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😵 8 Hidden Triggers of Plant Stress + How to Clear That Brain Fog

😵 8 Hidden Triggers of Plant Stress + How to Clear That Brain Fog

Question of the day: How much of your food do you currently grow or raise?

Cedie Omaña
May 15, 2025

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NOTICE: Formerly known as The Steady Homestead, we’ve rebranded to The Homestead Movement! Same great content, just a fresh new name. 😊

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The things you own end up owning you. It’s only after you lose everything that you’re free to do anything."
— Chuck Palahniuk

HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY

Want to supercharge your sourdough starter? Feed it with freshly milled flour, like hard red wheat or rye. Fresh flour still contains natural oils, enzymes, and microbes that speed up fermentation and flavor complexity. If you don’t have a mill, check local co-ops or barter for small batches. Once your starter is bubbly and active, you’ll notice stronger rise and deeper, richer flavor in your loaves.

How much of your food do you currently grow or raise?

IN TODAY'S EDITION

Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊
All Things Homestead: A Troubleshooting Guide When Plants Start Acting Up 🌿
Personal Development: From Mental Fog to Mental Clarity 💚
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

How would you describe your gardening experience?

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Experienced gardener (multiple years)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Intermediate gardener (a few seasons under my belt)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Beginner (just starting out)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I’m a permaculture enthusiast

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I don’t garden yet but want to start

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

A Troubleshooting Guide When Plants Start Acting Up 🌿

Plants don’t speak, but they sure know how to show when something’s off. If your indoor or garden plants are looking sickly, there’s probably a simple reason… and an easy fix.

Below are the most common signs something’s wrong, what causes them, and what to do before you toss the pot or panic.

Yellow Leaves

Too much water usually causes yellowing. Let the soil dry out completely before giving another drink. If leaves stay yellow, check the drainage. No roots like soggy feet.

Brown Leaves

Brown and crispy leaves usually mean dry air or low humidity. Move the plant away from heating or cooling vents and try misting or using a small humidifier.

Black Leaves

Black leaves are often a sign of rot from overwatering. Dry the soil out right away and check roots. If they’re mushy, trim them back and repot with fresh soil.

Grey Leaves

When leaves turn dull grey, your plant is likely starving for nutrients. Feed with a balanced fertilizer like 10-15-10 to boost overall health.

Brown Tips

If the tips are turning brown while the rest looks fine, you’re probably watering too much. Stick your finger into the soil an inch deep or use a moisture meter before watering again.

White Fuzz

A fuzzy white substance usually means mealy bugs have moved in. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use insecticidal soap. Be thorough because it spreads fast.

Sticky Leaves

Sticky leaves often mean aphids or spider mites are hanging around. Spray with insecticidal soap and isolate the plant until pests are gone.

Flies Around Soil

If tiny flies hover near the pot, you’re probably dealing with fungus gnats. Let the top layer of soil dry out, and add pebbles on top to block larvae from hatching.

Black Stem

A black, mushy stem is a red flag for bacterial or fungal rot. Cut away infected areas and treat the rest with a general-purpose fungicide or a “3-in-1” plant spray.

Leaves Turning Green (When They Shouldn’t)

If colorful leaves are fading into green, they’re not getting enough light. Move them to a brighter spot, preferably near a south-facing window or under a grow light.

🧤 A Few More Tips from the Dirt

Always check your plant’s specific needs before assuming anything.
A cactus and a fern don’t play by the same rules.
Water less in winter.
Plants slow down when light fades, and overwatering in colder months can cause more harm than good.
Rotate pots every week.
This keeps growth even and prevents plants from leaning toward the light.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

From Mental Fog to Mental Clarity 💚

Here are some real habits to strengthen your mind and support your homestead life.

Start with Uplifting Mornings

Choose one thing to set a peaceful tone. Write in a journal, stretch for five minutes, or play calm music.
Your brain needs a gentle nudge in the morning, not chaos. Think of this like feeding your soul before feeding the chickens.

Say It to Believe It

Repeat short, true affirmations out loud. Try “I can handle hard things” or “I’m making progress.”
Speaking kind words to yourself shifts the way you handle messes, big or small.

Picture the Life You’re Building

Take a few minutes to imagine your dream day, like how you’d move, feel, and show up.
Mental pictures act like road maps. The clearer they are, the easier they are to follow.

Let Habits Do the Heavy Lifting

Choose routines that make life easier. Lay out clothes the night before. Schedule quiet time.
Keep it small but steady. Stacking one good habit on another builds a strong foundation.

Move Your Body to Clear Your Mind

Even light chores count: Walk the garden, sweep the porch, or do stretches between tasks.
Moving your body releases tension and improves your mood. No gym required.

Eat for Brain Power

Add omega-3-rich foods like salmon or flaxseeds. Eat dark leafy greens or frozen berries.
What you eat fuels how clearly you think. Healthy brains start in the kitchen.

Hydration + Rest = Brain Reset

Drink more water than you think you need. Go to bed at the same time each night.
Tired and dehydrated brains can’t solve problems well. Help yourself show up fully.

Get Uncomfortable on Purpose

Try one thing each week that makes you a little nervous. Call someone new, test a recipe, speak up in a group.
Growth comes through the discomfort. That’s where your brain learns to trust you.

💡 Bonus Tips Just for You

Don’t wait for motivation. Create it by doing one small thing first.
Keep a “wins” list to track your progress when life feels heavy.
Share what you’re learning with your kids or spouse—it’ll stick even more.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why did the scarecrow apply for a raise in May?

Because it’s peak performance season.

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

What’s in Your Skincare?

If you can’t pronounce it, do you really want to use it?

This May, we’re going back to basics with Tallow & Beeswax DIY Projects: simple, nourishing recipes for your skin, your home, and your peace of mind.

Perfect for beginners, budget-conscious mamas, and anyone tired of mystery ingredients in their “natural” products.

You’ll get step-by-step tutorials, supply lists, storage tips, and a community of women who get it.

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!

I totally relate to this one! 😂

@mama.t.official
I got the best hubby! Yes, im saving for my homestead! #homesteading #homestead #gardening #garden #homesteadtiktok

Like they always say, just gotta take it one step at a time! 😂

@chloeavalon
Should hold us over till winter…🫑 #homestead #momsoftiktok #sahm #momhumor #traditional #farmlife

Now this is what I’m talking about! 😂

@jerica.90
The love for my garden is strong!!! #gardening #gardening101 #wearingarobetogarden #howtogrowagarden #humor #homesteading #countrylife #mo... See more