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

• Ep 122. Stress-Free Summer Planning: Balancing Fun, Family & Homesteading

  Summer means longer days, less structure, and more opportunities—but without planning, it can quickly turn overwhelming. In this episode, we share practical tips to create a relaxed, memorable summer without the stress or guilt about unfinished tasks. You’ll learn: Why creating a brain dump works better than traditional bucket lists How to organize your summer activities into two easy categories: Fun (family memories) and Projects (home & homestead tasks) A simple strategy for designing a family-friendly summer calendar that reduces stress and adds predictability Easy homestead project planning to stay productive without burnout Practical dinner solutions for those busy, outdoor-filled days Quick household routines to keep things functional, peaceful, and manageable throughout the summer Tune in to simplify your summer plans and focus on what truly matters: fun, family, and a balanced homestead life. Mentioned in this episode: The Homestead Collective Membership for more practical resources, accountability, and community support Connect with Brittany: Instagram: @brittanylgibson Website: thehomesteadchallenge.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review—it helps us reach more homesteaders like you!

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• Ep 121. Living More with Less: Centering Life Around Family with Jillian from Sprouting Arrows

  In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jillian from Sprouting Arrows to talk about something at the heart of the Homestead Challenge: remembering your why. Even though our paths look a little different—she homeschools, I don’t; she’s deeply driven by her faith, I have a different approach—we’re both working toward the same goal: creating a life that centers around family, simplicity, and purpose. Jillian shares her family's journey from living on two incomes (and unknowingly overspending) to thriving on less than $50,000 a year—all while growing closer as a family and living more intentionally. We dive deep into real-world tips for living frugally, finding joy at home, breaking free from consumer culture, and overcoming the pressure to "keep up" with others online or in real life. Whether you're dreaming of stepping back from the rush, spending more time with your family, or finding ways to live fully without overextending yourself—this conversation will encourage you and show you what’s possible. What we cover in this episode: Jillian’s journey to frugal living and her mindset shifts along the way How living with less has brought more joy, health, and connection to her family Practical ways to save money without feeling deprived Homesteading on a tight budget: creative ways to build a garden and make from-scratch living affordable Managing technology use and building peaceful, present rhythms at home Handling extracurricular activities in a way that doesn’t overwhelm your family life Tips for battling comparison—both online and in real life Why remembering your why makes all the difference when you're tempted to quit Resources Mentioned: Brittany: The Homestead Challenge Jillian:  Sprouting Arrows Enjoyed this episode? If this conversation encouraged you, take a screenshot and tag us on Instagram! You can find me at @brittanylgibson and Jillian at @sproutingarrows.

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• Ep 120. Wild and Useful Backyard Weeds You Can Actually Use this Spring

  Spring has officially arrived, and with it… a whole lot of weeds. But what if I told you that some of those wild plants popping up in your yard right now are actually useful herbs? In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we’re talking about 8 common backyard “weeds” that show up in early spring—like violets, chickweed, stinging nettle, garlic mustard, and more—and how you can use them safely and simply in your homestead routines. You’ll learn: Which backyard weeds are edible or medicinal (and which are invasive) How to tell them apart from lookalikes without getting overwhelmed Which herbs are helpful for spring allergies, skin soothing, and more Why it’s totally okay not to use every single wild plant you find Whether you’re brand new to foraging or just curious about what’s sprouting near your garden beds, this episode will give you confidence and clarity as you learn what nature is offering right in your own yard. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Nettle Lemonade Recipe on the Blog Violet Face Serum 👉 Ready to start noticing what’s growing around you? Tune in, take a walk with me, and let’s dig into some springtime inspiration.

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• Ep 119. Progress Over Perfection: A Realistic Approach to Homesteading

  Ever feel stuck trying to make your homestead perfect? I've been there! In today's episode, I'm sharing personal stories and practical tips about why embracing progress over perfection can transform your homesteading journey from stressful to joyful. In this episode, you'll hear: Why "done" truly is better than "perfect," and how simple tasks (like assembling shelves!) can illustrate this mindset. How perfectionism often disguises itself as endless research, leading to burnout or inaction. Real-life examples of how imperfect actions, from gardening to cooking, yield meaningful growth and satisfaction. Encouragement to embrace the "homemade-ish" approach and why every step forward counts, no matter how small. Mentioned in this episode: The Homestead Collective – Join our monthly membership for support, resources, and practical ways to incorporate homesteading skills into your busy life. The Homestead Challenge Facebook Group – Share your imperfect (and joyful!) homesteading progress with our supportive community. Remember, your family doesn't need perfection—they just need you to show up. So let's embrace the imperfections and enjoy the journey! Share your imperfect homesteading wins with us! We’d love to see your progress in the Facebook group.

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• Ep 118. Containers vs. Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Gardens. Where Should You Plant What?

  Deciding where to plant things can feel like a total mystery—especially when Instagram says one thing and your neighbor’s doing another. So let’s talk it through, without the pressure to get it “perfect.” In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and practical uses for containers, raised beds, and in-ground gardening—plus how I decide where to put what in my own small-space garden. We’ll chat: What to plant in containers (and why peppers love my grow bags!) The crops that thrive in raised beds (especially if you’ve got heavy soil) When to give in-ground gardening a go—and how to make it work without fancy gear Why you have to experiment in your space and not just copy what works for someone else How I’m planning my garden this year (hint: it’s a mix of whimsy, practicality, and learning as I go) Whether you’re just getting started or want to make better use of the space you’ve got, this episode will help you feel more confident in choosing what goes where—with plenty of encouragement to try, fail, and try again.   🎧 Listen in and then come share what you’re planting where this year inside our free Homestead Challenge Facebook Group! ✨ Want support, ideas, and encouragement each season? Join The Homestead Collective — our private membership to help you build homesteading rhythms that actually fit your life.

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