Embracing Homesteading and Homemaking in June in Texas

Ah, June in Texas—a time when the days are long, the sun is bright, and the spirit of summer is fully alive. For those of us who embrace the homesteading and homemaking lifestyle, this month offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards. Let’s dive into what June has to offer and how you can make the most of it on your homestead.

 The Garden’s Bounty in June

June is prime time for gardening in Texas. With the last frost long gone, your garden should be thriving. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and okra are hitting their stride, providing a bounty of fresh produce. It’s also a good time to plant heat-loving crops like sweet potatoes and melons.

Here are a few tips to keep your garden thriving in the Texas heat:
– **Mulching:** Use mulch to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
– **Watering:** Early morning or late evening is the best time to water your plants to avoid evaporation and scorching.
– **Shade Cloth:** Protect sensitive plants from the intense midday sun with shade cloth.

Preserving the Harvest in Texas

With such a bounty, preserving your harvest becomes crucial. Canning, drying, and freezing are excellent methods to ensure you enjoy your garden’s produce year-round. Here’s a quick guide:
– **Canning in Texas:** Tomatoes, pickles, and jams are great starting points. Make sure you follow safe canning practices to avoid contamination.
– **Drying Produce:** Herbs, fruits, and even vegetables can be dried for long-term storage. A dehydrator can be a worthwhile investment.
– **Freezing Vegetables:** Blanch vegetables before freezing to preserve their color, flavor, and nutritional value.

Livestock Care in the Texas Heat

June can be a tough month for those with livestock due to the heat. Ensure your animals have plenty of water and shade. Consider installing fans or misting systems in coops to keep temperatures down. Regularly check for signs of heat stress, such as panting or lethargy, and take action immediately if you notice any issues.

We installed a solar fan in the chicken coop, and it works like a charm! It is already plenty hot here—it is the first week of June, and we are already under heat advisories. We make sure our baby chicks are getting plenty of fresh water and that they have shade.

We do have angora bunnies. They have been sheered, but they still have a ton of fur. They do not have an outside space in the spring and summer. We are currently working on making our shed a bunny paradise. It is wired for electricity, and we are installing a window AC. The thing is you have to stay on top of it. Have a backup plan to keep them cool and safe. And even if they do have an AC they still need plenty of fresh, cool water.

Homemaking Joys in Summer

Inside the home, June is a time to embrace lighter fabrics and fresh decor. Swap out heavy winter drapes and blankets for lighter cotton and linen options. This not only keeps the home cooler but also brightens the atmosphere.

Summer Recipes in Texas:** Take advantage of the season’s produce with fresh, simple recipes. Think salads loaded with garden veggies, fruit smoothies, and grilled everything.

We do a lot of pasta salads. Basically its just whatever pasta you have on hand with anything else you have on hand. Could be tomatotoes and cucmbers from the garden with beans and peas. You could be throwing in leftover chicken from the night before. All mixed in with a salad dressing of your choosing. We enjoy the spicy Italian.  And here is the thing, make a lot, because it is way better on day two!

**DIY Summer Crafts:** Engage in summer crafts that can double as home decor. Homemade candles, painted flower pots, or even DIY hammocks for the porch can add a personal touch to your living space.

Connecting with the Homesteading Community

Homesteading and homemaking can sometimes feel isolating, especially in rural areas. June is perfect for connecting with your community. Farmers’ markets, local fairs, and homesteading meetups are fantastic opportunities to share your experiences, learn new skills, and make friends who understand your lifestyle.

Embrace the Beauty of June in Texas

Ultimately, June in Texas is about embracing the beauty and bounty of the season. It’s a time to celebrate the fruits of your labor, enjoy the warmth of the sun, and find joy in the everyday tasks that make homesteading and homemaking so rewarding. So, put on your sun hat, pour yourself a glass of iced tea, and relish in the wonderful life you’re cultivating.

 

Happy June, y’all!