, he thinks I’m going too far with this! Thank you once again for inspiring me!!!
Wish you and your family a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year 2020!🥂🍾🎉🎉🎉
Hi, I have been gardening for 50+ years and enjoy watching your videos. I grew up like you with a dad that didn’t know the term “Master Gardener ” but he was one. He homesteaded in Wray, Colorado in the early 1900’s. You must draw from that I am old, you are RIGHT. I live in north central Alabama and we have unique challenges. We see Winter temperatures in the teens and Summer temperatures in 100+. This year July and August NO RAIN and a severe DROUGHT. I changed to permaculture for the first time. Tomatoes survived but that is all. I have a greenhouse that I am going to grow hydroponic plants. I watch your videos and try to adapt your ideas to Alabama.
Thanks,
HI Kim, I’m a new fan and I’m very grateful of your unselfish nature to share what you know about gardening! I admire a person who shared their knowledge with the world, and I’m very happy to have found you! 2 years ago I started a garden but got killed by pests. South Florida is full of them, it seems. But this time I’m determined not to let those critters defeat me! I’m learning lots from you, and Congrats on your beautiful garden, and success!
Hello. I am a brand new container gardener and I don’t have a clue. I’m in zone 8a in Atlanta, Georgia. My first experience was last year when I just bought some tomato seeds, threw them in some soil my sister left from her old garden. They grew and I was ecstatic, even though they only grew to quarter size. They were indeterminate so they should have been huge, but I planted at the end of July, not knowing any better.
So I wanted to start right this year. I bought every seed under the sun and I’m overwhelmed. I do have some things growing under the grow box I put together from your Youtube channel, like spinach, broccoli, roma tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, cantaloupe. Some seeds germinate and some don’t. So now I’m trying the bag seedlings method where you put seeds in a wet paper towel and then in a ziplock. THEY ARE GERMINATING, but what do I do with them. Now I know I should have bought seeds for the season. I don’t know what to do anymore!
Oh! AND I just ordered some Smartpots, sizes 7, 10 and to transplant some of the seedlings to. AND I bought some bare root strawberries. I also have to transport my plants everyday to the front of my apartment where it faces south. Thankfully,my mom,who lives with me encourages me and keeps me laughing by saying, “If we don’t get but one cucumber, that will be okay with me!”
Hi Kim. I have thoroughly enjoyed your You tube videos and how to help us become better gardeners. I live in zone 9b in Arizona and am wanting to plant some fall tomatoes and would love to know which varieties would be best for that time of year. Thank you!
Hey Cali there are a lot of Gardner’s in Southern Calif. How about getting a group of us together and we can help each other?
Only people that want would be able to get into this group and no e mails posted unless they ask them to be.
Great stories.look forward to join in.this God given land to grow.
Hi Kim , I’m new to your channel . My name is Marilyn & thank you for sending me the free guide for growing successful gardening . I enjoy watching your videos & saw 2 live videos in your garden . I’ve been trying to garden & grow vegetables but failed few times , but when I saw you in FB & watched your video I became very interested & want to start from seeds . Thank you for all the tips for growing vegetables in your own garden . Even my daughter Julie that live in San Diego got interest in gardening too So she ordered some seeds collections which she just got it a week or so & I just got the seed collections also on Saturday . She will give me some of her seeds & I will give her some of mine too . I would like to know if I can plant the free seeds that you sent me the heat & cold tolerant greens now . I’m excited to start something from the seeds . I will see my daughter this week & she will give me some vegetable seeds cuz the one that I ordered was the pollinators flowers & sunflowers collections . Hopefully I’ll be successful starting from the seeds . Wish me luck !! Thanks again
Hi Kim
I recently came upon one of your YouTube video and got hooked on to all of your other videos a well. The information you provide is simple and very practical. I wish I have a bigger land area available to try everything you suggest. I have a simple question for you; hope you can answer it. My squash plant started well and produced three pods. All of a sudden it only produces male flowers and has not produced any female flowers for some time. Is there a practical solution for this problem. I also ran into a similar problem with my heirloom climbing beans that looks very lush and healthy but no flowers at all. looks like I am going to miss my summer time gardening this time.
Any help/suggestion will be appreciated
I just discovered you YouTube channel.Im very impressed of the knowledge you have shown
on your channel.I grew up in Los Angeles,CA. I have 4 sons 2
went college 2 went to trade school.I had no idea of how to plant and grow vegetables and
herbs.I knew working a 9 to 5
was not enough to make ends
meet.So I dug up half backyard bought some seeds:collards,swiss chard, 🍅
squash,peppers and learn how to feed my family healthy veggies.I lived in Alexandria,Va.Now my backyard get to much rain and I’m at a dead end.Please advise me.