Heart of the Homestead Family

2025 Goal Recap

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!
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Garden 2025 Recap

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
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Pork in the Kitchen (And How We Use It)

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.
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A Homestead Christmas: Decorating with What You Have

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. 🎄
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Beef in the Kitchen

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 
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Using Farm Fresh Eggs

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.
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November Update on Our Homesteads

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!

Our Favourite Herbs for Cooking & Healing

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 →homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com
 
If you love growing, learning, and connecting with fellow homesteaders, this one’s for you!
 
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Harvest Hustle - October Update

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 homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com
 
Watch this video and more on our YouTube Channel!

Hot or Cold? The Ultimate Debate

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 homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com to register!
 
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