🌱 5 Seed-Starting Hacks Every Homesteader Must Know! + Why failing is actually GOOD

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Getting a Head Start — When and How to Start Seeds Indoors 🌿

4. Personal Development: Why Failing Helps You Grow 💭

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

You Wanted a Garden… But Now What?

You bought the seeds. You dreamed of homegrown tomatoes, fresh herbs, and vibrant greens. But instead, you’ve got weeds, wilted plants, and a garden that looks more like a battlefield than a food source.

Or maybe you haven’t even started because every “beginner’s guide” assumes you already know what soil amendments are.

I see you. I’ve been you.

You don’t need another blog post overwhelming you with conflicting advice. You need real, step-by-step guidance from someone who knows what it’s like to struggle through the trial and error.

That’s why March’s Gardening Basics Challenge is designed for people who want to:

• Start a garden without spending a fortune on fancy supplies

• Learn exactly when and how to plant for success

• Understand why some plants thrive and others die (and how to fix it!)

• Grow food without feeling like you need a degree in agriculture

This isn’t just a challenge. It’s a shortcut to growing your own food with confidence.

And if you’re just now joining, don’t worry because January’s Budget-Friendly Pantry Staples and February’s Natural Skincare & Self-Care challenges are still available! They’ll always be there when you’re ready.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s get your hands in the dirt, without the overwhelm.

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY

What’s your favorite companion planting combination?

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Tomatoes and basil since they thrive together!

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Beans and corn. The classic Three Sisters method.

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Carrots and onions, as they protect each other.

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Marigolds and vegetables—they repel pests.

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I haven’t tried companion planting yet, but I want to!

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 a Head Start: When and How to Start Seeds Indoors 🌿

March may still bring chilly mornings, but it’s the perfect time to start planning for spring planting. Starting seeds indoors gives gardens a head start, ensuring strong, healthy plants when it’s time to move them outside. Knowing when and how to begin can make all the difference in a productive growing season.

Here’s everything to consider when starting seeds indoors.

1. Check Your Last Frost Date

Timing is everything when starting seeds indoors. The last expected frost date in your area determines when seedlings can safely go into the ground.

Most seed packets list how many weeks before this date to start seeds indoors. For example, tomatoes and peppers need about 6-8 weeks, while faster-growing crops like cucumbers may only need 3-4 weeks.

A quick online search or checking with local gardening groups can help find the expected last frost date for your region.

2. Choose the Right Seeds

Not all seeds benefit from an early indoor start. Some plants, like root vegetables (carrots, radishes, and beets), prefer to be sown directly in the garden.

However, many crops thrive when started indoors:

• Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants – Need a longer growing season and benefit from an early start.

• Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cabbage – Cold-hardy plants that get a boost when started indoors.

• Herbs like Basil, Parsley, and Thyme – Slow growers that do well with an early start.

• Flowers such as Marigolds and Zinnias – Add beauty and attract pollinators when planted early.

3. Gather the Right Supplies

A successful indoor seed setup doesn’t have to be complicated. A few basic tools help seedlings grow strong:

• Seed trays or small containers – Recycled yogurt cups or egg cartons work in a pinch.

• High-quality seed-starting mix – Lighter than garden soil, allowing for good root development.

• Grow lights or a sunny window – Seedlings need at least 12-16 hours of light per day.

• Humidity dome or plastic wrap – Helps retain moisture until seeds sprout.

Using what’s already available works just fine. The key is providing enough warmth, moisture, and light.

4. Provide the Right Growing Conditions

• Temperature – Most seeds germinate best at 65-75°F. A heat mat can help maintain warmth if needed.

• Watering – Soil should stay moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to mold or weak roots.

• Airflow – A small fan nearby strengthens stems and prevents mold growth.

Light is one of the most important factors. A south-facing window may not be enough, especially on cloudy days. Grow lights positioned a few inches above seedlings ensure they don’t become weak and spindly.

5. Transplant at the Right Time

Once seedlings outgrow their first containers, they need to be moved into larger pots before heading outside. Hardening them off, like gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions, is recommended.

A week before transplanting, place seedlings outside for a few hours a day, increasing exposure until they’re ready for the garden. This prevents shock and helps them adjust to wind, sun, and temperature changes.

Pro Tip: This month, The Homestead Movement is focusing on Gardening Basics, offering tips, tricks, and guidance to help homesteaders get the most out of their gardens.

<< Be sure to check it out for more in-depth strategies and support!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Why Failing Helps You Grow 💭

Most people see failure as something to avoid. It feels uncomfy, frustrating, and sometimes even embarrassing. But the truth is, failure is a tool that leads to succes, especially for homesteaders and homemakers who are constantly learning, experimenting, and adapting.

Here’s why failure is essential to growth and how to start embracing it.

1. Failure Builds Resilience

Every successful homesteader knows that setbacks are just part of the process. Crops fail, animals get sick, and projects don’t always go as planned. But instead of quitting, experienced homesteaders get back up, learn from their mistakes, and try again.

Failure teaches people how to handle challenges. It builds mental toughness and encourages problem-solving. Every time something doesn’t work out, there’s an opportunity to find a new approach, gain experience, and become more confident.

2. It’s the Best Teacher

Some lessons can’t be learned from a book or a YouTube tutorial. Sometimes, the only way to truly understand something is by doing it… and failing at it.

Think about baking bread from scratch. The first few loaves might turn out dense or flat. But each mistake (too much flour, not enough kneading, incorrect proofing) teaches a valuable lesson. Over time, those little failures turn into skills.

This applies to everything, from gardening to canning to raising livestock. Failure gives firsthand knowledge that no amount of reading can replace.

3. It Pushes People to Improve

If everything always worked perfectly, there would be no reason to change or grow. Failure forces people to adjust, experiment, and find better ways of doing things.

A failed garden might lead to better soil testing. A failed business venture might spark a new, more profitable idea. A failed routine might inspire a more sustainable lifestyle change.

So, instead of seeing failure as a dead end, view it as a push in the right direction. It’s not a stopping point. It’s a sign that something needs to be tweaked or approached differently.

4. It Redefines Success

Society often portrays success as a straight path. But in reality, every successful person has faced setbacks along the way. The difference is, they didn’t let failure stop them.

For homesteaders and homemakers, success isn’t about perfection. It’s learning new skills, providing for a family, and creating a fulfilling life. It’s also making mistakes, adjusting, and moving forward with new knowledge.

5. It Teaches Self-Compassion

Failing can feel personal, but remember that everyone struggles at some point. Comparing personal progress to someone else’s highlight reel only leads to frustration.

Instead, focus on the small wins. Celebrate progress, even if it’s not perfect. Acknowledge effort, even if the results aren’t there yet. Give the same grace to yourself that you would give to a friend.

The homesteading lifestyle, like any journey, comes with plenty of trial and error. So rather than fearing failure, embrace it as part of the learning process. Growth happens in the setbacks, not just in the victories.

An Activity to Try

Think about a recent failure. Maybe a meal didn’t turn out, a garden project flopped, or a habit didn’t stick.

Write down three things learned from the experience. How will this failure help in the future? What adjustments can be made next time?

By looking at failure as a stepping stone instead of a roadblock, it becomes clear: failure isn’t the opposite of success… it’s a necessary part of it.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why did the cow break out in song in March?

Because the pastures were finally a-live with the sound of moo-sic!

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. Yet another hilarious example of how farm animals can squeeze into the most unexpected places! 😂

@rachelsam

The Real World: Goat Herd Edition 🐐 #fyp #goats #goatsoftiktok #viral #funny #farmlife #austintx #goatherding #babygoat

2. Spring gardening season is almost here! Here's a quick (and hilarious) preview of what to expect. 😆

@gardenary

I can laugh now because it’s not summer 😂🥲 This week, we’re sharing our most viral posts from 2024 and this was definitely top of the list... See more

ENGAGE WITH US

Got some amazing homesteading products? Let's team up and spread joy in our community!

Also, care to share any genius ideas for The Steady Home newsletter? Just hit reply and let's get talking!