A Homegrown Family

Joseph Mettler
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Home & Garden
  • Updated Biweekly

A Midwestern farm boy and his family members and friends discuss anything homegrown. From gardening,  beekeeping, mushroom hunting, hard cider and maple syrup to their adventures in raising children and  homeschooling all the while sharing his life story. 

  1. May 10

    Ginger Bug

    What in the world in ginger bug? Get introduced to this fermented beverage with my brother Lawrence. We also talk about morel mushrooms and native prairie plants that people can plant in Minnesota.  Resources: Benefits to Consuming Ginger How to Make a Ginger Bug   Follow on Instagram @ahomegrownfam email at ahomegrownfam@gmail.com Support the show

    26 min
  2. Companion Cropping in the Garden

    Apr 21

    Companion Cropping in the Garden

    This chit-chat spring time episode with my brother David is timely as gardens are getting planted. In this episode, we talk about companion cropping and trap plants. Planting certain plants next to each can be beneficial for one or even both plants. Companion cropping can reduce insect pressure and improve the overall plant and soil health in your garden.  Resources: Companion Planting Guide: What to Grow Together in Your Garden Companion Planting Chart by Vegetable Follow on Instagram @ahomegrownfam email at ahomegrownfam@gmail.com Support the show

    30 min
  3. Cakes and Cookies with Aunt Kathy

    Mar 1

    Cakes and Cookies with Aunt Kathy

    Every family seems to have that person, whether a family relative or friend, that is more involved than most. For the Mettler family growing up, that person was our Aunt Kathy. She had a special talent in making and frosting cakes and cookies that were always a special treat we enjoyed. In this episode, Kathy shares a bit more about how she embarked on the journey and reflects on some of the baked goodies of the past.   The King Cake Tradition  Follow on Instagram @ahomegrownfam  email at ahomegrownfam@gmail.com  Support the show

    37 min
  4. Dehydrating Foods

    Feb 16

    Dehydrating Foods

    Fruits. Garlic. Jerky. Joe shares his experience with dehydrating foods. He shares all the details: 1) food preparation and how thick the fruit slices should be 2) what temperature to dry at 3) how long to dry for.  It's a bit specific to the dehydrator used, but useful tips and tricks for any food preservation enthusiast.  Follow on Instagram @ahomegrownfam  email at ahomegrownfam@gmail.com  Resources  Magic Mill MFD 1098  Bench Food Dehydrators  Dried Citrus Circles - an explanation of what they represent  NESCO Jerky Seasoning  LEM Jerky Seasoning  MEAT! 1.5lb Jerky Gun  Support the show

    30 min
  5. A Century of Life

    Feb 2

    A Century of Life

    In this interview style episode, we welcome back Joe's grandma who was previously featured on the "Good Ol' Days" and "Food Preservation of the Past" episodes. She is 100 years old and shares words of wisdom and insights to what was a simpler life style through questions stemming from general categories such as historical perspectives, family relationships, and life lessons and reflections.  Follow on Instagram @ahomegrownfam email at ahomegrownfam@gmail.com Please take the time to download episodes, rate and review the podcast, Thanks! Support the show

    35 min
  6. Welcome to the Country: Sold as Is

    Jan 19

    Welcome to the Country: Sold as Is

    This is a welcome back episode and an introduction to Season 2. The slowing of episode production and content output can be explained by the business of life, the changes in life, and the addition of life. This episode gets into that and much more. The long list of projects began with the purchase of a country house. Also in this episode I share my daughter's first hand experience with death and country stars.  Contact me: @homegrownfam on the Instragram ahomegrownfam@gmail.com Support the podcast by clicking the "buymeacoffee" link below: buymeacoffee.com/ahomegrownfam Support the show

    26 min
  7. Armored Donkeys and Chicken Tractors: A Colorado Homesteading Experience with Ryan Yurong

    06/07/2025

    Armored Donkeys and Chicken Tractors: A Colorado Homesteading Experience with Ryan Yurong

    In this episode, my friend Ryan Yurong shares some of his homesteading experience in Colorado while we reminisce about the past. I met Ryan when I lived in Yakima, WA and worked as an Agronomist for an Independent Crop Consultant Company. Ryan shares some helpful tips and some of his “absolutely do nots” when it comes to getting started. Homesteading is often a doing it and then learning it kind of experience, as Ryan discovered. Resources: How to Build 5-gal Bucket Nests  Chicken Tractors Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.com Instagram: @ahomegrownfam Support the show

    22 min
  8. Milk Cows and Ancient Grains on the Homestead

    05/20/2025

    Milk Cows and Ancient Grains on the Homestead

    Returning guest, Vince, and I believe that raising your own food and being self-sustainable is a large part of what it means to live on a homestead. Chickens are often thought of as the gateway animal to get started, but should they be? Let’s think more about milk cows and all the benefits and products that can be made from raw milk. And of course, the cow itself can make all the difference. Does the cow produce the more digestive A2 beta-casein protein? Do you have a breed that will produce heavy amounts of cream that will lead to the creamiest butter and cheeses? Vince and I chat about milk cows and more in this episode, including the living enzyme benefit of milling your own ancient grains.   Resources: A1 vs. A2 Milk Grains you can Mill and How to use the Flour   Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.com Instagram: ahomegrownfam A Homegrown Family on YouTube Support the show

    33 min
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Trailer

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out of 5
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About

A Midwestern farm boy and his family members and friends discuss anything homegrown. From gardening,  beekeeping, mushroom hunting, hard cider and maple syrup to their adventures in raising children and  homeschooling all the while sharing his life story. 

Information

  • Creator
    Joseph Mettler
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Homegrown Family
  • Show Website
    A Homegrown Family