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 homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com
 

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.

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.

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. 💚

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