If you’ve ever grown squash, zucchini, pumpkins, or gourds, you’ve probably met the dreaded duo: squash bugs and squash vine borers. These pests can decimate healthy plants seemingly overnight, leaving once-thriving vines wilted and full of holes—or worse, completely collapsed.

A staple in my apothecary — and one I reach for often.

There are a few herbs I always want within reach, and lemon balm is one of them. It’s light, lemony, and just as good for the spirit as it is for the body.

Lately, there’s been a lot of noise online: seed oils are out, tallow is in. And while there’s nothing wrong with using tallow—it absolutely has traditional roots and unique benefits—it’s important to remember that plant-based oils and butters have been trusted across cultures for centuries.

When God crafted humanity, He didn’t create woman as an afterthought. He wasn’t patching up a mistake. He wasn’t giving Adam a maid, a sidekick, or a lesser being to keep him company. He was creating an Ezer Kenegdo. And if we understand what that phrase really means — if we peel back the layers of tradition and mistranslation — it changes everything.

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are one of the most recognizable—and misunderstood—plants in North America. Often dismissed as weeds, these bright yellow flowers are actually nutrient-rich powerhouses used for centuries in traditional herbalism. Every part of the dandelion—from the root to the flower—offers wellness benefits, whether you’re supporting digestion, skin health, or the liver.

Calendula might just be the hardest-working flower in my garden. With its golden blooms, calming energy, and powerful healing properties, it’s become a staple in everything from my skincare line to my summer tea blends. Whether you’re growing herbs for the first time or looking to add more purpose to your flower beds, calendula is one of the most rewarding plants to grow.

There’s a lot of noise in the world about what it means to be a strong woman. Hustle. Grind. Rise and conquer. Or the opposite — fade back, stay quiet, don’t take up too much space. But neither of these reflect what Scripture truly says about strength. Neither paints the picture of the woman God designed and delights in.

Often overlooked in spring lawns and woodlands, wild violets (Viola sororia) are a gentle, multi-use herb with a long history of medicinal and culinary value.

This morning I sat beside my plants, hands busy, mind scattered, and there it was—
wilted lettuce. Forgotten, sun-stressed, and past its prime. It struck me like a parable. Not because the lettuce was ruined (it happens). But because it revealed something deeper: you can’t do it all.

This season started late. We waited and watched, wondering when the trees would wake up. And just when we began to find our rhythm, it ended. It was short—so short.

There’s something magical about herbs that come from trees. Maybe it’s the way they seem to hold deep-rooted wisdom — or how their leaves sway gently in the wind like they’re reminding us to slow down.

Spring has officially arrived here at Wild Faith Acres, and with syrup season wrapped, we’re shifting our focus back to the soil—seed trays on every surface, garden maps spread out across the table, and dreams of warm tomatoes and vibrant blooms pulling us forward.

Whether you’re planning your first garden or expanding your apothecary, herbs are one of the most rewarding things you can grow. They’re beautiful, functional, and incredibly versatile—offering culinary, medicinal, and even bouquet-worthy benefits all from the same little patch of soil.

We didn’t start with ducks. Like many new homesteaders, we thought we’d raise chickens—but as time went on, we realized chickens weren’t the right fit for us. Between the predators, the noise, and the behavior we saw with our young kids around, it just didn’t feel like the right match for our homestead.

Maple syrup has long been a staple of North American life, with deep roots in Indigenous traditions and centuries of adaptation by European settlers. While modern production methods often rely on evaporators, pipelines, and high-tech filtration, we still embrace an older, time-honored method—boiling sap over an open fire and carefully condensing it into golden syrup.

Herbal salves have been used for centuries to soothe dry skin, nourish wounds, and protect against irritation. Whether you’re looking for a natural alternative to store-bought ointments or simply love DIY herbalism, learning to make your own healing salve is a skill you’ll use over and over again.

Brewing herbal tea is more than just steeping herbs in hot water—each plant has unique compounds that extract best under certain conditions. Whether you’re looking for flavor, medicinal benefits, or a refreshing iced tea, choosing the right brewing method makes all the difference.

Foraging in early spring offers a unique opportunity to gather medicinal and edible plants while they are at their most vibrant and nutrient-dense. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned herbalist, this guide will walk you through 10 common wild herbs you can forage in early spring, how to identify them, and how to use them in teas, tinctures, and salves.

I’ve spent years testing and tweaking chocolate chip cookie recipes, and after plenty of trial and error, I finally landed on a fail-proof, flexible version that works no matter your ingredients!

Making your own maple syrup is a rewarding and magical process that connects you to the natural world and gives you a sweet reward for your efforts. Whether you have a few maple trees in your backyard or access to a nearby grove, learning the art of syrup-making is simpler than you might think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to get started, so you can make maple syrup—just like our family does every spring.