🥕 5 Hacks for Perfect Raised Beds + The Highly Sensitive Homesteader’s Fix

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Getting Your Raised Garden Beds Ready 🌱

4. Personal Development: Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Homesteader ❣️

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

What If Spring Cleaning Didn’t Feel Like a Never-Ending Battle?

Let me ask you something…

1. Do you ever feel like your home is working against you instead of for you?

2. Are you drowning in clutter, mystery stains, and harsh chemical cleaners that make you cough every time you spray them?

3. Do you clean one room, turn around, and somehow, it’s messy again?

Yeah, I’ve been there too.

I used to think “spring cleaning” was just another chore. Something I should do but never really got ahead of. I’d scrub, organize, and throw stuff out… only to feel like my house was still chaotic a week later.

And then I realized… the problem wasn’t me. It was the way I was cleaning.

• I was using products that were making my home more toxic, not less.

• I was decluttering without a real system, so the mess just kept creeping back.

• I was scrubbing harder, not smarter.

And that’s when everything changed.

This April, we’re tackling Spring Cleaning: The All-Natural Way.

Inside this month’s challenge, you’ll learn:

• How to ditch toxic cleaners and make powerful, natural alternatives

• How to deep clean your home without getting overwhelmed

• My secret to keeping your home fresh and clean year-round, with less effort

• Bonus: DIY recipes for household cleaning!

So, are you in?

Join the April Spring Cleaning Challenge today and finally take control of your home.

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY

Would you ever raise rabbits on your homestead?

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Yes, I already do!

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I’m planning to start soon

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ I’m interested but need to learn more

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 No, I’d rather raise chickens

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ No, I don’t plan to raise animals

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on our social media accounts for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Getting Your Raised Garden Beds Ready 🌱

Spring is here, and with it comes the promise of fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant herbs growing right in your backyard. But before seeds go into the soil, raised garden beds need a little preparation.

Skipping this step can lead to poor growth, compacted soil, and weak plants. A little effort now means a healthier, more abundant harvest later.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your raised beds ready for spring planting:

1. Clear Out Debris and Old Plants

Winter leaves behind dead plants, weeds, and sometimes even pests hiding in the soil. Removing old roots and plant matter prevents disease and makes room for new growth.

Use garden gloves to pull out leftover plants, shake off excess soil, and toss them into the compost pile if they’re disease-free. Check for signs of pests, like grubs or aphids, and remove them before they become a bigger problem.

2. Loosen and Aerate the Soil

Over time, soil gets compacted, making it harder for roots to spread and absorb nutrients. Fluffing up the soil allows air, water, and nutrients to move freely.

Use a garden fork or broadfork to gently turn the soil, breaking up hard clumps without disturbing beneficial microbes too much. If the soil feels too dense, mixing in compost or aged manure can improve its texture.

3. Test and Amend the Soil

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Testing the pH and nutrient levels ensures plants get what they need to thrive.

Soil test kits are easy to use and can be found at garden centers or online. If the soil is too acidic, adding lime helps balance it out. If it’s too alkaline, sulfur or peat moss can lower the pH. Compost, worm castings, and aged manure all boost nutrients naturally.

4. Add Fresh Compost or Organic Matter

Soil loses nutrients over time, especially after a full growing season. Adding fresh organic matter feeds the soil, improving its structure and fertility.

Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost, aged manure, or leaf mulch over the bed. Mix it lightly into the top few inches of soil to help it blend in. This provides plants with slow-release nutrients throughout the season.

5. Check for Pests and Unwanted Guests

Pests don’t take the winter off. Many hide in the soil or under mulch, waiting for warmer days to start feeding.

Look for larvae, burrow holes, or signs of damage on any leftover plant matter. If pests are present, consider using diatomaceous earth, neem oil, or beneficial nematodes to control them before they become a bigger issue.

6. Set Up Supports and Trellises

Plants like peas, beans, and tomatoes need support as they grow. Setting up stakes and trellises before planting prevents root disturbance later on.

Use sturdy stakes, cattle panels, or wooden frames to give climbing plants a place to grow. If reusing last year’s supports, scrub them down with a vinegar-water solution to remove any lingering pests or disease.

7. Water Deeply and Let the Soil Settle

Once everything is in place, give the soil a deep watering. This helps wake up microbes and ensures amendments start breaking down properly.

Soil naturally settles after watering, so check the depth after a few days. If it looks lower than expected, add another thin layer of compost to top it off.

8. Mulch for Moisture and Weed Control

Mulch keeps soil moist, reduces weeds, and adds organic matter as it breaks down. Without it, water evaporates quickly, and weeds take over.

Straw, shredded leaves, and wood chips all work well. Spread a 1- to 2-inch layer over the soil, leaving a little space around seedlings to prevent rot.

9. Plan for Companion Planting

Some plants thrive when grown together, while others compete for nutrients. A little planning now leads to healthier crops and fewer pests.

For example, basil improves tomato growth, while marigolds keep pests away from beans and squash. Avoid planting members of the same family in the same spot year after year to reduce disease buildup.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Homesteader ❣️

Homesteading and homemaking demand a lot: early mornings, long to-do lists, and a never-ending cycle of chores. For highly sensitive people (HSPs), the constant stimulation of daily life can be both rewarding and exhausting.

If loud noises, cluttered spaces, or too many demands leave you feeling drained, you’re not alone. The good news? With a few intentional changes, homesteaders and homemakers can create a life that nurtures their sensitivity instead of overwhelming it.

1. Create a Calming Homestead Environment

A homestead is full of movement. Animals, tools, kids, and the general chaos of life. Small adjustments can create a more peaceful atmosphere.

• Lower background noise. Wind chimes, gentle music, or the sound of nature can balance out the clatter of a busy home. If noisy tools like grinders or power saws overstimulate you, wear ear protection to soften the impact.

• Keep workspaces tidy. A clutter-free kitchen makes meal prep smoother, while an organized barn or shed reduces stress when handling chores.

• Use soft lighting in the evenings. After a day of hard work, dimming lights in the house signals to your body that it’s time to wind down.

2. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Homesteading often means saying yes to endless tasks like caring for animals, maintaining gardens, preserving food, and managing a household. But without boundaries, burnout happens fast.

• Limit social commitments. It’s okay to decline gatherings when you need quiet time. A simple “We have a busy season right now, but let’s plan something soon” keeps relationships strong without overloading your schedule.

• Block off personal time. Even 10 minutes with a warm cup of tea on the porch before the day begins helps reset your mind.

• Protect alone time after hosting. If guests visit the homestead, allow yourself downtime afterward to recharge.

3. Keep Daily Routines Simple

Decision fatigue is real. Simplifying daily routines helps HSPs conserve mental energy while keeping a household running smoothly.

• Meal plan around staples. Instead of stressing over what to cook each day, stick to a few rotating meals. Oatmeal for breakfast, a homegrown salad for lunch, and a hearty soup for dinner can keep things predictable.

• Prep tasks ahead of time. If feeding animals or harvesting takes up mornings, setting things up the night before makes the start of the day smoother.

• Declutter living spaces. A tidy home reduces sensory overwhelm. Even clearing countertops or organizing a pantry can make a difference.

4. Prioritize Quiet, Restorative Moments

With so much to do, it’s easy to go all day without a moment of stillness. But taking breaks helps prevent exhaustion.

• Start mornings slowly. Rushing from bed to chores leads to stress. Stretching, deep breathing, or drinking tea in silence allows for a peaceful transition.

• Build in mini-breaks. A short walk through the garden or five minutes watching the chickens can refresh your mind before diving into the next task.

• Unplug before bed. Scrolling through homesteading forums or researching projects late at night can overstimulate your brain. Reading a book or journaling helps shift into relaxation mode.

5. Manage Emotional Overload

HSPs tend to absorb emotions from people, animals, and even the general energy of a space. Learning to manage emotional energy prevents exhaustion.

• Limit exposure to negativity. If social media, the news, or even certain conversations drain you, step away when needed.

• Process emotions with movement. Chopping firewood, kneading bread, or digging in the soil can be grounding ways to release built-up feelings.

• Surround yourself with understanding people. A supportive community, even if it’s just one or two close friends, makes a huge difference.

6. Create a Homestead-Focused Self-Care Plan

Self-care isn’t about spa days, it’s about making choices that restore energy and bring balance.

• Choose self-care that fits your lifestyle. This might mean sitting in the garden with a cup of coffee, knitting by the fire, or journaling before bed.

• Schedule it like a farm chore. If it’s not planned, it’s easy to skip. Whether it’s an afternoon nap, a slow walk, or reading by candlelight, treat it as essential.

• Honor your need for rest. If exhaustion kicks in, give yourself permission to pause. Pushing through only leads to burnout.

7. Embrace Sensitivity as a Strength

Being highly sensitive isn’t a flaw, it’s a superpower. HSPs bring deep intuition, creativity, and empathy to homesteading and homemaking.

• Use intuition to guide homesteading decisions. Whether it’s choosing the best planting time or sensing an animal’s needs, trust your instincts.

• Lean into creativity. Many HSPs thrive in hands-on, creative work like sewing, baking, or designing garden layouts.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

What do you call a cow that loves April Fool’s jokes?

A real laughing stock!

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. This is me every time spring cleaning rolls around! 🧹

@thevaglefamily

Nothing is safe when she’s is like this 😆 #couplescomedy #couplesfunnyvideos #husbandandwifehumor #coupleshumor #husbandandwifecomedy #cou... See more

2. Nothing can stop me from gardening my stress away… literally! 🌱😂

@waltersgardens

Every problem goes away at the garden center🫣😂 #waltersgardens #provenwinners #provenwinnersplants #perennials #plants #gardening #gardent... See more

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