- 247
- 127 722
Forever Foods Farm
United States
Приєднався 13 жов 2019
Follow the Bell Family and their trusty companion, Ada, as they transform their three acre homestead into an elderberry farm. Forever Foods Farm, 3F for short, is located near Richmond, Virginia in beautiful Hanover County. Our mission is to use permaculture techniques to create a humble, simple, restorative way of life.
Watch and Learn - My Chicken Teacher
One of my favorite permaculture techniques is to watch your surroundings to learn. Oftentimes we think we know best and try to force things into our vision. I have found time and time again that nature knows best and you just have to pay attention.  I kept seeing my chickens seek out all the lemon grass around the property. They would actually spend most of their free time underneath the grass and dust bathing. This led me to inquire Mr. Google pants as to what could possibly be happening here, and it turns out that lemon grass is a great herb to add to bedding to reduce mites and lice in your chicken coop. I think the chickens are dust bathing underneath of the lemon grass to access the roots and they are using the scent in their dust bath to help with pest management. These guys are so smart! Forever Foods Farm. December 6, 2024. 
Переглядів: 58
Відео
Let the chickens do it - how hoarding sometimes works!
Переглядів 1474 місяці тому
We have been so busy harvesting, elderberry, and figs on the farm right now that mowing the lawn has been very low on the priority list. We have had so much consistent rain this summer after the initial drought that the grass has gone crazy. It got to the point where I couldn’t open the gate to the Chicken yard very well because the grass was too tall and thick. we decided that it might be time...
Habitat before Harvest - that’s our motto. Blueberries!
Переглядів 1115 місяців тому
Habitat before Harvest - that’s our motto. Blueberries!
2024 Memorial Day "Running" Tour of Forever Foods Farm
Переглядів 726 місяців тому
Every Memorial Day we do a "running" tour of the farm. We try to keep it to 5 minutes. It is always fun to see the food forest mature into the long range vision. Blooming pomegranate and elderflower, ripe goumi berries and juneberries, unripe figs and blueberries - so much amazingness and gratitude for the bounty! Forever Foods Farm. May 27, 2024
Copperheads on the Farmstead
Переглядів 596 місяців тому
When you create an ecological farm where you are focusing on habitat just as much as harvest, you don’t get to control what you attract. And here in Virginia, we have created the perfect copperhead habitat. We have to be continuously aware of our surroundings at all times, and we have to be respectful of their presence. They are a positive part of the system and fortunately they’re not aggressi...
Wanna hear the cicadas?
Переглядів 236 місяців тому
Cicadas are here in Mechanicsville, Va, in full force. This video documents what we are hearing every day. The past few days I’ve been noticing them flying all around the tops of the trees. What a fascinating creature! Forever Foods Farm. May 23, 2024.
What’s happening on the farm? Goumi Berries - that’s what!
Переглядів 666 місяців тому
We picked 9 pounds of Goumi Berries off this one bush today. Safe to say that we are at a Goumi berry peak at Forever Foods Farm. And listen to the cicadas! May 21, 2024
Best tool ever! Cut & Hold Pruner
Переглядів 617 місяців тому
We let our elderberry bushes grow to be 12 feet tall, which can be a problem during harvest season. This tool, the cut and hold pruners, is the best thing ever for harvesting elder flowers and elderberries. Here’s a link for the ones that we use in this video: www.amazon.com/Corona-LR3460-Reach-Bypass-Pruners/dp/B00V3QFSOI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?adgrpid=134238500596&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iGC1a9JL5XP2t-lpMsc...
This is why we LOVE Scotia Elderberry the most…
Переглядів 1307 місяців тому
 Why do we love Scotia Elderberry the best at Forever Foods Farm? First, it has the largest berry of all the Elderberry cultivars that we have. Second is that Scotia is the first to flower and the first to berry. And last it does it twice! Forever Foods Farm. May 16, 2024
Last ditch attempt to grow strawberries - raised beds!
Переглядів 3378 місяців тому
Every year I’m excited to grow strawberries. And every year I epically fail in that attempt. This is because I am so unfocused that I am in capable of weeding, a strawberry bed. Eventually, it just gets taken over by grass and weeds and the strawberries get pushed out. So hopefully by doing raised beds I can reduce the competition from the weeds and the grass and focus my  attention on keeping...
Finally! Our Bay Laurel Bush Flowered!
Переглядів 448 місяців тому
Finally! Our Bay Laurel Bush Flowered!
Big Summer Announcement for Forever Foods Farm
Переглядів 1008 місяців тому
Big Summer Announcement for Forever Foods Farm
Bubbie the rooster has a chicken tractor and a new lease on life!
Переглядів 5119 місяців тому
Bubbie the rooster has a chicken tractor and a new lease on life!
Winter break? What’s that??? Here’s what’s cooking at Forever Foods Farm in January!
Переглядів 7410 місяців тому
Winter break? What’s that??? Here’s what’s cooking at Forever Foods Farm in January!
My baby got a new bow - Matthews Lift!
Переглядів 34411 місяців тому
My baby got a new bow - Matthews Lift!
What happened to my beautiful Bubbie? Funny ending!
Переглядів 91Рік тому
What happened to my beautiful Bubbie? Funny ending!
Amazing Turkey Tail Mushroom Flush topped off with an Oyster Mushroom Surprise!
Переглядів 40Рік тому
Amazing Turkey Tail Mushroom Flush topped off with an Oyster Mushroom Surprise!
Got a Japanese Beetle or June Bug problem? Plant this to attract a mighty predator!
Переглядів 123Рік тому
Got a Japanese Beetle or June Bug problem? Plant this to attract a mighty predator!
Storm threat inspires record elderberry harvest - 40 lbs!
Переглядів 69Рік тому
Storm threat inspires record elderberry harvest - 40 lbs!
Reason 678 why we chose Elderberry as our main crop
Переглядів 75Рік тому
Reason 678 why we chose Elderberry as our main crop
Ever heard of an Oxymel? We love them and so does our gut!
Переглядів 667Рік тому
Ever heard of an Oxymel? We love them and so does our gut!
Composting with Chickens and Black Soldier Flies on Forever Foods Farm
Переглядів 173Рік тому
Composting with Chickens and Black Soldier Flies on Forever Foods Farm
In the kitchen with summer harvest - fig, strawberry, gooseberry, blackberry and elderberry!
Переглядів 35Рік тому
In the kitchen with summer harvest - fig, strawberry, gooseberry, blackberry and elderberry!
Can we or can’t we? That is the question! Navigating getting products approved by the state.
Переглядів 77Рік тому
Can we or can’t we? That is the question! Navigating getting products approved by the state.
Goumi Berry Harvest at Forever Foods Farm
Переглядів 435Рік тому
Goumi Berry Harvest at Forever Foods Farm
Have you ever eaten Mahonia Berry (aka Oregon Grape)?
Переглядів 8 тис.Рік тому
Have you ever eaten Mahonia Berry (aka Oregon Grape)?
Don’t mean to be a smart ass but when messing with electrical remove the ring. It can cause much pain and grief in short order. Thanks for the video👍
@@ChrisMitchell-v3o appreciate the advice. That is not something I would have ever thought about!
Thanks for the variety comparison! may I ask what variety the much larger bush around the corner was?
Those are Adams. They grow so much in one season!
I am currently running into the same problem. I will do all the steps that are recommended and see if the reset button helps. I'm very frustrated that I paid this much money for something that has only lasted two years. I also bought the oilless pump and of course they make you buy the oil pump anyway.
The oil pump changed everything! It has been going strong with it. I think is actually achieves a better vacuum. Good luck!
Mmm. Fascinating.
WOW THAT'S AWESOME
I got this in an email the other day: Thank you for submitting a helpdesk ticket to Harvest Right customer support. After reviewing the nature of the problem you’re having, I believe it would be in your best interest to work with one of our Harvest Right technicians. Our technicians are trained on all of the parts as well as all of the processes going on within the freeze dryer and are experts at pinpointing what is causing the problem and offering solutions to get the problems resolved as quickly and easily as possible. We do charge a one-time $45 diagnostic fee to work with our technical support team. I will send an invoice over to you and once it’s paid, I’ll get you scheduled with one of our best techs. Most of them have next-day availability. This will be the most efficient and effective way to get this problem resolved. Can you believe they now want to charge you $45 just to talk to a rep. NEVER
Buzzingly good idea.
Thank you for the video! You mentioned in a comment that you set the initial temp to -10°F. Is that as cold as you let it go or does it go on down to -30 or -40°F? I've read that some set the warm temp to 95° to retain medicinal value. The software I have only goes to 100° & because it has worked so well i don't want to change. You said you set yours to 125°. Do you have an opinion on the dry setting other than 125? Thank you so much dor the video!
@@emilloisdodson-nattier9876 those are good questions. I think I just let it be factory settings and control the amount of drying time. I’m sure if it goes to 100 that would definitely retain benefits but I’m sure you would have to extend the drying time.
you should of told us what zone you're in........That's very important...
@@stevegaines-vq3bd We are zone 7b.
Once you purchase a gallon of oil, does the new unused oil go bad? Does it have a shelf life?
I just keep on using it and haven’t had any problems yet. Obviously some must burn off because you usually need to top off with fresh. I’m sure there is a recommendation for a time period, but if it is clear I reuse it.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you 🙏
Thank you 🙏
Thanks. Exactly the plants I have!
Thx for video!
Bring the goats over, next!
Richmond, in which state?
We miss seeing y'all!
@@Kavias We miss everyone too! It has been a busy harvest summer and absolutely the right decision for us. Some of our harvests have doubled since last year! Excited for the September market season start. See you soon!
York and adams description is what I needed. Have both but lost the tags. One is much smaller than the other
Have you ever put mulch or anti weed cloth on ground under vines?
We put mulch near the base of the vine put not really touching it. That is the only thing because I don’t want to encourage fungus since we get a good amount of rain. They seem to be doing fine on their own without any babying.
My 1st machine had a defect. I'm now having issues with the 2nd machine heating. It's frustrating to spend thousands & literally have NO TECHNICAL support. When you call Harvest they scheduled a call for days later & then send you yoytube videos to fix it yourself. Harvest needs to do a lot better. I don't recommend the machine for the issues & lack of Customer support.
Why does BI’s pale always have less berries in it?
Does it need to be heated before use to kill bacteria to ensure safety?
Freeze drying does not kill bacteria but removing the water keeps bacteria from growing and holds it in a safe state until using it. If the elderflower is exposed to water then it should be consumed right away or thermally treated in a recipe. Excellent question!
I have been looking for natural control of Japanese Beetles so thank you for posting this! ❤️ From Minnesota
I've been using the applemint for tea too! It is delicious. Such an awesome plant and such a cool wasp!
That was easy! Try California!
I tell you what. This is so hard for the little guy to navigate. I am working towards my acidified certification and it is amazing the hoops you have to go through. I'm sad to hear that California is worse.
Congrats!
Are these all still American? I was told that the American don’t have the toxins in them that other elderberries like European ones do.
You can eat the berries. You still want to avoid the stems as much as possible. Raw berries can cause digestive stress in some people. We haven’t had any issues.
Thank you! This fix was exactly what was needed. Our freeze dryer is working perfectly.
I didn’t think Oregon grape had thorns on the stems?? Are you sure that’s what that is???
There aren’t any thorns on the stems, just the leaves like a holly tree
I have some of these. Do you have any pie recipes? I can't find any.
I think they would be too seedy for a pie. I definitely think using the pulp for syrups or jellies would be good but you should definitely strain and maybe combine with a more standard berry like blue berry.
That’s a lot of elderberry.
Yes. So helpful. Thank you.
Senang melihat tanaman yang subur dan menyejukkan..salam sehat.
🪱
One in a raccoon trap in a creek killed my dog. I`m not sure how the snake got in the trap because I use water sets only. When I was running my traps my dog followed me. When I made it up the creek to the trap with the snake my dog was dead on the bank 5 feet away. My sister`s neighbor in Texas was picking up trash along a fence and his wife saw him on the ground. There was a copperhead right beside where he lay dead. I`ve been bitten on my right hand and twice on my right foot but recovered. Two were pretty bad but I didn`t go to the hospital. My shoulder muscles were paralized for about 6 weeks but the rest of my arm worked. I hallucinated some for a few days and my hand swelled and was bruised the next morning. I`ve never had issues with other snakes in Louisiana but copperheads are vicious.
Those are terrifying stories. I’m so sorry for your loss. I imagine you run into a whole host of interesting things where you are. Water moccasins seem pretty scary. Stories of them dropping out of trees and all! Stay safe out there!
@@foreverfoodsfarm I`ve had water moccasins fall in the boat. I`ve seen hundreds of thousands of them. As long as you don`t start a fight with one they`re very pushy but they won`t attack you. If you mess with one he will come after you especially at night and once that line is crossed the fight is on and you`ll be forced to kill the snake or flee. You just have to know how to treat them because they have no fear of people fishing and will always approach boats. Never hit one with a fishing rod or boat paddle. They can see you and know you did it. Give them a fish and they`ll go away.
@@foreverfoodsfarm People don`t realize that Louisiana has populations of the giant eastern diamondback rattlesnake. I`ve seen those and they were never aggressive. They are gigantic and almost look fake. Alligators are everywhere in the state now...every pond. My friend didn`t believe one came after me in his pond. It took nearly a week of looking with binoculars to spot it. This is in central Louisiana and nobody knows how they`re getting in these random ponds far from rivers.
I wonder if birds are doing it. I know that is a way for some fish like bluegill to show up. That is crazy about the moccasins! The copperheads here seem to be very still and won’t move until you are right on top of them. I was scything a grassy area and a huge one popped out and went right past my feet to get away. Took a few years of my life as I screamed like a newborn child and ran. Not proud. The bite incident happened wearing flip flops moving wood under a shelter during when hurricane Isabel was dumping rain before her arrival. Got the person in the toe. That just elevated a very stressful situation ten fold. I’ve seen on a wet night after a really hot day like five or six just crossing the yard probably out for a hunt. Ours don’t chase you or come after you.
@@foreverfoodsfarm I haven`t seen any venomous snakes on this rural lot since moving here in 2022. The mistake many people make is they kill the harmless snakes that eat mice and frogs and bugs then the venomous snakes move in. The bad snakes stay more hidden and can become overpopulated before you know it but they will avoid areas with lots of friendly snakes. My dumb nephew killed a king snake and a grass snake and put rat poison everywhere which killed more of them plus the stray cats, owls and other predators. He thinks he`s so smart and refuses to listen to anything I tell him. Now rats and mice are taking over there and the owl family I used to hear up there have gone silent. His mom, my half sister, grew up in a different home and knows nothing about any of this stuff and has never even grown a tomato plant. I grew up on a farm. My nephew loves bell peppers but refused to eat the ones I grew when I told him I grew them organically with no pesticides. He threw them away because "bugs might be on them." His grandmother once lived on this lot I`m on and ruined it. Just to have a garden here I`ve had to haul in forest soil in a wagon. All the topsoil was removed and gravel was put everywhere. I have the worst yard in Louisiana for growing food and it will take years to undo the damage.
It's probably just that dog making that noise for food.
Tôi rất thích khu vườn của bạn có nhiều cây ăn trái quá .
Cây trồng của bạn đã nở hoa chuẩn bị kết trái ,chúc bạn có một vụ thu hoạch tốt ❤️👍.
Everybody was helping except that dog.
Why is Ada not helping?
Because it was too early. She didn’t even have breakfast yet!
What Jujube a variety you have?
It is a Li Jujube
Where did you order your jujube tree?
@@olay9924 check your local nurseries you might find some
Very beautiful garden! Thanks for sharing! 3:13💯👍👍👍
i never ate . wish to eat😂
Ada will know next time where to get a 🍓 when they all come out .
Considering she eats the fruit from almost everything we harvest, I suspect so!
Mommy got the bigger bite and Ada got ripped off.
You got ripped off because you missed the whole event!
Is that bed filled all the way from the bottom? I filled mine with branches and wood chips with the last foot being soil last year. It sunk about a foot over the year.
We did the same thing. I’m anticipating lots of drop too.
Beautiful
We have a great Bay Tree at the back garden which we planted about 8 years ago. I use these leaves for cooking, concoction, hair care, cold-process soap, face spray, bay leaves infusion.. It is an amazing herb! I love it! We are in England, UK x
I am way underutilizing this plant! I will have to step up my game!
We are in the UK and we have one Mahonia at the front garden. I didn't realise that the berries are edible. How about the leaves? Are they any good as tea or concoction? Thanks btw for sharing the info x
I’m not aware of leaf use. But definitely throw some of the berries in teas!
@@foreverfoodsfarm I will give it a try! Many thanks 🥰
Beautiful garden beds ❤😊
Ada is as beautiful as the raised beds.