Fall's Embrace: 5 Harvest Projects for a Cozy Home

There's a certain magic in the air as autumn arrives. The days grow shorter, the leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds and golds, and a crispness fills the air that invigorates the senses. I remember as a child, the sheer excitement of helping my grandmother harvest the last of her tomatoes, their bright red skins glistening in the cool morning sun. It was a tradition that marked the turning of the seasons and filled our home with the aroma of homemade sauces and relishes.

In this post, I'll share five easy and delightful ways to transform your homegrown bounty into cozy, heartwarming projects that celebrate the season and enhance your home. These are more than just projects; they are opportunities to slow down, savor the flavors of the harvest, and connect with the simple joys of homesteading.

Crunchy & Tangy: Quick Pickled Garden Goodness

Pickling is a fantastic way to preserve your late-season harvest and enjoy the taste of your garden long into the winter months. Don’t feel pressured to go through the whole canning process, these refrigerator pickles are quick, easy, and deliver a satisfying crunch.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 pound of cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, or a mix of your favorite garden veggies, sliced or cut into spears
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but adds a nice balance)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dill seeds or fresh dill sprigs
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Clean jars with lids

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice your chosen vegetables. If using cucumbers, you can slice them into rounds or spears. For green beans, trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Brine: In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar (if using). Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat.
3. Pack the Jars: Divide the garlic, dill seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly among the jars. Pack the vegetables tightly into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
4. Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely submerged. Again, leave about 1/2 inch of headspace.
5. Cool and Refrigerate: Let the jars cool to room temperature. Then, seal the lids tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before enjoying. The pickles will be at their best after a few days and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tip: Experiment with different spices! Mustard seeds, coriander seeds, or even a bay leaf can add unique flavors to your pickles.

Woven Wonders: Aromatic Herbal Wreath from Your Garden

Bring the beauty and fragrance of your garden indoors with a charming herbal wreath. This project is a wonderful way to use up leftover herbs and add a touch of rustic elegance to your home.

What You’ll Need:

• A grapevine wreath form (available at most craft stores)
• Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, oregano (or any herbs you have on hand)
• Floral wire
• Wire cutters
• Optional: Dried flowers, berries, or other decorative elements

Instructions:

1. Gather Your Herbs: Harvest your herbs early in the morning, after the dew has dried. This is when their oils are most concentrated, resulting in a more fragrant wreath.
2. Prepare the Herbs: Cut the herbs into small bundles, about 4-6 inches long.
3. Attach the Herbs: Using floral wire, attach the bundles of herbs to the grapevine wreath form. Start by wrapping the wire around the stem of the herb bundle and then attaching it securely to the wreath. Overlap each bundle slightly, so that the wreath form is completely covered.
4. Add Decorative Elements (Optional): If desired, add dried flowers, berries, or other decorative elements to your wreath using floral wire.
5. Hang and Enjoy: Hang your herbal wreath in a prominent place in your home, such as on a door, wall, or mantel. As the herbs dry, they will release their fragrance, filling your home with a delightful aroma.

Practical Advice: For a longer-lasting wreath, allow your herbs to dry slightly before using them. You can do this by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place for a few days.

Spoonfuls of Sunshine: Creamy Homemade Pumpkin Soup

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of pumpkin soup on a chilly autumn evening? This recipe uses your homegrown pumpkins to create a rich, flavorful soup that will nourish your body and soul.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2-3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Cream or coconut milk for richness, toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender. Let cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and discard the skin.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup: Add the roasted pumpkin flesh, vegetable broth, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
4. Blend and Season: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a swirl of cream or coconut milk (if using) and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use the pumpkin seeds you scoop out to make roasted pumpkin seeds (see recipe below!).

Flicker and Fragrance: DIY Fall Scented Soy Candles

Create a warm and inviting ambiance in your home with homemade fall-scented candles. These candles are easy to make and allow you to customize the scent to your liking using natural ingredients.

What You’ll Need:

• Soy wax flakes
• Candle wicks
• Glass jars or containers
• Essential oils: cinnamon, clove, orange, vanilla (or your favorite fall scents)
• Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan
• Thermometer
• Optional: Dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, or other decorative elements

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jars: Clean and dry your glass jars or containers. Attach the candle wicks to the bottom of the jars using wick stickers or a small amount of melted wax.
2. Melt the Wax: In a double boiler or heat-safe bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the soy wax flakes. Stir occasionally until completely melted. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. Do not overheat.
3. Add the Scent: Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly (to around 120-130°F or 49-54°C). Add your essential oils, using about 1 ounce of essential oil per pound of wax. Stir gently to combine.
4. Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the scented wax into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
5. Cool and Cure: Let the candles cool completely at room temperature. This may take several hours. Once the candles are cool, trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch. Allow the candles to "cure" for at least 24 hours before burning. This will allow the scent to fully develop.

Safety First: Always supervise candles while they are burning and keep them away from flammable materials.

Seed to Snack: Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Don't toss those pumpkin seeds! Roasting them is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the fruits (or rather, seeds) of your labor. These crispy seeds make a great snack or topping for salads and soups.

What You’ll Need:

• Pumpkin seeds, rinsed and dried
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Spices such as chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Seeds: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Rinse the pumpkin seeds thoroughly and remove any remaining pumpkin pulp. Pat the seeds dry with a paper towel.
2. Season the Seeds: In a bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil and salt. Add any other spices you like.
3. Roast the Seeds: Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally.
4. Cool and Enjoy: Let the seeds cool completely before enjoying.

Ingredient Tip: Experiment with different flavor combinations! A sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar makes a sweet and savory treat.

A Season of Gratitude

These projects are not just about creating beautiful things or delicious treats; they're about slowing down, appreciating the simple pleasures of the season, and connecting with the natural world around us. Engaging in these activities allows us to embrace the tranquility and beauty of Autumn and cherish the gifts of the season. As you revel in these activities, remember to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

We'd love to see your cozy harvest creations! Share your photos using #BetterHomesHarvestAutumn and inspire our community.