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Plan for Your 2024 Bounty!
Plan Your 2024 Bounty!
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!
Blog/In The News
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.