Things are growing around here and I mean that literally and figuratively. Tomatoes in the basement AND we're almost at 300 members in this community. If you know someone who wants to grow more of their own food, stress less about grocery bills, or finally tackle that build they've been putting off, send them our way. The more the merrier. Now. About those tomatoes. 🌱 They're officially sprouting in my basement. Meanwhile it's still below zero outside and winter still has the audacity to exist. This is the part of seed starting I love. It's wintery and miserable outside yet inside there is... life. So let's talk seed starting. I want to know where you're at: 👉 Are you starting seeds this year? 👉 What are you growing? 👉 What's tripped you up before? Leggy seedlings, damping off, timing, space? 👉 Or are you skipping seed starting altogether? What's holding you back? (No judgment, I want to help you save time and money if I can!) Also, we're going live in 30 MINUTES to talk about building your first project. If you've been sitting on a build idea and don't know where to start, come hang out. Bring your questions. See you there! https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/share?slt=1AVwTtk4bGmrHtzOTgHOd7PRYK6Lff1l3O4Q2y6jVN-0Pybwscix9z-LeOquSBdgdoRWefgo3n1WzovzsOepr6R8hVKdJyOsqmPfI

We’ve got a call happening tomorrow here inside the Yardstead Society. This month we’re keeping it really practical. If you’ve been thinking about building something… whether it’s one of our projects or something you’ve been planning on your own… but haven’t started yet, this is for you. We’re going to walk through: Where to actually begin. What details matter (and which don’t). How to move forward with confidence. And where to get support when you need it. I’ll be there answering your questions and helping you work through wherever you’re stuck. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get building… this is it. Only 100 spots available! Join the call here: https://calendar.app.google/fGoB7u989aiujNVq8 WHEN: Wednesday April 1 @ 11AM MST See you soon!

As the community continues to grow I'd love to hear where you are all from! I'll go first. I am from Northern Alberta and located in growing zone 3. It just snowed another 6 inches last night and I am, for lack of better words, OVER IT. I am just about 8 weeks away from my last frost date, so this week I have to set aside some time to start tomatoes among other things. For some reason, seed starting is my least favourite part of the gardening process. Probably because what I love about gardening is being OUTSIDE. But... as I mentioned... 6" of fresh snow on the ground... on top of the 3ft we already had... So I guess I'll be starting seeds in my basement. Would love to hear where you are from and what you got on the go right now!

Hey friend! I'm so glad you're here. I'm Carolynne—the one behind every plan, testing every build with my husband Eric in our Alberta backyard, and running Hillside Market from our little homestead in Zone 3 Canada 🇨🇦. I created the Yardstead Society to support you in two ways: 1️⃣ Build Support (Free) Get help with your DIY projects from start to finish. Whether you're building a greenhouse, chicken coop, or backyard retreat, ask questions, share progress, and get guidance from the community. Eric and I are both here to help with build questions. 2️⃣ Yardstead Support (Paid Membership) Weekly calls with me, expert interview sessions, and access to resources for actually living the lifestyle—growing food, raising chickens, preserving your harvest, and working toward real self-sufficiency. 👋 Start by introducing yourself! Tell us where you're from, what you're building, or what you're hoping to grow or raise. Already finished a project? Post it under Progress Pics so we can celebrate with you. 📚 Explore the Classroom: - Build Spotlights – See what others have created - Project Planning Tools – Checklists and resources to help you succeed - Yardstead Resources – Growing, raising, and preserving (paid members) - Plus all Yardstead Society members get monthly discounts on guides and gear Tag me (@Carolynne Hill) or Eric (@Eric Hill) anytime with questions or to share what you're working on. Let's get building! ✨ — Carolynne PS: Say hi below! 👇

@Carolynne Hill in the plan for the Iris, it says to sink the posts 3 feet deep, but someone in my area advised me to go 4 deep due to our frost line. Would you recommend I modify the plan that way? Also, any tips or tricks you would recommend to make sure my posts are all properly lined up?