Homestead Garden Tour: A Peek into Our Thriving Acres and Tips for Moms
Hey there, friends! Welcome to the Acres. Today, I’m thrilled to invite you on a special homestead garden tour—a journey through the garden, orchard, and all the exciting projects we have in motion. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just dreaming of starting one, this post is for you. Let’s dive into the beauty, the lessons, and the vision for the future, all while sharing a few laughs along the way.
The Reality of Homestead Life
Homesteading is an incredible adventure, but let’s be real—it’s not always picture-perfect. Some days you’re harvesting baskets of veggies; other days you’re staring at a patch of overgrown grass wondering when you’ll ever have time to mow it. And that’s okay! This lifestyle is all about progress, not perfection. On this homestead garden tour, I’ll show you the highs, the lows, and everything in between, proving that even small steps can lead to big rewards. Let’s start with the heart of it all: the garden.
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The Main Garden: A Mix of Triumphs and Trials
The garden is where so much of the magic happens. It’s a place of growth, learning, and the occasional bout of frustration. Here’s a peek at what’s been growing (and what hasn’t) this season:
Basil: Pesto Dreams and Pollinator Heaven
This year’s basil crop has been incredible! After an initial harvest to make jars of pesto (check out my recipe HERE), the plants are now in their second flush and blooming beautifully. We’ve decided to let them go to seed to support our buzzing friends, the pollinators. Watching bumblebees enjoy the blossoms has been such a treat.
Peppers: A Family Affair
Peppers are the stars of the show this year. From jalapeños to habaneros, the plants are absolutely loaded. My daughter Marisol has taken on the role of “pepper girl,” harvesting them regularly for our kitchen creations. We’re even freezing extras for bagels and future recipes. Seeing my kids involved in the garden reminds me why we started this journey—to grow not just food but memories.
Lessons Learned: Tomatoes and Overgrowth
Not every crop has been a success, though. Our tomatoes struggled this season, with low yields and even a few plants lost to disease. It’s a reminder that gardening is a constant learning experience. Next year, we’ll try new varieties and move the tomato bed to a sunnier spot. And yes, the overgrown grass is still a work in progress. One step at a time, right?
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Pollinator Paradise: Creating a Haven for Bees and Butterflies
Every homestead garden tour needs a stop at the pollinator garden. This space is more than just beautiful; it’s vital for the health of our plants and the environment.
Dahlias and Zinnias: A Riot of Color
The dahlias have been the surprise hit of the season. Despite running out of time to net or trellis them, they’re standing tall and blooming in gorgeous purples, pinks, and whites. The zinnias, while nearing the end of their season, have been another pollinator favorite. Next year, I’m planning a palette of pinks and corals to create an even more stunning display.
Challenges in the Pollinator Garden
Not everything has gone smoothly. A transplanted butterfly bush is struggling, and a rogue deer has made a snack out of one of my rose bushes. But that’s homesteading for you—every challenge is an opportunity to adapt. We’re already brainstorming fencing solutions for next year to protect our plants.
Future Plans: Paths and Perennials
One of the big projects on our list is building rock paths in the pollinator garden. The rocks will not only outline the beds but also help hold down the landscaping fabric during windy winter storms. I’ve also picked up some new black-eyed Susans and yuccas to add even more life to this space. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to grow this area into a true haven for bees, butterflies, and beauty.
Milkweed
Cone Flower
Yarrow
Snapdragons
The Orchard: Planting for Generations
Our orchard has been a labor of love, with plenty of sweat and even a few tears poured into it. The vision? Rows of fruit trees and berry bushes providing an abundance of fresh produce for years to come.
Blueberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries
We’ve planted rows of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, using cardboard and mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. While some plants are thriving with new growth, others are struggling. It’s a reminder that patience is key when establishing perennial crops. With consistent care and a bit of luck, we’re hopeful for better results next season.
Lessons from Lost Fruit Trees
This year wasn’t kind to our fruit trees. We lost several due to harsh conditions, but the two apple trees we planted earlier in the year are thriving. We’re planning to add more trees soon, including during an upcoming family trip to a local orchard. Every loss teaches us something new, and every success keeps us moving forward.
The Weeping Cherry Tree: A Sweet Vision
Nestled in a red cage to protect it from the tractor, our weeping cherry tree is holding on despite a rough start. I envision it growing tall and providing a shady, whimsical spot for the kids to play under in the future. It’s moments like these that remind me why we’re doing this—for the joy, the memories, and the legacy we’re building.
Garden Trowel
Shears
Snips
Garden Gloves
Tackling the To-Do List: Driveways, Lawns, and More
Homesteading isn’t just about planting and harvesting; it’s also about maintaining and improving your space. Here are a few non-garden projects we’re tackling:
Driveway Maintenance
We’ve been working on clearing the grass along the driveway using a natural weed killer made from vinegar and salt. The goal is to widen the driveway and make it easier to maintain. It’s a small change that will make a big difference in the overall functionality of the homestead.
Lawn Care and Mulching
Cutting the grass around our apple trees and adding mulch has completely transformed their appearance. It’s amazing how small tasks like these can make the entire property feel more polished and cared for.
Decorative Touches
Hanging baskets filled with moss rose and vinca have been a delightful addition to the homestead. Their vibrant colors bring a touch of cheer, and they’re definitely something we’ll continue next year.
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Progress, Not Perfection
As we wrap up this homestead garden tour, I hope you’ve found a bit of inspiration, whether it’s for your own garden, a future homestead, or simply embracing the beauty in imperfection. Homesteading is a journey, and every season brings its own lessons and joys.
September marks a time of transition here on the Acres. We’re putting the gardens to bed, planting perennials, and making plans for an even better year ahead. It’s hard work, but it’s also deeply fulfilling—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thank you for joining me on this tour of our homestead. If you’re a busy mom dreaming of starting your own garden or making the leap to homesteading, know that it’s possible, even with limited time and resources. Start small, embrace the journey, and remember that every step forward is a step worth celebrating.
Until next time, happy homesteading!