Ep 124. Is it really cheaper to Homestead in the Suburbs?
We all love the idea of saving money through homesteading—but is it actually cheaper to DIY everything when you live in the city or suburbs? In this episode, we break down the real numbers behind some popular homesteading tasks using actual prices from our area. From making your own butter and yogurt to growing a garden and baking sourdough, we’re taking a close look at what really saves money—and what’s worth doing for other reasons like quality, sustainability, or self-sufficiency.
Spoiler: Sometimes the savings are real—and sometimes, it’s more about the why behind what we do.
Resources Mentioned:
Pantry Stocking Challenge – Free 5-Day Series
Join The Homestead Collective for more support, tools, and no-pressure progress
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18:08
Ep 123. Seasonal Eating in Spring (What to Eat from the Garden in May)
Springtime eating often leaves us wondering what's fresh beyond the classic salad—but May has plenty to offer! In today's episode, we're exploring vibrant and delicious ways to enjoy the seasonal produce that May brings to our kitchens.
We'll also dive into some early preserving projects. Plus, we're discussing why now is the ideal time to clear out last year’s pantry and freezer goods, with practical tips and inspiration for deliciously using up your stored harvest.
Resources Mentioned:
How to Make Chive Salt
Chive-Infused Oil Tutorial
Join us on Facebook to share your favorite spring recipes and preserving projects!
Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps others find seasonal inspiration too!
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13:19
Ep 122. Stress-Free Summer Planning: Balancing Fun, Family & Homesteading
Summer means longer days, less structure, and more opportunities—but without planning, it can quickly turn overwhelming. In this episode, we share practical tips to create a relaxed, memorable summer without the stress or guilt about unfinished tasks.
You’ll learn:
Why creating a brain dump works better than traditional bucket lists
How to organize your summer activities into two easy categories: Fun (family memories) and Projects (home & homestead tasks)
A simple strategy for designing a family-friendly summer calendar that reduces stress and adds predictability
Easy homestead project planning to stay productive without burnout
Practical dinner solutions for those busy, outdoor-filled days
Quick household routines to keep things functional, peaceful, and manageable throughout the summer
Tune in to simplify your summer plans and focus on what truly matters: fun, family, and a balanced homestead life.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Homestead Collective Membership for more practical resources, accountability, and community support
Connect with Brittany:
Instagram: @brittanylgibson
Website: thehomesteadchallenge.com
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review—it helps us reach more homesteaders like you!
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30:42
Ep 121. Living More with Less: Centering Life Around Family with Jillian from Sprouting Arrows
In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jillian from Sprouting Arrows to talk about something at the heart of the Homestead Challenge: remembering your why.
Even though our paths look a little different—she homeschools, I don’t; she’s deeply driven by her faith, I have a different approach—we’re both working toward the same goal: creating a life that centers around family, simplicity, and purpose.
Jillian shares her family's journey from living on two incomes (and unknowingly overspending) to thriving on less than $50,000 a year—all while growing closer as a family and living more intentionally. We dive deep into real-world tips for living frugally, finding joy at home, breaking free from consumer culture, and overcoming the pressure to "keep up" with others online or in real life.
Whether you're dreaming of stepping back from the rush, spending more time with your family, or finding ways to live fully without overextending yourself—this conversation will encourage you and show you what’s possible.
What we cover in this episode:
Jillian’s journey to frugal living and her mindset shifts along the way
How living with less has brought more joy, health, and connection to her family
Practical ways to save money without feeling deprived
Homesteading on a tight budget: creative ways to build a garden and make from-scratch living affordable
Managing technology use and building peaceful, present rhythms at home
Handling extracurricular activities in a way that doesn’t overwhelm your family life
Tips for battling comparison—both online and in real life
Why remembering your why makes all the difference when you're tempted to quit
Resources Mentioned:
Brittany: The Homestead Challenge
Jillian: Sprouting Arrows
Enjoyed this episode?
If this conversation encouraged you, take a screenshot and tag us on Instagram!
You can find me at @brittanylgibson and Jillian at @sproutingarrows.
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37:30
Ep 120. Wild and Useful Backyard Weeds You Can Actually Use this Spring
Spring has officially arrived, and with it… a whole lot of weeds. But what if I told you that some of those wild plants popping up in your yard right now are actually useful herbs?
In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we’re talking about 8 common backyard “weeds” that show up in early spring—like violets, chickweed, stinging nettle, garlic mustard, and more—and how you can use them safely and simply in your homestead routines.
You’ll learn:
Which backyard weeds are edible or medicinal (and which are invasive)
How to tell them apart from lookalikes without getting overwhelmed
Which herbs are helpful for spring allergies, skin soothing, and more
Why it’s totally okay not to use every single wild plant you find
Whether you’re brand new to foraging or just curious about what’s sprouting near your garden beds, this episode will give you confidence and clarity as you learn what nature is offering right in your own yard.
✨ Mentioned in this episode:
Nettle Lemonade Recipe on the Blog
Violet Face Serum
👉 Ready to start noticing what’s growing around you?
Tune in, take a walk with me, and let’s dig into some springtime inspiration.
About The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living
Do you feel like you want to cook from scratch, grow more of your own food, or live intentionally—but never have the time or energy to do it all?
Tried diving headfirst into homesteading only to end up overwhelmed, burnt out, or wondering where to even begin?
You’re not alone.
If you’re ready to build a homestead life that actually works with your modern, busy schedule—this podcast is for you.
Inside The Homestead Challenge, you’ll find time-saving routines, realistic strategies, and practical tips to help you simplify home systems, grow what you can, and start living from scratch—without the pressure to do it all perfectly.
Hey friend. I’m Brittany—crunchy mom, city homesteader, and your go-to for making slow living possible in real life. I tried the all-at-once approach to homesteading… and crashed hard into burnout. Turns out, trying to master everything at once just wastes time, money, and a whole lot of mental energy.
But here’s the good news: homesteading doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can do this in small steps that make a big impact.
If you’re ready to create a from-scratch lifestyle with more rhythm and less chaos—grab that sourdough starter from the back of the fridge... it’s time to rise.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
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