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

This summer hasn’t felt quite as peaceful as I hoped—and maybe you’re feeling the same. In this episode, I’m opening up about the stress I’ve been feeling lately, even while trying to do all the things to slow down. If you’ve ever felt like natural living was starting to feel more stressful than supportive, this conversation is for you.

We’ll walk through what I call my “ladder of intervention”—a gentle framework I use to decide wh...

Whether you're staring at empty patches in your garden or waiting for your ferments to finish bubbling, this lifestyle is full of waiting. And in a culture that celebrates overnight success and 30-second videos, that can feel extra hard.

But what if the waiting is actually part of the growth?

In this episode, I'm sharing:

• Why waiting is one of the hardest parts of homesteading

• How impatience has shown up for me lately (spoi...

Ready to finally start canning—or actually stick with it this time? This is the year we let go of perfection and start preserving food in a way that’s doable, satisfying, and not totally overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing why I started canning, the real reasons you might want to give it a go, and the simplest ways to begin—whether you’re working with homegrown tomatoes or a bucket of u-pick strawberries.

I also talk through...

If your garden feels a little behind, messy, or flat-out disappointing this year—you are not alone. In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we’re talking all about releasing perfectionism in the garden so you can enjoy the process, learn as you grow, and stop comparing your reality to picture-perfect plots on Instagram.

Whether your tomato starts failed, your trellis dreams didn’t happen, or you’re still throwing seeds in the d...

In this episode, we’re getting real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: how your physical health impacts your ability to homestead, parent, and keep a household running. We’re not machines—we do this work with our bodies, and when we’re in pain, low-energy, or just plain burnt out, everything feels harder.

That’s why I’m ditching the all-or-nothing intensity of 75 Hard and doing my own version: 10 Weeks Hard. It’s...

In this episode, we’re diving into six completely free ways to boost your preparedness this summer. While fall and winter tend to feel like the “typical” prepping seasons, summer offers its own unique energy: longer days, lighter routines, and a little more breathing room.

I’m sharing practical things you can do right now—without needing to buy a single thing—that will give...

If you’re feeling a little stretched thin lately, this episode is for you.

We’re talking about three simple ways to take the pressure off your homestead routines—starting today. These are things we’re doing right now to reclaim a little breathing room while still making progress on the things that matter most.

Whether you’re deep in garden season, juggling family life, or just feeling a bit behind, this episode is your permission s...

Have you ever held off on starting a garden because you were in a rental or temporary living space? In this episode, I’m sharing all the things I wish I had known back when we were in military housing—before we settled into what we think is our forever home.

If you're renting or just feeling unsure about investing in a garden you might not have for long, this episode is for you. From containers that are worth the splurge to mistake...

Summer adventures often come with scrapes, bug bites, and garden mishaps, so today we're sharing our real-life herbal first aid remedies that keep our family comfortable and safe all season long. Learn how easy it is to prepare a natural first-aid kit, starting with two must-have items: a powerful wound-healing salve and a gentle but effective bug spray.

Resources Mentioned:

• Wound Salve Recipe (step-by-step)

• Homemade Herbal...

Feeling the May rush? Me too! Between preschool graduations and gardening, it's been busy around here. So, to lighten things up, I created a stress-free Summer Homestead Bucket List filled with manageable, fun projects. Join me as I share ideas like growing new tea herbs, frying zucchini blossoms, hosting dreamy garden dinners, crafting citronella candles, and making homemade kombucha.

Plus, I'm diving into the mindset of sustainab...

Feeling the late spring overwhelm creeping into your garden season? You're not alone! Between end-of-school chaos, planning summer fun, and diving headfirst into gardening, it's completely normal to feel behind.

In today's episode, I'm sharing the gardening "rules" I joyfully ignore and explain why gardening with flexibility and curiosity often beats chasing perfection. From skipping strict crop rotations to planting earlier than r...

We all love the idea of saving money through homesteading—but is it actually cheaper to DIY everything when you live in the city or suburbs? In this episode, we break down the real numbers behind some popular homesteading tasks using actual prices from our area. From making your own butter and yogurt to growing a garden and baking sourdough, we’re taking a close look at what really saves money—and what’s worth doing for other reaso...

Springtime eating often leaves us wondering what's fresh beyond the classic salad—but May has plenty to offer! In today's episode, we're exploring vibrant and delicious ways to enjoy the seasonal produce that May brings to our kitchens.

We'll also dive into some early preserving projects. Plus, we're discussing why now is the ideal time to clear out last year’s pantry and freezer goods, with practical tips and inspiration for delic...

Summer means longer days, less structure, and more opportunities—but without planning, it can quickly turn overwhelming. In this episode, we share practical tips to create a relaxed, memorable summer without the stress or guilt about unfinished tasks.

You’ll learn:

• Why creating a brain dump works better than traditional bucket lists

• How to organize your summer activities into two easy categories: Fun (family memories) and P...

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jillian from Sprouting Arrows to talk about something at the heart of the Homestead Challenge: remembering your why. Even though our paths look a little different—she homeschools, I don’t; she’s deeply driven by her faith, I have a different approach—we’re both working toward the same goal: creating a life that centers around family, simplicity, and purpose.

Jillian shares her family's jour...

Spring has officially arrived, and with it… a whole lot of weeds. But what if I told you that some of those wild plants popping up in your yard right now are actually useful herbs?

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we’re talking about 8 common backyard “weeds” that show up in early spring—like violets, chickweed, stinging nettle, garlic mustard, and more—and how you can use them safely and simply in your homestead routine...

Ever feel stuck trying to make your homestead perfect? I've been there! In today's episode, I'm sharing personal stories and practical tips about why embracing progress over perfection can transform your homesteading journey from stressful to joyful.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why "done" truly is better than "perfect," and how simple tasks (like assembling shelves!) can illustrate this mindset.

• How perfectionism often di...

Deciding where to plant things can feel like a total mystery—especially when Instagram says one thing and your neighbor’s doing another. So let’s talk it through, without the pressure to get it “perfect.”

In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and practical uses for containers, raised beds, and in-ground gardening—plus how I decide where to put what in my own small-space garden.

We’ll chat:

• What to plant in containers (a...

When most people start homesteading, they jump straight to the fun stuff—sourdough, chickens, herbal remedies. But here's the truth: If your kitchen isn’t in rhythm, everything else feels harder.

In this episode, I’m sharing why meal planning is the foundation of a sustainable, low-stress homestead—especially if you’re busy, in a season of life with limited time, or balancing a million things at once.

🌱 Whether you’re just getting...