The Slower Pace of Fall on the Homestead

Fall has this way of gently slowing everything down on the homestead. After the hustle of summer—gardens to tend, animals to care for, and kids running wild outside—September feels like a deep breath. The mornings are cooler, the evenings come quicker, and even the animals seem to sense the shift.

For us, fall is less about racing from chore to chore and more about settling into rhythms. The garden isn’t demanding quite so much anymore; instead of endless watering and weeding, we’re gathering what’s left—peas, okra, pumpkins, and a few stubborn tomatoes still hanging on. It’s a reminder that seasons don’t end all at once; they sort of blend into each other.

The goats seem calmer this time of year, happy with fresh food and crisp mornings. The ducks are still busy splashing in every puddle they can find, but with eggs finally coming in, even their routine feels more grounded. It’s like the whole homestead exhales as the heat breaks and the days grow shorter.

And for me as a mama, fall means more moments to pause with the kids. Instead of rushing to beat the heat or get everything done before it’s too hot, we can enjoy our chores—linger in the garden, laugh when the goats get into mischief, and notice how the world is changing around us.

Yes, things are slowing down, but we’re not done just yet. We’ll still have one big canning session before the season officially winds down—filling jars with the last of summer and early fall so we can taste sunshine even on the coldest days. Just waiting for the peak of beans and okra which is coming up quick.

This slower pace doesn’t mean less work—winter is always on the horizon—but it does feel different. More intentional. More steady. And I think that’s one of the greatest gifts of this season: it reminds us to slow down, take stock, and enjoy the harvest of both our gardens and our days.