Heart of the Homestead Family

In this episode, we look back on the 2025 garden season—celebrating the wins, laughing at the surprises, and sharing the lessons learned along the way. From early snow that forced last-minute harvesting hacks (including pulling a tarp with the truck!) to a remarkable year for broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, and peppers, this season had a little bit of everything.

We talk about what flourished, what flopped, and how simple no-till methods helped keep weeds at bay. You’ll also hear the realities of managing strawberry beds, unexpected orchard outcomes (hello peaches, goodbye overcrowded apples), and a greenhouse scare that...

In this episode, we dive deep into the wonderful world of pork — from choosing the best cuts to stretching your meat budget, to using every part of the hog with confidence and creativity. Whether you raise your own pigs or buy from a local butcher, this conversation is packed with practical tips that will help you fill your freezer, simplify meal planning, and cook with more variety.

If you’ve been curious about buying a half or whole pig, or you want new ideas for cooking the cuts you already have, this is your episode. Full of laug...

In this festive episode, Heidi and Sarah invite you into the cozy chaos of homestead Christmas decorating—floor renovations, foraged greenery, kid-crafted ornaments, and all!

From holly branches and cedar cuttings to dehydrated oranges, Osage oranges, pine cones, and even dried goldenrod, they share dozens of simple, beautiful, budget-friendly ways to make your home feel festive using what’s already around you.

This episode celebrates the heart of homestead Christmas—resourceful, meaningful, cozy, and full of memories. Whether your tree looks picture-perfect or a little Charlie-Brown-ish, you’ll find inspiration to make your home festive in ways...

Today we’re diving into one of the biggest staples of homestead kitchens everywhere: beef. From ground beef to roasts, steaks, organ meats, bones, and even tallow — we’re talking about how to use every part of the cow and make it stretch in practical, delicious, and nourishing ways.

Heidi and Sarah share how they source their beef locally, what cuts they love most, how they work with grass-finished meat, and their favorite ways to cook, preserve, and prepare different cuts.

Whether you buy a quarter, half, or whole cow — or you’re just curio...

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a mountain of eggs on your counter one week… and then none the next, this episode is for you.

On today’s Heart of the Homestead episode, Heidi and Sarah dive into the wonderfully unpredictable world of farm-fresh eggs—whether they’re coming from your own chickens, your neighbor’s flock, or the ducks who suddenly decide to lay like crazy.

Whether you’re drowning in dozens or scraping the bottom of the basket, this episode is full of practical tips, homestead hacks, and simple ways to make eggs work...

We’re back! It’s been a little bit, but life on the homestead hasn’t slowed down — and today we’re catching you up on everything happening as we slide into the colder months. ❄️

In this episode, we chat about:
🌱 Greenhouse projects — ducks, fertilizing soil, and getting winter greens ready
💧 Installing permanent water lines (a total game-changer!)
🥶 Frozen vents, chewed hoses & other winter headaches
🥕 What’s still growing in the garden + what will be in the December veggie boxes
🐓 Which animals are heading to the freezer before Christmas
🏡 Winterizing barns & outdoor shelters
✨ Natural Chris...

In this episode, we’re talking about some of our favourite herbs to grow and use — from kitchen staples like basil and parsley to medicinal powerhouses like calendula, yarrow, and stinging nettle.

Whether you’re growing for flavour, healing, or beauty, herbs bring so much life and connection to the garden.

And — exciting news! — we’re hosting a Simmer & Share event on November 8th at 10 AM! Come hang out with us for some broth making, homesteading tips, and real conversation with our community.

Save your spot here →homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com

If y...

It’s been a whirlwind on the homestead — tomatoes still ripening, beets to pickle, potatoes to dig, and animals to move before the frost sets in. 

In this episode, Heidi and Sarah sit down for their October homestead update to share:
✨ The never-ending fall harvest (and the joy of full shelves and freezers)
✨ Lessons learned from a busy growing season
✨ Why rain and dew point can make or break your frost forecast
✨ How they’re wrapping up the year — and making space for rest

And! We’ve got exciting news… our first Simmer & Share...

Is it better to boil water starting with hot or cold? 🤔 What seems like the simplest kitchen task turned into one of the biggest debates of all time here on Heart of the Homestead!

In this episode, we share our own hot vs. cold water habits, dive into the “why” behind each method, and laugh over how something so small can stir up such strong opinions.

From canning and cooking to showers, drinks, and even seasonal preferences, this chat covers it all. Tune in, join the conversation, and let us know: Are you Team Hot or Team...

Just because summer planting is behind us doesn’t mean the gardening season is over! In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, we’re diving into simple, practical ways to keep fresh food growing well into the colder months. From low tunnels and row covers to caterpillar tunnels and unheated hoop houses, we share how we extend the harvest of greens, root crops, and more—all without fancy equipment.

And for those who are local to Norfolk, Ontario - don’t miss our special event: we’re hosting a Simmer & Share event on November 8th—a cozy time to...

Can you really get away from the homestead? In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, we’re sharing what it looks like to step away—even in the middle of garden and harvest season. From prepping long lists for family and staff, to planning around animals, produce, and community commitments, we talk honestly about the work it takes to make time off possible.

🎧 Listen in and be encouraged that yes—it is possible to step away from your homestead.

And for those local to Norfolk, Ontario, join us for our "Simmer and Share" eve...

It’s been a while since our last homestead update — and for good reason! September has us knee-deep in harvest season, freezers filling, shelves stacking, and to-do lists that never seem to end. 🌿🥕

In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, Sarah & Heidi share:
✨ The reality of juggling homestead life with family life
✨ How to prioritize when everything feels urgent
✨ Why some crops can wait (and others can’t)
✨ The importance of perspective in different seasons of life

Homesteading isn’t about doing it all — it’s about finding your sane point. Join us for an hone...

It’s squash season! 🎃🍂 In this episode of The Heart of Homestead Family, we dive into all things winter squash—from heirloom varieties you won’t find in the grocery store, to simple (and safe!) ways to cook and preserve them for the months ahead.

Whether you’re growing them yourself or bringing them home from the market, squash is a homestead staple worth celebrating. Tune in for practical tips, funny kitchen confessions, and a few family-favorite recipes that make the most of this hearty harvest.

Check out Sarah's Squash Pie recipe!

Watch this ep...

Cabbage may take its sweet time in the garden, but when those heads finally make it into the kitchen… the possibilities are endless! 🥬

In this episode of The Heart of Homestead Family, we’re diving into the many ways to use and preserve cabbage once harvest time arrives. From the crisp crunch of fresh coleslaw to the tang of homemade sauerkraut, you’ll get practical, tried-and-true ideas for turning this humble vegetable into family favorites.

If cabbage has ever left you wondering “what else can I do with this?”, this episode will give you plenty of inspiratio...

Peppers are in abundance—and we’re here for it! Whether it’s sweet bell peppers or fiery hot jalapeños, this episode is all about how to enjoy, preserve, and make the most of your pepper harvest.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep peppers on your table year-round, this episode is packed with practical tips and flavorful inspiration.

👩‍🌾 Whether you grow a garden or pick up fresh peppers at the market, you’ll walk away with new ideas for saving time, reducing waste, and bringing more color and spice to your meals.

✨ Don’t forge...

🍑 Fresh peaches only come once a year—and when they do, you don’t want to waste a single one!

In this episode, we’re talking all things peaches: freezing, canning, dehydrating, juicing, and even making peach salsa and fruit leather.

Whether you grow your own or grab them from a local orchard, you’ll get plenty of ideas for preserving this sweet summer fruit so you can enjoy it all year long.

👉 Plus, we share details about an exciting Simmer & Share event coming November 8th—mark your calendar!

Check out this ep...

It’s harvest season on the homestead, and the tomatoes are rolling in faster than we can keep up! In this episode, we dive deep into everything tomatoes — from heirloom varieties to Romas, indeterminate vs. determinate plants, and how to deal with tomato hornworms.

We also share our favorite ways to use up a bumper crop from freezing whole tomatoes (the easiest method!) to finding creative recipes like tomato jam, ketchup, and even freeze-dried tomato powder!

Whether you grow a garden full of tomatoes or pick them up at a local farm, this episode is pack...

Raspberries are one of the easiest (and tastiest!) fruits to harvest—and there are so many ways to enjoy them 🍓✨

In this episode, Sarah and Heidi share how they freeze, preserve, and use raspberries in everything from jams and dressings to quick snacks and even trail treats. You’ll also learn about everbearing varieties, wild black raspberries, and a few tricks for making the most of a seedy harvest.

Plus—we’ve got an exciting event coming up on November 8th: a Simmer & Share all about broth-making, homesteading tips, and connecting with you, our listeners...

Beets — you either love them or hate them, but there’s no denying how versatile they are!

In this episode, we dig into all things beets: from colorful varieties beyond the classic red, to pickling, roasting, salads, smoothies, and even using the greens. We share tips for cooking, preserving, and creative ways to enjoy them (without staining all your clothes red 😉).

Whether you’re beet-obsessed or beet-curious, this episode will inspire you to bring more of this earthy veggie from garden to table.

Don't forget to save the date for November 8th when we will h...

Broccoli is finally in the kitchen—whether you grew it yourself or picked it up locally! 🥦 In this episode, we chat about:

Dealing with pests and cleaning your broccoli (goodbye, hidden worms 👋).

How we eat it fresh, roast it, or toss it into stir-fries and salads.

Easy ways to preserve broccoli: blanching, freezing, and storing for later.

Why you should never toss the stems (hello, soups and purees!).

Creative ways to make broccoli fun for kids—even peanut butter + broccoli!

If you’ve got an abundance of broccoli, th...

Cauliflower season has arrived! In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about the ups and downs of growing this sometimes-finicky veggie, why it rarely looks like the ones in the store, and how they process and preserve it for year-round use.

From roasting fresh heads to sneaking puréed cauliflower into sauces, they share their favorite tricks, surprising experiments (hello, cauliflower pizza crust), and honest family reactions. Plus — tips to keep your cauliflower bright and fresh right from the garden.

Got a favorite cauliflower recipe? They’d love to hear it!

Watch...

Let's be honest - gardening is a lot of work and you have to be passionate about it! Even after 20+ years of gardening, we're still constantly facing new challenges. Today we're diving into one of the biggest ones: those bugs that want to eat your harvest before you do!

We're sharing our tried-and-true natural methods for dealing with the most common garden pests here in Southwestern Ontario (and beyond). No harsh chemicals needed - just practical, real-world solutions that work for small backyard gardens.

Simmer & Share Event November 8th, 2025 at 10:00am

Joi...

Zucchini season is here and it does not come quietly! One day there’s none, and the next — your kitchen is overflowing. In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat all things zucchini: the creative ways they cook, can, freeze, dry, and sneak it into meals. From zucchini “pineapple” to quick pickles, crunchy dehydrated snacks, and even zucchini flour — we’ve got your bushel-loads covered!

Whether you're a first-time grower or knee-deep in green squash, there’s something in here for every homestead kitchen. 🌱

👉 Hit play, and let’s figure out what to do with all. that. zu

Sarah and Heidi are deep in the thick of preservation season madness! July has been all about racing to keep up with the garden's bounty after what felt like endless weeding with nothing to show for it. Between hunting down impossible-to-find supplies like dill seed (seriously, why doesn't Bulk Barn carry it anymore?!) and Sarah's epic table collapse disaster that sent 100+ jars worth of pickles crashing to the floor, it's been quite the adventure. But hey, that's homesteading life - messy, unpredictable, and totally worth it when you finally master skills like whipping up 25 gallons of laundry detergent in...

Blueberry season is here, and we’re loving every sweet, simple minute of it! In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about why blueberries are the ultimate low-maintenance fruit—from picking to freezing to baking. Whether you're tossing them in smoothies, baking them into cobblers, or just snacking by the handful, there's no wrong way to enjoy them.

Tune in for tips on storing, dehydrating, and making the most of this summer staple—without turning your kitchen into a sauna. 😉

Don't forget to subscribe to catch all out latest episodes!

Join us as we dive deep into all things garlic - from harvest to kitchen! We share our favorite ways to preserve, prepare, and enjoy both garlic bulbs and scapes throughout the year.

Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

In this episode, Sarah and Heidi dive into all the unusual, forgotten, and culturally diverse crops you can grow in your garden—from okra and eggplant to goji berries, tomatillos, ground cherries, artichokes, and more.

Learn why these lesser-known plants are gaining popularity, how they enrich your meals and your soil, and which ones are best for kids, pollinators, and homemade preserves. Plus, discover tips for preserving horseradish, sun chokes, and those sweet little cucumber melons (aka mouse melons)!

Try Sarah's favourite recipe for Ground Cherry Coffee Cake

Whether you're a homestead gardener or...

In this episode of Heart of the Homestead Family, Sarah and Heidi dive into the wonderful world of beans! Whether you're picking them fresh, freezing them, drying them, or even pickling them, there are so many ways to enjoy your harvest all year long.

Whether you're new to bean season or a seasoned grower, this episode is full of inspiration and down-to-earth advice to help you make the most of your harvest!

Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

or check out our videos on Y...

It’s mid-July and the gardens are bursting—but so are the weeds! 🌱 In this episode, Sarah and Heidi share a real and relatable look at homestead life during peak summer. From managing scorching heat to succession planting, balancing animal care, and just trying to keep the dishes done—it’s a season of prioritizing what matters most.

Plus:
We chat about letting go of homesteading guilt, making the most of the season, and celebrating the work that is getting done. Whether you’re weeding with your earbuds in or just dreaming of your first garden, there’s somet...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of healthy fats—specifically, the kind that come from well-raised, local animals. Sarah and Heidi chat about the benefits of animal fats like lard, tallow, suet, and even the fat you can extract from chicken feet and beef bones.

Whether you're just curious about real fats or you're ready to ditch the seed oils, this episode gives you the basics to get started confidently (and deliciously).

Want a step-by-step guide on how to render animal fat at home? Check out our website for details! Read about...

Fresh peas straight from the garden—what’s better? In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about the short but sweet pea season, how to enjoy peas beyond snacking in the garden, and a few simple ways to preserve them.

From grilling snap peas to freezing snow peas for winter stir-fries, they’re sharing all the best tips (and laughs) for making the most of your harvest. 🌱✨

In this episode of Heart of the Homestead Family, Sarah and Heidi dive into the sweet (and sometimes steamy) world of homemade juice!

From small-batch stovetop steam juicers to commercial setups that reduce food waste on the farm, they share practical tips, favorite tools, and clever ways to make the most of your fruit and veggie harvest. Whether you’ve got a garden full of berries or just a few soft peaches on the counter, you’ll walk away inspired to turn that produce into something delicious—and shelf-stable!

🥬 Lettuce might be the queen of salads, but there’s so much more it can do!

This week on Heart of the Homestead, we’re talking about how to make the most of your lettuce harvest—whether it's from the garden, market, or grocery store. From grilled Caesar to smoothie boosts and lettuce wraps, Sarah shares creative (and practical!) ways to use up those leafy greens before they wilt. Plus, tips for storing lettuce to last two weeks or more—and how to share the extra with your animals or local farmers.

Whether you're swimming in greens o...

Strawberry season is here, and it might just be better than Christmas. 🍓 In this episode, Sarah and Heidi dive into one of their favorite things to grow, harvest, and preserve—strawberries!

From growing tips and variety breakdowns to practical ways to enjoy and preserve your berry bounty all year long, this episode is packed with helpful info and homestead-tested ideas. Whether you're making jam, freezing for smoothies, or whipping up strawberry juice, we've got you covered.

Plus, a pro tip for freezing strawberries without ending up with one giant clump. 😄

Check our website for tips...

In this jam-packed June episode, Heidi and Sarah dive into all the chaos, joy, and challenges that come with spring on the homestead. May was one of the busiest and most unpredictable months—filled with wild weather, muddy fields, frost protection efforts, and floating strawberries (yes, really).

They also share a peek into what’s coming to their new YouTube channel – think behind-the-scenes farm footage, how-tos, and eventually, video podcasts!

Don’t miss this real, raw, and relatable update straight from the heart of the homestead.

Links & Mentions
👉 Heart of the Homestea...

In this episode, we’re digging into our must-have tools for the garden—and why investing in quality gear can save you frustration (and your back). From the humble hoe to our favorite wheel hoe, we share what’s in our toolkits, how we organize them, and how we make garden work easier and more enjoyable.

Plus:
✔️ Our go-to places to shop for garden tools
✔️ Why you might want two of everything
✔️ How a simple water timer changed the game

Whether you’re just starting out or running a full-blown homestead, this episode is full of p...

This week, we’re gushing over our favorite multi-purpose kitchen hero: the canning jar. 💚

From preserving garden harvests to storing bulk goods, sipping drinks, portioning snacks, and even housing Lego collections — these glass wonders do it all. We share our favorite ways to use them, how they’ve replaced plastic in our kitchens, and why they’ve become our go-to for convenience, sustainability, and sanity.

🎧 Tune in to learn how canning jars are quietly transforming everyday life, one lid at a time.

💻 Check us out on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

📝 Send us a...

Spring is here, and so is asparagus season! 🌱 In this fun, flavorful episode, we dive into everything you need to know about harvesting, cooking, and preserving asparagus—from roadside ditches in Norfolk to your kitchen table.

We chat about:

Why asparagus needs daily harvesting (and why it drives us a little crazy)

Local asparagus pride in Norfolk’s sandy soil

Creative ways to use asparagus: pickled, grilled, in soup, and even on toast with cream sauce!

Tips for preserving it in the freezer—and what not to do with a freeze...

In this episode, we dig into the joys and realities of gardening with kids. From choosing easy seeds like peas and beans, to setting realistic expectations (yes, someone might cry), we share practical tips and personal stories about growing food as a family.

You’ll Learn:

Easy, kid-friendly crops to grow

Why gardening is a great outdoor learning tool

How to manage mess and meltdowns with humor

Creative ways to get kids involved—even just a little

Ideas for community garden options and local programs

Tune...

In this week’s episode, we’re continuing the conversation about rhubarb — but with a new twist! Farmer Heidi shares an “aha moment” about how rhubarb and other early spring foods might be nature’s way of helping our bodies reset after a winter of heavy, starchy meals.

We explore how eating seasonally isn’t just good for the environment or local farms — it’s actually how our bodies are designed to thrive. From watching animals forage instinctively to tuning into your own cravings, we’re diving into how to eat with the seasons and listen to what your body reall...

In this episode, we dig into the basics of companion planting—what it is, where it began, and how you can use it to build a healthier, more productive garden. 

We also explore the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of being out in the garden. From improved microbiome health and vitamin D absorption to building patience and resilience, gardening offers more than just food.

Topics Covered:

What is companion planting & why it matters

How gardening teaches patience, trust, and hope

The power of sunlight & vitamin D

Choosing wha...

Got rhubarb piling up in your kitchen or freezer? You're not alone! In this springtime episode, we're sharing our favourite ways to harvest, preserve, and use rhubarb — from sweet treats to savoury dishes.

We chat about:

How (and when) to properly harvest rhubarb

Safe handling tips (don’t eat the leaves!)

Our go-to ways to preserve rhubarb: freezing, juicing, freeze-drying

Favourite recipes like cobblers, jams, pork with rhubarb, and even rhubarb BBQ sauce

The surprising health benefits (and cautions) of eating rhubarb

Why it’s one of...

Ever wonder what a real-life homestead kitchen looks like in the middle of spring? In this laid-back episode, we’re chatting about the real state of our kitchen counters — from piles of dishes and pre-made mixes to jars of freeze-dried goodies, a busy bread machine, and overflowing compost bins.

We talk about how our counter changes with the seasons, how we make quick meals while living outdoors most of the day, and why convenience doesn’t have to mean compromise. Spoiler: it’s messy, functional, and full of life — and that’s exactly how we like it.

Whethe...

We got a great listener question this week: How do you find the time to garden?

In this episode, we’re sharing how gardening became part of our lifestyle — not just a chore, but a daily rhythm that brings joy and calm. From starting small to involving the kids (or just savoring a quiet morning with your coffee), we offer practical tips for working a garden into even the busiest days. Whether you're growing for business or just your own table, the secret is consistency, presence, and a little bit of daily love. 💚

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a question that’s both simple and complicated: How do you take a vacation when you have a farm? Spoiler alert — it’s not easy, but it is possible with some creativity, planning, and a whole lot of love for the life you’ve built.

And then stay tuned for the second half where we give you an update on our farms. From opening weekend at our seasonal marketplace to letting the cows out (a true highlight of the year!), it's been full speed ahead. We chat about community connections...

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and today on Wednesday Mini Moments, Sarah and Heidi are sharing their heartfelt — and humorous — wishes for the perfect Mother's Day! 🌸

From dreaming of a few hours of uninterrupted quiet (hello, nap time!) to practical gifts like potted plants, homemade birdhouses, and handy tools for homestead life, they reflect on what makes this day special for moms at every stage.

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the hardworking, loving mamas out there! 🌻

🎧 Tune in for some laughs, real talk, and a few hints you might want to...

In this Wednesday Mini Moment, Sarah and Heidi share their personal goals for the upcoming growing season. 🌱 From growing enough cucumbers for pickling to starting vegetable breeding trials, they dive into the big and small ways they're building resilience and abundance on their homesteads.

Whether you’re tending a backyard garden or dreaming of a bigger homestead, this episode will inspire you to set a few growing goals of your own!

🎧 Listen in and grow along with us!

Think you need a big backyard to start gardening? Think again! 🌱 In this episode, Sara and Heidi explore the world of urban gardening — from small patches of grass to balconies and community plots, there are so many ways to grow your own food right where you are.

We cover practical tips for improving poor soil, working with limited sunlight, maximizing small spaces, and keeping pests at bay. You’ll learn how to make the most of what you’ve got — whether that’s a sunny balcony, a shady yard, or a borrowed plot from a neighbor.

Ch...

In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about one of the most common questions homesteaders face — what’s the best way to preserve your harvest?

From Heidi’s new favourite (freeze drying!) to their tried-and-true love for water bath canning, they share practical tips and personal experiences about how they store homegrown food for year-round use. 

Whether you’re stocking up from your garden or the farmers' market, this episode will inspire you to think ahead for preserving season — and make the most of your harvest, big or small.

👉 Got questions about canning o...

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the basics of getting started with homesteading — even if you don’t have a ton of land (or any at all!). Whether you’re living in an apartment, a small home, or planning to buy your first piece of property, Sara and Heidi share real-life tips for building self-sufficiency one step at a time.

We talk about everything from goal-setting, planning your space, sourcing food locally, borrowing tools, and learning essential skills before you need them. Homesteading isn’t about acreage — it’s about mindset and making the most of what you’ve g...

In this episode, Sarah and Heidi share some surprising truths — including a fun confession from Heidi! Despite all the hard work she puts into growing and creating homestead goodness, she often doesn’t eat much of it. Why? She’s a super taster!

Tune in as they chat about what it means to be a super taster, why some foods can be overwhelming, and how this little-known fact might help explain “picky eaters” in your own home — especially for kids or even yourself.

✨ Thanks for joining us! Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and until next tim...

Welcome to another mini moment with Sarah and Heidi!

In this cozy chat, we’re talking about the idea of “rabbit holes” — not the kind a bunny digs, but the ones we all fall into when curiosity takes over. Whether it starts with the taste of a farm-fresh egg or questions about food, skincare, or homesteading life, once you start learning, it can be hard to stop!

We share how exploring these topics can be both exciting and overwhelming, and why it’s okay to pause, take a break, and return when you’re ready. Choose your...

Spring is here — and the homestead hustle is in full swing! In this episode, we’re giving you an honest behind-the-scenes update on what the last six weeks have looked like on our farms: the good, the bad, and the muddy.

We chat about:

Wrapping up maple syrup season (and the sweet ups & downs)

Seed starting successes and greenhouse fails

Baby animals arriving — and the bittersweet moments of farm life

Kitchen experiments from homemade pasta to DIY shaving cream

Spring pruning, propagating, and preparing for the busy growin...

From lettuce and kale to Swiss chard and spinach, leafy greens are some of the easiest—and most rewarding—plants to grow in your garden. In this episode, Sarah and Heidi dig into the world of greens: how to grow them, when to plant them, what to do when they bolt, and how to make them last all season long. 🥗

Whether you're stuffing kale into smoothies or harvesting Swiss chard for the freezer, this episode is full of practical tips to get more greens on your plate—and fewer on your grocery list. Bonus: Baby James makes a surpris...

In this episode, we dive into the many foods and household items we no longer buy from the grocery store—because we're growing, raising, or making them ourselves. From homegrown vegetables and backyard chickens to homemade jam, bone broth, maple syrup, and dairy products, we're sharing what our homesteads provide and how this journey has evolved over the years.

This lifestyle didn’t happen overnight—it’s been a long, intentional journey toward self-sufficiency. Come hear how we’ve changed our grocery lists one season at a time. 📝🌱🐄🍓

Don't forget to check us out on social media  Duration: 00:22:39

In this episode, we dive into the world of onions—an essential ingredient in every homestead kitchen. We explore different varieties, from classic yellow and red onions to cipollini, shallots, and the ever-versatile green onions.  We also share techniques for preserving onions by dehydrating, freeze-drying, and making onion powder. Plus, discover how to use onions in dips, soups, and everyday recipes without the hassle of chopping fresh each time.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a kitchen enthusiast, this episode will help you make the most of your onion harvest all year long! 🌱🧅

Join us as we dive into the world of dairy! We both raise Jersey cows, known for their rich, creamy milk, and today, we're sharing our experiences with raw milk, the history of pasteurization, and why we love our Jerseys. We'll also discuss A2 milk, the benefits of whole dairy, and the many delicious things we make from our milk—like butter, yogurt, and homemade ice cream!

Recipes:
Check out our homemade bagel recipe using homemade yogurt!

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to bring fresh dairy into your kitchen!

Homemade broth is an easy kitchen staple to can make! With a little time and extra ingredients you can have batches of healthy broth waiting to be used in your next recipe.

Listen to today's episode as Heidi and Sarah talk about how they make (and store) their homemade broth!

Don't forget to subscribe, share and leave a review!

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Heidi and Sarah discuss the real meaning behind the saying "Don't cry over spilled milk" and reflect on the hard work involved in producing food—especially when it comes to milking cows! Tune in as they discuss the value of knowing and appreciating where your food comes from.

If you like what you hear, leave us a review!

And don't forget to follow us on social media!

Join Sarah and Heidi as they share their experiences of bringing people out to their farms to foster deeper connections with the land and the food they eat.

They discuss the disconnect many people feel between farm life and food production, and how farm tours, hands-on experiences, and community involvement can bridge that gap. From CSA members learning about crop varieties to kids tasting fresh-from-the-garden kale, the power of seeing food production firsthand is undeniable.

Listen to this episode for more fun stories about education on the farm and why you should get out this...

Today, we’re diving into a fun and fizzy topic: Kombucha! Join us for this bubbly discussion!

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

In today's episode, we're diving into one of our favourite topics: bread! Whether you're a seasoned baker or someone who's just starting to explore the world of homemade bread, this episode has something for everyone.

What’s Inside This Episode?

As spring emerges, it's time to start thinking about planting! As soon as the ground is workable, you can start planting your garden. Before you get too excited, certain plants will survive the early season and there are some that won't.

Listen to today's episode as Sarah and Heidi explain what plants are good to start in the early days of spring!

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There is a lot to think about when raising chickens. Heidi shares some of the important things to consider when bringing chickens onto your homestead!

Everything from the different varieties of chickens to appropriate equipment and housing to ensure they thrive!

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It's safe to say that Heidi has more animals than Old MacDonald! So, for this episode, Heidi shares all the animals she has on her homestead. Listen as she talks about how each one contributes to the farm, but watch for future podcasts where she dives more into each animal!

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Part of homesteading and living on a farm might include raising animals but not to keep as pets. These animals are used for meat! Listen to today's episode about how Sarah and Heidi raise their animals with the mindset that they will be using the animal for sustenance and not to keep as a pasture pet.

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Whether a beginner or a seasoned gardener its always good to take time to plan your garden for the upcoming season. In today's episode, Sarah will share some of the things for you to think about while planning your garden!

The fun doesn't end here! Sarah and Heidi have some other fantastic resources to help you after you listen to this episode:

Sarah has a great 5 day workshop that will help you plan your garden for success! Be sure to check it out so you can be ready for planting season.

H...

Have you made apple cider vinegar? If not you should! It's a great way to use up leftover scraps from your apples and end up with a product you can use.

Get the full recipe here: Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

Send us a message with any questions, comments or suggestions! Email questions to homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com or on Facebook or Instagram!

Planting season will be here soon and it is time to put our seeds to good use!

Sarah has great success starting seeds in a variety of ways. Listen in as she shares her experience and advice on starting your own seeds inside. 

If you have any questions about starting seeds or planting them, feel free to reach out! You can email us at homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com or send us a message on social media!

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Do you love popcorn as much as we do? It makes a great snack, especially when you make it at home. Listen to today's episodes as Heidi and Sarah explain how they eat popcorn, without the additives!

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We all love snacks but convenience foods have made it tempting to grab the ultra processed snacks which are not helping us. So for this episode we hope to encourage you to eat wholesome snacks and will give you lots of suggestions on how to do that.

Here are some homemade snacks you can try!

Ritz Copycat Cracker 

Homemade Yogurt

Copycat Bear Paws

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As homesteaders, you never know what you'll find on the camera roll of our phones! Listen to today's episode as Heidi and Sarah share the fun things they like to take pictures of on their farms.

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Considered Canadian liquid gold, there is nothing more Canadian than harvesting maple syrup on your homestead.  Find out the process of tapping trees, processing and some of the ways we like to use maple syrup!

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Both Sarah and Heidi run CSA's from their farms but what exactly is a CSA?

CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture," and in this episode, we are taking a mini moment to share how you can support a small local farm!

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Winter is a good time to plan your garden but it's also a great time to learn something new! Curling up with a book while it's cold outside is the perfect plan.  

Listen to today's episode as Sarah and Heidi share some of the homestead books that have helped them in their homesteading journeys. Books that range from just starting out to dealing with complex problems you may encounter!

Check out Heidi's book list here.

These are Sarah's favourites!

The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone

The Market Gardener by J...

Have you got apples that you don't know what to do with? Join us for our mini-moment, all about apples!

What is a food mill you ask? Check out everything you need to know here.

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Homesteading is a rewarding undertaking but it isn't always easy. So today we're sharing some of the things we have learned to make our daily life on the homestead a little easier, including how to get water to our animals, our favourite kitchen tools and other general tips and tricks!

For more about the food mill, read this blog post!

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Send your questions to: homesteadpodcast@gmail.com

Did you have an abundance of winter squash this harvest? Wondering what to do with it all? Listen to today's mini moment as we share what we do with winter squash in the kitchen. 

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We are taking a moment to share some of our goals for 2025 to hopefully inspire you in your homesteading journey. Listen in for laughs, ideas and life on our farms!

And grab our Homemade Yogurt Recipe Here!

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www.heartofthehomesteadfamily.ca

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It's time to start planning, preparing and ordering your seeds for this year's growing season, but where do you start? We will share some resources on how to select your seeds!

Be sure to check out a Seedy Saturday to swap seeds and learn more about them!

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Join us today as we talk about what homesteading used to look like and what modern homesteading looks like today from our perspective!

We would love to stay connected with you so follow us on social media where you can ask questions, send us a message and gain new insight into homesteading!

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Welcome to Heart of the Homestead Family! We are two moms who want to share our love of homesteading with you. Join us for our first episode as we explain a little bit about who we are and what you can expect from us in the coming episodes!

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