The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living

Епизоди

• Ep 208. The Most Underappreciated Herb in My Garden 02.06.2026 11мин

  Sage is one of the easiest herbs to grow, but it's also one of the most overlooked. In this episode, we explore practical ways to use garden sage, including culinary projects, herbal remedies, preserving methods, and why this hardy perennial deserves a place in every homestead garden. Whether your sage plant is thriving or you've never known what to do with it, you'll leave with simple ideas to start harvesting and using this versatile herb.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 
• Ep 207. The Real Workflow of Summer Canning in a Suburban Homestead 29.05.2026 29мин

  Summer canning doesn't have to mean marathon weekends, Pinterest-perfect pantries, or preserving every tomato you grow. In this episode, we're talking about what summer canning actually looks like in a busy suburban home—from deciding what's worth canning and using a two-day workflow to freezing harvests, preserving in small batches, and fitting it all into real life with kids. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by food preservation, this episode will help you create a canning rhythm that works for you.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/canning-tips/  
• Ep 206. The Hidden Consumerism in Homesteading 22.05.2026 25мин

  In this episode, we’re talking about the hidden consumerism that can sneak into the homesteading lifestyle and why it’s so easy to buy the fantasy version of homesteading instead of actually living it. We chat about homestead perfectionism, comparison culture, overbuying supplies, hobby collecting vs. hobby doing, and why buying food for your family is not failure if you’re actually using it. If you’ve ever felt pressure to have the perfect pantry, garden, or homesteading setup, this episode is a gentle reminder that simple, imperfect homesteading still counts.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com  
• Ep 205. You Don't Need a Commune to Build a Homesteading Community 19.05.2026 16мин

  In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking about how to build homesteading community in the city or suburbs without starting a commune or forcing yourself to be extroverted. From community gardens and native plant sales to Facebook Marketplace swaps, school gardens, and local farm stands, I’m sharing simple, low-pressure ways to connect with other gardeners, homesteaders, and like-minded people right where you live. If you’ve been craving real community, local food connections, or fellow “weird” garden people, this episode will encourage you to start small and find your people.     https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/community-for-modern-homesteaders/  
• Ep 204. The Homesteading Mindset Shift I Need Most 14.05.2026 18мин

  In this episode, we’re talking about a simple homesteading mindset shift that has been helping me slow down, spend less impulsively, and feel more connected to my home: create before you consume. I’m sharing how homesteading hobbies like gardening, baking, organizing, and herbalism helped me stop constantly chasing more, plus practical ways to avoid perfectionism and consumerism in the homesteading lifestyle.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
• Ep 203. The Garden Plants that Keep Coming Back for Free 12.05.2026 16мин

    In this episode of the The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking about some of the best free plants for the garden — including self-seeding flowers and herbs, volunteer plants, and perennials you can divide again and again. From calendula and dill to chives, lemon balm, and surprise tomato plants popping up from the compost, these are the kinds of plants that help your garden become more abundant every single year. If you want to garden on a budget, simplify your garden planning, or create a lower-maintenance homestead garden, this episode is full of practical ideas for busy gardeners and small-space homesteaders. We’ll also talk about why letting nature do a little of the work can make gardening feel more joyful, less expensive, and a whole lot less overwhelming.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/  
• Ep 202. 5 Easy Ferments I'm Trying This Summer (That Don't Feel Overwhelming) 08.05.2026 28мин

  Learn alongside me as we talk about 5 easy ferments I’m trying this summer that actually feel realistic for busy moms and small-scale homesteaders. In this episode, we’re chatting about simple refrigerator pickles, sauerkraut, fermented salsa, kombucha, and easy veggie mixes—plus beginner fears, food safety, mold worries, and how to start fermenting without expensive equipment or crunchy perfectionism. If you’ve been curious about preserving your garden harvest naturally, this episode will help you feel confident enough to finally try it.   Sauerkraut Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/homemade-sauerkraut-learn-to-ferment-from-a-total-newbie-i-promise-its-not-that-scary/ My Favorite Fermenting Equipment: https://a.co/d/03H99P3f  
• Ep 201. How to Grow Cut Flowers in Any Space with Josie Blessing of Olde Soul Acres 05.05.2026 27мин

  Today I am chatting all about growing cut flowers with Josie Blessing, author of The Homesteader’s Guide to Cut Flowers, and why flowers are so much more than just “extra” in the garden. We talk about how to grow flowers even in small spaces, the best low-maintenance varieties for busy seasons, and how they support everything from pollinators to herbal remedies. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this episode will give you the confidence to just begin.   Preorder The Homesteader's Guide to Cut Flowers on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d4aQ2G (affiliate link)
• Ep 200. Is Homesteading Worth It? My Honest Experience After 200 Epsiodes 30.04.2026 29мин

  We’re celebrating 200 episodes of The Homestead Challenge podcast by reflecting on what homesteading has really brought into my life. In this episode, I’m answering a few candid questions about how I got started, how my definition of homesteading has changed, and why I still choose this lifestyle—even in busy seasons. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough, this is your reminder that homesteading can be simple, flexible, and rooted in what brings you peace.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity  
• Ep 199. Start These Herbal Products Now Before Summer 28.04.2026 13мин

  In this episode, we’re talking about the simple herbal products we should start now before summer hits—because things like bug spray, salves, and infused sprays take time to steep. We walk through what we’re making right now (like herbal bug spray, dried mint for tea, and calendula salve) and how to think ahead so summer feels easier and more prepared.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 
• Ep 198. The Weird Garden Lull: How to Reset Your Systems Before Harvest Season 24.04.2026 25мин

  We’re talking about the spring-to-summer transition in the garden and that weird lull where everything is planted but harvest hasn’t fully begun. We walk through simple systems we’re resetting now—like herb drying stations, freezer clean-outs, harvest flow, and kitchen organization—to make summer easier and less overwhelming. If you want to stay ahead of the chaos and actually enjoy your garden this season, this episode will help you set up rhythms that work in real life.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com  
• Ep 197. 3 Things to Do with Spring Herbs (Before You Get Overwhelmed) 21.04.2026 19мин

  We’re talking about what to do with the spring herbs you can harvest right now—whether you’re foraging things like dandelion and chickweed or clipping herbs from your garden like chives and mint. If you’ve ever picked herbs and then felt stuck, this episode walks you through three simple ways to use them, plus how to harvest without ruining the plant. It’s a practical, no-pressure way to start actually using what’s growing around you this season.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/  
• Ep 196. Vertical Tower Gardens for Real Life Homesteaders 17.04.2026 23мин

  We’re talking all about vertical tower gardens (like GreenStalks)—why we love them, who they’re actually good for, and how they can fit into real life no matter your space. We’re sharing what we’re planting in ours this year, the honest differences between budget vs. higher-end options, and how you can even create a full herbal tea garden in one simple setup.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com  
• Ep 195. Spring Foraging for Beginners from What's Already Growing in Your Backyard 14.04.2026 21мин

  We’re talking about spring foraging for beginners and the easiest way to start—right in your own backyard. In this episode, we cover how to identify and use common edible weeds and wild herbs like henbit, dead nettle, stinging nettle, dandelion, wild violets, chickweed, plantain, garlic mustard, and wild chives, plus when to harvest different parts for the best flavor and benefits. If you’ve been curious about foraging but feel overwhelmed, this is your simple, no-pressure guide to finding edible plants growing around you this spring.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/violet-face-serum/    
• Ep 194. The Truth About Organic Pest Control for Your Garden 07.04.2026 21мин

  We’re talking about organic pest control for your garden—what it really means, when to step in, and when to let things go. After dealing with an unexpected aphid issue on my seedlings, I’m sharing the products I actually use, how I think about health and exposure, and how to make these decisions without overthinking every little thing.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/companion-planting/  
• Ep 193. Don't Get Fooled at the Plant Nursery (and What to Watch For) 03.04.2026 20мин

  We’re talking about how to avoid common plant nursery mistakes—from “healthy” looking plants that struggle after transplanting to soil deals that aren’t actually deals. We’ll walk through what to look for so we can shop smarter, save money, and grow a more successful garden this season.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 
• Ep 192. I Tried to Make Spring Easier... Here's What Actually Happened 31.03.2026 16мин

  We thought prepping in March would make spring feel calm and manageable—but real life had other plans. In this episode, we’re talking about what’s actually helping right now, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re redefining “enough” during a busy, chaotic season.   15 Minute Routine: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/routine/ 
• Ep 191. The Summer Cooking System that Keeps Us Eating Real Food 27.03.2026 12мин

  In this episode, we’re sharing the simple summer cooking system that helps us keep feeding our families real food without spending all evening in the kitchen. We’re talking about using the crockpot, making a few basics ahead of time, and creating an easy rhythm that works with our busy summer days.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com  
• Ep 190. Dry Goods to Prep Now for an Easier Garden Season 24.03.2026 15мин

  In this episode, we’re talking about simple dry goods and convenience mixes we can prep now to make busy garden season so much easier. We walk through easy ideas like brownie mix, cornbread mix, and seasoning blends that help us cook from scratch without the extra time and mess. This is all about reducing mental load and setting ourselves up for a more peaceful, doable summer.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity  
• Ep 189. How to Decide What Foods are Worth Growing vs. Buying 20.03.2026 30мин

  We’re heading into spring and taking a realistic look at what foods are actually worth growing versus just buying, using our own pantry habits as the guide. In this episode, we walk through simple filters to help us decide what makes sense for our space, budget, and goals—so we can grow with intention and skip the overwhelm.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry/