Homesteading Through the Heat: Tips for Late Summer Garden & Livestock Care

Home / Homesteading Through the Heat: Tips for Late Summer Garden & Livestock Care

Homesteading Through the Heat: Tips for Late Summer Garden & Livestock Care

Hello friends, and welcome back to ASW Homestead!

Late summer on the homestead has always been a season of abundance and endurance. In years past, the summer garden overflowed with fresh produce and the animals kept us busy from sunrise to sunset. Even though our current season looks a little different, the rhythm of late summer still brings its own mix of blessings and challenges.

But with all that goodness comes the challenge of sweltering heat—the kind that can wilt plants, slow livestock, and leave you feeling drained before lunch. Over the years, I’ve learned that this time of year requires intentional care, a few creative strategies, and a lot of prayer. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips for keeping the garden thriving, the animals comfortable, and your own spirit refreshed—so you can finish the season strong.

1. Garden Care: Preserve What’s Thriving, Protect What’s Struggling

By late summer, your garden is likely in full swing. But intense heat can take a toll on plants, especially tender greens and shallow-rooted vegetables.

Tips for summer garden survival:

Mulch generously. A thick layer of straw, leaves, or grass clippings retains moisture and protects roots.
Water early and deeply. Morning watering reduces evaporation and gives plants a full day to absorb moisture.
Shade sensitive crops. Use shade cloth or repurpose old sheets to shield lettuces, herbs, or seedlings.
Harvest often. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing and helps you stay ahead of rot or pest damage.

Spiritual takeaway:

Just like in the heat of life’s challenges, your summer garden needs protection, refreshment, and gentleness. Care for it with the same patience and grace God offers us.

2. Livestock: Keep Them Cool, Clean, and Comfortable

Chickens, rabbits, and other small livestock are especially vulnerable to heat stress. Signs of distress include panting, lethargy, and reduced egg production.

Tips for livestock care:

Fresh, cool water—always. Refill often and place waterers in the shade. Add ice if possible.
Ventilation matters. Ensure coops and hutches have airflow. Add fans (if you have power) or create cross-breezes with open sides.
Frozen treats. Offer frozen fruits or vegetables, or freeze water in shallow trays for chickens to stand in.
Provide shade and dust bathing areas. Animals will naturally regulate their temperature if given options.

Spiritual takeaway:

God provides shelter and refreshment when we’re weary. Offering the same to our animals is an act of stewardship and compassion.

3. Managing Your Own Energy and Expectations

It’s easy to overdo it in late summer. There’s preserving to be done, weeds to be pulled, and animals to tend. But your well-being matters too.

Tips for caring for yourself:

Start early. Do outside chores before the peak heat hits.
Hydrate and rest. Drink plenty of water and don’t skip your Sabbath rest.
Prioritize. Every task doesn’t have to be done today. Choose what’s most important and let the rest wait.
Ask for help. Involve kids, neighbors, or friends in homestead tasks—it builds community and lightens the load.

Spiritual takeaway:

Your strength has limits, and that’s okay. Even Jesus withdrew to rest and pray. Let His example give you permission to slow down.

4. Preservation without Burnout

Late summer means canning season is in full swing—but standing over a hot stove in an already hot house can be exhausting.

Tips to preserve wisely:

Break it into chunks. Don’t try to do it all at once. One batch at a time is still progress!
Use your freezer. Blanch and freeze produce for later if you don’t have the energy to can.
Can at night or early morning. Take advantage of cooler hours.

Spiritual takeaway:

Stewardship is not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about doing what you can with what you have. That’s more than enough!😊

5. Pray Through the Season

The heat of late summer can test our patience. Gardens wilt, tempers shorten, and to-do lists pile up. But there’s beauty in turning even these moments into opportunities for prayer.

Prayer ideas:

Thank God for the harvest, even if it’s small.
Ask for wisdom in knowing what to prioritize.
Offer grace to yourself and your family.
Pray for rain, renewal, and rest.

Scripture to reflect on:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Finishing Strong in the Heat

Homesteading through late summer is no small task, but with a little extra planning, plenty of grace, and a focus on what matters most, it’s possible to not just survive—but thrive. Remember, this season won’t last forever. Cooler days are ahead, and the work you put in now will bless you in the months to come. Keep tending your garden, caring for your animals, and caring for yourself with the same patience and gentleness the Lord shows us every day.

If you found these tips helpful, I’d love for you to share this post with a fellow homesteader or pin it for later. And if you’re looking for more seasonal homestead tips, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a post.