Roots and Refuge Podcast Jessica Sowards

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 65 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
With the garden season really getting underway now, it's the perfect time to start planning how you'll preserve your harvest. Food preservation is a major task on the homestead, and today I'll share my thoughts on various methods to help you make the most of your produce.
Drying/Dehydrating: Ideal for fruits, herbs, and creating seasoning powders. While not suitable for all produce, it's perfect for herbs, jerky, and cherry tomatoes.
Freezing: Best for preserving nutrition but comes with drawbacks like texture changes and a reliance on electricity. It's great for meats and convenient for many vegetables.
Canning (water bath & pressure): Produces convenient and ready-to-eat products. Canning is a great entry point for a new homesteader. Remember to water bath high-acid foods and pressure can low-acid foods.
Curing/Smoking: A valuable, albeit niche skill that offers variety and uniqueness. It requires time and learning but adds great value and diversity to your pantry.
Fermenting: Offers health benefits and unique flavors. It does require refrigeration after initial fermentation and may not appeal to everyone.
Long Storing: Best for dry goods and things like onions and squash, this method is hands-off and crucial for long-term storage without electricity. Organization is key to keep stock rotated.
Freeze Drying: Provides high-quality, long-lasting products but is costly and time-consuming. It's great for novelties, seasoning mixes, and preserving leftovers.
These methods together ensure a well-stocked pantry throughout the year, even when the garden isn't producing. I hope this information helps you to dive into each technique and find the best preservation strategies for your homestead.
Thanks for joining us on the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we explore the art of homesteading and mindful living. 🌱
If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 64 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
After a refreshing break, I'm feeling creatively recharged and excited to share my renewed passion for homesteading with you. In this episode I delve into the profound impact the authors Alice Waters and Barbara Kingsolver have had on my journey, particularly through their books, "We Are What We Eat" and "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle."
We'll discuss the journey of gaining knowledge and everything that goes along with improved competence and confidence. I'll discuss my evolving "why" for homesteading, focusing on food security, skills, and creating a simpler, beautiful life for my family.
So please join me as I reflect on finding joy in simplicity, making conscious choices, and aligning daily decisions with core values such as simplicity, frugality, pride, beauty, art, connection, and relationships. Discover how to build a life of beauty by focusing on what truly matters and embracing the small, everyday joys that bring satisfaction and fulfillment.
Thanks for joining us on the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we celebrate intentional living and mindful choices. 🌱
If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

Hey, everyone! Welcome to episode 63 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
In today's episode we're diving into a candid discussion about homesteading being a sustainable lifestyle versus a trendy hobby.
We'll explore the concept of mindful consumption across all aspects of life, questioning the true value of investing our energy into every homemade endeavor. We'll also chat about 2 personality types when it comes to facing change. Are you a "frying pan personality" or a "crockpot personality"? Let's dig into the merits of immediate versus gradual change and how to find sustainable habits that align with our values and the reality of our daily lives.
Join me as we navigate the pitfalls of comparison and condemnation in the age of social media, and learn how to apply homesteading principles realistically to create lasting changes.
Remember, living sustainably isn't accidental — it requires relentless mindfulness of our consumption habits. Tune in to discover how I strive to strike the balance between homemade and convenience, ensuring each choice we make in our home is a mindful one.
Thanks for joining me on the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we're all about fostering intentional living and mindful choices. 🌱
If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 62 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
In today's episode I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with my friend Kelly Brotherton to delve into the profound topic of intentional friendship and womanhood.
As we reflect on a meaningful weekend spent with cherished girlfriends, Kelly and I share insights into the importance of intentional relationships, particularly for women. We explore the value of fostering connections with individuals who possess diverse perspectives and thinking patterns, highlighting the role of diversity of thought for personal growth.
Join us as we discuss the significance of embracing disagreement and conflict within relationships, grounded in a foundation of love and a shared commitment to growth.
Don't miss this insightful conversation that celebrates the transformative power of female friendships and the beauty of forging meaningful connections.
If you'd like to see more from Kelly you can find her at the Better Together Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterTogetherLife
Thanks for tuning in to the Roots and Refuge Podcast, where we believe in the strength and solidarity found in community. 🌟
If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 61 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
In today's episode I'm sharing my best gardening advice for both new and experienced gardeners alike. Since spring has sprung where I live, and I know it's just around the corner for you northern folks, I thought this was the perfect time of year to give a highlight reel of the key lessons I've learned as a gardener. Whether you're just starting out or you just need a bit of a reminder after years of gardening, these tips are sure to get you excited about this season's potential. 
Firs thing I want to explore is the importance of considering the value of your harvest beyond just dollars. What you grow has a huge impact on how long you stick with it! Why are you growing it? What are your plans for using it when it's ready to harvest?
I also love talking about how I've 'debunked' the companion planting myth in my own garden. Ultimately, if you're planting diversely you'll probably succeed by creating a balanced ecosystem. But don't stress too much about it, balancing your gardens ecosystem is a years long goal that comes from focusing on good stewardship. 
Finally we talk all about the crucial role of soil health and the benefits of feeding and covering your soil to create that balanced ecosystem in your soil that fosters robust plant growth.
Don't miss out on this episode packed with essential gardening wisdom! And be sure to check out the mentioned blog post on how to make compost tea for even more valuable insights.
Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 60 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.
In today's episode we delve into the unique challenges and joys of raising children in a homesteading environment.
Join me as we explore the fundamental principles of parenting that I have chosen to live by in my family. We address the importance of fostering deep, meaningful relationships within the family. From navigating the complexities of blended family dynamics to instilling a culture of intentionality and respect, we uncover the keys to nurturing thriving relationships with our children.
Discover how homesteading offers a rich tapestry for cultivating resilience, work ethic, and mutual respect within the family unit. Learn valuable insights on communication, trust, and the power of modeling love and grace in parenting.
So, tune in to this insightful episode as we journey through the heart of parenting on the homestead and uncover the transformative power of building strong family bonds. Thanks for joining us on the Roots and Refuge Podcast!
Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.