Heart of the Homestead Family

Mini Moments: Asparagus

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.

Gardening with Kids: How to Grow More Than Just Vegetables

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!

Mini Moment: Eating with the Season

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

Companion Planting & The Deeper Benefits of Gardening

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

Mini Moment: Rhubarb

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.

What’s On Our Homestead Counter (Right Now)

Ever wonder what a real-life homestead kitchen looks like in the middle of spring? In this laid-back episode, we’re chatting about the real state of our kitchen counters — from piles of dishes and pre-made mixes to jars of freeze-dried goodies, a busy bread machine, and overflowing compost bins.
We talk about how our counter changes with the seasons, how we make quick meals while living outdoors most of the day, and why convenience doesn’t have to mean compromise. Spoiler: it’s messy, functional, and full of life — and that’s exactly how we like it.
Whether you’re deep in homestead life or just curious what it really looks like behind the scenes, this one’s for you.

Mini Moment: How Do You Find Time to Garden?

We got a great listener question this week: How do you find the time to garden?
In this episode, we’re sharing how gardening became part of our lifestyle — not just a chore, but a daily rhythm that brings joy and calm. From starting small to involving the kids (or just savoring a quiet morning with your coffee), we offer practical tips for working a garden into even the busiest days. Whether you're growing for business or just your own table, the secret is consistency, presence, and a little bit of daily love. 💚

How Do You Take a Vacation from the Farm?

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a question that’s both simple and complicated: How do you take a vacation when you have a farm? Spoiler alert — it’s not easy, but it is possible with some creativity, planning, and a whole lot of love for the life you’ve built.
And then stay tuned for the second half where we give you an update on our farms. From opening weekend at our seasonal marketplace to letting the cows out (a true highlight of the year!), it's been full speed ahead. We chat about community connections, new staff training, spring planting challenges, gardening workshops, and the endless joy (and chaos) of baby animals.  
Life’s full, the days are long, and we’re soaking in every muddy, magical minute of it!
Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

What Your Homestead Mom Wants for Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and today on Wednesday Mini Moments, Sarah and Heidi are sharing their heartfelt — and humorous — wishes for the perfect Mother's Day! 🌸
From dreaming of a few hours of uninterrupted quiet (hello, nap time!) to practical gifts like potted plants, homemade birdhouses, and handy tools for homestead life, they reflect on what makes this day special for moms at every stage.
Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the hardworking, loving mamas out there! 🌻
🎧 Tune in for some laughs, real talk, and a few hints you might want to pass along to your family!

Mini Moment: Goals for the Growing Season

In this Wednesday Mini Moment, Sarah and Heidi share their personal goals for the upcoming growing season. 🌱 From growing enough cucumbers for pickling to starting vegetable breeding trials, they dive into the big and small ways they're building resilience and abundance on their homesteads.
Whether you’re tending a backyard garden or dreaming of a bigger homestead, this episode will inspire you to set a few growing goals of your own!
🎧 Listen in and grow along with us!