Homestead Summer Update: What’s Thriving (and What Didn’t)
Every season has its wins and its losses, and this summer has been no different on the homestead. Some plants are thriving and showing off, while others… well, let’s just say they didn’t make the cut this year.
Here’s a peek at what I’ve been growing and tending to this summer:
- Tiny Lemon Tree – my little citrus project, pushing along slowly but surely.
- Strawberries – small but mighty, always worth the wait.
- Rainbow Chard – those colorful greens brighten up the beds and my plate.
- Broccolini – tender stalks coming in nicely.
- Coriander & Kale in Hanging Bags – experimenting with growing upwards, and it’s actually working well.
- Two Banana Trees – scored these on Facebook Marketplace for just $10 each, and they were already 4 feet tall! They’re thriving and I couldn’t be happier.
- Yellow Sweet Potatoes – tucked in and spreading.
- Capcasin Peppers & Serrano Peppers – spicy little bursts of fire in the garden.
- Two Turkey Fig Trees – figs are one of my favorite fruits, so having these feels like a big win.
- Three Blackberry Bushes – these are sturdy and sweet, exactly what I hoped for.
Now for the honesty part: my two grapevines didn’t make it. They withered out and gave up before they had a chance to thrive. Sometimes that’s just how it goes—you plant, you try, and sometimes nature has other plans. I’ll give grapes another go, because I’m not one to quit after one round.
On the flower side, I added a few pops of color and cheer this year:
- Pink Mandevillas – snagged them for just $3 each, and they’re blooming beautifully.
- Zinnias – bright and bold, at only $2 each they were a steal.
- Orange Fall Mums – a couple for $4 each, adding that autumn vibe early.
This summer’s garden feels like a mix of experiments, small victories, and lessons learned. That’s the rhythm of homesteading—you celebrate what grows, you try again with what fails, and you keep building season by season.
