As the leaves start to turn and there's a crisp bite in the air, it's hard not to love fall on our little slice of Appalachian heaven. Autumn brings its own kind of magic to homesteading, and I want to share with you how we make the most of this beautiful season here at NarroWay.
Harvesting the Last of Summer's Bounty
Fall kicks off with a flurry of activity as we rush to harvest the last of our summer crops. Our garden, which has been producing steadily since spring, gives us its final push before winter sets in. We’re out there every day and let me tell you, it keeps us on our toes!
Winter Preparation
Fall is all about preparation here at NarroWay as we’re constantly thinking ahead to those cold winter months. Here’s what’s keeping us busy:
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Firewood: I spend a good chunk of time chopping and stacking firewood. Our winters can be harsh, and having a good supply of dry wood is crucial. It’s hard work but there’s something meditative about the rhythm of swinging an axe.
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Winterizing: We go through all of our systems - the solar panels, rainwater collection setup, etc. - making sure everything’s in top shape to handle the winter. A little maintenance now saves a lot of headache later. It's good to check your battery bank to ensure that you have plenty of power during the short, cloudy days of winter.
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Animal Care: Our livestock needs extra attention as the weather cools. Making sure they have adequate feed during winter is vital to their health. We’re beefing up their coop so that it’s draft-free and cozy. Proper care and shelter for animals during cold winter months is needed to prevent cold stress and maintain their well-being.
Fall Planting Guide
Growing food is essential for family food security, providing fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year. While it might seem counterintuitive, fall is actually a great time for gardening. Keeping a healthy garden bed is critical for better plant growth. Spreading compost and mulching can significantly improve the conditions of garden beds, leading to enhanced productivity.
Planting a garden also offers environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting local food production. Furthermore, organizing seeds for gardening is an important practice for sustainable food security.
Preserving the Harvest
To help food supply, consider canning, pickling and engaging in food preservation. Maintaining the nutritional quality and safety of preserved foods is crucial. Cooking plays a significant role in food preservation as well, with methods like cook-chill and cook-frozen systems ensuring safety and extending shelf life.
Enjoying the Season
But it’s not all work here at NarroWay. Fall in the Appalachians is breathtakingly beautiful and we take time to enjoy it. Minion, Charlo and I love our evening walks through the woods, our feet crunching on fallen leaves and watching the sunset paint the mountains in gold and red. Of course, balancing these moments with our homesteading tasks is needed to fully enjoy the season.
Looking Ahead
As much as I love fall, it's also a time of planning for the future. It's inspiring to see how far we've come since I first moved here in that old RV back in 2020. Autumn on a homestead is a season of hard work but also of incredible beauty and satisfaction. It's a time when you really see the fruits of your labor (quite literally!) and prepare for the challenges ahead. The shortened days remind us of the importance of community and self-reliance - two pillars of the homesteading lifestyle.
As I sit on our porch in the evening, watching the mist roll over the mountains and sipping a cup of our NarroWay coffee, I'm filled with gratitude for this life we've built. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and distant woodsmoke. Minion curls up at my feet and I can hear the soft clucking of the ducks settling in for the night. These are the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile.
So, here's to fall, friends. May your harvests be bountiful, your firewood stay dry and your hearts remain full. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just dreaming of a more self-sufficient life, I hope you find ways to connect with the rhythms of the season. Until next time, I wish you all the best in your own homesteading adventures!