A Homegrown Family

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 GingerHow to Make a Ginger Bug Follow on Instagram @ahomegrownfamemail at [email protected] the show

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 GardenCompanion Planting Chart by VegetableFollow on Instagram @ahomegrownfamemail at [email protected] the show

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 [email protected] Support the show

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 [email protected] 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

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 @ahomegrownfamemail at [email protected] take the time to download episodes, rate and review the podcast, Thanks!Support the show

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 [email protected] the podcast by clicking the "buymeacoffee" link below:buymeacoffee.com/ahomegrownfamSupport the show

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 TractorsEmail: [email protected]: @ahomegrownfamSupport the show

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 MilkGrains you can Mill and How to use the Flour Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Ever thought “there has to be a better, more flavorful way of cooking up a deer roast or a pheasant breast rather than just tossing it into the crock-pot”? Well, you’re in luck! In this episode, Jeff Benda, a cook and recipe developer of “Wild Game and Fish” shares his passion for cooking and how he fell in love with hunting and the State of North Dakota as a whole. As a result, North Dakota’s wild game and fish are the primary subjects of his recipes. Other topics like field dressing pronghorn, canning meat, salmon fishing and elk hunting in North Dakota, and the presence of rattle snakes in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park are also discussed in this episode. Jeff Benda’s website: https://wildgameandfish.com/Recipes:Venison SpaghettiSalmon ChowderDeer ChiliBooks:My Side of the MountainIsland of the Blue DolphinsSign of the BeaverSalt: Diamond Crystal Kosher SaltEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

In a coffee break kind of chat, join three generations of Mettlers talking about “maple syruping”. Grandpa didn’t have trees to tap in South Dakota, but after migrating up to Minnesota, he found a new way to keep his sweet tooth satisfied.  Grandpa started the same way my Dad and now my brother Sam do by simply reducing the sap on the kitchen stove, but his with his ingenuity and desire for a larger quantity of product, he transformed an old wood stove into a maple sap reducer. Tapping trees and making maple syrup is now something my Dad enjoys and his great grandkids now delight in. It doesn’t cost much to get started, approximately $50 + heat (energy) costs and you’ll have a pint of your very own homegrown maple syrup.Resources:Tapping KitMetal Maple Bucket Starter KitEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Ever thought about getting a dehydrator to start preserving and drying food? Well, in this episode, Joe talks about his decision process and how he determined what dehydrator to get. He goes through his “Dehydrator Checklist” and relates it to a “Dating/Relationship Checklist”, just to keep it interesting. He walks through his personal “must-haves” and non-negotiables when it comes to the selecting his dehydrator and eventual spouse. Top 3 dehydrators on the list:1)      Magic Mill 10982)      Bench Foods Premium Domestic3)      LEM BigBite 10 Tray Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Dipping back in time, all the way back to the roaring 20’s where cooking, processing and food preservation looked a whole lot different than it does today. Electricity was limited and indoor plumping was rare. Joined by my mother and 99-year-old Grandma we take a blast to the past. Salting and smoking meat and using a hot water bath for canning was common practice and hand milking cows by the light of a lamp was a typical evening endeavor. As inventions were made, like the electric stove and the microwave life became simpler, but somehow we as people are as busy as we ever were.  Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Join the brotherly chat, quite literally, as my brother David and I tie a bow around the garden activities of 2024 and look to the new and improved garden ideas for 2025. We talk about soil preparation and a bit about starting vegetable plants inside. What are some of our favorite cultivars we grow and what are we going to do new and differently in 2025? Pull up a seat and find out...or just check out some of the show notes below 😉Grape Cultivars recommended for Zone 3 and 4:-          King of the North (jelly, juice, fresh eating)-          Somerset seedless (for making raisins) -          Bluebell (juice and fresh eating)-          Kay Gray (fresh eating white grape)Vegetable cultivars we like:-          Honeydew – model melon-          Carrot – Kuroda-          Sweet Pepper – Lipstick-          Bush Bean – Jade-          Cucumber – Marketmore 76-          Garlic – German porcelain or Northern White (both hardneck garlic)-          Decorative corn – Glass Gem   Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Lauren Jacobs, “The Cheerful Baker”, and I bonded over our similar upbringing and childhood memories, and how both of us were exposed to baking at a young age. In this episode, we talk about the importance of using quality ingredients and the difference between baking powder and baking soda. We also discuss all the things a baker needs to consider before even turning on the mixer. Follow Lauren on Instagram @thecheerfulbaker if you enjoyed listening to her tips and tricks on this episode. Resources:Challenge Butterhttps://cheerfulbaker.com/Due North Gluten Free Bakery and Goods – GF Bakery in North DakotaMastering Macarons: Uncover the Scientific Secrets to making the Perfect French Macaron Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Re-live the journey with Sam and Andi as they share the birth stories of their 3 boys. From the hospital to the car and ultimately their very own home. They have experienced it all.The Business of Being Born - TrailerEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

The year COVID began sparked new interests and hobbies for many people. For Michelle, it was baking sour dough loaves. Pick up some of the basics and learn more about sour dough starters, discard, feeding, hooch, ratios, peak, banneton and other terminology of the sour dough community here in this episode. If you have any questions about sourdough just email Michelle at [email protected] If we get enough questions we’ll bring Michelle back for a little Q&A. Don’t over-think it, just bake it!Resources brought to you by Michelle:·         Maintaining Your Sourdough Starter·         Feeding and Maintaining Your Sourdough Starter·          NYT Sourdough Recipe·         Make Beautiful Sourdough with Claire Saffitz Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Interested in learning a little more about growing fruit in Minnesota? In this episode, my brother David and I give an orchard/vineyard production update for 2024. We talk about the growing season, making juice, orchard maintaince, the importance of soil fertility and the benefits of family and friends being able to share produce and resources.  Resources:Elevate 50WDG FungicideManzate FungicideNutrient Deficiency in GrapesBlights in Fruit Trees Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

One aspect of A Homegrown Family podcast is growing, raising, hunting and gathering your own food. In this episode, my brother David and I share our experience of salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

This Fall is the first time I ever went pronghorn hunting. It was off to a slow start but ended in a successful hunt. Listen to the thrill of it all in this episode. It’s great to be able to put meat in the freezer! If you enjoy listening to hunting stories, check out my brother in-law’s YouTube page Family Forged OutdoorsResources:Pronghorn - North Dakota Game and FishEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

Introducing my new cousin in-law, Ian, as we discuss his passion for foraging mushrooms and much more. From morels and lobster mushrooms to black caps and fiddle heads. The forest is our oyster. Resources:Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods From Dirt To PlateEdible Wild Plants: A North American Field GuideOxygen AbsorbersEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

When it comes to homeschooling, fathers are typically the bread winners while mothers are typically the home-makers and primary educators of the children. However, one, like my friend Vince, might say that a mixture of parental involvement is more ideal. Be present, be flexible, but ultimately tighten the belt and be the husband and parent you need to be. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

The calving season is over and boy was it a short one this year. My dad grew up raising cattle and has been raising cattle ever since. Things within the operation have changed throughout the years such as the breed of cattle or the size of the herd, but some of the basics of calving have remained the same. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

This episode explores a little bit about everything when it comes to farming. My friend Vince joins in to discuss his family farm operation along with topics such as crop rotation, water management, tillage and weed control. We also dip our toes into some of the differences between organic and conventional farming and the hot topic of glyphosate.  North Dakota State 2023 Agricultural Overview In 2023, ND was the #1 producer of:                -Spring Wheat                -Durum Wheat                -Dry Edible Beans                -Flax                -Canola                -Sunflower                -Field Pea                -HoneyNational List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for Use in Organic FarmingEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

The college experience can really play a large role in the type of person one becomes. It was no different for me and I’m glad to have been a NDSU Bison! Here, my friend Vince and I share more about our college experience. Classes and fun memories, including bare-handed evangelization, broomball tournaments, half marathons, dancing and of course, bed bugs!  Book recommendations:                Wild at Heart                Be a ManResources:                FOCUS                BisonCatholicEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

Happy Anniversary! This podcast has been going on for about a year now, so it’s probably time to learn a little more about our host, Joe Mettler. In this episode, we learn a bit more about his high school and college years. GO BISON! “Well, that’s not very interesting” you say. Joe also shares stories of prank wars and one particular story that could have taken a turn for the worst.  Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

My siblings and I often get asked if any of us ended up with broken bones while playing at the farm. Simply put, the answer is “nope”. Thankfully so! In this episode, my brother David and I have a great time reminiscing about our childhood and some of the broken bones that could have been. Images to fill in some gaps:This is a bale hookSmall square balerCattle panelEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

Raising sheep across generations. Listen to my Dad and I talk about the basics, with some farm stories separating the meat and potatoes. We go through the annual cycle and what raising sheep might entail for you. Resources:Scrapie Sheep DiseaseGetting StartedEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

Jacob and Michelle share their homeschooled experience, while addressing some of the common misconceptions about the homeschooling community. Should you homeschool your children? Well, based on the conversation in this episode, the decision to homeschool shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s very situational and depends a lot on the parents and each individual child. Resources:Kolbe AcademyEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

No, you won’t get the same apple tree to grow by planting its seeds, and yes there is such a thing as a Frankenstein tree. This episode is a continuation of Episode 27 as my brother David and I discuss winter orchard activities when it comes to apples: rootstock, scion wood and pruning.Resources:Maple Valley Orchards – source of rootstock and scionHow to Prune Apple Trees  - YouTube VideoApple Pruning Workshop - FargoEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

There is no lack of things to do in the winter when it comes to the orchard. My brother David joins us this episode to talk about pruning grapes, collecting cuttings, and storing and rooting cuttings to be planted the following spring. He also talks about the challenges in growing out his own grape cuttings and shares some general planting tips.Resources:Synthetic rooting hormoneMosquito Bits – for control of Fungus gnatsEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Episode 26 Homeschooling with Aunt Joni: A Parents PerspectiveMy wife and I plan to homeschool our children, but before we jump into the unknown, we thought it best to talk with those who have done it before us. My Aunt Joni homeschooled her three children and learned many things along the way. In this episode, we discuss why she decided to homeschool her kids, what types of curriculums she decided to use, and the joys and challenges of homeschooling. Curriculums mentioned:SetonCatholic HeritageMemoria PressMother of Divine GraceGreat BooksOpportunities:MN Catholic Home Education Conference – May 31 to June 1, 2024Homeschooling in NDEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

This is the story of how Joe developed and refined his hobby of making wine. Since 2017 and 120+ gallons of wine later, there are some tips, tricks, and favorites to share. This episode shares the basic supplies and equipment needed to make your own wine, and also goes through a step by step process to create an enjoyable bottle. Cheers! Episodes are now available on YouTube where it’s easier to communicate and interact with those that are listening to this podcast. Thanks for listening!Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

If my bank account was my raised garden bed, I would be RICH! In this episode, I walk through the soil test results of my raised garden beds. The analysis contained information on N, P, K, S, pH, organic matter and soluble salts. Gather some information and tid bits that could help you make sense of your soil report. I recommend listening to the episode titled, “Soil Sampling and Nutrient Basics” prior to this episode. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSome micronutrient fertilizer options:Covington Naturals – A little goes a long way, this product still includes N, P, KWhitwam Organics – This product only contains micronutrientsSupport the show

Welcome back as my wife and I discuss our recent adventure of travelling to Italy with our two-year-old daughter. We talk about what we did, what went well and the things we didn’t expect. We also share some general tips for when it comes to travelling with children. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSfoglialette "lobster tail" pastrySupport the show

If you haven’t heard enough deer hunting stories recently, you’ll get your fill with this episode. My Uncle Bernie and I exchange deer hunting stories and talk about what hunting means to the Mettler family. FYI: I won’t be posting another episode until mid-December as my family and I are taking a vacation. Cheers!Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Tune in as I talk about soil fertility, macro and micro nutrients (elements), mobile and immobile nutrients and some of the nutrient deficiency symptoms associated with each. What do the numbers “20-10-20” on a bag of fertilizer mean? Learn about the importance of taking a soil sample, how to take a soil sample and where to send your sample. Such an invigorating topic!Resources: Nutrient Deficiency SymptomsMobile and Immobile NutrientspH and Nutrient AvailabilitySoi Labs:NDSU Soil Testing LabAgvise LabU of M Soil Testing LabEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Another family member on the podcast! Listen to my Aunt Michelle and I talk about garlic, particularly planting, but also where to get cloves, what types to grow, fun recipes and other random things. All garlic related. It might not be too late to get some garlic to plant this Fall yet! Check out the Upper Midwest Premium Garlic Directory. Resources: Minnesota Garlic FestivalMinnesota Salsa FestBig Stone GarlicRoasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta RecipeEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Join my brother David and I as we talk a bit about food preservation and canning, particularly juice. Not all food has to come from a store. David also discloses his “top secret” ingredient in his salsa. Resources: Hot Water Bath CannerCanning Starter Kit - ToolsBall Preserving Guidebook Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Fall is a busy time of year. Harvest is in full swing, and the brewing has just begun. This episode talks about harvesting and juicing apples and grapes, and also serves as an introduction to preserving and brewing the juice into wine and hard cider. Listen here to learn more about our methods, processes, and the equipment we use to accomplish the task.Equipment:Tree Fruit PickerHarvest LugGrape ForkApple GrinderBladder PressGrape Crusher/DestemmerStar San SanitizerCampden Tablets Resources:Apple Harvesting - Roll Picking MethodApple Picking Tips Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

How did the orchard come to be?  Join my Dad, my brother David and I as we chat about how the vineyard/orchard got started. Where its been and where its going. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamResources:MN Apple Varieties Support the show

This episode starts off with my best Steve Irwin impersonation and rolls into the pros and cons of pocket gophers. My brother David and I reminisce about how our childhood summers were spent gopher trapping. We talk about the supplies needed, the different types of gopher traps we used, and the methods to find the gopher’s hole….among other things. Supplies:-trap-stake-board/cover (old discs off of a cultivator work pretty good)-Shovel (we found the spade works best)-mode of transportation Resources:How to set a DK-1 gopher trapLong Spring TrapsGopher digging a holeGopher FactsEmail: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Cousin Justin and I discuss his blossom end rot experiment that uses Epsom salts as a remedy. Did it work? After that, we chat about his childhood experiences visiting his uncle's farms, particularly my Dad's. Justin talks about anything from milking cows, feeding calves, driving tractors and raking hay to trapping gophers. There's just no place like the farm!Listening to the episodes titled "Garden Update and Blossom End Rot" and "Good Ol' Days" would be a good preface to this episode. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Listen in as I summarize what I learned recently by attending the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center field day. Focusing on pears grown in the Upper Midwest, I discuss a little bit about everything regarding pears. What rootstock and cultivars to consider growing. The difference between hard and soft pears. The pros and cons of traditional style orchards and high density trellis systems. When should pears get pruned? When should pears get harvested? What type of potential pests or problems do I need to be aware of when growing pears? These are all questions answered in this episode. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamResources:USDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapSweetland Orchard - Gretchen MerryweatherFedco SeedsSt. Lawrence NurseriesSchlabach – 585-798-6198Ugly Stub Pruning for Fire BlightGrowing Fruit in the Upper MidwestRecommended pear rootstock options: OHF87(75%); OHF97(full size)Support the show

Beetles, worms, and borers, oh my! In this episode, we talk about garden pests like the crucifer flea beetle, imported cabbage worm, and the vine squash borer. Learn about preferred host plants and different preventative measures or strategies to help prevent the demise of your garden by the mandibles of these insect pests. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamResources:Vine Squash BorerCrucifer Flea BeetleImported Cabbage MothSupport the show

The hard work in the garden is finally paying off! Join my brother David and I as we talk harvesting produce, specifically cauliflower and garlic. We also discussed some of the differences between hardneck and softneck garlic, and when should one harvest garlic and how should it be stored.David’s Garlic Variety Trial:Musik – largest clovesChesnok Red – medium sizedGermain Porcelain – large clovesNorthern White – medium sizedSpanish Roja – small clovesVietnamese Red – small clovesEmail: [email protected] posted a video on my Instagram on when to harvest cauliflower. Check it out! Instagram: ahomegrownfam Resources:USDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapHardneck vs Softneck GarlicSupport the show

This episode stretches a bit farther back in time to the childhood of my 98 year old Grandma, a time when nothing went to waste and children truly learned the value of hard work. She is one of the few remaining that can personally recall living in the “Dust Bowl”. My Grandma lived in a time when there was no electricity, no freezers to store food, and no snow plows! However, there was still bacon! After marrying my Grandpa, she continued the life of a farmer. A lifestyle that has been passed down to the next generation and hopefully more to come. Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamLink to the song, "Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days"Support the show

In this episode, my Grandpa and I relive the first time I went deer hunting along with other deer hunting stories. He was the lucky one that got to tag along for the eventful day. Being Homegrown in my mind includes being able to produce and gather or hunt for your own food. The Turdy Point Buck Song*If you realized that I never mentioned the distance of the shot, it was paced off to be about 200 yards...if you were curious.Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

“Do you know what a podcast is?”, I ask my grandparents as I ask them to share about their upbringing. Hauling coal. Rolling hides. Army paratroopers. Working horses. Farming. Family. Nurse Training. Piano. Join my Grandpa Tom and my Grandma Margaret as they share stories about their younger years, how they met each other and how they ended up in Minnesota. Farming isn’t what it used to be. Life was simpler back then. Keep busy with productive things.Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Rocking this episode solo and talking about this year’s gardening failures and successes thus far. I tend to use every inch of my garden and plant in “layers” as I describe it. It doesn’t always work out, but that’s gardening for ya! With this year being so dry all over the country, plants are stressed out, and blossom end rot can be more prevalent. So, what can you do about it? Email: [email protected]: ahomegrownfam** No longer on Twitter Resources:Blossom End RotNasturtiumSupport the show

Listen as my mother and I talk about raising chickens, but primarily processing “broiler” chickens for meat. In this episode we talk about the supplies needed and go through all the steps from beginning to end.Supplies needed:-          Sharp knives-          Butcher block/stump/cones-          Clean processing area-          2-gallon freezer bags-          Torch-          Kettle/bucket/tubs for boiling water and cooling chickens-          Hose with nozzle-          Rubber, nitrile gloves (optional)Resources: Hoover Hatchery CatalogWhat to do with chicken feetCleaning gizzardsSupport the show