“Do what you can, with what you have.” ~ Wendy Walker
Hi Reader,
Hey friend,
I hope you’ve had a great week! We’ve had much needed rain and I am thankful for that. Other than that, the weather has been pretty great.
As I shared last week, springtime here in the south is all about fruit pickin’ - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and peaches. I love soaking it all in and I’m always looking for ways to use up all that fruit. One thing I really enjoy is to freeze all the farm picked peaches. I love taking that harvest and preserving them for all year long. I froze enough for cobblers, crisps and some to make a peach jam. My favorite thing to make is a pitcher of Southern Front Porch Peach Tea. This is on repeat all summer long. Nothing like sitting on the porch with friends and family sipping on a refreshing glass of iced tea.
I’m loving this Peach Candle right now my mom got me for Mother’s Day and look how cute this dish towel is! 🍑
Springtime on the porch
Peach Picking Tips
My friend Mary owns a peach farm so I am blessed to have access to to delicious peaches and blackberries at her farm. She also has given me tips over the years on picking and on the few trees I have in our garden.
Go early in the morning if possible — it’s cooler and the best peaches are often picked first.
Wear closed-toe shoes since orchards can be muddy or uneven ground. Bring a hat in case it’s super sunny and hot out.
How to Pick the Best Peaches
Look for peaches with rich color and a sweet fragrance.
A ripe peach should give slightly when gently squeezed — not rock hard, but not mushy.
Pick in the center of the tree. There are so many yummy ones hiding under all those branches.
Avoid peaches with green undertones near the stem. Those are still growing.
Lift and twist gently rather than pulling hard to avoid bruising the fruit or damaging branches. They should just pop off the stem.
What to Bring
Small baskets or shallow containers help prevent peaches from getting smashed. My friend provides baskets while you are picking. The cost is a per .lb price but check with the farm prior to going.
Baby wipes or towels can come in handy for sticky hands.
A cooler in the car helps keep peaches fresh on the drive home.
Picking with Kids
Choose lower branches first for easier access.
Bring a stroller or a wagon if you have multiple kids plus it can hold the peaches. They get heavy lol.
Dress kids in light-colored clothing since peach fuzz and juice can stain.
Turn it into a scavenger hunt:
Find the biggest peach
Find the reddest peach
Count how many peaches fit in the basket
After You Get Home
Let firm peaches ripen on the counter for 1–3 days.
Once ripe, refrigerate them to extend freshness.
Wash peaches right before eating, not before storing.
Extra peaches freeze beautifully for smoothies, cobblers, and jams.
How to Freeze Fresh Picked Peaches
This is a great way to save all your peaches so you can enjoy them all year long.
If you missed the summit, then there is a Free Encore this weekend! It starts tomorrow!
When the summit ended two days ago, many attendees said the same thing:
They needed more time.
Time to rewatch complex sessions. Time to take notes. Time to fully understand how Lyme and tick-borne diseases can affect the brain, immune system, and multiple body systems at once.
Reader, as always, tag me over on Instagram @lhsimpleliving. I love seeing all things simple living and any recipes of mine you make.
P.S. I truly appreciate all the shares, likes, comments on my posts and over on Instagram. It keeps me going everyday to show up and share any wisdom that I may have.
So, go grab a cup of coffee or tea and I hope you enjoy the reading today. Hope you have a great weekend friend! ❤️
Wendy Walker, NTP
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I'm Wendy. A wife, empty-nester mama, homemaker, homebaker, gardener and small-time farmer. I love sharing wisdom and mistakes I've learned along the way. Anyone can garden or homestead, no matter where you live. You just have to start somewhere. As a result, I am a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner so I can help others learn the health benefits of eating real food.
“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Hi, I’m Wendy. I cook from scratch, creating simple nutritious meals. I’ve been grinding my own flour for 14 years and am passionate about telling others about it. Whether it be bagels or sourdough bread, you can do it too. I love sharing my wisdom and encouraging others that they can homestead no matter where you live. It’s a mindset, so just start somewhere friend! As a result, I am a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner so I can help others learn about the health benefits of eating real food. I also share my garden, chickens, and our new “old” farmhouse. Join my simple living community and sign up for my free newsletter!
