Spring on the homestead feels like a fresh start. It’s the time when frozen pipes thaw, the chickens start singing again at dawn, and even the house seems to breathe a sigh of relief. But that “fresh start” look doesn’t happen by magic. It takes planning, sweaty mornings, muddy boots, and a few unexpected curveballs from Mother Nature. Here’s how I tackle the big spring prep on both the farm and the home, in a casual, no-nonsense way you can actually follow.
1. Survey the Land
First thing I do is grab my coffee, step outside, and walk the entire property. I’m looking for signs of winter damage:
- Fences that sagged under the snow weight
- Fallen branches in the orchard or around the vegetable beds
- Erosion in low spots where water pooled all winter
- The coop roof shingles that popped up from ice dams
I jot notes in my phone, take photos to remember exactly where things need work, and start a master list. This initial walk gets my head in the game so I’m not fixing fences at midnight when the sun is setting.
2. Tackle Repairs and Maintenance
Once I know what’s broken, I prioritize.
- Fence fixes first
A loose board or broken wire means livestock escape. I carry a small toolkit in my truck all spring and summer just for this reason. Pliers, extra staples, fencing wire, gate latch hardware and a multi tool. - Machinery check up
Tractors, mowers, tillers. I change oil and filters, sharpen blades and make sure belts and hoses aren’t cracked. Bonus tip Clean off any lingering mud and hay before packing these tools away for the season. - Water systems
Inspect hoses, drip irrigation lines and the water trough heater if you’ve got one. Winter is rough on rubber parts. Today I spent ten minutes finding the leak in the chicken waterer. Ugh but worth it. - Gutters and downspouts
After winter freeze thaw cycles, they clog with leaves and pine needles. I climb up, scoop out debris and run a hose through them so spring rains flow away from the foundation.
3. Clean and Freshen the House
Inside the farmhouse, I do a focused spring cleaning that actually lasts more than a day.
- Dust bunnies
Get rid of tumbleweeds of dust under furniture and in corners. I use a microfiber duster on ceiling fans and high shelves first, then vacuum and mop. - Wash windows
The sun shining through muddy streaks isn’t cute. I use plain vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then buff with old t-shirts. - Declutter closets and drawers
Winter gear gets swapped for spring clothes. I pull out heavy coats, boots and gloves, then donate anything I didn’t wear once. - Deep clean the kitchen
My busiest room deserves special attention. Empty the pantry shelves, wipe them down, and take stock of expired cans or boxes. I always find that jar of pickles I forgot about last year. - Air out linens and rugs
Throw rugs go outside for a shake, bedding gets washed in bright sunshine, and I open all the windows to let fresh air sweep through.
4. Seed Starting and Garden Prep
This part feels like pure hope in a pot.
- Plan your beds
I sketch out a rough garden map on paper. Crop rotation matters so last year’s tomatoes don’t go in the same plot. - Test soil
Simple pH kits from the garden center tell me if I need lime or sulfur. Then I spread any needed amendments and fork in compost from last fall’s pile. - Start seeds indoors
I fill trays with seed starting mix, label them with masking tape and marker, and position them under grow lights. Lettuce, kale, peas, peppers and tomatoes get started about six weeks before last frost date. - Order seeds early
Popular heirloom varieties sell out fast. I always pick up a few extra seed packets because squirrels sometimes dig up those trays and I need backups. - Prep the greenhouse or cold frames
I clean glass or plastic panels, repair any holes and set up shelves so my seedlings have a home once they’re a couple inches tall.
5. Animal Care Reset
After a long winter, livestock need attention too.
- Poultry
Deep clean the coop. Remove old bedding, scrub nesting boxes and perches. Replace with fresh straw or wood shavings. I inspect for mites or any weird critters lurking. - Goats and sheep
Check hooves for overgrowth or cracks. Trim if needed. I also trim around udders and tails so mud and poop don’t get stuck. - Cattle and horses
Brush off winter coats to let new hair come in. Inspect blankets and halters for wear. Make sure pasture fencing is secure before they get turned out full time. - Bees
If you’re a beekeeper, check that hive entrances are clear, ensure the colony survived the cold and consider feeding fondant boards if they look light on stores.
6. Tools, Supplies and Inventory
Nothing sucks more than realizing you’re out of staples or feed when you need them most.
- Stock up on feed
Get extra chicken feed, hay, grain and supplements now before spring price hikes. - Replace consumables
Gloves, batteries, light bulbs and filters. I keep a running list in my phone and reorder everything in one big shopping trip. - Order mulch and compost
Have it delivered or pickup a load from the garden center. I spread it around beds in April to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
7. Outdoor Living Spaces
I love a cozy porch or patio for spring.
- Power wash the deck
I rent a pressure washer or borrow one from my neighbor. A quick scrub and rinse removes winter grime. - Check outdoor furniture
Tighten screws, touch up paint or stain, and swap out the heavy blankets for lighter throws and outdoor pillows. - Plan containers
I place pots near the door, fill them with soil and plan to plant flowers and herbs once the risk of frost passes. Even seed potatoes look cute in big planters.
8. Safety and Emergency Prep
Spring storms can bring wind, hail or even tornado warnings in Illinois.
- Inspect the generator
Make sure it starts, has fresh fuel and that extension cords reach your critical appliances. - Emergency kit
Restock flashlights, first aid kit, bottled water and nonperishable food. I keep one kit in the house and one in the barn. - Communication plan
Cell service can be spotty. I set check in times with my partner and have a list of local radio stations and weather channels.
9. Family and Community
Getting ready for spring is more fun when you’re not doing it alone.
- Host a barn clean up day
Invite friends over for coffee, donuts and a fence repair party. We swap tools, share tips and laugh off our shared farm struggles. - Swap seeds and plants
I trade lettuce starts with my neighbor who gives me extra rhubarb. Community seed libraries are a great way to try new varieties without risk. - Teach the kids
My little crew helps me sort seeds, water trays and feed chicks. They learn responsibility and I get an extra pair of tiny hands. Win win.
Final Thoughts
Spring prep on the homestead and in the home is a lot of work. It can feel never ending. But it’s also energizing. It signals new life, new projects and the chance to make everything a little better than last year.
Grab your list, lace up your boots, and start crossing things off. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping lemonade on the porch, watching seedlings sprout and livestock graze under a sunny sky.
And if you find one more broken gate latch while you’re at it, laugh, fix it and keep moving. That’s what spring on the farm is all about.
