Farm life

Dedicated to the challenges and good things about farm life. Living and working on your own homestead is a dream for many, but it comes with its own set of struggles.

We candidly discuss the demanding aspects of self-sufficiency, from the relentless physical labor and the unpredictability of weather to the perpetual battle against pests and the challenges of maintaining equipment. We’ll explore topics like time management, isolation, and the need for resourcefulness, offering insights and strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

Join us as we navigate the highs and lows, sharing stories, tips, and experiences from fellow homesteaders. Whether you’re considering the homesteading lifestyle or are already knee-deep in your own adventure. Our posts at times a humorous resource for addressing the challenges and celebrating the rewards of homesteading.

Tag Archive for: Farm life

Conquer Health Chiropractic in St. John’s Florida

10/13/2025/in Let's Do Something/by Tim

Less than 5 years ago, I was running 5Ks and lifting weights. People would often mistake me for 10 years younger than I was. How did I become this fragile old man? In my early 40s, I was strong and lean. I had days that hurt, but they were not THIS bad. How did this slow and steady march into worse pain with virtually no activity sneak past me? No activity meant weight gain. Carrying more body weight meant more pain. Which caused me to slide further down. I started to feel ashamed of how I looked. Faith and I took fewer selfies together. When camera phones came out at social gatherings, I’d make a point to step out of photos or try to stand behind Faith. Looking at pictures of the man I was not all that long ago, versus what I’d become, led to depression and anxiety piling on top of my situation.

Being an Urban Farmer

09/15/2025/in Farmer's Market, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Urban farming offers countless benefits: access to fresh, organic produce, reduced carbon footprints, and stronger community ties. In cities where green spaces are scarce, growing your own food can improve mental health, lower grocery bills, and contribute to food security. Plus, it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, even amidst skyscrapers.

TnF Farms Goes Pure Electric

09/01/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Did we get a BMW i8 for a new farm vehicle? I wish! Let me be the first to say, EVs are not for everybody, nor do they work in every situation. For us, electric vehicles have taken center stage as our next vehicle of choice. Nearly every major automaker—and several rising challengers—are offering compelling new models. We’ve been shopping for an EV this year, and the options have felt overwhelming. From the ultra-efficient to luxurious and SUV choices, the field has been crowded to settle on a sound decision.

Growing a Year-Round Vegetable Garden in the South

08/04/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something/by Katherine

Let’s be honest, if you live in the South, you’ve probably already heard someone brag about how they pick tomatoes well into December or harvest collards before a single frost has even shown its face. And guess what? They’re not lying. Gardening in the South is an absolute dream when it comes to growing vegetables all year long. With the right mix of know-how, timing, and just a bit of sweat equity, you can turn your backyard or, heck, even your patio into a never-ending food supply. Imagine biting into your own fresh cucumbers in July, roasting sweet potatoes from your garden in November, or making a winter soup using kale you just picked that morning. It’s more than possible. It’s a lifestyle. Let’s walk through exactly how to grow a thriving, year-round vegetable garden in the South, from seed to supper.

The ink has dried in this chapter of our journal

06/12/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Faith and I relocated from the Jacksonville area to rural Tallahassee, Florida in the fall of 2021. We worked jobs we thought were very boring and repetitive. The two of us wanted to chase a little more adventure and what we saw as an uncomplicated life. This drew us to an area known as the Big Bend part of the state. Average people can still buy a decent chunk of land in the state of Florida without being celebrity rich. We dreamt of starting a hobby farm where we would produce our own high-quality, real food. Be a little more self-sufficient and live a more outdoor, agricultural lifestyle as well.

Why Your Hobby Farm Deserves a Business Plan

05/12/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Jill

You probably didn’t start out selling worm castings or pasture-raised eggs to get rich. Maybe it began with a handful of hens, or a raised bed of basil that grew faster than your family could eat. One thing led to another, and now you’re fielding weekend buyers, refilling roadside coolers, and printing out square labels for jars of honey or freeze-dried herbs. The truth is, even if you’re not chasing six figures, you’ve built something real. And like any living thing, your farm deserves protection. That’s where a business plan comes in—not as a buzzkill, but as a safeguard.

How to Start a Thriving Gardening Business

03/31/2025/in Farmer's Market, Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something/by Jill

If you’ve got a green thumb and a dream of turning your love for plants into a profitable venture, starting a gardening business in your community might be your next big move. But before you start handing out business cards and digging up flower beds, you need a solid plan. Gardening businesses can flourish in local communities, but success isn’t just about knowing how to keep plants alive—it’s about building relationships, managing logistics, and understanding what your neighbors actually need.

Creating Your Dream Homestead Haven

02/16/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Jill

Retirement offers a unique opportunity to redefine your lifestyle, focusing on what truly brings you joy. For those passionate about homesteading, this phase of life can be the perfect time to cultivate a space that nurtures personal interests and family connections. By carefully considering your needs and aspirations, you can create a homestead that supports your hobbies and welcomes family gatherings. This thoughtful approach ensures a retirement filled with purpose and satisfaction, where personal fulfillment and family engagement coexist harmoniously.

Supporting Local Farmers and Food Suppliers

02/06/2025/in Farmer's Market, Homesteading/by Jill

As we face global challenges, the importance of local resilience becomes increasingly clear, making the support of local farmers a crucial element in ensuring food security and environmental sustainability. By engaging with local agriculture, you contribute to a robust food system and help preserve cultural heritage, and promote ethical practices. This involvement fosters a deeper connection between consumers and the origins of their food, encouraging a more informed and conscientious society.

Benefits of Bats

02/12/2024/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Often when people think of a farm and non-human helpers, the farm dog comes to mind for protecting livestock and companionship. Honeybees are certainly play their role in pollination. Yet, there’s another unsung hero quietly working its magic in the shadows: the bat. Bats are commonly misunderstood creatures that play a vital role in agricultural ecosystems. They offer a plethora of benefits that are often overlooked. I was watching the bats working above me the other night, so let’s talk bats and their contributions made to farms worldwide.