Just like that, we are halfway through 2026. This is the time of year when mornings seem to blend into nights, and the days pass by in a whirlwind of activity. Even with the gift of longer daylight hours, our schedule is packed with homestead chores, garden maintenance, animal care, community projects, and summertime fun. The gardens are producing, the animals are thriving, and there never seems to be a shortage of tasks waiting to be done. While the pace can be exhausting, it is also a reminder of the blessings that come with this season of growth, abundance, and opportunities to share with others.
Our Harvest
Our garden is producing abundantly this season. Over the past month, we have harvested pounds of radishes, kale, swiss chard, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The warm days and consistent care have rewarded us with an impressive harvest, allowing us to enjoy fresh produce while also sharing it with others. Each harvest serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from faithful stewardship and the importance of growing healthy, local food. As summer progresses, we look forward to even more tomatoes, peppers, beans, and other seasonal favorites making their way from our garden to the tables of others.
Our Animals
The animals on the homestead are thriving this summer. Daisy, our American Chinchilla rabbit, is currently caring for seven adorable bunnies, and as always, she is doing a wonderful job as a mother. If you are interested in purchasing rabbits for pets, breeding, manure for garden fertilizer, or consumption, please reach out for more information. Our chickens continue to reward us with baskets full of colorful eggs. The warm weather and longer days have created ideal conditions for egg production, and the hens are certainly taking advantage of it.
In the coming days, we will be processing another batch of broiler chickens. If you are interested in purchasing farm-raised chicken, please visit our Farm Stand page to place your preorder for a $12 whole broiler chicken. We also recently picked up our pork from the butcher and have a few $50 pork bundles still available. In addition, we have mild and hot sausage links available for $7 per pack. As always, every purchase helps support the work of Bradley’s Homestead while providing your family with locally raised, high-quality food. We are grateful for your continued support of our homestead and community mission.
On the farm, the animals are doing well. Pluto, the calf, is growing fast and now has horns! The goats and pigs are all thriving as we settle into the summer season.
Homestead Happenings
Last month, we had the pleasure of celebrating our supporters at our Annual Garden Party. This year’s picnic-themed gathering featured a delicious lunch, homemade ice cream, and plenty of lawn games for guests to enjoy. More importantly, it provided an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to the individuals, families, volunteers, and supporters who have helped make Bradley’s Homestead what it is today. Their encouragement, generosity, and dedication have played a vital role in our growth and success. We believe their support should never go unnoticed, and the Garden Party was our way of saying thank you for standing alongside us as we continue to serve our community.
Our plant sale continues throughout the season, offering healthy garden starter plants for those looking to grow their own food, flowers, and herbs.
off the homestead happenings…
This month, we launched our Sharing the Harvest: Senior Produce Giveaway Program. From June through September, seniors enrolled in the program will receive a bag of fresh, seasonal produce along with farm-fresh eggs or another homestead product. Our goal is to provide nutritious food while supporting the health and well-being of senior citizens in our community. As the holiday season approaches, participants will also receive a special holiday bundle featuring fall and winter vegetables, homemade preserves, and baked goods prepared from our spring and summer harvests. Through this program, we hope to share not only the bounty of the homestead but also the spirit of community, kindness, and care for our neighbors.
We have been blessed with excellent feedback from customers who have purchased plants from us, and it has been rewarding to hear about their gardening successes. Our customers’ stories remind us why we enjoy sharing our love of gardening with the community. I regularly share customer reviews on our Facebook page, so be sure to check it out to see how their gardens are growing and to stay informed about current plant availability.
image provided by Carolina Teen Center
Bradley's Homestead 