Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Ditch The Store

Have you ever wondered why some gardens seem to thrive while others constantly need more fertiliser, more water and more attention?

In this episode, we're talking about the biggest mistake many gardeners make – focusing on feeding the plant instead of feeding the soil.

I'll explain why healthy soil is the foundation of every productive vegetable garden, how poor soil can become an expensive cycle to break, and the simple things you can start doing now to build a garden that produces more while relying less on fertilisers and other bought products.

I'll also share a farm update, introduce our newest Anglo Nubian buckling, Loki, and chat about what we're doing around the property as we get ready for spring.

In this episode:

• Meet Loki, the newest (and noisiest!) member of the farm

• Why poor soil costs you more than you realise
• The fertiliser treadmill and how to avoid it
• Why healthy soil grows healthier plants
• What nature can teach us about building fertile soil
• Five practical ways to improve your soil naturally
• The pros and cons of different animal manures
• What green manure crops are and why they're worth trying
• A simple explanation of crop rotation
• This week's Worth Spending Money On
• This Week's Store Swap
• This Week's Challenge
• Take the FREE Ditch the Store Score

Whether you're just starting your first veggie patch or looking to improve the one you've already got, this episode will help you build healthier soil, grow stronger plants and spend less at the garden centre over time.

🌱 Take the FREE Ditch the Store Score:
https://www.ditchthestore.com/dtsscore

📲 Follow along on social media:
@mojohomestead

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who's ready to rely a little less on the supermarket.

Eggs are one of the most valuable foods you can produce—or buy—but most of us only think about them at breakfast.

In this episode, I share 10 practical ways to use every egg well, reduce food waste, save money, and get more value from your backyard chickens (or your local egg supplier).

We'll cover preserving eggs, meal planning, using leftovers, making homemade mayonnaise, and simple ways to stretch every dozen further.

Whether you've got your own flock or you're just beginning your homesteading journey, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can put into action this week.

In this episode:

• Why eggs are one of the most versatile foods you can keep on hand
• Simple ways to stop wasting eggs

• How to preserve surplus eggs
• Easy meals that use plenty of eggs
• What to do with eggshells
• Homemade mayonnaise that tastes amazing
• Why planning beats panic-buying every time

This week's challenge

🥚 See how many different meals you can make using eggs this week.

Then take your Ditch The Store Score and see where you are on your self-sufficiency journey:

www.ditchthestore.com/dtsscore

If you're enjoying Ditch The Store, I'd really appreciate it if you could follow the podcast and leave a review. It helps more hardworking families discover practical ways to grow, make and raise more of their own food.

Everyone says chickens are the perfect first homesteading animal—but are they?

In this episode, I explain why I love chickens, why they're still one of the best additions to any homestead... and why they might not be the first step for everyone.

If you're just starting your journey towards self-sufficiency, we'll look at the practical skills that can save you money, build your confidence, and make keeping chickens much more rewarding when the time is right.

We also cover Australia's current bird flu situation, the real costs of keeping chickens, and a simple challenge that will help you rely a little less on the supermarket this week.

This week's takeaway

Before buying chickens, ask yourself:

"What's one thing I could stop buying from the supermarket?"

Start with one simple change. Build confidence. Then keep going.

Tag me at @MojoHomestead and let me know what supermarket swap you made—I love seeing what you're creating.

If you're enjoying Ditch The Store, please follow the podcast and leave a review. It helps more beginner homesteaders discover practical ways to take back control of their food supply.

Have you ever watched a beautiful cabbage, zucchini, or box of fresh vegetables slowly turn into compost while sitting in your fridge?

What if there was a way to preserve that food for months, improve its flavour, support your gut health, and do it all without a freezer, pressure canner, or expensive equipment?

In this episode of Ditch the Store, we're diving into one of humanity's oldest food preservation methods: fermentation.

From simple homemade sauerkraut to kimchi, sourdough, kombucha, and even fermented horse milk used by Mongolian nomads, we'll explore why fermentation has been helping people preserve food for thousands of years and how you can get started with nothing more than cabbage, salt, and a jar.

Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been curious about making your own fermented foods, this episode will give you the confidence to have a crack at it.

Beginner Sauerkraut Recipe

Ingredients

1kg cabbage

1 tablespoon non-iodised salt

• Finely shred the cabbage.
• Add salt.
• Massage thoroughly until brine begins to form.
• Pack tightly into a clean jar.
• Ensure cabbage remains completely submerged beneath the brine.
• Ferment for 7–21 days depending on temperature and taste preference.
• Refrigerate once the flavour reaches your liking.

✅ Keep the cabbage below the brine.

Air is the enemy of good sauerkraut.

Mentioned in This Episode

🌿 Mojo Homestead Freebies & Newsletter

https://www.mojohomestead.net

🌿 Ditch The Store Book Collection

https://www.mojohomestead.net/home/books

Next Week

🐔 Bird Flu Has Arrived in Australia — What Every Chicken Keeper Needs to Know

We'll separate fact from fiction, discuss what the current situation means for backyard chicken keepers, and look at practical biosecurity steps you can take to protect your flock without falling into panic mode.

Enjoying the Podcast?

If you're enjoying Ditch the Store, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform.

⭐ Your reviews help more people discover the show.

⭐ Five-star reviews may even earn you a shout-out in a future episode.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on:

• Homesteading

• Backyard chickens

• Food preservation

• Gardening

• Self-sufficiency

• Traditional skills

• Food security

• Ditching the supermarket one skill at a time

#DitchTheStore #Fermentation101 #Sauerkraut #FoodPreservation #Homesteading #GutHealth #FoodSecurity #TraditionalSkills #SelfSufficiency #FermentedFoods #MojoHomestead

Bird flu has officially arrived in Australia, and if you keep backyard chickens, you've probably seen plenty of headlines, social media posts, and opinions flying around.

But what does it actually mean for your flock?

Should you be worried?

Do you need to lock your chickens up?

What practical steps can you take to protect your birds without falling into panic mode?

In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ separates fact from fiction and explains what backyard chicken keepers need to know about avian influenza, how it spreads, the signs to watch for, and the simple biosecurity measures that can help keep your flock safe. Based on the episode transcript.

In This Episode

🐔 What bird flu (avian influenza) actually is

🐔 What's happening in Australia right now

🐔 How bird flu spreads between birds

🐔 Why backyard chicken keepers should pay attention

🐔 Practical biosecurity measures you can implement today

🐔 Signs and symptoms to watch for in your flock

🐔 Whether free-range chickens are at greater risk

🐔 Could bird flu affect egg supplies and prices?

🐔 How to stay informed without falling into fear and misinformation

Key Takeaways

✅ Don't panic

✅ Focus on practical biosecurity

✅ Secure feed and water sources

✅ Limit contact with wild birds where possible

✅ Monitor your flock daily

✅ Stay informed through official sources

✅ Preparation is more useful than fear

Resources Mentioned

📧 Mojo Homestead Website

http://www.mojohomestead.net

🇦🇺 Official Australian Bird Flu Updates

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/animal/avian-influenza

Next Week

From Shell to Shelf: How to Store, Preserve & Use More Eggs

Enjoying the Podcast?

If you're enjoying Ditch the Store, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast platform.

⭐ Reviews help more people discover the show.

⭐ Five-star reviews may earn you a shout-out in a future episode.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on:

Backyard chickens

Homesteading

Food security

Gardening

Food preservation

Self-sufficiency

Traditional skills

Ditching the supermarket one skill at a time

#DitchTheStore #BirdFluAustralia #BackyardChickens #ChickenKeeping #Homesteading #FoodSecurity #AvianInfluenza #AustralianHomesteading #SelfSufficiency #MojoHomestead

Winter has settled in. The garden has slowed down, the chickens are taking their annual leave, and the shortest day of the year is almost here.

But what if this wasn't something to endure?

What if it was something to celebrate?

In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explores the history of Yule, the ancient midwinter festival that celebrated the longest night of the year and the return of the light. We look at how many familiar Christmas traditions have roots in older seasonal celebrations and why Yule still makes perfect sense for modern homesteaders.

Whether you're interested in history, seasonal living, family traditions, or simply finding a meaningful way to mark the winter solstice, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use on your own homestead.

❄️ What Yule is and why it was celebrated

🔥 The connection between Yule, winter solstice, and Christmas traditions

🌲 The history behind Yule logs, evergreen decorations, candles, and midwinter feasts

🐔 Why seasonal living still matters for modern homesteaders

📝 Questions to reflect on as you review your homestead year

🍲 Simple and affordable Yule traditions you can start with your family

🌱 How winter planning can set you up for success in spring

• Light candles to celebrate the return of longer days
• Share a meal made from homegrown or preserved food
• Gather around a fire pit or fireplace
• Create decorations from natural materials
• Reflect on what worked (and didn't work) on your homestead this year
• Set goals for the coming growing season
• Practice gratitude for the lessons, harvests, and experiences of the past year

Winter may feel slow, but it isn't standing still.

Every day after the winter solstice brings a little more light, a little more warmth, and one step closer to spring.

Mentioned in this Episode

🌿 Join the Mojo Homestead mailing list:
www.mojohomestead.net

🌿 Follow Mojo Homestead for more homesteading tips, seasonal living inspiration, and practical self-sufficiency advice.

🥬 Fermentation 101 – Learn the basics of fermenting food, improving gut health, preserving harvests, and adding natural probiotics to your pantry.

🎧 Subscribe to Ditch the Store for weekly episodes on homesteading, food security, backyard chickens, gardening, livestock, self-sufficiency, and creating a more resilient lifestyle.

#DitchTheStore #Yule #WinterSolstice #Homesteading #SeasonalLiving #SelfSufficiency #ChristmasInJuly #MojoHomestead #BackyardHomestead #SimpleLiving #HomesteadLife #AustralianHomesteading

Have your hens suddenly stopped laying eggs? Before you panic and start questioning your chicken-keeping skills, take a breath.

If it's winter, there's a good chance your girls haven't quit their jobs—they've simply gone on annual leave.

In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explains why egg production drops (or stops completely) during winter, what a molt actually is, how daylight affects laying, and the practical steps you can take to help your flock through the season.

You'll learn:

🐔 Why shorter days—not cold weather—are usually responsible for reduced egg production

🐔 What happens during a molt and why hens need this natural rest period

🐔 How to tell the difference between a molting hen and a sick hen

🐔 The best high-protein foods to support feather regrowth

🐔 Common mistakes that can make a molt last longer

🐔 Whether artificial lighting is worth using in a backyard flock

🐔 What to expect as spring approaches and egg production returns

If you've opened the nesting box lately and found nothing but disappointment, this episode is for you.

✅ Join the Mojo Homestead mailing list: www.mojohomestead.net

✅ Upcoming book: Eggs Without Cartons – the complete guide to raising chickens for fresh backyard eggs

✅ Current book: Ditch the Store: From Brooder to Plate

Remember: winter doesn't last forever, and neither does a molt. Feed them well, keep them healthy, and the eggs will return.

🎧 Subscribe to Ditch the Store for practical homesteading advice on chickens, gardening, self-sufficiency, food security, and living a more independent life.

#DitchTheStore #BackyardChickens #ChickenKeeping #EggProduction #MoltingChickens #HomesteadingAustralia #SelfSufficiency #FarmLife #MojoHomestead #RaiseYourOwnFood

Mentioned in this episode:

Brooder to Plate - USA and Kindle https://amzn.to/44yQr2L

Brooder to Plate - Aussie version https://amzn.to/4eTcGnw

✅ Join the Mojo Homestead mailing list: www.mojohomestead.net✅ Upcoming book: Eggs Without Cartons – the complete guide to raising chickens for fresh backyard eggs✅ Current book: Ditch the Store: From Brooder to PlateBrooder to Plate - USA and Kindle ⁠https://amzn.to/44yQr2L⁠

Brooder to Plate - Aussie version ⁠https://amzn.to/4eTcGnw⁠Remember: winter doesn't last forever, and neither does a molt. Feed them well, keep them healthy, and the eggs will return.🎧 Subscribe to Ditch the Store for practical homesteading advice on chickens, gardening, self-sufficiency, food security, and living a more independent life.#DitchTheStore #BackyardChickens #ChickenKeeping #EggProduction #MoltingChickens #HomesteadingAustralia #SelfSufficiency #FarmLife #MojoHomestead #RaiseYourOwnFood

Southern Tablelands, NSW and cool-temperate Australia — June, July, August

LEAFY GREENS

Kale: Cavolo Nero / Tuscan Kale, Curly Kale,

Red Russian

Silverbeet / Rainbow Chard

English Spinach: Bloomsdale, Winter Giant — direct sow only

Mustard Greens

Asian Greens: Bok Choy, Pak Choi, Wombok/Chinese Cabbage

BRASSICAS

Broccoli — plant as seedlings

Cauliflower — plant as seedlings, frost cloth on hard frost nights

Cabbage: Green Drumhead, Savoy

Kohlrabi

LEGUMES

Broad Beans: Aquadulce, Coles Dwarf — direct sow

Peas: Greenfeast, Snow Peas, Sugar Snap Peas — direct sow, needs a trellis

ROOT VEGETABLES

Radishes: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast — direct sow, very fast

Beetroot: Chioggia, Cylindra — direct sow

Turnips — direct sow

Swede — direct sow

Leeks — plant seedlings

ALLIUMS

Garlic: Monaro Purple, Australian Purple (ideal for Southern Tablelands) — best planted March–April, but plant now anyway; buy seed garlic, not supermarket bulbs

Spring Onions

HERBS

Parsley — very frost-hardy, thrives in cool weather

Coriander — best grown in winter; bolts in heat

Chives

Rosemary,

Thyme,

Sage — established plants sail through winter

DO NOT PLANT IN SOUTHERN TABLELANDS WINTER:

Tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkin, corn, French beans, climbing beans, capsicums, eggplant, sweet potato, basil

PRACTICAL TIPS FROM THIS EPISODE:

In Australia, north-facing beds get the most winter sun (sun comes from the north)

Use frost cloth in the evening when frost is forecast; remove in the morning

Mulch around plants to protect roots — keep mulch away from the crown

Direct sow: spinach, broad beans, peas, radishes, carrots, beetroot, turnips

Plant as seedlings: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, silverbeet, cabbage, leeks

Water less in winter — check soil before watering

Succession sow radishes and spinach every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest

Cold frames and frost cloth can extend what's possible on hard frost nights

LINKS:

Join the Mojo Homestead email list: www.mojohomestead.net

'Eggs Without Cartons' — coming soon. Email list members hear first.

Frost season is here — and if you’re in a cold pocket like the Southern Tablelands, you already know it can wipe out a garden overnight.

In Episode 165 of Ditch The Store, I’m walking you through frost protection basics: what frost actually is, how to judge your risk, the cheap methods that work, and the common mistakes that make things worse.

Quick personal note first: Tuesday was my “D‑Day” — I’m saw the surgeon to check the X‑ray and find out whether the bone graft in my leg has taken. If you’ve got a spare good thought, send it my way.

In this episode

• What frost is (ice crystals forming on plant surfaces below 0°C)

• Why clear, still nights are the biggest frost risk (clouds = a blanket)

• Frost pockets and why cold air behaves like water (it sinks and pools)

• How to judge your frost risk: light frost vs hard frost

• Knowing your first/last frost dates (and why late surprise frosts happen)

• What gets smashed first (the drama queens) vs what can cope

• Microclimates you can use to “cheat”:

• Brick walls + under eaves

• Evergreen shelter (with the trade-off of shade)

• Near water (more stable temps)

• 5 frost protection methods:

1. Cover plants (frost cloth, sheets, cloches, plastic with a frame)

1. Mulch (stabilises soil temps + suppresses weeds)

1. Watering (moist soil holds heat — but water early, not at night)

1. Move pots (verandah, greenhouse, shed/garage overnight)

1. Windbreaks + airflow management (wind strips warmth and dries plants)

• What NOT to do:

• Plastic/fabric sitting directly on leaves

• Leaving covers on for days without airflow/light

• Pushing nitrogen fertiliser in winter (soft growth = frost damage)

• Ignoring weeds (they don’t take winter off)

• Protecting specific plants: seedlings vs established plants, herbs, leafy greens, root veg

• Winter infrastructure checks: hoses, taps, irrigation lines, frozen pipes

• A simple frost-night checklist (forecast → cover → mulch → move pots → uncover)

• Australian cold zone map (https://canva.link/wthzfa19m20cmbi)

Mentioned Next week

What you can still grow in winter — including ideas for different zones (not just mine). Got a go-to frost trick that actually works? Send me a DM and tell me what you do.

Winter’s rolling in down here in the Southern Tablelands, so today we’re talking backyard greenhouses — and I don’t just mean the “grab a kit from Bunnings and hope for the best” kind.

I break down what a greenhouse actually does (wind management, frost protection, moisture control and temperature buffering), why it matters in frosty climates, and the different options from tiny cloches right through to DIY window-and-door masterpieces.

I also share a quick personal update on my leg (surgery, bone graft, and the long road back to being properly useful around the farm again). Thanks for all the kind messages — they’ve meant a lot.In this episode

• Why there was no episode last week (and where I’m at with recovery)

• Greenhouse vs hothouse (and why I want both)

• The first step: know your climate zone + frost dates

• Frost pockets, wind exposure and why valleys can be colder

• What a greenhouse is meant to do (not just look pretty)

• Greenhouse options:

• Cloches (mini plant domes)

• Cold frames (old window over a raised bed)

• Hoop houses / plastic tunnels

• Shade cloth houses (what I’m using right now)

• Polycarbonate kit greenhouses

• Traditional glasshouses

• DIY builds using recycled windows and doors

• Location tips: winter sun, ventilation, drainage, access and shelter

• Practical design stuff: walkway width, benches vs in-ground, door width, vents

• Materials + covers: timber, steel, PVC hoops, greenhouse plastic, shade cloth, polycarbonate, glass

• Anchoring (because nobody wants their greenhouse ending up next door)

• What to grow through winter (and what’s a bit too optimistic)

ResourcesFree Australian hot/cold zone map for you to save or print: https://canva.link/wthzfa19m20cmbi

Next week

I’m going deeper into frost protection — the basics and what actually works when winter really bites.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a mate who’s trying to grow food in a frost pocket.

See you next week, bye for now.

Fresh herbs from the garden taste nothing like the sad wilted bunch from the supermarket — and if you know how to preserve them, you'll have that flavour all year round.

CJ covers drying, freezing, herb butter, herb salt, and infused oils, so nothing from your autumn harvest goes to waste.

👉 Weekly tips and seasonal advice at mojohomestead.net

Think there's nothing to do in the garden in May?

Think again. CJ covers the autumn cleanup jobs that'll save you a heap of work come spring — from harvesting the last of the season, prepping your soil, getting winter crops in, and planning ahead so you're not scrambling when the weather warms up again.

👉 Weekly seasonal tips at mojohomestead.net

Potatoes, garlic, and onions are three of the easiest, most satisfying crops you can grow — and right now is exactly the right time to plant them.

CJ covers everything from soil prep to harvest, so you can stock your pantry for months without spending a fortune at the shops.

👉 Jump on our newsletter list and see freebie links at mojohomestead.net

Think composting is too hard, too smelly, or needs a fancy setup?

It doesn't.

CJ breaks it down to the basics — greens, browns, and just getting started. Whether you've got a backyard or a farm, this episode will have you composting by the end of the week.👉

Find the Ditch the Store book series at

Brooder to Plate - USA and Kindle https://amzn.to/44yQr2L

Brooder to Plate - Aussie version https://amzn.to/4eTcGnw

Cool Season Gardening: What to Grow This Winter (and How to Actually Keep It Alive)

Think winter means shutting the garden down and waiting for spring? Think again.

In this episode, CJ breaks down everything you need to know about cool season gardening — what actually changes in your garden over winter, which crops thrive in the cold, and how to set yourself up for success without overcomplicating it.

Whether you've got a backyard veggie patch or a full homestead, there's no reason your garden has to go dormant. From garlic and potatoes you can basically ignore, to brassicas worth the extra effort — CJ covers the lot, including the beginner mistakes she's made herself (and would very much like you to avoid).

In this episode:

• Why winter gardening is slower — and why that's completely fine

• The best leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas for cool weather

• Herbs that actually prefer the cold

• Soil prep and mulching: why it matters more in winter than any other season

• Frost protection without spending a fortune

• The most common beginner mistakes (and how to dodge them)

• Why garlic is the ultimate set-and-forget crop

No fluff, no Pinterest-perfect gardens. Just practical advice for real people who want to grow food through winter.

🌿 Part of the Ditch the Store podcast — practical homesteading for real people on real budgets.

Easter on the Homestead: Seasonal Cycles, Real Food & Why You Should Pat Yourself on the Back

Easter looks a little different when you're living off the land — especially in the Southern Hemisphere, where it lands smack in the middle of autumn, not spring.

In this episode, CJ digs into what Easter actually means for homesteaders: the ancient seasonal roots behind the chocolate eggs and rabbits, why the northern and southern hemispheres are at completely opposite ends of the cycle right now, and what you should actually be doing on your property this time of year.

She also makes a passionate case for why Australians need to stop being so bloody modest about their wins — and why Easter is the perfect time to sit down, reflect on your season, and give yourself credit for what you grew, raised, and kept alive.

In this episode:

• The real (pre-chocolate) history of Easter

• What autumn on the homestead looks like in Australia right now

• Practical Easter ideas using what you've already got

• Why your seasonal reflection notes matter more than you think

• A shoutout to every shift worker, nurse, ambo, and police officer working through the long weekend

Whether you're heading into spring or winding down into autumn — this one's for you.🌿 Part of the Ditch the Store podcast — practical homesteading for real people on real budgets.

New to backyard chickens and something suddenly looks… wrong?

In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ walks through the most common chicken problems new chicken keepers run into — and the simple fixes that usually solve them.

This isn’t a deep dive into complex poultry health issues. Instead, it’s a practical overview designed to help beginner homesteaders stay calm when something unexpected happens in the coop.

CJ covers common situations like:

• chickens suddenly stopping laying eggs

• strange or misshapen eggs

• moulting and feather loss

• bullying in the flock and pecking order behaviour

• egg eating habits and how to stop them

• mites, lice and basic parasite control

• when a chicken might actually need attention or isolation

You’ll also hear CJ’s practical approach to livestock care, including how to decide when to treat an animal, when to manage it yourself, and when it may be kinder to dispatch.

If you’re raising backyard chickens for eggs, this episode will help you feel more confident handling the small problems that every chicken keeper eventually faces.

Because most chicken problems aren’t disasters — they’re just part of learning how to keep livestock.

Product mentioned - INCA Pestene Powder

What do you do when your chickens suddenly produce more eggs than your family can eat?

In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ dives into the very real homestead problem of egg overload. If you keep backyard chickens, chances are you’ll eventually walk into the coop and realise you’ve got far more eggs than you know what to do with.

CJ talks through why egg gluts happen, how long fresh eggs actually last, and the simple ways you can store, preserve, cook, barter or even sell surplus eggs.

You’ll learn practical homestead skills like:

• how to check egg freshness using the float test

• how long unwashed eggs can safely last

• ways to use up lots of eggs in everyday meals

• freezing, dehydrating and water-glassing eggs for long-term storage

• bartering and selling eggs from your backyard flock

• how egg gluts can actually help you become more self-sufficient

If you’re raising chickens for eggs or thinking about starting a backyard flock, this episode will give you the practical tips you need to make the most of every egg your hens produce.

Because when the girls are laying their hearts out… wasting eggs simply isn’t an option.

The lime mention is food-grade calcium hydroxide.

You don’t need a fancy coop.

You need a secure one.

In this episode, I walk you through what actually keeps your chickens safe — not what looks pretty on Instagram.

We cover:

• The biggest predator mistakes beginners make
  

• Why chicken wire isn’t enough
  

• How dogs are often the real problem
  

• The 5 non-negotiables of a predator-proof coop
  

• Daily habits that protect your flock
  

• What to check before predators ever become an issue
  

Foxes, dogs, hawks, snakes — if you have chickens, you have predators. The goal isn’t panic. It’s preparation.

If you’re setting up your first coop, or you want to reinforce the one you’ve got, this episode will give you a clear plan.

📒 Chicken Keeping Logbook (track health, costs & egg production): 👉 https://amzn.to/44QgctY

🖨 Printable Planning Sheets: 👉 https://www.mojohomestead.net/journal-chicken

📬 Join the newsletter for seasonal chicken tips: 👉 https://www.mojohomestead.net

Next week: Egg Overload — what to do when you have more eggs than you can handle.

Life’s too short to eat store-bought eggs.

Not all chickens are created equal.

Some are hardy and steady. Some are high-drama divas. And if you're just starting out — you do not need divas.

In this episode, I break down the four best chicken breeds for beginners, focusing on:

We compare ISA Browns, Australorps, Sussex, and Plymouth Rocks — and I’ll help you decide which one suits your family, climate, and egg goals.

If you want chickens that are forgiving, practical, and low-maintenance… this episode is for you.

📒 Chicken Keeping Logbook (track eggs, feed, health & costs): 👉 https://amzn.to/44QgctY

🖨 Printable Planning Sheets: 👉 https://www.mojohomestead.net/journal-chicken

📬 Join the newsletter for seasonal tips + chicken updates: 👉 https://www.mojohomestead.net

Next week: Building a Predator-Proof Coop — don’t miss it.

Life’s too short to eat store-bought eggs.

Episode 153: Why Autumn Is the Smartest Time to Get Chickens

Thinking about getting chickens? Don’t wait for spring.

In this episode, I explain why autumn is actually the smartest time to start your flock — and exactly what to do over the next four weeks to set yourself up properly.

You’ll learn:

• The best age birds to buy for autumn timing
  

• Why daylight hours matter more than cold weather
  

• How to set up your coop before birds arrive
  

• What to feed (and what not to waste money on)
  

Journals

Beekeeping Journal https://amzn.to/46iNapz 

Chicken Keeping Journal https://amzn.to/44QgctY

Goatkeeping Journal https://amzn.to/4lzYGSa

Farm Management Journal https://amzn.to/4eSFfRL

Printables

Chicken Keeping Printable - https://www.mojohomestead.net/journal-chicken

Canva 2026 Calendar

https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBSZ73834/_ANyUH2p76eAOtATkZBxug/view?utm_content=DAHBSZ73834&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

Life’s too short to eat store-bought eggs.

What does a self-sufficient year actually look like?

In this episode, CJ shares a practical 12-month roadmap for becoming more self-sufficient — without burnout. From choosing one food to stop buying, to building seasonal rhythms and learning small skills each quarter, this is about steady progress, not perfection.

If you’ve ever felt behind or overwhelmed, this one will ground you.

📓 Journals mentioned in this episode:

Journals

Beekeeping Journal https://amzn.to/46iNapz 

Chicken Keeping Journal https://amzn.to/44QgctY

Goatkeeping Journal https://amzn.to/4lzYGSa

Farm Management Journal https://amzn.to/4eSFfRL

CJ covers seasonal planning for your first homesteading year, including what to prioritise in each season, how to avoid doing too much too fast, and why simple routines + record-keeping make everything easier.

Main takeaway: keep it small, grow what your family eats, and review what worked so year two is easier.

Also includes a quick personal update on CJ’s recovery and how it’s shaped this year’s plans.

Canva 2026 Calendar Free to Use

https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBSZ73834/_ANyUH2p76eAOtATkZBxug/view?utm_content=DAHBSZ73834&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

CJ and the Handy Helper cover the real beginner tool list for homesteading, including garden basics, livestock gear, and kitchen/preserving essentials—plus what not to buy yet. They talk frugal strategies like secondhand shopping, repurposing containers, and borrowing tools before investing. Practical, no-fluff advice to help you start without blowing the budget.

Links mentioned:
https://www.mojohomestead.net

Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net

This week we’re taking a little detour — into the spiritual side of homesteading.

Join CJ as she explores Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh) — an ancient Celtic harvest festival that marks the beginning of reaping what we’ve sown. Whether you’re into folklore, farming, food preserving, or just the rhythm of the seasons, this episode is all about connection — to the land, to the work, and to yourself.

You don’t have to be religious or even spiritual to take something away from this episode. You just have to be someone who cares about your patch of dirt.

🧭 In this episode:

🍞 What is Lammas (Lughnasadh) and how does it connect to farming?🌾 Why this ancient grain festival still matters today📆 Seasonal transitions: letting go of summer, preparing for winter📓 How CJ is using journaling & gratitude to cope with injury and celebrate harvest wins🔥 Fire, sun & energy — symbolising the final push before winter sets in🐐 Stories from the farm: baby goats, first tomatoes, and the gift of homegrown joy🍲 Simple ways to mark the occasion — from baking your own bread to sharing a meal with your mob

📣 CJ also shares:

• The role of Celtic heritage and earth-based traditions in her homestead life

• How Lammas can be a time to reflect on effort vs reward

• The power of compost, soil care, and “giving back” to the land

• Why you don’t need to grow eggplants if your family hates them 😉

📝 Want to honour the season in your own way? Try this:

• Bake something using homegrown or local ingredients

• Light a candle to mark the sun’s energy

• Write a reflection on what you’re proud of this season

• Offer something back to the earth (compost, mulch, or simple thanks)

• Share your harvest wins with CJ over at @mojohomestead

🎁 Grab the sourdough starter printable and more at:www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Instagram & Facebook → @mojohomestead

Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net

This week, CJ gets real about what it takes to build a homestead while still working full-time. She shares personal stories, lessons, and hard-earned tips from managing 120 acres with a shift-working partner, teenagers, and a busted leg… all without quitting the day job.

💬 “You don’t need to live off-grid or quit your career to start homesteading. You just need to start — one small step at a time.”

🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why 2.5 acres was more than enough to begin

• How CJ and Handy Helper slowly added veggies, chooks, bees, goats — and kept their sanity

• Building your homestead season by season and job by job

• Why scheduling, prioritising, and planning are non-negotiable

• How to break homesteading into 10–30 min chunks a day

• What to start with if you’ve got no time: veggie gardens, chooks, laundry powder, herbs

• Letting go of “Instagram homesteading” guilt

• Why failing at something (like sourdough) doesn’t mean you’re a failure

• Managing homestead tasks between shift work and kids’ sport

• How CJ’s teenagers are part of the team (and proud of it!)

• Getting your partner involved even if they’re not into it

• Tips for automating water, batching feed, using reminders, and more

• Communication & calendars: key to making it all work

💥 Whether you’ve got a backyard or a broadacre, a 9-to-5 or night shifts, this episode will show you that homesteading isn’t all or nothing. It’s real, messy, imperfect — and absolutely doable.

🛠️ Mentioned in the episode:

• PICC lines, antibiotics & recovery (CJ gives a health update)

• Seasonal planning for planting, animals, and projects

• Tips for single parents & busy families

• Why CJ still struggles with plants (but has nailed raising animals!)

📚 Want to start your own journey? Grab CJ’s homesteading journals & trackers:📓 Journals

Beekeeping Journal https://amzn.to/46iNapz 

Chicken Keeping Journal https://amzn.to/44QgctY

Goatkeeping Journal https://amzn.to/4lzYGSa

Farm Management Journal https://amzn.to/4eSFfRL

📓 Chicken Keeping Printable - https://www.mojohomestead.net/journal-chicken

🌐 Plus freebies & extras at: www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Follow behind the scenes:Instagram & Facebook → @mojohomestead

🐓 Getting Started While You’re Still Working🧠 Time, Energy & Mindset👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Roster, Routine & Real Life

🎧 Episode 147 – 12 Beginner Homesteading Mistakes to Avoid

Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net

Let’s be honest — when you’re starting out with homesteading, it’s easy to miss things you didn’t even know to think about. This week, CJ goes through the 12 most common beginner mistakes (yep, not 10 — she added extras she couldn’t leave out) and gives you practical tips on how to avoid each one.

From fencing fails and foxes, to burnout, budgeting and bypassing the council… this is the stuff that trips people up early. Whether you're still dreaming or already knee-deep in goat poop, this episode will save you time, money, stress — and maybe even a few chickens 🐔.

🧭 In this episode, CJ breaks it down into three groups:

1. Practical Mistakes

• Not securing animals properly (aka The Great Chicken Escape)

• Ignoring council rules and getting fined

• Underestimating water needs and running dry

• Skipping pest/disease prevention and losing stock

• Not tracking expenses or keeping records (future-you will thank you)

2. Mindset Mistakes

• Doing too much too fast (hello burnout)

• Romanticising the lifestyle (it's not all sourdough & sunshine)

• Getting stuck in research and not starting

• Comparing your journey to others on Instagram or Pinterest

3. Lifestyle Mistakes

• Not factoring in time limits (work, kids, life)

• Not including your partner/family

• Forgetting to budget for animals, fencing, feed and gear

🎯 Whether you’re a total newbie or feeling a bit overwhelmed, this episode is your permission slip to slow down and simplify.

📝 Ready to get organised? Start tracking your homesteading journey with CJ’s journals:Check out our books and journals on Amazon📓Books 

Brooder to Plate - USA and Kindle https://amzn.to/44yQr2L 

Brooder to Plate - Aussie version https://amzn.to/4eTcGnw

📓Journals

Beekeeping Journal https://amzn.to/46iNapz 

Chicken Keeping Journal https://amzn.to/44QgctY

Goatkeeping Journal https://amzn.to/4lzYGSa

Farm Management Journal https://amzn.to/4eSFfRL

📚 Coming soon: “From Brooder to Breakfast: Raising Chickens for Eggs Without the Carton” & “Bread to Plate” — stay tuned!

🌐 Grab freebies, printable checklists, and get on the email list at:www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Tag your real-life homesteading wins (mud and all):Instagram & Facebook → @mojohomestead

🎧 Episode 146 – How Much Land Do You Need?

Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net

Ever been told you need a farm to start homesteading? In this episode, CJ sets the record straight. Whether you're in a unit, on a suburban block, or out on five acres — you can absolutely start homesteading right where you are.

From window-sill herbs and homemade laundry powder to backyard chooks and full-scale food forests — this week is a deep dive into what you can do with the land you have, plus what to think about if you're eyeing off a bigger block.

🔍 What you’ll learn:

• Homesteading with no land at all (yes, really)

• How much you can actually do on an 800m² block

• The realities of rural living (off-grid power, septic tanks, snakes and all)

• What livestock fits where — goats, chickens, cows and more

• Why bigger land = bigger responsibilities (and how to prep for that)

• What I started with... and how I built up from there

If you’ve been waiting for “more space” to start homesteading, this is your sign. You already have enough to begin.

📝 Want to start planning your own homestead dream?

Check out our books and journals on Amazon

📓Books 

Brooder to Plate - USA and Kindle https://amzn.to/44yQr2L 

Brooder to Plate - Aussie version https://amzn.to/4eTcGnw

📓Journals

Beekeeping Journal https://amzn.to/46iNapz 

Chicken Keeping Journal https://amzn.to/44QgctY

Goatkeeping Journal https://amzn.to/4lzYGSa

Farm Management Journal https://amzn.to/4eSFfRL

🌐 Jump on the email list for freebies, printable cheat sheets & more:www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Tag me in your homesteading wins!Instagram & Facebook → @mojohomestead

Hey everyone, and welcome to Episode 145 of Ditch the Store!

We’re officially a week into 2026 (can you believe it?), and after a cracking start with last week’s beginner episode, this week I’m diving into the big question: What even is homesteading?

Because let’s face it — everyone seems to have their own definition. From off-grid living to growing herbs on a balcony, homesteading can mean very different things depending on where you live, what you have, and what you’re aiming for.

In this episode, I’m unpacking:

• 🏡 The real (and historical) definition of homesteading

• 🌱 The difference between homesteading and farming

• 👩‍🌾 What homesteading looked like for me growing up — and how it’s evolved

• 🐓 Key elements like self-sufficiency, food preservation, backyard chickens, and more

• 🧼 The skills you might need (yes, even soap-making counts!)

• 🧘‍♀️ Busting the myths: You don’t need to quit your job or move to the bush

• ✍️ How to define your version of homesteading — and why that’s what truly matters

Whether you’re working full-time in the city, wrangling kids in suburbia, or halfway to building a goat shed on a few acres, this episode will help you clarify your goals and get honest about what homesteading means to you.

🌿 Grab your FREE resources and join the newsletter
👉 www.mojohomestead.net

• Includes the 7 Must-Knows for Backyard Chicken Keeping – great for newbies and seasoned chook-lovers alike!

👕 Browse practical homesteading gear & gifts
👉 www.notthefarmerswife.com

• T-shirts, linens, tools, and more for actual homesteaders (not Instagram ones 😉)

📚 Books by CJ Steedman

• Brooder to Plate

• Eggs Without Cartons – coming soon!

🧑‍🏫 Backyard Chicken Course – Reopening Soon!

• A practical, down-to-earth online course for first-time chicken keepers

• Keep an eye on www.mojohomestead.net or follow me on socials for the launch date

👩‍💻 Join the new Mojo Homestead SKOOL community

• Share your wins, ask questions, and connect with others on the homesteading journey.

• Free to join – details at mojohomestead.net

Got a 2026 homesteading goal? Let me know!
📸 Tag me @mojohomestead on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok when you:

• Bake your first sourdough

• Make a bar of soap

• Get those first backyard chickens

• Ditch one more thing from the store

Because remember — every single time you skip the shops, you’re homesteading. And that’s worth celebrating 💚

How Much Land Do You Actually Need to Homestead?
Spoiler: It’s probably less than you think. Whether you’ve got a balcony or 100 acres, we’ll break it down and look at what’s truly needed to grow, raise, or make your own.

Happy New Year and welcome to Episode 144 of the podcast!We’re kicking off 2026 by going back to basics — because let’s face it, a lot’s changed in the last couple of years and it’s time for a reset.

This month on the podcast, we’re talking all things beginner homesteading — where to start, what to think about before diving in, what you absolutely don’t need, and how to avoid that slap-in-the-face overwhelm that can knock you sideways when you try to do too much, too soon.

Whether you’re dreaming of backyard chooks, a veggie patch, or just making your own soap and skipping the supermarket aisle, this episode is your practical and honest starting point.

I’ll share:

• My journey from suburban block to 120 acres in the Southern Tablelands

• Why homesteading isn’t about perfection, or even farming

• The real reasons people are ditching the store and taking back control

• The gateway drugs of homesteading (spoiler: it’s probably chickens)

• And my top 5 tips for getting started without losing your mind

Plus, I’ll be talking about how 2026 is my year of no hospital visits (you’ll get it when you listen) and what’s coming up for Ditch the Store, Not the Farmer’s Wife, and our new printables and course launches.

🛒 Books by CJ Steedman

• Brooder to Plate – Raising Meat Chickens the Practical Way

• Eggs Without Cartons – coming soon to Amazon! Keep an eye out!

🌱 Mojo Homestead Freebies, Courses & Printables→ https://www.mojohomestead.net – Sign up for the newsletter and grab your freebies to help plan your homestead journey.

👕 Homestead-Themed Gear (T-shirts, Towels, Linens & More)→ www.notthefarmerswife.com – Practical and fun products for real homesteaders, not influencers.

What's your why for wanting to start homesteading this year? Leave a comment or message me on socials – I’d love to hear your goals for 2026.

🎧 Next Week (Ep. 145): What Even Is Homesteading?We’ll dig into the definition — what it is, what it isn’t, and why you don’t need a farm (or a flowing linen dress) to do it right.

📚 Mentioned in this episode💬 Let’s Chat

It’s Christmas Day, and if you’re tuning in — thank you. Whether you’re milking goats, cooking a roast, working a shift, or hiding from the in-laws with your earbuds in — this episode’s for you.

I’m looking back on 2025 with real honesty. It was the year where plans went pear-shaped: a knee replacement, a broken leg, a dog attack, and a veggie garden that never even got planted. But amongst the chaos, there were wins too — healthy goat kids, infrastructure progress, and an incredible show of support from my family (and you).

So in this episode, I’m sharing:
🎁 What 2025 taught me about resilience, rest and real life on a working homestead
🎁 Why your worth as a homesteader isn’t measured in productivity
🎁 What to do when you feel like you’ve achieved “jack-all”
🎁 How I’m planning smarter (not harder) for 2026

This isn’t your typical “look what I achieved this year” wrap-up. It’s a raw, practical and heartfelt check-in for anyone who feels like life got in the way of their homesteading dreams.

Here’s to doing what we can, when we can — and being kind to ourselves when we can’t.

Merry Christmas from Mojo Homestead 🎄🐐
Catch you next week for the New Year episode!

#ditchthestore #homesteadinglife #farmfailures #christmaspodcast #honesthomesteading #ruralaustralia #mojohomestead

🎙️ EP 142 – My Farm Accident

(Warning: Graphic Content)
This episode is raw, real and straight from the paddock. I’m sharing the full story of my recent farm accident — from a routine neighbourly favour to an emergency dash in the ambo and major surgery.

It’s not pretty. It’s not polished. But it’s important.

Farm accidents do happen. And if you’re working with animals, you need a plan for what to do when things go pear-shaped.

I'm sharing the moment it all went wrong, the pain, the paramedics, the x-rays (which you’ll see on YouTube), and the slow road to recovery — bedrest, blood thinners, and all.

If you’ve ever wondered how you'd cope with a serious injury on the land, this one's for you.

📌 Heads up: This episode contains some graphic medical descriptions, injury photos on YouTube, and a few well-earned swear words.

Thanks for sticking with me. It’s good to be back 💪

#farmaccident #homesteadingreality #rurallife #backontrack #ditchthestore

It’s time to talk about the stuff under your boots — soil.

Industrial farming has turned living earth into lifeless dirt, and the fertiliser companies are cashing in on the damage. In this episode, we dig into how Big Ag broke the soil — and how you can fix it in your own backyard.

🌾 In this episode:

• What’s really killing our soils

• The fertiliser myth that’s keeping farmers broke

• How to bring your soil back to life naturally

• Compost, worms, and microbes — your real soil army

Because if the soil dies, so does our food. And rebuilding it starts with us.

The backyard veggie patch isn’t just about saving a few dollars — it’s about taking back control of your food.

In this episode, we’re talking about why growing even one tomato plant is a quiet act of rebellion against a food system that’s broken, overpriced, and overprocessed.

🌱 In this episode:

• Why growing food matters more than ever

• The truth about supermarket dependence

• How home gardening builds independence and resilience

• Turning your backyard (or balcony!) into a personal food revolution

This one’s for the doers — the people ready to take their food supply into their own hands and say, “No thanks, I’ll grow my own.”

Every goat keeper faces it sooner or later — Barber’s Pole Worm, the bloodsucking parasite that can take down even the healthiest doe overnight.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into how to recognise, prevent, and manage Barber’s Pole Worm without relying on constant chemical drenches.

🐐 In this episode:

• What Haemonchus contortus actually is — and why it’s so dangerous

• Early warning signs and how to use the FAMACHA card properly

• The truth about faecal egg counts (FECs) and what your results really mean

• Pasture management tips that break the worm life cycle

• How to use COWP boluses safely to support resistance

• Natural vs chemical treatments — what actually works and what’s just hype

• Post-treatment recovery and building long-term herd resilience

🎙️ Whether you’re running a small herd or a full farm, this is your go-to guide for staying ahead of worms and keeping your goats thriving.

Links

Dr Sandra Baxendell - https://goatvetoz.com.au/home

WormBoss - https://wormboss.com.au/

FAMACHA - https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/media/animalifasufledu/small-ruminant-website/fact-sheets/FAMACHA-Factsheet.pdf

Raw goat’s milk is one of the most talked-about — and sometimes controversial — topics in the homesteading world. In this episode, we’ll unpack the benefits, the risks, and how to handle raw milk safely so you can decide if it’s right for your homestead.

🥛 In this episode:

• Nutritional benefits of raw goat’s milk vs cow’s milk

• Safety concerns and how to reduce risks with good hygiene

• How to store and use raw milk at home

• Why raw milk is more than just food — it’s part of food sovereignty

💡 Resources to explore:

• Raw Milk Institute — education & standards for safe raw milk

• Jannei Goat Dairy — an Australian raw goat milk story

Raw milk is a deeply personal choice — and this episode gives you the tools to make an informed one.

📥 More goat-keeping resources at: www.mojohomestead.net
📸 Share how you use your raw goat’s milk with @MojoHomestead.

So you’ve got goats — now it’s time to fill the bucket! In this episode, we’re walking through exactly how to milk a goat, from the first squeeze to storing that fresh milk in your fridge.

🐐 In this episode:

• When to start milking after kidding

• Setting up your milking space and equipment

• Step-by-step milking routine (without the fuss)

• Hygiene tips for safe, long-lasting milk

• How to store and handle your milk to keep it fresh

Whether you’re brand new to goats or just want to refine your routine, this episode will give you the confidence to sit down on the stool and get milking.

📥 More goat-keeping resources at: www.mojohomestead.net
📸 Share your milking set-up with @MojoHomestead — we’d love to see your dairy in action!

Sometimes goat kids can’t stay on mum — and that’s when bottle-feeding steps in. In this episode, we’re covering everything you need to know about raising bottle babies with confidence.

🍼 In this episode:

• When and why to bottle-feed (rejection, multiples, weak kids, or management choice)

• Colostrum and the first 24 hours

• Feeding schedules and what to feed

• Preventing bloat and scours

• Bonding and training benefits of bottle babies

Bottle babies take more work, but they also become some of the friendliest, easiest goats you’ll ever own.

📥 Learn more and grab goat-keeping resources at: www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Share your bottle baby photos and tag @MojoHomestead — we’d love to see them grow!

Episode 135: Doe-Raised Kids

When goat kids arrive, you’ve got two choices: raise them on mum or step in with a bottle. In this episode, we’re talking about the natural way — letting kids stay with their doe.

🐐 In this episode:

• The benefits of doe-raised kids: natural growth, immunity, and less work for you

• The challenges: sharing milk, weaning, and taming

• How to manage kids while they’re on mum

• Tips for keeping both doe and kids healthy, happy, and easy to handle

Whether you’re new to goats or planning your next kidding season, this episode will give you the confidence to manage doe-raised kids successfully.

📥 Read more and grab goat-keeping resources at: www.mojohomestead.net
📸 Share your goat kid pics with @MojoHomestead — we’d love to see them!

So, you’ve got your goats — now it’s time to plan for baby goats! 🐐 In this episode, we’re walking through the full kidding journey, from breeding and pregnancy right through to birth, kid care, and weaning.

I’ll talk through what age to breed, how to choose between bucks and artificial insemination, signs of labour, what to expect during birth, and how to care for those squishy little newborns once they arrive.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first kidding season or just thinking ahead, this episode will give you the confidence and practical know-how to handle it like a pro.

🎙️ Topics covered:

You don’t need a fancy goat barn or electric fortress to keep goats safe — but you do need to plan ahead.

In this episode, we’re getting practical about what your dairy goats actually need when it comes to shelter, fencing, and paddock layout.

I cover shelter ideas for different weather, what makes a fence truly goat-proof, and how to protect your herd from predators (without breaking the bank). Whether you’re just getting started or tweaking your current setup, this one’s full of helpful tips to keep your goats safe, comfy, and right where they belong.

🎙️ Topics covered:

• Goat housing basics (keep it dry, simple, and secure)
  Fencing that works (and what doesn’t)
  Paddock design & gate tips
  Predator protection

• Bonus tips for feeding & shelter placement
  

👉 Perfect for beginners or anyone adding goats to their homestead.

Not all dairy goats are created equal — and choosing the right breed can make a big difference to your homesteading success.

In this episode, I walk you through the most common dairy goat breeds in Australia (and a few lesser-known ones), comparing milk production, cream levels, personality, and how much space they really need. Whether you're feeding a big family or just want rich milk for cheese, butter or soap, there’s a breed that’ll suit your setup.

I’ll also share what I wish I knew before I bought my first goat, why I’m leaning into Nigerian Dwarfs now, and a few red flags to watch out for when buying your first milker.

👉 Great for beginners, backyard dairy dreamers, and anyone planning their first herd.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

• Best goat breeds for milk, cream, and butter

• How much milk you really need

• Small-property friendly goats

• Loud vs quiet breeds

• What to ask breeders before buying

• Why temperament matters in the milking shed

🛠️ Bonus:
Tips for buying your first goats, avoiding dodgy sellers, and getting the support you need as a new goat owner.

Listen to this old episode to learn about "Why Drink Raw Milk?" https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/mvJ3qzEFnQb

Thinking about adding a dairy goat to your homestead? In this episode, we chat through everything you actually need to know before you bring one home.

I share the story of why we got goats in the first place (spoiler: it started with my son’s supposed lactose intolerance), plus the real-life pros, cons, and must-haves when it comes to owning dairy goats. We’ll talk costs, fencing, daily care, milking, and some common myths that might surprise you.

Whether you’re still dreaming or nearly ready to dive in, this episode will help you work out if goats are right for your setup — and your sanity.

👉 Perfect for beginner homesteaders, backyard dairy dreamers, or anyone keen to get off the supermarket milk treadmill.

🎙️ Topics covered:

• What goats need (and what they don’t)

• Daily milking routines and time commitments

• Fencing tips and housing setups

• Goat milk vs pasteurised milk

• Choosing your first two goats wisely

🔗 Links mentioned:

• Raw Milk Institute

• Goat expert Dr Sandra Baxendell

Some jobs feel too big to tackle — baked-on oven grime, greasy BBQ plates, rusty tools, even that sad-looking cast iron pan. But you don’t need toxic sprays or expensive “specialty” cleaners to get results.

In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series finale, we’re diving into the heavy hitters with safe, affordable, and effective DIY methods.

🔥 In this episode:

💡 If you’ve been putting off the “too hard” cleaning jobs, this episode is your permission to dive in — naturally.

📥 Follow us at: www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Show us your before & after pics — tag @MojoHomestead.

Glass cleaners are one of the most over-marketed — and overpriced — products in the cleaning aisle. In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series episode, we’re ditching the ammonia fumes, single-use plastic, and streaky finishes for a safe, affordable, and effective homemade solution.

🪟 In this episode:

• Why ammonia-based cleaners aren’t great for your lungs, skin, or septic
• The hidden cost (and waste) of store-bought sprays
• A simple 4-ingredient DIY glass cleaner that works on windows, mirrors, chrome & stainless steel
• Streak-free technique tips — and when not to clean your windows
• Bonus uses for your homemade spray around the home and even in the car
  

✨ Cheaper. Safer. Zero streaks.

📸 Share your “window glow-up” and tag @MojoHomestead. 🧼 Next week: Natural Cleaning for the Tough Stuff.

Episode 128: Bathroom Cleaning Without the Toxins

Your bathroom might sparkle, but at what cost?

In this episode of the Natural Cleaning Series, we’re tackling one of the most chemical-heavy rooms in the house — the bathroom. From bleach sprays to mould removers, we’ll break down the hidden health and environmental risks, and show you how to swap them for safe, affordable, and effective DIY alternatives.

🧼 In this episode:

• Why bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances aren’t as “fresh” as they seem
  

• How commercial cleaners affect your skin, lungs, septic, and greywater systems
  

• Tips for keeping your bathroom fresh without toxic sprays
  

  
  

  Tea Tree Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/44OI8A0

  Lavender Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/4kTpX0w

  Lemon Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/3GRPb1A

  Peppermint Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/41cdD4v

  Eucalyptus Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/3UrLSBf

  
  

🌿 Healthier for you. Kinder to the planet. Easier on your wallet.

📥 Grab the recipes here: www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Tried them? Tag @MojoHomestead — we love seeing your results. 🧽 Next week: Window & Mirror Cleaning Without the Streaks.

Ditch the Store, Clean the Sink

Store-bought dish soaps and dishwasher tabs might leave your dishes shiny, but what else are they leaving behind?

In this episode of our Natural Cleaning Series, we're diving into what’s really in conventional dishwashing products — from synthetic fragrances and surfactants to phosphates and formaldehyde-releasing compounds. We’ll also chat about how these chemicals don’t just vanish down the drain — they end up in your soil, your waterways, and potentially… on your cutlery.

🧪 What you’ll learn:

• Why natural dishwashing matters for your skin, gut, and garden

• The environmental impact of phosphates, rinse aids, and non-biodegradable suds

• How to make your own liquid dish soap and dishwasher tabs — for less than 10c a wash

• What studies say about chemical residue on your dishes — and what it might be doing to your gut lining

• Why citric acid is safe to use but still needs supervision with kids

Whether you wash by hand or load the machine, these two DIY recipes will clean up your kitchen and your conscience.

🍋 Ready to ditch the bottle? Tune in now, and grab your printable recipe + label set at www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Tag your creations @MojoHomestead

🎧 Episode 126: Homemade Laundry Products

The Load Down: Homemade Laundry Products That Actually Work

Got sensitive skin? Sick of spending a fortune on detergents that smell like a fake rainforest? In this episode, we’re getting stuck into homemade laundry solutions that actually work.

We’ll chat through:

🧺 Bonus? Our homemade recipe avoids the irritants and mystery ingredients flagged by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) — and it costs next to nothing.

Let’s ditch the toxic load and take back our washing machine.

🎙️ Tune in, try it, and tag @MojoHomestead with your results!

👉 Get more info and follow us at  www.mojohomestead.net

This week on Ditch the Store, CJ dives into the essential oils that actually pull their weight in a clean home. These aren’t just for diffusers — we’re talking mold-fighting, degreasing, deodorizing powerhouses.

✅ Top 5 oils that clean AND smell amazing

✅ How to use and store them safely

✅ What’s safe for kids and pets

✅ How to build your own blends

🎁 Join our mailing list at: www.mojohomestead.net

🛒 Farm gear & funny aprons: www.notthefarmerswife.com

🎧 Related Episodes:

• Ep. 124 – One Spray to Rule Them All
  

• Ep. 123 – Deep Cleaning the Natural Way
  

#naturalcleaning #essentialoils #homesteadcleaning #ditchthestore #greenclean #diycleaners

Ep. 124 – One Spray to Rule Them All: My Simple All-Purpose Cleaner

You don't need a dozen overpriced bottles under your sink — you just need one. In this episode, CJ shares her go-to DIY all-purpose spray recipe that’s safe, powerful, and actually works. Whether you’re wiping down the kitchen, sprucing up the bathroom, or disinfecting surfaces — this is your everyday hero.

✅ The recipe (and why each ingredient matters)

✅ The best essential oils for cleaning

✅ What to avoid using vinegar on

✅ Surface-specific tweaks for glass, wood, and stone

✅ Add-ins to make it disinfect or degrease even better

🎧 Also listen to:

👉 Ep. 122 – Toxic Truth: Why You Should Ditch Chemical Cleaners

👉 Ep. 123 – Deep Cleaning the Natural Way (That Actually Works)

🎁 Freebies at:

www.mojohomestead.net

🛒 Shop cheeky aprons + Aussie-made farm gear: 👕 www.notthefarmerswife.com

#naturalcleaning #allpurposecleaner #ditchthestore #greenclean #castilesoap #homesteadcleaning #diycleaners