When spring arrives, gardens begin to hum with life—and at the heart of it all are the pollinators. These essential creatures play a critical role in helping flowers bloom, fruits set, and vegetables grow.

When I started designing fabric for TrueWoven, I knew from the beginning that it had to be 100% cotton. Not just because it’s traditional or easy to work with (although those are true), but because it aligns with what I believe in as a homesteader, a mother, a maker, and a Messianic believer.

The creation story is ultimately about freedom—freedom through order, through simplicity, and through the space created by boundaries. When each part of creation has its own role, everything flows together in harmony, and life flourishes. This is what we strive for on the homestead: a balanced, ordered life where each piece fits together, where our crops grow, animals thrive, and we find joy in the work.

Some plants emit scents or chemicals that deter pests. For example, marigolds repel nematodes, and nasturtiums can attract aphids away from your vegetables, acting as a “trap crop.”

We got to talking about something I hadn’t thought much about in a while: the difference between rhythms and routines, especially when it comes to raising children. Bri said, “You know, I used to be such a stickler for routines with Remy. Everything was by the book: naps at a certain time, bottles measured to the ounce, bedtime stories at 7:15 sharp. But with JoJo… I don’t know. It’s more like I’m trying to follow her rhythm than forcing her into a routine.”

There’s something truly special about raising children in the country. Away from the noise and fast pace of city life, the land itself becomes a teacher, offering lessons in responsibility, patience, and the beauty of hard work. A childhood spent in the open air—gathering eggs, tending a garden, or caring for animals—instills values that shape a person for life.

Skeleton leaves are beautiful, delicate, and perfect for crafting, decorating, or preserving nature’s beauty. These intricate leaf structures showcase the natural vein network of a leaf, making them ideal for art projects, handmade cards, bookmarks, and more.

Here’s how you can create your own skeleton leaves using a simple at-home method.

Skeleton leaves are not just delicate beauties—they are versatile, elegant, and timeless elements for crafting and decorating. Whether you’re making jewelry, home décor, or personalized gifts, these projects bring a touch of nature and creativity to your everyday life.

The principle of reaping and sowing is one of the most powerful truths found in the Bible, and it has profoundly shaped my understanding of how my actions, choices, and faithfulness impact my life. This biblical concept isn’t just about planting and harvesting crops—it’s about the way we live, the way we love, and the way we walk with God.

Gardening is more than just planting seeds and watching them grow—it’s a way to connect with nature, cultivate food, and create beauty. But not all gardens are the same. Depending on your goals, climate, and available space, different gardening methods may work better for you.

It might still feel like winter outside, but February is the perfect time to get a head start on your spring garden! While the ground might be frozen and the days are still short, there’s plenty you can do right now to ensure your garden is ready to thrive when spring arrives.

Starting seeds indoors is exciting, but let’s be honest—it can feel like forever for little ones waiting for those first sprouts to appear. If you’re gardening with kids, why not mix in some kitchen scrap gardening?

Dreaming of growing your own food but short on space? You’re not alone! With the right tools for small gardens, you can turn even the tiniest spaces into a thriving mini-garden. Whether it’s a balcony, patio, or a sunny windowsill, container gardening makes it easy to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.

Have you ever wanted to grow your own food but don’t have a big backyard? If so, you’re not alone! Many city dwellers ask how to start an urban farm in a small space and wonder if it’s even possible. The good news is, you don’t need much land to start farming. Instead, you can use a small balcony, a rooftop, or even a sunny windowsill to grow fresh, healthy food right at home.

For small-space homesteaders, quail are an excellent alternative to chickens. They require minimal space, produce nutrient-rich eggs, and can be kept in stackable cages or aviaries on balconies, patios, or small backyards. Additionally, quail mature quickly and begin laying eggs at just 6-8 weeks old, making them one of the most efficient poultry options for homesteaders with limited land.

February may be the heart of winter, but for gardeners, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming—and planting—for spring. While the cold weather might keep you from digging in the dirt just yet, there are plenty of cold-hardy crops that you can start indoors this month. Getting a jump on these early growers means you’ll have strong, healthy seedlings ready to transplant as soon as the ground warms up.