The Modern Homesteading Podcast

Winter is a season with its own kind of work. Find the full show notes at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/winter-homestead-reality-check-what-actually-gets-done/

In today’s episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, I'm diving into one of the most practical, delicious, and surprisingly simple ways to boost your year-round food production: Growing a Four-Season Salad Garden — even in cold climates. Find The Full Show Notes at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/growing-a-four-season-salad-garden-how-to-harvest-fresh-greens-all-year-long/

When you start the journey toward self-sufficiency, it often feels slow. You look at everything you still want to do — grow more food, raise more animals, build better systems — and it can seem like you’re barely making progress. But here’s the truth: You're Further Along Than You Think! Self-sufficiency doesn’t happen overnight. It grows one small habit at a time. And many homesteaders are far more self-sufficient than they give themselves credit for. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “there yet,” this list will encourage you. Chances are, you’re already walking the path — and much further along than you realize. Let’s look at 21 signs you’re becoming truly self-sufficient. Find the full show notes at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/ways-to-know-youre-growing-in-self-sufficiency/

After a three-month pause, Harold and Rachel hop back on the mics to share an honest update on burnout, boundaries, and what’s been happening off-air. They talk about stepping away from the internet, re-centering on family, and rediscovering inspiration at a healthier pace. Rachel recaps: selling a house, expanding her orchard toward a food forest in stubborn drought, clearing and cover-cropping a half acre (winter peas + rye), stacking shiitake and lion’s mane mushroom logs, and prepping a site for a pole barn. She’s building a 10×10 “chicken mansion,” helping with poultry and small-stock butchering, and deciding which animals to bring on next. Harold shares his three months trucking for Tractor Supply—cooking real meals on the road with his wife—while his daughter tended the garden. The homestead “stress test” paid off: trees, berries, and perennials thrived on design, mulch, and zero watering, even in drought. They also get candid about creator fatigue in the homesteading space and why the podcast will return only when there’s real passion and value to share (no promises on a weekly cadence). Current projects include winter prep, heavy pruning, re-mulching guilds, and rebooting the greenhouse for cool-season greens and spring seeds. Looking ahead: Rachel plans chickens, rabbits, and ducks; Harold’s eyeing rabbits and quail again. They swap garden wins and flops (epic strawberries and figs; potatoes that surprised; not much canning this year), and a YouTube channel that’s been inspiring lately. Thanks for sticking with the show—whenever the next episode drops, the goal is the same as day one: practical encouragement to “grow where you’re planted.”

Join Rachel as she interviews Beth Declercq of The Declercq Homestead. In today's podcast episode they talk about Beth and Tommy’s journey from city dwellers to rural living on a small farm. Beth talks about raising milk cows, beef cows, homeschooling, large families all while running businesses from their farmstead. She gives wisdom and encouragement to all of us to slow down, be patient and give grace to yourself and your family. Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/large-family-small-acreage-farming-with-the-declercq-homestead/

On today’s podcast episode, Harold and Rachel dive into the world of outdoor kitchens—why they’re a game-changer for homesteaders and how to design one that fits your needs and budget. From saving energy and simplifying canning to creating community spaces and preparing for emergencies, we cover the benefits, layout ideas, tools, materials, and real-life tips. Whether you’re building from scratch or buying a kit, this is your guide to creating a practical and beautiful outdoor kitchen on the homestead.Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/outdoor-kitchens-for-the-homestead/

In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel have a good old-fashioned homestead chat. They covered everything from sore backs to swales, compost piles to creating memories—things every homesteader can relate to. Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/chewing-the-fat-about-our-homesteads-a-season-of-change-and-growth/

In this podcast episode, we explore how garden paths can do so much more than provide a place to walk—they can support soil health, manage water, grow food, host wildlife, and even tell a story. Designed with permaculture in mind, paths become a powerful tool for creating a productive and regenerative garden. From living groundcovers and composting mulch layers to contour-based water management and edible edges, you’ll learn how to make every step in your garden work for you and the ecosystem around you.Find the full show notes at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/garden-paths-from-a-permaculture-perspective/

On today's podcast episode, Rachel talks about something that can totally change your garden — growing vertically! Whether you have a tiny backyard, a small deck, or just a balcony, vertical gardening is a fun way to grow more food and flowers without needing tons of space.Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/how-to-garden-vertically/

In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Rachel talks all about broth. From simple meat stock to rich bone broth and even vegetable-based options, she breaks down the different types, their benefits, how to make them, and why they’re a staple in so many homestead kitchens. Whether you're new to broth or looking to fine-tune your process, this episode is packed with practical tips and homesteader wisdom.Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/about-broth/

In this podcast episode, we explore a refreshing new take on permaculture through the lens of Mulberries in the Rain, a deeply personal and story-driven book by Ryan Blosser and Trevor Piersol. Unlike traditional how-to guides, this book weaves together memories, relationships, and life lessons with plants—making permaculture feel alive, heartfelt, and accessible. Through authentic storytelling, Ryan shares how plants became part of his family history, how community shaped his journey, and why true resilience is rooted in connection, not just self-sufficiency. Whether you're new to homesteading or have been growing your own food for years, this conversation will inspire you to look at your land—and your life—in a new way. Discover the power of story in shaping your garden, your relationships, and your sense of purpose. It’s a beautiful reminder that growing food isn’t just practical—it’s deeply personal. Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/finding-deeper-purpose-in-what-you-grow/

In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, we’re joined by the amazing Melissa K. Norris—homesteader, author, and founder of the Pioneering Today Podcast! Melissa shares practical, real-life tips for cooking from scratch, even during the busiest seasons on the homestead. From batch cooking to freezer-friendly favorites and mastering one dough recipe for everything from rolls to pizza—this conversation is packed with helpful advice to make homemade meals doable and delicious. Whether you’re new to homesteading or just looking for ways to make real food fit into real life, you’ll love this episode! Find the show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/cooking-from-scratch/

Fences serve many roles on a homestead—keeping livestock in, keeping predators out, marking property boundaries, and providing privacy. However, in permaculture, we strive to make everything serve multiple functions. Well-designed permaculture fences can do much more than just create a barrier; it can become an integral part of the ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity, microclimates, and soil health. In this podcast episode, we’ll explore both traditional and alternative fencing methods through the lens of permaculture. We'll examine their ability to create edge, support wildlife, conserve resources, and integrate with natural systems. Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/permaculture-fences/ Join the Modern Homesteading Membership and listen AD-FREE! Learn more at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/what-is-the-modern-homesteading-membership/

Embarking on the journey of starting a homestead from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the possible costs involved. However, it’s possible to live the homesteading lifestyle with a small budget.These tips will guide you through the top lessons I've learned from starting and operating a homestead on a small budget and helped me make decisions that have paid off in the long run.Find the full show notes and links mentioned at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/starting-a-homestead-on-a-small-budget/ Join The Modern Homesteading Membership and Listen Ad-Free! Learn More at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/what-is-the-modern-homesteading-membership/

Everyone dreams of a thriving homestead—a place where fresh food is just steps away and animals live in harmony with the land. Permaculture offers a way to design that dream and help it grow over time. In this podcast episode guest Takota Coen—who has spent years learning, experimenting, and helping others—gives us advice on things to consider to design and implement permaculture into your homestead.Find the show notes and links mentioned at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/designing-implementing-permaculture-regenerative-systems-with-takota-coen/

The Modern Homesteading Podcast - Episode 275 A well-planned garden can provide more than just food for people—it can support livestock, pollinators, and soil health all at once. A Four-Fold Holistic Food Garden integrates these elements, creating a balanced ecosystem that maximizes productivity and sustainability. By focusing on these four key areas, you can build a garden that works in harmony with nature while meeting multiple needs on your homestead. Find The Show Notes and Links Mentioned at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/planning-a-holistic-garden-a-sustainable-approach-to-feeding-people-livestock-pollinators-and-soil/

When we think of leaves, we often picture them as the green parts of plants that we compost or occasionally toss into the cooking pot. However, many leaves offer a wealth of unique benefits beyond simple culinary uses. They can help improve soil health, provide natural pest control, serve as crafting materials, and even support herbal remedies—all while promoting a more sustainable homestead. In this episode, we’ll explore leaves that can bring unexpected advantages to your homestead. From traditional garden herbs to trees and even lesser-known plants, you may discover a new favorite way to put greenery to work! Find The Show Notes and Links Mentioned at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/leaves-with-surprising-uses-besides-food-for-your-homestead/

Starting seeds indoors can be a rewarding step in gardening. It allows you to get a head start on the growing season, select the best plant varieties, and save money compared to buying seedlings. However, success depends on a few key factors, two of which are the right soil mix and the proper seed trays. In this episode, we’ll explore the best soil options for seed starting, the different types of seed trays, and practical tips to maximize germination and seedling health. Find the Show Notes and Links Mentioned at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/exploring-seed-starting-soil-and-tray-options/

Homesteaders are always looking for ways to extend the growing season, start seeds indoors, and even grow food year-round. Grow lights are a game-changer when it comes to providing the right light conditions for plants when natural sunlight isn’t sufficient. Whether you’re starting vegetable seedlings for your garden or cultivating herbs and leafy greens indoors, choosing and using the right grow lights can make all the difference. In this episode, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grow lights, including the different types, what to look for when purchasing them, and best practices for seed starting and full plant growth. Find the show notes and links mentioned at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/the-homesteaders-guide-to-grow-lights/

A well-organized workshop is the heart of any homestead. Whether you're fixing broken tools, building new projects, or maintaining equipment, a dedicated workspace makes all the difference. Having a homestead shop saves time, money, and frustration by keeping everything organized, and ready when you need it. In this podcast episode, we’ll cover why every homesteader should have a shop, where to set it up, and how to design and organize it efficiently. Whether you have a sprawling farm or a small backyard homestead, a functional workshop will improve your self-sufficiency and productivity. Find the complete show notes at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/the-homestead-workshop-why-you-need-one-and-how-to-set-it-up/