The Simple Life Shelf Stable

When your garden is overflowing with goodness shop Lehman’ s to find the right tips and tools to harvest, preserve and enjoy your surplus.

On the Square in Kidron, OH • 800.438.5346 • Open every day except Sunday

( SPONSORED CONTENT)— There’ s nothing quite like the joy of gathering in a bountiful harvest. Whether your garden exploded with tomatoes, your apple trees gave more than expected or the farmers market had irresistible deals, abundance is a blessing— but also a challenge. What do you do with so much produce before it goes bad?

At Lehman’ s, we believe in practical solutions producing less waste. Here are our favorite time-tested ways to make the most of your harvest abundance:

Preserve It for Later

The best way to savor summer in the depths of winter is to preserve your produce. Canning is a cornerstone of homestead life— whether you’ re making tangy pickles, tomato sauce or sweet jams. A basic water bath canner is perfect for high-acid foods like fruits and salsas. For lower-acid veggies, a pressure canner is your go-to tool.

Don’ t forget about dehydrating! Apples, herbs, tomatoes and even zucchini chips can be dried and stored in jars. A good food dehydrator or even a sunny window can do the trick. And of course, freezing is another quick solution. Chop and freeze peppers, blanch green beans or puree and freeze fruit for smoothies and baking.

Get Creative in the Kitchen

An abundance of produce is an invitation to experiment. Try new recipes: zucchini bread, homemade salsa, fermented kraut or roasted vegetable soups for the freezer. Make fruit leather with your kids. Infuse vinegars with herbs or create your own jams and chutneys. The joy is in the doing— and the eating!

Share the Bounty

If your shelves and freezer are full, consider sharing your bounty. Fill a basket for a neighbor, bring extra jars to church or set up a little stand by the road. Local food pantries or community fridges often accept fresh produce and homemade goods( although be sure to check their guidelines first). Alternatively, consider throwing a party and trying out your new recipes with friends. Sharing the harvest brings a simple kind of joy.

Compost What You Can’ t Use

Even the best plans leave behind peels, cores and overripe odds and ends. Composting turns that waste into rich soil for next year’ s garden. A simple backyard compost bin or pile does the trick— and your plants will thank you for it.

A harvest overflow is a reminder that the land gives freely, if we’ re willing to tend it. With a little effort and a lot of heart, we can stretch that gift far into the seasons ahead.

Simple tools. Time-tested know-how. And the joy of a full pantry— what could be better?

Check out Lehman’ s new line of exclusive kitchen items from water bath canners and jar sealers to veggie slicers and grinders, either online or in-store at Lehman’ s in Kidron Ohio.

About Lehman’ s:

At Lehman’ s, we’ re dedicated to simple living, drawing on the expertise of homesteaders, self-sufficiency advocates and skilled makers. Whether it’ s our in-house team or trusted partners, we strive to be your go-to source for authentic knowledge and inspiration on your journey to a simpler life.

28 AcreageLife August 2025 AcreageLife. com

AcreageLife. com August 2025 AcreageLife 29