Ep 156. Fall Energy: When Doing Less Homesteading Actually Gets You Further
In this episode, we talk about what fall really means for us as homesteaders and why it’s okay if we’re not caught up on every project or learning a new skill right now. We compare fall to the luteal phase of a cycle—a time for reflection, slowing down, and preparing for the restful winter ahead. We also explore how winter mirrors the menstrual phase, reminding us that rest doesn’t mean doing nothing—it’s actually the perfect time to learn, dream, and rebuild our energy.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
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Ep 155. 2025 Homesteading Deals I Would Actually Buy
If you’re feeling tempted by all the Prime Day and early Black Friday sales but aren’t sure what’s actually worth it for your homestead — this one’s for you. I’m taking a quick break from my homestead organization series to share what I’ve been seeing lately in the world of deals and steals, what’s worth adding to your cart, and what can probably wait until next year.
In this episode, I’m talking about some of my favorite brands, the types of products that actually go on sale (and stay good quality), and how to make a wishlist that keeps you from getting sucked into the scroll.
What We Chat About:
Why GreenStalk’s current clearance sale is the best I’ve ever seen
How to tell if a “deal” is really a deal (hint: check regular prices first!)
When to stock up on grow bags, seeds, and raised beds
Power backup systems and what brands to trust
Kitchen tools and cast iron cookware that actually go on sale
How I use wishlist shopping to avoid impulse buys
The one item still on my wishlist — the Presto electric pressure canner
My Best Tips:
Don’t feel pressured to buy everything right now — there will always be another sale.
Sign up for your favorite seed companies’ newsletters to catch those early November discounts.
Create a wishlist before you browse so you don’t get distracted by random “lightning deals.”
Quality over quantity — especially when it comes to garden gear and tools that need to last.
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Ep 154. How to Plan (and sometimes delay) Your Homesteading Projects
This week, I’m answering a listener question that so many of us can relate to: How do you plan your homesteading projects? Do you have a calendar?
If you’ve ever bought all the supplies for a new skill—like kombucha brewing or sourdough baking—and then never actually started, this episode is for you. I’m sharing why it’s completely normal to go through different seasons in our homesteading journey and how not everything has to happen at once.
I also talk about how I personally plan and prioritize projects, the simple tools that help me stay organized, and how I find little pockets of time in my busy week (even with kids at home). From embracing the ebb and flow of energy to letting go of perfection, this episode is your reminder that your homestead doesn’t have to look productive all the time to be meaningful.
In this episode, I chat about:
Why unfinished projects are completely normal
How to think seasonally when it comes to learning new skills
The difference between passion projects and habits
Finding small blocks of time to get things done
My favorite planners and simple brain-dump methods
Giving yourself grace to grow slowly and sustainably
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Ep 153. Headaches, Tylenol, and My Herbal Protocol
🌿 Mentioned in this episode:
Common root causes of headaches and how to spot them
How to think through OTC pain relievers vs. anti-inflammatories
Our go-to herbal tea blend for headaches
Tincture ideas you can adapt to your own needs
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/the-best-herbal-tea-blend-for-headaches/
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Ep 152. What to Do With Raised Bed Dirt After the Season Ends
Fall is officially here, and many of us are looking at our raised beds wondering what comes next. Do we clear them out completely, or let nature do some of the work for us? In this episode, we dive into what really happens to the soil in our raised beds over winter and how we can prevent losing precious inches of dirt like my friend did when her soil dropped five full inches in just a couple of years.
We talk through the natural processes of compaction, decomposition, and erosion, plus the simple steps we can take now to protect and enrich our soil. From leaving roots behind to feed the underground ecosystem, to covering with shredded leaves or mulch, to adding compost before the snow hits — we’ll explore the best ways to “tuck in” our beds for the season. And if you’re in a warmer climate, we share cover crop ideas to keep living roots in the soil all winter long.
By the end, you’ll have practical and low-pressure ways to care for your raised beds this fall, so they’re ready and waiting to grow strong, healthy plants next spring.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why soil levels drop in raised beds over time
The benefits of leaving roots and stems in place
How leaves, mulch, and compost act like a protective blanket
Tips for using cover crops if you live in a mild climate
Simple habits to prevent losing soil year after year
👉 Join the conversation in The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community and share what you’re doing with your raised beds this fall!
About The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living
Do you feel like you want to cook from scratch, grow more of your own food, or live intentionally—but never have the time or energy to do it all?
Tried diving headfirst into homesteading only to end up overwhelmed, burnt out, or wondering where to even begin?
You’re not alone.
If you’re ready to build a homestead life that actually works with your modern, busy schedule—this podcast is for you.
Inside The Homestead Challenge, you’ll find time-saving routines, realistic strategies, and practical tips to help you simplify home systems, grow what you can, and start living from scratch—without the pressure to do it all perfectly.
Hey friend. I’m Brittany—crunchy mom, city homesteader, and your go-to for making slow living possible in real life. I tried the all-at-once approach to homesteading… and crashed hard into burnout. Turns out, trying to master everything at once just wastes time, money, and a whole lot of mental energy.
But here’s the good news: homesteading doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can do this in small steps that make a big impact.
If you’re ready to create a from-scratch lifestyle with more rhythm and less chaos—grab that sourdough starter from the back of the fridge... it’s time to rise.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
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