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

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.

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 ga...

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 h...

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.

htt...

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...

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’...

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...

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 h...

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 an...

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 t...

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, an...

In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re talking through the best herbs to grow for a home apothecary—and where to plant them so they don’t take over your garden. We cover essential garden basics like annual vs. perennial herbs, direct sow vs. starting seeds indoors, and growing herbs in containers versus in the ground. You’ll learn which herbs are beginner-friendly, which ones self-seed or spread aggressively, which can be in...

In this first episode of Apothecary February, we’re setting realistic expectations for using herbs at home and building a strong, safe foundation for beginner and intermediate herbalists alike. This episode focuses on practical herbal education—without pressure to become an expert or “natural doctor” overnight.

• What Apothecary February is (and what it’s not)

• Why herbs are supportive tools, not sta...

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 gr...

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. 🌱

...