There’s something about spring that flips a switch on the homestead.
The quiet, slower winter days are officially behind us, and suddenly everything needs attention—all at once. The garden is waking up, the animals are more active, and the to-do list seems to grow by the hour. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This weekend is shaping up to be one of those beautifully busy homestead weekends.
Farmstand Weekend is Here
Our J & J Homestead farmstand will be open again this Saturday and Sunday, and there’s always a little extra excitement that comes with that.
I would absolutely love to have the stand open every day—but like many modern homesteaders, I balance this life with a full-time 9 to 5 job. That means weekends are where everything really comes to life.
These two days are our window to:
- Bake fresh goods
- Stock eggs and seasonal items
- Connect with our community
- Share a small piece of our homestead with others
It’s a labor of love—and one that makes every early morning and late evening worth it.
Spring Homestead Chores Are in Full Swing
Alongside the farmstand, the regular rhythm of homestead life doesn’t slow down. If anything, it picks up speed this time of year.
This weekend’s must-do list includes:
- Routine house cleaning
- Chicken and turkey care
- Preparing for incoming chicks
- Beekeeping tasks
- Starting the incubation process
Each task may seem small on its own, but together they create the heartbeat of the homestead.
Feeding the Bees: Spring Hive Support
One of the most important jobs this weekend is tending to the bees.
As temperatures warm and activity increases, our hives need a little extra support. We’ll be feeding them a 1:1 sugar-to-water mixture, which mimics nectar and helps stimulate brood production and colony growth.
This step is especially important in early spring when:
- Natural nectar sources are still limited
- Colonies are expanding rapidly
- Bees need energy to build comb and raise brood
Standing near the hives this time of year, hearing that steady hum—it’s a reminder of just how important these little pollinators are to everything we do.
Starting the Incubator (Fingers Crossed!)
This weekend also marks an exciting step—starting a new batch of incubating eggs.
There’s always a little bit of anticipation (and let’s be honest, a lot of hope) when setting eggs in the incubator. You never quite know what the outcome will be, especially when you’re counting on fertilization.
But that’s part of the magic.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be:
- Monitoring temperature and humidity
- Turning eggs regularly (or checking the automatic turner)
- Candling to check development
There’s nothing quite like the moment those first chicks begin to hatch.
Preparing for Cornish Cross Chicks
Midweek brings another big milestone—the arrival of our Cornish Cross chicks from Murray McMurray Hatchery.
If you’ve ever raised meat birds, you know that preparation is everything.
Before they arrive, we’re making sure:
- The brooder is cleaned and ready
- Bedding is fresh and dry
- Feeders and waterers are sanitized
- Heat sources are tested and functioning
- Electrolytes are on hand for stress support
These chicks grow quickly, and giving them a strong, healthy start is one of the most important things we can do.
Balancing It All: Homestead Life + Full-Time Work
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that homesteading doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
It’s easy to look at large farms or full-time homesteaders and feel like you need to do it all—but the truth is, this lifestyle is scalable.
Right now, for us, that looks like:
- Early mornings
- Full weekends
- Careful planning
- A lot of coffee ☕
And even with the busy schedule, it’s incredibly fulfilling.
A Weekend Full of Purpose
This weekend will be full—there’s no doubt about that.
But it will also be filled with purpose:
- Caring for animals
- Supporting our bees
- Preparing for new life
- Sharing food with our community
That’s what makes this lifestyle so special.
It’s not just about getting everything done—it’s about building something meaningful, one small task at a time.
Final Thoughts
Spring on the homestead is a season of momentum. Things are growing, changing, and constantly moving forward.
And while the days may be long and the to-do list never-ending, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing that every task—every chore—is part of something bigger.
If your weekend looks anything like ours, just remember:
You don’t have to do it all perfectly—you just have to keep going.
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