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

Ep 176. When Winter Drags On… Homestead Projects That Bring Spring Energy Back

Winter can feel long and heavy, and sometimes leaning into “slow and cozy” just isn’t enough. In this episode, we’re talking about simple homesteading projects that bring spring energy into the dead of winter—like organizing seeds, fermenting, making jam from your freezer stash, growing microgreens and herbs indoors, and tackling garden-adjacent projects. These small, hopeful actions help beat the winter blues and remind us that growth doesn’t have to wait for spring.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
 

Ep 175. What I am Planting in the Garden in 2026

In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'm planting in the garden in 2026 on my 1/4 acre homestead in the city and why these choices make sense for our real life, space, and season. We talk through what’s staying, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re planning a garden that feels nourishing instead of overwhelming. If you’re craving a more intentional, low-pressure garden plan this year, this one’s for you. 🌱
 
Sign up for the FREE Spring Gardening Summit: https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/
 

Ep 174. Why Failure Days are Actually Homesteading Wins

We’re talking about the fail days — and even fail seasons — that come with this lifestyle and why they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. From flat sourdough and bitter canned fruit to recipes that just don’t work, we’re sharing why trial and error is actually the point and how learning what fits your family, your taste, and your schedule is where real progress happens. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that slow, imperfect effort still counts.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
 

Ep 173. Homestead Goal Planning without an Entire Life Overhaul

In this episode, we talk through a slower, more nourishing approach to homestead goal planning. Instead of big overhauls that lead to burnout, we focus on 12-week goals, micro habits, and habit stacking to turn good intentions into systems that actually fit real life. We also walk through a real-life example of how we’re using our word of the year, Nourish, to plan goals that support our families without adding stress.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
 

Ep 172. My Word of the Year is "Nourish" (and What that Actually Means for my Homestead)

In this episode, we’re sharing our word of the year—nourish—and what that actually looks like in real life. Instead of chasing big goals or a “new me,” we’re focusing on supporting our body, home, routines, creativity, and mental load in a slower, more sustainable way. This episode is a gentle reminder that consistency often comes from care, not pressure.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
 

Ep 171. 8 Things to Do Before You Set Homestead Goals for 2026

Before you start setting garden or homestead goals for the new year, there’s something important to do first: prepare instead of rushing.
In this episode, we talk about the simple things you can do right now to set yourself up for success—without pressure or overwhelm. We cover reflecting on last year, clearing physical and mental clutter, taking inventory of what you already have, deciding your real capacity, and why it’s okay to make a “not this year” list.
I’m also sharing a gentle challenge to help you prepare one area of your home or homestead before you ever write a goal.
Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
 

Ep 170. What 2026 Will Bring for The Homestead Challenge

I’m sharing a quiet end-of-year check-in, reflecting on what worked (and what didn’t) in the past year, and talking through what I’m dreaming up for the year ahead. From reimagining community and challenges to launching a tiny local farm stand, this episode is all about planning gently—without pressure or overwhelm.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Join the Homestead Challenge Private Facebook Group to vote on challenge names and join the conversation
Sign up for emails at thehomesteadchallenge.com to stay in the loop
Farm Stand Planner (coming soon to Etsy)
Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates

Ep 169. What's Actually Worth Planning for the Garden in December (and what can wait)

Seeing people seed starting in December can make it feel like you’re already behind — especially if you live in a colder growing zone. In this episode, we’re talking about what’s actually worth planning for the garden this time of year, what can wait, and how to figure out your real planting timeline based on where you live (not what the internet is doing).
If you’re a new or intermediate gardener — or just need a gentle reminder to slow down — this episode will help you plan with confidence instead of stress.
 
In This Episode, We Talk About:
Why December gardening content can feel confusing
The difference between planning season and planting season
Why seed starting in December isn’t necessary for most cold climates
How to find your exact garden zone and last frost date
The seed-starting calculator I personally use every year
What is worth doing for your garden in December
How I batch seed-starting dates to make spring easier
Reflecting on last year’s garden successes and flops
Choosing garden priorities that actually fit your life
Why rest is an important part of the growing season
Helpful Garden Planning Links Mentioned:
Find Your Last Frost DateUse your ZIP code to find your exact last frost date:https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates
 
Seed Starting Date Calculator (My Favorite)This is the most robust and easiest-to-use calculator I’ve found:https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/seed-planting-schedule-calculator.html
 
 
Garden Planner + Seed Organizing Binder InsertsIf you like having everything organized in one place, I have both available in my Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/HomesteadChallenge
Join the Community:
Come share your garden plans (or seed-starting photos!) inside our free Facebook community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
 
 

Ep 168. A Friday Reset to Get Your Home + Homestead Ready for a Busy Weekend

In this episode, we’re walking through a simple Friday Reset designed specifically for busy December weekends. With holiday activities filling up our schedules, we’re focusing on quick, doable steps that help us lower stress, clear a little space in our homes, and set ourselves up to actually enjoy the magic instead of rushing through it.
We talk about choosing our non-negotiables, doing a fast holiday tidy, prepping food for the weekend, setting up cozy moments like a hot cocoa station, and reconnecting with homestead rhythms—whether that’s grabbing a few herbs from the garden, foraging evergreens, checking the pantry, or doing a quick emergency prep check.
A little bit of intention on Friday can shift the entire tone of the weekend, helping us feel calmer, more present, and ready to savor the parts of December that matter most.
Links Mentioned:Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.comInstagram: @brittanylgibson

Ep 167. DIY Homemade Gifts That People Actually Want

Homemade gifts can be thoughtful and practical — if people actually know how to use them. In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite high-compliance DIY gifts for non-crunchy friends and family, so your handmade presents don’t end up forgotten in the back of a cabinet.
We talk about why most homemade gifts fail (lack of familiarity, unclear instructions, or feeling too “crunchy”) and how to fix that by making your gifts familiar, foolproof, and easy to use in real life. These ideas are perfect for last-minute holiday gifts or any time you want to give something personal without pressure.
🎁 High-Compliance DIY Gift Ideas Covered:
Herb salts (with easy everyday uses)
Homemade vanilla extract (with a local twist)
One-and-done dip mixes
Jam with cream cheese dip instructions
Loose leaf tea paired with a proper tea strainer
DIY herbal bug spray (perfect for families and warm climates)
Shower steamers for people who don’t take baths
If you’re trying to move away from consumerism without giving gifts that feel “weird” or unused, this episode will help you confidently gift homemade items that people genuinely love.
🔗 Helpful Links:
DIY Herbal Bug Spray: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/diy-herbal-bug-spray/
Herb Salt Recipes: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/rosemary-salt/
The Homestead Challenge Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
💛 Join the Community:
Share photos of your homemade gifts and connect with other low-pressure homesteaders in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity