Modern Desert Homestead

Real homesteading in the Sonoran Desert. 12 years, 2 homesteads. Systems that actually work. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@UrbanhomesteadX I really hope to create a greenhouse space to grow these one day!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

Overwhelmed by all the seed choices? Seed catalogs are packed with options—how do you make smart choices?

✅ The key: Days to maturity.

I have 3 distinct growing seasons in the desert, so I choose shorter days to maturity varieties.

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

2025 Homestead Goals: 🌱

1️⃣ Build: Complete greenhouse, raised beds, hydroponics.
2️⃣ Grow: Year-round seed schedule, crop varieties, cover crops.
3️⃣ Organize: Inventory system & purchasing plan.

Breaking these into seasonal tasks makes them achievable! What are your goals?

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@wbb_apothecary Wow that is a big difference!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

Planning your garden? Start here:

1️⃣ Find your plant hardiness zone
2️⃣ Note avg. first/last frost dates
3️⃣ Record your own data and adjust

I learned the hard way that the published information wasn't accurate for my garden.

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@fitgirltrading Thank you! I appreciate you also sharing your knowledge!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@TexasRancher45 It does hurt with my neuropathy but I have some chores that have to be done early. Even going out later in the morning still gets light in your eyes!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

The homesteading lifestyle makes healthy habits natural:

🌱 Cooking from scratch avoids processed foods & seed oils.
☀️ Sunrise chores = sunlight to my eyes.
🚶‍♀️ Daily movement = steps from tending animals, gardening, & housework.

The old ways truly are the healthy ways.

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

My first indoor-grown cherry tomatoes! 🍅

You can grow food no matter where you live!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

What I wish I knew 40,000 hours ago:

Start with a vision → 5-year goals → yearly & seasonal plans.

This framework helped me balance big projects across the year, instead of cramming them into 1 or 2 seasons.

Do you plan your year seasonally, too?

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

Here is my comprehensive list of online seed companies:
https://t.co/Cj4zJalcWq

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

Looking for seeds to start your garden this season?
Here are my top go-to seed companies:

🌱Territorial Seed Company
🌱Botanical Interests
🌱Johnny's Selected Seeds
🌱Hoss

Want a comprehensive list? Check the comments for the link! 👇

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@AmberLakeFarm One of my favorite memories from childhood was a biscuit with butter and sorghum molasses for dessert! What a great find!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@fitgirltrading @KellyGuy @KenlisViewFarm @kevin_sluys Thank you!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@fitgirltrading

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@Farmer31548981 Do they need a dormant time?

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

My first try at sourdough discard rolls. Can't wait to taste them!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

Indoor seed starting setup complete. Let's get growing!

[Modern Desert Homestead @MDHomestead]

@UrbanhomesteadX I was recovering from a 4th cancer surgery when the mandate came for my husband. We agreed he would not comply. It was scary to contemplate no insurance for me, but we knew we could figure it out. I am thankful every day we stood our ground.