Everyday Homesteading

Most people never fail at gardening. They quit before they begin.
In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, Josh sits down with Luke from MIgardener to talk about why so many aspiring gardeners stay stuck in the dreaming and planning phase — and what it actually takes to start.
You’ll learn:
Why fear of failure quietly holds people back
The mindset shift that changes everything
The importance of journaling and tracking your harvest
How to grow what your family actually eats
Why building soil every year is non-negotiable
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect conditions, this episode is your reminder: imperfect action beats perfect planning every time.
Watch the interview or read the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/stop-planning-and-start-gardening-even-if-its-imperfect/
Be sure to find Luke at MIgardener on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or at https://migardener.com
You can also email any of your gardening questions to [email protected] and be sure to check out his full line of seeds at https://migardener.com/seeds
We want to thank Grubbly Farms for sponsoring this episode. If you raise chickens, you know they’re not just livestock — they’re part of the daily rhythm of your homestead. That’s why we appreciate Grubbly’s focus on clean, thoughtfully sourced feed and treats made without fillers or unnecessary additives. If you’d like to try them, you can get 30% off your first order with the code HOMESTEADING30 and give your flock a boost the natural way: https://homesteadingfamily.com/grubbly-farms-fb 
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
1:15 - Grubbly Farms
3:02 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

For many homesteaders, the dream is complete self-sufficiency. Producing all your own food. Depending on no one. Living independently.
But is that really possible? And more importantly, is it even the right goal?
In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we’re sharing why complete self-sufficiency is actually a myth and what matters far more: building practical skills and strengthening community.
We discuss how focusing on skills rather than trying to do everything yourself leads to more resilience, less overwhelm, and greater freedom in your homesteading journey.
You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, avoid burnout, and build real, lasting resilience for your family.
Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/self-sufficiency-is-a-myth/
Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this episode! Azure has been our trusted source for bulk foods and pantry staples for years. When we can’t grow or produce something ourselves, Azure Standard is often our first choice. Get 15% off your first order of $100 or more using coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" at checkout: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
 - Azure Standard
 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Even with healthy, well-selected animals, there comes a day when you have to call the vet.
And when that moment comes, most of us aren’t nearly as prepared as we could be.
In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and veterinarian, Dr. Patrick Jones of The Homegrown Herbalist, to talk through what every homesteader should know before picking up the phone.
We discuss:
The importance of signalment (age, breed, sex, pregnancy status)
Why taking a temperature can immediately narrow down a diagnosis
The questions your vet is likely to ask
What details matter most in an emergency
How good observation can improve care and reduce stress
This is one of those practical, real-life conversations that helps you feel equipped instead of overwhelmed.
If you raise livestock or have animals on your homestead, this episode will give you simple, actionable steps to be ready when something goes wrong.
For more information (or to watch my interview with Doc Jones), visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/things-to-know-before-calling-the-vet/
For more from Dr. Jones, visit: https://homegrownherbalist.net
Thanks to the sponsor of this podcast, Farmhouse Teas! Check out the Plumb Tuckered Out tea (and all the rest of our favorites), and be sure to use the coupon code "HSPodcast" for 10% off your order (one time use per customer): https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
2:57 - Farmhouse Teas
5:57 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Making bread isn’t about talent, and it’s not about finding the perfect recipe either.
In this episode, I’m sharing why bread is one of the most foundational skills in the homesteading kitchen and how learning to read your dough instead of following formulas changes everything. From flour amounts to kneading to rise times, we’re breaking down the simple techniques that lead to consistent, reliable bread no matter where you live or what recipe you use.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated, inconsistent, or convinced that bread “just isn’t your thing,” this episode will help you see bread making in a completely new way.
👉 Read the accompanying blog post here:
 https://homesteadingfamily.com/the-secret-to-reliable-bread/
🎥 Free Bread Training
If you want to see these techniques in action, I’m hosting a free bread training where I walk through each step on video and show you exactly what to look for.
👉 Sign up here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-bread
🛏 Today’s Sponsor: American Blossom Linens
Most sheets are made with toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, PFAS, and flame retardants. American Blossom Linens makes toxin-free sheets right here in the USA, and they’re built to last. Use code HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026 to get 15% off your order (one use per customer). They also offer a 2-year money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
2:15 - American Blossom Linens
5:53 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.

Thinking about keeping backyard egg-laying chickens, but not sure where to begin? In today’s episode, we walk through the essential checklist every new chicken keeper should know.
We cover:
• What to think about before bringing chickens home
• Coop setup and space requirements
• Feeding, water, and daily care routines
• How to successfully raise chicks in their first few weeks
• Biosecurity basics and avoiding common pitfalls
• Planning for seasonal egg production
Whether this is your first flock or you’re brushing up on best practices, this episode gives you a clear, practical foundation so you can raise healthy, happy chickens.
- Read more on the blog and get your free printable checklist:
https://homesteadingfamily.com/raising-backyard-egg-laying-chickens/
- Printable Quick-Start Chicken Keeping Checklist: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/pl/2148743214
- Check out the monthly chicken articles inside the Homestead Kitchen Magazine: https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-hkm

- Thanks to Grubbly Farms, the sponsor of this podcast episode. If you'd like to give Grubbly a try, use coupon code "HOMESTEADING30" for 30% off your order! https://homesteadingfamily.com/grubbly-farms-fb
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:38 - Chit Chat
5:38 - Grubbly Farms
7:18 - Main Topic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop
You know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you’re in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.