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Everyday Homesteading

Homesteading Family

Desperate to grow, cook, and preserve real food for your family in only 5-10 hours a week, but stuck as a new homesteader looking for practical, tried and true methods that work?

You wanted those pantry shelves filled yesterday, but the more you try, the more it seems a distant pipe dream. Online content is filled with impractical, untried homesteading advice, which wastes your precious time and money.

Everyday Homesteading steps in with practical, tested solutions, cutting through the chaos with clear plans tailored for busy beginners to reclaim your family’s health and independence through gardening, raising livestock, fresh seasonal cooking, herbal medicine and safe food preservation.

Hosted by veteran homesteaders, Josh and Carolyn Thomas, who grow 70% of their family’s food while running two businesses and homeschooling their large family, they have mastered practical homesteading for busy modern families. They have taught hundreds of thousands of new homesteaders to thrive with real-life homesteading through their online platforms Homesteading Family and School of Traditional Skills.

Tune in weekly to learn how to grow, cook, and preserve your family’s food, ditch health-destroying toxins, and save money monthly on groceries, all while building strong relationships and a sustainable legacy for your kids. Hit play now!

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S6 · E52
Saturday · 36 min
How I Care for Myself (So I Can Take Care of Others)
Self-care isn’t about escaping your responsibilities. It’s about caring for your body, mind, and soul so you can show up well for your family. In this episode, I share what self-care looks like in my own life, including my morning routine, health habits, and why true self-care should actually move you toward greater health. You can watch and read more at the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/self-care-for-moms/ TIME STAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction 1:04 - American Blossom Linens 4:49 - Main Topic Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. If you want to grab yourself some high-quality sheets that will last (and save some money doing so), be sure to use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your order. Check out all they have to offer here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/americanblossomlinens ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E51
September 5 · 41 min
Late Summer Garden Tasks
By late summer, the garden can start to feel a little wild. The weeds are growing fast, the harvest is piling up, watering needs are changing, and life outside the garden is getting busier, too. So what actually needs your attention right now, and what can you let go? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we’re talking through our top priorities for the late summer garden. We’ll cover why harvesting should come first, how to adjust your watering as the season changes, what to do with bare garden beds, when to plant fall crops or cover crops, and how to keep weeds from creating more work next year. We also talk about something that’s just as important: learning to recognize when good enough really is good enough. You don’t need a perfectly tidy garden to have a successful season. Plus, we’re sharing what’s happening around our homestead right now, from preserving green beans and sauerkraut to fall pasture management, meat chickens, and preparing for the colder months ahead. LINKS MENTIONED: * Traditional Skills Academy Curriculum: https://traditionalskillsacademy.com/ * Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. If you're new to Azure Standard, be sure to check them out and use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more (delivered to a drop location): https://homesteadingfamily.com/azurestandard * Grab a pre-order copy of David Stelzer's new book, Seeds of Hope here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/seedsofhope * Check out the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/late-summer-garden-care/ Whether your garden is still producing heavily or you’re starting to transition toward fall, we hope this episode helps you focus on the things that matter most and finish the gardening season well. What does your late summer garden look like right now? Let us know in the comments! TIME STAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction 1:17 - Chit Chat 9:55 - Traditional Skills Academy 11:10 - Azure Standard 14:06 - Main Topic #Gardening #VegetableGarden #LateSummerGarden #FallGarden #GardenTips ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E50
August 29 · 37 min
Your Soil Needs More Than NPK | Soil Health Part 2
Healthy soil requires more than nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In Part 2 of our soil health series, we're taking a deeper look at the essential minerals plants need to grow strong, resist stress and produce truly nutrient-dense food. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🪨 The difference between macronutrients and micronutrients 🌱 How nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur support plant growth 🔍 Common signs of mineral deficiencies 🧪 Why soil pH and biology affect nutrient availability ♻️ Natural ways to restore minerals using compost, cover crops and targeted amendments ⚠️ Why you should test your soil before adding lime, gypsum, wood ash or other minerals Healthy soil does much of the heavy lifting for you. When minerals, organic matter, oxygen, water and soil biology work together, you can grow healthier plants and more nourishing food. Read the full blog post: 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/soil-minerals/ Catch up on Part 1 of the soil series: 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/healthy-soil-starts-here/ A special thanks to Grand Teton Ancient Grains for sponsoring this episode! Grand Teton Ancient Grains grows pure, unhybridized grains on a regenerative farm where soil health is a priority. Choose from spelt, khorasan, emmer and rye, all grown, tested and carefully protected from contamination from the field to the mill. Shop Grand Teton Ancient Grains and use coupon code HOMESTEADINGFAMILY for 10% off your order: 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/ancientgrains ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E49
August 22 · 32 min
6 Old-Fashioned Homemaking Habits That I Use Every Day
Some of the best homemaking advice isn't new at all. Over the years, I've learned a lot from old household manuals, historical books and the way generations before us managed their homes. While I certainly love my modern conveniences, there are some old-fashioned practices that still make our household and homestead run so much more smoothly. In this episode, I'm sharing six that I still use today, including: 🏡 Giving each day of the week a purpose 🥕 Shopping the garden and pantry before the grocery store 🍽️ Why we serve meals family style 📅 Preparing tomorrow's needs today 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Teaching children to share in the work ✨ Ending the day with a simple house reset These aren't about creating a rigid schedule or keeping a perfectly clean home. They're simple rhythms that reduce decision fatigue, help everyone contribute and actually give our family more freedom. Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-i-manage-our-home-household-management-series/ What old-fashioned homemaking practice do you still use in your home? Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:54 - American Blossom Linens 5:25 - Main Topic Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast episode! Be sure to check out all their offerings, and use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your purchase: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E48
August 15 · 29 min
Don't Make THESE Preserving Mistakes
Preserving season can be incredibly rewarding, but when the garden is producing faster than you can keep up, it can also become overwhelming fast! Over the years, we've learned plenty of lessons the hard way about what makes harvest and food preservation season easier... and what makes it much harder than it needs to be. In this episode, we're sharing some of the biggest food preservation mistakes we've made and the practical habits that now help us manage the abundance without burning ourselves out. We'll talk about why you shouldn't wait until the produce piles up, how to choose the best preservation method for each food, preparing ahead for a preserving day, and why we always think about dinner before we start! We also discuss something that's easy to overlook: whether you're preserving food your family will actually eat and whether doing it yourself is truly saving you money. Whether you're putting up a few jars from the garden or preserving a year's worth of food, we hope these lessons make your harvest season a little easier. Check out the blog post for more information and any details mentioned: https://homesteadingfamily.com/tips-for-a-busy-preservation-day/ Links Mentioned: - School of Traditional Skills Annual FREE Summit: Keep an eye out in future podcast episodes for a link to sign up for the free summit! We'll share it as soon as sign-ups are open! - Homestead Kitchen Magazine: https://homesteadingfamily.com/magazine - Carla Emery's Encyclopedia of Country Living: https://amzn.to/4fXywal Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - Chit Chat 8:42 - Homestead Kitchen Magazine 10:21 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E47
August 8 · 25 min
My Values Are Showing: The Quiet Power of a Home Well Lived
Homesteading and homemaking are often treated as two separate pursuits, but what if they were never meant to be? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I'm sharing why I believe homemaking is the true foundation of homesteading. From growing food and preserving the harvest to preparing meals and caring for my family, it's all part of the same purpose: creating a home that reflects our values and nurtures the people we love. If you've ever felt like you're trying to "balance" homemaking and homesteading, I hope this conversation encourages you to see them in a whole new light. 📖 Read the companion blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/why-homemaking-is-the-foundation-of-homesteading/ I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell me: What has homemaking or homesteading been teaching you in this season? 🌿 Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this episode! I love American Blossom Linens because their sheets are made from 100% USA-grown cotton, crafted entirely in the USA, and built to last for years to come. Visit American Blossom Linens and use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" to save 15% on your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell me: What has homemaking or homesteading been teaching you in this season? Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:49 - American Blossom Linens 4:51 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E46
August 1 · 46 min
The Summer Slump in the Vegetable Garden (How We Survive!)
Have you ever walked into your garden and felt completely overwhelmed? You're not alone! Every gardener reaches a point where the weeds seem to multiply overnight, the harvest starts piling up, and it feels like there's never enough time to keep up. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we're sharing the practical routines, mindset shifts, and garden systems that have helped our family grow and preserve most of our food without burning out. From daily garden walks and harvesting routines to choosing your battles and letting go of perfection, these simple habits can help you enjoy your garden again. In this episode, we discuss: 🌱 Why every garden has a "messy middle" 🌱 How 20–30 minutes a day can transform your garden 🌱 The difference between daily tasks and weekly project days 🌱 Harvesting strategies that prevent overwhelm 🌱 When it's time to let a struggling crop go 🌱 Why observation is one of the most valuable gardening skills 🌱 Creating systems that make gardening easier every year Helpful Resources: 🌿 Avoid Garden Overwhelm: https://homesteadingfamily.com/avoiding-garden-overwhelm/ 🌿 How to Keep Weeds Out of the Garden: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-keep-weeds-out-of-garden/ 💧 Best Time to Water Your Garden: https://homesteadingfamily.com/best-time-to-water-garden/ 🌱 No-Till Gardening: https://homesteadingfamily.com/is-no-till-gardening-right-for-you/ 🌱 Lasagna Gardening: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-use-the-lasagna-gardening-method-or-layering-method/ 🛒 Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this video. Save 15% on your first Azure Standard order of $100+ with coupon code HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15 (orders sent to a drop location only): https://homesteadingfamily.com/azure-standard-yt Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Chit Chat 10:14 – Azure Products We Buy 13:40 – Main Topic If this episode encouraged you, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's feeling overwhelmed by their garden this season. Growing food doesn't require perfection—just simple systems and steady progress. #gardening #vegetablegarden #gardentips #homesteading #gardenmaintenance #growyourownfood ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E45
July 25 · 27 min
Stop Poisoning Your Soil: It's Worse Than You Think!
Healthy soil doesn't happen by accident. It starts with protecting the living ecosystem beneath your feet. In this first teaching episode of my Soil Health series, I'm sharing why keeping your soil chemical-free is the foundation for everything else we'll cover. Whether you're growing vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, or pasture, the health of your soil determines the health of your plants. We'll look at how herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and synthetic fertilizers affect the beneficial biology living in your soil and why quick fixes often create bigger problems over time. I'll also explain how healthy soil naturally becomes more resilient, helping your plants better withstand pests, disease, and drought. If you've ever struggled with weak plants, poor harvests, or garden problems that seem to come back year after year, this episode will help you understand why the solution starts below the surface. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why a chemical-free foundation is the first step to healthy soil • How common garden chemicals impact beneficial soil life • Why healthy soil is a living ecosystem, not just dirt • Simple steps you can take to begin restoring your soil naturally This is Part 1 of my Soil Health series, so if you're ready to grow healthier, more nutrient-dense food while working with nature instead of against it, you're in the right place. For the companion blog post, visit: https://homesteadingfamily.com/healthy-soil-starts-here/ And if you missed the introduction to the series, you can catch that here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-improve-soil-quality/ Thanks for listening to Everyday Homesteading. I'll see you in the next episode as we explore the next building block of healthy soil: minerals. Thanks to Homestead Kitchen magazine for sponsoring this podcast. Grab your copy of this monthly print magazine here and start enjoying homesteading knowledge, tips and recipes in the palm of your hands: https://homesteadingfamily.com/in-the-homestead-kitchen-yt Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:12 - Homestead Kitchen Magazine 3:22 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E44
July 18 · 53 min
The Missing Piece of Modern Homesteading
Have you ever stopped to consider that caring for the land isn't just a homesteading skill, but part of our Christian calling? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I'm joined by Brendan McClenahan from Plant With Purpose and the TEND Initiative to explore what the Bible says about stewardship, creation, and why growing food can deepen our faith. For many Christians, conversations about caring for the earth have become complicated. But long before environmental movements existed, God gave humanity the responsibility to cultivate and care for His creation. Together, Brendan and I discuss how homesteading, gardening, and working the land aren't separate from our faith. They're one of the ways we live it out. We also talk about why true self-sufficiency is a myth, how community has always been part of God's design, and practical ways churches and families can reconnect with creation through simple acts like gardening, composting, and supporting local farmers. If you've ever wondered how your faith and your homestead fit together, I think this conversation will encourage you. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ What the Bible says about stewarding God's creation ✔ Why Christians shouldn't avoid conversations about creation care ✔ How gardening and homesteading can strengthen your faith ✔ Why self-sufficiency isn't God's design for His people ✔ Practical ways to build community through caring for the land Time Stamps: 0:00 – Introduction 2:21 – Homestead Kitchen Magazine 4:25 – Main Topic Resources Mentioned: 📖 Read the companion blog post: https://homesteadingfamily.com/biblical-stewardship-of-the-land/ 🌱 Learn more about the TEND Initiative: https://tendlife.org 📰 Subscribe to Homestead Kitchen Magazine: https://homesteadingfamily.com/in-the-homestead-kitchen-yt If this episode encouraged you, I'd love it if you'd subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who has a heart for growing food, stewarding God's creation, and building a resilient home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E43
July 11 · 32 min
8 Reasons Your Canning Jars Didn't Seal
Have you ever finished a canning session only to discover one or more jars didn't seal? It happens to every home canner at some point, and even after more than 20 years of canning and preserving food for my family, I still have an occasional seal failure. In this video, I'm sharing the most common reasons canning jars don't seal, how to troubleshoot failed seals, and what you should do if you find an unsealed jar. We'll also cover simple habits that can help you prevent seal failures in future canning sessions so you can preserve your harvest with more confidence. In this video you'll learn: ✔ The most common reasons canning jars don't seal ✔ How to tell if a jar has sealed properly ✔ How headspace, siphoning, and dirty rims affect your seal ✔ Why overtightening bands can cause problems ✔ What to do if a jar doesn't seal within 24 hours ✔ When it's safe to refrigerate, freeze, or reprocess your food ✔ Why I always remove screw bands before storing my jars For even more troubleshooting tips, read the companion blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/why-didnt-my-canning-jars-seal/ Time Stamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:22 – American Blossom Linens 3:39 – Why Canning Jars Don't Seal This episode is sponsored by American Blossom Linens. Josh and I love investing in quality products that are made to last, and American Blossom Linens fits that philosophy perfectly. Their sheets, towels, blankets, and pillows are all made in the USA from high-quality cotton and backed by a two-year return policy. Use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" to save 15% on your order here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E42
July 4 · 24 min
How I Preserve a Year's Worth of Food Without Burnout
Are you working yourself to exhaustion trying to preserve every possible food for your pantry? I used to think a successful pantry meant recreating the grocery store at home. But after more than 20 years of homesteading, I've learned that's one of the fastest ways to burn out. In this video, I'm sharing the mindset shift that completely changed the way I preserve food. Instead of asking, "What do I want to eat?" I started asking, "What preserves well?" That one simple change has saved me countless hours while helping me build a pantry that's practical, resilient, and full of nourishing food my family actually uses. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ Why treating your pantry like a grocery store leads to unnecessary work and burnout ✔ The foods I make a priority to preserve every year ✔ How root cellaring and fermentation can dramatically reduce your preserving workload ✔ When it's actually smarter to buy food that's already preserved ✔ How to build a seasonal pantry that saves time, money, and effort ⏰ Time Stamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:24 - Azure Standard 4:47 - Main Topic 📚 Resources Mentioned Stop Treating Your Pantry Like a Grocery Store: https://homesteadingfamily.com/stop-treating-your-pantry-like-a-grocery-store/ Food Preservation: A Year at a Glance: https://homesteadingfamily.com/food-preservation-a-year-at-a-glance/ Root Cellaring for Beginners: https://homesteadingfamily.com/preservation-101-root-cellaring/ Eating Seasonally on the Homestead: https://homesteadingfamily.com/meal-planning-on-the-homestead/ This episode is sponsored by Azure Standard, one of Josh's and my favorite sources for bulk foods, pantry staples, organic produce, garden supplies, livestock feed, and hard-to-find homesteading essentials. We especially appreciate that they now offer home delivery in many areas, making it even easier to stock up on the quality products we rely on. If you're looking for a trusted source for homesteading supplies, be sure to check them out using the link below. And for first-time customers, you can use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your FIRST order of $100 or more, shipped to a drop location: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b 👇 I'd love to hear from you: What's one food you no longer preserve because you've realized it simply isn't worth the time? Or what's one thing you'll never stop preserving yourself? Share your answer in the comments! #FoodPreservation #Homesteading #PantryStorage #FoodStorage #Canning #SelfSufficiency ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E41
June 27 · 35 min
Our Daughter is Running the Garden!
What does it really look like to manage a large homestead garden? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I'm joined by my oldest daughter, Rachel, who has taken over management of our main crop garden this year. We sit down for a candid conversation about what's working, what we're learning, and a few garden bloopers that prove even experienced gardeners don't always get it right! Rachel shares what it means to be responsible for a garden without having to do all the labor herself, how we're involving younger children in the garden, and some of the systems we're putting in place to make gardening easier and more sustainable year after year. We also talk about sprinkler timers, compost surprises, cats in freshly planted beds, and Rachel's best advice for both new and experienced gardeners. In this episode, we cover: 🌱 How our family manages the main crop garden together 🌱 The difference between responsibility and doing all the work yourself 🌱 Practical ways to involve children of all ages in the garden 🌱 New watering systems we're testing this season 🌱 Garden mistakes, lessons learned, and funny stories from this year 🌱 Rachel's top tips for staying on top of your garden without feeling overwhelmed One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Rachel's reminder that daily observation is one of the most valuable gardening habits you can develop. A few minutes walking through the garden each day can help you catch problems early, harvest crops at the right time, and enjoy the process a whole lot more. 🛏️ American Blossom Linens - Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. We love their products because they're designed to last for years and are backed by an impressive 2-year money-back guarantee. They're also made with a focus on reducing unnecessary chemicals and toxins in the products you use every day. Use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:13 - Chit Chat 5:26 - Homestead Kitchen Magazine 8:23 - Soil Health ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E40
June 20 · 29 min
The Truth About Soil Health (And Why It Changes Everything)
What if the secret to healthier plants, bigger harvests, fewer pests, and less work in the garden isn't another fertilizer or amendment? What if it's your soil? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we're kicking off a brand-new Soil School series by exploring the foundation of every productive garden: healthy soil. You'll learn why soil is much more than dirt, how a thriving soil ecosystem works, and the six key elements that create resilient, nutrient-dense gardens. Over the next several months, Josh will be diving deeper into each of these topics in a special Soil School series designed to help you build healthier soil and work smarter, not harder, in the garden. In this episode: 🌱 Why healthy soil is the key to healthier plants 🪱 The surprising amount of life living beneath your feet 💧 How healthy soil improves water retention 🐛 Why soil health can reduce pest and disease pressure 🌿 The four levels of soil health 🧑‍🌾 The six foundations of healthy soil Whether you're a beginner gardener or have been growing food for years, this series will help you understand how to build living soil that works for you. Check out the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-improve-soil-quality/ This episode is sponsored by Homestead Kitchen Magazine. If you're passionate about from-scratch cooking, preserving the harvest, and building a thriving homestead centered around the kitchen, you'll love Homestead Kitchen Magazine. Filled with practical recipes, traditional skills, seasonal inspiration, and beautiful ad-free content, it's designed to help you build confidence in the kitchen and strengthen the connection between your garden, pantry, and table. https://homesteadingfamily.com/in-the-homestead-kitchen-yt Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:13 - Chit Chat 5:26 - Homestead Kitchen Magazine 8:23 - Soil Health #Gardening #SoilHealth #OrganicGardening ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E39
June 13 · 44 min
Botany in an Hour: The Secret Key to Better Gardening, Foraging & Herbalism
Have you ever tried to identify a plant, opened a field guide, and immediately felt overwhelmed? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm joined by Rachel Parks of Botany in an Hour to talk about a simple approach to botany that can completely change the way you look at plants. Instead of trying to memorize thousands of individual species, Rachel explains how learning a handful of plant families can help you become a better gardener, herbalist, forager, and homesteader. We discuss why understanding plant families is often the missing link that makes plant identification easier, how this knowledge can improve your gardening decisions, and why even young children can quickly learn to recognize common plant groups once they know what clues to look for. Whether you're interested in medicinal herbs, foraging wild plants, improving your garden, or simply understanding the plants growing around you, this conversation will give you a practical framework for learning botany without feeling overwhelmed. In This Episode We Cover: • Why plant families are easier to learn than individual species • How botany can improve your gardening and companion planting • The connection between plant families and herbal medicine • Simple clues for identifying plants in the mint family • Why plant family knowledge can make foraging easier • How understanding plant relationships can help you learn faster • Using botanical knowledge to recognize patterns in food sensitivities • Why plant diversity matters in the garden Resources Mentioned: 🌿 Save 20% on any Botany in an Hour course with coupon code: HFPODCAST20 https://botanyinanhour.com/ 🌿 10 Questions You Need to Ask to Identify Any Flowering Plant https://botanyinanhour.com/2025/05/07/10questionstoask/ 🌿 Best Botany Resources for Kids https://botanyinanhour.com/find-the-best-botany-resources-for-kids/ 🌿 Read the accompanying blog post: https://homesteadingfamily.com/learn-botany-for-beginners/ Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this podcast. Be sure to check out their herbal tea selection for delicious iced tea for summer! Use coupon code "HSPodcast" for 10% off your purchase (one use per customer): https://homesteadingfamily.com/HFteas-favorites Time Stamps 0:00 - Introduction 3:19 - Farmhouse Teas 5:36 - Main Topic #Botany #PlantIdentification #Herbalism ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E38
June 6 · 48 min
Natural Pest Control That Actually Works (Without Chemicals)
If you’ve ever struggled with pests in the garden, this episode will completely change how you think about natural pest control. Instead of reaching for sprays first, we’re talking about a layered, holistic approach to growing healthier plants that naturally resist pests better. From building living soil to attracting beneficial insects and knowing when organic interventions are actually appropriate, this conversation is all about working with nature instead of fighting against it. In this episode, we cover: • Why healthy soil is the foundation of pest resistance • The connection between soil biology and plant health • How daily observation can stop infestations early • Physical and mechanical pest control methods that actually work • Companion planting and attracting beneficial insects • When organic sprays can help and when they can do harm • Why adjusting expectations may be one of the most important parts of organic gardening Whether you’re a brand new gardener or have been growing food for years, this framework can help you create a healthier, more resilient garden ecosystem. For more information, check out the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/garden-pest-control/ LINKS MENTIONED - Traditional Cooking Class - Check out Carolyn's new class over at the School of Traditional Skills here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/STS_Member_n - Modern Homesteading Conference - Join us in Idaho this June 2026 and come say hi! Grab your tickets here: https://modern-homesteading.myshopify.com/HF10 - Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. Grab your canning supplies and be ready for preservation season. For first-time customers, get 15% off your order of $100 or more with coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15": https://homesteadingfamily.com/AzureStandard Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:28 - Chit Chat 9:18 - Azure Standard 11:00 - Natural Pest Control ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E37
May 30 · 28 min
3 Canning Rules That Confuse New Food Preservers
In this podcast, I’m diving into three canning concepts that confuse even experienced home canners. These are the kinds of things that can leave you second-guessing whether your jars are actually safe on the pantry shelf. In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I’m breaking down: - Why I never store jars with the rings tightened on - What changing liquid levels in your jars actually mean - Why proper headspace matters so much - What causes siphoning and how to prevent it - How false seals happen and what to watch for I know canning can feel overwhelming at times, especially when your jars don’t look “perfect,” but I want you to understand what actually matters for safety so you can preserve food confidently. For even more safety tips and common canning questions answered, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/canning-mistakes-to-avoid/ 🎉 FREE LIVE CANNING TRAINING: This month I’m hosting a free live canning training where I’ll walk you through the canning process step-by-step and answer your questions live during the Q&A. Sign up here 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/freecanningtraining A huge thank you to today’s sponsor, Grand Tetons Ancient Grains! They offer incredible traditional organic grains like einkorn, spelt, emmer, and rye straight from their regenerative family farm and mill. Use coupon code HOMESTEADINGFAMILY for 10% off through the end of June 2026. 👉 https://www.ancientgrains.com/?a_aid=HF&a_bid=7ebf0172 Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:15 - Free Canning Training 3:07 - Grand Teton Ancient Grains 6:21 - Canning Rules ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E36
May 23 · 32 min
How Often Should You Water Your Garden?
Should you water your garden every day? The short answer is probably not. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most common gardening questions and helping you understand how to water your garden for healthier plants, deeper roots, and better harvests. You’ll learn: • How often most gardens actually need water • Why daily watering can weaken plants • The difference between deep watering and shallow watering • The best time of day to water • How soil type changes your watering schedule • Signs you may be overwatering or underwatering • How mulch and healthy soil reduce watering needs naturally Whether you garden in raised beds, containers, or a large in-ground garden, these simple principles will help you stop guessing and start watering with confidence. Read the full article here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/best-time-to-water-garden/ Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this podcast! Be sure to check out all our Homesteading Family favorites, including the Persnickety Peach Chai for your summer iced tea! If you want to give it a try, Farmhouse Teas is offering 10% off your order with the code HSPODCAST. It’s a one-time use discount and good for one per customer, so be sure to use it wisely: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:27 - Chit Chat 5:00 - Farmhouse Teas 6:52 - Main Topic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E35
May 16 · 52 min
Are You Falling for the "Great Society" Trap?
How do we preserve family, community, and truth in a culture that seems to be moving faster and faster away from them? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I sat down with my friend Rory Groves for a thoughtful conversation about modern culture, technology, family economy, and what many families are sensing right now: that something important has been lost. Using the republished book Henry and the Great Society as a starting point, we talked about how modernization changed family life, community, work, and even the way we think about self-sufficiency. We also discussed why history matters and how looking backward can help us move forward with more intentionality. This conversation touches on: Family economy and durable living The tension between independence and community Why intentionality matters more than ever Building culture for future generations Encouragement for families trying to live differently in uncertain times I really appreciated Rory’s perspective and his heart for helping families think deeply about what it means to build a life that lasts. Links Mentioned: - Grab your copy of Henry and the Great Society here: https://homeward.press - Find Rory's book, Durable Trades here: https://www.thegrovestead.com/product/durable-trades/ - Learn more about the Gather and Grow events here: https://gatherandgrow.us 🌿 Today’s episode is sponsored by Homestead Kitchen Magazine: Homestead Kitchen Magazine is our ad-free monthly print magazine filled with trusted recipes, seasonal living inspiration, gardening, herbalism, preserving, and practical homestead skills from experienced teachers and contributors. Carolyn also shares a monthly faith-centered reflection from the heart of the homestead. Grab your subscription here: 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-magazine ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E34
May 9 · 29 min
How We Are Upgrading Our Homestead this Year
After years of pushing hard on our homestead, we reached a point where we had to ask a tough question: Is everything we’re doing actually sustainable? Last year, we intentionally slowed down. Not completely, but enough to take a step back and evaluate what was working and what wasn’t. And what we learned changed how we’re approaching this year in a big way. In this episode, we’re sharing the real-life changes we’re making on our homestead. The projects we’re moving forward with, the systems we’re simplifying, and a few things we’re choosing to let go of entirely. Because here’s the truth most people don’t talk about... You don’t have to do everything to build a successful homestead. 🌱 In This Episode Why we took a slower year and what it revealed The homestead projects we’re focusing on in 2026 What we’re scaling back and why it matters How our homestead is shifting into a multi-generational model The systems that were adding too much pressure What we’re doing differently this time around 🧭 Topics We Cover Simplifying dairy production Stepping away from pig breeding Turning over the main garden to the next generation Expanding the beef program Starting a family egg business Rebuilding the house exterior Resetting the orchard for long-term success 🧭 Mentioned in This Video - Learn how much to plant for a year’s worth of food: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-grow-a-years-worth-of-food/ - Raising backyard chickens: https://homesteadingfamily.com/raising-backyard-egg-laying-chickens/ - Stocking your pantry the right way: https://homesteadingfamily.com/prepping-your-pantry-for-winter/ - Planting fruit trees: https://homesteadingfamily.com/growing-perennials-on-the-homestead/ - Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. For first-time customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 1:22 - Azure Standard 5:29 - 2026 Projects ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MORE ABOUT US! WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us! Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
S6 · E33
May 2 · 29 min
7 Things I WISH I Knew BEFORE Buying a Freeze Dryer
I’ll be honest… when I first heard about freeze dryers, I thought they were a gimmick. I didn’t want to spend money on an expensive appliance that would just sit there collecting dust. But after using one in my own kitchen, I can tell you this clearly… I was wrong. In this video, I’m sharing the 7 things I wish I knew before getting a freeze dryer. These are the lessons that would have saved me time, food, and a whole lot of frustration when I was first starting out. If you’re wondering whether a freeze dryer is worth it, or how to actually use one in real life, this will help you make a much more confident decision. I’ll walk you through: • Why I thought a freeze dryer would be a waste (and what changed) • The #1 factor that determines how your food turns out • Why you need a simple workflow, not just a machine • The packaging mistake that can ruin your food • Why freeze drying isn’t as complicated as it sounds • The best foods to start with (and what to avoid) • How a freeze dryer can pay for itself faster than you expect Freeze drying has helped me reduce food waste, simplify meal prep, and honestly… give me back weeks of my time every year. And that’s something I don’t take lightly. 👉 Want help getting started without the trial and error? Join me for my FREE live freeze drying training where I walk you step-by-step through: • The 7 steps to freeze drying (so you get it right the first time) • How to afford a freeze dryer • Practical ways it saves money • How to actually make it work in your daily life You can sign up here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/freeze-drying-training I’ll be there live teaching and answering your questions. If you’ve been thinking about freeze drying, this is one of those skills that can truly change how you preserve food and manage your time at home. For more information, check out the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-getting-a-freeze-dryer/ LINKS MENTIONED: - Freeze Drying FREE Webinar: https://homesteadingfamily.com/freeze-drying-training - Freeze Drying the Harvest book: https://homesteadingfamily.com/hl-freeze-drying-the-harvest - Freeze Drying Archives on our website: https://homesteadingfamily.com/category/preserve/freeze-drying/ - How to Store Freeze Dried Food: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-store-freeze-dried-food/ - Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this episode of Everyday Homesteading. If you want to replace your linens with cleaner, more sustainable options, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens/ TIME STAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction 1:50 - American Blossom Linens 4:35 - Main Topic Become a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.

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