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

Brittany Gibson - Beginner Homesteader
  • 4,9 (68)
  • MAISON ET JARDIN
  • DEUX FOIS PAR SEMAINE

Do you feel like you want to cook from scratch, grow more of your own food, or live intentionally—but never have the time or energy to do it all? Tried diving headfirst into homesteading only to end up overwhelmed, burnt out, or wondering where to even begin? You’re not alone. If you’re ready to build a homestead life that actually works with your modern, busy schedule—this podcast is for you. Inside The Homestead Challenge, you’ll find time-saving routines, realistic strategies, and practical tips to help you simplify home systems, grow what you can, and start living from scratch—without the pressure to do it all perfectly. Hey friend. I’m Brittany—crunchy mom, city homesteader, and your go-to for making slow living possible in real life. I tried the all-at-once approach to homesteading… and crashed hard into burnout. Turns out, trying to master everything at once just wastes time, money, and a whole lot of mental energy. But here’s the good news: homesteading doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can do this in small steps that make a big impact. If you’re ready to create a from-scratch lifestyle with more rhythm and less chaos—grab that sourdough starter from the back of the fridge... it’s time to rise. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

  1. -2 J

    Ep 149. 7 Simple Homestead Comforts for When the World Feels Heavy

    When the world feels heavy—whether it’s the news cycle, social media, or just the weight of everyday life—it’s okay to retreat to the comforts of home. In this short and gentle episode of The Homestead Challenge, I’m sharing 10 simple homesteading rhythms that bring peace without adding to your mental load. From lighting a simmer pot to harvesting something small, these are easy, no-pressure ways to make your home a haven and help calm your heart when everything else feels overwhelming. ✨ What you’ll hear in this episode: Why it’s okay to step back from the noise and create sanctuary at home 10 homestead-inspired comforts that bring coziness and calm (without adding stress) Simple seasonal rituals for grounding yourself as we move into autumn Permission to take a break, slow down, and choose gentleness Because sometimes the best way we care for the world is by tending to our own little corner of it. 🌿 Resources + Links Mentioned: Join The Homestead Challenge Community on Facebook to share your favorite homestead comforts Explore tea recipes, simmer pot ideas, and more on the blog: @brittanylgibson If this episode brings you comfort, please consider leaving a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app. Reviews help other kindred spirits find the show—and that encouragement means so much.

    14 min

  2. -5 J

    Ep 148. Lessons from My Summer Homesteading Mistakes

    Even after years of practice, every homesteading season comes with a fresh batch of mistakes—and this summer was no exception. From herbs that went to seed before I could harvest them, to pantry planning flops (hello, way too much Costco flour), I’m sharing the real-life lessons I learned in my garden, kitchen, and rhythms. In this episode, we talk about: 🌱 The garden mistakes I kept repeating (like skipping succession planting and ignoring pests a little too long) 🍅 Why waiting to preserve food never works in my favor, and how “little by little” preserving keeps things manageable 🏡 The mindset shifts I’m still working on—letting go of perfectionism, planning smarter for pantry staples, and accepting the busy rhythms of summer life with kids 😂 My worst mistake of all: the most disgusting fire cider I’ve ever made (and what I plan to do about it!) If you’ve ever felt behind in your garden, stared at a pile of produce you didn’t know what to do with, or made a recipe you wish you could forget—this episode is for you. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re lessons that shape us into better, more realistic homesteaders. 👉 Listen in for encouragement, a few laughs, and practical ideas you can use to avoid the same missteps next season.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

    22 min

  3. 3 SEPT.

    Ep 147. All About Apples (Foraging, Picking, and Preserving)

    September means apple season, and we’re diving into all the ways to enjoy it. In this episode, we explore foraging for crabapples (and how to tell them apart from hawthorn), heading to the orchard for a family apple-picking trip, and the many ways we can preserve the harvest for the months ahead. From applesauce and apple butter to homemade apple cider vinegar and jelly, we’re talking about how to make the most of this abundant fall fruit. Whether you’re foraging on your neighborhood sidewalks or hauling home a bushel from a local farm, this episode is packed with ideas to inspire your apple season. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to identify and use crabapples (and why they’re so underrated). Tips for safe and fun apple picking at orchards. Ways to preserve apples: canning, freezing, dehydrating, and fermenting. Creative ways to use peels and cores so nothing goes to waste. Why September feels like its own special season. Links & Resources Join The Homestead Challenge Community on Facebook to share your apple recipes.

    13 min

  4. 27 AOÛT

    Ep 146. From Harvest to Holidays: What to Can Now for Stress-Free Hositng

    The holidays might feel far away, but this is actually the perfect moment to think ahead. Right now, in the thick of harvest season, you might be tired of tomatoes or over the endless jars of jelly. But what if you could turn that abundance into a few fun preserves that will make holiday hosting (and party season) so much easier later? In this episode, I’m sharing simple, creative ideas you can make now that future-you will thank you for when it’s time to pull together a cheese board, potluck dish, or festive drink. We’ll chat about: ✨ Shrubs & herbal syrups for easy cocktails and mocktails 🥒 Pickled veggies & chutneys that dress up any charcuterie board 🍏 Apple butter, pumpkin butter, and pie fillings for instant desserts 🍅 Salsas, sauces, BBQ, and hot sauce for effortless party food 🍗 Pantry staples like broth that keep fall and winter meals stress-free The best part? You don’t have to do everything. Just one or two jars tucked away will bring that “homemade touch” to gatherings without all the last-minute stress. 👉 Come share your favorite holiday-time preserves in our Homestead Challenge Facebook group — I’ll be posting my favorites there, and I’d love to swap recipes with you.

    13 min

  5. 19 AOÛT

    Ep 145. Simple Back to School Shifts for Homesteading

    Back-to-school brings a natural rhythm shift, and on the homestead, that means it’s time to simplify. In this episode, we share the practical ways we’re keeping things easy during this transition—like freezing instead of canning, packing simple lunches, and leaning on streamlined morning routines. We’re also talking about cozying our home for the season, preparing for the inevitable back-to-school germs, and making space for what truly matters right now. And because mamas need support too, we highlight our brand-new Back-to-School Herbal Tea recipe—a calming blend of tulsi, lemon balm, chamomile, and ginger that helps bring balance during this busy season. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why we’re freezing produce instead of canning right now Our approach to packing school lunches without the overwhelm Simple morning routines that actually work How we’re cozying our home and preparing for seasonal transitions A sneak peek at our Back-to-School Tea recipe for stressed-out moms 👉 Check out the full recipe here: Back-to-School Tea

    12 min

  6. 12 AOÛT

    Ep 144. What I am Foraging this Autumn (Month by Month)

    This autumn, I’m trading my usual garden harvests for baskets, jars, and a keen eye on what nature has to offer. Inspired by the book Feed Us with Trees by Elspeth Hay, I’ve been thinking differently about the way humans have long partnered with the land — and it’s made me excited to try some new foraging projects this year. In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, I’m sharing exactly what I’ll be foraging from August through November, along with tips for identification, uses, and timing. Whether you’re brand new to foraging or you’ve been at it for years, this list is full of easy-to-spot plants, herbs, and wild foods you can gather — even if your garden is done for the year. Here’s what we’ll cover: The late-summer goldenrod bloom (and how to use it for allergies or décor) Elderberries, blackberries, and rosehips for immune-boosting winter remedies Mushrooms like chicken of the woods and chanterelles for the fall kitchen Acorns, black walnuts, hazelnuts, and chestnuts — from forest snack to flour Dandelion root and burdock root for liver and detox support Usnea, the “Old Man’s Beard” lichen, for natural antimicrobial medicine You don’t have to go deep into the woods to try this — many of these are hiding in plain sight. Grab a basket, step outside, and let’s make the most of what autumn has to offer. Resources & Links: Book: Feed Us with Trees by Elspeth Hay Join the conversation in the Homestead Challenge Community on Facebook More foraging and seasonal living tips at TheHomesteadChallenge.com

    19 min

  7. 8 AOÛT

    Ep 143. Every Bit Counts- Preserving the Harvest Little by Little in August

    In this episode, we're talking about the Every Bit Counts approach to preserving your harvest—without the overwhelm. Whether you're in the thick of garden season or just winding down, there’s so much value in preserving just a small amount every day. Brittany shares what she's preserving in her own kitchen, ideas for saving food scraps and garden extras, and how it all adds up to real savings in time, energy, and money. From freezing leftover onions and carrots to drying herbs and making single jars of pickles or sauce, this episode is a gentle nudge to take tiny, consistent steps toward building your pantry—no marathon canning days required. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why preserving in small amounts can be more sustainable for busy lives What Brittany is preserving right now from her August garden Creative ways to save money with everyday food scraps and garden extras How to freeze, dry, or pickle without a huge time commitment The mindset shift that helps reduce waste and build your pantry over time 📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @brittanylgibson Facebook Community: The Homestead Challenge Group Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

    17 min

  8. 5 AOÛT

    Ep 142. Harvesting Medicinal Herbs the Right Way: Roots, Leaves, and Flowers

    It's finally harvest season here in Northeast Ohio, and this week, we're diving into how to properly harvest common medicinal herbs—before they lose their potency. If you've ever let your echinacea go too long (guilty!), or stared at your feverfew unsure what part to pick, this episode is for you. Learn which parts of each plant to harvest (roots, flowers, or leaves), when to do it, and how to dry them for later use—without stress or overwhelm. 🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The difference between aerial parts and roots—and when to harvest each Why it’s okay to dry herbs now and make medicine later The best timing for harvesting: 🌼 Echinacea 🌼 Feverfew 🌼 Chamomile 🌼 Calendula 🌼 Dandelion 🌿 Lemon Balm 🌿 Yarrow 🌿 Plantain 🌿 Nettle 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: How to Preserve Fresh Herbs How to Dry and Store Herbs Join The Homestead Challenge Facebook Group Follow along on Instagram: @brittanylgibson

    14 min
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Do you feel like you want to cook from scratch, grow more of your own food, or live intentionally—but never have the time or energy to do it all? Tried diving headfirst into homesteading only to end up overwhelmed, burnt out, or wondering where to even begin? You’re not alone. If you’re ready to build a homestead life that actually works with your modern, busy schedule—this podcast is for you. Inside The Homestead Challenge, you’ll find time-saving routines, realistic strategies, and practical tips to help you simplify home systems, grow what you can, and start living from scratch—without the pressure to do it all perfectly. Hey friend. I’m Brittany—crunchy mom, city homesteader, and your go-to for making slow living possible in real life. I tried the all-at-once approach to homesteading… and crashed hard into burnout. Turns out, trying to master everything at once just wastes time, money, and a whole lot of mental energy. But here’s the good news: homesteading doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can do this in small steps that make a big impact. If you’re ready to create a from-scratch lifestyle with more rhythm and less chaos—grab that sourdough starter from the back of the fridge... it’s time to rise. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

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