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

Brittany Gibson - Beginner Homesteader
  • 4.9 (75)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    Ep 178. Growing Herbs for Your Home Apothecary (Even in Small Spaces)

    In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re talking through the best herbs to grow for a home apothecary—and where to plant them so they don’t take over your garden. We cover essential garden basics like annual vs. perennial herbs, direct sow vs. starting seeds indoors, and growing herbs in containers versus in the ground. You’ll learn which herbs are beginner-friendly, which ones self-seed or spread aggressively, which can be invasive in North America, and which herbs are often better to buy than grow in small spaces. This episode is a practical, realistic guide to growing medicinal herbs in any size garden, from raised beds to patio containers.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/common-herbs-for-herbal-remedies/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity

    31 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Ep 177. Apothecary February: Home Herbalism without the Overwhelm

    In this first episode of Apothecary February, we’re setting realistic expectations for using herbs at home and building a strong, safe foundation for beginner and intermediate herbalists alike. This episode focuses on practical herbal education—without pressure to become an expert or “natural doctor” overnight. In this episode, we cover: What Apothecary February is (and what it’s not) Why herbs are supportive tools, not standalone cures Buying herbs vs. growing your own (and why both are valid) Which herbs are best for beginners Where to buy high-quality herbs online Wildcrafted vs. organic herbs Common beginner mistakes when buying herbs Herbal safety basics and why contraindications matter How to read herbal books and monographs without overwhelm Why calendula and chamomile are “gateway herbs” Different ways to prepare herbs (teas, infusions, tinctures, oils, salves) Herbs Mentioned Calendula Chamomile Echinacea Feverfew Mullein Nettle Dandelion Resources & Links Mentioned Supplies for Apothecary February: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brittanylgibson/list/2W4977LYCHIZU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_GEED11EVRXAZ61SSCS4W   Free Calendula Salve Ebook Learn how to make calendula oil and salve—an easy, beginner-friendly first herbal project. https://thehomesteadchallenge.kit.com/a9dc7c0be5 Herb Buying Guide: Wild Harvested vs. Organic A deep dive into sourcing herbs and choosing between wildcrafted and certified organic options. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wild-harvested-vs-organic-herbs/   Herbal Safety Basics Learn how to research herbs, understand contraindications, and use herbs safely at home. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-safety-basics/ Beginner Herbal Book List (Being Updated) A curated list of trusted herbal books for beginners—without the overwhelm. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/7-best-books-on-herbalism-for-beginners-without-the-overwhelm/ Spring Gardening Summit (Free Online Event) A free online summit covering gardening, herbs, fermentation, gut health, and more. https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/ Recommended Herb Suppliers Frontier Co-op Mountain Rose Herbs Starwest Botanicals Final Note This episode is about learning slowly, safely, and realistically. You don’t need to memorize everything, grow all your herbs, or feel perfectly confident to get started. Apothecary February is about building skills and confidence over time—without pressure or fear.

    46 min

  3. JAN 30

    Ep 176. When Winter Drags On… Homestead Projects That Bring Spring Energy Back

    Winter can feel long and heavy, and sometimes leaning into “slow and cozy” just isn’t enough. In this episode, we’re talking about simple homesteading projects that bring spring energy into the dead of winter—like organizing seeds, fermenting, making jam from your freezer stash, growing microgreens and herbs indoors, and tackling garden-adjacent projects. These small, hopeful actions help beat the winter blues and remind us that growth doesn’t have to wait for spring. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

    22 min

  4. JAN 23

    Ep 175. What I am Planting in the Garden in 2026

    In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'm planting in the garden in 2026 on my 1/4 acre homestead in the city and why these choices make sense for our real life, space, and season. We talk through what’s staying, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re planning a garden that feels nourishing instead of overwhelming. If you’re craving a more intentional, low-pressure garden plan this year, this one’s for you. 🌱   Sign up for the FREE Spring Gardening Summit: https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/

    38 min

  5. JAN 16

    Ep 174. Why Failure Days are Actually Homesteading Wins

    We’re talking about the fail days — and even fail seasons — that come with this lifestyle and why they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. From flat sourdough and bitter canned fruit to recipes that just don’t work, we’re sharing why trial and error is actually the point and how learning what fits your family, your taste, and your schedule is where real progress happens. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that slow, imperfect effort still counts.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity

    15 min

  6. JAN 13

    Ep 173. Homestead Goal Planning without an Entire Life Overhaul

    In this episode, we talk through a slower, more nourishing approach to homestead goal planning. Instead of big overhauls that lead to burnout, we focus on 12-week goals, micro habits, and habit stacking to turn good intentions into systems that actually fit real life. We also walk through a real-life example of how we’re using our word of the year, Nourish, to plan goals that support our families without adding stress.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

    24 min

  7. JAN 9

    Ep 172. My Word of the Year is "Nourish" (and What that Actually Means for my Homestead)

    In this episode, we’re sharing our word of the year—nourish—and what that actually looks like in real life. Instead of chasing big goals or a “new me,” we’re focusing on supporting our body, home, routines, creativity, and mental load in a slower, more sustainable way. This episode is a gentle reminder that consistency often comes from care, not pressure.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity

    19 min

  8. JAN 6

    Ep 171. 8 Things to Do Before You Set Homestead Goals for 2026

    Before you start setting garden or homestead goals for the new year, there’s something important to do first: prepare instead of rushing. In this episode, we talk about the simple things you can do right now to set yourself up for success—without pressure or overwhelm. We cover reflecting on last year, clearing physical and mental clutter, taking inventory of what you already have, deciding your real capacity, and why it’s okay to make a “not this year” list. I’m also sharing a gentle challenge to help you prepare one area of your home or homestead before you ever write a goal. Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity

    17 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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