On Tuesday, April 8th, our founder and president, Anna Barbary, had the honor of being a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunset. This was a meaningful opportunity to introduce more people to the mission, history, and goals of the Northeast Florida Homesteading and Prepping Ladies, and to spread awareness about the exciting initiatives we have coming up. Anna was joined by our dedicated Secretary and Treasurer, making the evening even more memorable. Together, they shared our nonprofit’s vision of empowering women through community-building, preparedness education, and self-reliance skills. From growing your own food to being ready for anything life throws your way, the message of resilience and local connection was warmly received. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rotary Club President Jeremiah Aut and all the members for the warm welcome and the opportunity to speak. The support and genuine interest shown by this inspiring group of community leaders meant a great deal to us. As a Rotarian herself, Anna always enjoys the chance to forge new Rotary friendships and strengthen bonds with those who are passionate about service and community impact. We are excited to continue building relationships across Northeast Florida and look forward to participating in more local events. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops, meetups, and ways to get involved with our mission! For event updates, resources, or to become a member of our growing community of like-minded women, be sure to explore our website and follow us on social media. Together, we grow stronger, smarter, and more prepared. For more information on the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunset, click here: https://www.rcopsunset.org/

Our nonprofit has won its first grant! The Capital City Bank Group Foundation awarded Northeast Florida Homesteading and Prepping Ladies Inc. a grant of $250.00. The funds will go directly towards our pilot program, Jars of Change: Canning Together, Healing Forever. Please click here for more information: Empower Women | Homesteading Ladies Inc. ( neflhpl.org ) Our board members and advisory board members would like to thank Patricia Evans and the entire team at Capital City Bank for believing in our nonprofit. Together, we will forge a path towards a brighter and more self-reliant tomorrow.

As the seasons change and we prepare for the challenges that fall may bring, it's crucial for women to hone essential prepping skills. These skills ensure not only the safety and well-being of your family but also your self-sufficiency and resilience. Here are some key areas to focus on before the cooler months set in. 1. Basic First Aid and Medical Knowledge: Having a solid understanding of basic first aid is essential. Learn how to treat minor injuries, perform CPR, and manage common illnesses. Consider taking a first aid course through the Red Cross or a similar organization. Having a well-stocked first aid kit and knowing how to use its contents can make all the difference in an emergency. Our Spring 2024 Educational Meeting featured Kimberly Nall, Holistic Nurse Practitioner with Arukah Wellness, to find out more about homeopathy and her practice click here . 2. Food Preservation Techniques: Summer gardens yield an abundance of produce, and knowing how to preserve this bounty is crucial. Skills such as canning, freezing, and dehydrating food will allow you to store fruits and vegetables for the winter months. Resources like the National Center for Home Food Preservation offer comprehensive guides on safe preservation methods. Our Founder and President Anna, is a great resource for all of your food preservation questions: anna@neflhpl.org. 3. Self-Defense and Personal Safety Personal safety is paramount: Consider enrolling in a self-defense class to build confidence and learn techniques to protect yourself. Many communities offer women’s self-defense courses that cover physical defense tactics and situational awareness. For all things, self-defense we refer ladies to: https://www.agirlandagun.org/ Jacksonville, Florida and Gainesville, Florida chapters have been a part of both our Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 Educational Meetings. 4. Home Maintenance and Repairs: Basic home maintenance skills can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Learn how to fix leaks, maintain heating systems, and perform routine inspections. Understanding how to secure your home against potential threats or natural disasters is also vital. YouTube is a great resource, join our Private Facebook Group for advice and feedback on your home DIY projects. 5. Emergency Planning and Communication: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan that includes communication strategies, evacuation routes, and meeting points. Ensure that all family members are familiar with the plan. Keep a list of emergency contacts and local resources handy. Join our Private Facebook Group , emergency preparedness documents can be found under the Files section. 6. Gardening and Animal Care: For those involved in homesteading, maintaining your garden and caring for livestock are continuous responsibilities. Fall is a good time to prepare your garden for winter, plan for spring planting, and ensure that your animals have adequate shelter and supplies for the colder months. Join our Private Facebook Group to network and learn from female farmers and homesteaders in Northeast Florida. By mastering these skills, you’ll be better prepared to face whatever fall brings. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the empowerment that comes with increased self-sufficiency and preparedness.

Mark your calendars! The sizzling Florida summer officially arrives next Thursday, June 20th. While sunshine is our state's claim to fame, scorching temperatures can put a strain on even the most resilient plants. But fear not, fellow Floridian gardeners! Here's your guide to getting your green haven ready for the heatwave. Plant Power: Ditch the cool-season crops! Embrace heat-lovers like okra, peppers, eggplant, and sweet potatoes. They'll thrive in the warmth and reward you with delicious harvests. Check local gardening resources for specific planting times in your zone. Hydration Hero: The sun is relentless, so become a watering warrior. Deep soak your plants early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Opt for drip irrigation to conserve water and target plant roots directly. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Shade Strategies: Florida's sunshine can be brutal. Offer your plants some midday shade with strategically placed row covers, shade sails, or taller plants. This will help prevent scorching and conserve water. Nourish for Success: Healthy plants are resilient plants! Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for summer to provide sustained nutrients. Don't forget to adjust your fertilizing schedule based on specific plant needs. With a little planning and these summer-smart practices, your Florida garden can flourish even under the scorching sun. Happy prepping!

Spring is bursting with life, ladies, and so can your compost pile! May is the perfect time to start composting in Northeast Florida and transform your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich magic for your flourishing gardens. Composting Basics: Composting is the natural process of decomposition that breaks down organic materials into a dark, crumbly substance called compost. This "black gold" is a fantastic soil amendment, teeming with beneficial microorganisms that improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention. Getting Started: Composting doesn't require a fancy setup. You can create a simple pile in your backyard using a wire mesh bin or even an open pile on bare soil (check local regulations for open composting). The Magic Mix: The key to successful composting lies in creating a balanced mix of "brown" and "green" materials. Brown materials like shredded leaves, cardboard, and twigs provide carbon. Green materials like kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings add nitrogen. Aim for a 3:1 ratio of brown to green for optimal decomposition. May Marvels: Here's what makes May a great time to start composting: Spring Yard Clean Up: Yard waste from spring cleaning becomes valuable "brown" material for your pile. Abundant Kitchen Scraps: Spring vegetables often generate more scraps, perfect for adding nitrogen to your compost. Warm Weather Boost: Warmer May temperatures accelerate the decomposition process. Join the Composting Movement: Composting isn't just good for your garden; it's good for the environment! By diverting food scraps from landfills, you're reducing methane emissions and creating a sustainable solution for waste management. So, ladies, grab your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings, and let's turn May into a month of composting magic! In future posts, we'll delve deeper into managing your compost pile and using the finished product to nourish your gardens. Happy composting!

Hey there, fellow homesteaders! Spring is in full swing, and with it comes the joy of planting a bountiful garden. But before you get too excited and sow those seeds, take a moment to consider crop rotation. It might sound fancy, but it's a simple yet powerful strategy to keep your garden thriving year after year. Why Rotate? Imagine a delicious tomato devoured by hungry pests that just feasted on your peppers last year. Nasty, right? Crop rotation disrupts these pest cycles. By planting different plant families (like tomatoes and peppers) in different locations each season, you make it harder for pests and diseases to find a comfortable home in your garden. When to Rotate: The best time to rotate crops is before planting. Ideally, aim to rotate every 3-4 years. Here's a seasonal approach: Fall Planting: If you're prepping a fall vegetable garden, rotate after harvesting your summer crops. This gives the soil a chance to rest and replenish nutrients before the new season. Spring Planting: For spring or summer gardens, plan your rotations beforehand. Consider what was planted in the previous growing seasons and rotate accordingly. Small Space Solutions: Don't have a massive garden? No worries! Even small rotations can benefit your soil. Plant cover crops like clover or ryegrass between planting seasons. These nitrogen-fixing powerhouses suppress weeds and improve soil health, setting the stage for future harvests. Remember, healthy soil is key to a thriving and resilient garden. Regularly add compost or aged manure to keep your soil rich in nutrients. By mastering crop rotation and nurturing your soil, you'll outsmart pests, boost your harvest, and create a self-sufficient homesteading haven!

The official first day of Spring is March 20th, so it's the perfect time to get your homesteading and prepping gardens growing! Here's how to make the most of this vibrant season: Seed Selection Savvy: With warm days and cool nights, spring offers a prime window for planting a variety of crops. Focus on vegetables with short maturity periods like lettuce, kale, spinach, beets, and radishes. Herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro will also flourish. Remember to check frost dates in your area before planting anything sensitive. Soil Superstar: Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Before planting, test your soil's pH and add organic amendments like compost or aged manure to create a nutrient-rich haven for your seeds. Sun Smarts: Spring sunshine is welcome, but newly planted seedlings can be a little delicate. Give them some midday shade with row covers or shade cloth, especially during the hottest part of the day. Watering Wisdom: Spring rains can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on your plants' moisture needs. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially for young seedlings. Composting Companion: Spring cleaning often means yard waste. Don't toss it! Start a compost pile to turn kitchen scraps and yard trimmings into nutrient-rich gold for your future garden beds. By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to a bountiful spring harvest in your Northeast Florida homestead. Remember, ladies, sharing is caring! Swap seeds, tips, and resources with your fellow prepping pals. Happy planting!

What a night! We're still buzzing from the energy of our first-ever Bonfire Hangout last night. A huge thank you to all the amazing women who came out – homesteaders and preppers of all levels, united by a passion for self-reliance and community. It was truly inspiring to be surrounded by such like-minded ladies. We shared stories, swapped tips, and most importantly, built connections. And let's not forget the incredible potluck spread! A special shoutout to our VP Kayla for not only hosting the event but also opening the doors of The Honey Goat Co. – what a fantastic venue for our inaugural gathering. This night was a powerful reminder that we're stronger together. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting your prepping journey, there's a place for you in our community. Stay tuned for more events where we can learn from each other, share resources, and build a network of empowered women. We can't wait for the next one!

Happy New Year, fellow homesteaders! As the crisp January air invigorates us, it's also the perfect time to start planning for a thriving 2024 garden. Let's ditch the generic calendars and create a personalized guide tailored to our region's unique climate. Here's how to get started: Know Your Zone: Florida boasts multiple USDA hardiness zones. Knowing yours (likely zones 8b, 9a, or 9b) is crucial for understanding frost dates and ideal planting times. A quick online search will reveal your specific zone. Frost Dates Matter: Average last frost dates in Northeast Florida typically fall between mid-February and mid-March. This knowledge is gold! It tells you when to safely plant frost-sensitive vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Embrace the Seasons: Northeast Florida has a long growing season. Take advantage of it! Plant cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, spinach, and beets in early spring. As temperatures rise, transition to warm-season favorites like tomatoes, peppers, okra, and melons. Herb Haven: Don't forget the herbs! They're a low-maintenance way to add flavor to your meals. Plant basil, parsley, cilantro, and chives in early spring and enjoy them throughout the season. Blooming Beauties: Flowers aren't just for show! They attract pollinators that benefit your vegetable garden. Consider planting vibrant wildflowers or bee-friendly options like cosmos, zinnias, and marigolds. Local Resources: Your local extension office or gardening clubs are treasure troves of information. Consult their planting calendars and seek advice tailored to Northeast Florida's specific climate. By planning your 2024 garden calendar now, you'll be ready to hit the ground running when planting season arrives. Remember, ladies, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a bountiful harvest and a thriving homesteading haven!