"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." – Psalm 23:2–3a Today the rain came. The garden work paused. Tools stayed put, and hands remained clean. Sometimes it’s easy to feel unproductive on days like these, watching the rain fall while our to-do list sits…
"But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ." — 1 Corinthians 15:23 There’s something almost sacred about that first few modest harvests from the garden each year—those bright cherry tomatoes, the crisp lettuce, the heat of a fresh radish, and the fragrant bite of garlic…
“Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you…” – Genesis 3:18 Today brought a small but painful reminder of the Fall: while pulling weeds from the garden, a thistle found its mark and jabbed deep into a finger. The sting lingered, not just in skin, but in soul. It was a prick not only…
On today's podcast episode, Harold and Rachel dive into the world of outdoor kitchens—why they're a game-changer for homesteaders and how to design one that fits your needs and budget. From saving energy and simplifying canning to creating community spaces and preparing for emergencies, we cover the benefits, layout ideas, tools, materials, and real-life tips.…
Spring on the homestead isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s about planting big ideas, facing challenges, and sometimes pulling up a few roots (literally). In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel have a good old-fashioned homestead chat. They covered everything from sore backs to swales, compost piles to creating memories—things every homesteader…
In this podcast episode, we explore how garden paths can do so much more than provide a place to walk—they can support soil health, manage water, grow food, host wildlife, and even tell a story. Designed with permaculture in mind, paths become a powerful tool for creating a productive and regenerative garden. From living groundcovers…
In this episode, we explore a refreshing new take on permaculture through the lens of Mulberries in the Rain, a deeply personal and story-driven book by Ryan Blosser and Trevor Piersol. Unlike traditional how-to guides, this book weaves together memories, relationships, and life lessons with plants—making permaculture feel alive, heartfelt, and accessible. Through authentic storytelling,…
In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, we're joined by the amazing Melissa K. Norris—homesteader, author, and founder of the Pioneering Today Podcast! Melissa shares practical, real-life tips for cooking from scratch, even during the busiest seasons on the homestead. From batch cooking to freezer-friendly favorites and mastering one dough recipe for everything from…
Fences serve many roles on a homestead—keeping livestock in, keeping predators out, marking property boundaries, and providing privacy. However, in permaculture, we strive to make everything serve multiple functions. Well-designed permaculture fences can do much more than just create a barrier; it can become an integral part of the ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity, microclimates, and soil…
Embarking on the journey of starting a homestead from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the possible costs involved. However, it’s possible to live the homesteading lifestyle with a small budget. These tips will guide you through the top lessons I've learned from starting and operating a homestead on a small budget and helped…
If you’ve just planted a new tree or have saplings around your property, one of the biggest threats to their healthy growth can be damage from wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and other foraging animals. Deer often use young tree trunks as rubbing posts for their antlers or browse new growth; rabbits and rodents can…
Is your once-lovely flower or herb garden bed lost under a jungle of tough grasses and assorted weeds? Don’t worry—you can bring it back to life! With some patience and a bit of hard work, you’ll have a thriving, weed-free space where your perennial flowers and herbs can flourish. In this article, we’ll guide you…
