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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 can relate to.

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Building, Lifting, and Feeling Every Bit of It

Life on the homestead is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. Harold joked about feeling every one of his 53 years after swinging a hammer and running a drill a little too much. With paint in his hair and a brace on his hand, he talked about the nonstop hustle of redesigning his property.

Rachel felt it too. Juggling two homesteads and a job, she’s still full of energy to work outside every evening. Even when her body is tired, the joy of growing and building pulls her out the door.

A Whole New Layout

Harold made big changes to his homestead this year, including moving fences, building new guilds, expanding the backyard, and creating a separate area for compost and bees. But those changes came with a cost—lower production for the season. Annuals and perennials both had to be moved, and it’ll take time for them to bounce back. Still, the long-term vision is clear: a better, more efficient, and beautiful space for years to come.

Saying Goodbye to an Apple Tree

Sometimes, tough choices have to be made. Harold had to cut down a healthy, mature apple tree simply because it no longer fit into the new layout. While the tree produced fruit and held sentimental value, it was casting too much shade in all the wrong places. It was a sad moment, but one that made space for something new.

A Food Forest in Progress

Over at Rachel’s new place, the orchard is slowly transitioning into a food forest. With apple trees planted years ago and support species like comfrey, garlic, chives, yarrow, and daffodils now filling in the gaps, things are beginning to come alive. She’s also planning to add elderberries, swales, and a Hügelkultur mound to help manage water flow and make the most of her sandy, clay-heavy soil.

Garden Experiments and Funny Fails

From compost systems to guild planting, both Harold and Rachel are trying new things. Harold shared his excitement over a three-bin compost system and how much more compost he can make now. Rachel, on the other hand, talked about walking onions taking over her compost pile, strawberries thriving in Dollar Store towers, and how garlic she thought wouldn’t survive is now growing strong.

There was even a rabbit who beat Harold to one of his broccoli plants—and a black bear sighting near Rachel’s driveway. Homestead life always has surprises!

The Little Things That Bring Big Joy

Homesteaders get excited about simple tools—like Rachel’s waterproof transplanting tarp that keeps her table clean or Harold’s retractable hose reel that saves time and frustration. Add to that a mini chainsaw and a DeWalt weed eater, and suddenly chores become way more fun.

Rachel also shared her love for sprouting grains again and organizing flower seeds in a cute seed book, while Harold’s been enjoying building things with his granddaughter—even when things don’t turn out perfect.

Inspiration from Others

Both hosts shared what’s been inspiring them lately. From Takota Coen’s living paths to John Kempf’s regenerative farming insights, they’ve been encouraged by others who are finding smart, simple ways to build sustainable systems.

They also reflected on the impact of YouTube channels like Living Traditions Homestead, who recently released their final video after over 1,100 episodes. Harold mentioned how much he learned about raising quail from them, and both hosts appreciated the work it takes to share knowledge publicly.

Encouragement for New Homesteaders

The heart of the conversation was this: you don’t need a lot of land to homestead. Rachel did it on a third of an acre for 18 years. Harold started with just a tenth. Whether you’re in the city on a balcony or have 20 acres of woods, homesteading is about mindset, creativity, and making the most of what you have.

Mistakes happen. Projects stall. Plans change. But the memories made—and the food grown—make it all worth it. Whether it’s your kid planting strawberries upside-down or your compost pile taking over the yard, there’s beauty in the mess and meaning in the effort.

Final Thoughts

Harold and Rachel may be tired, sore, and juggling a million things—but they’re still planting, still building, still dreaming. And they’re inviting you to do the same.

Until next time, happy homesteading—and remember to grow where you’re planted.

Links Mentioned

• Repotting Mat for Indoor Transplanting – https://amzn.to/43r20XR
• NEOTEC Retractable Garden Hose Reel – https://amzn.to/3SgZLBo
• Regenerative Agriculture Podcast hosted by John Kempf – https://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/
• Living Traditions Homestead on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/LivingTraditionsHomestead