PLANTING, GROWING, & HARVESTING - TOMATOES

 

Nothing says summer on the homestead quite like fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes. Whether you're slicing them for sandwiches, cooking up a batch of sauce, or canning them for the pantry, tomatoes are a rewarding crop that every homesteader should have in their garden.

Here’s everything you need to know about planting, growing, and harvesting tomatoes on your homestead.

PLANTING, GROWING, & HARVESTING - BLACKBERRIES

For many of us in the South, picking blackberries stirs up childhood memories—reaching into tangled thickets for those juicy, dark purple gems, braving the thorns just for a sweet taste. Standing in the warm sun, we often ate as many berries as we saved. Our hands turned violet, juice dripped down our chins, and we swapped stories about our scratched-up arms while swatting away relentless bugs.

SIMPLE ITALIAN ALMOND CAKE

An effortless recipe for Italian Almond Cake, both simple to prepare and naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour. This cake  is moist and has delightful hints of almond and lemon flavors, perfect for any celebration.

Top with your favorite fruit and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.

PLANTING, GROWING, & HARVESTING - PEPPERS

 

Why Grow Peppers?

Peppers are a diverse and rewarding crop, ranging from the mild sweetness of bell peppers to the intense heat of habaneros. Well-suited for warm climates, they are easy to grow and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including fresh, dried, pickled, or transformed into flavorful sauces.

With so many varieties available, there are now plenty of options that offer great flavor without the heat, such as Nadapenos (heatless jalapeños) and Habanadas (heatless habanero).  These are two of my favorites and are easy to grow. 

Transform Your Coffee Table with Faux Wood Painting:

If you're looking to breathe new life into an old coffee table and want a chic, natural wood look without the cost and effort of working with actual wood, faux painting is the answer! You can easily achieve a light, raw wood appearance with just a few tools, paint, and some creativity. In this guide, I will walk you through how to use faux wood grain tools and paint to make your coffee table look like light, raw wood.

EASY CHICKEN TACO SOUP

 

A few times a year, our office would prepare a big pot of soup for everyone to enjoy, and taco soup was always one of the favorites. It's easy to make and lets everyone customize it to their own taste.