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

Ep 210. Why I Stopped Panicking About Garden Bugs

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we're talking all about bugs in the organic garden. Learn which insects are beneficial, how trap crops work, when to leave pests alone, and when it's time to intervene with simple organic solutions. If your garden has holes in the leaves, aphids, cabbage worms, or chipmunks causing trouble, you're definitely not alone.
#organicgardening #vegetablegarden #homesteading #gardenpests #backyardgarden

Ep 209. Garden Update, What's Growing, What's Failing and Life Lately

In this June garden update, we're sharing what's growing in our Zone 6 garden, the challenges we're facing this season, and a few personal life updates along the way. From harvesting herbs and strawberries to dealing with pests, watering struggles, and the unexpected loss of a beloved family dog, this episode is an honest look at real-life homesteading and finding peace in the garden during difficult seasons.
 
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/ 

Ep 208. The Most Underappreciated Herb in My Garden

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

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

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

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

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

 
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)

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

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)