Simply Living Homestead | Build Community, Sustainable Practices, Traditional Skills

15 | Which Animal Should You Start With on Your Homestead?

SHOW NOTES
Are you ready to add animals to your homestead? Whether you’re looking to produce your own food or just love the idea of having livestock, choosing the right first animal is an important decision. Today, we’re breaking down different homestead animals, their pros and cons, and what you need to consider when starting out.
A common question in the homesteading community is: Which animal is the best to start with? The truth is, no animal is inherently easy—each comes with its own requirements, rewards, and challenges. Instead of looking for the “easiest” option, think about the level of care, space, and time commitment each animal requires. In today’s episode, we’ll walk through beginner-friendly animals, intermediate livestock, and milk-producing animals so you can make an informed decision for your homestead.
 
Main Topics Covered:
Beginner Animals (Low Cost, Low Input, Small Space):
Chickens – Easy care, egg and meat production, but require predator-proofing.
Ducks – Hardy birds that lay in winter, but need a water source and can be messy.
Rabbits – Small space, great meat source, and produce amazing manure for the garden.
 
Intermediate Animals (More Space, Fencing, Higher Input):
Pigs – Fast growers and land clearers, but require strong fencing.
Goats – Great for brush clearing, but known escape artists!
Sheep – Gentle and pasture-based, but need rotational grazing to avoid parasites.
Beef Cows – Provide a large meat yield but require more land and feed.
Bees – Small space, honey production, and pollination benefits, but high startup costs.
 
Milking Animals (High Commitment, Equipment, and Space):
Dairy Goats – Smaller and easier to manage than cows but require daily milking and parasite management.
Dairy Cows – Large milk supply for butter, cheese, and yogurt, but need a lot of space and feed.
Fiber Sheep (Optional) – Produce wool for fiber arts but require shearing and pest control.
 
Connect with Me:
📧 Email: connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com
📍 Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead
🌐 Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com

14 | Gathering the Family Together for a Meal

SHOW NOTES
Does your family eat together often? Sitting down for a meal is a powerful way to slow down and connect, but if you haven’t made it a habit, where do you start? Today, we’re talking about the art of gathering your family around the table—and practical tips to make it a consistent and enjoyable routine.
I grew up in a family that valued eating meals together, and as I prepared for this episode, I came across some fascinating statistics on family dinners. Studies show that families who eat together experience less stress, make healthier food choices, and even spend more quality time together. But with busy schedules and different routines, how do you make it happen? In this episode, we’ll explore simple ways to make family meals a priority, including meal planning, setting routines, and getting everyone involved.
 
Main Topics Covered:
Planning Your Meals: Taking time to plan meals reduces stress, ensures you have the right ingredients, and helps set realistic expectations for sit-down meals each week. Involving kids in meal prep and table setting also makes them feel included.
Creating a Routine: A consistent dinnertime helps the whole family know what to expect. Whether it’s through a starting ritual like prayer, gratitude, or conversation cards, setting a routine makes meals smoother and more meaningful.
Getting Everyone Involved in Cleanup: Even the smallest hands can help clear the table or wash dishes. When everyone pitches in, clean-up is quick, easy, and part of the shared experience.
 
Connect with Me:
Email: connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com
Facebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomestead
Website: www.SimplyLivingHomestead.com
 
Show Notes Resources:
Family Dinner Statistics: Instacart Report
Conversation Starters: Talking Point Cards

13 | Food Preservation by the Season

SHOW NOTES
Over the past two weeks, we’ve talked about planning and starting a garden in the spring. Today, we’re shifting focus to food preservation—what I put up for the winter and when I harvest different foods throughout the year. My goal is to give you insight into when things are ready and what you can incorporate into your own garden and homestead!Preserving food isn’t just about stocking up—it’s about knowing what’s in season, when to harvest, and the best methods for storing food to last through the winter. This episode breaks down seasonal preservation, from spring’s fresh eating to fall’s big canning projects, helping you build a year-round food supply that fits your family’s needs.
Key Topics:Spring: Light preservation—blanching and freezing early crops like lettuce, radishes, broccoli, and strawberries.Summer: The busiest time for preservation—canning, freezing, and dehydrating vegetables like tomatoes, green beans, and cucumbers, plus berries and melons.Fall: Harvesting and storing root crops, squash, apples, and pears for winter use.Winter: Processing anything left over from the growing season that was frozen for later canning or preserving.
Have a favorite preservation method or a family tradition for putting up food? Share your experiences in the comments!
Let’s chat about all things food preservation!
Email me at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com,
Find me on Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead.

12 | Gardening in Small Spaces

SHOW NOTES
Think you need a big backyard to grow your own food? Think again! In this episode, we’re talking about practical ways to garden in small spaces—whether you live in an apartment, have a tiny backyard, or just want to make the most of every inch of soil.Many people dream of growing food but feel limited by their space. Today, we’re diving into creative ways to make gardening work—no matter where you live! Whether it’s filling flower beds with vegetables, growing vertically with trellises and stacking pots, or using grow lights indoors, there’s always a way to produce fresh food. I also share insights on how to connect with local farmers for bulk produce and preserving opportunities. If you’re ready to turn even the smallest space into a thriving garden, this episode is for you!
Main Topics Covered:
Making the most of what you have—using flower beds, front yards, porches, and containers
Vertical gardening: stacking pots, trellises, and shelves to maximize space
The best crops for small-space gardening, from strawberries to tomatoes
Growing food indoors with grow lights for year-round harvests
Special techniques for small spaces—potato towers, staggered planting, and compact crop varieties
How to connect with local farmers to buy in bulk, rent space, or trade labor for produce
Big thanks to Leslie for requesting this topic! If you have a question or an idea for a future episode, send me an email at connect@SimplyLivingHomestead.com—I’d love to hear from you!
Connect with Me:Email: connect@Simplylivinghomestead.comFacebook & Instagram: @thesimplylivinghomesteadWebsite: www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

11 | Clyde Majerus - Master Gardener Interview at the Homesteaders of Iowa Expo

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!
SHOW NOTES
What if your garden could feed your family, slash your grocery bill, and make weed control easier—all at the same time?In this episode, I sit down with Clyde Majerus, a Master Gardener from the Missouri Ozarks, at the Homesteaders of Iowa Expo. Clyde shares the time-tested gardening wisdom that allowed his family to feed multiple generations. We talk about the real financial benefits of homegrown food, why expanding your diet can transform the way you garden, and how strategic mulching and soil care can set you up for success. From choosing the right manure to tackling invasive weeds, Clyde’s insights will help you grow more food with less effort.
Main Topics Covered:🌱 How a backyard garden can feed a family and save thousands of dollars🌱 The best mulch alternatives beyond wood chips, including cottonseed hulls and straw🌱 How different manures impact soil health—and why cow manure might be fueling your weeds🌱 The surprising benefits of solarizing your soil to eliminate invasive grass🌱 Why talking to experienced gardeners can save you years of trial and error🌱 The importance of trying new vegetables—like Hilton cabbage and arugula—to maximize your harvest🌱 How Clyde’s Garden Planner makes it easy to track planting dates and frost schedulesClick HERE to sign up for our giveaway of Clyde's Garden Calender! You could be one of 3 Lucky Winners! Enter The Giveaway!
Connect with Me:Got a gardening question or tip? Send me an email at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com—I’d love to hear from you!Want to plan your garden with confidence? Check out Clyde’s Garden Planner, a simple tool that helps you track planting dates based on your local frost schedule. https://www.clydesvegetableplantingchart.com/
 
You can find me at
connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com 
On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead
Or on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

10 | Set Up a Sustainable Gardening Space

SHOW NOTESLast week, we covered the first steps to building a new garden. This week, we’re diving into what makes a garden truly successful and stress-free.A thriving garden isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s about creating a system that works with nature, not against it. Today, we’ll tackle common gardening challenges like water management, weeds, and pests, plus explore essential additions like supports, compost, and greenhouses.
Key Topics:
Managing water levels to prevent overwatering or drought stress
Keeping weeds under control naturally
Protecting plants from bugs and pests organically
Adding garden supports, compost, and protective structures
Want to get the most out of your garden this season?
You can find me atconnect@Simplylivinghomestead.com On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomesteadOr on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

09 | Starting a Garden - The First Steps

SHOW NOTE
Are you new to homesteading and itching to start a garden this spring? Whether you're a beginner or a few years into growing your own food, this episode will help you lay the foundation for a successful garden.Gardening season is just around the corner! Today, we’re breaking down the first steps to starting a new garden—from choosing the right location to planning your seeds and setting up a watering system. Plus, I’ll share lessons learned from my own gardening journey and family traditions.
Key Topics:
Planning your garden layout: in-ground vs. raised beds
Choosing and organizing seeds for planting
Setting up an efficient watering system
Have gardening tips or questions? I’d love to hear from you! 
You can find me atconnect@Simplylivinghomestead.com On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomesteadOr on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com

08 | Maple Syrup in Bulk

SHOW NOTES - Print your maple syrup recipe here!
Want to enjoy real maple syrup without the high cost? Let’s talk about how to buy in bulk and preserve it for long-term storage!It’s late February, which means maple syrup season is here! Whether you tap your own trees or not, you can still take advantage of the harvest. In this episode, I’ll share how to find bulk maple syrup at better prices and walk you through the simple steps of canning it for long-term storage.
Key Topics:
How maple syrup is harvested and produced
Where to buy bulk maple syrup at a lower cost
Step-by-step guide to canning maple syrup for long-term storage
Have you canned maple syrup before? I’d love to hear about it!
Maple Syrup is delicious, and so easy to preserve for long term storage. 
Leave us a comment below telling us About your canning adventures.
 
You can find me at
connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com 
On Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead
Or on my Website www.Simplylivinghomestead.com
 
https://www.massmaple.org/about-maple-syrup/
 

07 | The Lord Killed My Cow

Show NotesHave you ever faced a loss that completely shifted your perspective? Today, I’m sharing a personal testimony of the Lord’s sovereignty and how, through heartache, I found unexpected peace.
In September 2024, I lost my milk cow, Clara, to frothy bloat. Through the sorrow, my faith was strengthened, and I saw God’s hand at work in ways I never expected. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s burdens, I pray this story encourages you.
Key Topics:
Trusting God in loss and uncertainty
How unexpected trials can lead to peace
The power of surrender and faith
If this story resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement.
I’d love to hear your own story of faith and resilience.
Send me your thoughts at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @thesimplylivinghomestead.
Visit www.Simplylivinghomestead.com for more.

06 | Tools Every New Homesteader Should Have

Show Notes
You’ve landed on your new homestead, full of excitement and plans—but suddenly, the reality sets in. There’s so much to do, so much to learn, and the farm store aisles look really expensive. How do you set your homestead up for success from the start without getting overwhelmed?In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges for new homesteaders: getting organized and knowing what tools you actually need. I’ll walk you through essential organization strategies to help you stay sane, share how to choose your first projects wisely, and, at the end, give you a list of simple tools you’ll use over and over on your homestead.
Key Topics:
The importance of starting with organization before diving into big projects
How to choose the right first projects and avoid overwhelm
A simple list of essential tools every new homesteader should have
Hey Neighbor! Are you ready to start your journey homesteading? Is there something holding you back from following the call? I have a free workbook to Identify your Fear, get unstuck and step out in faith just for you! Go to www.simplylivinghomestead.com/StepOutWorkbook to download it today!
And If you would like to suggest future topics we can discuss here on the podcast, send me an email at connect@Simplylivinghomestead.com and tell me all about it!