Failures Survived
My seedlings remained safely on the porch long past the final frost, and for weeks I could not understand why I was avoiding the garden. Then I realized the truth: after years of crop loss and opening my farm as a business for the first time, I was afraid to fail where others could finally see it.
Caught in the Middle
“You know, you are awfully busy for someone that is supposed to be resting for the next six weeks.”
He said it casually, almost in passing—but it settled into me in a way I couldn’t ignore. Because beneath everything I’ve been telling myself, I know it’s true. I am supposed to be resting. And yet, here I am—caught between a season that asks for everything I have, and a body that is asking me, unmistakably, to be still.
Tiny Rituals for Busy Farm Mornings
Mornings on the farm with a toddler are messy, loud, and full of interruptions. But even in the chaos, small wins—a sip of tea outside, a quick garden check, a cuddle or story—create moments of calm. Tiny rhythms and grounding rituals, like the scent of Coastal Eucalyptus at bathtime, turn busy mornings into moments of presence
From Seeds to Soap: How the Farm Shapes Every Product
On quiet mornings at the farm, dew glimmers on the porch, ducks chatter, and the rooster greets the sun. It is in these gentle moments that inspiration strikes—every scent, candle, and bar of soap begins here. From the milk of future dairy sheep to the sweetness of bees, every ingredient, every small-batch creation carries the story of the farm, the seasons, and a little piece of home.
Sunup to Sundown, and Still Behind
While most people spend Spring Break resting, life on the farm moves in the opposite direction. Long days, endless projects, screaming muscles, and work that never quite feels finished define the week, but so does a deeper sense of purpose.
The Truth About Spring on a Small Farm
Spring on a small farm is often imagined as peaceful and picturesque, but the reality is far more complex. Between unfinished projects, unpredictable weather, and the rhythms of motherhood, this season is messy, demanding, and full of life. And somehow, in the middle of it all, still deeply beautiful.
Toddlers and Teaching: Motherhood in the Busy Season
Motherhood on the farm during the busy season is a constant balancing act. Between seed starting, planting, and caring for a toddler, I’m learning that some of the most important lessons aren’t just about growing food—but about raising a child who understands stewardship, patience, and the rhythms of life.
Why I Choose Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Year After Year
In late winter, gardeners turn to seed catalogs and seed trays to bring the growing season back to life. Here’s how I plan my garden, start seeds indoors, and why I rely on heirloom seeds to build a more resilient homestead.
5 Essential Tips for Successful Seed Starting this Spring
Spring means seed starting! I’m sharing my 5 essential tips for getting seedlings off to a strong start — from choosing the right seeds to keeping them healthy and organized. Every tiny sprout is a step toward a thriving farm!
Stuck in the In-Between
Some days it feels like my farm isn’t real. Between eggs, handmade soaps, and dreams of honey and produce, imposter syndrome creeps in. But every sold-out batch, every plan, and every small win reminds me — I am a farmer, even in the in-between.
Standing at the Edges of the Busy Season
Right now, the farm feels quiet — soap curing, seeds waiting, and the fence stretching out longer than expected. Spring is coming, and with it the hum of work, anticipation, and long days ahead. Standing at the edge of what’s to come, I choose to step forward anyway.
Foundations Are Built In Frost
Winter on a farm is rarely quiet. At Forestside, the pastures, animals, and Hearth & Hollow products are all quietly in motion, even when the paddocks look empty. This season isn’t downtime—it’s the foundation that makes the rest of the year possible.
Seeds, Sheep, and Slow Progress: A Snapshot of Our Farm
Winter is for planning, even when your hands are still covered in flour and feed dust. At Forestside Farm & Garden, we’re taking a look at where we are, what we’re growing, and what’s next—from seed trays and staple crops to sheep, pigs, and small-batch handmade goods. This year isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what fits, and doing it well.
Late-Night Bread: Choosing Care Over Convenience on the Farm
It’s 11 PM, the kitchen smells of flour and yeast, and my hands are sticky. In the quiet hours after my daughter is asleep, I knead bread by hand—a simple act of care that makes every hour worth it.
January Was Quiet, But It Mattered.
The first month of running our farm business was full of small wins, long nights, and winter lessons. January reminded us that growth often happens quietly.
The Farm Doesn’t Ask Her to be Strong
There are two things that bring my daughter immense joy—blueberries and going outside. On our small farm, she learns without being measured, performs without pressure, and belongs simply by being present. This week, I explore motherhood within farm life: the lessons the land teaches quietly, the tension of exhaustion and purpose, and why this life matters, even on the hardest days.
Why We Choose to Farm When the Store is Full
When a friend asked why I choose to farm in a world where anything can be bought instantly, I realized how differently we see food. That moment stayed with me, not as a challenge, but as an invitation to look more closely at what modern convenience asks us to forget.
Winter Break: Farming in Daylight Again
Winter break on the farm means daylight finally aligns with my schedule. As a teacher, most of my farm work happens in the dark, but these few weeks let me work alongside the sun, finish the primary garden, gather the first eggs of the season, and include my toddler in meaningful ways. It’s slow, messy, and sometimes frustrating. It is also deeply satisfying and a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to feel good.
A Year in Review: How 2025 Reshaped Our Farm
2025 began with overgrown weeds and uncertainty, but it ended with reclaimed gardens, new livestock, and a renewed sense of purpose. This year-in-review reflects on the lessons, setbacks, and small victories that reshaped our farm and our approach to self-sufficiency.