How to Give Your Own Dog Vaccines: A Frugal & Effective Approach
At Bleaves Farms, we have a lot of animals to care for, and keeping up with their health is a top priority. One big expense for dog owners is vaccinations, but did you know...
Author: BLeaves Farms
Protecting Your Tiny Sprouts: How to Keep Your Garden Safe from Hungry Critters
There’s something magical about planting a garden. Dropping tiny seeds into the fertile soil, watering them with care, and waiting for that first sign of life. It’s a labor of love and it’s magical....
Planting Our Spring 2025 Vegetable Garden at BLeaves Farms
Spring is here, and at BLeaves Farms, we’re bursting with excitement as we plant our 2025 Spring Vegetable Garden! There’s something magical about starting fresh each year, digging our hands into the soil, dreaming...
The Ultimate Guide to Collecting, Storing, and Selling Farm Eggs
There’s nothing quite like collecting fresh eggs straight from your own flock or buying them from a local farmer. But if you’ve ever wondered about the best way to store, wash, or sell eggs,...
Harvesting Dill: How to Grow, Store, and Use This Flavorful Herb
At BLeaves Farms, we love growing fresh herbs, and dill is one of our absolute favorites. We planted it in our fall garden, letting it thrive in the cool weather, and now that it’s...
Furbo 360: The Ultimate Game-Changer for Homesteaders & Pet Lovers
Jeff’s 60th birthday was a big one, and with it came a gift that has completely changed the way we interact with our animals: the Furbo 360 Dog Camera with Treat Dispenser. We had...
The Joy of Slowing Down: Why Every Homesteader Needs a Shark Robot Vacuum
Life on a homestead or small farm is all about balance between hard work and rest, tradition and innovation, doing things by hand and knowing when to delegate. We wake up with the sun,...
The Ultimate Homestead Luxury: Relaxing in a Hot Tub After a Hard Day’s Work
Homesteading, DIY projects, and farm life can be incredibly rewarding, but let’s face it: it’s also a lot of hard work! Whether you’re tending to animals, fixing fences, or harvesting the fruits of your...
The Never-Ending Fix-It List: Why Every Homesteader Feels Like They’re Always Catching Up
Have you ever set out to do a simple task…just mow the lawn, fix a fence, or water the garden…only to find yourself knee-deep in an unexpected repair, hours behind schedule, wondering why does...
The Joys of Bicycle Commuting: Freedom, Health, and Simple Living on Two Wheels
People always told me I was crazy for choosing to commute by bicycle. They couldn’t wrap their heads around why someone would opt for a slower, sweatier, and seemingly inconvenient way to get from...
How to Grow Peanuts: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Bountiful Harvest
Did you know peanuts aren’t actually nuts? They’re legumes, related to beans and peas, and they grow underground, making them an incredibly unique crop. If you live in a hot climate like Arizona, peanuts...
The Ultimate Guide to Raising Egg-Laying Chickens
There’s something truly special about collecting fresh eggs from your backyard. Not only do homegrown eggs taste better, but they’re also healthier, fresher, and more ethically produced than store-bought options. If you’ve ever considered...
How to Start a Small Hobby Farm on a Budget (Step-by-Step Guide)
Dreaming of starting a hobby farm but worried about the cost? Good news! You don’t need a massive budget to create a productive, self-sustaining mini-farm. With the right strategies, resourcefulness, and a little elbow grease, you can turn a small piece of land, even a backyard, into a thriving homestead.
10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Starting a Homestead
Starting a homestead is one of the most rewarding decisions we’ve ever made. But let me tell you, there were plenty of surprises along the way! If you’ve ever dreamed of having a small...
The Truth About Mini Pigs: Cute, Smart, and a Whole Lot of Personality
Yesterday was National Pig Day, so what better time to celebrate the not-so-pint-sized members of our farm family–our beloved “mini” pigs! The name is somewhat of a misnomer, as many mini pigs weigh well...
The Simple Joys of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds on the Farm
There’s something truly special about simple pleasures on the farm–fresh air, the sound of animals, the scent of blooming citrus. But let me tell you about one modern luxury that has completely changed the...
How to Grow a Thriving Desert Garden: Secrets for Success
Gardening in the desert might sound like a battle against nature, but with the right techniques and tools, it can turn into an incredibly rewarding experience. At Bleaves Farms in Gilbert, Arizona, we’ve learned...
The Art of Balancing Passion and Overwhelm: Lessons from the Farm and Beyond
Life has a way of stretching us thin. Between a demanding career, personal commitments, and the ever-growing to-do list at Bleaves Farms, I often find myself pulled in a dozen directions at once. Some...
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This light and refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad, crafted by Jeff the Fire Chef, is a perfect blend of farm-fresh ingredients and bold Greek flavors. Tossed in a classic Greek dressing, this dish features tender orzo, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta for the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh.
Sulcata Tortoises: Easy-Care, Fun Farm Companions & Natural Weed Eaters
Introduction If you’re looking for a unique, low-maintenance farm companion that also helps keep weeds under control, the Sulcata tortoise is an excellent choice. These gentle giants are fascinating to watch, require minimal care...
