🤓 The Easiest Raised Bed Plan + A Parenting Approach That Just Feels Right

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Sunday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Easy DIY Raised Garden Beds 🤓

4. Personal Development: Embracing Slow Motherhood — A More Intentional Way to Parent 💚

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

“Mom, why does this tomato taste weird?”

What if your family could eat fresh, homegrown food, without worrying about chemicals, recalls, or bland produce?

I’ll never forget the moment I bit into a store-bought tomato and realized something was off. It was watery, flavorless, and honestly, a little sad.

I grew up eating tomatoes straight from the vine: juicy, full of flavor, still warm from the sun. But somewhere along the way, food stopped tasting like food.

Now? We’re paying premium prices for produce that was picked before it was ripe, shipped across the country, and still doesn’t taste right.

That’s when I decided: I want my family to eat real food again.

And it started with the simplest step: learning how to grow it myself.

Join Me for March’s Gardening Basics Challenge

This month, we’re getting back to real, fresh food by growing it ourselves. Even if you:

• Don’t have space for a big garden

• Kill every plant you touch

• Feel overwhelmed by where to start

I’ve got you covered. I’ll show you exactly how to:

1. Grow food in small spaces (even if all you have is a patio!)

2. Choose beginner-friendly plants that actually survive

3. Work with your soil to grow nutrient-rich food (without breaking the bank!)

4. Use low-maintenance techniques so you’re not babysitting your garden

5. Harvest & store your produce so nothing goes to waste

You’ll also have:

• A step-by-step guide (so you never feel lost)

• A private group of women learning alongside you

• Lifetime access to lessons & resources (start when you’re ready!)

• Extra mini-challenges & workshops to deepen your skills

Oh, and if you missed January or February’s challenges? No worries! They’re still inside the portal, ready whenever you are.

So, what do you say?

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST SUNDAY

How stocked is your pantry right now?

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Fully stocked for months

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ I have a good stash, but I need more

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I have some basics, but I want to expand

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I mostly buy food as I need it

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I don’t keep a stocked pantry

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

Easy DIY Raised Garden Beds 🤓

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning for a thriving garden. But if heavy clay soil, weeds, or back pain from bending over have ever made gardening frustrating, there’s a simple solution: raised garden beds.

Let’s break it down step by step so you can build your own in no time.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Location

Pick a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid areas with too much shade from trees or buildings. If possible, place beds near a water source to make watering easier.

2. Select the Best Materials

The most common choice for raised beds is wood, but not all wood is safe for growing food. Use untreated cedar, redwood, or pine since they resist rot naturally. Avoid treated lumber, which contains chemicals that can leach into the soil.

Other material options include bricks, cinder blocks, or even galvanized metal, but wood is the easiest and most budget-friendly to work with.

3. Decide on the Size

A good starting size is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. This allows easy access to plants from both sides without stepping into the bed. Keep the height between 12-18 inches for better drainage and deeper roots.

If space is limited, smaller 3x6 or 4x4 beds work well too. Just make sure they’re narrow enough to reach into the middle without overextending.

4. Build the Frame

Once materials are gathered, follow these steps:

• Cut the wood to your preferred size.

• Use deck screws or exterior screws to attach the corners securely.

• Reinforce corners with L-brackets for extra durability if needed.

To extend the lifespan, consider lining the inside with landscape fabric before adding soil. This prevents weeds from growing through while allowing drainage.

5. Fill with Quality Soil

The key to a successful raised bed is rich, well-draining soil. A simple mix includes:

• 50% topsoil

• 30% compost (homemade or store-bought)

• 20% aeration material (sand, perlite, or peat moss)

Mix these well before filling the beds. If using store-bought soil, look for an organic raised bed mix to ensure healthy plant growth.

6. Plan for Watering

Raised beds dry out faster than in-ground gardens, so consistent watering is essential. Consider adding a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to make watering easier.

For smaller beds, hand watering in the morning works well. Adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil helps retain moisture and reduces how often beds need watering.

Final Tips for Long-Term Success

• Rotate Crops – Avoid planting the same crops in the same spot every season to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup.

• Add Compost Regularly – A layer of compost each season keeps soil rich in nutrients.

• Monitor for Pests – While raised beds reduce pests, they don’t eliminate them. Keep an eye out for signs of damage and use natural pest control when needed.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Embracing Slow Motherhood: A More Intentional Way to Parent 💚

Motherhood often feels like a never-ending race. There are meals to cook, messes to clean, and little ones who need attention every second. Add in the pressure of social media, and it’s easy to feel like slowing down isn’t an option. But what if motherhood didn’t have to feel so rushed?

That’s where slow motherhood comes in. It’s a way of making motherhood more peaceful, fulfilling, and sustainable.

What Is Slow Motherhood?

Slow motherhood is about simplifying routines, being more mindful, and creating meaningful moments. It’s a response to the constant busyness of modern life. Instead of rushing from task to task, it encourages slowing down and enjoying the small, everyday moments with children.

This doesn’t mean eliminating structure or ignoring schedules. It’s about choosing what truly matters and letting go of the unrealistic expectations that leave mothers feeling exhausted and disconnected.

How to Practice Slow Motherhood

1. Focus on Fewer, More Meaningful Activities

There’s pressure to sign kids up for everything: sports, music lessons, playdates. But more isn’t always better. Too many activities can leave families stressed and constantly on the go.

Instead, choose a few activities that align with family values. Maybe it’s weekly nature walks, baking together, or reading a bedtime story. Prioritize quality time over quantity.

2. Reduce Screen Time for Everyone

Phones, tablets, and TVs can steal precious time. Kids and parents alike get sucked into screens, making it easy to miss real-life moments.

Setting boundaries can help. Create “screen-free” times, like during meals or before bed. Instead of watching TV, play a board game, cook together, or take a short evening walk. These small changes encourage more presence and deeper connections.

3. Simplify Daily Routines

Mornings don’t have to feel rushed. Mealtimes don’t have to be chaotic. Simplifying routines can make everyday life feel more manageable.

• Prepare breakfasts the night before to reduce morning stress.

• Create a simple meal rotation to avoid last-minute dinner panic.

• Allow extra time for getting out the door to prevent the rush.

A slower routine helps children feel more secure and allows parents to be less reactive and more present.

4. Spend More Time Outdoors

Nature has a way of slowing everything down. Fresh air, open spaces, and the sounds of birds chirping can calm both children and parents.

Make outdoor time a daily habit. Let kids play in the dirt, collect leaves, or help with the garden. Even a short walk outside can reset the mood and help everyone feel more grounded.

5. Let Go of Perfection

Social media makes it easy to compare. It’s tempting to feel like the house should always be spotless, meals should be picture-perfect, and kids should always be well-behaved.

But motherhood isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, love, and doing the best with what’s available. Letting go of unrealistic expectations makes room for more joy and less stress.

6. Encourage Independent Play

Not every moment needs to be filled with structured activities. Children thrive when given space to explore and play on their own.

Provide simple toys like blocks, dolls, or art supplies. Allow time for unstructured play, without interruptions. It fosters creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills.

7. Create Small Rituals

Rituals don’t have to be elaborate. A simple routine can create a sense of security and comfort.

Some ideas:

• Morning snuggles before starting the day.

• A family gratitude practice at dinner.

• A special bedtime routine with a song or story.

These small moments build deeper bonds and help create a more intentional, connected family life.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

How do chickens celebrate the start of spring?

With a big egg-stravaganza!

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. POV: You raised chickens, so expensive eggs are not your problem.

@andythecmama

Egg prices and shortages 👀 #chickens #chickenmom #humor #funny #homestead #joke #homesteadlife #chickensoftiktok #follow #like #love #exp... See more

2. Who needs a bodyguard when you’ve got a horse that goes everywhere with you? 😂

@slusheelovers4ever

she’s my protector

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