Heart of the Homestead Family

Got rhubarb piling up in your kitchen or freezer? You're not alone! In this springtime episode, we're sharing our favourite ways to harvest, preserve, and use rhubarb — from sweet treats to savoury dishes. We chat about: How (and when) to properly harvest rhubarb Safe handling tips (don’t eat the leaves!) Our go-to ways to preserve rhubarb: freezing, juicing, freeze-drying Favourite recipes like cobblers, jams, pork with rhubarb, and even rhubarb BBQ sauce The surprising health benefits (and cautions) of eating rhubarb Why it’s one of the easiest and earliest crops to grow Whether you’ve got one plant or forty (yep, we’re serious), this episode is packed with ideas to help you use up every last stalk. 📝 Want a great dinner recipe? Check out Rhubarb Pork Loin HERE 🎧 Listen now and fall in love with this tart spring favourite all over again.

Ever wonder what a real-life homestead kitchen looks like in the middle of spring? In this laid-back episode, we’re chatting about the real state of our kitchen counters — from piles of dishes and pre-made mixes to jars of freeze-dried goodies, a busy bread machine, and overflowing compost bins. We talk about how our counter changes with the seasons, how we make quick meals while living outdoors most of the day, and why convenience doesn’t have to mean compromise. Spoiler: it’s messy, functional, and full of life — and that’s exactly how we like it. Whether you’re deep in homestead life or just curious what it really looks like behind the scenes, this one’s for you.

We got a great listener question this week: How do you find the time to garden? In this episode, we’re sharing how gardening became part of our lifestyle — not just a chore, but a daily rhythm that brings joy and calm. From starting small to involving the kids (or just savoring a quiet morning with your coffee), we offer practical tips for working a garden into even the busiest days. Whether you're growing for business or just your own table, the secret is consistency, presence, and a little bit of daily love. 💚

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a question that’s both simple and complicated: How do you take a vacation when you have a farm? Spoiler alert — it’s not easy, but it is possible with some creativity, planning, and a whole lot of love for the life you’ve built. And then stay tuned for the second half where we give you an update on our farms. From opening weekend at our seasonal marketplace to letting the cows out (a true highlight of the year!), it's been full speed ahead. We chat about community connections, new staff training, spring planting challenges, gardening workshops, and the endless joy (and chaos) of baby animals.   Life’s full, the days are long, and we’re soaking in every muddy, magical minute of it! Don't forget to follow us on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and today on Wednesday Mini Moments, Sarah and Heidi are sharing their heartfelt — and humorous — wishes for the perfect Mother's Day! 🌸 From dreaming of a few hours of uninterrupted quiet (hello, nap time!) to practical gifts like potted plants, homemade birdhouses, and handy tools for homestead life, they reflect on what makes this day special for moms at every stage. Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the hardworking, loving mamas out there! 🌻 🎧 Tune in for some laughs, real talk, and a few hints you might want to pass along to your family!

In this Wednesday Mini Moment, Sarah and Heidi share their personal goals for the upcoming growing season. 🌱 From growing enough cucumbers for pickling to starting vegetable breeding trials, they dive into the big and small ways they're building resilience and abundance on their homesteads. Whether you’re tending a backyard garden or dreaming of a bigger homestead, this episode will inspire you to set a few growing goals of your own! 🎧 Listen in and grow along with us!

Think you need a big backyard to start gardening? Think again! 🌱 In this episode, Sara and Heidi explore the world of urban gardening — from small patches of grass to balconies and community plots, there are so many ways to grow your own food right where you are. We cover practical tips for improving poor soil, working with limited sunlight, maximizing small spaces, and keeping pests at bay. You’ll learn how to make the most of what you’ve got — whether that’s a sunny balcony, a shady yard, or a borrowed plot from a neighbor.   Check out our favourite resources: Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone - HERE "SPIN" Farming - HERE    Whether you're new to gardening or just trying to make it work in the city, this episode is packed with encouragement and actionable advice to help you grow where you're planted.   🌿 Let’s turn concrete corners into edible oases — one garden at a time.

In this episode, Sarah and Heidi chat about one of the most common questions homesteaders face — what’s the best way to preserve your harvest? From Heidi’s new favourite (freeze drying!) to their tried-and-true love for water bath canning, they share practical tips and personal experiences about how they store homegrown food for year-round use.  Whether you’re stocking up from your garden or the farmers' market, this episode will inspire you to think ahead for preserving season — and make the most of your harvest, big or small.   👉 Got questions about canning or food storage? Sarah and Heidi would love to hear from you!

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the basics of getting started with homesteading — even if you don’t have a ton of land (or any at all!). Whether you’re living in an apartment, a small home, or planning to buy your first piece of property, Sara and Heidi share real-life tips for building self-sufficiency one step at a time. We talk about everything from goal-setting, planning your space, sourcing food locally, borrowing tools, and learning essential skills before you need them. Homesteading isn’t about acreage — it’s about mindset and making the most of what you’ve got! Check out the podcast episode about starting a garden HERE For more details about Bringing Animals to Your Homestead, check out this blog post HERE If you need help, encouragement or just want to chat, send Sarah and Heidi a message on social media @heart_of_the_homestead_family

In this episode, Sarah and Heidi share some surprising truths — including a fun confession from Heidi! Despite all the hard work she puts into growing and creating homestead goodness, she often doesn’t eat much of it. Why? She’s a super taster! Tune in as they chat about what it means to be a super taster, why some foods can be overwhelming, and how this little-known fact might help explain “picky eaters” in your own home — especially for kids or even yourself. ✨ Thanks for joining us! Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and until next time — enjoy filling your hearts and your jars!