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

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    

In this episode, we’re walking through a simple Friday Reset designed specifically for busy December weekends. With holiday activities filling up our schedules, we’re focusing on quick, doable steps that help us lower stress, clear a little space in our homes, and set ourselves up to actually enjoy the magic instead of rushing through it. We talk about choosing our non-negotiables, doing a fast holiday tidy, prepping food for the weekend, setting up cozy moments like a hot cocoa station, and reconnecting with homestead rhythms—whether that’s grabbing a few herbs from the garden, foraging evergreens, checking the pantry, or doing a quick emergency prep check. A little bit of intention on Friday can shift the entire tone of the weekend, helping us feel calmer, more present, and ready to savor the parts of December that matter most. Links Mentioned: Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com Instagram: @brittanylgibson

Homemade gifts can be thoughtful and practical — if people actually know how to use them. In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite high-compliance DIY gifts for non-crunchy friends and family, so your handmade presents don’t end up forgotten in the back of a cabinet. We talk about why most homemade gifts fail (lack of familiarity, unclear instructions, or feeling too “crunchy”) and how to fix that by making your gifts familiar, foolproof, and easy to use in real life. These ideas are perfect for last-minute holiday gifts or any time you want to give something personal without pressure. 🎁 High-Compliance DIY Gift Ideas Covered: Herb salts (with easy everyday uses) Homemade vanilla extract (with a local twist) One-and-done dip mixes Jam with cream cheese dip instructions Loose leaf tea paired with a proper tea strainer DIY herbal bug spray (perfect for families and warm climates) Shower steamers for people who don’t take baths If you’re trying to move away from consumerism without giving gifts that feel “weird” or unused, this episode will help you confidently gift homemade items that people genuinely love. 🔗 Helpful Links: DIY Herbal Bug Spray: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/diy-herbal-bug-spray/ Herb Salt Recipes: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/rosemary-salt/ The Homestead Challenge Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 💛 Join the Community: Share photos of your homemade gifts and connect with other low-pressure homesteaders in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity  

Five years into my homesteading journey, I’m looking back at what actually worked, what caused burnout, and what I truly wish I had known as a beginner. In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact roadmap I would follow if I were starting completely over today — with less pressure, fewer gadgets, and a whole lot more joy. This is a gentle, realistic look at modern homesteading for real life — especially if you’re in the city, short on space, time, or energy. In this episode, we cover: Why joy should always be your starting point How trying to learn everything at once leads to burnout Choosing 1–2 skills at a time to focus on Building skills before buying tools and equipment Learning preservation before growing everything yourself Why consistency beats perfection every time How social media comparison derails beginners Homesteading in small spaces without waiting for “someday” Why the long game creates real sustainability 🌿 Join the Homestead Challenge Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity 🏡 Visit the blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

It’s officially December, and we’re starting our year-end reflection a little early around here. In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we talk honestly about what actually worked on our city homestead this year—and what completely flopped. From simplifying garden projects and freezing tomatoes to sourdough struggles, slow home projects, and a few disappointing garden losses, this is a real-life look at homesteading without the highlight reel. If you’ve had a year with both wins and messy moments, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why choosing only one big garden project changed everything How freezing tomatoes instead of canning immediately reduced burnout A DIY herbal bug spray win that actually worked Leaning into convenience appliances like the crockpot, bread machine & air fryer How meal planning around milk & meat delivery simplified grocery shopping The power of habit stacking (laundry + breakfast) An incredible herb harvest that’s still producing in December Why my sourdough starter died twice Projects that took way longer than expected (hello, brick patio) Garden disappointments: no pumpkins, no zucchini, small garlic Why every garden has failures—and that’s normal This episode is all about realistic homesteading, adjusting expectations, and giving yourself permission to grow slowly and imperfectly. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here: [Insert podcast link] 🌿 Find recipes, resources & more at: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com 🐝 DIY Bug Spray Recipe Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/diy-herbal-bug-spray/   💛 Let’s connect: Instagram: @brittanylgibson Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity   What worked for you this year—and what didn’t?