Week 2 of The Homesteading Journey: Prepping for the freeze and Planting for the future

Hello tini readers! It's officially Week 2 of my homesteading adventure, and let me tell you—living in Texas is such a gift when it comes to gardening! With our mild winters, I get to extend my growing season and plant through the colder months, and I’m absolutely loving it. But that doesn’t mean I’m free from a few challenges!

As we all know, Texas has a way of throwing a curveball or two with its unpredictable weather. Every year, we can count on at least one good freeze, and this year, it looks like it's come a little earlier than expected. So, this week has been all about prepping for that cold snap and getting ready for the big freeze that’s supposed to hit us soon.

Prepping for the Freeze

Here in Central Texas, I’ve learned over the years that preparation is key. I’ve gone ahead and covered all my outside pipes to prevent any bursts from the freezing temps. I also moved all of my gardening tools and equipment into the barn to keep them safe from the frost. It's not glamorous work, but it’s necessary to ensure that my garden—and everything else—stays intact.

Once this freeze passes, I'm ready to dive into the official start of my gardening journey. I’ve already picked up some soil and seeds, so I’m excited to start planting. This week, I’m starting with pea seeds, radishes, and spinach. It's all about creating that beautiful, productive space for the months ahead.

Winter-Friendly Crops for Texas

One of the most amazing things about gardening in Texas is that we can grow certain crops during the colder months. If you’re like me and enjoy having a garden year-round, here are some winter-hardy crops that can survive and even thrive during the Texas winter:

Leafy Greens

• Kale: This nutrient-packed green is perfect for winter gardening.
• Spinach: Hardy and cold-tolerant, spinach will grow well in Texas winters.
• Lettuce: Opt for varieties like butterhead or romaine for winter crops.

Root Crops

• Carrots: These sweet, crunchy veggies thrive in cooler temperatures.
• Beets: Their deep roots help them withstand the winter chill.
• Turnips, Rutabagas, and Parsnips: These root veggies are incredibly hardy and delicious in winter dishes.

Brassicas

• Broccoli: A must-grow for winter harvests.
• Cauliflower: It’s cold-resistant and perfect for wintertime.
• Brussels Sprouts: These thrive in colder weather, making them a great addition to your winter garden.

Peas and Fava Beans

• These crops can be planted in the fall to grow through the winter and even be harvested early in spring.

Flavorings

• Garlic: A winter favorite that’s easy to grow and super flavorful.
• Onions, Leeks, and Shallots: These all do well in cooler temps and are great for adding flavor to your dishes.

Swiss Chard

• A hardy, nutritious leafy green that can tolerate colder temperatures while providing beautiful color and flavor.

Tips for Growing in the Texas Winter

Here are a few helpful tips I’ve picked up over the years to ensure your garden thrives during the Texas winter:

• Plant Early: Make sure you plant your crops early enough to allow them to mature before the cold sets in. This gives your plants the best chance to grow strong.

• Use Protective Structures: A cloche or row cover can trap heat around your plants and protect them from frost. These are especially useful when temps dip below freezing.

• Add Mulch: Applying mulch around your plants helps insulate the soil and keep the roots warm.

• Use Frost Cloth: For especially cold spells, frost cloth can help protect delicate crops like cauliflower from freezing.

Even if you haven’t planted your winter crops yet, don’t worry! You can still plant in January and February, and many local nurseries carry cold-hardy vegetables all winter long. If you’re just starting out like me, you can still get a solid harvest by mid-spring.

Indoor Gardening Joys

While I’ve been busy outside preparing for the freeze, I’ve also been bringing a little green into my indoor spaces. This week, I picked up some eucalyptus and baby’s breath—each for just $3.89. These little additions have truly transformed my home, and I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me every time I walk into a room and see them.

But it’s not just about aesthetics—eucalyptus has so many benefits, especially when used in the shower! The steam from the hot water releases the natural oils in eucalyptus leaves, which can:

• Relieve respiratory congestion
• Reduce stress and improve mood
• Ease muscle pain
• Promote relaxation
• Boost your immune system by inhaling the steam
• Cleanse the skin due to its natural antibacterial properties

Having that eucalyptus in the shower has been such a simple but powerful way to elevate my self-care routine. It’s amazing what a small change can do for your space and your wellbeing.

Looking Forward to the Harvest!

I’m so excited to continue this journey and share it with you. Whether you’re a fellow Texan or someone in a completely different climate, I hope my experiences help you on your homesteading path. I can't wait to see how our gardens grow this season, and I’m eager to share our harvests together. Here's to healthy soil, fresh veggies, and a future filled with the satisfaction of homegrown food!

Until next time—happy gardening!

Thanks for reading Week 2 of the homesteading journey! I can’t wait to update you on how everything progresses as we continue to plant, grow, and thrive. If you have any tips, suggestions, or questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below! Let’s support each other on this exciting adventure.