A Day in the Life at Bleaves Farms: The Hard Work and Beauty of Homesteading

In a world where so many crave a return to the basics…fresh air, real food, and a deeper connection to nature…homesteading has become a dream for many. But let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park. It’s long days, sore muscles, and dirt under your nails. And yet, every ounce of effort poured into this land comes back tenfold in fulfillment, health, and soul-deep satisfaction. For today’s blog post, I’ll share a typical day on our homestead.

Morning: Protecting the Harvest

After a long workweek, I let myself sleep in a bit, savoring the rare luxury of rest. Meanwhile, Jeff was already out handling morning farm chores. By 8 a.m., I was up, coffee in hand, ready to hit the ground running.

The first task of the day? Protecting the future of our food. Our 10 raised garden beds are now bursting with tiny sprouts…fragile, hopeful little things. But the birds were already circling, ready to feast. I got to work securing bird netting over the beds, just in time. I spotted a sprout with peck marks, and then I saw the moment a bird realized its breakfast plans were foiled. Victory!

Midday: Building, Planting, and the Never-Ending Cleanup

Next, Jeff and I tackled a big project: installing a drip irrigation system for the cornfield and planting a mix of corn, quinoa, and sunflowers. If all goes well, we’ll have a beautiful, towering field of food and golden blooms in just a few months. Or it could just as easily become a feast for a gopher.

Then came the not-so-glamorous part: farm cleanup. Homesteading doesn’t just mean fresh eggs and beautiful gardens. It also means picking up two acres worth of poop. It’s a reality no one posts on Pinterest or Instagram, but it’s part of keeping our little ecosystem thriving. At least it provides nitrogen for the compost bin!

The animals, though, make it all worthwhile. Our pigs got a feast of fresh London rocket weeds, their absolute favorite and a free treat from God. The horses, including our own and the boarders’ horses, got fresh water, food, supplements, and a little TLC. I cleaned their hooves and treated them to ensure they stay healthy and comfortable. The chickens and chicks got their feed, eggs were collected, and the pond got a cleaning.

Afternoon: Content Creation & Reflection

Between chores, I made time to capture farm life through pictures and videos for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and our blog. Because if you don’t share it, did it even happen? Social media has become a bridge between our way of life and those who dream of it, so I love bringing people along for the ride.

While working, I had the Bible playing in my earbuds, feeding my soul as I worked with my hands. I also had a long conversation with my niece about adopting a shelter dog (which I wholeheartedly supported). I couldn’t be more excited for her…another rescue pup finding a loving home.

In the quieter moments, I found myself thinking about Jonathan, my dear friend who recently passed away. Life is fleeting, and his absence is a deep void I feel often. But days like this, spent under the sky, working the land, remind me to cherish the time we have.

Evening: Winding Down the Homestead Way

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, we let the dogs run free in their own little dog park, watching them play until dusk. Their joy is infectious, and it’s a perfect way to end a long, hard-working day.

The final moments of the night? A simple but delicious snack of raw Greek yogurt with honey and granola, followed by a workout in our new home gym. A full day, a full heart, and the kind of exhaustion that feels good.

The Reality of Homesteading

Homesteading is not easy, but it is deeply rewarding. It’s gritty, messy, and demanding, but it’s also honest, peaceful, and grounding. It connects us to something primal, something real…our food, our animals, our land, and our own resilience.

Not everyone wants to clean pig pens or battle birds for their zucchini, but for those who do, it’s a life like no other. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Would you ever take on homestead life? Let us know on our BLeaves Farms Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!