Vegetables and Honey - Bounty and Beauty of Homestead Life

Season is in full swing at the homestead – we are harvesting vegetables quicker than we can eat them. Our baskets are overflowing with vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet bell peppers. The abundance is a beautiful reminder of the hard work we’ve put into our gardens. But with this bounty comes the exciting task of preserving the harvest for the colder months. Soon, we will head into the thick of canning, dehydrating, and preserving, ensuring that we can enjoy the flavors of summer well into the winter.

However, preserving isn’t our only focus right now. It is also the perfect time to think about fresh greens for the fall and winter as well as sowing cover crops to protect and nourish the soil. Cover crops play a crucial role in maintaining soil health, preventing erosion, and adding nutrients back into the ground.

Even up here in zone 5b, we can grow a lot of veggies right through the cold season, especially if you have a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Here are some vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Leeks
• Beets
• Radishes

These hardy crops can withstand the chill and continue to provide fresh produce when the rest of the garden has gone to sleep.

Our bees also enjoy a bit of a rest from the busy spring and early summer honey flow. They are now gearing up for the late summer and fall nectar flow, which is our favorite. This period yields rich, dark honey that tastes floral and citrussy and all around delicious. We will soon bottle our summer harvest and have it available in our shop. Supply is extremely limited, so subscribe to our email to get first dibs on this delicious treat.

And because farmgirls want to look good in the fields, we have created a collection for all my fellow farming ladies out there. We understand the importance of feeling comfortable and stylish while tending to the land. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our brand new tees and sweaters, designed with you in mind.

Whether you’re harvesting your garden’s bounty, preparing for the cold season, or caring for your bees, we’ve got you covered. Visit our shop to check out the latest additions to our farmgirl collection and gear up for the seasons ahead with both style and practicality.