Ditch The Store

CJ Steedman

🎙️ Ditch the Store Life’s too short for store-bought eggs. Tired of soaring prices and supermarket nonsense? This podcast is your cheeky, no-nonsense guide to growing food, raising animals, making homemade goods, and living frugally—whether you’re in the suburbs or on a small farm. New episodes weekly + a new Ditch the Store book every two months to help you break free, one step at a time. Let’s grow it, make it, raise it—and ditch the store.

  1. 2 天前

    Episode 175 - The Best $25 You'll Spend in Your Garden

    Think $25 can't do much for your garden? Think again. In this episode I break down the exact numbers on why buying seedlings (not seeds) this year could save you well over $200 in grocery money — and I show you every calculation so you can do it yourself. In This Episode Why sometimes buying seedlings beats saving seeds (and that's okay!)A farm update — walking without crutches after 10 months, garden prep, and Loki the buckling melting heartsThe exact 5 punnets I'm buying at Bunnings this year, and whyThe real dollar-for-dollar maths on seedlings vs. supermarket pricesWhy "don't buy crops you don't eat" is the golden rule of getting a good returnWhat you still need to budget for: water, soil health, and sunlightThis week's challenge: plan your own $25 garden $25 Seedling Maths Five punnets from Bunnings, total cost $24.08 — here's what came out of the ground: Seedling Cost App. Yield S/market Return Iceberg lettuce $4.85 ~6 lettuces $3.50 each = $21.00 ~4x Cherry tomatoes $4.85~3kg p/plant x6 $29.50/kg = $531 ~110x Spring onions $4.85 ~12 bunches $3.00/bunch = $36.00 ~7x Baby spinach $4.85 ~200g $49.00/kg = $9.80 ~2x Parsley $4.68 ~9 bunches $4.50/bunch = $40.50 ~9x Total spent: $24.08 → Total value: $254.80 That's not a one-off harvest either — tomatoes, spinach, and parsley in particular keep producing for months, so this isn't a "pick it all at once" return. It's ongoing. The Golden Rule Don't buy seedlings for crops your family won't actually eat. Grow what replaces your regular supermarket purchases — for us that's lettuce, tomatoes, spring onions, baby spinach, and parsley, because they're things we'd otherwise be buying (and often wasting) every week. Don't Forget Water — hand water if you're not getting regular rainSoil health — dig in your compost now, ahead of plantingSunlight — make sure your bed gets good light through the dayFrost protection — cover seedlings on cold nights, mulch around the base This Weeks Challenge Start planning your own five punnets now for September planting: Pick five crops your family will actually eatCheck prices on the Bunnings websitePrep the garden bed (and any frames you'll need for climbers)Track what it costs you vs. what you'd have spent at the supermarket over summer Links Take the free Ditch the Store Score quiz: www.ditchthestore.com/dtsscore Enjoyed this episode? Share your "store swap" pick — lettuce, baby spinach, spring onions, or parsley — and tag me on social media.

    Episode 175 - The Best $25 You'll Spend in Your Garden
  2. 8月5日

    Episode 174 - Stop Buying Seeds Every Year

    Do you really need to buy new seeds every spring? The answer is… not always. In this episode, we're talking about one of the simplest ways to become a little more self-sufficient—saving your own seeds. I'll explain why seed saving is worth learning, the difference between heirloom and hybrid varieties, and which vegetables are the easiest for beginners to collect seeds from. I'll also share a farm update, explain why some plants don't play by the same rules, and walk you through how I store my own seeds so they're ready for next season. In This Episode Why I stopped buying as many seed packets each yearHow seed saving helps you become more self-sufficientChoosing the best plants to collect seeds fromHeirloom vs hybrid seeds explained simplyThe easiest vegetables to save seeds fromHow to save seeds from:The biggest mistakes beginners make when storing seedsWhich plants don't grow true from saved seedWhy pumpkins, zucchini and cucumbers can surprise you next seasonThis week's Worth Spending Money OnThis Week's Store SwapThis Week's ChallengeTake the FREE Ditch the Store Score Saving seeds won't make you completely self-sufficient overnight, but it's one less thing you'll need to buy next season. It's a simple habit that can save money, build resilience and help your garden become more self-sustaining year after year. Resources 🌱 Take the FREE Ditch the Store Score:https://www.ditchthestore.com/dtsscore 📲 Follow along on social media:@mojohomestead If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who's ready to grow more and rely a little less on the supermarket.

    Episode 174 - Stop Buying Seeds Every Year
  3. 7月29日

    Episode 173 – The Secret to Growing More Food Without Buying More Fertiliser

    Have you ever wondered why some gardens seem to thrive while others constantly need more fertiliser, more water and more attention? In this episode, we're talking about the biggest mistake many gardeners make – focusing on feeding the plant instead of feeding the soil. I'll explain why healthy soil is the foundation of every productive vegetable garden, how poor soil can become an expensive cycle to break, and the simple things you can start doing now to build a garden that produces more while relying less on fertilisers and other bought products. I'll also share a farm update, introduce our newest Anglo Nubian buckling, Loki, and chat about what we're doing around the property as we get ready for spring. In this episode: Meet Loki, the newest (and noisiest!) member of the farmWhy poor soil costs you more than you realiseThe fertiliser treadmill and how to avoid itWhy healthy soil grows healthier plantsWhat nature can teach us about building fertile soilFive practical ways to improve your soil naturallyThe pros and cons of different animal manuresWhat green manure crops are and why they're worth tryingA simple explanation of crop rotationThis week's Worth Spending Money OnThis Week's Store SwapThis Week's ChallengeTake the FREE Ditch the Store Score Whether you're just starting your first veggie patch or looking to improve the one you've already got, this episode will help you build healthier soil, grow stronger plants and spend less at the garden centre over time. 🌱 Take the FREE Ditch the Store Score:https://www.ditchthestore.com/dtsscore 📲 Follow along on social media:@mojohomestead If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who's ready to rely a little less on the supermarket.

    Episode 173 – The Secret to Growing More Food Without Buying More Fertiliser
  4. 7月8日

    Episode 170 - Fermentation 101 — Sauerkraut & More

    Have you ever watched a beautiful cabbage, zucchini, or box of fresh vegetables slowly turn into compost while sitting in your fridge? What if there was a way to preserve that food for months, improve its flavour, support your gut health, and do it all without a freezer, pressure canner, or expensive equipment? In this episode of Ditch the Store, we're diving into one of humanity's oldest food preservation methods: fermentation. From simple homemade sauerkraut to kimchi, sourdough, kombucha, and even fermented horse milk used by Mongolian nomads, we'll explore why fermentation has been helping people preserve food for thousands of years and how you can get started with nothing more than cabbage, salt, and a jar. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been curious about making your own fermented foods, this episode will give you the confidence to have a crack at it. Beginner Sauerkraut Recipe Ingredients 1kg cabbage 1 tablespoon non-iodised salt Method Finely shred the cabbage.Add salt.Massage thoroughly until brine begins to form.Pack tightly into a clean jar.Ensure cabbage remains completely submerged beneath the brine.Ferment for 7–21 days depending on temperature and taste preference.Refrigerate once the flavour reaches your liking. ✅ Keep the cabbage below the brine. Air is the enemy of good sauerkraut. Mentioned in This Episode 🌿 Mojo Homestead Freebies & Newsletter https://www.mojohomestead.net 🌿 Ditch The Store Book Collection https://www.mojohomestead.net/home/books Next Week 🐔 Bird Flu Has Arrived in Australia — What Every Chicken Keeper Needs to Know We'll separate fact from fiction, discuss what the current situation means for backyard chicken keepers, and look at practical biosecurity steps you can take to protect your flock without falling into panic mode. Enjoying the Podcast? If you're enjoying Ditch the Store, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform. ⭐ Your reviews help more people discover the show. ⭐ Five-star reviews may even earn you a shout-out in a future episode. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on: Homesteading Backyard chickens Food preservation Gardening Self-sufficiency Traditional skills Food security Ditching the supermarket one skill at a time #DitchTheStore #Fermentation101 #Sauerkraut #FoodPreservation #Homesteading #GutHealth #FoodSecurity #TraditionalSkills #SelfSufficiency #FermentedFoods #MojoHomestead

    Episode 170 - Fermentation 101 — Sauerkraut & More
  5. 7月1日

    Episode 169 - Bird Flu in Australia

    Bird flu has officially arrived in Australia, and if you keep backyard chickens, you've probably seen plenty of headlines, social media posts, and opinions flying around. But what does it actually mean for your flock? Should you be worried? Do you need to lock your chickens up? What practical steps can you take to protect your birds without falling into panic mode? In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ separates fact from fiction and explains what backyard chicken keepers need to know about avian influenza, how it spreads, the signs to watch for, and the simple biosecurity measures that can help keep your flock safe. Based on the episode transcript. In This Episode 🐔 What bird flu (avian influenza) actually is 🐔 What's happening in Australia right now 🐔 How bird flu spreads between birds 🐔 Why backyard chicken keepers should pay attention 🐔 Practical biosecurity measures you can implement today 🐔 Signs and symptoms to watch for in your flock 🐔 Whether free-range chickens are at greater risk 🐔 Could bird flu affect egg supplies and prices? 🐔 How to stay informed without falling into fear and misinformation Key Takeaways ✅ Don't panic ✅ Focus on practical biosecurity ✅ Secure feed and water sources ✅ Limit contact with wild birds where possible ✅ Monitor your flock daily ✅ Stay informed through official sources ✅ Preparation is more useful than fear Resources Mentioned 📧 Mojo Homestead Website http://www.mojohomestead.net 🇦🇺 Official Australian Bird Flu Updates https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/avian-influenza Next Week From Shell to Shelf: How to Store, Preserve & Use More Eggs Enjoying the Podcast? If you're enjoying Ditch the Store, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform. ⭐ Reviews help more people discover the show. ⭐ Five-star reviews may earn you a shout-out in a future episode. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on: Backyard chickens Homesteading Food security Gardening Food preservation Self-sufficiency Traditional skills Ditching the supermarket one skill at a time #DitchTheStore #BirdFluAustralia #BackyardChickens #ChickenKeeping #Homesteading #FoodSecurity #AvianInfluenza #AustralianHomesteading #SelfSufficiency #MojoHomestead

    Episode 169 - Bird Flu in Australia
  6. 6月24日

    Episode 168: Celebrating Yule on the Homestead

    Winter has settled in. The garden has slowed down, the chickens are taking their annual leave, and the shortest day of the year is almost here. But what if this wasn't something to endure? What if it was something to celebrate? In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explores the history of Yule, the ancient midwinter festival that celebrated the longest night of the year and the return of the light. We look at how many familiar Christmas traditions have roots in older seasonal celebrations and why Yule still makes perfect sense for modern homesteaders. Whether you're interested in history, seasonal living, family traditions, or simply finding a meaningful way to mark the winter solstice, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use on your own homestead. ❄️ What Yule is and why it was celebrated 🔥 The connection between Yule, winter solstice, and Christmas traditions 🌲 The history behind Yule logs, evergreen decorations, candles, and midwinter feasts 🐔 Why seasonal living still matters for modern homesteaders 📝 Questions to reflect on as you review your homestead year 🍲 Simple and affordable Yule traditions you can start with your family 🌱 How winter planning can set you up for success in spring Light candles to celebrate the return of longer daysShare a meal made from homegrown or preserved foodGather around a fire pit or fireplaceCreate decorations from natural materialsReflect on what worked (and didn't work) on your homestead this yearSet goals for the coming growing seasonPractice gratitude for the lessons, harvests, and experiences of the past yearWinter may feel slow, but it isn't standing still. Every day after the winter solstice brings a little more light, a little more warmth, and one step closer to spring. Mentioned in this Episode 🌿 Join the Mojo Homestead mailing list:www.mojohomestead.net 🌿 Follow Mojo Homestead for more homesteading tips, seasonal living inspiration, and practical self-sufficiency advice. 🥬 Fermentation 101 – Learn the basics of fermenting food, improving gut health, preserving harvests, and adding natural probiotics to your pantry. 🎧 Subscribe to Ditch the Store for weekly episodes on homesteading, food security, backyard chickens, gardening, livestock, self-sufficiency, and creating a more resilient lifestyle. #DitchTheStore #Yule #WinterSolstice #Homesteading #SeasonalLiving #SelfSufficiency #ChristmasInJuly #MojoHomestead #BackyardHomestead #SimpleLiving #HomesteadLife #AustralianHomesteading

    Episode 168: Celebrating Yule on the Homestead

簡介

🎙️ Ditch the Store Life’s too short for store-bought eggs. Tired of soaring prices and supermarket nonsense? This podcast is your cheeky, no-nonsense guide to growing food, raising animals, making homemade goods, and living frugally—whether you’re in the suburbs or on a small farm. New episodes weekly + a new Ditch the Store book every two months to help you break free, one step at a time. Let’s grow it, make it, raise it—and ditch the store.