Loaves & Groves

06/09/2026

Gardening in the South just got easier — and more natural. Discover how companion planting can deter pests, attract pollinators, and boost soil health in our latest guide: Companion Planting for the Southern Garden: Nature’s Support System. Read the full post: https://wix.to/UqFuIaS

Tips inside for pairing vegetables, herbs, and flowers that thrive in Southern climates.

Gardening in the South is a rewarding challenge. Between the humidity and the persistent pests, our vegetables often need a little extra help to thrive. While it’s tempting to reach for a spray bottle, the most effective solution is often much simpler: Companion Planting.By intentionally grouping ...

05/23/2026

The absolute easiest way to ruin your sourdough starter? Rushing the water temperature. 🛑

​When you're feeding your starter—especially if you're using fresh-milled grains like einkorn—it’s tempting to use warm water to speed things up. But if your water is hot to the touch (anything over 110°F), you risk killing the wild yeast entirely.

​The Golden Rule: If it feels warm to you, it’s too hot for them. Stick to room temperature or lukewarm water, and let time do the heavy lifting.

​What’s one sourdough rule you had to learn the hard way?

Let’s swap troubleshooting stories in the comments!

05/21/2026

Warm crust, soft crumb, and that unbeatable fresh-bread aroma filling the kitchen. The first cut is always the most satisfying part of the bake. 🤎 Now, where’s the butter? 🧈

05/19/2026

Reaching for the sun. 🌿✨ Our passion flower vine is putting on an absolute show in the grove today. Nature truly is the best artist.

05/18/2026

Got sourdough discard? Don’t toss it — transform it. 🌾 From savory herb crackers to tangy pancake batter, our latest post shares quick, delicious ways to use that fermented gold in everyday cooking. Ready to rescue your discard and add new flavors to your kitchen? Read more: https://wix.to/vCqCiyO

If you’ve been maintaining a sourdough starter for any length of time, you know the "discard dilemma." Every time you feed your starter to keep it bubbly and active, a portion of that fermented gold usually ends up in the bin.But here’s the secret: that discard is packed with tangy flavor and na...

05/12/2026

If you own chickens, you know this sight. I walked out this afternoon and my heart skipped a beat... but no, they’re just taking a very, very deep dust bath. 😅

The 'chicken coma' is real! Does your flock ever give you a midday scare? 👇

05/11/2026

Welcome to Loaves & Groves! 🌾✨ We believe in the magic of traditional baking, starting with the very basics.

Rehydrating a starter is like waking up a sleeping giant. It’s patient, scientific, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your sourdough journey, we’re glad you’re here. 🥖🫧

In this video:
1️⃣ Awakening the dried starter flakes
2️⃣ The first signs of life (bubbles!)
3️⃣ Ready for the first bake

05/10/2026

To the women who nourish our hearts and keep our spirits growing: today is for you.

​Whether you’re a master of the kitchen or a guardian of the garden, we’re celebrating the warmth and love you bake and plant into every single day.

05/08/2026

🌸 May Blooms & Farm Dog Dreams

​The garden is officially buzzing! 🐝 May has brought all our favorite pollinator-friendly flowers into full bloom, and the local bees and butterflies are having a field day.

​Of course, no garden inspection is complete without our resident "farm dog," Coffee. She’s spent all morning patrolling the flower beds, convinced she’s guarding a 100-acre homestead instead of a backyard patch. Whether she’s sniffing the snapdragons or keeping a watchful eye on the butterflies, she’s definitely taking her job very seriously.

​Nothing beats the magic of a garden that feels alive—and a dog who thinks she’s the boss of it all. 🐾✨

05/05/2026

Patience is the secret ingredient. ✨ Homemade vanilla extract is a labor of love that transforms every bake it touches. Most store-bought versions can’t compete with the depth you get from doing it yourself! 🌿

Have you ever tried making your own extracts? Let us know in the comments! 👇