Heart of the Homestead Family

Getting your garden off to a strong start begins with your soil. In this episode, the ladies dive into simple, practical ways to add nutrients, improve soil health, and set your garden up for a productive season. From composting basics to using natural amendments like manure, ash, and cover crops, you’ll learn how to work with what you have and build healthier soil over time.   Be sure to subscribe to get weekly episodes! Follow us on social media @heart_of_homestead_family Learn more about Generations Marketplace which opens for the 2026 season May 7!

In this episode of Heart of the Homestead Family, we’re heading outside the garden and into the wild to explore early spring foraging in Southern Ontario. If your garden beds aren’t quite ready yet, don’t worry—there’s still so much you can harvest right now. The ladies share some of their favourite early-season finds growing in forests, pastures, and even your own backyard, along with simple ways to use them for food and natural remedies. You’ll hear about easy-to-identify plants like dandelions (yes—all parts are usable!), as well as other seasonal finds like stinging nettle, garlic mustard, violets, cattails, and more. From teas and soups to fun kitchen experiments, there are plenty of ways to start incorporating wild foods into your homestead. They also walk through important foraging safety tips, including how to properly identify plants, where it’s safe (and legal) to forage, and how to harvest responsibly so these plants continue to grow year after year. Whether you’re brand new to foraging or just looking for a few new ideas this spring, this episode will inspire you to step outside and see what’s already growing around you 🌱   More information about the South Coast Homesteading Conference is coming soon so stay tuned!   Follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode, the ladies dive into an unexpected favorite on the homestead—parsnips! Ali shares why she loves this often-overlooked root vegetable, from its sweet, unique flavor to its ability to overwinter and provide a harvest when almost nothing else is growing. They chat about how to grow parsnips, when to plant and harvest them, and why patience is key with this long-season crop. You’ll also hear simple, delicious ways to use them in your kitchen—from soups and stews to roasting alongside other veggies. If you’ve never tried growing (or cooking with) parsnips, this episode might just convince you to give them a spot in your garden. Be sure to subscribe so you can catch weekly episodes on homesteading! And follow us on social media for updates @heart_of_the_homestead_family   Sponsored by Meadow Lynn Market Garden For quality seedlings, spring plant sales, CSA boxes, and fresh strawberries, visit Meadow Lynn Market Garden this season. Follow them on social media @meadowlynnmarket

Spring is here, but before garden season takes over, there’s still time to wrap things up in the kitchen. In this episode, the ladies share how they’re clearing out freezers, using up preserved food, and getting prepared for the busy months ahead. From pressure canning and batch cooking to experimenting with garlic, rhubarb, and homemade staples like soap, this conversation is full of practical, real-life homesteading tips. They also talk about learning from what’s left in the freezer (and what didn’t get eaten!) to better plan for the year ahead. If you’re in that in-between season of finishing winter stores and gearing up for spring, this episode will give you plenty of ideas and encouragement. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review! Sponsored by Homegrown Hideaway Plan a fun outing this season at Homegrown Hideaway! From glamping to special events and summer concerts, it’s the perfect place to gather and enjoy the season. Check them out on social media or visit their website to learn more - https://homegrownhideaway.com/ 

In this episode, the ladies chat about why the May long weekend isn’t the only time to plant your garden—and how tuning into nature can make planting easier and more successful. From watching for blooming flowers to understanding soil temperature, pest cycles, and even moon phases, they share simple ways to work with the seasons instead of feeling rushed by the calendar. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to get everything planted at once, this conversation will help you slow down, spread things out, and grow with more confidence.   Want to help us out? Like and leave a review on our podcast, then share this episode with a friend to help them with their planting journey!   This episode is sponsored by Heidi—be sure to visit Generations Marketplace to explore what they have to offer. You can also find them on social media or check out their website to learn more!    Find us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family!

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the garden! 🌱 In this episode, the Heart of the Homestead Family shares what’s happening on their farms right now—from cleaning up last year’s garden beds to dreaming (and maybe over-dreaming 😉) with seed catalogs. The ladies chat about expanding gardens, adding flowers alongside vegetables, growing and preserving herbs, and the realities of garden planning (because what you plan… isn’t always what happens!). They also share helpful tips on crop rotation, garden planning methods, and tools like garden planning apps to stay organized through the season. Whether you’re planting your first seeds or mapping out acres, this episode will leave you inspired to dig in and grow something this spring. 🌼 In this episode: Spring garden prep and clean-up Planning vs. reality in the garden Adding flowers for beauty (and function!) Growing, using, and preserving herbs Garden planning tools and techniques Check out Caroline's favourite online garden planning tool from Mother Earth News Learn more about Meadow Lynn Market Garden Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us as we head into a brand new growing season!

In this episode, we’re introducing some new voices to the podcast—Caroline and Allie—and sharing a little about each of our homesteads and lifestyles here in Southwestern Ontario. From multi-generational farms and CSA programs to glamping retreats and hobby farms, each of us brings a unique perspective on homesteading and living closer to the land. We also chat about what’s been happening this season—from wrapping up maple syrup production to starting seedlings, pruning orchards, and tackling those long-awaited winter projects. Even in this “quiet” time of year, life on the homestead is full—mud, melting snow, busy greenhouses, and lots of behind-the-scenes work to prepare for the growing season ahead. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just getting started, this episode is a fun, real-life glimpse into the rhythms of farm and family life. 🌱 In this episode, we cover: Meet the hosts and their homesteads Spring updates from the farm Maple syrup season reflections Seed starting + greenhouse life Winter projects and from-scratch cooking The reality of mud season 🎧 Be sure to subscribe and follow along for more homesteading conversations!   Learn more about Caroline and her space for "glamping" in Southern Ontario - Homegrown Hideaway

In this episode, we take time to look back on the goals we set at the beginning of 2025 and share an honest recap of what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned along the way. From launching the podcast and reaching 80+ episodes in our very first year, to tackling home and farm goals like making household supplies, cloth diapering, preserving food, improving systems, and experimenting with new skills, this conversation is full of real-life reflections from a busy homestead season. We talk through wins like better freezer meals, improved grazing systems, growing confidence in food preservation, and building small systems that save time and energy. We also share the goals that didn’t quite pan out—like homemade pasta experiments, cucumbers for pickling, and hard cheese—and why letting some things go can be just as valuable as pushing through. If you enjoy honest conversations about homesteading, family life, and learning as you go, this episode is a relatable and encouraging end-of-year reflection.   Listen to episode 4 for the full list of goals! Watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube Follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

In this episode, we look back on the 2025 garden season—celebrating the wins, laughing at the surprises, and sharing the lessons learned along the way. From early snow that forced last-minute harvesting hacks (including pulling a tarp with the truck!) to a remarkable year for broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, and peppers, this season had a little bit of everything. We talk about what flourished, what flopped, and how simple no-till methods helped keep weeds at bay. You’ll also hear the realities of managing strawberry beds, unexpected orchard outcomes (hello peaches, goodbye overcrowded apples), and a greenhouse scare that reminded us just how quickly things can go sideways. We wrap up with freezer favorites, preserving wins, and what we’re hoping to grow more of next year as our families (and appetites) continue to grow. Whether you’re gardening big or small, this episode will leave you inspired, encouraged, and ready for a fresh season ahead.   Get Sarah's coleslaw dressing recipe HERE Follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family Check out this episode (and more!) on YouTube

In this episode, we dive deep into the wonderful world of pork — from choosing the best cuts to stretching your meat budget, to using every part of the hog with confidence and creativity. Whether you raise your own pigs or buy from a local butcher, this conversation is packed with practical tips that will help you fill your freezer, simplify meal planning, and cook with more variety. If you’ve been curious about buying a half or whole pig, or you want new ideas for cooking the cuts you already have, this is your episode. Full of laughs, practical homestead wisdom, and real-life kitchen shortcuts, this one will leave you inspired to bring pork into your weekly meals with confidence. Don't forget to check us out on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family And you can subscribe (and watch this episode) on YouTube!

In this festive episode, Heidi and Sarah invite you into the cozy chaos of homestead Christmas decorating—floor renovations, foraged greenery, kid-crafted ornaments, and all! From holly branches and cedar cuttings to dehydrated oranges, Osage oranges, pine cones, and even dried goldenrod, they share dozens of simple, beautiful, budget-friendly ways to make your home feel festive using what’s already around you. This episode celebrates the heart of homestead Christmas—resourceful, meaningful, cozy, and full of memories. Whether your tree looks picture-perfect or a little Charlie-Brown-ish, you’ll find inspiration to make your home festive in ways that feel simple, natural, and joyful. Grab a warm drink, press play, and let’s deck the homestead together. 🎄 Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more homesteading tips, tricks and laughs! You also can follow along on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

Today we’re diving into one of the biggest staples of homestead kitchens everywhere: beef. From ground beef to roasts, steaks, organ meats, bones, and even tallow — we’re talking about how to use every part of the cow and make it stretch in practical, delicious, and nourishing ways. Heidi and Sarah share how they source their beef locally, what cuts they love most, how they work with grass-finished meat, and their favorite ways to cook, preserve, and prepare different cuts. Whether you buy a quarter, half, or whole cow — or you’re just curious about using beef more intentionally — this episode is full of practical wisdom from real homestead kitchens. Plus, we talk about how to stretch your beef, reduce waste, and make your freezer work for you during busy seasons of life. Listen to our podcast episode "Animal Fats" for more on how to use beef tallow  You also can watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube.   Don't forget to like, share and follow our podcast for more homesteading tips!

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a mountain of eggs on your counter one week… and then none the next, this episode is for you. On today’s Heart of the Homestead episode, Heidi and Sarah dive into the wonderfully unpredictable world of farm-fresh eggs—whether they’re coming from your own chickens, your neighbor’s flock, or the ducks who suddenly decide to lay like crazy.   Whether you’re drowning in dozens or scraping the bottom of the basket, this episode is full of practical tips, homestead hacks, and simple ways to make eggs work for any season. Follow us on social media for more homesteading tips @heart_of_the_homestead_family

We’re back! It’s been a little bit, but life on the homestead hasn’t slowed down — and today we’re catching you up on everything happening as we slide into the colder months. ❄️ In this episode, we chat about: 🌱 Greenhouse projects — ducks, fertilizing soil, and getting winter greens ready 💧 Installing permanent water lines (a total game-changer!) 🥶 Frozen vents, chewed hoses & other winter headaches 🥕 What’s still growing in the garden + what will be in the December veggie boxes 🐓 Which animals are heading to the freezer before Christmas 🏡 Winterizing barns & outdoor shelters ✨ Natural Christmas décor we’re loving this year 🍲 AND… our first ever in-person podcast event: Simmer & Share! We had a blast making broth, swapping stories, and learning new tricks from our listeners (who knew you could grow your own bay leaves?!). If you’re curious about winter gardening, greenhouse hacks, preparing for cold weather, or simply want a cozy catch-up from two homesteading friends — this episode is for you. Watch our video about the hot or cold debate! - https://youtu.be/EsYP7qHbTiA  Pull up a warm drink and join us for this November homestead chat!

In this episode, we’re talking about some of our favourite herbs to grow and use — from kitchen staples like basil and parsley to medicinal powerhouses like calendula, yarrow, and stinging nettle. Whether you’re growing for flavour, healing, or beauty, herbs bring so much life and connection to the garden.   And — exciting news! — we’re hosting a Simmer & Share event on November 8th at 10 AM! Come hang out with us for some broth making, homesteading tips, and real conversation with our community. Save your spot here →[email protected]   If you love growing, learning, and connecting with fellow homesteaders, this one’s for you!   Watch this episode on YouTube!

It’s been a whirlwind on the homestead — tomatoes still ripening, beets to pickle, potatoes to dig, and animals to move before the frost sets in.  In this episode, Heidi and Sarah sit down for their October homestead update to share: ✨ The never-ending fall harvest (and the joy of full shelves and freezers) ✨ Lessons learned from a busy growing season ✨ Why rain and dew point can make or break your frost forecast ✨ How they’re wrapping up the year — and making space for rest And! We’ve got exciting news… our first Simmer & Share community event is happening November 8 at 10am. Come simmer up a pot of comforting broth, share stories, and connect with other homesteaders. Register at YouTube Channel!

Is it better to boil water starting with hot or cold? 🤔 What seems like the simplest kitchen task turned into one of the biggest debates of all time here on Heart of the Homestead! In this episode, we share our own hot vs. cold water habits, dive into the “why” behind each method, and laugh over how something so small can stir up such strong opinions. From canning and cooking to showers, drinks, and even seasonal preferences, this chat covers it all. Tune in, join the conversation, and let us know: Are you Team Hot or Team Cold? Jump in on the conversation on our social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family Plus — don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Simmer & Share community event on November 8th! Email us at [email protected] to register!   Watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube

Just because summer planting is behind us doesn’t mean the gardening season is over! In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, we’re diving into simple, practical ways to keep fresh food growing well into the colder months. From low tunnels and row covers to caterpillar tunnels and unheated hoop houses, we share how we extend the harvest of greens, root crops, and more—all without fancy equipment. And for those who are local to Norfolk, Ontario - don’t miss our special event: we’re hosting a Simmer & Share event on November 8th—a cozy time to make broth together, share homestead tips, and connect with you, our listeners. Email [email protected] to register!

Can you really get away from the homestead? In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, we’re sharing what it looks like to step away—even in the middle of garden and harvest season. From prepping long lists for family and staff, to planning around animals, produce, and community commitments, we talk honestly about the work it takes to make time off possible. 🎧 Listen in and be encouraged that yes—it is possible to step away from your homestead.   And for those local to Norfolk, Ontario, join us for our "Simmer and Share" event on November 8! Email [email protected] to register (location will be provided once registered). We look forward to meeting you!   Watch this episode on YouTube

It’s been a while since our last homestead update — and for good reason! September has us knee-deep in harvest season, freezers filling, shelves stacking, and to-do lists that never seem to end. 🌿🥕 In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, Sarah & Heidi share: ✨ The reality of juggling homestead life with family life ✨ How to prioritize when everything feels urgent ✨ Why some crops can wait (and others can’t) ✨ The importance of perspective in different seasons of life Homesteading isn’t about doing it all — it’s about finding your sane point. Join us for an honest look at the messy, beautiful chaos of this season.   Are you local to Norfolk, ON? Then you should join us for our "simmer and share" event happening on November 8! Register by emailing [email protected] with your name. Location will be provided upon registration. We look forward to seeing all of you!   Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family or on YouTube!

It’s squash season! 🎃🍂 In this episode of The Heart of Homestead Family, we dive into all things winter squash—from heirloom varieties you won’t find in the grocery store, to simple (and safe!) ways to cook and preserve them for the months ahead. Whether you’re growing them yourself or bringing them home from the market, squash is a homestead staple worth celebrating. Tune in for practical tips, funny kitchen confessions, and a few family-favorite recipes that make the most of this hearty harvest. Check out Sarah's Squash Pie recipe!   Watch this episode on YouTube And follow us Facebook and Instagram for details about the Simmer & Share - @heart_of_the_homestead_family

Cabbage may take its sweet time in the garden, but when those heads finally make it into the kitchen… the possibilities are endless! 🥬 In this episode of The Heart of Homestead Family, we’re diving into the many ways to use and preserve cabbage once harvest time arrives. From the crisp crunch of fresh coleslaw to the tang of homemade sauerkraut, you’ll get practical, tried-and-true ideas for turning this humble vegetable into family favorites. If cabbage has ever left you wondering “what else can I do with this?”, this episode will give you plenty of inspiration to bring it from the field to the table with ease. Don't forget to leave a review. You also can watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube!

Peppers are in abundance—and we’re here for it! Whether it’s sweet bell peppers or fiery hot jalapeños, this episode is all about how to enjoy, preserve, and make the most of your pepper harvest. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep peppers on your table year-round, this episode is packed with practical tips and flavorful inspiration. 👩‍🌾 Whether you grow a garden or pick up fresh peppers at the market, you’ll walk away with new ideas for saving time, reducing waste, and bringing more color and spice to your meals. ✨ Don’t forget to mark your calendar! On November 8th at 10AM, we’re hosting our Simmer & Share event—broth-making, homesteading tips, and a chance to connect with our community. More details coming soon! And, you can watch this episode (and more!) on our YouTube Channel

🍑 Fresh peaches only come once a year—and when they do, you don’t want to waste a single one! In this episode, we’re talking all things peaches: freezing, canning, dehydrating, juicing, and even making peach salsa and fruit leather. Whether you grow your own or grab them from a local orchard, you’ll get plenty of ideas for preserving this sweet summer fruit so you can enjoy it all year long. 👉 Plus, we share details about an exciting Simmer & Share event coming November 8th—mark your calendar!   Check out this episode (and more!) on our YouTube Channel.

It’s harvest season on the homestead, and the tomatoes are rolling in faster than we can keep up! In this episode, we dive deep into everything tomatoes — from heirloom varieties to Romas, indeterminate vs. determinate plants, and how to deal with tomato hornworms. We also share our favorite ways to use up a bumper crop from freezing whole tomatoes (the easiest method!) to finding creative recipes like tomato jam, ketchup, and even freeze-dried tomato powder! Whether you grow a garden full of tomatoes or pick them up at a local farm, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you enjoy tomato season without overwhelm. 👉 Don’t miss our upcoming Simmer & Share Event on November 8th, 2025! We’ll be sharing homestead tips, preserving know-how, and connecting with you, our listeners. Check out Sarah's Butter Chicken Recipe And the recipe she uses for Shakshuka Watch this episode on YouTube!

Raspberries are one of the easiest (and tastiest!) fruits to harvest—and there are so many ways to enjoy them 🍓✨   In this episode, Sarah and Heidi share how they freeze, preserve, and use raspberries in everything from jams and dressings to quick snacks and even trail treats. You’ll also learn about everbearing varieties, wild black raspberries, and a few tricks for making the most of a seedy harvest. Plus—we’ve got an exciting event coming up on November 8th: a Simmer & Share all about broth-making, homesteading tips, and connecting with you, our listeners! Stay tuned for details. Watch this episode on YouTube

Beets — you either love them or hate them, but there’s no denying how versatile they are! In this episode, we dig into all things beets: from colorful varieties beyond the classic red, to pickling, roasting, salads, smoothies, and even using the greens. We share tips for cooking, preserving, and creative ways to enjoy them (without staining all your clothes red 😉). Whether you’re beet-obsessed or beet-curious, this episode will inspire you to bring more of this earthy veggie from garden to table. Don't forget to save the date for November 8th when we will have a "Simmer & Share," details coming soon!   Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel

Broccoli is finally in the kitchen—whether you grew it yourself or picked it up locally! 🥦 In this episode, we chat about: Dealing with pests and cleaning your broccoli (goodbye, hidden worms 👋). How we eat it fresh, roast it, or toss it into stir-fries and salads. Easy ways to preserve broccoli: blanching, freezing, and storing for later. Why you should never toss the stems (hello, soups and purees!). Creative ways to make broccoli fun for kids—even peanut butter + broccoli! If you’ve got an abundance of broccoli, this one’s full of tips to enjoy every bit.   Watch this episode on our YouTube channel!   And don't forget to mark your calendars for our "Simmer & Share" event happening November 8!

Cauliflower season has arrived! In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about the ups and downs of growing this sometimes-finicky veggie, why it rarely looks like the ones in the store, and how they process and preserve it for year-round use. From roasting fresh heads to sneaking puréed cauliflower into sauces, they share their favorite tricks, surprising experiments (hello, cauliflower pizza crust), and honest family reactions. Plus — tips to keep your cauliflower bright and fresh right from the garden. Got a favorite cauliflower recipe? They’d love to hear it!   Watch this episode on YouTube And...stay tuned for details about our Simmer & Share happening October 8!

Let's be honest - gardening is a lot of work and you have to be passionate about it! Even after 20+ years of gardening, we're still constantly facing new challenges. Today we're diving into one of the biggest ones: those bugs that want to eat your harvest before you do! We're sharing our tried-and-true natural methods for dealing with the most common garden pests here in Southwestern Ontario (and beyond). No harsh chemicals needed - just practical, real-world solutions that work for small backyard gardens. 🎉 SAVE THE DATE! 🎉 Simmer & Share Event November 8th, 2025 at 10:00am Join us for broth making, homestead tips, and getting to know each other better! We want to learn about YOU, our listeners. More registration details coming soon - you won't want to miss this!   Follow us on social media to stay up to date! @heart_of_the_homestead_family   Watch this episode on YouTube

Zucchini season is here and it does not come quietly! One day there’s none, and the next — your kitchen is overflowing. In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat all things zucchini: the creative ways they cook, can, freeze, dry, and sneak it into meals. From zucchini “pineapple” to quick pickles, crunchy dehydrated snacks, and even zucchini flour — we’ve got your bushel-loads covered!   Whether you're a first-time grower or knee-deep in green squash, there’s something in here for every homestead kitchen. 🌱   👉 Hit play, and let’s figure out what to do with all. that. zucchini.

Sarah and Heidi are deep in the thick of preservation season madness! July has been all about racing to keep up with the garden's bounty after what felt like endless weeding with nothing to show for it. Between hunting down impossible-to-find supplies like dill seed (seriously, why doesn't Bulk Barn carry it anymore?!) and Sarah's epic table collapse disaster that sent 100+ jars worth of pickles crashing to the floor, it's been quite the adventure. But hey, that's homesteading life - messy, unpredictable, and totally worth it when you finally master skills like whipping up 25 gallons of laundry detergent in just 10 minutes! The ladies are super excited to announce their November 8th listener meetup in Norfolk County - a free get-together where they'll teach you how to make the most amazing broth while chatting about all things homesteading. Because let's be real, homesteading is way more fun (and way less overwhelming) when you've got a community of like-minded folks to share the ups, downs, and pickle disasters with. Follow us on social media to catch details and sign up @heart_of_the_homestead_family And don't forget to check out our YouTube channel!

Blueberry season is here, and we’re loving every sweet, simple minute of it! In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about why blueberries are the ultimate low-maintenance fruit—from picking to freezing to baking. Whether you're tossing them in smoothies, baking them into cobblers, or just snacking by the handful, there's no wrong way to enjoy them. Tune in for tips on storing, dehydrating, and making the most of this summer staple—without turning your kitchen into a sauna. 😉 Don't forget to subscribe to catch all out latest episodes!

Join us as we dive deep into all things garlic - from harvest to kitchen! We share our favorite ways to preserve, prepare, and enjoy both garlic bulbs and scapes throughout the year. Takeaway Tips Freeze chopped garlic scapes for year-round use as a milder garlic substitute Dehydrate scapes to create custom garlic seasoning blends Pickle garlic scapes for a unique cocktail garnish Save clean garlic skins to add flavor to homemade stocks Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

In this episode, Sarah and Heidi dive into all the unusual, forgotten, and culturally diverse crops you can grow in your garden—from okra and eggplant to goji berries, tomatillos, ground cherries, artichokes, and more. Learn why these lesser-known plants are gaining popularity, how they enrich your meals and your soil, and which ones are best for kids, pollinators, and homemade preserves. Plus, discover tips for preserving horseradish, sun chokes, and those sweet little cucumber melons (aka mouse melons)! Try Sarah's favourite recipe for Ground Cherry Coffee Cake Whether you're a homestead gardener or just planting a few rows, you'll get inspired to try something new this season!   Watch this episode on YouTube or check out more videos on our channel. Listen to episode 32: "What is a Supertaster?" to find out why Heidi doesn't try all the vegetables in her garden! ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! 📌 Follow us for more gardening, preserving, and homesteading inspiration.

In this episode of Heart of the Homestead Family, Sarah and Heidi dive into the wonderful world of beans! Whether you're picking them fresh, freezing them, drying them, or even pickling them, there are so many ways to enjoy your harvest all year long. Whether you're new to bean season or a seasoned grower, this episode is full of inspiration and down-to-earth advice to help you make the most of your harvest!   Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family or check out our videos on YouTube

It’s mid-July and the gardens are bursting—but so are the weeds! 🌱 In this episode, Sarah and Heidi share a real and relatable look at homestead life during peak summer. From managing scorching heat to succession planting, balancing animal care, and just trying to keep the dishes done—it’s a season of prioritizing what matters most. Plus: We chat about letting go of homesteading guilt, making the most of the season, and celebrating the work that is getting done. Whether you’re weeding with your earbuds in or just dreaming of your first garden, there’s something here for everyone. 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode: → Sarah’s Strawberry Patch Tour on YouTube → Local Norfolk County market + pick-your-own suggestions (message us if you want the list!) You also can watch this episode on YouTube! Subscribe, share, and leave us a review if you enjoyed this down-to-earth chat!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of healthy fats—specifically, the kind that come from well-raised, local animals. Sarah and Heidi chat about the benefits of animal fats like lard, tallow, suet, and even the fat you can extract from chicken feet and beef bones. Whether you're just curious about real fats or you're ready to ditch the seed oils, this episode gives you the basics to get started confidently (and deliciously). Want a step-by-step guide on how to render animal fat at home? Check out our website for details! Read about it HERE Don't have animal fats on hand? You can grab some from Heidi's farm - Generations Marketplace! Don't forget to check us out on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

Fresh peas straight from the garden—what’s better? In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about the short but sweet pea season, how to enjoy peas beyond snacking in the garden, and a few simple ways to preserve them. From grilling snap peas to freezing snow peas for winter stir-fries, they’re sharing all the best tips (and laughs) for making the most of your harvest. 🌱✨

In this episode of Heart of the Homestead Family, Sarah and Heidi dive into the sweet (and sometimes steamy) world of homemade juice! From small-batch stovetop steam juicers to commercial setups that reduce food waste on the farm, they share practical tips, favorite tools, and clever ways to make the most of your fruit and veggie harvest. Whether you’ve got a garden full of berries or just a few soft peaches on the counter, you’ll walk away inspired to turn that produce into something delicious—and shelf-stable!

🥬 Lettuce might be the queen of salads, but there’s so much more it can do! This week on Heart of the Homestead, we’re talking about how to make the most of your lettuce harvest—whether it's from the garden, market, or grocery store. From grilled Caesar to smoothie boosts and lettuce wraps, Sarah shares creative (and practical!) ways to use up those leafy greens before they wilt. Plus, tips for storing lettuce to last two weeks or more—and how to share the extra with your animals or local farmers. Whether you're swimming in greens or just looking to cut down on waste, this episode is for you.

Strawberry season is here, and it might just be better than Christmas. 🍓 In this episode, Sarah and Heidi dive into one of their favorite things to grow, harvest, and preserve—strawberries! From growing tips and variety breakdowns to practical ways to enjoy and preserve your berry bounty all year long, this episode is packed with helpful info and homestead-tested ideas. Whether you're making jam, freezing for smoothies, or whipping up strawberry juice, we've got you covered. Plus, a pro tip for freezing strawberries without ending up with one giant clump. 😄 Check our website for tips, tricks and recipes! 

In this jam-packed June episode, Heidi and Sarah dive into all the chaos, joy, and challenges that come with spring on the homestead. May was one of the busiest and most unpredictable months—filled with wild weather, muddy fields, frost protection efforts, and floating strawberries (yes, really). They also share a peek into what’s coming to their new YouTube channel – think behind-the-scenes farm footage, how-tos, and eventually, video podcasts! Don’t miss this real, raw, and relatable update straight from the heart of the homestead.   Links & Mentions 👉 Heart of the Homestead Family on YouTube 🎙️ Check out the Rhubarb Mini-Episode 🌱 Check out everything that's happening at Generations Marketplace and Meadow Lynn Market Garden   Follow Us 📸 Instagram | 🐔 YouTube | 🌾 Facebook @Heart_Of_The_Homestead_Family

In this episode, we’re digging into our must-have tools for the garden—and why investing in quality gear can save you frustration (and your back). From the humble hoe to our favorite wheel hoe, we share what’s in our toolkits, how we organize them, and how we make garden work easier and more enjoyable. Plus: ✔️ Our go-to places to shop for garden tools ✔️ Why you might want two of everything ✔️ How a simple water timer changed the game Whether you’re just starting out or running a full-blown homestead, this episode is full of practical tips to get you prepped for a smooth growing season. 🎧 Tune in now and let’s grow together!

This week, we’re gushing over our favorite multi-purpose kitchen hero: the canning jar. 💚 From preserving garden harvests to storing bulk goods, sipping drinks, portioning snacks, and even housing Lego collections — these glass wonders do it all. We share our favorite ways to use them, how they’ve replaced plastic in our kitchens, and why they’ve become our go-to for convenience, sustainability, and sanity. 🎧 Tune in to learn how canning jars are quietly transforming everyday life, one lid at a time. 💻 Check us out on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family 📝 Send us an email with questions to [email protected]  

Spring is here, and so is asparagus season! 🌱 In this fun, flavorful episode, we dive into everything you need to know about harvesting, cooking, and preserving asparagus—from roadside ditches in Norfolk to your kitchen table. We chat about: Why asparagus needs daily harvesting (and why it drives us a little crazy) Local asparagus pride in Norfolk’s sandy soil Creative ways to use asparagus: pickled, grilled, in soup, and even on toast with cream sauce! Tips for preserving it in the freezer—and what not to do with a freeze dryer Whether you're a seasoned asparagus lover or just figuring out how to cook it, this episode has you covered. Check out our recipe for Creamed Asparagus Toast right HERE. 👉 Tune in now and get inspired to make the most of your asparagus haul.

In this episode, we dig into the joys and realities of gardening with kids. From choosing easy seeds like peas and beans, to setting realistic expectations (yes, someone might cry), we share practical tips and personal stories about growing food as a family. You’ll Learn: Easy, kid-friendly crops to grow Why gardening is a great outdoor learning tool How to manage mess and meltdowns with humor Creative ways to get kids involved—even just a little Ideas for community garden options and local programs Tune in and get inspired to plant something—even if it’s just a seed of an idea!

In this week’s episode, we’re continuing the conversation about rhubarb — but with a new twist! Farmer Heidi shares an “aha moment” about how rhubarb and other early spring foods might be nature’s way of helping our bodies reset after a winter of heavy, starchy meals. We explore how eating seasonally isn’t just good for the environment or local farms — it’s actually how our bodies are designed to thrive. From watching animals forage instinctively to tuning into your own cravings, we’re diving into how to eat with the seasons and listen to what your body really needs. Topics Covered: The surprising health benefits of rhubarb Why your spring cravings matter How animals can teach us to eat intuitively A gentle push toward seasonal eating habits Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

In this episode, we dig into the basics of companion planting—what it is, where it began, and how you can use it to build a healthier, more productive garden.  We also explore the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of being out in the garden. From improved microbiome health and vitamin D absorption to building patience and resilience, gardening offers more than just food. Topics Covered: What is companion planting & why it matters How gardening teaches patience, trust, and hope The power of sunlight & vitamin D Choosing what to plant based on what you eat and preserve Encouragement for new and seasoned gardeners alike 🌱 Whether you're a beginner or a long-time grower, this episode is full of inspiration and practical advice to help you get your hands in the dirt.   🔗 Mentioned: Vitamin D sun exposure calculator - Check it out HERE

Got rhubarb piling up in your kitchen or freezer? You're not alone! In this springtime episode, we're sharing our favourite ways to harvest, preserve, and use rhubarb — from sweet treats to savoury dishes. We chat about: How (and when) to properly harvest rhubarb Safe handling tips (don’t eat the leaves!) Our go-to ways to preserve rhubarb: freezing, juicing, freeze-drying Favourite recipes like cobblers, jams, pork with rhubarb, and even rhubarb BBQ sauce The surprising health benefits (and cautions) of eating rhubarb Why it’s one of the easiest and earliest crops to grow Whether you’ve got one plant or forty (yep, we’re serious), this episode is packed with ideas to help you use up every last stalk. 📝 Want a great dinner recipe? Check out Rhubarb Pork Loin HERE 🎧 Listen now and fall in love with this tart spring favourite all over again.