Learn the three most common homesteading mistakes people make when embarking on their homesteading journey. And learn a few tips to keep your focus where it will have the best impact. In this episode, I’m talking with Jess Sowards from Roots & Refuge Farm and she’s sharing her first-time homesteading wisdom, especially as she and her husband build their forever homestead from scratch on bare land in South Carolina. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/362.

What are the basic supplies and knowledge we should all have to live a prepared lifestyle? Join me on this podcast with Malori from Black Rifle Homestead as she shares her experience as a military wife. We’re discussing what it’s like trying to homestead (while moving every 2-3 years) and the things she builds up after each move. She also shares some basic survival and preparedness skills, whether you live on a homestead or not. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/361.

Have you reached a point where you've been homesteading long enough to consider offering something to your community? So have we! As a family and a business, we've maximized the space we're in and we've reached the limit as to the size of the workshops and classes we can offer… but we want to do more! Join me in this episode as I share all the preparation and planning happening behind the scenes to make this Farm Stay a reality. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/360.

This homesteading lifestyle means we are ever learning, and that’s part of the excitement and joy we find in it. Learning new homestead skills or how to utilize old skills in a more modern, efficient way is one of my favorite things about this life. Today’s podcast is a continuation of the basic homesteading skills we should all learn, or continue learning. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/358.

Learn how to use herbs safely, effectively and in the appropriate dosage for your pets and livestock with Doc Jones from HomeGrown Herbalist. We’re discussing mastitis in dairy cows, de-worming animals, even snake and spider bites in this episode. Plus the differences between essential oils and the whole herb and whether different variations of the same herb have different medicinal properties. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/357.

Nate and Erin live on a ½-acre homestead in Illinois where they raise chickens and rabbits for meat. Join us for this podcast where they’re sharing their tips for how to cook rabbit so it tastes incredible (like a cross between chicken and turkey), comes out tender every time, and they even share their favorite recipes for using rabbit. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/356.

This homesteading lifestyle means we are ever learning, and that’s part of the excitement and joy we find in it. Learning new homestead skills or how to utilize old skills in a more modern, efficient way is one of my favorite things about this life. Today’s podcast is all about the basic homesteading skills we should all learn, or continue learning. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/355.

It’s that time of year again where we have zucchini coming out our ears! So how do we preserve and cook all of the zucchini to enjoy throughout the year? You won’t want to miss this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast where I’m sharing ten ways to preserve and cook zucchini (including my husband’s and my favorite way). For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/354.

If you're a hunter or have the desire to cook wild game, then you won’t want to miss this episode. Learning these tips and tricks to cooking with wild game is a process, but Tammy Trayer can help us avoid common mistakes when preparing wild game. People often think they don't like the taste or texture of wild game, but it likely has more to do with the cooking methods than the meat. For all of the show notes and links, and how to find Tammy, visit https://melissaknorris.com/353.

This podcast is all about raising meat, specifically pork, and learning how to cure and store that pork without refrigeration. Brandon Sheard from Farmstead Meatsmith is joining us to share his many years of wisdom, especially the three methods of cooking that are pivotal when it comes to raising livestock. For all of the show notes and links, and how to find Brandon, visit https://melissaknorris.com/352.

Botulism is a real and deadly form of food poisoning that makes many home canners nervous. And for good reason! However, there are food preservation techniques and safety tips you can follow to ensure you and your family are safe. Learn the signs of contaminated food and the best preservation and storage methods in this podcast. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/351.

If you suspect you've purchased contaminated soil, you'll want to know about the tips I’m sharing in today’s podcast for soil remediation and how to fix your soil. The number of issues of contaminated soil is increasing and people are having to deal with soil or compost that's been exposed to herbicides or other contaminants that are negatively affecting their gardens. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/350.

We bought a 40-acre homestead but it’s not for us! That may sound strange, but we’ve had a dream to host large events and teach real life homesteading classes for a long time now, and this property, just ½ mile from our current home became available and we bought it! You’ll have to listen to the podcast (and watch the tour) to hear more of our vision for the property, but I’m so excited to finally be able to share this news with you! For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/349.

I’ve been going through my own hormone health journey since January 2022 and have been working with Dr. Shannyn. I’m so excited to have her on today’s episode of the podcast as she shares her wisdom and knowledge on how to heal our hormones, the steps we can take right now, and why individual testing is so crucial for true healing. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/348.

If you're looking to raise meat chickens, the next natural step for us modern-day Pioneers is to consider breeding chickens for a sustainable flock. Join me for this podcast with Tom McMurray from Murray McMurray Hatchery to learn what it takes to successfully breed chickens, as well as tips and tricks if you're considering this option, and how the Avian Flu might effect you. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/347.

Sometimes you can do everything right, follow all the correct steps, and still have seed starting problems with your vegetables and flowers. In this post, we're troubleshooting seed starting issues and giving solutions to hopefully kick those seeds starts off in the right direction. I’m also discussing options for what you can do if you haven't started seeds yet but still want to grow a garden this year. That’s right, even at the end of May, it’s not too late to plant a garden! For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/346.

For years I have talked about how to become more self-sufficient, but that’s no longer what I’m teaching! Sure, there are still ways to become less reliant on the grocery store, or other stores for our well-being, but I’ve come to realize that focusing more on community sufficiency is the way to go for long-lasting change and greater “self-sufficiency”. Want to know more? For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/345.

My family is five weeks into owning our own dairy cow and I’m so excited to have Kate from Venison for Dinner on the podcast today. We’re chatting all things dairy cows from the best way to feed them, the various breeds and their milk quality, milking tips, and more! You’ll especially want to check out Kate’s heavy cream drop biscuit recipe! For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/344.

I’m not an alarmist, but I am hearing from some very reliable sources that feed costs are expected to double, maybe even triple by the end of summer. When you hear information like this, it’s important, if you’re able, to stock up now and get your homestead prepared for the possible increase. In this podcast episode I’m sharing my tips and what we’re doing NOW to save money LATER. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/343.

In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, Rebekah Rhodes and I are discussing all things thyroid health. We both share our individual thyroid journeys as well as some of the things we've done to help heal, as well as what we're doing currently to stay in the best health possible. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/342.

Have you ever heard of a 30-day self-sufficiency challenge? On today's podcast, I'm talking with Carl who, for 30 days, ate only foods he could either grow or source from his own property, or locally to where he lives. This included everything from beverages, fats, seasonings, and more! He even traveled to the ocean to harvest his own sea salt for the challenge! If you’ve wanted to rely less on the grocery store, this is an interview to listen to! For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/341

It’s been a very busy season here on our homestead with many changes that we're excited about… including a new milk cow! In this podcast you will get to learn about a few of the many projects we’ve been working on, and I'm continuing to tease about a couple of upcoming projects I can't quite divulge yet. This is a departure from my normal podcasts, so if you’re looking for more gardening content, be sure to check out my other episodes. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/340.

Today’s podcast is an interview with my good friend Michelle who is preparing to sell her five acre homestead. She’s sharing all her best tips for what to do and what NOT to do when planning to sell your home. These tips will come in handy whether you’re looking to sell immediately, or not for a few years. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/338.

In this episode, I’m sharing my best tips that I use on a daily and weekly basis to get it all done from work, household chores, homestead chores, and quality family time. Today’s podcast is a coaching call with Pioneering Today Academy member Tami S. who is looking for tips on time management to get all the homesteading things done each week without overwhelm, feeling behind, or missing out on what’s truly important in life.For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/337

Today’s podcast is a coaching call with Pioneering Today Academy member Stephanie Hester-Rodriguiz. She is moving to a new homestead property and looking for tips for what to do first and how to avoid overwhelm why trying to “do it all” at once. I’m sharing my best time-saving tips, how to avoid costly mistakes, and how to keep moving forward even when you don’t have the perfect plan laid out. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/336.

Today’s podcast is a coaching call with Pioneering Today Academy member Susan Vesta who is moving to raw land and looking for the best time-saving tips when it comes to establishing new gardens and growing areas. We’re discussing everything from the pros and cons of raised garden beds, soil quality, utilizing the land for perennials, the best time to plant, and more. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/335.

I shared recently that I’m going to be having to go gluten-free for a while to help regulate some imbalances in my body, which is why today’s podcast is so timely for me! If you're looking to transition (or improve) your gluten-free baking skills, this podcast will be a well of valuable information. Robyn Harrison, from Gluten-Free Baking Courses, is here to share her wisdom and knowledge for all things gluten-free baking. For all of the show notes and links, visit https://melissaknorris.com/334.

Our family is recovering from COVID and doing very well. In this episode, I’m sharing our experience as well as some of the herbal protocols we followed to help alleviate symptoms and get through the virus. I’m also discussing online censorship and why it’s so important to be able to get the information we all want, when we want it, and decide what is truth and what isn’t for ourselves. For more information, links, and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/333.

If homesteading and gardening are hard work, then homesteading and gardening with children can seem downright impossible! We're taking a realistic look at what homesteading with children looks like and how to succeed with guest Rebekah Rhodes. Everything from how to get children involved, setting your kids up for success, living each day with grace, and changing expectations. For more information, links, and show notes visit https://melissaknorris.com/332

Learning how to raise pigs for meat is a great option for any homestead or farm wanting to become more self-sustainable. But choosing the breed and tailoring the care takes a bit of know-how. Join me for this podcast interview with "Pork" Rhyne Cureton as he shares his best tips on raising pigs. For more information, links, and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/331.

What new gardening techniques and plant varieties am I growing in this year's garden? Listen to this podcast to find out what's been working and what I'm changing this year including plant varieties, seed companies, and why I’m looking closer to home. For more information, links, and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/330.

In this episode I'm looking back at the year (2021), sharing some of my favorite takeaways and even sharing future plans for 2022. I’m covering topics from decluttering month by month, breeding cows, ordering chicks, whether we’ll be hosting more in-person workshops on our homestead next year, and how I’m partnering with The Homestead Documentary Project. For more information, links, and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/329.

Today’s podcast is with Kaylee Richardson from The Honeystead and we’re discussing all the links between beekeeping and plant medicine, including the medicinal benefits of honey, pollen, propolis, beeswax, and even what plants are best to plant for honeybees. If you’ve ever considered owning honeybees, this podcast will make you want to go out and get them right now. For more information, links, and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/328.

Give heartfelt homemade gifts this year and build fellowship at the same time by hosting your own holiday craft party! Listen in for all my tips and DIYs for the ultimate crafting day to fill your home and heart with joy while deepening friendships and building community. If there’s anything the last couple of years have taught us it’s that fellowship and spending time together are so important. For more information, links, and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/327.

I'm chatting with Carrie Wilson discussing everything you need to know about the Homestead Documentary Project. We're discussing what it is, who can benefit from it, where to watch, and where to find more info. You won’t want to miss this episode filled with the desire to connect fellow (or aspiring) homesteaders to other like-minded people. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/326.

I'm chatting with Carrie Wilson discussing everything you need to know about the Homestead Documentary Project. We're discussing what it is, who can benefit from it, where to watch, and where to find more info. You won’t want to miss this episode filled with the desire to connect fellow (or aspiring) homesteaders to other like-minded people. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/326.

We live in a very rural area and experience power outages on a regular basis, especially during the winter months. Over the past 22 years, we've learned how to use a generator during a power outage, plus some great things to consider when using a generator or considering the best way for you to know how to use a generator at home. I’m also sharing some of our tips for keeping food fresh if you don’t have a generator. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/325.

What if you couldn't get medicine from the store? What would you do? We're discussing different options for alternative medicines, like growing and using medicinal herbs at home, as well as supply and supply issues with our modern medicinal system. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/324.

If you've never heard the term hugelkultur gardening you're in for a treat. This centuries-old method of gardening is making a comeback, and this podcast episode is filled with everything you need to know to successfully grow a garden using this German peasant traditional way of gardening. Learn its origins, the proper method, plus tips and tricks for success. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/323.

Did you know that a teaspoon of rosehips has as much vitamin C as 6 oranges? If you’re not using rosehips medicinally, this podcast is a must-listen! I’m talking with CeAnne from Farmhouse teas and we’re going over everything from growing, harvesting and preserving rosehips to how to use them medicinally. This is must-know information for heading into the winter months to give your body a natural immune boost. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/322.

If you’ve ever wondered about raising sheep for their wool or fiber this podcast episode is for you. I’m talking with Janet from Timbercreek Farms who is sharing all her knowledge on raising healthy sheep, caring for your flock, and how to skirt and naturally dye wool to use for garments, blankets and other uses. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/321.

In this podcast we're talking all about fermenting vegetables! Including the three different kinds of fermentation and which is used when fermenting vegetables, how to ferment vegetables, plus all the supplies you need (and the supplies you DON'T need). You’ll be surprised at how little you need to ferment successfully, but there are also some optional tools that will help you out and make the process easier along the way. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/320.

If you're thinking about buying goats or raising goats on your property, this is the post for you. We're covering everything you need to know about raising goats for a successful journey. We'll be covering what to know when buying goats for the first time, what to look for when buying goats, finding a goat vet, common diseases and health issues with goats, best breeds of goats for milking, and creating a dairy from goats. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/319.

Our skin is our biggest organ and what we come in contact with affects us. It's important to know what ingredients we're putting on our body, not only the ones that are harmful, but also the ones that are beneficial, and how they work with our bodies and skin. In this podcast, episode #318, I’m interviewing Emilie Toups from Toups & Co and discussing her journey to a healthier life through homesteading, food and skincare. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/318.

If you've ever considered raising rabbits for meat, this podcast is a must-listen. Jeremy Chambers and I are discussing everything one would need to know in order to raise rabbits for meat. We cover everything from meat rabbit breeds, whether raising rabbits for meat is worth it and if it's profitable, how long it takes to raise rabbits for meat, whether you can raise meat rabbits in your backyard, and so much more! For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/317.

Today’s podcast is a fun one as I’m answering YOUR questions! We’re covering topics from root cellaring (and tips if you don’t have a root cellar), stocking up on food, what I use for makeup and skincare, my bucket list for homesteading, overwintering strawberries, things I need to increase for a year of food for my own family, and so much more! For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/316.

Today’s podcast is so inspiring and one that even challenges me! I’m interviewing Alexia from Hawthorn Farm who recently did a one-year challenge with her husband where they ate only foods they themselves had harvested, or friends and family had harvested and gifted them. They didn’t step foot in the grocery store, raised their own produce and meat, and you won’t believe what she had to say about her experience. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/315.

When it comes to preserving food, we all run out of freezer space first! So how do we preserve items like eggs, cheese, milk and meat where the product is shelf-stable and we’re creating more space in our freezers? Come listen in to today’s podcast where I’m discussing the various preservation methods for these foods, plus what the best methods are for each. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/314.

Growing fruit trees in pots is a fantastic solution if you want to produce fruit for your family, but you may not be in your forever home, or don't have the acreage for a full orchard. Learn the tips for success from Christy of Gardenerd as she shares which fruit trees grow best in pots, how to take advantage of microclimates, which containers are best, plus tips to make sure your trees grow and produce fruit for years to come. For more information, links and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/313.

This week’s podcast is very special to me as it includes my dad and me taking a trip down memory lane as we visit the old “Homestead” where he grew up. This is actually the audio taken from a YouTube video I published a couple weeks back, so if you’d like to watch the video along with the podcast, visit melissaknorris.com/312 and some of the conversations we’re having may make more sense when you can see it. He’s a wealth of information on living through hard times and the hardest working man I know.

There are many ways to grow food in the garden, but if you're short on space, using grow bags is a fantastic option to not only gain more space but grow food without having to build a permanent gardening option. Join me for this podcast episode with Kevin Espiritu from Epic Gardening as he shares his epic wisdom on using grow bags in the garden. For more information, visit melissaknorris.com/311

Many people recommend artificial lighting to keep up egg production during the winter months, but this is hard on hens. Alternatively, I work with the seasons to allow the hens to produce eggs in their natural cycles. As a result, our homestead has high egg production in the spring, with low production in the winter. A critical homesteading skill is to learn which foods are seasonal, and some may be surprised to learn that eggs are seasonal too! For more information, visit melissaknorris.com/310.

If you’re an entrepreneur or a homesteader looking to make an income from your time, skills, or physical products, this podcast is for you! Join me and Anne Briggs (from Anne of All Trades) as we discuss the realities behind owning your own business, and how to properly price products to make a profit. For more information and related links from this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/309.

Sit down with Joel Salatin and me as we discuss methods for increasing the profits from your homestead, different methods for earning a living from your homestead, and ways to increase production (even on a small homestead). We also discuss the best animals and practices for regenerative agriculture and improving the land WITH your animals for both the health of the animal and the land. For more information, visit melissaknorris.com/308.

There are several different methods for food preservation, and in this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, we are going to cover what mechanisms are at play for nine of these methods. Not all forms of food preservation are appropriate for every food, so it’s important to have a good understanding of what is happening during food preservation in order to know which method to use. For more information, visit melissaknorris.com/307.

When we’re dreaming of an ideal homestead, it’s true that many of us picture acreage with a beautiful log cabin tucked in the treeline, or a huge farmhouse with every upgrade imaginable. But does that mean without those things you can’t homestead? Absolutely not! I’m dispelling the most commonly believed homesteading myths in today’s podcast. To read them all and to grab the show notes and links mentioned, visit melissaknorris.com/306.

We’re talking about how to grow food year-round using covers. Most often, people think of growing under cover for colder climates, but this method actually works for helping grow your garden in the heat of summer, too. Niki Jabbour, author of Year Round Gardening: Growing Under Cover and SavvyGardener.com and I are discussing all things gardening and chatting about methods for extending your growing season to all four seasons. Grab the show notes and links mentioned at melissaknorris.com/305.

In today's episode, I'm talking with Jessica Soward from Roots & Refuge Farm and we're discussing foolproof methods that you need to build into your gardening plan. When gardening overwhelm sets in, having these methods available means there's less stress to be had! Grab the show notes and links mentioned at melissaknorris.com/304.

If you’re considering buying land and starting a homestead, or even moving an existing homestead to a new property, this podcast is one you'll want to tune into to learn what to look for and things to be aware of BEFORE you buy. Today's episode is with Cathy Paine, who I interviewed all about raising American Guinea Hogs, and she's chatting with me, sharing all her insight into what you need to know when buying a homestead.  For more information and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/303.

In today’s Pioneering Today Podcast (episode #302), did you struggle with diseased plants in your garden last year? Want to expand the garden but need to make sure you're maximizing your efforts? I’m talking with Christine, a homesteader in Northern Michigan who is looking for gardening advice as she and her husband expand their garden, add structures like high tunnels and trellises, and learn how to protect their garden from common diseases. For more information and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/302

Today’s Pioneering Today Podcast (episode #301), I'm talking with Andrea from VW Family Farms. She and her family live on 700-acres where they homeschool their children and raise over 100 head of cattle, 40 pigs, 200 chickens, 15 beehives, and many more. They have 22,000 feet of garden space and grow their own food utilizing greenhouses and aquaponics. Their system also allows them to raise their own tilapia! For more information and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/301.

Today I’m answering YOUR questions! I took a poll on Instagram asking what you wanted to know about gardening - any question on any gardening topic. The results were so many! In today’s podcast, I’m answering as many questions as possible, to the best of my ability based on my own experiences and knowledge. For a full list of the questions and answers, shownotes and any links mentioned, visit melissaknorris.com/300.

Did you know you could add nitrogen and feed the soil by using specific companion plants? Today's episode shares which companion plants can ADD nitrogen to the soil, when to plant them, and what you need to do in order to do it successfully (and avoid having crops take over) all with no-till methods. For more information and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/299.

Living the pioneer or modern homesteader lifestyle is something that many of us are drawn to, but there are times in a family where only one person is on board. What can be done to encourage the rest of the family to take part in this self-sustainable way of life that gets them excited instead of dreading it? Join me for today’s podcast where I’m helping Stephanie, a member of the Pioneering Today Academy, with just that! For more information and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/298.

Keeping backyard egg-laying chickens is a wonderful way to offset your food costs. It’s also great to know you’re getting healthy eggs from hens that have been fed non-GMO food and had plenty of access to fresh greens, bugs and worms. But there are some specifics you’ll want to know before bringing your chickens home for the best success. Check out today’s podcast for everything you need to know to raise backyard chickens. For more information and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/297.

Today we’re learning how we can grow MORE food with LESS work by using “food forests”. Daron, the founder of Growing With Nature, a website aimed at allowing our living world to come alive with abundance for people, plants and wildlife, is sharing his knowledge for growing food forests, why they’re important, and how to do it no matter what growing zone you're in or where you are in your gardening journey. Grab all the resources mentioned in today’s episode on the blog: melissaknorris.com/296.

In this episode, we’re talking about fermented dairy, the health benefits, the history and why you should absolutely be consuming fermented dairy on a regular basis. Not just fermented dairy, but HOMEMADE fermented dairy and why it’s so much better for you! Also, sign up for the Pioneering Today Academy waitlist here: melissaknorris.com/PTA. For more information and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/295.

This last year we raised American Guinea hogs for the very first time. Today I'm sharing our experience in raising them, how we liked the meat, the pros and cons of raising this breed, what the final price per pound was, and our conclusion on whether we'll raise them again in future years. This is the follow up from my previous podcast episode (episode #282) all about raising American Guinea Hogs. For more information and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/294.

Do you struggle with time management and taking on too many projects? There are so many things that we homesteaders want to do but often we overextend ourselves and then get overwhelmed. In today's podcast, I share tips on how to be more organized and focused so you can be more productive and continue to make progress towards greater self-sufficiency. For more information and shownotes visit melissaknorris.com/293.

In today’s Pioneering Today Podcast I’m interviewing Casey who wants to raise livestock and grow a substantial garden all while living in the suburbs of Utah. Learn how to utilize community gardens or shared property to accomplish your homesteading goals without the actual homestead property. For more information and show notes visit melissaknorris.com/292.

In today’s Pioneering Today Podcast we’re going to be covering everything you need to know for starting seeds indoors. The supplies needed, when to start them, how to start them, and the mistakes to avoid. Usually, the mistakes I see gardeners making when starting seeds are very simple fixes and we’ll cover them all in today’s episode. For show notes, more seed starting information, free seed starting charts, or to read the podcast transcript, visit melissaknorris.com/291.

Learn practical time-management tips on becoming a homesteader and how to get everything done in a day without wasting time or getting distracted with Anne of All Trades. She shares her homesteading journey from Taiwan to Seattle, and now settled in Nashville, TN. Amidst boatloads of helpful practical advice, she shares how the phrase, "don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle" has helped her on her journey. For show notes or to read the podcast transcript, visit melissaknorris.com/290.

Shannon, who lives in the Pacific Northwest, is looking for some gardening tips to take her small, raised-bed garden to the next level. She wants to learn how to feed her family well, growing a year's worth of food, but not getting overwhelmed when it comes time to preserve it all. In today’s podcast, I give her my tips for starting seeds, cool and warm weather planting, and an overall great garden season. For more information, or to read the podcast transcript, visit melissaknorris.com/289.

Learn how to make a sourdough starter from scratch, plus the best feeding methods and which flours to use for feeding. Anytime anyone has issues with their sourdough bread, it always comes back to their starter. Make your starter the correct way, right from the beginning, then join me for more tips in my FREE LIVE class on 1/20/2021 here: melissaknorris.com/starter. You’ll also get other free goodies, so I hope to see you there! For the full written instructions visit melissaknorris.com/288.

This is my story from an eating disorder as a teen to my health today and what my daily workouts consist of now. As a homesteader, there are always movements that require me to be in good physical shape. From building fences, lifting hay bales, and weeding the garden, if I’m not physically fit, I end up in pain from injury or strain. In today’s podcast, I’m sharing my tips on how I’ve learned to keep fitness a daily practice in order to maintain my homesteading lifestyle. For more information, or to read the podcast transcript, visit melissaknorris.com/287.

Wouldn't it feel wonderful to live in a home that's neat and tidy all-year-round? As fellow former “clutter-addicts”, Tracy Lynn and I are sitting down discussing ways to declutter your home, month by month, week by week, no more than 20 minutes each day to keep it clean all year round. Be sure to visit the blog post to grab Tracy’s FREE printable worksheet to use in your home! melissaknorris.com/286.

Do you have a vegetable garden or want to start one this year? Now is the time to plan for your best year yet in gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or first-timer, you'll benefit from these tips. In this BONUS episode of The Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sharing how you can actually get three garden seasons in a year, where to buy seeds, when to get seeds started or planted, plus many more tips on cold-weather gardening. For resource links go to https://melissaknorris.com/bonus1 Get your Family Garden Planner for planting charts, how much to plant worksheets, year, month, and day planner for your best garden ever.

The holidays can bring out the best and worst in people. I tend to have more of a “PollyAnna” viewpoint, but with current situations surrounding COVID and 2020, I have noticed deeper emotions and more division this year than any other time in my life. Certainly, I’m not the only one dealing with this, so today we’re discussing how to handle these emotions surrounding the realities of 2020. For more information, or to read the podcast transcript, visit melissaknorris.com/285.

Certainly the "best" homemade gifts is subjective, but I'm basing this list on the gifts I've given or received and had the gift receiver come back and compliment, or ask for the recipe (or more) of what you gifted them! To me, that's a pretty big compliment. For more information, or to read the podcast transcript, visit melissaknorris.com/284.

It’s our goal each year to grow more food and improve our self-sufficiency skills. One of my goals this year is simplicity. Because of the canning supply shortage, wintering our crops in the garden was very important. Listen to this episode to learn which vegetables you can store in the garden, which vegetables don’t store well, and all my tips for how to store them properly WITHOUT heat or row covers. For more information, or to read the podcast transcript, visit melissaknorris.com/283.

Up until a year ago, I didn't even know about this specific breed of hogs, how they differ from the modern breeds, and how to raise them. But after reading "Saving the Guinea Hogs: The Recovery of an American Homestead Breed" by Cathy Payne, I was so excited to get started. Join me as I chat with Cathy in today's Pioneering Today Podcast, Episode #282, all about the American Guinea Hog. For more information, or to read the podcast transcript, visit melissaknorris.com/282.

It's close to the holidays and you may be wondering just what to get for your homesteading friends! In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sharing the best gifts for homesteaders. Covering everything from the kitchen, to the garden, tools, gadgets, and more! For the full transcript and links visit melissaknorris.com/281

When Autumn was bit by a tick at age 19, it took a number of years before her Lyme disease surfaced. She realized a change needed to happen, little did she know homesteading would help her Lyme Disease recovery. melissaknorris.com/280

Over a year ago we did an experiment in the garden by covering half of it with wood chips. The results have been very eye-opening! Here's what I liked, disliked and if we're mulching with wood chips again this year. melissaknorris.com/279

As a new homesteader, it can be hard to know what to do FIRST on your homestead. Or, if you've been homesteading for a while, what to do NEXT. In this podcast, I'm sharing my tips to know what to do next, and how it worked out for my family when first getting started so many years ago. melissaknorris.com/278

If you have been homesteading for any length of time, or you’re just getting started with your homestead, there comes a time when you begin to feel overwhelmed with all of the work and everything that needs to get done. So how do we stay motivated and remember our “why” during these busy seasons? Listen to today’s podcast for my tips and motivation, and visit my blog for the transcript, show notes, and additional links from today’s episode: melissaknorris.com/277  

Learn how to use root cuttings, stem cuttings, and even air layering to create free berry, fruit, and herb plants from existing plants. What you need to know about rooting hormones, best time of year for success, and more in this episode with plant expert Leslie Halleck. For blog post, resources, links and more visit https://melissaknorris.com/276

Use this old method (funny how old things become new again, isn't it?) of co-grazing and silvopasture to increase your profit and sustainability with your livestock without increasing your land. This episode talks about which livestock is best suited to this, how to become more profitable, how to create a silvopasture and so much more. Grab links & resources at https://melissaknorris.com/275 Get your ticket to my affiliate the Homesteaders of America's Conference https://melissaknorris.com/HOA

These are the 8 things I'm doing now to make sure my immune system is stronger come cold & flu season this fall and winter and you should join me. I firmly believe it's the things we do every day that have the biggest impact on our health and quality of life. For links & resources go to https://melissaknorris.com/274 For info on the Pioneering Today Academy and our Fall Herbal Challenge visit https://melissaknorris.com/PTA

We're bringing in the harvest and that means herbs for the spice and natural medicine cabinet. Use these methods and tips to make sure you're getting the strongest medicinal properties in your herbs including the best harvest time, drying method, AND storing them correctly. Join my FREE live Using Herbs Effectively & Safely During Cold & Flu Season here https://melissaknorris.com/herbclass and get resource links for this episode at https://melissaknorris.com/273

Using all the forms of food preservation provides you with a lot more food to eat throughout the fall and winter and also means you're not left with mounds of molding produce if you can't get canning supplies. Some foods are better suited to specific forms of food preservation due to safety and others on how you like to cook/eat them. For links/resources/recipes go to https://melissaknorris.com/272

Here's what we're doing to be ready for fall/winter, whatever it may bring. It's a little bit different than what we've done in the past, but many of these practices are ones we'll keep up as a permanent part of our homestead. Grab all the links and resources for today's episode https://melissaknorris.com/271 

I've never shared like this before on a podcast, warning, you will hear me cry. But it's important that anyone raising animals knows what to expect, the emotional side of livestock (including butcher day though this story is about the birth of a calf the mother rejected and what unfolded), along with my personal story of losing a baby due to a tubal pregnancy. My goal is you will find beauty among the hard and be left with hope. 

The health benefits of mushrooms are vast and when you consider you can easily grow them at home, it gets even more exciting. Ever since I found healing from stomach acid and ulcers by changing the food I ate (after being on the max dose of prescription medications) I've continued down the rabbit hole of using our food and herbs as medicine. Learn the benefits & how to preserve mushrooms at home for year-round use. Links & resources at https://melissaknorris.com/269

Learning how to grow mushrooms at home opens up an entirely new world for food production (as well as medicine) in your backyard. You can grow different types of mushrooms in a variety of locations in your backyard and garden. We'll go over the 3 types of growing mediums and which mushrooms do best in each with Mary Ellen from Field and Forrest. For resources, pics and show notes https://melissaknorris.com/268

It's been five months since the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. There are many changes that have taken place. Some which will remain going forward and some that I'm glad won't be permanent. The pandemic certainly changed a lot of things for almost everybody. How people view those changes depends on how they look at life. These are 7 things (some surprised me) that we're keeping as permanent changes in our lives. Resources and blog post at https://melissaknorris.com/267 

There's nothing more frustrating than having bugs or other garden pests decimate your vegetables. Unfortunately, there's a lot of myths or suggestions to use synthetic pesticides. These are the tips that have actually worked in my garden. This way you can have delicious organic vegetables from your backyard without sharing them with pests. Snag links and resources at https://melissaknorris.com/266 Get your copy of the Family Garden Plan to help you grow and harvest a year's worth of vegetables from your backyard http://familygardenplan.com

Have fresh veggies all fall and into winter straight from the garden (and no greenhouse required) with these tips for a fall garden. The first year or two I tried fall gardening it didn't turn out so well, but now we harvest many plants clear through until January, even in our northern climate. For the full planting list with dates go to https://melissaknorris.com/265 Get the chart (and my book) on how much to plant per person at http://familygardenplan.com

Learn about this sustainable form of poultry to use on the homestead and how it's vastly underused today. How to put geese to use on your homestead both to work the land and how to make INCOME from them in multiple ways. Join me and Morgan Gold as we talk about ducks and geese on the homestead for livestock but also as a way to make money. Resources/show notes https://melissaknorris.com/264