Ditch The Store

CJ Steedman
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🎙️ 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. 16 hr ago

    Episode 177 - Eggs Without Cartons The Book

    Episode 177: My second book, Eggs Without Cartons, goes live on Amazon this Friday — and I'm too egg-cited not to talk about it, even in the middle of the hardest work fortnight of my year. This week: why I split my chicken books into two (one for meat, one for eggs), three free tips straight out of the new book — including a myth about fertile eggs that genuinely blows people's minds — plus a quick farm update and an honest look at why this book took as long as it did to write. Grab it this weekend on Kindle at a discounted price, and if you read it, please leave a review — it's the single biggest thing that helps people find it. 📖 Books: [LINKS BELOW]🔗 Follow: Ditch the Store on Facebook & Instagram [LINKS BELOW] Eggs Without Cartons (Kindle): https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0HGG6XKZGFrom Brooder to Plate (USA & Kindle): https://amzn.to/44yQr2LFrom Brooder to Plate (Aussie): https://amzn.to/4eTcGnwFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mojohomesteadInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojohomestead/Website / email list: https://www.mojohomestead.net

    Episode 177 - Eggs Without Cartons The Book

  2. 20 Aug

    Episode 176 - Your Spring Ditch The Store Plan

    What To Stop Buying Before You Plant Anything DESCRIPTION Spring success doesn't start with buying seedlings — it starts with deciding what you're going to stop buying from the supermarket. In this episode I walk through the exact planning process for a spring garden that actually cuts your grocery bill, the mistakes I see people make every year, and a sneak peek at my upcoming 5-Day Ditch The Store Challenge. Plus a farm update: our new Anglo Nubian buckling Loki, fencing progress, and why I'm finally getting back into the beehives after a year off. RESOURCES MENTIONED Eden Seeds (Australian seed supplier) https://www.edenseeds.com.au Brooded or Plated — my book on raising your own meat chickens Brooder to Plate - USA and Kindle https://amzn.to/44yQr2L Brooder to Plate - Aussie version https://amzn.to/4eTcGnw Mojo Homestead on social media — follow for photos and videos of Loki @mojohomestead Take the Ditch The Store quiz and join the mailing list: www.ditchthestore.com/dtsscore #DitchTheStore #Homesteading #SpringGarden #GrowYourOwn #Homestead #Self Sufficient Living #AustralianGarden #FoodBudget Thanks for watching — see you next week for episode 177.

    Episode 176 - Your Spring Ditch The Store Plan

  3. 12 Aug

    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

  4. 5 Aug

    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

  5. 29 Jul

    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

  6. 22 Jul

    Episode 172: 10 Ways to Make Every Egg Count (and Buy Less at the Supermarket)

    Eggs are one of the most valuable foods you can produce—or buy—but most of us only think about them at breakfast. In this episode, I share 10 practical ways to use every egg well, reduce food waste, save money, and get more value from your backyard chickens (or your local egg supplier). We'll cover preserving eggs, meal planning, using leftovers, making homemade mayonnaise, and simple ways to stretch every dozen further. Whether you've got your own flock or you're just beginning your homesteading journey, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can put into action this week. In this episode: Why eggs are one of the most versatile foods you can keep on handSimple ways to stop wasting eggsHow to preserve surplus eggsEasy meals that use plenty of eggsWhat to do with eggshellsHomemade mayonnaise that tastes amazingWhy planning beats panic-buying every time This week's challenge 🥚 See how many different meals you can make using eggs this week. Then take your Ditch The Store Score and see where you are on your self-sufficiency journey: www.ditchthestore.com/dtsscore If you're enjoying Ditch The Store, I'd really appreciate it if you could follow the podcast and leave a review. It helps more hardworking families discover practical ways to grow, make and raise more of their own food.

    Episode 172: 10 Ways to Make Every Egg Count (and Buy Less at the Supermarket)

  7. 15 Jul

    Episode 171 - Should You Get Chickens..

    Everyone says chickens are the perfect first homesteading animal—but are they? In this episode, I explain why I love chickens, why they're still one of the best additions to any homestead... and why they might not be the first step for everyone. If you're just starting your journey towards self-sufficiency, we'll look at the practical skills that can save you money, build your confidence, and make keeping chickens much more rewarding when the time is right. We also cover Australia's current bird flu situation, the real costs of keeping chickens, and a simple challenge that will help you rely a little less on the supermarket this week. This week's takeaway Before buying chickens, ask yourself: "What's one thing I could stop buying from the supermarket?" Start with one simple change. Build confidence. Then keep going. Tag me at @MojoHomestead and let me know what supermarket swap you made—I love seeing what you're creating. If you're enjoying Ditch The Store, please follow the podcast and leave a review. It helps more beginner homesteaders discover practical ways to take back control of their food supply.

    Episode 171 - Should You Get Chickens..

  8. 8 Jul

    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
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About

🎙️ 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.

Information

  • Creator
    CJ Steedman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    178
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © CJ Steedman
  • Show Website
    Ditch The Store