Heart of the Homestead Family

Early Foraging in Southern Ontario

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!

Allie's Favourite Vegetable - Parsnips!

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 GardenFor quality seedlings, spring plant sales, CSA boxes, and fresh strawberries, visit Meadow Lynn Market Garden this season.
Follow them on social media @meadowlynnmarket

What We're Doing in the Kitchen to Prepare for the Busy Garden Season

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 HideawayPlan 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/ 

You Don't Have to Follow the Calendar for Planting!

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!

Garden Planning on the Homestead

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!

A Fresh Season With New Voices

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

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!
Watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube
Follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

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
Follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family
Check out this episode (and more!) on YouTube

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.
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!

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. 🎄
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