Heart of the Homestead Family

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

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  You also can watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube.   Don't forget to like, share and follow our podcast for more homesteading tips!

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. Follow us on social media for more homesteading tips @heart_of_the_homestead_family

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!

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!   Watch this episode on YouTube!

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 YouTube Channel!

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!   Watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube

Just because summer planting is behind us doesn’t mean the gardening season is over! In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, we’re diving into simple, practical ways to keep fresh food growing well into the colder months. From low tunnels and row covers to caterpillar tunnels and unheated hoop houses, we share how we extend the harvest of greens, root crops, and more—all without fancy equipment. And for those who are local to Norfolk, Ontario - don’t miss our special event: we’re hosting a Simmer & Share event on November 8th—a cozy time to make broth together, share homestead tips, and connect with you, our listeners. Email homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com to register!

Can you really get away from the homestead? In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, we’re sharing what it looks like to step away—even in the middle of garden and harvest season. From prepping long lists for family and staff, to planning around animals, produce, and community commitments, we talk honestly about the work it takes to make time off possible. 🎧 Listen in and be encouraged that yes—it is possible to step away from your homestead.   And for those local to Norfolk, Ontario, join us for our "Simmer and Share" event on November 8! Email homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com to register (location will be provided once registered). We look forward to meeting you!   Watch this episode on YouTube

It’s been a while since our last homestead update — and for good reason! September has us knee-deep in harvest season, freezers filling, shelves stacking, and to-do lists that never seem to end. 🌿🥕 In this episode of Heart of the Homestead, Sarah & Heidi share: ✨ The reality of juggling homestead life with family life ✨ How to prioritize when everything feels urgent ✨ Why some crops can wait (and others can’t) ✨ The importance of perspective in different seasons of life Homesteading isn’t about doing it all — it’s about finding your sane point. Join us for an honest look at the messy, beautiful chaos of this season.   Are you local to Norfolk, ON? Then you should join us for our "simmer and share" event happening on November 8! Register by emailing homesteadingpodcast@gmail.com with your name. Location will be provided upon registration. We look forward to seeing all of you!   Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family or on YouTube!

It’s squash season! 🎃🍂 In this episode of The Heart of Homestead Family, we dive into all things winter squash—from heirloom varieties you won’t find in the grocery store, to simple (and safe!) ways to cook and preserve them for the months ahead. Whether you’re growing them yourself or bringing them home from the market, squash is a homestead staple worth celebrating. Tune in for practical tips, funny kitchen confessions, and a few family-favorite recipes that make the most of this hearty harvest. Check out Sarah's Squash Pie recipe!   Watch this episode on YouTube And follow us Facebook and Instagram for details about the Simmer & Share - @heart_of_the_homestead_family

Cabbage may take its sweet time in the garden, but when those heads finally make it into the kitchen… the possibilities are endless! 🥬 In this episode of The Heart of Homestead Family, we’re diving into the many ways to use and preserve cabbage once harvest time arrives. From the crisp crunch of fresh coleslaw to the tang of homemade sauerkraut, you’ll get practical, tried-and-true ideas for turning this humble vegetable into family favorites. If cabbage has ever left you wondering “what else can I do with this?”, this episode will give you plenty of inspiration to bring it from the field to the table with ease. Don't forget to leave a review. You also can watch this episode (and more!) on YouTube!

Peppers are in abundance—and we’re here for it! Whether it’s sweet bell peppers or fiery hot jalapeños, this episode is all about how to enjoy, preserve, and make the most of your pepper harvest. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep peppers on your table year-round, this episode is packed with practical tips and flavorful inspiration. 👩‍🌾 Whether you grow a garden or pick up fresh peppers at the market, you’ll walk away with new ideas for saving time, reducing waste, and bringing more color and spice to your meals. ✨ Don’t forget to mark your calendar! On November 8th at 10AM, we’re hosting our Simmer & Share event—broth-making, homesteading tips, and a chance to connect with our community. More details coming soon! And, you can watch this episode (and more!) on our YouTube Channel

🍑 Fresh peaches only come once a year—and when they do, you don’t want to waste a single one! In this episode, we’re talking all things peaches: freezing, canning, dehydrating, juicing, and even making peach salsa and fruit leather. Whether you grow your own or grab them from a local orchard, you’ll get plenty of ideas for preserving this sweet summer fruit so you can enjoy it all year long. 👉 Plus, we share details about an exciting Simmer & Share event coming November 8th—mark your calendar!   Check out this episode (and more!) on our YouTube Channel.

It’s harvest season on the homestead, and the tomatoes are rolling in faster than we can keep up! In this episode, we dive deep into everything tomatoes — from heirloom varieties to Romas, indeterminate vs. determinate plants, and how to deal with tomato hornworms. We also share our favorite ways to use up a bumper crop from freezing whole tomatoes (the easiest method!) to finding creative recipes like tomato jam, ketchup, and even freeze-dried tomato powder! Whether you grow a garden full of tomatoes or pick them up at a local farm, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you enjoy tomato season without overwhelm. 👉 Don’t miss our upcoming Simmer & Share Event on November 8th, 2025! We’ll be sharing homestead tips, preserving know-how, and connecting with you, our listeners. Check out Sarah's Butter Chicken Recipe And the recipe she uses for Shakshuka Watch this episode on YouTube!

Raspberries are one of the easiest (and tastiest!) fruits to harvest—and there are so many ways to enjoy them 🍓✨   In this episode, Sarah and Heidi share how they freeze, preserve, and use raspberries in everything from jams and dressings to quick snacks and even trail treats. You’ll also learn about everbearing varieties, wild black raspberries, and a few tricks for making the most of a seedy harvest. Plus—we’ve got an exciting event coming up on November 8th: a Simmer & Share all about broth-making, homesteading tips, and connecting with you, our listeners! Stay tuned for details. Watch this episode on YouTube

Beets — you either love them or hate them, but there’s no denying how versatile they are! In this episode, we dig into all things beets: from colorful varieties beyond the classic red, to pickling, roasting, salads, smoothies, and even using the greens. We share tips for cooking, preserving, and creative ways to enjoy them (without staining all your clothes red 😉). Whether you’re beet-obsessed or beet-curious, this episode will inspire you to bring more of this earthy veggie from garden to table. Don't forget to save the date for November 8th when we will have a "Simmer & Share," details coming soon!   Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel

Broccoli is finally in the kitchen—whether you grew it yourself or picked it up locally! 🥦 In this episode, we chat about: Dealing with pests and cleaning your broccoli (goodbye, hidden worms 👋). How we eat it fresh, roast it, or toss it into stir-fries and salads. Easy ways to preserve broccoli: blanching, freezing, and storing for later. Why you should never toss the stems (hello, soups and purees!). Creative ways to make broccoli fun for kids—even peanut butter + broccoli! If you’ve got an abundance of broccoli, this one’s full of tips to enjoy every bit.   Watch this episode on our YouTube channel!   And don't forget to mark your calendars for our "Simmer & Share" event happening November 8!

Cauliflower season has arrived! In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about the ups and downs of growing this sometimes-finicky veggie, why it rarely looks like the ones in the store, and how they process and preserve it for year-round use. From roasting fresh heads to sneaking puréed cauliflower into sauces, they share their favorite tricks, surprising experiments (hello, cauliflower pizza crust), and honest family reactions. Plus — tips to keep your cauliflower bright and fresh right from the garden. Got a favorite cauliflower recipe? They’d love to hear it!   Watch this episode on YouTube And...stay tuned for details about our Simmer & Share happening October 8!

Let's be honest - gardening is a lot of work and you have to be passionate about it! Even after 20+ years of gardening, we're still constantly facing new challenges. Today we're diving into one of the biggest ones: those bugs that want to eat your harvest before you do! We're sharing our tried-and-true natural methods for dealing with the most common garden pests here in Southwestern Ontario (and beyond). No harsh chemicals needed - just practical, real-world solutions that work for small backyard gardens. 🎉 SAVE THE DATE! 🎉 Simmer & Share Event November 8th, 2025 at 10:00am Join us for broth making, homestead tips, and getting to know each other better! We want to learn about YOU, our listeners. More registration details coming soon - you won't want to miss this!   Follow us on social media to stay up to date! @heart_of_the_homestead_family   Watch this episode on YouTube