🍅 How to Ripen Green Tomatoes in a Hurry + Fall in Love with Spring Life

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: How to Ripen Green Tomatoes 🍅

4. Personal Development: Romanticizing Your Life This Spring 💚

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Ready to Clean Your Home… the Healthy Way?

Spring cleaning shouldn’t mean filling your home with chemicals you can’t pronounce. What if you could clean your home with simple, all-natural ingredients that are better for you and your family?

This April, join the Homestead Hands-On Challenge and learn how to create powerful, natural cleaners that actually work, without the toxic mess.

In just a few days, you’ll discover:

• How to make your own cleaners from ingredients you already have

• The top hidden toxins to ditch now

• Easy habits for a safer, healthier home

No more confusion or wasted money. Let me show you how to do it the simple, effective way.

And guess what? If you missed January’s Pantry Staples, February’s Skincare, or March’s Gardening, they’re all still available for you! 🌻

PLUS, get ready for May’s DIY Tallow & Beeswax Projects starting Thursday! 🐝
Create your own natural skincare products, candles, and more!

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY

What’s the most satisfying part of homesteading for you?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Harvesting food I grew

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Preserving or fermenting the harvest

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Raising and caring for animals

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Living in sync with the seasons

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Teaching or sharing the lifestyle

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

How to Ripen Green Tomatoes: Simple Tips for Homesteaders 🍅

If you're anything like me, you’ve probably looked at your tomato plants late in the season and thought, “Why are these tomatoes still green?” It happens, especially with the unpredictable weather we sometimes face. But don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to ripen those stubborn green tomatoes and still enjoy a fresh, tasty harvest. Below are some methods you can try.

1. The Classic Ripening Box Method

This method is a fan favorite, and for good reason. It’s simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here’s what you need to do:

• Pick the tomatoes: Choose firm, healthy green tomatoes. Avoid any with blemishes or damage, as they’re less likely to ripen well.

• Set up a box: Grab a cardboard box or a crate. Lay the tomatoes in a single layer, leaving some space between them. You don’t want them squished together, or they may rot instead of ripen.

• Add an apple or banana: Place an apple or banana in the box with your tomatoes. These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process.

• Close it up: Seal the box loosely. You want some airflow to prevent mold, but you also want to trap the ethylene gas inside to help the tomatoes ripen faster.

This method works best in a warm area (think 65-70°F), like a kitchen counter or pantry. Check them every few days, and you’ll notice them slowly turning red.

2. The Paper Bag Trick

If you don’t have a box handy, a paper bag can do the trick too. The process is similar to the box method but with a slight twist.

• Pick your tomatoes: Again, make sure they’re healthy and green.

• Bag them up: Place a few tomatoes in a brown paper bag. Don’t overcrowd them; you want some space for airflow.

• Add a ripening fruit: Just like the box method, throw in an apple or banana. You’ll want to trap that ethylene gas to encourage ripening.

• Seal the bag: Fold over the top of the bag to keep the gas inside. Place the bag in a warm area, and check on it daily.

3. Let Nature Take Its Course (On the Vine)

If the weather isn’t too chilly and the frost isn’t imminent, you might want to try letting your tomatoes ripen naturally on the vine. Here’s how:

• Cut off the whole plant: If most of your tomatoes are green but the plant is still healthy, carefully cut the whole plant at the base and hang it upside down in a sheltered area.

• Use a tomato cage: If you’ve been using tomato cages, you can keep the plant upright, even indoors, and let the tomatoes continue ripening.

• Monitor for rot: This method takes longer, and it’s essential to check for any signs of mold or rot, which could spread to the healthy tomatoes.

4. Ripening Tomatoes Indoors

• Place on a windowsill: Lay your tomatoes on a tray or countertop near a bright, sunny window. This will give them the warmth and light they need to start the ripening process.

• Turn them regularly: To make sure the tomatoes ripen evenly, turn them every day or two. This will prevent one side from becoming too soft while the other remains hard and green.

The indoor method is especially useful if you live in a place with cool evenings or have had an unexpected cold snap. A sunny windowsill is all you need to help them ripen naturally.

5. The Oven Method (When You’re in a Hurry)

If you’re looking for a quick fix and don’t mind giving up some of the fresh-from-the-vine flavor, the oven method is a good option.

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to a low temperature—around 150°F. You don’t want to cook the tomatoes, just warm them enough to speed up the ripening process.

• Place tomatoes on a baking sheet: Lay the green tomatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet, with a little space between each one.

• Leave the oven door slightly ajar: This allows moisture to escape and prevents the tomatoes from turning to mush.

• Check every 30 minutes: Depending on the size of the tomatoes, they should start to ripen in a few hours. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t dry out or cook too much.

6. Using a Tomato Ripening Tray

If you’re someone who prefers a set-it-and-forget-it approach, a tomato ripening tray might be worth the investment. These trays have a simple design with holes that promote airflow while keeping your tomatoes in place. Just add your green tomatoes, place the tray in a warm area, and wait for them to ripen.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Romanticizing Your Life This Spring 💚

If you’re feeling stuck in a routine or need a burst of inspiration, it’s time to try romanticizing your life. But don’t worry because this doesn’t mean you need to plan a dramatic makeover. Here’s how you can bring a little more magic into your daily life this spring.

Slow Down and Savor the Moment

Life moves fast, but when you slow down, even ordinary moments can become extraordinary.

• Enjoy your morning routine: Take your time with your coffee or tea. Appreciate the warmth and aroma.

• Notice the small things: Look at the flowers, feel the breeze, or listen to birds singing. These details can bring you joy.

Create a Cozy, Inviting Space

A cozy environment can make you feel more peaceful and connected.

• Add candles or soft lighting: It creates an inviting atmosphere.

• Bring nature inside: A vase of flowers or some houseplants instantly brightens your space.

• Declutter: A tidy space helps clear your mind and makes everything feel calmer.

Make Everyday Tasks Feel Special

You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to make ordinary tasks feel enjoyable.

• Turn on music while you clean or cook: It makes chores feel less like a task.

• Set the table: Treat yourself to a little “special occasion” vibe, even for a simple meal.

Indulge in Simple Pleasures

Spring brings fresh opportunities to enjoy life’s simple joys.

• Go for a picnic: Whether in your backyard or a nearby park, it’s a great way to enjoy a meal outdoors.

• Take a walk in the rain: Embrace the spring showers and the refreshing feeling they bring.

Embrace Creative Self-Expression

Expressing yourself creatively can add a sense of magic to your days.

• Start a spring journal: Write about your thoughts, goals, or just how you're feeling.

• Try a new hobby: Whether it’s knitting, painting, or photography, it’s a great way to break out of the routine.

• Create a vision board: Collect pictures or words that inspire you and remind you of your intentions for the season.

Practice Gratitude

Focusing on what you're grateful for can help you appreciate life more.

• Keep a gratitude journal: Write down a few things you're thankful for at the end of each day.

• Express appreciation: A small compliment or thank-you can boost your spirits and those around you.

Embrace Creative Self-Expression

Expressing yourself creatively can add a sense of magic to your days.

• Start a spring journal: Write about your thoughts, goals, or just how you're feeling.

• Try a new hobby: Whether it’s knitting, painting, or photography, it’s a great way to break out of the routine.

A Quick Checklist

▢ Slow down and enjoy your morning rituals.

▢ Light candles or add cozy lighting to your space.

▢ Notice the beauty in small details (flowers, sunlight, sounds).

▢ Listen to music while you do chores.

▢ Take a break for a picnic or walk in the rain.

▢ Start a journal or take up a creative hobby.

▢ Practice gratitude daily.

▢ Set a personal goal and create a vision board.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why did the carrots file a complaint?

Too much spring drama in the garden rows!

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. They say you attract what you fear, so... here’s me doing exactly that 😂

@_sarahfromthesouth_

Terrified. Shaking in my boots. 🤭Anyone else? What are you scared of? #jokes #fyp #funnyvideos #relatable #homestead #chickens #goats #co... See more

2. There’s always that one pot that just refuses to cooperate when we’re doing the dishes 😩

@javonjefferson

It’s ALWAYS THE POT😩 #foryou #comedy #funny #viral #skit #pov #relatable #dishes #humor #jokes #reels #funnyvideos #comedian #fypシ Cr: @xenomikeyy

3. Here's another chicken joke for you:

@farmjokester

What do you call a chicken starring at lettuce? #chicken #backyardchickens #poultry #hens #eggs #laying #farmtok #joke #haha #farming #hom... See more

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