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

We raised and butchered a year's worth of meat birds for our family of 4 in 2 hours. The actual butchering took 2 hours, but the setup, clean up, and packaging were longer. I walk you through our process and tips we've gleaned over the years of raising our own meat birds. For step-by-step photos go to https://melissaknorris.com/263

You'll want to make sure you're turning some of that fresh summer fruit into this easy homemade vinegar that uses only, are you ready for this, 1 ingredient!! This is the easiest food preservation and fermenting you'll ever do. Learn how, troubleshooting, and favorite ways to put that homemade vinegar to use with my guest Autumn (and find out what I've been doing wrong). To get a printable recipe & show notes go to https://melissaknorris.com/262 

One of the questions I get asked the most is how do you manage to get so much done with work and a homestead? Today I'm sharing the truth about balance, seasons, and the fallacy of doing it all. I also give tips on how I've learned to keep the homestead functioning while still working a full-time job (including a day job off the homestead) and what my current schedule looks like. For links/resource https://melissaknorris.com/261  Get The Family Garden Plan HTTP://familygardenplan.com 

Learn the 10 things most organic gardeners forget about to help you grow more food in the space you have, even if it’s not ideal full sun! Many of us need to grow our own food this year, but not everyone has a really large space. Nicky and Dave live in a very urban environment & using the concept of permaculture and a food forest, they have the first-hand experience in growing in a smaller urban space they're sharing with us today. Resources and links https://melissaknorris.com/260 Grow &  harvest a years worth of food with the Family Garden Plan free charts here https://melissaknorris.com/familygardenplan/

Learn how to integrate new chicks into existing flocks, plus, all your questions on mixing meat birds with laying hens and how to keep dual-purpose chickens. Common mistakes you NEED to avoid for the health of your chickens and what to do if your chicken is being bullied by the rest of the flock. Resources at https://melissaknorris.com/259 

Even without going Amish, we can glean a lot from their lifestyle to help us live more self-sufficient and simple with these 7 tips. Learn how one company has helped preserve the Amish way of life while coming full circle and offering Amish and homesteading tools to the public. Episode resources at https://melissaknorris.com/258 Go to lehmans.com/PIONEER from May 22 to June 30, 2020 to receive 10% off any order $50 or more. Enter code PIONEER at checkout.

While a productive garden is the goal, they should also be a place of sanctuary and beauty. Adding in these elements (even if you battle with shade) or small spaces, can bring you more joy in the garden, something we all could use more of, including weed suppression tips. For resource https://melissaknorris.com/257 Join the Pioneering Today Academy now for your step-by-step plan to raise and preserve your own food https://melissaknorris.com/pta

What you need to know to raise chickens for meat, including what breed is best, where to purchase, how much food they need, butcher age, and what you need to do differently with meat birds to avoid early death or leg problems. Links and resources at https://melissaknorris.com/256 Snag your free seat in my newest live class here How to Plan Your Crops & Harvest for a Year's Worth of Food

These 8 common mistakes made by new gardeners are easy to avoid once you know what they are and though common with new gardeners, even us veteran gardeners may be making some of them! Resources and links at https://melissaknorris.com/255 Free seat for the Organic Gardening Workshp https://melissaknorris.com/workshop over 6 days of videos walking you through growing your own vegetables in your backyard.

These are non-food items to keep on hand at all times with tips to make sure you have what you need to run your home and homestead smoothly, from the vehicles, equipment and the cleaner/medicine cabinet. I share my favorites & where I get them. For resources, recipes, and guides go to https://melissaknorris.com/254 Learn how to make homemade soap, herbal salves/ointments, beeswax candles and more https://melissaknorris.lpages.co/handmade-masterclass/

These are the 13 pantry items I always have on hand and the amounts I'm now keeping as a bare minimum since COVID19. Having these items on hand ensures you can make a number of different foods for your family, no matter what is or isn't going on in the world. For links and resources go to https://melissaknorris.com/253 100+ of my best from-scratch recipes inside Hand Made http://handmadethebook.com/

We're implementing steps right now to raise more of our own food than ever before. I share how we're walking through these decisions, what we're adding, and what you should evaluate now on your homestead to have everything in place, including planning for livestock and feed. Resources at https://melissaknorris.com/252 Grow a Years Worth of Food with my book The Family Garden Plan HTTP://familygardenplan.com

What's better than planting something once and having food for years to come? Pretty much nothing! How about some fruit & nut tree varieties that will produce sooner than most? Now we're talking and we added in some uncommon edible plants you probably haven't heard of but make a gorgeous addition to your yard (where we're all spending a bit more time than usual!) Resources at https://melissaknorris.com/251 Get the Family Garden Plan HTTP://familygardenplan.com

Many of us are relying on our gardens this year for food than ever before. In this episode, I, Jill from the Beginners Gardener and Kevin from Epic Gardening share what our preparedness garden plans look like this year and our top 3 crop choices from 3 very different gardening climates to help you create YOUR gardening plan to feed your family. Get the free how much to plant per person for a year's worth of food chart HTTP://familygardenplan.com

These homemade reusable substitutes for single-use store-bought items will serve you well, especially in these times when toilet paper can be hard to come by. Learn valuable tips for homemade versions of paper towels, toilet paper, plastic wrap and more! Resources at https://melissaknorris.com/249

Having a home that is beautiful and functional is extremely important, especially now when many of us are spending more time there. These tips will help you create a vintage and handmade home with easy frugal ideas with inspiration from Lisa of Farmhouse On Boone. Resources at https://melissaknorris.com/248 

Today I answer your questions on growing your own food straight from your messages. Now more than ever people are needing to grow a garden to provide for their family and I answer your questions. Snag resources at https://melissaknorris.com/247 Get your FREE seat in the Organic Gardening Workshop NOW https://melissaknorris.com/workshop

During this unprecedented time with the Coronavirus, I'm sharing what we're doing (and you can too) to stay calm, be prepared, and help others. Where to find staples (and what we're stocking), plans for growing food and herbal medicine, plus involving the family and kids. FREE Organic Gardening Workshop https://melissaknorris.com/workshop and links to tutorials resources from today's episode https://melissaknorris.com/246 

Weeds have long plagued me in the garden & weed fabric does NOT work, but I've finally found some things that do work to keep weeds out of the garden naturally long term. Resources at https://melissaknorris.com/245 Get your seat to the FREE Organic Gardening Workshop here https://melissaknorris.com/workshop from seed starting to permaculture 

No matter what your thoughts are on the coronavirus this is the time to assess how your food storage and supplies are. Where I live schools are being shut down and my guest has people in quarantine around her, stores are empty of supplies, and she shares how being in the real midst of this affects your mindset. This is not meant as fear-mongering, but what is a reality where we are and how to use this time to assess your skill sets where they stand right now. Resources at https://melissaknorris.com/244 Free Organic Gardening Workshop https://melissaknorris.com/workshop

Sustainability and food security is a huge factor in why people start homesteading and can be created with a home garden. Luke from MIGardener shares how much he grows in a small area and how his garden sparked him to start a seed company that made seeds affordable (less than $1 per packet). Go to https://melissaknorris.com/243 for resources AND a 15% off coupon code. Get the Family Garden Plan to know exactly how much to plant for your family and grow from seed to jar http://familygardenplan.com

Learn how to care for fruit trees in fall & winter, including how to determine your pruning based on YOUR climate (this was fascinating!). Know what to do in fall and what you need to do in winter to ensure the vitality of your fruit trees and how to keep disease down. Go to https://melissaknorris.com/242 for 10% off coupon code from Raintree Nurseries. Want step-by-step tutorials and lessons on growing and preserving your own food seasonally? Doors to the Pioneering Today Academy are only open for a short time https://melissaknorris.com/PTA

Evaluating where we're spending our time, especially when we feel overwhelmed, is extremely important for anyone, but especially homesteaders. Not only do I share tips on how to evaluate activities when you don't have enough time but also what you need to know about the podcast moving forward (and no worries, it's not the last episode but it is the last Wednesday episode for the time being). To dive deeper with me check out the Pioneering Today Academy here while we're still open for new members https://melissaknorris.com/waitlist

Tips on how to declutter and organize your home. A homestead has more moving parts than most homes and without systems in place, it can quickly become a jumbled mess. Today TracyLynn gives tips on how to start with room resets and creating systems that work based on your habits and triggers for an organized home so you can get more done with less stress. Resources and links https://melissaknorris.com/240

Learn where to buy whole grains in bulk, my favorite sources, and which grains I buy in bulk. I'll dive into how I use each of those grains in my baking and cooking to help you create a well-stocked pantry. Grab resources and links https://melissaknorris.com/239 including recipes and guides for grinding your own flour at home and picking the best wheat berries for your family's needs.

Small space vegetable gardening is doable and Kevin Espiritu from Epic Gardening shares how he grows a TON of food in a small urban environment and how these tips will help you grow more no matter how much or little space you have. Plus, he walks me through growing herbs indoors with hydroponics during the winter months! Get the links & resources https://melissaknorris.com/238 hurry and snag your spot on the waitlist https://melissaknorris.com/waitlist for the Pioneering Today Academy

Not blessed with great gardening soil? No worries, these 3 easy tips on how to improve soil for gardening will help you out, especially if you have clay, compacted, hard, or sandy soil. We have good soil and I still use these tips every year in the garden. Links & resources at https://melissaknorris.com/237 Get on the waitlist for the Academy https://melissaknorris.com/waitlist for special exclusive videos and resources

Using herbs medicinally isn't something I was raised with, but over the years, I turn to my natural medicine cabinet first but one needs to understand how to brew a medicinal cup of tea differently than just a regular cup of tea. Learn choosing the correct herb, medicinal herb sourcing, how to brew your tea medicinally & growing your own. Resources & links https://melissaknorris.com/236 Get on the waitlist for the Pioneering Today Academy https://melissaknorris.com/waitlist

Picking the best location for a vegetable garden, herbs, or fruit trees depends on your growing climate and land. I walk you through the steps I take when putting in any new plants, beds, or moving ones that haven't been thriving so you can choose the best position for your garden with the 4 basic microclimates every yard has and how to identify microzones easily in the winter months. Resources at https://melissaknorris.com/235 Get the Family Garden Plan for step-by-step planning, growing and harvesting a year's worth of food http://familygardenplan.com 

Breeding chickens naturally using selective breeding for eggs and chicks, either to build up your own flock or to create a homestead income from your chickens. What you need to know about heritage breeds, picking a breeder, where to get started with your flock, and how to create your breeding plan, either for your own flock or business, with best tips for pricing, shipping and more! Get links here https://melissaknorris.com/234 The Pioneering Today Academy only opens for new members a few times a year, get on the waitlist for exclusive goodies https://melissaknorris.com/waitlist 

Crop rotation is one of the easiest ways to make a big difference in your garden's health and decreasing disease, but people often get confused on how to implement it. I walk you through the 4 main vegetable families so you can easily use crop rotation either yearly or seasonal, based on your garden space and crops. Resources for today's episode https://melissaknorris.com/234 Get on the waitlist for the Pioneering Today Academy https://melissaknorris.com/waitlist

Learn how to get started with no till gardening (including the pro's to this method) with Jo Lamp'l. Why you should consider no till gardening methods for healthier soil, including less weeds, and easy tips to transition existing beds to this method. Plus, excellent tips on growing tomatoes in containers successfully including some fun new varieties and how to use these tips for other container plants. Resources and links https://melissaknorris.com/232 Your step-by-step tutorial to raising a year's worth of food The Family Garden Plan http://familygardenplan.com 

I share how we plan our homestead year based on what we need to produce from the homestead and how that works into the calendar year. How we evaluate what and how much to raise for meat and adding in or adjusting infrastructure to make sure that happens, including how we phase things when budget and time is an issue. Links and resources at https://melissaknorris.com/231 my step-by-step plan and guide for raising a year's worth of vegetables & fruit in The Family Garden Plan http://familygardenplan.com

Just how many fruit and berry plants do you need to grow a year's worth per person in your family? I break down how many fruit and berry plants we have per person, how to choose which options are best for you based on your climate and space, and average yield amounts. Get the chart and info in the blog post at https://melisskanorris.com/230 and snag your copy + bonuses of The Family Garden Plan http://familygardenplan.com to grow a year's worth of food for you family

The exact list of heirloom varieties I grow in our garden each year. These are my tried and true must-have every year. I also share how much of each variety I plant to take us through an entire year. Get The Family Garden Plan for all the resources and charts to help you grow a year's worth of food here http://familygardenplan.com/ for the written list visit the blog post at https://melissaknorris.com/229