Drying Sunflower Heads How an Amish Farmer Taught Me

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2019
  • Get perfect sunflower heads every time with this super easy way of hang drying. Sunflowers are food for animals, and if left alone for too long they will become food faster than you can blink. This method gives you perfect heads every time! Check out our new clothing line! http:www.freshpickedapparel.com

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  • @philharris6472
    @philharris6472 4 ปีที่แล้ว +262

    the small individual flowers attached to the seeds can be saved and used for teas! They have a really lovely light flavour with chamomile and lavender.

    • @lcogan65
      @lcogan65 2 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Oh I wish I had seen this comment earlier today. I just harvested a bunch of large heads and I did not save the flowers. As I was watching this video I wondered if something could be done with those. Oh well, I’ll save the rest and I’ll know for next year. Thank you.

    • @zahriivoorhees3498
      @zahriivoorhees3498 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      So glad I found this!!
      Wish I'd have grown sunflowers this year LOL

    • @Charissewebster
      @Charissewebster 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@lcogan65 mmm
      Mm me

    • @Charissewebster
      @Charissewebster 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lcogan65 ppppmmpmmmmmm

    • @Charissewebster
      @Charissewebster 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lcogan65
      Ok
      Popmpo
      Pm
      Pump
      Mop
      P Mapp
      P
      Oh
      P
      P
      P
      Pmlmpomm

  • @bwayne40004
    @bwayne40004 4 ปีที่แล้ว +126

    This episode made me feel good as I used to raise large headed sunflowers for the Farmers Market. I did exactly the same thing, cutting about 18” of stalk so people could hang them as a natural bird feeder. Always sold out.

    • @geargriden19
      @geargriden19 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      That's awesome!! Mind sharing how much you sold them for?

    • @bwayne40004
      @bwayne40004 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      @@geargriden19 I sold these around 10, 12 years ago so my memory is a little hazy now. I think it was $2 per head.

    • @nellythree
      @nellythree 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Quality idea that would work even now days👏🏽

  • @forevergogo
    @forevergogo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +201

    So much more respect for those 50 cent bags of BBQ Sunflower Seeds.

    • @CandiRayne16
      @CandiRayne16 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Exactly!!!!!

    • @territ.5357
      @territ.5357 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      😅🤣 For real

    • @carpentryfirst3048
      @carpentryfirst3048 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      The dill pickle is my jam but always F's my tongue up after eating an entire bag in a day

    • @candaceelder1289
      @candaceelder1289 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes!

    • @candaceelder1289
      @candaceelder1289 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@carpentryfirst3048 yes!

  • @jumpoffa5011
    @jumpoffa5011 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Luke the only thing I would add to what you are doing is to put a paper bag around the heads so that if any seeds fall of the heads it will be captured by the bag. It keeps everything from becoming a mess. :-)

  • @Miss449686
    @Miss449686 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Sunflowers are my favorite -- they make me smile when they are blooming, and the birds love the seeds in the winter.

  • @sherry2836
    @sherry2836 4 ปีที่แล้ว +395

    I grew Mammoths kind of close to the house. The biggest grew over 10 ft tall; the dried head was over 14 inches across with a 3" thick stalk and the seeds were huge! The squirrels would jump from the roof onto the stalk, climb onto other stalks and actually chew thru the stems and carry off whole sunflower heads! No obstacles for a hungry squirrel.

    • @tropicalco2339
      @tropicalco2339 4 ปีที่แล้ว +61

      Just eat the squirrels

    • @stevengonzalez27
      @stevengonzalez27 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Sherry 2
      You made laugh alright as I pictured it in my mind.... would make a great cartoon story for kids to watch.

    • @indypolis8527
      @indypolis8527 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      I grew a row of 10 along a stockade fence this year and the heads were bitten off one by one (1 daily for dinner) by squirrels

    • @katiekawaii
      @katiekawaii 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I would pay a million dollars to see a video of that.

    • @sherry2836
      @sherry2836 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      @@katiekawaii Yes, it was pretty entertaining until I actually saw the bugger carry off a flower head. As I was trying to save the seeds to dry I was not happy. Wish I had made a video of it; I could use a million!

  • @joanies6778
    @joanies6778 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    This year I had sunflower seeds all over from a bird feeder and I just let them grow. Slugs got a lot of them in the seedling stage, but quite a few grew to maturity. So many varieties grew and the bees just love them. I will cut the big ones down and dry them inside, but leave enough for the birds and squirrels, since there are so many.

  • @brandywineblue
    @brandywineblue ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you Luke for sharing your childhood. What a blessing - time with Grandma and Grandpa and the good Mennonite folk.

  • @Kwillskorner
    @Kwillskorner 4 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    Never appologize for sharing a nugget of knowledge. Appreciate you passing down the wisdom you were given! Take care and look forward to your future videos.

  • @theoneandonly1158
    @theoneandonly1158 4 ปีที่แล้ว +766

    When an Amish tells you something about agriculture... You listen.

    • @utharkruna1116
      @utharkruna1116 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      That's why I'm watching this video.

    • @redhedhik-chik2510
      @redhedhik-chik2510 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      You would be surprised how interested they may be about erosion, fertilizing and herbicide information.
      I convinced our Amish neighbors to stop over tilling their soil. Also, they were not aware of the health risks of chemicals.

    • @mfun503
      @mfun503 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      They probably learned it from the natives who grew them originally.

    • @DIRT_CLOD_BOB
      @DIRT_CLOD_BOB 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What is the variety please? I would love to buy some.

    • @MrJesusHKrist
      @MrJesusHKrist 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I gave them my phone number and they haven't called yet so I can't listen

  • @lechatbotte.
    @lechatbotte. 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I love growing sunflowers. Nothing geeky, you grew them for you. Animals are opportunists. I grew extra because they are lol.

  • @luke_fabis
    @luke_fabis 4 ปีที่แล้ว +144

    Fun fact: all tender parts of sunflower plants are edible, and no part is known to be toxic. Leaves, sprouts, and young shoots are good to eat.

    • @pompe221
      @pompe221 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      The rabbits in my yard have discovered this . . . . :/

    • @dovelady3am815
      @dovelady3am815 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      I dried leaves for tea. Rich in calcium, anti fever, excellent for digestive issues... I expect to use it as an additive to regular teas.❤

    • @court2379
      @court2379 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Define "good"...

    • @Doxymeister
      @Doxymeister 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I used to get "Jerusalem Artichokes" at the grocer, and was surprised to learn they are actually a type of sunflower root. Very tasty, and low carbohydrate (excellent for my Mom who is diabetic) I liked to scrub them clean and eat them raw. Can't get them anymore, not sure why our local grocers have stopped stocking them.

    • @carolv8450
      @carolv8450 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      DachshundsRule / can you grow them?

  • @tracieandthecrazyturtle477
    @tracieandthecrazyturtle477 4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    I have never seen an albino sunflower before. Mind blown 🤯

    • @rachelhall4808
      @rachelhall4808 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I thought that was very cool too!!

    • @heleavesthe99
      @heleavesthe99 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@tff8514 Lol!!!

    • @joequillun7790
      @joequillun7790 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I have a huge flower(s), laying in my sunroom, loaded with these type of seeds. I was under the impression I picked it/them too early, and it's just un-matured. (?) can I use these seeds for next growing season?

    • @mtpocketswoodenickle2637
      @mtpocketswoodenickle2637 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@joequillun7790
      If the back of the heads turned a creamy yellow color, and you could brush the petals off and visibly see the seeds, I'd say yes.
      Keep them dry though and after a month or so scratch the seeds out onto sheets of newspaper to ensure drying and store in a sealed container.
      I put mine in the basement where it's cool but you can refrigerate them as well.

    • @joequillun7790
      @joequillun7790 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mtpocketswoodenickle2637 No, my flower heads were still green, when I picked them. But the seeds have shells, with the true seed inside. But they're all white, no hard black or striped shell. Do you think these seeds will grow next season, if planted? Thanks.

  • @BoldlyGrowHomestead
    @BoldlyGrowHomestead 4 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    I was only growing Lemon Queens but I covered them with a reusable mesh produce bag and seemed to do the trick to protect them.

  • @kevinmcdermott4902
    @kevinmcdermott4902 4 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    Squirrels got most of my sunflowers this year. Caught them red handed tearing off the heads of all of them. Luckily I was able to salvage half a sunflower head! Wish I had seen this video a few weeks ago

    • @tropicalco2339
      @tropicalco2339 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Eat the squirrels. You'll be glad you did

    • @hopeking3588
      @hopeking3588 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yellow birds got mine one year.i think carries.they were yellow

    • @averagesavage8367
      @averagesavage8367 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You mean white-handed. Yall stole our land, put us on reservations, try to take what we have left, and call us thieves?? Gtfoh

    • @doloresreynolds8145
      @doloresreynolds8145 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@averagesavage8367 I thought maybe the Red Squirrels were cleverer.

    • @averagesavage8367
      @averagesavage8367 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doloresreynolds8145 quite honestly, I'm partial to flying squirrels

  • @pattybender6641
    @pattybender6641 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Hi Luke! I'm in Oregon and I wondered if sometime you could demonstrate how to sharpen various garden tools ie!: Shovel, pruners trowel, etc. Thank you! I love your show, I've been watching for a couple of years now! I've also joined the Facebook group and purchased seeds from migardener as well. Keep up the good work! 🌱

  • @suecampbell4811
    @suecampbell4811 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    We grew sunflowers for the first time and were awaiting the heads to turn brown - thanks to you we now know to go out and clip them and hang them indoors. THANK YOU for teaching us about this!!! This was WONDERFUL!

  • @tinamariegregory3130
    @tinamariegregory3130 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My grand parents raised 10 children ( in Rochester , Michigan) and kept gardens and such , they ALWAYS had sunflowers. Many things were "put up in the cellar". I have no doubt the kids enjoyed these through the winter.

  • @robynschofer
    @robynschofer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    Thank you so much. I am sorry your sunflowers were pillaged but I believe, when you are trying to teach and encourage others to garden, it is good to see this and to hear your positive response to the squirrels ravaging your sunflowers. When we watch most of these shows, they do not show these hardships so when we have them at home we become disenfranchised with gardening. Now, we see that you have these problems too and how you handle it.

    • @donnabrooks1173
      @donnabrooks1173 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The animals have to eat too. They're not going to look elsewhere with an opportunity right in front of them. Just like people wouldn't miss a free buffet, they won't either. We need to help them out a little.

  • @themacduckies
    @themacduckies 4 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    My daughter made a really cool walking stick from a Mammoth Sunflower that I grew last year.

    • @justinhendrickson
      @justinhendrickson 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How did she keep the stock from collapsing?

    • @themacduckies
      @themacduckies 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@justinhendrickson She sanded it, then applied wood glue ending with painting it. It's held up for 1 1/2 years of cosplay so far. :-)

    • @kathyjordan3922
      @kathyjordan3922 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@justinhendrickson. We are going to keep our stalks for other purposes this time. I saw a man try to break a dry one over his thigh. It was nit breakable.

  • @k.c.sunshine1934
    @k.c.sunshine1934 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Perfect timing for this video! Just what I needed here in Calgary, Canada. Our sunflower heads must mature about the same time as in your location.

  • @alanvillanueva2445
    @alanvillanueva2445 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Dude. I really really enjoyed the information. I was literally looking for an explanation of why people did this. I saw it on a trip to the mountains of Mexico, an older lady that didn’t speak Spanish (like myself, so I couldn’t ask) had them like this hanging inside her home (she was a homesteader). I just remember the translator saying that she had harvested them for later. It never made sense until now. That area has a large variety of rodent wildlife, bats (which the hunt and eat), among other animals. Literally subscribed to you now! Have a great day!

  • @destinycoach5
    @destinycoach5 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Funny you apologized for this being so short and yet it was my favorite episode. I'm SO GRATEFUL to know this about sunflowers cuz I've lost all of the early heads. So I want to salvage something this year!!!
    I thought we had to wait till they were dry

  • @brendakaye34
    @brendakaye34 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Excellent video! Thank you! Also wanted to let you know that I did an order of 99 cent seed packets from you and every single seed sprouted and grew for us! I'm not a great gardener, but having great seeds sure helps! Brilliant marketing technique on your end and excellent product! Happy customers are what makes business happen! You rock!

  • @kathiegemmell7319
    @kathiegemmell7319 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I am learning SO much from you that I plan to try in next year's garden for seniors here in SE Wisconsin. All the beds are raised and some, like mine are made so the person can sit on a rollator or in a wheelchair to garden. I am having such fun! THX

  • @adelineparinduri
    @adelineparinduri 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Perfect timing Luke! I just cut my sunflowers last weekend as we got hit by a snowstorm here in Southern Alberta. My son insisted me to cut them down when it hit so I did. And happy to see this video to help me harvest the seeds for next year (and give some for the birds!) Thank you! God bless you

  • @growyourhappiness2207
    @growyourhappiness2207 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you so much for this. I've just planted my sunflowers (I'm in the Southern Hemisphere) and it's my first time growing them so I hope they go okay. I will keep this in mind for when I'm saving seeds in six months' time.

  • @rebeccadominguiano3626
    @rebeccadominguiano3626 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is awesome!! I have always hand picked them out and waited until they were dried outside on the stalk too! Thank you!

  • @danniellaboling3890
    @danniellaboling3890 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It feels like October here!
    My mom and I were just taking about this subject. Glad to have a video to share with her

  • @marinesmelowe80
    @marinesmelowe80 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Luke, I just got finished reading your book, "The Autopilot Garden" and it was a good book. I learned so many new things like Core Gardening, micronutrients and even woodchips and thier differences. I couldnt put your book down. I love the note section in the back, its surely going to help me get my garden on the autopilot stages.

  • @annCRP
    @annCRP 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have been saving seeds for a long time and yes I also thought the sunflower heads needed to dry on the plant...
    I thank you for the info now I can collect and save enough to eat, share and regrow!

  • @StaceyHerewegrowagain
    @StaceyHerewegrowagain 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Those are awesome sunflower heads!! So many seeds inside to save and plant in the future. I love how productive sunflowers are! I can't wait to grow my own seeds so I can put them in the bird feeders around my house.

  • @sjr7822
    @sjr7822 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I grow sunflowers for the birds. But, those I save for seed I have made a bonnet from thin material to put over the heads

  • @Donna_G
    @Donna_G 4 ปีที่แล้ว +137

    I grow sunflowers specifically for the pollinators and the birds. It's been a long time since I've grown sunflowers for my own consumption. The last time I did, I found little worms inside the shells. I didn't eat any of the other seeds once I found the worms. I figure if the birds find worms in the shells, they would just eat them.

    • @moeblar3154
      @moeblar3154 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Donna G You can put them in one of those Lil’ Tyke turtle sandbox and when your ready just rub the seeds off the sunflower right back into the sandbox. Then, take some for yourself and open the sandbox and the squirrels can help themselves. Also, if you grow different types of 🌻 you will see little yellow birds that match your flowers. Oh yeah, I forgot, and sandbox should be in the sun.

    • @oscarzezatti5735
      @oscarzezatti5735 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Same here! I grew them for the first time this year for birds and bees. I'm so happy to see so many different types of bees visit my garden and the most beautiful yellow birds. HOWEVER, hearing that raccoons and mice will eat the sunflowers has FREAKED me out!

    • @waldoman7
      @waldoman7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's a huge nope for me

    • @Kate98755
      @Kate98755 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      i grow them for birds, bees and squirrels, i'm allergic to seeds....i'll leave the little heads in the squirrel feeder, they probably are really happy to find them

  • @MakesPaintings
    @MakesPaintings 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good to know, thank you Luke! I'm in NZ and find the Amish stories very interesting, look forward to more. Will be planting some sunflower seeds soon, yay spring!

  • @Celtress
    @Celtress 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Grew 2 sunflowers for the first time, and am pleased to see your video on how to save the seeds! Thank you.

  • @TheRahsoft
    @TheRahsoft 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I do this method of drying( my mammoth sunzillas ) by hanging in the garage, but sometimes i do get mould on them. When that happens I will save what seeds i can and dry indoors.
    I didn't know that they are ready when they start to droop ( I thought that was the weight of the heads).
    I also cut the whole plant stems as a record of growth for that years, which means I can see that they have been growing taller and taller each year ( they are now 2 metres plus for me)

  • @Tehstool
    @Tehstool 4 ปีที่แล้ว +525

    So the guy who taught you is an aMIshgardener?

    • @Oregonmac
      @Oregonmac 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Tehstool I laughed way to hard at this 😂😂🙌🏻

    • @heidimarchant5438
      @heidimarchant5438 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@Oregonmac me too😂

    • @CustomGardenSolutions
      @CustomGardenSolutions 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Pretty clever😎😎😎

    • @reallyallgone
      @reallyallgone 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      But he somehow can't remember his name? Sounds like a made up story tbh

    • @will16320
      @will16320 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      *slow clap*

  • @supermaniac5
    @supermaniac5 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this information. We’re growing sunflowers for the first time this year. They are magnificent! So much fun to watch grow. The Bumble Bees love them. 🐝🌻

  • @StaceyHerewegrowagain
    @StaceyHerewegrowagain 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for sharing Luke!! You have such a great channel! I've been watching you for yrs and you always have such amazing information and tricks to share. Thank you for being here!! I grew a lot of sunflowers this past summer and I hung them upside down just like you're doing. It's such an easy method to dry them. I love collecting the seeds and my favorite part is when I get to take all the flower petals off and expose the seeds underneath bedore drying them upside down lol

  • @marycleveland540
    @marycleveland540 4 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    I've seen farmers tie paper grocery bags around the drooping heads to stop the birds and also to catch the seeds as they dry and naturally fall off. Don't know if that would stop a squirrel or mouse or affect the drying of the seed.

    • @heidimarchant5438
      @heidimarchant5438 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Idk how they do that because I tried it once and they turned moldy, they must have a certain technique and perfect timing.

    • @stevengonzalez27
      @stevengonzalez27 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Heidi Marchant
      Maybe try an onion bag around the heads to hide the seeds from critters.

    • @patrickhunt6350
      @patrickhunt6350 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      the paper bag is used to hold any seeds that drop off after the head started to mature and when there is going to be high heat with no rain. Plant has to be standing and not for a long time as this will limit the air flow, but will help with some birds if they do not know the head is ripe yet.

    • @DonnaKohl458
      @DonnaKohl458 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Tulle works with any vegetable plants too.

  • @amandamilobooks
    @amandamilobooks 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I wish we'd learned this years ago--we've been making netting bags and tying them over the sunflower heads. Mice and whatnot will chew through the netting to get to the seeds though, so it's not terribly effective. Thanks so much for sharing this technique, how cool! =D

  • @JamesThoenes
    @JamesThoenes 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks. I just learned more about sunflowers than I would have expected to know. Great story too.

  • @sbarr10
    @sbarr10 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I actually like to grow the sunflowers for birds and squirrels. I dry the heads on my back porch then lay out the heads in the front yard late autumn / early winter. I got a kick noticing that "somebody" dragged one large head to the base of our maple tree, and I was pleased to see the heads were mostly emptied out.

  • @ridertho2026
    @ridertho2026 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Every time he rubs his hands across the sunflower seeds it gives me chills.

  • @Mrs.LadeyBug
    @Mrs.LadeyBug 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    Mennonite here. I almost guarantee the old farmer’s name was either Jake, Henry, or John. :)

    • @Mrs.LadeyBug
      @Mrs.LadeyBug 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      In fact, my friend’s name is Henry John… that was off the charts for creativity!

  • @trishbrown3285
    @trishbrown3285 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was so helpful. I planted a sunflower garden this year with 3 varieties of sunflowers and they just finished their season and I couldn't figure out what to do with them. I didn't see any seeds and wondered what the next step was to get to them! Now I know and I have a shed they will be hanging in. Thanks so much

  • @cupofjae
    @cupofjae 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Squirrels are so crafty! Gosh, but I still don't think this will deter me from growing sunflowers. They are so beautiful! What a lovely video and I loved hearing about you living near a Mennonite community!

  • @ITZChaletzos
    @ITZChaletzos 4 ปีที่แล้ว +92

    Messy basement is code for growing weed 😂

    • @jannaparks6132
      @jannaparks6132 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Haaaa...well, he IS in Michigan, right?

    • @mooneymakes359
      @mooneymakes359 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      hahahhah nice catch

    • @jayw1239
      @jayw1239 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      If that's so... Then my basement is a disaster

    • @JLMISR
      @JLMISR 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😆😆😆😆😅😅😅😅😅😅

  • @LindaB651
    @LindaB651 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I like seeing the little goldfinches in my yard, perched on the upright heads, but the squirrels are driving me crazy!
    My basement is a mess right now too, so I feel ya'! Never seen that method of drying.
    I refrigerate my sunflower seeds in the veg drawer, just in case there are little worms or their eggs present.

    • @stevengonzalez27
      @stevengonzalez27 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Linda Bealer
      Squirrels and other rodents go away if you apply rodent repelling sound videos from youtube. Really good, some better then others. Don't always use the exact same as critters wise up to it.
      Also see rodent repelling odors.

  • @stevenspencer9104
    @stevenspencer9104 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well brother, i must tell you. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy your childhood story, but I really got a lot of value out of the knowledge you gave me to store or dry out my sunflower seeds after this coming season. My wife buys a lot of birdseed, the oil sunflower seeds you know. So I intend on drying a good many heads out with this old Amish method. Thanks to you my brother. That’s a lot of talk you know, we will see what happens. I can only do my best. God bless you and thank you very much.

  • @kylemurphy8814
    @kylemurphy8814 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you! I saw this just in time. My sunflowers are definitely ready to be clipped and hung. I had tried putting bags around them to protect them but your method is much wiser. Thank you! My wife and I aren't far from your store (we are in Macomb Township). Looking forward to having our entire garden from your seeds as the seasons go on. Garlic will be next on our list!!

  • @ricolopez4258
    @ricolopez4258 4 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    i would love to grow 10 of those giant sunflowers each year here in the arizona desert. Your videos give me the confidence to garden, my thumb is turning green!

    • @mooneymakes359
      @mooneymakes359 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      you could just give em about a cup of water a day and they will live

    • @mooneymakes359
      @mooneymakes359 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      they might even live on their own but keeping the soil moist wont hurt

    • @hangemhigh3578
      @hangemhigh3578 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      They love composted dirt in AZ. Mine are 9ft.

  • @MyQuaintCottage
    @MyQuaintCottage 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Very interesting varieties. Great technique and love the story. 🤗

  • @arios8121
    @arios8121 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Luke , loved the story and the info. My granddaughter picked out sunflowers to grow . this is awesome!

  • @paulriggall8370
    @paulriggall8370 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Absolutely fascinating. I came across an albino sunflower with loads of seeds yesterday, I’ll go back and grab em! Thanks for this informative video.

  • @heidimarchant5438
    @heidimarchant5438 4 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    Everyone everywhere today is talking about how hot it is while I'm freezing my buns of in 30F snowy weather in Wyoming 🌨🌬burr.

    • @bwayne40004
      @bwayne40004 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It was a pretty steady 95, 96 on the drive home yesterday. I did hit a stretch of 98 for a few minutes. Snapped a pic of that one to message friends.

    • @carlbailey1301
      @carlbailey1301 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Heidi Marchant... you don’t need sunflowers, you need a haul! Lol

    • @NotSoCrazyNinja
      @NotSoCrazyNinja 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm not even all that far in the southeast and it hit 98 degrees the other day. It has been in the mid-90s every day for about a week. I don't think summer wants to leave us, but I fear when winter does hit, it will hit hard.

    • @SuperManning11
      @SuperManning11 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Meanwhile, in Palm Springs, where it is usually one of the hottest spots in the country, we are unseasonably cool with daytime highs not even reaching 90. It's an upside-down world!

    • @BigDaddy-vr2ut
      @BigDaddy-vr2ut 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Heidi Marchant , that’s right the way out west got slaughtered with 3 -4 feet of snow! How much you get out there? It was about 90 out today in NC .. good luck out there! Keep warm!

  • @elyselower6702
    @elyselower6702 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I was hoping for this video when you did your last sunflower video.

  • @jennajohnson3571
    @jennajohnson3571 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We got frost early in the forest for 3 days now ! Just collected my sunflowers heads ! SO THIS IS PERFECT TIMING !!

  • @kitty7908
    @kitty7908 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So helpful! I grew my first mammoth sunflower ever this year and had no idea how to harvest the seeds. Thank you so much for the content!

  • @YT_GrantGotYou
    @YT_GrantGotYou 4 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    Had no idea the seeds were behind those pedals. All the seeds I've wasted ):

    • @AtlantaTerry
      @AtlantaTerry 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      "petals"

    • @joequillun7790
      @joequillun7790 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I like a "heavy" pedal, myself. :)

    • @pamelaslason1720
      @pamelaslason1720 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Hahaha 😄 I'd been complaining that my sunflowers didn't have Any Seeds! I cut them down because they were drooping & (almost threw them out) when I found, by Accident, all those seeds!! ☺ Glad to see I'm not alone in understanding the sunflower...😉

    • @Cheylan8803
      @Cheylan8803 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@pamelaslason1720 I threw mine out one year as I too did not know. I thought it just failed to produce. I only learned where the seeds were a couple months ago from watching homestead vids. I'm thinking there are tons pf people who do not know.

  • @MS-mp9om
    @MS-mp9om 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Your wife started following my Instagram account, I feel so official now! That was only a week after I found your channel (also a MI gardener) - hello synchronicity!

  • @melissakarner6707
    @melissakarner6707 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Finally! I thought you had to leave them in the ground until totally dry. Game changer. Thanks for sharing.

  • @melinda6024
    @melinda6024 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    If you have extra seedlings, the leaves can be eaten raw as a salad, mixed with other greens OR they can be sauted or stirfried. they taste nutty like the seeds. Bon Apetit !

  • @myxinautix8320
    @myxinautix8320 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I wish I had known this earlier! I thought the heads had to be very dry before picking. Because I left them on the stalk, they were attacked by stinkbugs! (Further, I ended up burning them all trying to roast the seeds -- saved my seed stock for next year first, but this year was a bust.)

  • @Riggersons
    @Riggersons 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I think there's also an issue that sunflower seed shells contain a chemical that can hinder growth of other plants.

  • @YoGoPimps
    @YoGoPimps 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    You have a wonderful smile and laugh, and have learned so so much from your videos. Keep rocking it! :) I love learning about your background too!

  • @dianac2596
    @dianac2596 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fascinating video! I love sunflowers. I’ve been successful with growing them. Now I can save the seeds for next years planting. Thanks so much.

  • @deborah_chrysoprase
    @deborah_chrysoprase 4 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    HEYYYY HEYYYY HEEYYYYYY
    WHAT I TELL YA'LL BOUT COMIN IN MY SHED?!

  • @FortNite-jz1wj
    @FortNite-jz1wj 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This video was so interesting. I loved hearing about the mennonite farmer. Thank you!

  • @evelynm.8967
    @evelynm.8967 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I appreciate your story and giving credit where it’s due. Thanks for sharing!

  • @zaiville
    @zaiville 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I watched two other videos and I didn’t learn how to preserve leafs. Awesome. Thanks. Credit to you and your Amish friend.

  • @redpanda_ann
    @redpanda_ann 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This is the only way I’ve ever done this since I was little. My mom was from Maryland wonder if she learned it the same way you did

  • @timelmore2
    @timelmore2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You must have recorded this afternoon. Stratford Ontario had this exact same weather.

    • @risennation1239
      @risennation1239 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Befire noon. It started raining early on the first.

  • @echognomecal6742
    @echognomecal6742 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have my very 1st sunflower plant & it has several blooms. Very glad to have this info as well as that from several comments. What a pleasant viewer community! He seems like a nice young man :)

  • @ellia0david
    @ellia0david 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was just wondering what to do with my sunflower, and it is huge about 12 feet tall like yours!!!! It’s so cute too, because my daughter grew it in kindergarten and we planted it in our garden. And eager to teach her about seeds.
    Big thank you again for a great video!!

    • @hangemhigh3578
      @hangemhigh3578 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The record is 30 ft tall in Germany. Thats impressive.

  • @mccarthykane3960
    @mccarthykane3960 4 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    My tribe of cats protects my sunflowers.

    • @mccarthykane3960
      @mccarthykane3960 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Citation Needed Mine are too fat and lazy to hunt birds. They frighten off critters that would go after my sunflowers. Occasionally, but they catch a mouse.

    • @tomsinsky5548
      @tomsinsky5548 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      My awesome young cat from next door spends hours in our yard. This week I saw him jump up and catch a flying finch in his mouth mid air. Then he jogged home to show off this trophy.

  • @aprilgarrahan3245
    @aprilgarrahan3245 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Lol at "so you don't have to see my mess" everybody lives in their own persona space and a mess is always created.

    • @CrystalMendoza05
      @CrystalMendoza05 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think a ‘messy basement’ is a reference to an indoor marijuana grow not an actual mess.

  • @polaniecj
    @polaniecj 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Harvested mine yesterday. Tis the season and happy to see others doing the same.

  • @drakekay6577
    @drakekay6577 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You've grown so much in the 6 years Ive watched your channel. :D Well done on keeping your channel fresh over such a long period of time. :D

  • @TheNeeenha
    @TheNeeenha 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Squirrels get mine way before they are ready...last 2 years....I think there more critters in the city than the country

    • @lpah2u
      @lpah2u 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Seems that I grow mine for the squirrels!

    • @sandradelvecchio6894
      @sandradelvecchio6894 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      mister clean the two that skitter along my fence top will be lunch if our meat supplies ever become critical. Especially if they eat my sunflower heads

  • @braydenmartin7669
    @braydenmartin7669 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    You're right, it does feel like August . It's so hot and humid outside. Even in NC

    • @cindigos
      @cindigos 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I live in Asheville NC

    • @eddiespencer1
      @eddiespencer1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      We've got snow in the forecast later this week here in Maine. I hear Minnesota has already had several inches of snow in some places.

    • @ecocentrichomestead6783
      @ecocentrichomestead6783 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Weather whiplash I guess. Some people complaining about the heat and some are complaining about the cold. Been average here since middle of January.

    • @rebellionpointfarms6140
      @rebellionpointfarms6140 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      going to be 90 hear in eastern NC tomorrow. what is snow?

    • @Here_Today_
      @Here_Today_ 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Spokane, WA had about 4-6" snow on their hills this weekend. Not quite summer, but it was reminiscent of a spring day when the sun came out.

  • @hollynelson543
    @hollynelson543 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much Luke, happy seed harvest!

  • @toneyjohnson8910
    @toneyjohnson8910 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great information as I am going to grow them next year. And love the story.

  • @deniwest57
    @deniwest57 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Actually, mice and chipmunks will scurry right across the rafters and down the string no problem whatsoever.

  • @MarielasSister
    @MarielasSister 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    So... if the seeds are viable as soon as the flower droops, does that mean I can plant the seeds right away if I'm in an area where I don't get a frost? Or do I still have to dry them out before planting?

    • @lakiva743
      @lakiva743 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’m curious about this too!

    • @MarielasSister
      @MarielasSister 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @e causey thank you so much for your reply. This will be helpful to some of us inexperienced gardeners.

    • @markrodgers1965
      @markrodgers1965 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes %100

    • @kristinem9171
      @kristinem9171 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Maybe if they're cold stratified? I've never seen a sunflower seed create a seed same year, my guess would be popping them in th fridge or freezer might get the results you're hoping for

  • @fallenangelwi25
    @fallenangelwi25 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much!!!! I feel the older ways are the best and most tried and true

  • @mjanglinghookninja2563
    @mjanglinghookninja2563 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just became a member on your migardener webpage I can’t wait till some seed become available like the beans to grow indoors. Great channel keep it up!

  • @theaorwell4197
    @theaorwell4197 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Oh my gosh. Nov 1st frost. We had our first frost ... Almost two weeks ago.

    • @shannong979
      @shannong979 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What region do you live in? I'm in Texas and it's still mid 90s here. Low is only in the 70s! We haven't had rain for weeks.

    • @theaorwell4197
      @theaorwell4197 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@shannong979 I'm in Alaska. It was a small 'flute frost' we normally don't see ours still early October. But September isn't unusual. Or growing season is shorter up here. Oh my 90's? I would be dying! XD

  • @shelly8387
    @shelly8387 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Luke, did I mess up? I shucked my seeds when I cut the heads and I was planning to dehydrate on low. Will the seeds still be viable?

    • @zepherzepher1228
      @zepherzepher1228 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same

    • @stevengonzalez27
      @stevengonzalez27 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Shelly
      You can try and sprout a few, and then you will know. Pretty simple to do.

  • @jenniferchon66
    @jenniferchon66 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you,Luke. That was very helpful!

  • @dianecubaynesleduc1019
    @dianecubaynesleduc1019 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video was just in the right time. I did cut mine today and wondered what to do. Thanks for the info. Great stuff

  • @mouselord999
    @mouselord999 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    “The next Frost is 30 days away” Frost-10 days later “oh yeah?”

  • @darlenemcswine6418
    @darlenemcswine6418 4 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    I tried to harvest sunflower seeds this year but I had maggots eat right through the center of the seeds. How do you prevent that?

    • @irlgregpaul1468
      @irlgregpaul1468 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Darlene McSwine Same thing here :( I only got to harvest the seeds from one flower.

    • @ICanHazPunk
      @ICanHazPunk 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      maybe humidity was a problem, was the flower constantly wet?

    • @dinkusstinkus4396
      @dinkusstinkus4396 4 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      The maggots are more nutritious than the seeds anyways

    • @darlenemcswine6418
      @darlenemcswine6418 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ICanHazPunk I don’t think so

    • @patrickhunt6350
      @patrickhunt6350 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      After harvest, spray with a soap water mixture. the soap will kill bugs. Make sure to check on your heads and peel back the outer petals. Also put pantyhose over your sun-flour early to prevent birds and bugs getting in.

  • @addydog2012
    @addydog2012 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome info... I was really needing to know how to preserve my sunflower seeds. I have plants over 12 ft high. The starts were given to me as a fun addition to my flower bed. Wow! Did I get a big surprise... the flowers are crazy big, so I really needed some help. TY for sharing! Your'e doing a great job. P.S. I like shorter videos. 😉

  • @tms2568
    @tms2568 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I planted about half dozen varieties of SF this year and thanks to your advice I’ll be saving lots of seeds. One trick I am trying is writing the variety name right on the back of the flower head in permanent marker as soon as picked so I know which is which once they dry. Hopefully it works. I suppose putting some sort of tag labels on them would work too.

  • @krustysurfer
    @krustysurfer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Squirrels decimated my giant sunflower heads, I managed to save one, hopefully the seeds will be viable. thanks for the tip. aloha

    • @rubyewiggins4926
      @rubyewiggins4926 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Are you in Maui,? I'm a gardener here in the Houston area of Texas and am going to Maui in November. Would like to talk to you about your gardening when I come there if you're in Maui and would like to tell me how you garden there

  • @samuelclark1777
    @samuelclark1777 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The is Luke. This is actually something I was wondering about yesterday as I looked up at my own mammoth. I wish I could post a pic to you but it is easily as large as your beauty.

  • @surendersingal9122
    @surendersingal9122 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome explanation on this mighty flower head ( drying technique) which is full of oil n food for all.

  • @baralar57
    @baralar57 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much! I really enjoy your channel. You have a gift for explaining things in the thorough and concise way. You explain the whys behind what you do which is very important to me. It helps it to stick in my brain. Your videos are very concise and to the point which I like. I do not have a lot of time for fluff. I do not consider your childhood stories fluff. They also help the nugget stick. I have subscribed to your channel. You are good enough that I may consider sending you a monthly monetary gift. You should get paid for what you do. You are that good. Thanks!