On this episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, I’m joined by homesteader, blogger, author, and podcaster Melissa K. Norris.
Melissa and her family homestead 15 acres in Washington where they raise cattle, chickens, pigs, grow heirloom vegetables and put a lot of emphasis on cooking from scratch. She has written two books and she is the host of the “Pioneering Today” Podcast.
Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 69 – November 19, 2017
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If you landed on this page because you heard me on Melissa’s podcast and you wanted the 5 free audio lessons, I no longer have that course available. However, listeners of the Pioneering Today Podcast can get the entire course in book form for free by clicking here.
Homesteading is all about taking charge of what you eat, how you live, and what you use in your daily life. It’s not about going off-grid completely or living like it’s the 1800s. Instead, it combines old-school knowledge with modern conveniences to create a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re a beginner or have been at this for years, there’s always something new to learn in homesteading!
Getting Started: One Small Step at a Time
Starting a homestead doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A great way to start is by picking just one thing that you can make yourself. Maybe it’s a loaf of homemade bread, a container of fresh herbs, or a simple homemade cleaner. By focusing on one thing at a time, it becomes a lot more manageable and you feel a sense of accomplishment right away.
Melissa K. Norris, a homesteading blogger and author, recommends starting small and building from there. For her, it all began with making healthier food choices. She decided to make one thing at home that she was buying from the store. This helped her eat healthier and save money. And, once you master one skill, it feels easier to tackle the next one.
Cooking from Scratch: Healthier and Tastier
For Melissa, health issues were a big reason she started cooking more at home. After struggling with severe heartburn and needing a lot of medications, she found that changing her diet made a huge difference. By cutting out processed foods and making things from scratch, she eventually eliminated the need for her medications.
Cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. Things like homemade bread, biscuits, and even crackers can be made in just a few minutes. Plus, Melissa likes using an Instant Pot, which makes cooking even faster and easier. It’s perfect for those busy days when you still want a homemade meal.
Preserving Food: Canning, Fermenting, and Freezing
Preserving food is another key part of homesteading. Melissa and her family grow a lot of their own vegetables, and they use different ways to make them last through the winter. Canning, fermenting, and freezing are all great options for keeping the harvest going all year round.
Fermenting is especially helpful because it keeps the vegetables fresh and full of nutrients. For example, sauerkraut and pickles are delicious, healthy, and easy to make. Melissa even shared that fermenting can keep veggies good for months—sometimes up to a year—in the fridge!
- Hardcover Book
- Melissa K. Norris (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Growing Your Own Food: Start Small
If you’re interested in growing your own food but don’t have much space, you can start small with just a few herbs in containers. Even having a few fresh herbs like basil or sage can make a big difference in your cooking. And when you grow them yourself, you know they’re fresh and free of any unwanted chemicals.
Melissa’s journey started with a garden and has grown over the years to include raising animals like chickens and cows. Her advice for beginners is to start with something manageable—like growing herbs or planting a small vegetable garden—and build from there. Over time, you might find yourself adding more and more to your homestead.
Natural Cleaning: Easy and Effective
Cleaning products can be full of chemicals, but you can easily make your own natural cleaners at home. Melissa swears by baking soda and vinegar for almost all of her cleaning needs. Baking soda works great for scrubbing sinks and ovens, while vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleaner. These simple ingredients are not only effective, but they’re also inexpensive and safe for your family.
Make It Fun and Involve the Family
Homesteading can also be a family affair. Melissa talks about how her kids love helping with projects like mushroom foraging or making homemade candles. It’s a great way to teach valuable skills, get everyone involved, and spend quality time together. Plus, kids love the hands-on nature of these activities—whether it’s gathering mushrooms in the forest or baking homemade cookies.
- Norris, Melissa K. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages – 10/01/2017 (Publication Date) – Ten Peaks Press (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Handmade Gifts: Thoughtful and Practical
Homesteading skills can also be used to make wonderful gifts. Things like homemade candles, herbal salves, or even baked goods make great presents, especially around the holidays. Melissa loves making things like pumpkin rolls and herbal body butters, which are always a big hit with friends and family.
Encouragement for Modern Homesteaders
Melissa believes that the most important thing is to keep learning and stay encouraged. Homesteading is a journey, and it’s okay to take it slow and make mistakes along the way. She suggests setting realistic goals and not stressing if everything isn’t perfect. Remember, even small steps can lead to big changes over time.
If you’re just getting started, pick one thing that interests you—whether it’s growing herbs, baking bread, or making your own laundry detergent—and give it a try. The most important part is to enjoy the journey and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small.
Resources For Today’s Episode:
- Melissa’s Website:https://melissaknorris.com/
Books –
- Everything Worth Preserving: The Complete Guide for Food Preservation at Home
- Hand Made: The Modern Guide to Made from Scratch Living
Melissa’s Membership –
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