Explore every episode of the podcast The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living

One-Day Pre-Winter Homestead Reset

Feeling behind on fall homestead chores? This realistic pre-winter homestead reset focuses on the garden, pantry, freezer, easy meals, and home so you can prepare for winter without an overwhelming checklist. See what you can realistically accomplish in just one productive day before the busy holiday season begins.

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Do you love the idea of Christmas but find yourself completely overwhelmed once the holiday season actually arrives? That has been me for the past few years, and this year I’m trying something different.

Instead of waiting until December to deal with the clutter, shopping, meals, unfinished projects, and endless mental load, I’m starting now. I’m decluttering one manageable space at a time, getting Christmas shopping out of the way, leaning heavily into freezer and crockpot meals, gathering the last herbs, and giving myself permission to close down the garden instead of squeezing out one more round of productivity.

This isn't about creating another list of things you should be doing before Christmas. It's about serving your home and family in a way that creates more margin later.

In this episode, I’m sharing what that looks like in my own home and asking one simple question: What can you do now that your future self will be really grateful you already handled?

Because I’m not spending October preparing so I can do more in December. I’m preparing now so I can have less to do—and more room to actually enjoy the season.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 

Preservation season isn't over just because the tomatoes and cucumbers are finally slowing down!

Honestly, I’m a little burnt out on preserving at this point in the year, too. But there are still plenty of things growing in the garden and available locally that are worth putting up for winter—and some of them can double as inexpensive homemade gifts for the holidays.

In this episode, I’m sharing five things I’m still preserving in October:

• Apples: I’m using local seconds to make applesauce and apple butter, then turning many of the leftover scraps into apple scrap vinegar.

• Herbs: Before frost takes them, I’m drying more rosemary and other herbs to use in winter simmer pots and homemade gifts.

• Winter squash: Some will be cured and stored whole, while the rest will be cubed and frozen so it’s ready to toss into soups and other winter meals.

• Cabbage: Homemade sauerkraut is a fall and winter staple in our house, and it’s one of my favorite beginner-friendly fermentation projects.

• Herb salts: My chives are still going strong, so I’m making more chive salt along with other herb salts to use at home and give as gifts.

If you’re completely over preservation season, you do not have to fill another pantry shelf. Instead, take a quick look around your garden, visit one of the last farmers markets of the season, or see what your local orchard has available.

Choose one thing you can preserve now that will make winter a little easier—or give you one less gift to worry about when the holidays arrive.

And speaking of the holidays... are we ready to talk about Christmas yet? Because I’m already trying to get ahead so I can actually enjoy the magic of the season instead of spending December stressed out! https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/chive-salt/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/fall-simmer-pot-recipe/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/homemade-sauerkraut-learn-to-ferment-from-a-total-newbie-i-promise-its-not-that-scary/

This episode started with something I've been noticing through the farmstand: people aren't necessarily looking to completely change their lives—they're looking for simple ways to make the lives they already have a little better. And honestly? That's what I want from homesteading too. Pasted text

Homesteading can quickly become an endless list of things we're supposed to learn, grow, preserve, bake, make and buy. But instead of constantly asking, “What should I learn next?” I want us to start asking, “What do I actually want homesteading to give me?”

In this episode, we chat about:

• Why convenience doesn't have to be the enemy of homesteading
• Creating convenience for your future self through preserving, freezer meals and pantry staples
• Why I recommend replacing something instead of adding something
• Figuring out what you actually want a homesteading skill to give you
• Four questions to ask before taking on another skill or project
• Getting rid of the things sitting on your “guilt shelf”
• Why you don't have to be completely self-sufficient
• Using local farms, bakeries, makers and other community resources as part of your homesteading lifestyle
• Why there really isn't a line you have to cross before you're allowed to call yourself a homesteader
• Choosing skills that align with your actual goals instead of someone else's version of homesteading

You don't need acreage, livestock or a pantry filled with everything you've ever canned to live a homesteading lifestyle. You can slowly build skills, make better swaps for your household and create a life that feels healthier, more capable and more connected—without doing everything yourself.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/ 

Do you actually need more food, supplies, and preparedness gear—or could you become more prepared simply by making better use of what you already have?

In this final episode of my pantry preparedness series, I’m challenging you to imagine what would happen if you couldn’t go to the grocery store for two weeks. Could you make breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from what’s already in your pantry and freezer? Do you know how to turn basic ingredients into meals? And if the power went out, do you know what’s in your freezer, where your flashlights are, or how you’d handle the food you already have?

We’re also talking about something I think is just as valuable as the food on your shelves: skills. Knowing how to cook from scratch, bake bread, preserve food, can, freeze, ferment, grow food, make broth, or simply get creative with ingredients can make your household more resilient without building a giant stockpile.

I’m also touching on financial preparedness, finding the weak spots in your household, and the constant temptation to believe that one more gadget, freezer, generator, or dream freeze dryer will finally make us “prepared enough.”

The goal isn’t to prepare for every possible scenario or create another massive to-do list. Take inventory, learn how to use what you already have, identify one weak spot, and choose one small thing you can do this week to make your household a little more resilient.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

What does pantry preparedness actually look like when you’re not interested in stockpiling a year’s worth of food?

This week, I’m taking you behind the scenes of what preparedness looks like in my own home—and it turns out it’s a lot less about filling shelves and a lot more about creating a food system that keeps moving.

I recently bought food in bulk and spent about four hours preparing 14 freezer meals for busy school nights, sports, workdays, holidays, and all of those evenings when having dinner ready can keep us from spending money on takeout. But finding room for 14 new meals meant finally dealing with the tomatoes I’d been freezing from the garden all summer, so now those tomatoes are moving from the freezer to the canner and eventually onto my pantry shelves as enchilada sauce and barbecue sauce.

In this episode, I’m also talking about how I decide what’s actually worth stocking up on at Costco, why a 20-pound bag of rice makes absolutely no sense for my family, how preparedness can save time as well as money, and why having the skills, supplies, and systems to handle the food you already have can be more valuable than simply accumulating more.

My preparedness isn’t ever really “finished.” Summer is for growing, harvesting, eating fresh, and freezing. Fall is for preserving and stocking. Winter is for eating through what we’ve stored, making soups and stocks, and eventually looking ahead to what we want to grow again next year.

It’s a constantly moving system—and I think that’s a much more practical way to think about preparedness for busy families.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/ 

With grocery prices rising and uncertainty making headlines, it’s easy to feel like you should be stocking up—but pantry preparedness doesn’t have to mean panic buying or filling your basement with food you’ll never eat. In this episode, we’re kicking off a new pantry preparedness series by talking about what it actually means to have a resilient, useful pantry, how preparedness differs from stockpiling, and the simple questions that can help you figure out what your household really needs. Before you buy a single extra thing, I’m challenging you to shop your own pantry, freezer, and fridge and start building food security around the way your family actually eats.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/

Before most of these things ever made it onto my farmstand, they had a place on my own shelves. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the stand to share everything from pantry mixes, jams, teas, and homemade cleaning products to sugar scrubs, simmer pots, bug spray, fresh herbs, flowers, and more. I’m sharing how I actually use them in my own home, what makes a great homemade gift, and why you absolutely don’t need to learn how to make everything at once. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

After a busy summer away from the podcast, I’m back for an honest late-summer homestead check-in! We’re talking about what worked this summer, what definitely didn’t, garden wins and failures, what I’ve actually been preserving, and the lessons I’m taking into next year. Plus, I’m sharing my realistic August reset as we head toward back-to-school season and figuring out how to get back into routines without wishing summer away.

When it comes to preserving your harvest, there isn't one "right" method. In this episode, I'm walking you through the decision-making process I use for every crop in my garden and explaining why some vegetables go straight into the freezer, others get dried or fermented, and some are best enjoyed fresh.

Rather than preserving food because we feel like we should, I'm sharing how I think about convenience, storage space, family preferences, and how Future Brittany will actually use each ingredient months from now.

• Why canning isn't always the best preservation method
• The question I ask before preserving any harvest
• Why I dry nearly all of my herbs
• My favorite ways to preserve tomatoes
• Why I ferment cucumbers instead of canning them
• Freezing versus canning green beans
• The easiest way to preserve peppers
• Storing potatoes and winter squash
• What I do with zucchini and yellow squash
• Preserving broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
• How storage space affects preservation decisions
• Taking inventory before preserving another season's harvest

Instead of asking, "How should I preserve this?" ask yourself, "How will I actually use this six months from now?" That one simple question can help you save time, reduce waste, and build a pantry you'll truly enjoy using.

Don't let your summer herb harvest go to waste! In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, Brittany shares how she's preserving herbs now to create thoughtful homemade Christmas gifts later. From herbal salts and tea blends to drying herbs, cut flower bouquets, and experimenting with herbal chapsticks, you'll learn practical ways to make the most of your garden while preparing for the holidays months in advance. Whether you're growing herbs in a backyard garden or a few containers on the porch, this episode will inspire you to harvest with purpose and help future you enjoy a less stressful holiday season.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/drying-and-storing-fresh-herbs/

One of the biggest gardening mistakes I made for years?

Thinking that once everything was planted in the spring... I was done.

This year, every time a spot opens up in my garden, I'm putting more seeds in the ground. More lettuce. More beans. More carrots. It's such a simple habit, but I think it's going to make a huge difference in how much fresh food we get to enjoy this season.

In this week's podcast episode, I'm sharing my very relaxed approach to succession sowing. No complicated spreadsheets or perfect timing required—just a few extra seed packets and a willingness to keep planting.

Are you still planting things in your garden? What are you sowing this week? 🌱

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 

Have you ever dreamed of opening a farm stand, even if you live in the city? In this episode, I'm sharing the real behind-the-scenes process of starting my front yard farm stand, Falls City Farmstead, in suburban Ohio. From choosing products and navigating Ohio cottage food laws to pricing handmade herbal products, managing liability concerns, and overcoming the fear of theft, I'm walking you through every decision I made along the way.

Whether you want to sell flowers, extra garden produce, homemade goods, eggs, or herbal products, this episode will encourage you to start where you are and build something that fits your life. If you've ever wondered how to start a farm stand, create a small homestead business, or turn your hobby into a source of income, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• How to start a farm stand in the city
• Choosing what to sell from your homestead
• Ohio cottage food laws and labeling considerations
• Pricing homemade products
• Farm stand theft concerns and liability
• Marketing a small local business
• Why community matters more than competition

Follow @falls.city.farmstead on instagram :)

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review to help more people discover practical, no-pressure homesteading.

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we're talking all about bugs in the organic garden. Learn which insects are beneficial, how trap crops work, when to leave pests alone, and when it's time to intervene with simple organic solutions. If your garden has holes in the leaves, aphids, cabbage worms, or chipmunks causing trouble, you're definitely not alone.

#organicgardening #vegetablegarden #homesteading #gardenpests #backyardgarden

In this June garden update, we're sharing what's growing in our Zone 6 garden, the challenges we're facing this season, and a few personal life updates along the way. From harvesting herbs and strawberries to dealing with pests, watering struggles, and the unexpected loss of a beloved family dog, this episode is an honest look at real-life homesteading and finding peace in the garden during difficult seasons.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/ 

Sage is one of the easiest herbs to grow, but it's also one of the most overlooked. In this episode, we explore practical ways to use garden sage, including culinary projects, herbal remedies, preserving methods, and why this hardy perennial deserves a place in every homestead garden.

Whether your sage plant is thriving or you've never known what to do with it, you'll leave with simple ideas to start harvesting and using this versatile herb.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 

Summer canning doesn't have to mean marathon weekends, Pinterest-perfect pantries, or preserving every tomato you grow. In this episode, we're talking about what summer canning actually looks like in a busy suburban home—from deciding what's worth canning and using a two-day workflow to freezing harvests, preserving in small batches, and fitting it all into real life with kids. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by food preservation, this episode will help you create a canning rhythm that works for you.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/canning-tips/

In this episode, we’re talking about the hidden consumerism that can sneak into the homesteading lifestyle and why it’s so easy to buy the fantasy version of homesteading instead of actually living it. We chat about homestead perfectionism, comparison culture, overbuying supplies, hobby collecting vs. hobby doing, and why buying food for your family is not failure if you’re actually using it. If you’ve ever felt pressure to have the perfect pantry, garden, or homesteading setup, this episode is a gentle reminder that simple, imperfect homesteading still counts.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking about how to build homesteading community in the city or suburbs without starting a commune or forcing yourself to be extroverted. From community gardens and native plant sales to Facebook Marketplace swaps, school gardens, and local farm stands, I’m sharing simple, low-pressure ways to connect with other gardeners, homesteaders, and like-minded people right where you live. If you’ve been craving real community, local food connections, or fellow “weird” garden people, this episode will encourage you to start small and find your people.

In this episode, we’re talking about a simple homesteading mindset shift that has been helping me slow down, spend less impulsively, and feel more connected to my home: create before you consume. I’m sharing how homesteading hobbies like gardening, baking, organizing, and herbalism helped me stop constantly chasing more, plus practical ways to avoid perfectionism and consumerism in the homesteading lifestyle.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

In this episode of the The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking about some of the best free plants for the garden — including self-seeding flowers and herbs, volunteer plants, and perennials you can divide again and again. From calendula and dill to chives, lemon balm, and surprise tomato plants popping up from the compost, these are the kinds of plants that help your garden become more abundant every single year.

If you want to garden on a budget, simplify your garden planning, or create a lower-maintenance homestead garden, this episode is full of practical ideas for busy gardeners and small-space homesteaders. We’ll also talk about why letting nature do a little of the work can make gardening feel more joyful, less expensive, and a whole lot less overwhelming.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/

Learn alongside me as we talk about 5 easy ferments I’m trying this summer that actually feel realistic for busy moms and small-scale homesteaders. In this episode, we’re chatting about simple refrigerator pickles, sauerkraut, fermented salsa, kombucha, and easy veggie mixes—plus beginner fears, food safety, mold worries, and how to start fermenting without expensive equipment or crunchy perfectionism. If you’ve been curious about preserving your garden harvest naturally, this episode will help you feel confident enough to finally try it.

Sauerkraut Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/homemade-sauerkraut-learn-to-ferment-from-a-total-newbie-i-promise-its-not-that-scary/

My Favorite Fermenting Equipment: https://a.co/d/03H99P3f

Today I am chatting all about growing cut flowers with Josie Blessing, author of The Homesteader’s Guide to Cut Flowers, and why flowers are so much more than just “extra” in the garden. We talk about how to grow flowers even in small spaces, the best low-maintenance varieties for busy seasons, and how they support everything from pollinators to herbal remedies. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this episode will give you the confidence to just begin.

We’re celebrating 200 episodes of The Homestead Challenge podcast by reflecting on what homesteading has really brought into my life. In this episode, I’m answering a few candid questions about how I got started, how my definition of homesteading has changed, and why I still choose this lifestyle—even in busy seasons. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough, this is your reminder that homesteading can be simple, flexible, and rooted in what brings you peace.

In this episode, we’re talking about the simple herbal products we should start now before summer hits—because things like bug spray, salves, and infused sprays take time to steep. We walk through what we’re making right now (like herbal bug spray, dried mint for tea, and calendula salve) and how to think ahead so summer feels easier and more prepared.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 

We’re talking about the spring-to-summer transition in the garden and that weird lull where everything is planted but harvest hasn’t fully begun. We walk through simple systems we’re resetting now—like herb drying stations, freezer clean-outs, harvest flow, and kitchen organization—to make summer easier and less overwhelming. If you want to stay ahead of the chaos and actually enjoy your garden this season, this episode will help you set up rhythms that work in real life.

We’re talking about what to do with the spring herbs you can harvest right now—whether you’re foraging things like dandelion and chickweed or clipping herbs from your garden like chives and mint. If you’ve ever picked herbs and then felt stuck, this episode walks you through three simple ways to use them, plus how to harvest without ruining the plant. It’s a practical, no-pressure way to start actually using what’s growing around you this season.

We’re talking all about vertical tower gardens (like GreenStalks)—why we love them, who they’re actually good for, and how they can fit into real life no matter your space. We’re sharing what we’re planting in ours this year, the honest differences between budget vs. higher-end options, and how you can even create a full herbal tea garden in one simple setup.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

We’re talking about spring foraging for beginners and the easiest way to start—right in your own backyard. In this episode, we cover how to identify and use common edible weeds and wild herbs like henbit, dead nettle, stinging nettle, dandelion, wild violets, chickweed, plantain, garlic mustard, and wild chives, plus when to harvest different parts for the best flavor and benefits. If you’ve been curious about foraging but feel overwhelmed, this is your simple, no-pressure guide to finding edible plants growing around you this spring.

We’re talking about organic pest control for your garden—what it really means, when to step in, and when to let things go. After dealing with an unexpected aphid issue on my seedlings, I’m sharing the products I actually use, how I think about health and exposure, and how to make these decisions without overthinking every little thing.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/companion-planting/

We’re talking about how to avoid common plant nursery mistakes—from “healthy” looking plants that struggle after transplanting to soil deals that aren’t actually deals. We’ll walk through what to look for so we can shop smarter, save money, and grow a more successful garden this season.

We thought prepping in March would make spring feel calm and manageable—but real life had other plans. In this episode, we’re talking about what’s actually helping right now, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re redefining “enough” during a busy, chaotic season.

15 Minute Routine: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/routine/ 

In this episode, we’re sharing the simple summer cooking system that helps us keep feeding our families real food without spending all evening in the kitchen. We’re talking about using the crockpot, making a few basics ahead of time, and creating an easy rhythm that works with our busy summer days.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

In this episode, we’re talking about simple dry goods and convenience mixes we can prep now to make busy garden season so much easier. We walk through easy ideas like brownie mix, cornbread mix, and seasoning blends that help us cook from scratch without the extra time and mess. This is all about reducing mental load and setting ourselves up for a more peaceful, doable summer.

We’re heading into spring and taking a realistic look at what foods are actually worth growing versus just buying, using our own pantry habits as the guide. In this episode, we walk through simple filters to help us decide what makes sense for our space, budget, and goals—so we can grow with intention and skip the overwhelm.

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we kick off the Make It March series by looking at our pantries to help decide what we should grow in our gardens this year. Instead of planting randomly, we talk about how noticing what we actually eat, run out of, and keep buying can guide smarter garden planning and help us waste less food. This simple pantry inventory helps us connect our grocery habits, pantry staples, and garden goals before the busy growing season begins.

In this episode, we’re talking about the simple natural cleaning ingredients to keep on hand so you can clean almost anything without buying a cabinet full of products. I’ll walk you through what vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, castile soap, peroxide, and alcohol actually do — plus which ones truly disinfect and when it’s really necessary. If you want a practical, low-pressure approach to non-toxic cleaning, this episode will help you stock your home with confidence.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/all-natural-cleaning-supplies/

In this episode, we’re talking about free ways to reduce toxins in our homes without buying new cleaning products or supplies. We’ll walk through simple changes like removing plug-in air fresheners, skipping dryer sheets, cleaning our cleaning tools, and tackling hidden dust zones that hold onto pollutants. If you want a healthier home this spring without spending money, these small changes can make a surprisingly big impact.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

In this episode, we’re diving into non-toxic spring cleaning and how to switch to natural cleaning products without throwing everything away. We’ll walk through a simple, low-pressure plan for replacing conventional cleaners — starting with laundry detergent, dish soap, and everyday household products — plus what I actually use in my own home. If you’ve been wanting a healthier home without the overwhelm, this episode will help you start non-toxic cleaning one realistic swap at a time. 

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/category/sustainable-living/home/

In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up Apothecary February with a relaxed herbal Q&A. I’m answering your questions about overwintering herbs, how I store dried medicinal herbs, and how long they really last.

We also talk about the five herbs I’d grow if I could only choose a few, natural herbs for seasonal allergies like nettle and mullein, and why homemade herbal skincare is one of the biggest “bang for your buck” projects. It’s a cozy, honest close to a month of building a simple, no-pressure home apothecary.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re having a cozy tea talk all about herbal tea for beginners. I’m sharing the herbs I actually use most often (like chamomile, lemon balm, nettle, hibiscus, and marshmallow root), how I brew herbal infusions and decoctions at home, and simple tips for blending loose leaf tea.

We’ll also talk about rosemary tea benefits, how to make herbal tea stronger for medicinal support, and when tea might not be the best herbal preparation (like when you need something fast or more concentrated). If you’re learning how to brew herbal tea for stress, digestion, hydration, or seasonal immune support, this episode will help you feel more confident using herbs at home — without overwhelm.

Plus, I’ll share how I make tea a simple daily ritual in real life as a busy mom and home herbalist. 🌿☕

Spring Garden Summit: https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-brew-herbal-tea-infusions-and-decoctions/

In this episode, we’re talking about building a simple backyard first aid kit using herbs you can grow or forage. From calendula salve for scrapes and dry skin to plantain for bee stings, yarrow for minor bleeding support, lavender for soothing burns, and even cayenne for emergency clotting response — these are practical, real-life herbs for everyday situations. If you’re planning your garden, this episode will give you ideas for herbs that are both beautiful and useful. 🌿

Spring Gardening Summit: https://springgardeningsummit.com/sign-up/?affiliate=thehomesteadchallenge

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking all about gut health — from mouth to intestines and everything in between. Brittany shares how the digestive system connects to the nervous system and immune system, and why so many modern health struggles may begin in the gut.

You’ll learn practical herbs for common digestive issues, including chamomile, peppermint, and ginger for upset stomachs, marshmallow root and flax for constipation, blackberry leaf and slippery elm for diarrhea support, and how digestive bitters like dandelion root can strengthen digestion over time. She also explains where turmeric fits into daily gut support and briefly touches on parasite-cleansing herbs in a balanced, realistic way.

This episode focuses on gentle, daily herbal support — not extreme cleanses — and how small, consistent habits can help you build a healthier digestive system over time.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/what-are-herbal-bitters/

Our nervous systems are overloaded — and not all stress-support herbs work the same way.

In this episode, we break down the difference between adaptogens, nervines, and mood-supporting herbs, including calming vs. stimulating adaptogens and relaxant vs. tonic nervines. We also touch on herbs like St. John’s Wort, mimosa, and lemon balm for seasonal blues and low mood.

If you’ve ever tried an herb and wondered why it didn’t work, this episode will help you understand which category might actually fit your current season — and how to use them safely and thoughtfully.

Teas, Infusions, Tinctures, Oils & Salves (Apothecary February)

In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re breaking down the most common herbal preparations I actually use at home—without overcomplicating things or pretending you need to become an herbalist overnight.

We talk through teas and infusions, decoctions, tinctures, oil infusions, and salves, when each one makes sense, and how to choose a preparation that you’ll realistically use for your family. This episode is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by herbal recipes or unsure which method to use for which herb.

• Why the way you prepare an herb really matters

• Herbal compliance: choosing preparations you’ll actually take

• Teas vs. infusions vs. decoctions (and when to use each)

• When tinctures are helpful—and when they’re unnecessary

• Alcohol vs. glycerin tinctures

• Why oil infusions are the foundation of so many herbal remedies

• How salves and balms are made (and why they’re great beginner projects)

• Common beginner mistakes (like tincturing everything)

• How to choose the right preparation based on the herb and the body system you’re supporting

• Herbal teas & water infusions

• Decoctions for roots and tougher herbs

• Tinctures (alcohol & glycerites)

• Herbal oil infusions

• Salves and balms

• How to Brew Herbal Tea: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-brew-herbal-tea-infusions-and-decoctions/

• Herbal Bath Tea: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/bath-tea-with-comfrey/

• Body Oil Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/lemon-balm-and-lavender-body-oil/

• Lip Balm without Beeswax: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-infused-lip-balm-without-beeswax/

• Wound Salve: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wound-salve/

• Garlic & Mullein Ear Oil: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/garlic-mullein-herbal-oil/

• Calm Heart Tincture: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/heart-tincture/

In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re talking through the best herbs to grow for a home apothecary—and where to plant them so they don’t take over your garden. We cover essential garden basics like annual vs. perennial herbs, direct sow vs. starting seeds indoors, and growing herbs in containers versus in the ground. You’ll learn which herbs are beginner-friendly, which ones self-seed or spread aggressively, which can be invasive in North America, and which herbs are often better to buy than grow in small spaces. This episode is a practical, realistic guide to growing medicinal herbs in any size garden, from raised beds to patio containers.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/common-herbs-for-herbal-remedies/

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In this first episode of Apothecary February, we’re setting realistic expectations for using herbs at home and building a strong, safe foundation for beginner and intermediate herbalists alike. This episode focuses on practical herbal education—without pressure to become an expert or “natural doctor” overnight.

• What Apothecary February is (and what it’s not)

• Why herbs are supportive tools, not standalone cures

• Buying herbs vs. growing your own (and why both are valid)

• Which herbs are best for beginners

• Where to buy high-quality herbs online

• Wildcrafted vs. organic herbs

• Common beginner mistakes when buying herbs

• Herbal safety basics and why contraindications matter

• How to read herbal books and monographs without overwhelm

• Why calendula and chamomile are “gateway herbs”

• Different ways to prepare herbs (teas, infusions, tinctures, oils, salves)

• Calendula

• Chamomile

• Echinacea

• Feverfew

• Mullein

• Nettle

• Dandelion

Supplies for Apothecary February: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brittanylgibson/list/2W4977LYCHIZU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_GEED11EVRXAZ61SSCS4W

Learn how to make calendula oil and salve—an easy, beginner-friendly first herbal project. https://thehomesteadchallenge.kit.com/a9dc7c0be5

A deep dive into sourcing herbs and choosing between wildcrafted and certified organic options. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wild-harvested-vs-organic-herbs/

Learn how to research herbs, understand contraindications, and use herbs safely at home. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-safety-basics/

A curated list of trusted herbal books for beginners—without the overwhelm. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/7-best-books-on-herbalism-for-beginners-without-the-overwhelm/

A free online summit covering gardening, herbs, fermentation, gut health, and more. https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/

• Frontier Co-op

• Mountain Rose Herbs

• Starwest Botanicals

This episode is about learning slowly, safely, and realistically. You don’t need to memorize everything, grow all your herbs, or feel perfectly confident to get started. Apothecary February is about building skills and confidence over time—without pressure or fear.

Winter can feel long and heavy, and sometimes leaning into “slow and cozy” just isn’t enough. In this episode, we’re talking about simple homesteading projects that bring spring energy into the dead of winter—like organizing seeds, fermenting, making jam from your freezer stash, growing microgreens and herbs indoors, and tackling garden-adjacent projects. These small, hopeful actions help beat the winter blues and remind us that growth doesn’t have to wait for spring.

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In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'm planting in the garden in 2026 on my 1/4 acre homestead in the city and why these choices make sense for our real life, space, and season. We talk through what’s staying, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re planning a garden that feels nourishing instead of overwhelming. If you’re craving a more intentional, low-pressure garden plan this year, this one’s for you. 🌱

Sign up for the FREE Spring Gardening Summit: https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/

We’re talking about the fail days — and even fail seasons — that come with this lifestyle and why they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. From flat sourdough and bitter canned fruit to recipes that just don’t work, we’re sharing why trial and error is actually the point and how learning what fits your family, your taste, and your schedule is where real progress happens. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that slow, imperfect effort still counts.

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