The Local Harvest

Fresh Food, Fun Stories

How to Make Herbal Sun Tea Using What’s in Your Garden
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

How to Make Herbal Sun Tea Using What’s in Your Garden

As the days stretch longer and the light lingers well into the evening, there’s no better time to brew a batch than around the summer solstice. The longest day of the year is a natural invitation to pause, soak up the sun, and celebrate the fullness of the growing season. Making sun tea during this time feels like a small but meaningful ritual—honoring the light, the land, and the nourishment it brings.

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Why We Homestead: A June Reflection on Simplicity and Seasonality
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

Why We Homestead: A June Reflection on Simplicity and Seasonality

This month, I’m reflecting on what it means to live simply in a season of so much. What it means to work with the land instead of against it. What it feels like to live by rhythms instead of routines. And most of all, why this lifestyle continues to anchor our family in a deeper kind of abundance—one that has nothing to do with hustle and everything to do with presence.

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Our Favorite Companion Planting Combos for a Thriving Garden
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

Our Favorite Companion Planting Combos for a Thriving Garden

Companion planting is more than just a gardening hack. It’s a time-tested method of growing certain plants side by side to help each other out. Some pairings boost growth, others help repel pests, and a few even improve the flavor of your veggies. On a homestead where every square foot of soil matters, these natural partnerships can make a big difference.

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Herbs on the Homestead: Growing and Using Nature's Medicine
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

Herbs on the Homestead: Growing and Using Nature's Medicine

There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping outside and snipping a few sprigs of rosemary or mint from your own garden. Herbs are the unsung heroes of the homestead—small in size, but packed with purpose. Whether you’re infusing oils, blending teas, or just tossing some fresh basil into dinner, these plants connect us to the land in such a practical, beautiful way. In this post, I’m sharing how to grow, harvest, and actually use your herbs—from kitchen staples to healing salves and even handmade crafts. Whether you’ve got an acre or a sunny windowsill, herbs have a place in your home.

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Successfully Incubating Eggs: Tips for a Healthy Hatch
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

Successfully Incubating Eggs: Tips for a Healthy Hatch

Incubating eggs is a fascinating and rewarding process that allows you to witness the miracle of life firsthand. Whether you're hatching eggs for a backyard flock, preserving a rare breed, or simply experiencing the joy of raising baby chicks, successful incubation requires careful planning, attention to detail, and patience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about incubating eggs—from selecting the right ones to providing the best conditions for a successful hatch.

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How to Make Beautiful Floral Jelly at Home
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

How to Make Beautiful Floral Jelly at Home

There’s something almost magical about capturing the scent and beauty of fresh flowers in a jar. Floral jelly is one of those simple little creations that feels like bottling up a piece of spring or summer to enjoy all year long.

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Selecting Seeds for Your New Garden: A Beginner's Guide
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

Selecting Seeds for Your New Garden: A Beginner's Guide

Starting a garden from seeds is an exciting and rewarding way to bring your gardening dreams to life, but the process begins with one crucial step: selecting the right seeds. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or looking to expand your plant variety, choosing seeds that are suited to your garden’s environment, your local climate, and your personal goals will set you up for success.

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The Ultimate Guide to Berry Gardening
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

The Ultimate Guide to Berry Gardening

Growing your own berries is a rewarding experience that brings fresh, delicious fruit right to your backyard or balcony. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, berry gardening is a fulfilling and sustainable way to enjoy nature’s sweetness. So why not start planting today and look forward to the delicious rewards of your own berry garden?

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A Great Garden Starts With A Dream: Plan, Prepare, and Grow
Emily Lacy Emily Lacy

A Great Garden Starts With A Dream: Plan, Prepare, and Grow

January is the perfect time to turn your gardening dreams into actionable plans. By reflecting on past successes, setting clear goals, gathering inspiration, designing a thoughtful layout, and preparing with sustainability in mind, you’re setting the stage for a thriving garden that will bring you joy throughout the year.

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