When SLOWER is BETTER + Spring Day in the Life on Our Homestead!

Homesteading is such a rewarding lifestyle, but it's not easy. Join our family for an early spring day on the homestead as we share how we are processing the constant pressures to keep up in this "add more" culture.
Recipes:
Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup with Black Beans and Sweet Potato: fromscratchfarmstead.com/crea...
Oh SO Good Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars: fromscratchfarmstead.com/pean...
Cheesy Meatloaf without Ketchup or Breadcrumbs: fromscratchfarmstead.com/chee...
Starting a Garden:
Starting Seeds Indoors Without Grow Lights: fromscratchfarmstead.com/star...
DIY Seed Starting Mix with Compost: fromscratchfarmstead.com/diy-...
Seen in video:
I like "ruck" or walk with a weighted backpack to add some strength training to my walks. You can get specific rucksacks but I just use an old back pack and this weighted plate. amzn.to/3vybqnD
We also add collagen powder to the banana oat bars. This is our favorite brand. amzn.to/4aEzhk8
Our Favorite 10 Fine Minerals/Salt for Cows and Chicken From Redmond Agriculture: shop.redmondagriculture.com/?...
(Use code FROMSCRATCH for 15% off)
GrubTerra Black Soldier Fly Larvae: grubterra.com/products/grubte...
(Use code "Fromscratchfarmstead" for 10% off GrubTerra Products)
FREE EBOOK
Grab your FREE Essential Homestead Dairy Recipes eBook!
fromscratchfarmstead.myflodes...
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[@vanderm49]

Possibly the greatest thing you're doing is giving your kids so much dad time. Huge kudos to you for all your doing!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I agree!! I'm so thankful to have Jim home with us! Thanks for watching!

[@chantalfoucher547]

Your kids are getting a good education. You guys are amazing.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for your kind words! Since neither Jim or I grew up this way, it's like we are all getting this education together! I'm so thankful for that!

[@roadtriplover.]

“Greatness comes in the small things that add up over time.” What an awesome quote!

[@user-ff2bm5gi9w]

thought the same!

[@carolwhisenhunt7504]

Loved the meal on this. The kids are growing and thriving. I have prayed for you during the loss of your mom. You are a great mom.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you so much for your continued prayers! That means SO much! ❤️

[@janeorganizes6295]

They are incredible parents! I respect how they always return to what works best for their family.

[@kadiechristiansen2369]

Onion tips: put your onions that are sprouting in the garden. They make beautiful flowers and then scatter the seeds come fall. You will have a semi-self perpetuating onion bed as little onions sprout up all over. They may be smaller onions depending on where you live but still work great! Same amount of nutrients. We do this with our carrots also. Leave some in the ground. They flower and put out seeds. Weed carrot patch come fall and rake in the Seeds and they germinate next spring without all the modern work. We try to garden with God- it's been so much easier for a busy family of 9! Seeds just germinate better when they germinate in the environment you plant them. Stronger and hardier plants also! Also, try Egyptian walking onions. I inherited some from my German great grandmother that brought them over with her when she fled Germany. They plant themselves also! So we have an family heritage onion bed also. No seeds. Saw them on Etsy a bit back if it sounds like a fit.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

These are great tips! Thanks for sharing. I’m curious to look more into the things you mentioned!

[@paulsims6888]

Nice looking soup. Living within your means and focusing energy on kids, now that what's important. I am intrigued by your cook stove. Could you do a walk through of how it works, and why this was your choice. Our ideals have been drawn away by careers and business that we have lost what life is really about. And that's "Love". Of course we can't be hungry, but love is really important. Your kids remind me of me when I was a kid! Two thumbs up!

[@CliveN-yr1gv]

Looks like an Aga stove. They can be awesome. Fuelled ours with peat many years ago.

[@stephencameron1709]

They did do a video on the stove. If you look back at their old videos you’ll find it.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks! It’s an AGA! We found it used when we were renovating our house in 2020 for an amazing deal we couldn’t pass up. Ours runs on gas and we love it! We do have other videos going into more details if you want to check them out 😊.

[@wocoranch]

The stove of my DREAMS ❤ I hope one day I can make one work for me in South georgia

[@lisahoffmann3274]

I love your philosophy. You have to do what works best for your family. I sometimes forget that and put too much pressure on myself. Thanks for reminding us.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So glad this was helpful for you! Right there with you...I find I constantly need to remind myself. Thanks for watching!

[@ljjdsee]

Wow, huge props on the soil recipe!!

[@mariaallevato6121]

That meatloaf looks yummy, and is similar to mine. I agree, no ketchup! It's more like a meatball recipe. I also add chopped, cooked spinach, and I always made an extra one because it makes great sandwiches. I really enjoy your videos.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Adding greens are a fun addition and I love the idea of making an extra!! Thanks for sharing!

[@joycezuiderveen3625]

There is something beautiful about simplifying life. It’s very freeing for the soul.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@AngelaMarie409]

Love, love, love your videos. What a beautiful family you are. Thanks for sharing your life chores. ❤

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you so much!!!

[@laurieshatney9279]

Thank you for sharing your life with us. I love watching how simply yet meaningful you keep you lives. Keep up the simply life and God Bless.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Aw, you're welcome! Thanks for watching and the encouragement!

[@jessicapalmer1139]

I understand that feel of late start. Since January I feel like I’ve been running around doing all the things that I lost track of the calendar and realized I hadn’t done my starts. I just did them this weekend so they done but a bit behind. Hearing this was a good reminder for me as well, to remember to take things slowly and not rush. That sometimes it’s the little steps that have the biggest impact. Thank you for sharing and I’ll be praying for the unexpected things.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes! Sounds like we are in the same place. Glad this was helpful for you and thanks for your prayers!

[@dennisnagel4422]

I feel you are doing everything 100 % right. There is an old saying - Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast. May GOD continue to bless your entire family !

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I love that! Slow and smooth is fast. I'm going to keep that in mind. Thank you!

[@edwinbasco1327]

as i normally do, you can start sowing onion seeds outside in containers whole dec... water lightly, cover with black garbage plastic sheet and leave it for the whole winter... germination is 80-90%... in spring, remove the sheet and wait until transplant... easy, almost labor-free and very effective... it always works for me and hope for you too...

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

This is a great tip! Thank you for sharing!!

[@Jordan-bh2tm]

Such a timely message! Thank you for being so genuine and real. You guys are wonderful role models. Thank you!!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for this encouraging comment!! So glad it was helpful!

[@julieolson6926]

I just wanted to say thank you for your channel. I am enjoying your videos. I can relate with your life in many ways. Thanks for being so encouraging!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Aw! So glad these are helpful and relatable. That means a lot to us! Thanks for being here!

[@Indigogingerkat11]

I love how you aren’t afraid to do what works, and is best for your family:) The children seem so eager and happy in learning and hands-on , of all their is to do:) very much incorporated “Labor of Love” in all you do❤️

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

“Team work makes the dream work” is probably mentioned at least a dozen times here everyday 😂. Thanks for your kind words and for watching!

[@kadiechristiansen2369]

Amen to your homeschool tidbit ❤️ another mama in the same place

[@batbseverino6015]

What a great reminder to take it slow and know that things will still be alright. I am in a different season of my life with my husband having Alzheimer’s. We still put in a garden every year. I love your videos.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I’m so sorry your husband has Alzheimer’s. That’s such a hard road. Thank you for all that you are going to care for him and I love that you are still putting in a garden. It’s so good emotionally, physically, spiritually…all the ways! ❤️

[@NurseChrissy17]

I loved this video! I also homeschool and sometimes I feel the pressure of feeling like we should be doing better or doing more etc etc but this was exactly what I needed to hear today

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

SO glad!! It's something I need to come back to over and over again!

[@maryellenmusser3531]

Charles Dowding and Huw Richards are UK gardeners with KZbin videos on how to grow starts outdoors. Huw Richards has a video especially on low tunnels and the hot bed made with decomposing manure for the "hungry gap" period and seed starts

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks!! We'll have to check this out!

[@trapped7534]

Thank you guys for this video. I have been feeling absolutely overwhelmed. I haven’t gotten anything started that I wanted to start. And I started to believe that at 69 years old maybe I just need to stop. But I just don’t have the heart to stop. And I appreciate knowing that younger people are having a rough time getting started too. God bless you guys.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

You're welcome!! Keep going! Even just doing something small is better than nothing. My expectations are low for our garden this year but usually I'm pleasantly surprised at the results end up being!

[@annamccosker7878]

Great video! I appreciate how you head off in the early mornings for "alone" time. I do that every morning, just go downstairs into our basement and sit in the quiet- thinking, meditating, reading and praying! It's become invaluable to me and it starts my day off with a beautiful mindset🙏🙂 I also admire that your husband is handy in the kitchen as well... I can't imagine my hubby helping me do much! 😂 But he is great at grilling!! 🙂

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I love that!! Thanks for sharing your morning routine. I'm so thankful for his help! :)

[@ciaralewis968]

Joelle, Jill Winger from Old Fashioned on Purpose just did a soil episode on her post cast with Redmonds, and it’s SUPER interesting and detailed for those who want to do more direct sowing and prepping your soil well. Highly recommend!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Oooh! I'll have to give it a listen. Thanks for sharing!

[@YarnSociety]

I'm definitely going to make your peanut butter and chocolate chip goodness! My daughter and I made both of your blender muffins and we loved them, so they will be on rotation! I love how the kiddos are involved and the sweet violin playing, that warmed my heart!!🥰

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Oh yes - you will love those bars and so glad the muffins have been a hit. Thanks so much for watching!

[@stephencameron1709]

I love seeing your beautiful family and love your recipes! Just made four batches of the butternut squash bars. They’re so delicious! You both are such wonderful parents. Praying for you in the loss of your Mom. The loss of a Mom is such a difficult time, but the Lord is faithful and healing will come with time. Hugs to you. ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻Val C

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So glad you loved that recipe! Thank you so much for continuing to pray for us. That means so much! It is HARD! ❤️

[@weebitfluffy]

We do the cod liver oil too

[@amywoodard2852]

We start all our cold crop seeds in the unheated greenhouse here in zone 5. I sew them in February but they just take their time and sprout when the weather is right and they are healthy and strong. I only start peppers and tomatoes and heat-lovibg crops in the house. I've never tried onions out there but i also have a full tray in the house. I will try it both ways next year! We also love egyptian walking onions which come up through the snow and are fun to share with visitors to your garden.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you for sharing! I'll have to look into those onions - sound so fun!!

[@NefariaAdventures]

I just planted seeds a couple weeks ago too and feel so behind. I worry they won’t produce until late in the season. Love your calming videos. You all are more practical and realistic than many other gardening and homesteading channels ❤

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! Every year is different but we've had such warm falls by us lately that being a little bit behind has always worked out ok. Hoping for a great gardening season for you!

[@breezybre2670]

I can"t even fathom being as disciplined as this lady. How? Wow! 5am!!!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

We go to bed early too! I've always been a morning person :). Thanks for watching!

[@KelceyG2019]

NEEDED THIS! 💯 👏🏼 🙌🏼💞

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

So glad this was helpful! ☺️❤️

[@user-hw2hs4hv5r]

We would recommend investing in the low cat tunnel system from Neversink Farm Tools for your onions. Our farm recently invested in that system and it is a game changer for using insect net or frost blanket, keeping everything streamlined and clean, allowing your fabrics to last many years longer, and also increasing efficiency of use. It definitely is an investment, so I'm not sure if it is worth it for your homestead, but just thought we'd throw it out there! All the best to your family this growing season! God Bless

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for sharing this! In my research I think this was the one I had landed on that seemed like the best option. Good to hear from an actual user that it's a worthwhile investment. We ended up not pulling the trigger on anything this spring and are going to try and track down some onion starts from farmer friends. But I think I will keep this in mind again for next year and see if we can't direct sow some rows of onions early. Do you have a place you like to get the frost blankets or covers for low tunnels from? Thanks!

[@user-hw2hs4hv5r]

@@FromScratchFarmstead Community sufficiency ;) We're in Canada actually so we source our covers locally, but Johnny's selected seeds has some options, and they are always a trustworthy source in our experience

[@christinatom9146]

You are doing such an awesome job raising your children and running your household/farm even if you are "missing" some things! You are light years ahead of most people though you might not feel that way most of the time!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you!! I think in our social media culture it's so easy to see the best of the best and think you are falling short but this is a good reminder. Thanks!

[@seasidehomestead4064]

Slow is definitely better, every spring I stress about the work needed on our homestead, this year I'm taking a different approach. Your video helped me see other homesteaders agree.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes! I still have some trepidation about what's ahead but keeping it in perspective makes such a difference!

[@thewildone4448]

Great video 😊! I love your content! You have definitely inspired me to want to live on a homestead in the future. I was wondering if your family is planning on watching the eclipse? It would be a great learning experience for them and I’m sure they’d really enjoy it!!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hi! Thanks so much!! We are planning on it. Just picked up some glasses and a few books at the library the other day ☺️

[@thewildone4448]

That’s great! I hope you have fun!!

[@gensguineas]

your soup looks so good and your kids are really good with their violin playing

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you! 😊

[@rsplatt100]

Well said😊

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you!

[@susie6315]

Glad I found your channel. Does your husband have a job somewhere? Just wondering how you manage all the work.. Love it!! 💖

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Hi! So glad you're here!! He left his job about 2 years ago and our content creation is our full time gig with running things here, homeschooling our kids, and doing life together! It's such a blessing and dream come true to have him home!

[@roadtriplover.]

Wow! Isn’t it just so true that we compare ourselves to others in so many ways. Thank you for addressing this topic. It’s so important, more so than I think we realize, that we not compare ourselves to others, but seek to improve upon where we are now vs where we want to be. Life is about learning and growing ourselves, in our relationship with Christ, in our relationships with other people and in our skills and abilities. Also, we can only live one day at a time and, since my skills and abilities may be different than another’s, it will obviously mean that our respective work products will vary. If I can learn from you and you from me, we both grow! That should be the goal, rather than comparisons and making judgements of ourselves.

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Yes, yes, yes!! I love everything you said!

[@roadtriplover.]

@@FromScratchFarmstead, well, I’ve also had to learn these lessons.😉

[@kellymurdock5982]

I am well north of you but I have never had success with onions direct sowing. The best temp for seed germination for onions is 70 F so a row cover should give you that (I never tried row covers on the onions). I am doing seedlings this year for the first time with onions and they are thriving. I have a heat mat and lights on them Started them Feb 5th. I will start transplanting in about a week and they will go under a row cover just to be sure. As you know, the size of the bulb you get is dependent on how long the onion grew before the solstice (days start getting shorter). Best of luck. I am interested to see how it goes for you!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thank you for sharing!! Good luck with yours!

[@tamarasmith1023]

How much land do you have? Thanks!

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

We have just over 5 acres!

[@rsplatt100]

What’s in the heavy backpack that you take on your walk?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

I put a weighted plate in there to add some strength training to my walk. It's called "rucking". You can get special backpacks but I go this plate for Christmas that I can stick in an old backpack :). amzn.to/3vybqnD

[@lisanowakow3688]

What kind of oven/ stove do you have?

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

It’s an Aga! Facebook marketplace find of a lifetime! 😍

[@lisanowakow3688]

I thought those were British only stoves. Goodness they are pricey. I hope you got a steal!

[@widowswatch6610]

Has anyone had a young kid that would only eat chicken nuggets and fries or cheap Mac and cheese ???????? a and how did you handle this situation???????????

[@FromScratchFarmstead]

Thanks for sharing! This may not be a popular opinion but I'd just remove them as an option and swap with real foods. There may be resistance at first but eventually they have to eat.