There’s an old saying we all know, “April showers bring May flowers”. But this year, here in Summerville, SC, those showers have been few and far between. And as beautiful as spring has been, the lack of rain is something we feel more deeply with each passing day. Our perennials have already begun to bloom, stretching toward the sun as if everything is just right. But behind the scenes, we’ve been working harder than usual, watering day after day to make up for what nature hasn’t provided. What should feel like a season of ease and renewal has instead required a bit more effort, a bit more attention, and a lot more hope.
Each morning, I find myself turning on the news, listening closely, waiting to hear those words: rain is on the way. Instead, the conversation continues around our moderate drought conditions and the growing concern for farmers across South Carolina. It’s a reminder that what we’re experiencing in our own yard is part of something much bigger. We often refer to ourselves as homesteaders, and we wear that title with pride. It reflects a lifestyle rooted in self-sufficiency, simplicity, and connection to the land. But the truth is, we are farmers too. And like farmers everywhere, we depend on the balance of nature. When that balance shifts, we feel it in every seed, every bloom, every harvest yet to come.
This season has been a lesson in patience and resilience. It’s a reminder that no matter how much we plan, prepare, and tend, we are still at the mercy of the weather. And so, we keep watering, keep watching the skies, and keep believing that the rain will come. Until then, we’ll continue doing what farmers do: showing up each day, caring for what we’ve planted, and trusting that all this effort will one day be rewarded. Because when the rain finally does fall, those May flowers will mean so much more.
Our Harvest
Our garden is now fully planted, and I can’t begin to express the joy that comes with that. There’s something deeply rewarding about looking out over the boxes of growing food and knowing that, in just a short time, we’ll be able to offer fresh produce to our community. This season, we’ve planted a beautiful variety of tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, radishes, beans, and flowers to bring color and pollinators into the space. The sunflowers have already been sown, standing as a promise of what’s to come. As always, I continue with succession planting my sunflowers, so while one round grows, another is already being prepared. Now, I find myself waiting on two rounds of “sunshine”.
Even with the dry conditions, this season has already given us so much to be grateful for, especially our recent plant sale. It was a true success, and I want to take a moment to thank every one of our supporters, both old and new, for believing in Bradley’s Homestead and the vision we continue to build. Our first weekend of plant sales brought both highs and a small challenge. The highlight was seeing the incredible turnout and support from our community. The low came when a sudden gust of wind knocked over our tomato shelves. In that moment, it could have turned into a much bigger setback, but thankfully, friends were nearby and jumped in to help us quickly get everything back under control. As a result of the fall, some of our tomato plants lost their tags. Instead of letting that discourage us, we decided to embrace a little fun and flexibility. Those tomato starts are now being sold for $1 each. And to our surprise and gratitude, everyone has been more than happy to take home a “mystery tomato.”
Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. It’s not just about growing plants, it’s about growing community, resilience, and connection. Whether it’s lending a hand in a moment of need or embracing the unknown with something as simple as a tomato plant, this journey continues to be filled with purpose. The garden is growing, the community is showing up, and the work is moving forward. God’s promise!
Our Animals
The animals here on the homestead and at the farm are all doing well, and they continue to bring so much life and joy to our days. Last month, we added a few new faces to the family by purchasing goats to expand our livestock. They are as adorable as they are playful, full of energy and curiosity. Right now, they are cohabitating with the cows, and it has been something special to watch. Roxie, true to her nature, has already taken on a motherly role with them. She keeps a watchful eye, guiding and protecting in a way that only she can. Just yesterday, Uncle Carnal shared with me how Roxie has learned to coexist with the goats while still managing her herd. He explained how, just before feeding time, she gently moves the other cows to a different area of the pasture, almost as if she’s creating space so she can eat first. It’s fascinating to witness that level of instinct and awareness in action. Nova, Napoleon, and Nebula are beginning to catch on as well, learning from Roxie’s lead. For now, they follow along, but I know it won’t be long before Roxie realizes they aren’t quite as young as they used to be and starts adjusting her approach.
In the coming weeks, we will also have goat meat available, another step forward in providing quality, farm-raised products to our community. There are moments when I simply sit back and take it all in: the growth, the lessons, the unexpected blessings. Here at Bradley’s Homestead, we are continually given opportunities to expand, to learn, and to serve. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Homestead Happenings
The plant sale is going on now!
Bradley’s Homestead is offering healthy garden starter plants.
Call or text to schedule a time to come by and shop!
off the homestead happenings…
Our “Grow A Row” initiative is in full swing.
Our work beyond the homestead continues to grow just as much as what we plant in the soil. Last month, we had the opportunity to visit Carolina Teen Center, where we provided three “Grow Boxes” and helped prepare them for planting. It was a meaningful experience, knowing these boxes would become a hands-on learning space for the teens. This month, we’re excited to return and take the next step—planting the vegetables that the teens themselves selected. There’s something powerful about giving young people the opportunity to choose what they grow and then guiding them through the process of bringing it to life.
We’re also looking forward to another special outreach opportunity next week. We will be visiting an elementary school in Kingstree, where we’ll be installing a raised garden box for a classroom. Along with the garden box, we’ll plant a few starter plants so the students can begin to see, touch, and experience the joy of growing their own food. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about planting seeds of knowledge, confidence, and connection in the next generation. Through each visit, each lesson, and each shared experience, we are reminded that the true harvest goes far beyond what comes out of the ground.
We are excited to announce that we have been invited to participate in a Health and Wellness Fair in Salters on the first Saturday in May. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our mission with a wider audience and continue educating the community on the importance of growing your own food and the benefits of eating farm-raised meat. At our table, we plan to distribute seedlings for families to take home and start their own growing journey. We will also have a special hands-on experience for children, allowing them to gently interact with and pet our rabbits and one of our goats. Moments like these help bridge the gap between where food comes from and the families who enjoy it.
We are grateful for the chance to be part of this event and to continue sharing the values and vision of Bradley’s Homestead with our community.
Bradley's Homestead 