In the Sourdough Kitchen
Organic Einkorn Flour
At Loaves & Groves, we believe in the magic of fresh-milled grain, so we mill our own einkorn right here in our kitchen using a NutriMill to preserve every bit of nutrition and flavor. We source our whole Einkorn Berries for the freshest possible flour. However, if you aren’t ready to dive into home milling just yet, Jovial Foods offers an incredible organic einkorn flour that is my favorite high-quality alternative for a beautiful, consistent bake.
My Sourdough Guide
If you’re just starting your fermentation journey or looking to master the art of einkorn baking, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you along. My digital sourdough cookbook covers everything from nurturing your first organic starter to achieving that perfect, crusty loaf. It’s designed to be a practical, soulful companion in your kitchen as you cultivate your own home rhythms.
Precision Baking Tools
In our humid Florida climate, a digital scale and an infrared thermometer aren't just 'nice-to-haves'—they are essential for consistency. Because einkorn absorbs moisture differently than modern wheat, weighing your ingredients ensures your hydration is perfect every time. I also recommend a heavy Dutch oven to mimic a professional steam oven, giving your loaves that elusive, crackly crust and beautiful spring
In the Raised Bed Garden
Organic Seed Club
Staying on top of Florida’s unique planting windows is much easier with a guided rhythm. I rely on Urban Harvest for seeds and advice specifically for our zone, and I love Renee's Garden for their high-quality, time-tested heirloom varieties. Growing in harmony with our seasons ensures a more abundant and joyful garden.
Garden Arch Trellises
Vertical gardening is a game-changer for raised beds. These arches not only maximize space for climbing peas and loofahs but also add a touch of structural beauty to the garden. There’s nothing like walking under a canopy of green to check on your morning harvest.
Soil Amendments
Because our Florida sun breaks down organic matter so quickly, I supplement every rotation. I swear by Worm Castings for microbial life and Fish Emulsion for a quick nutrient boost during the rainy season.
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Pro-Tip: Apply fish emulsion in the early morning to give your plants a drink before the afternoon heat hits.
The Natural Apothecary & Craft Room
Heirloom Fabrics: Ruby Star Society & Rifle Paper Co.
These are my favorite sources for high-quality, vibrant cotton and linen blends. I love the modern, bold energy of Ruby Star Society and the whimsical, hand-painted floral aesthetic of Rifle Paper Co. Both offer a timeless quality that holds up beautifully to daily use in the kitchen and home.
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Why it Matters: Choosing quality materials is the first step in creating pieces that last. Whether it’s a bento bag or a garden apron, these fabrics ensure your handmade items feel like true heirlooms.
Pure Beeswax & Botanicals
The foundation of my home apothecary. I source clean, local beeswax and organic essential oils to create everything from chest rubs to lip balms.
Keeping these ingredients on hand allows us to create natural remedies that are gentle on our family and the environment.
Quality Linen by the Yard
Linen is the ultimate fabric for the Florida climate—breathable, durable, and increasingly soft with every wash. I use it for everything from kitchen towels to intentional clothing pieces.
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Recommendation: Look for medium-weight linens that provide structure while maintaining that classic, relaxed drape.
The Thread That Binds
Whether it’s the slow ferment of a sourdough loaf or the patient growth of a seasonal crop, these tools are chosen because they respect the time it takes to create something meaningful. We believe that the items we bring into our homes should serve a purpose and tell a story
Getting Started
The Essentials: A simple glass jar for a starter, a wooden spoon, and a basic trowel.
The Beginner's Toolkit
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A Simple Glass Jar: You don’t need anything fancy to start a sourdough culture. A clean wide-mouth mason jar is perfect—it allows you to see the bubbles and growth clearly.
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The Humble Wooden Spoon: Metal can sometimes react with the acidity of a developing starter. A sturdy wooden spoon is the best tool for that initial mixing of flour and water.
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A Basic Hand Trowel: For the garden, a well-balanced trowel is your most used tool. It’s all you need to tuck your first round of Urban Harvest seeds into the soil.
The "First Step" Ingredients
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Filtered Water: Since Florida tap water can be heavily chlorinated (which can stall a young starter), I always recommend using filtered or spring water for your first few weeks of baking.
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All-Purpose Organic Flour: While we love einkorn, starting with a high-quality organic all-purpose flour can be a great way to learn the "feel" of fermentation before moving into ancient grains.
Local Love | Local Florida Resources
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The Sweet Bee Company: Located in Sorrento, this is my favorite source for 100% pure Florida beeswax and raw honey.
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Palmer's Feed & Seed: A true Orlando classic. This is where I go for high-quality chicken feed and practical supplies for the coop. It’s a local staple for anyone keeping a homestead rhythm.
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Palmer's Garden & Goods: Just down the road, their garden center is a beautiful place to find unique plants, pottery, and seasonal inspiration for the porch and patio.
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Luka’s Nursery: My top recommendation in Oviedo for butterfly plants, native Florida species, and fruit trees.
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Apenberry’s Gardens: A College Park gem for curated plants and garden accessories—perfect for finding that one "special" piece for your outdoor space.