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Continue reading →: When the Oven Stops Working: An Unexpected Farmstand SetbackRunning a small farmstand often teaches the importance of flexibility. After an unexpected oven breakdown just before reopening, the owner faced disappointment but decided to adapt. While baked goods are temporarily unavailable, the farmstand will still offer various products. This experience highlights the resilience required in homesteading and the potential…
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Continue reading →: First Saturday Lime on the Homestead: Our Secret Weapon for Muddy Chicken Runs, Flies, Bugs, and the GardenFirst Saturday Lime has become an essential product for J & J Homestead, proving useful in various aspects of homesteading. Initially used around chickens to manage mud and odors, it has also been effectively applied in the garden for pest control. Its versatility makes it a vital tool for efficient…
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Continue reading →: A Small but Mighty Milestone: Both of Our Rescued Hens Laid Eggs!The recent discovery of two eggs laid by rescued hens on the homestead marks a significant milestone in their adjustment and recovery. It reflects the hens’ comfort and signals their health improvement after a period of stress from rehoming. Celebrating small wins is crucial in homesteading, highlighting progress and hope.
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Continue reading →: As a Homesteader, What Do I Wish Schools Taught Today?The article discusses practical life skills that should be taught in schools, emphasizing gardening, cooking, animal care, home maintenance, food preservation, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and resourcefulness. The author argues that these skills foster independence, confidence, and an understanding of where food comes from, ultimately preparing children for adult life beyond…
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Continue reading →: Finding What Works on the Homestead: Sometimes Change is ImportantOver the past year, transitioning from raising ducks to turkeys transformed our homestead. Ducks didn’t fit our needs, requiring excessive maintenance without providing sufficient value. Rehoming them and embracing turkeys, which align better with our goals, underscored the importance of adaptability in homesteading. It’s crucial to evaluate and pivot based…
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Continue reading →: Why Instagram and Facebook Have Been One of the Best Parts of Our Homesteading JourneyDiscover how Instagram and Facebook transformed our homesteading journey by helping us build community, solve challenges, learn from experienced homesteaders, and share authentic life at J & J Homestead.
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Continue reading →: The Farmstand Is Taking a Break… But I Can’t Wait to Open It Again!If you had asked me a week ago how I’d feel about taking a short break from the farmstand, I probably would have told you that I’d enjoy every minute of it. And don’t get me wrong—I really have. But I have a confession. I already can’t wait to start…
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Continue reading →: What I’m Learning About Resilience as a HomesteaderThere are some mornings on the homestead when everything feels almost effortless. The chickens are already waiting for breakfast, the garden is glowing in the early morning light, and the bees are quietly moving from flower to flower as if they have the whole day planned out. Those are the…
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Continue reading →: Why Do Bees Sting Some People More Than Others?Honey bees sting primarily to protect their colonies, not out of aggression. Factors like clothing color, scent, movement, and individual body chemistry can influence a bee’s response to people. To minimize the risk of stings, wear light clothing, avoid strong scents, move calmly, and respect their space, ensuring safer interactions.
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Continue reading →: We Weren’t Looking for More Chickens… But These Three Needed a HomeToday at J & J Homestead, three rehomed chickens—a rooster and two hens—arrived unexpectedly. Despite initial plans, their well-being took priority. They are quarantined for health evaluation, undergoing treatments to prevent disease. The focus remains on careful management, biosecurity, and patient observation, ensuring a safe integration with the existing flock.
Welcome!
Welcome to J & J Homestead, our little corner of Virginia where farm life, fresh baking, gardening, and raising happy animals come together. From our weekend farmstand to our growing homestead adventures, we’re passionate about sharing sustainable living, homemade goodness, and the joys and lessons of simple country life with our community.
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