Welcome to the Gubba Podcast, your go-to source for all things homesteading, self-sufficiency, and sustainable living. Today, we’re diving into the essential tasks you should be tackling on your homestead this spring to set yourself up for a productive and abundant summer.
From garden prep to livestock care, food preservation, and homestead maintenance, this episode will guide you through what you should be doing NOW to make the most of the season.
Spring is the season of renewal, and for homesteaders, it marks the start of one of the busiest times of the year. It’s the time to shake the dormancy of winter and get a look at what’s going on outside on the homestead.
Sometimes this can be scary like the piles of fallen branches I need to do something with, random pallets around the yard, and other projects I didn’t get to before the snow set in. And when I say scary, I mean overwhelming. But you can take it step-by-step depending on what projects you want to accomplish.
Let’s discuss a few things that you can do this spring to prepare to transition into summer and our time of abundance. By focusing on soil preparation, garden planning, livestock care, homestead maintenance, and food preservation, you can set yourself up for a successful summer. Let’s break down these tasks and I can give you a run through of what I am experiencing and taking on here on my homestead.
Preparing Your Garden for a Bountiful Harvest
How do you prep soil?
First, when thinking of your garden. You need to remember that your garden is only as good as the soil it grows from and the water that falls on it. If you are lacking in soil nutrients and water sources, your garden may struggle. My garden is one of my largest projects, so I start my spring out early with my garden planning and tending to.
Soil preparation is the foundation of a healthy and productive garden. The first step is to test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. This was actually one of the first things I did on my homestead. Hold the phone on all of the other projects, I got my soil tested as soon as I moved in. Ideally, you should work it into your housing contract to test it before you move in, so you know what you’re heading into.
How do you test soil?
You can do this using an at-home soil test kit or by sending a sample to a local agricultural extension office for a more detailed analysis. Understanding your soil’s composition allows you to make the necessary amendments to optimize plant growth.
Different plants thrive in different pH levels; for example, blueberries and potatoes prefer acidic soil with a pH below 6.0, while vegetables like cabbage and asparagus do best in alkaline soil above 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add agricultural lime to raise the pH. Conversely, if your soil is too alkaline, elemental sulfur or peat moss can help lower it.
In addition to pH, soil health is heavily dependent on organic matter. Compost, aged manure, and natural fertilizers like bone meal or blood meal can replenish depleted nutrients and improve soil structure, ensuring better water retention and aeration for plant roots.
Crop rotation and cover cropping are other important methods for maintaining soil fertility and preventing disease build-up. Crop-rotation is where you don’t plant the same plants in the same area each season—you move them around the garden to where they will work. This helps so much with pests because the pests come back and expect their food source, your crops, to be where they last saw them. But if you have rotated your crops, they won’t be off to a good start.
What is companion planting?
Companion planting isn’t just about helping plants grow better together—it’s also one of the best ways to build up and improve soil health naturally. Out on the homestead, I see it as a way to work with the land rather than constantly trying to fix depleted soil with fertilizers. Certain plants play a big role in enriching the soil, breaking up hard ground, and even keeping pests at bay, all while growing food at the same time.
What plants fix nitrogen into soil?
Legumes, like peas and beans, are some of my favorite soil builders. They pull nitrogen from the air and store it in their roots, which means that when I plant them near heavy feeders like corn or leafy greens, those plants get a free nitrogen boost. Then there are the deep-rooted plants, like daikon radishes and carrots, that dig down and break up compacted soil, creating natural pathways for water, air, and microbes to move through. Over time, this makes the soil softer and more fertile without needing to till it constantly.
Another trick to keeping soil healthy is mixing up what you plant together so one crop isn’t pulling out the same nutrients over and over. Heavy feeders, like tomatoes, do well when paired with plants like basil or marigolds, which don’t drain the soil as much. Some plants, like clover and comfrey, mine deep nutrients and bring them to the surface, acting like a natural fertilizer for everything around them. It is neat that every plant seems to have a role to play, all have their different personalities.
Companion planting also helps defend the soil from pests and diseases. Marigolds, for example, release compounds that fight off harmful nematodes, while strong-smelling herbs like thyme and rosemary keep unwanted bugs from setting up shop. Less pest pressure means I don’t have to rely on chemical sprays, which keeps the soil life thriving.
Over time, using companion planting to work with the land instead of against it creates rich, thriving soil that only gets better season after season. It’s a simple, sustainable way to keep the garden healthy while growing strong, nutrient-dense food.
How do you seed start?
Seed starting is another crucial step, particularly for warm-season crops that need a head start before being transplanted outdoors. If you haven’t already, now is the time to begin seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Using seed trays and grow lights can create the optimal conditions for germination, while a heat mat can provide warmth to encourage sprouting. Harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden to prevent shock.
When do you seed start?
Seed starting really depends on the type of plant and your growing zone, but generally, I like to start seeds indoors about 6–10 weeks before my last expected frost date. For cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and brassicas, I start them early—about 10–12 weeks before the last frost—so they have a head start and can be transplanted as soon as the soil is workable. Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants need a little less time, usually 6–8 weeks before the last frost, to grow strong enough for transplanting.
Then there are the fast-growing crops, like squash, cucumbers, and melons, which don’t like to be indoors for long. I usually start those 3–4 weeks before the last frost or just direct sow them when the soil is warm. You have to keep in mind as well what crops have sensitive roots like watermelons, if you seed start, do not like their roots fussed with when you go to transplant, so you have to consider that with what kind of containers you are using.
You can use compostable containers so you can put them right into the ground. Read your seed packets for further instructions to your individual plant.
Timing is everything when it comes to seed starting, and a little planning goes a long way in making sure plants are healthy and ready to thrive once they’re moved outside.
What plants can you direct sow?
Direct sowing is an excellent method for early-season crops that can withstand cool temperatures. Hardy vegetables like peas, lettuce, radishes, and carrots can be planted directly into the ground as soon as the soil is workable. It’s essential to prepare your garden beds by loosening the soil and removing any leftover debris from winter before sowing seeds. Spacing and depth are critical factors to consider to ensure even germination and healthy plant development.
How to prevent and manage weeds in your yard?
Weed and pest control should be addressed early to prevent problems later in the season. Mulching is one of the best ways to suppress weeds while retaining soil moisture. Organic mulches like straw, grass clippings, or wood chips break down over time, enriching the soil. If pests become a persistent issue, consider row covers or natural deterrents like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to keep your plants safe without harmful chemicals. I also discovered a few years ago that diluted raw milk helps with keeping pests at bay. I had so much milk from my cow when I moved in that I used it during the gardening season.
What irrigation do you use for the garden?
Irrigation and watering systems need to be checked before the heat of summer arrives. Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient methods for conserving water while ensuring plants receive consistent hydration. If you use soaker hoses or sprinklers, inspect them for leaks and clogs to maintain an even distribution of water. Rainwater collection systems are also an excellent way to supplement your garden’s watering needs while reducing dependence on municipal water sources. I think it’s wild some places make it illegal to collect rain water, like honestly who gets to say you can’t collect rain water? That’s like a basic human right in my opinion.
Livestock Care & Pasture Management
Spring is a time of renewal not just for plants but also for livestock. Conducting spring health checks is vital to ensure your animals are in good condition after the winter months. Deworming, hoof trimming, and general wellness assessments should be performed on all livestock to detect any early signs of illness. For me, checking for parasites, ensuring proper nutrition, and addressing any deficiencies with mineral supplements is vital for the health of your livestock.
How to detect copper deficiency in goats?
For my goats specifically, I will also be giving copper boluses as they become deficient through the winter and every six months months, I give them one. Copper deficiency comes through the minerals in the water interfering with copper absorption and molybdenum in hay interferes with copper absorption, so I have to be extra on top of that. I notice copper deficiency by their tail fur splitting, their coats losing color, and their noses going bald. I also have to treat more frequently for parasites as we go through the wet season of spring.
What is pasture rotation?
You also have pasture rotation which is another crucial aspect of livestock management. Overgrazing can lead to depleted forage and soil erosion, so it’s essential to rotate pastures to allow regrowth and maintain healthy grazing areas. If necessary, reseeding pastures with beneficial grasses and legumes can improve soil quality and provide nutrient-rich forage for your animals. This is something I keep in mind through the season. My goats actually free range and maybe one day I will have a better gated system, but this works pretty well. I let them out in the morning and they roam the homestead finding the best eats until the evening. You definitely want some sort of grazing and rotation system if possible because it is so beneficial for the soil. Their droppings and not over-eating are a recipe for beautiful soil, but if you aren’t rotating, their droppings can be a breeding ground for parasites for goats at least.
How do you hatch chicks?
Spring is also a prime season for hatching and birthing. Many homesteaders, myself included, welcome new chicks, lambs, or goat kids at this time of year. I am welcoming multiple batches of goat kids this spring. Right now, my goats’ udders are filling up meaning that their bodies are preparing for birth. I cannot wait! I have three due in a month and then one due in July, so I will be swimming in baby goats. I also plan to hatch chicks. You can get an incubator and put in fertilized eggs and let the process work. It’s so fun when little chicks hatch and then you get to raise them in a brooder before they go outside and experience life with the rest of the farm.
With all the new life on the homestead, you need to have proper preparation, including setting up brooders for chicks or kidding pens for goats, which will ensure a safe and healthy start for newborn animals. I set up my birthing does in the center of their goat house. They have plenty of space for them and their babies and they are separated from the other goats and the chickens, so they have privacy. I leave them in there for the first week or so depending on how everyone is doing.
What do you feed bees?
Beekeeping requires attention as well. If you keep bees, this is the time to inspect hives for signs of disease or mite infestations. Ensuring your bees have enough food, either through supplemental feeding or allowing early spring blooms to flourish, will help them build strong colonies in preparation for summer honey production. I personally am not supplemental feeding my bees anymore. I didn’t last year, and I got the most beautiful golden honey ever, but most every beekeeper will tell you to supplemental feed in the spring. I’m not going to again this year and see how it goes.
Homestead Maintenance & Spring Cleaning
Spring is the perfect time to take care of maintenance tasks before the summer workload becomes overwhelming. Trust me, projects in summer pick up fast. Checking fencing and structures for damage from the winter is essential to keep livestock contained and predators out. Repairing any weak spots in fencing, chicken coops, or barns now will prevent bigger issues down the road, especially if you have escape artist goats or chickens that need to be protected from predators.
Outdoor spaces also need attention. Spring pruning of trees and shrubs encourages healthy growth and prevents overgrowth from interfering with garden beds or structures. Clearing out dead plants and debris from around the homestead will create a more organized and productive space for the season ahead. I always prune my raspberries, and I need to prune my fruit trees. I’m not sure what to do with my blackberries though because the years I pruned them, I always had a bust for fruit, but the year I didn’t prune them, they were incredibly abundant fruit wise. So just be thinking how you want to manage your foliage and what you want to plant.
Food Preservation: Thinking Ahead
Even though harvest season is still a few months away, it’s important to plan for food preservation now. Taking inventory of canning supplies, including jars, lids, and pectin, ensures you’re prepared when produce starts rolling in. Make sure your canners are clean and ready to go. Again, the season flies by so fast, you want to have your gear ready to go.
What is a freeze dryer?
Freezing and freeze-drying require planning as well. Ensure you have adequate freezer space for storing fruits, vegetables, and meats. If you use a freeze-dryer, now is the time to clean and service it to ensure it’s ready for peak use. I absolutely love my freeze-dryer and it comes in handy when I have large batches of produce and the canners are full, I can freeze-dry the excess.
Foraging can also provide an early source of food. Spring is a great time to gather wild edibles like dandelions, nettles, mushrooms, and wild garlic. Learning to identify and harvest these plants safely can add variety to your diet and increase food self-sufficiency. I would connect with local foraging groups to see what is available in your area.
Planning for Summer
So as you can see, thinking ahead to summer can help you stay on top of all of the projects that will be rolling in. There is always something to be done around the homestead, so just take it one project at a time starting with the most important to least pressing. Spring is a busy but exciting time on the homestead, and getting things done now will set you up for a successful summer.
What are you working on this season? Let mw know in the comments or reach out on social media! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Until next time, happy homesteading!
