The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living

In this episode, we talk through a slower, more nourishing approach to homestead goal planning. Instead of big overhauls that lead to burnout, we focus on 12-week goals, micro habits, and habit stacking to turn good intentions into systems that actually fit real life. We also walk through a real-life example of how we’re using our word of the year, Nourish, to plan goals that support our families without adding stress.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com  

In this episode, we’re sharing our word of the year—nourish—and what that actually looks like in real life. Instead of chasing big goals or a “new me,” we’re focusing on supporting our body, home, routines, creativity, and mental load in a slower, more sustainable way. This episode is a gentle reminder that consistency often comes from care, not pressure.   https://thehomesteadchallenge.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity  

Before you start setting garden or homestead goals for the new year, there’s something important to do first: prepare instead of rushing. In this episode, we talk about the simple things you can do right now to set yourself up for success—without pressure or overwhelm. We cover reflecting on last year, clearing physical and mental clutter, taking inventory of what you already have, deciding your real capacity, and why it’s okay to make a “not this year” list. I’m also sharing a gentle challenge to help you prepare one area of your home or homestead before you ever write a goal. Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity  

I’m sharing a quiet end-of-year check-in, reflecting on what worked (and what didn’t) in the past year, and talking through what I’m dreaming up for the year ahead. From reimagining community and challenges to launching a tiny local farm stand, this episode is all about planning gently—without pressure or overwhelm. Resources & Links Mentioned: Join the Homestead Challenge Private Facebook Group to vote on challenge names and join the conversation Sign up for emails at thehomesteadchallenge.com to stay in the loop Farm Stand Planner (coming soon to Etsy) Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates

Seeing people seed starting in December can make it feel like you’re already behind — especially if you live in a colder growing zone. In this episode, we’re talking about what’s actually worth planning for the garden this time of year, what can wait, and how to figure out your real planting timeline based on where you live (not what the internet is doing). If you’re a new or intermediate gardener — or just need a gentle reminder to slow down — this episode will help you plan with confidence instead of stress.   In This Episode, We Talk About: Why December gardening content can feel confusing The difference between planning season and planting season Why seed starting in December isn’t necessary for most cold climates How to find your exact garden zone and last frost date The seed-starting calculator I personally use every year What is worth doing for your garden in December How I batch seed-starting dates to make spring easier Reflecting on last year’s garden successes and flops Choosing garden priorities that actually fit your life Why rest is an important part of the growing season Helpful Garden Planning Links Mentioned: Find Your Last Frost Date Use your ZIP code to find your exact last frost date: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates   Seed Starting Date Calculator (My Favorite) This is the most robust and easiest-to-use calculator I’ve found: https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/seed-planting-schedule-calculator.html     Garden Planner + Seed Organizing Binder Inserts If you like having everything organized in one place, I have both available in my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HomesteadChallenge Join the Community: Come share your garden plans (or seed-starting photos!) inside our free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity