As we move through July, we’re reminded that the middle of the year offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect. Whether the first half of the year has gone exactly as planned or taken unexpected turns, this is the perfect time to reset our goals and embrace the possibilities ahead.
It’s also a season of growth, both personally and professionally. Small, consistent steps taken today can create meaningful progress by the end of the year. So we shall embrace July as we celebrate another milestone: 28 years of marriage.
Our Harvest
July has certainly brought the summer heat, and while the rain has been scarce, our garden continues to amaze us. Despite the challenging conditions, we’re still harvesting pounds of fresh vegetables each week. Our harvest baskets continue to fill with juicy tomatoes, several varieties of peppers, butter beans, okra, cucumbers, and green beans. One pleasant surprise has been our lone zucchini plant. It’s still producing, even though we know that with every zucchini we pick, it could be the last one of the season.
July also marks the beginning of planning for what’s next. This month, we’ll begin starting seeds indoors for the next growing season. Gardening is always about looking ahead; celebrating today’s harvest while preparing for tomorrow’s.
Our Animals
Summer on the homestead brings the extra responsibility of caring for our livestock during periods of extreme heat. While farm animals have been raised on this land for generations, the climate they experience today is not always the same as it was decades or even centuries ago.
As temperatures rise, we make it a priority to closely monitor each of our animals for signs of heat stress. Fresh, cool water is always available, and we provide frozen treats to help them stay comfortable. We also ensure they have access to shade and plenty of opportunities to rest during the hottest parts of the day. Their well-being remains one of our highest priorities, and we are grateful for the opportunity to care for them through every season.
When we visited the farm today, we noticed the cows resting in a shaded area. Cattle naturally seek out shade during the hottest parts of the day to stay cool and reduce heat stress.
Homestead Happenings
Our Spring and Summer Plant Sale has come to an end. We look forward to seeing you again when our Fall Plant Sale begins in September. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports our nursery fundraiser! Every plant purchased helps support the work of Bradley’s Homestead and our mission to serve the community through education and food security initiatives.
This past month’s Craft Therapy was a Junk Trucker Cap.
off the homestead happenings…
We are now in the second month of our Sharing the Harvest: Senior Produce Giveaway Program, and we are thrilled to announce that we have reached our goal for the number of senior citizens we hoped to serve this season!
Bradley's Homestead 