We’ve been having huge temperature swings in my area but most of my plants are hanging on. How has everyone’s gardens been holding up? This is a good time of year to do a little preparation. Before the rush of planting begins, take time to set your garden up for success now. Here’s a simple checklist to guide you: Clean + Reset - Clear out dead plants and debris from last season - Pull early weeds before they take over - Sanitize pots, trays, and tools Soil Prep - Top off beds with compost or well-aged manure - Loosen compacted soil - Add mulch where needed to protect moisture Plan + Prep - Map out your garden layout (crop rotation matters!) - Order any last seeds you need - Start early seeds indoors (tomatoes, peppers, herbs) Check Your Systems - Inspect hoses, drip lines, and watering cans - Fix leaks or replace anything worn out Plant the First Crops - Direct sow cold-hardy crops (lettuce, spinach, carrots, peas) - Transplant hardy seedlings if your weather allows Bonus Homestead Tasks - Turn your compost pile - Check fencing and garden protection - Start thinking about pest prevention now (not later) You don’t need to do it all in one day. Even knocking out 2–3 of these this week puts you ahead.

Sourdough doesn’t have to be complicated or reserved for artisan loaves. In our home, we use sourdough for everyday baking: breads, muffins, pancakes, quick treats, and more. If you’re looking for simple, practical recipes you can make with your starter, my Everyday Sourdough Cookbook is filled with easy recipes designed for real kitchens and busy days. You can check it out here if you’d like to add a few new sourdough favorites to your routine. What’s your favorite thing to bake with sourdough right now?

This is your final reminder. Enrollment for the 90-Day Homestead Fast Track closes tonight. If you’ve been sitting on the fence… waiting for the “right time”… wondering if you should finally bring your garden, sourdough, and pantry goals together into one clear plan-> this is it. After tonight, the doors close. Here’s what you’ll walk away with in the next 90 days: - A personalized garden layout, crop rotation plan, and planting calendar - Confidence in sourdough through step-by-step video instruction - Clear, practical home preserving skills - A sourdough cookbook to make implementation simple - Follow-up support so you’re not left guessing The full value of this bundle exceeds $200, but once enrollment closes tonight, this offer and pricing disappear. Join here before doors close: https://payhip.com/b/UlLDp

Raised beds are one of the simplest ways to start a productive garden especially if your native soil is poor, rocky, or slow to drain. The good news is you don’t need expensive kits or fancy materials to build one. Here’s a simple, budget-friendly way to get started: Step 1: Choose a Sunny Spot Most vegetables need 6–8 hours of sunlight each day. Pick a level area if possible to make building and watering easier. Step 2: Keep the Size Manageable A good beginner size is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. Why 4 feet? Because you can easily reach the center from both sides without stepping into the bed and compacting the soil. Height can vary, but 10–12 inches tall works well for most gardens. Step 3: Use Simple Lumber Budget-friendly options: • Untreated pine (affordable and widely available) • Cedar if you want something longer-lasting • Reclaimed wood (as long as it’s not pressure-treated or chemically treated) Basic build :• Two 8-foot boards • Two 4-foot boards • Corner posts or wooden stakes to secure the frame Just screw the boards together into a rectangle and anchor the corners with stakes. Step 4: Place It Right on the Ground You can set raised beds directly on grass or soil. Many gardeners lay down cardboard first to smother grass and weeds. The cardboard will break down naturally over time. Step 5: Fill It the Budget-Friendly Way You don’t have to fill the entire bed with expensive soil. Try this layered approach: Bottom: sticks, branches, leaves, or yard waste Middle: compost or partially finished compost Top: good garden soil or compost mix This saves money and improves soil health as it breaks down. Step 6: Mulch the Top Add straw, leaves, or grass clippings around your plants to hold moisture and reduce weeds. Raised beds warm up faster in spring, drain better after heavy rain, and make gardening more manageable overall. Tell us in the comments: Do you garden in raised beds, in-ground rows, or containers?

If your coop isn’t set up right from the beginning, you’ll feel it fast, in smell, mess, stressed hens, and fewer eggs. Here are some simple, practical tips to set yourself up for success: 1. Ventilation > Insulation: Chickens handle cold better than damp, stale air. Make sure your coop has good airflow up high (without creating drafts at roost level). Fresh air prevents respiratory issues and ammonia buildup. 2. Space Matters More Than You Think: Overcrowding leads to pecking, stress, and dirty nesting boxes.• 4 sq ft per bird inside the coop• 8–10 sq ft per bird in the run (minimum) More space = calmer flock. 3. Roost Bars Higher Than Nest Boxes: Chickens sleep on the highest available spot. If your nesting boxes are higher than your roosts… they’ll sleep (and poop) in the boxes. Keep roosts higher and about 12–18 inches apart. 4. One Nesting Box for Every 3–4 Hens: You don’t need one per chicken; they’ll all fight over the same “favorite” one anyway. 5. Make Cleaning Easy on Yourself: Future you will thank you.• Use removable trays under roosts• Consider deep litter method• Choose bedding that’s easy to source locally 6. Predator-Proof EVERYTHING: Raccoons can open latches. Dogs can dig. Hawks are patient. Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire), secure latches, and bury fencing if needed. 7. Keep Feed & Water Practical: Hang feeders and waterers slightly off the ground to reduce waste and bedding contamination. A well-set-up coop saves you time, stress, and money long term. It’s one of those “do it right the first time” projects. Comment below: Are you building your first coop or upgrading one you already have? What’s your biggest question right now?