Building My Dream Garden (Part One)

Good morning, y’all! I am so excited to finally share this project with you. Lately, I’ve been sitting on the couch thinking about the hole in my pool and how hard it’s been to clean, even with pressure washing and vinegar. While searching for a replacement, I stumbled upon a website selling beautiful tin raised beds for 90% off. I managed to snag eight or nine of them, and they are going to be the perfect addition to an overgrown area of the yard that has been a nightmare to maintain.

The Game Plan: Out with the Red, In with the Black

My mission today is all about landscaping and preparation. I’m pulling up all the old red mulch because I want to replace it with black mulch and those new raised beds. I’m also planning to put down fresh landscaping cloth because the old stuff just isn’t keeping the weeds at bay, and I am officially done dealing with them.

But don't worry, I'm not letting that red mulch go to waste! I’m repurposing it to define the walk-through rows in my garden. My husband and I have been working on a "trio" planting (corn, green beans, and squash), and I’m using the mulch to make the paths clear. It might not be the most gorgeous thing yet, but I’m using what I have to define the space. I even found some baby watermelons growing already, which just makes all this hard work feel worth it.

Making the Most of Everything

One of the coolest things I discovered today is that the weeds I’m pulling up are actually useful. Instead of just tossing them, I’ve been throwing them into the chicken coop as mulch. Even better, the soil that clings to the roots of these weeds is almost pure, and I’m shaking it off to reuse for potting new seeds. With the price of soil these days, I am definitely here for it!

The Balancing Act

As a homemaker, homeschool mom, and a coach who works from home, my time is precious. I have to be adamant about putting first things first, which means getting my housework and ironing done before I even step foot outside. Today, I gave myself a 90-minute timer to chip away at the garden before I had to head back in for breakfast, homeschooling, and my coaching class for women who want to monetize their expertise.

It’s not always easy. My wheelbarrow has a flat tire, and I usually have the kids with me, which means things take a little longer. But I tell myself: progress over perfection. Continual progress equals the definite completion of a project.

A Sign for You

By the end of my session, I got all that red mulch moved and the rows defined. Next up, I’ll be weeding the "major weed zone" to make room for a banana tree and those new raised beds. It has to look like a mess before it looks beautiful, but I’m pretty pleased with the progress.

If you have a landscaping project you’ve been nervous to start, take this as your sign to take a crack at it. Just take it hour by hour, day by day. And while you're at it, don't forget to get in the Word and read your Bible, folks!

Join the Set Apart Tribe and, together, let’s take control of our food. The community is designed to help you start small, build skills, and grow into your own definition of self-sufficiency with support and accountability.

Membership Benefits:

• Free Tier 1 Facebook group- Be part of a like-minded community sharing, praying, and growing together in real-time.

• The Set Apart Tribe ($15/mo) – for Early YouTube access, exclusive overflow content, by- weekly Q&As’ monthly giveaways, and 5% merch discount.

• Growth Circle ($200/mo) – Receive All Tribe benefits,Bi-monthly group coaching (2-hour sessions), Digital product library, and 20% merch discount

• Legacy Level ($600/mo)– Get All Growth Circle benefits, Two 1-on-1 monthly coaching calls 40% merch discount.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter (for updates + free monthly T-shirt giveaway) and follow us on YouTube and Instagram to see the daily realities of self-sufficient living.