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

Ep 188. Let Your Pantry Tell You What to Grow this Year

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we kick off the Make It March series by looking at our pantries to help decide what we should grow in our gardens this year. Instead of planting randomly, we talk about how noticing what we actually eat, run out of, and keep buying can guide smarter garden planning and help us waste less food. This simple pantry inventory helps us connect our grocery habits, pantry staples, and garden goals before the busy growing season begins.
 
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Ep 187. The Only Cleaning Ingredients You Really Need at Home

In this episode, we’re talking about the simple natural cleaning ingredients to keep on hand so you can clean almost anything without buying a cabinet full of products. I’ll walk you through what vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, castile soap, peroxide, and alcohol actually do — plus which ones truly disinfect and when it’s really necessary. If you want a practical, low-pressure approach to non-toxic cleaning, this episode will help you stock your home with confidence.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/all-natural-cleaning-supplies/
 

Ep 186. Hidden Toxic Items in Your Home (That You Can Remove Today for FREE!)

In this episode, we’re talking about free ways to reduce toxins in our homes without buying new cleaning products or supplies. We’ll walk through simple changes like removing plug-in air fresheners, skipping dryer sheets, cleaning our cleaning tools, and tackling hidden dust zones that hold onto pollutants. If you want a healthier home this spring without spending money, these small changes can make a surprisingly big impact.
 
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Ep 185. Where to Start with Non-Toxic Cleaning (Without Throwing Everything Away)

In this episode, we’re diving into non-toxic spring cleaning and how to switch to natural cleaning products without throwing everything away. We’ll walk through a simple, low-pressure plan for replacing conventional cleaners — starting with laundry detergent, dish soap, and everyday household products — plus what I actually use in my own home. If you’ve been wanting a healthier home without the overwhelm, this episode will help you start non-toxic cleaning one realistic swap at a time. 
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/category/sustainable-living/home/
 

Ep 184. Apothecary February Herbal Q&A

In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up Apothecary February with a relaxed herbal Q&A. I’m answering your questions about overwintering herbs, how I store dried medicinal herbs, and how long they really last.
We also talk about the five herbs I’d grow if I could only choose a few, natural herbs for seasonal allergies like nettle and mullein, and why homemade herbal skincare is one of the biggest “bang for your buck” projects. It’s a cozy, honest close to a month of building a simple, no-pressure home apothecary.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/
 
 
 
 
 

Ep 183. Tea Talk: Herbs I Love and Brewing Wisdom

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re having a cozy tea talk all about herbal tea for beginners. I’m sharing the herbs I actually use most often (like chamomile, lemon balm, nettle, hibiscus, and marshmallow root), how I brew herbal infusions and decoctions at home, and simple tips for blending loose leaf tea.
We’ll also talk about rosemary tea benefits, how to make herbal tea stronger for medicinal support, and when tea might not be the best herbal preparation (like when you need something fast or more concentrated). If you’re learning how to brew herbal tea for stress, digestion, hydration, or seasonal immune support, this episode will help you feel more confident using herbs at home — without overwhelm.
Plus, I’ll share how I make tea a simple daily ritual in real life as a busy mom and home herbalist. 🌿☕
 
Spring Garden Summit: https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-brew-herbal-tea-infusions-and-decoctions/
 

Ep 182. The Backyard First Aid Garden: Herbs to Grow for Real Life Emergencies

In this episode, we’re talking about building a simple backyard first aid kit using herbs you can grow or forage. From calendula salve for scrapes and dry skin to plantain for bee stings, yarrow for minor bleeding support, lavender for soothing burns, and even cayenne for emergency clotting response — these are practical, real-life herbs for everyday situations. If you’re planning your garden, this episode will give you ideas for herbs that are both beautiful and useful. 🌿
 
Spring Gardening Summit: https://springgardeningsummit.com/sign-up/?affiliate=thehomesteadchallenge
 

Ep 181. Herbs for Gut Health

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking all about gut health — from mouth to intestines and everything in between. Brittany shares how the digestive system connects to the nervous system and immune system, and why so many modern health struggles may begin in the gut.
You’ll learn practical herbs for common digestive issues, including chamomile, peppermint, and ginger for upset stomachs, marshmallow root and flax for constipation, blackberry leaf and slippery elm for diarrhea support, and how digestive bitters like dandelion root can strengthen digestion over time. She also explains where turmeric fits into daily gut support and briefly touches on parasite-cleansing herbs in a balanced, realistic way.
This episode focuses on gentle, daily herbal support — not extreme cleanses — and how small, consistent habits can help you build a healthier digestive system over time.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/what-are-herbal-bitters/
 

Ep 180. Adaptogens vs. Nervines: What they are, how they're different, and when to use each

Adaptogens vs. Nervines: What’s the Difference?
Our nervous systems are overloaded — and not all stress-support herbs work the same way.
In this episode, we break down the difference between adaptogens, nervines, and mood-supporting herbs, including calming vs. stimulating adaptogens and relaxant vs. tonic nervines. We also touch on herbs like St. John’s Wort, mimosa, and lemon balm for seasonal blues and low mood.
If you’ve ever tried an herb and wondered why it didn’t work, this episode will help you understand which category might actually fit your current season — and how to use them safely and thoughtfully.

Ep 179. Herbal Preparations 101: Tea, Infusions, Tinctures, Oils & Salves

Episode Show Notes: Herbal Preparations 101
Teas, Infusions, Tinctures, Oils & Salves (Apothecary February)
In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re breaking down the most common herbal preparations I actually use at home—without overcomplicating things or pretending you need to become an herbalist overnight.
We talk through teas and infusions, decoctions, tinctures, oil infusions, and salves, when each one makes sense, and how to choose a preparation that you’ll realistically use for your family. This episode is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by herbal recipes or unsure which method to use for which herb.
In this episode, we cover:
Why the way you prepare an herb really matters
Herbal compliance: choosing preparations you’ll actually take
Teas vs. infusions vs. decoctions (and when to use each)
When tinctures are helpful—and when they’re unnecessary
Alcohol vs. glycerin tinctures
Why oil infusions are the foundation of so many herbal remedies
How salves and balms are made (and why they’re great beginner projects)
Common beginner mistakes (like tincturing everything)
How to choose the right preparation based on the herb and the body system you’re supporting
Herbal preparations discussed:
Herbal teas & water infusions
Decoctions for roots and tougher herbs
Tinctures (alcohol & glycerites)
Herbal oil infusions
Salves and balms
Helpful resources mentioned:
How to Brew Herbal Tea: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-brew-herbal-tea-infusions-and-decoctions/
Herbal Bath Tea: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/bath-tea-with-comfrey/
Body Oil Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/lemon-balm-and-lavender-body-oil/
Lip Balm without Beeswax: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-infused-lip-balm-without-beeswax/
Wound Salve: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wound-salve/
Garlic & Mullein Ear Oil: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/garlic-mullein-herbal-oil/
Calm Heart Tincture: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/heart-tincture/