The Modern Homesteading Podcast

After a long winter break, we finally sat down again to record another episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast. It had been months since we last talked together, and as we caught up, it became clear that even though winter can feel slow, homesteading never really stops.

Spring is creeping in. The snow is melting in some places, the mud is arriving in others, and everywhere homesteaders are beginning to prepare for the busiest time of the year.

This episode turned into a simple homestead update — talking about maple syrup season, garden plans, animals, compost, and the everyday work that makes a homestead function.

And honestly, that’s what homesteading really is.

Not constant excitement, but the steady rhythm of seasonal work.

Winter is a season with its own kind of work.

Find the full show notes at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/winter-homestead-reality-check-what-actually-gets-done/

In today’s episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, I'm diving into one of the most practical, delicious, and surprisingly simple ways to boost your year-round food production: Growing a Four-Season Salad Garden — even in cold climates.

Find The Full Show Notes at: https://redemptionpermaculture.com/growing-a-four-season-salad-garden-how-to-harvest-fresh-greens-all-year-long/

When you start the journey toward self-sufficiency, it often feels slow. You look at everything you still want to do — grow more food, raise more animals, build better systems — and it can seem like you’re barely making progress.

But here’s the truth: You're Further Along Than You Think!

Self-sufficiency doesn’t happen overnight. It grows one small habit at a time.
And many homesteaders are far more self-sufficient than they give themselves credit for.

If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “there yet,” this list will encourage you. Chances are, you’re already walking the path — and much further along than you realize.

Let’s look at 21 signs you’re becoming truly self-sufficient.

Find the full show notes at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/ways-to-know-youre-growing-in-self-sufficiency/

After a three-month pause, Harold and Rachel hop back on the mics to share an honest update on burnout, boundaries, and what’s been happening off-air. They talk about stepping away from the internet, re-centering on family, and rediscovering inspiration at a healthier pace. Rachel recaps: selling a house, expanding her orchard toward a food forest in stubborn drought, clearing and cover-cropping a half acre (winter peas + rye), stacking shiitake and lion’s mane mushroom logs, and prepping a site for a pole barn. She’s building a 10×10 “chicken mansion,” helping with poultry and small-stock butchering, and deciding which animals to bring on next. Harold shares his three months trucking for Tractor Supply—cooking real meals on the road with his wife—while his daughter tended the garden. The homestead “stress test” paid off: trees, berries, and perennials thrived on design, mulch, and zero watering, even in drought.

They also get candid about creator fatigue in the homesteading space and why the podcast will return only when there’s real passion and value to share (no promises on a weekly cadence). Current projects include winter prep, heavy pruning, re-mulching guilds, and rebooting the greenhouse for cool-season greens and spring seeds. Looking ahead: Rachel plans chickens, rabbits, and ducks; Harold’s eyeing rabbits and quail again. They swap garden wins and flops (epic strawberries and figs; potatoes that surprised; not much canning this year), and a YouTube channel that’s been inspiring lately. Thanks for sticking with the show—whenever the next episode drops, the goal is the same as day one: practical encouragement to “grow where you’re planted.”

Join Rachel as she interviews Beth Declercq of The Declercq Homestead.  In today's podcast episode they talk about Beth and Tommy’s journey from city dwellers to rural living on a small farm.  Beth talks about raising milk cows, beef cows, homeschooling, large families all while running businesses from their farmstead. She gives wisdom and encouragement to all of us to slow down, be patient and give grace to yourself and your family. 

Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/large-family-small-acreage-farming-with-the-declercq-homestead/

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. Whether you’re building from scratch or buying a kit, this is your guide to creating a practical and beautiful outdoor kitchen on the homestead.Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/outdoor-kitchens-for-the-homestead/

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.

Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/chewing-the-fat-about-our-homesteads-a-season-of-change-and-growth/

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 and composting mulch layers to contour-based water management and edible edges, you’ll learn how to make every step in your garden work for you and the ecosystem around you.Find the full show notes at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/garden-paths-from-a-permaculture-perspective/

On today's podcast episode, Rachel talks about something that can totally change your garden — growing vertically! Whether you have a tiny backyard, a small deck, or just a balcony, vertical gardening is a fun way to grow more food and flowers without needing tons of space.Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/how-to-garden-vertically/