Summer on the Homestead: When Everything Happens at Once
You know that feeling when summer hits and suddenly everything on your homestead goes from zero to sixty? Yeah, that’s what we’re talking about here. While your neighbors are planning beach trips, you’re out there at dawn checking on tomatoes and making sure the chickens have enough water for another scorcher.
Summer homesteading is intense, I won’t lie. But there’s something pretty amazing about watching everything you’ve planted actually grow, about collecting warm eggs while the morning’s still cool, about that first perfect tomato of the season. It’s busy, it’s sweaty, and honestly? It’s kind of addictive.
What You’re In For This Summer
Let me save you some time – here’s what really matters when the heat hits:
- Water becomes precious (those rain barrels you’ve been meaning to set up? Now’s the time)
- Your garden either thrives or fries (mulch is about to become your best friend)
- Animals get cranky in the heat just like we do
- Those DIY projects you’ve been putting off? Perfect for long summer evenings
- Your neighbors with extra zucchini suddenly become very friendly
Getting Ready for the Heat
Water: Never Enough of It
Remember last summer when you swore you’d set up a better watering system? Well, here we are again. Rain barrels are honestly a game-changer – one good thunderstorm can fill them up, and you’ll be grateful for every drop come August.
I learned the hard way that watering at noon is basically throwing water away. Early morning or evening is where it’s at. And that mulch I mentioned? Pile it on thick. Your plants will thank you, and you’ll water way less often.
Pro tip: Those kiddie pools nobody uses anymore? Perfect for dunking water buckets or giving your dog somewhere to cool off.
Your Summer Garden Reality Check
Look, we all dream of magazine-worthy gardens, but summer has other plans. Some things just love the heat – okra grows like it’s on steroids, eggplants finally wake up, and don’t even get me started on how many zucchini one plant can produce.
But here’s what nobody tells you: now’s actually when you should be thinking about fall. I know, I know – you’re drowning in cucumbers and thinking about Brussels sprouts seems crazy. But trust me on this one.
Also, shade cloth isn’t cheating. Neither is giving up on lettuce in July. Work with the weather, not against it.
Keeping Animals Happy When It’s Hot
Ever seen a chicken pant? It’s unsettling. Animals need more help than we think when temperatures soar. Shade is non-negotiable – whether it’s from trees, tarps, or that old beach umbrella you found in the garage.
I refresh water buckets twice on really hot days, sometimes three times. Throw some ice cubes in there – chickens think it’s hilarious, and it actually helps. For bigger animals, a box fan in the barn can be a lifesaver. Just make sure it’s safely mounted where nobody can knock it over.
Projects That Actually Make Sense Right Now
Playing with Solar Power
I’ll be honest – I was intimidated by solar for years. Turns out, starting small is totally fine. A basic panel setup can run a fan in the chicken coop or charge your phone while you’re working outside. You don’t need to go off-grid overnight.
The best part? Summer means maximum sun, so even a modest system performs well. Just keep the panels clean – dusty panels are sad panels.
Cooking Outside (Because Who Wants a Hot Kitchen?)
Canning indoors in July is basically voluntary torture. Drag that propane burner outside, set up under some shade, and suddenly canning becomes almost pleasant. Almost.
Solar ovens are surprisingly legit too. A cardboard box, some foil, and a piece of glass can slow-cook dinner while you’re doing other things. Is it faster than your kitchen stove? Nope. Is it free energy and keeps your house cool? Absolutely.
Dealing with Bugs Without Losing Your Mind
The bug situation in summer is real. Before you grab the heavy-duty spray, try the easy stuff first. Marigolds really do help (and they’re pretty). Basil around the patio keeps mosquitoes somewhat honest. And if you let your chickens loose in the garden for an hour before bed, they’ll hunt down bugs like tiny dinosaurs.
Diatomaceous earth is my secret weapon for crawling pests. Just remember to reapply after rain, which in summer might mean never, depending on where you live.
The People Part of Homesteading
Trading Season Is Here
This is when having too many tomatoes becomes currency. That neighbor with the beehives? They might trade honey for your extra produce. The family down the road with the apple trees? They probably need help picking in exchange for a bushel or two.
I keep a running list on my fridge: what I have too much of, what I need. It sounds organized but really it’s just scribbled notes like “ZUCCHINI – HELP” and “need: sanity.”
Backyard Gatherings That Don’t Stress You Out
Forget Pinterest-perfect parties. Real homestead gatherings involve mismatched chairs, food straight from the garden, and probably at least one person asking if they can see the chickens.
Keep it simple: tell people to bring a dish, set up some shade, have cold drinks ready. Maybe someone brings a guitar, maybe you all just sit around complaining about Japanese beetles. Either way, you’re building community, and that matters more than any fancy centerpiece.
Real Talk About Summer Homesteading
Here’s what Instagram doesn’t show you: summer homesteading means 5 AM wake-ups because it’s too hot to work by 10. It means finding creative ways to use 47 pounds of tomatoes. It means some days you’re too tired to appreciate the “simple life” everyone thinks you’re living.
But then evening comes, things cool down a bit, and you’re sitting outside with dirt under your nails and fresh food on your plate. The chickens are settling in for the night, the garden is watered, and somehow all that chaos makes sense.
Questions Everyone Asks
What actually grows well in this heat? Tomatoes love it, beans keep producing, okra laughs at the heat, and herbs like basil and oregano go wild. Lettuce? Give it up until September.
My chickens look miserable. Help? Shade, fresh water (with ice!), and good airflow. Frozen corn or watermelon as treats. They’ll make it through, but they need your help.
Is solar worth it for small homesteads? Even a tiny system helps. Start with one panel for specific needs. You can always add more later.
The bugs are winning. What now? Chickens first, companion planting second, neem oil or diatomaceous earth third. Accept that some bugs are just part of the deal.
When should I start preserving? Right now! Summer produce is at its peak. Can outside if possible, your kitchen will thank you.
Remember, every summer is a learning experience. What works one year might flop the next, and that’s okay. The point isn’t perfection – it’s progress, fresh food, and maybe a good story or two about the time the goats escaped during your garden party.
Stay hydrated, take breaks, and don’t forget to actually enjoy what you’re growing. Summer’s intense, but it’s also when homesteading really shines.