Well you might think that a homesteader takes the winter off, but in actuality it's a time of prep, planning and dreaming.
After a full season of growing, learning and producing we have moved from "let's see how this goes" to "let's make some magic".
So if you are like me and you want to start prepping for 2026 growing season here is where I would start.
Step 1- What do you want to grow?
For me this decision is based on both what we like to eat and what we want to sell. For instance we eat carrots, onions, lettuce, zucchini, peppers and cherry tomatoes. Honestly the best part about growing is not having to purchase veggies for months at the grocery store. Typically we keep about 1/2 of the yield of veggies for ourselves.
I do plant a handful of veggies to mostly sell. These are things like radishes, beets, beef steak tomatoes, cabbage, squash and celery.
I also choose 1-3 new things to grow each year to keep it interesting. Last year I grew loofas (see photo), acorn squash and celery. In 2026 I have decided to try and grow bok choy, leeks and jalapeño peppers.
Step 2- When & Where?
When? It might sound like an odd one. But it just means do you want to start seeds indoors? This means you may want to start seeds are early as 10 weeks before your last frost. this gives you the most yield out of your plant. When you need to start will differ for each zone. For me in Zone 5b I will start my tomatoes indoors mid march to get months of yield. To find you growing zone just google your location and growing zone, it will help you determine when to start or direct seed your garden. Just want to direct seed that is great you will want to plant after your last frost.
Where? You might think perfect I will just "throw them in the ground" but some veggies thrive in sandy soil (like carrots), some in loamy soil (lettuce) and even some in compost heavy soils (squash). It is important to do a little research or google search before you put the seeds in the ground. For instance squash, pumpkins and zucchinis are very heavy feeders meaning they need lots of nutrients. Putting a healthy layer of compost in your soil or amending it may need to be made to your gardens before planting.
Step 3- How?
Seems silly but, how are you going to start your plants?
How are you going to lay out your garden for best yield?
Are you going to start your plant babies indoors? If so you will want to setup a little grow station. You will need lights, a fan (for air flow), trays, a sprays bottle, seed starting soil and seeds. I recommend you get a calendar to help you track when to plant and what you started. You don't need to be intimated with starting your seeds in doors.
BTW Companion planting is REAL. You will want to make sure your plants have the best opportunity to thrive. Going two root veggies beside echo the might mean they are fighting both for space below but also similar nutrients. Things I love planting together- lettuce with carrots/radishes/ beets. I also love putting herbs and flowers between my veggies to help attract pollinators.
Step 5- Layout
For me this looks like a note books, pens and a little time to my self. I draw out my raised beds and little icons for each thing i want to grow. I have a list of how much space is recommended for each plant and try my best to guess-tamate how it will work.
This helps me visualize how it will look but also how it will work. After i am done I have a little birds eye view drawing of what my garden will look like. Don't worry if you get to cutely planting and you have to adjust slightly.
Step 4- Just start!
Get your hands in the dirt and just try. Plants want to thrive, seeds want to live. You will be amazed what a little water, sunshine and time will bring you.