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

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)

Ep 200. Is Homesteading Worth It? My Honest Experience After 200 Epsiodes

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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