Pantry Chat - Homesteading Family

It’s midsummer here on the homestead, and that means the harvest is rolling in, the to-do list is growing, and the kitchen floor is… sticky.

In this Pantry Chat, we're talking about:
🌱 What to plant now for a winter harvest (and why August is the perfect time)
🐛 How to deal with grasshopper invasions when you can’t keep chickens
🥬 The easiest way to grow lettuce without spending forever washing it
💛 Why gratitude changes everything when homestead life feels overwhelming
🌳 Lessons from our fruit trees about control—and learning to let go

Whether you’re...

Want to preserve the fresh flavors of summer herbs to use all year long? In this video, I’m showing you how to make herbal oils and herbal vinegars, a simple, beginner-friendly way to infuse all that goodness into your pantry staples.

We’ll talk about how to safely make flavored oils (yes, there are safety concerns!), and how herbal vinegars are a perfect, safe project for kids and beginners. These make amazing salad dressings, cooking ingredients, and even homemade gifts!

🌿 In this video:

- When to use vinegar vs. oil
- Why you...

Is your homestead truly secure? In this Pantry Chat episode, I'm joined by Tim Eng (veteran, real estate agent, and fellow homesteader) to unpack the essentials of homestead security. From predator prevention and property layout to firearms training, fencing, alarms, and community defense, this is a must-watch for anyone serious about protecting their homestead.

👉 Topics covered:
- Practical ways to secure your home and barn
- How to build awareness and reduce vulnerability
- The role of firearms and defense training
- Why community is your best long-term security
- Mindset tips for...

Is your garden looking a little droopy in the August heat? 🌞 In this episode of The Pantry Chat, we’re sharing 7 water-saving gardening tips that will help you keep your garden alive and thriving, without running the sprinkler all day long.

From mulching and deep watering to smart irrigation, dry farming techniques, and choosing heat-tolerant plants, we’re covering the tried-and-true methods we’ve used in dry climates and here on our North Idaho homestead. Whether you're gardening in a drought or just want to be a better steward of your water, these tips will help you...

In today’s episode, we dive into a summer gardening classic: how to manage insect pressure without chemicals, using simple, natural and organic pest control strategies you can start implementing today.

For more information on organic pest control, check out our blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/garden-pest-control/

In this episode, we cover:

🌿 Seasonal chit-chat: What’s thriving in our North Idaho garden: garlic scapes, raspberries, Napa cabbage, red currants, hops, asparagus, shallots, strawberries, and our first round of chicken processing.
🍽️ How we’re enjoying the harvest: kimchi, red currant syrup for breakfast cass...

In this episode, Carolyn sits down with Dana K. White of A Slob Comes Clean to talk all things kitchen and pantry organization—without the guilt, stress, or need to pull everything out first! 

Dana shares her simple, realistic system for decluttering that actually works for busy homesteading families, including her “container concept,” how to let go of food no one’s going to eat, and why organizing isn’t about perfection—it’s about function. 

For the full breakdown and extra resources, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-organize-a-kitchen/

Thanks to this week's s...

In this episode, Josh sits down with Jade Koyle of Grand Teton Ancient Grains to dive deep into the world of ancient grains like einkorn, emmer, and spelt. They discuss how regenerative agriculture practices not only rebuild soil health but also produce more nutrient-dense crops, leading to better health for your family and the planet.

Jade shares why ancient grains haven't been hybridized or altered like modern wheat, and how their original structure makes them easier to digest and more nourishing. Whether you're a homesteader, a baker, or simply want to make healthier choices in your kitchen...

Seed-saving is a homesteading skill that takes time and practice. Many feel intimidated and overwhelmed with what can feel like endless information on the topic, but with this seed saving for beginners guide, you can start with the basics.

You certainly don't need a college degree to get started with some seed saving on your homestead! For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/seed-saving-for-beginners/

Thanks to Amercian Blossom Linens for sponsoring this episode. Be sure to check them out and use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY"  for 20% off (and always free shipping)!: https://a...

With the preservation season upon us, you may already be feeling the pressure to "get it all done" while also maintaining the home, the garden and the livestock... but what if I told you there's a secret hack for saving time when preserving food at home?

Join me for today's Pantry Chat podcast as I share my tips!

For more information on what our preserving year looks like, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/food-preservation-a-year-at-a-glance/

Grab your Modern Homesteading Conference tickets here (this link should get you 10% off!) https://modern-homesteading.myshopify...

Join me with my guest, Amy Cross from The CrossLegacy, as we discuss how to properly harvest, wash, dry and store your produce so it lasts weeks (or months) longer!

Amy is filled with great tips, from how to know how to wash different types of produce to which items are "produce buddies" or "produce frienemies."

For more details, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-keep-fruit-fresh-longer/

Be sure to check out Amy's Zero Waste Produce Guide (use coupon code "Homesteading15" for 15% off) here: https://thecrosslegacyshop.com/

Thanks to Lehman's...

Good quality coffee is hard to come by, especially a blend that you can actually enjoy black. Join us in this podcast episode with Lore Coffee Roasters' Graysen and Nicholas as we dig deeper into what makes quality coffee, why sourcing is important, and how to know it's mold and mycotoxin free.

Give Lore Coffee a try with our custom half-caff blend and be sure to use coupon code "Homestead15" for 15% off your first purchase: https://homesteadingfamily.com/half-caff-coffee-blend

Check out Lore Coffee Roaster's other offerings here: https://loreroasters.com?ref=homesteading_family

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With summer comes scrapes, burns, stings and bites. Let's prepare our herbal medicine cabinets now so we're armed and ready for the season! In this episode, I'm sharing three of my go-to remedies for the summer, including a calendula sunburn salve, plantain bug bite balm and a peppermint lemon cooling spray.

For the printable, step-by-step recipes, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-start-using-medicinal-herbs/

Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. If you're a first-time customer, use code "HomesteadingFamily15" on orders of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b

Time Stamps:
0:00...

If you're on the fence about buying a freeze dryer, these 10 surprising foods you can freeze dry may convince you to make that purchase. What foods can you freeze dry? Let us share our favorites with you!

For links to these tutorials, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/10-surprising-foods-you-can-freeze-dry/

Sign up for my freeze drying class, The Abundant Pantry: Freeze Drying here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/the-abundant-pantry-freeze-drying-evergreen

Grab my book, Freeze Drying the Harvest here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/hl-freeze-drying-the-harvest

Grab your Harvest Right Freeze Dryer during their Mega May...

Justin Rhodes joined Josh in this episode of the Pantry Chat to discuss recovery on the homestead after Hurricane Helene and homestead builds, which happen to be the topic of his new book.  

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MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Vis...

The chicken, the pig and the dairy cow! They're the three essential homestead animals for ultimate resiliency.

For more details and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/best-homestead-animals/

Thanks to Lehman's for sponsoring this podcast. Visit https://lehmans.com and shop all their amazing analog products!

TIME STAMPS

0:00 - Intro
0:31 - Chit Chat
6:55 - Lehman's
9:44 - Year of Rest
12:10 - What to Start First on a Homestead
16:06 - Main Topic

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MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're...

You’re incredibly busy! One thing that shouldn't add to your stress is figuring out how to get meals on the table. Join me as I share with you how from-scratch cooking can transform your home into a haven of wholesome, delicious meals.

Learn more and catch my other podcast episode where I shared how I get three home-cooked meals on the table every day here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/3-home-cooked-meals-every-day/

Thank you to ForJars for sponsoring this podcast. Use promo code Homesteadingfamily10 to enjoy 10% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/forjars

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Compost is key to supercharging your garden soil, and whether you purchase it or make food scraps, manure, worm, or mushroom compost, you need to know how to use compost to get the most out of this black gold.

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-use-compost/

This podcast is sponsored by American Blossom Linens. Grab your USA-made linens and other products with a 20% off discount! Use coupon code “HOMESTEADINGFAMILY” for 20% off and free shipping on everything! https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens

TIME STAMPS

0:00 - Introduction & Chit Chat
...

Have you been lured by the idea of an herbal cleansing detox? In this modern world, we are exposed to more toxins than ever before. Josh and I have been going through a detox journey under the supervision of our healthcare practitioner, so a detox protocol is at the forefront of our minds.

Have you been lured by the idea of an herbal cleansing detox? Let's take a look at the basics, including what is and isn't a safe approach.

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/herbal-cleansing-detox/

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Every spring, we eagerly await the emerging soil and can't wait to get our hands dirty again! Then, we know all too well the feeling of garden overwhelm that quickly follows. But it doesn't have to be this way! Here are our best tips for avoiding garden overwhelm and enjoying many of our favorite times of the year.

For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/avoiding-garden-overwhelm/

- Check out the Seedtime App here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/seedtime
- Use up garden produce with my easy homemade...

If you're wondering what an EMP is and whether you should investigate it, this podcast is for you. If you think this doesn't pertain to you, let me ask you if you feel like your appliances or electronics aren't lasting as long as they used to. It could be due to small electrical power surges coming into your home every day, overtaxing those appliances!

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/what-is-an-emp/

Check out EMP Shield and use coupon code "HomesteadingFamily" for $50 off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/EMP-Shield

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If you feel like you're behind on garden planning, or maybe you didn't even do any garden cleanup last fall and are feeling the pressure, this Pantry Chat podcast is for you.

It's very rarely too late to do something in the garden as we have so many options. It may not seem ideal, but here are our best late start gardening tips.

- For links and more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/late-start-gardening-tips-its-not-too-late/

- Check out American Blossom Linens and use coupon code “HOMESTEADINGFAMILY” for 20% off and they alwa...

Join me for this podcast interview with Bevin Cohen ⁨@SmallHouseFarm⁩ as we discuss his new book, Herbs in Every Season and how we can use herbs throughout the year in the kitchen, garden and apothecary.

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/herbs-for-every-season/

- Get Herbs in Every Season on preorder (only three days left at time of publication!) and get herb seeds from Bevin's garden and six months FREE to his Patreon: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/herbs-in-every-season/

- Thanks to Irish Eyes for sponsoring this episode of the...

Join us as we chat about what's going on at the homestead in March! We're talking about our retirement plans, how we can extend our assets to our neighbors to create more community and security.

For more details and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/on-the-homestead-in-march/

Thanks to ForJars for sponsoring this video! Some of my favorite go-to products in the kitchen are from ForJars, especially their vacuum sealer for jars! If you want to shop anything from ForJars, be sure to use coupon code "Homesteadingfamily10" for 10% off your first...

There are many people looking to buy homestead property... but what should you know before jumping in with both feet? Listen to this podcast interview with Annette Sievert, who wrote the book How to Buy a Homestead Property: A Handbook for Your Homesteading Journey.

This episode is filled with tips and information to know before you start looking.

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-buy-a-homestead-property/

Grab Annette's book, How to Buy a Homestead Property here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/homestead-property-book

Thanks to Lehmans for sponsoring this podcast...

We're giving you all a TOXIN JOURNEY UPDATE! Carolyn got some labs back and we've both been working with Dr. Torrie Thompson for over a year to rid our bodies of excess toxins.

In this Pantry Chat, we're giving you the update!

For more details about common toxins and how to reduce them, check out this interview we did with Dr. Torrie here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/common-toxins/

To work with Dr. Torrie or to see the packages she offers, click here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/toxin-testing

Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring...

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MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our nine children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!

Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily

Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily

Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A...

The ground is covered in white, fluffy snow, and we've been enjoying the season while trying to stay healthy!

For more details and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/whats-new-on-the-homestead-in-february/

Thanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. Check out their 100% USA-grown wool filled PILLOWS!!! Be sure to use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY" for 20% off your order AND free shipping: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Introduction
1:08 - American Blossom Linens
4:37 - Freezing Brine
7:49 - Critters on the Homestead
11:44 - Main...

Learning how to make your own tea blends at home can be very rewarding (and delicious!). Enjoy this podcast with CeAnne from @FarmhouseTeas as she shares why blending your own loose-leaf tea at home is so beneficial.

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-make-your-own-tea-blend/

- CeAnne's Tea Blending Course: https://homesteadingfamily.com/medicinal-teas-fht-course
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Farmhouse Tea Blends: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites
- Thank you to ForJars for sponsoring this podcast. Enjoy 10% off your first order with code “Homesteadingfamily10”: https://homesteadingfamily.com/forjars

Time Stam...

With a busy household and homestead, it's imperative that we stay organized. In this blog post and Pantry Chat podcast, we're sharing some of our best tools and tips for staying organized on the homestead.

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/staying-organized-on-the-homestead/

American Blossom Linens: Get 20% off (plus FREE shipping) when you use coupon code “HOMESTEAINGFAMILY” at checkout: https://americanblossomlinens.com/pages/home-steading-family

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Introduction
1:12 - Chit Chat
9:50 - American Blossom Linens
13:09 - Freeze Dried Avocado
15:30 - Getting Pigs to Butc...

When it comes to root cellaring, there are a lot of restrictions that can keep us from creating the ideal temperatures. Remembering that we're essentially just trying to mitigate decay of our crops, we want to prolong this as much as we're able. Join me with guest Sam Knapp from @offbeetfarm as we discuss various root cellaring methods and ways to manipulate your storage conditions.

- For more details, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-store-vegetables-without-a-root-cellar/

- Be sure to grab Sam's book, Beyond the Root Cellar here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/beyond-the-root-cellar
<...

This time of year seems pretty quiet on the homestead. We're generally enjoying shorter days curled up by the fireplace, getting caught up on book reading, crafts or other projects.

- Join the Homestead Kitchen membership here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/homestead-kitchen-membership-evergreen
- Get your copy of the Homestead Kitchen magazine here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/in-the-homestead-kitchen-yt

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Water Storage
4:43 - Dehydrating Eggs
6:41 - ForJars
9:06 - Main Topic

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MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are...

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MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our nine children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily
Instagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamily
Rumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily

A few highlights you do...

We're hoping to clear the air about the misconception that homesteading is EASY. While we don't maintain that this lifestyle is easy, there are aspects of it that have become second nature to us, so in a sense, yes, it's easy.

There's much more to it than that, and we genuinely believe that though homesteading may be difficult at times, it's most certainly worth it.

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/is-homesteading-easy/

- Sign up for our FREE How to Homestead Anywhere Crash Course here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily...

Have you ever wondered if you can truly homestead from anywhere? I'm not just talking about acres of land, but how about an apartment in the city? My answer may surprise you, but it's the reason why I'm hosting the first annual How to Homestead Anywhere Crash Course!

If you've been wanting to start learning homesteading skills (and adopting a homesteading mindset), then this crash course is for you. Listen to today's podcast to find out more, then sign up below! 

Join the How to Homestead Anywhere Crash Course here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/crash-course

Join us as we sit down in the Harvest Kitchen to reflect on 2024 and look forward in anticipation and excitement for 2025.

For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/2024-year-in-review

- Fermented Cranberry Sauce Recipe: https://homesteadingfamily.com/easy-homemade-fermented-cranberry-sauce-recipe/
- Shop ForJars kitchen timers and use code "HomesteadingFamily10" for 10% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/forjars-kitchen-timer
- Dr. Torrie Thompson (Detox Specialist): https://homesteadingfamily.com/toxin-testing

Time Stamps:

1:06 - Fermented Cranberry Sauce
3:14 - Packaging Meat
5:49 - ForJars
9:05 - Year...

Join us for part three of our series on starting a homestead business. This week we're covering other jobs you can do remotely to allow you to still work from home.

If you missed parts one or two, you can find the links below. You can also watch or listen to all three Pantry Chat podcasts on our website here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-make-money-from-your-homestead/

Sign up for Carolyn's FREE Homestead From Anywhere 5-Day Crash Course here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/crash-course

Grab Rory Groves' book, Durable Trades here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/durable-trades
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Join me for this podcast interview with guest Jason Ross as we discuss the Black Autumn book series and the Homestead movie and TV series. We’re also discussing many homesteading ideals and concepts for a well-prepared life.

For more information, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/the-homestead-movie-tv-series/

Grab your Homestead movie tickets and a chance to win the grand prize giveaway here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/homestead-movie

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MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our nine children, we...

When we feel our bodies need a boost in nutrition, it's common to reach for a supplement. But how can we know that the supplements we're reaching for are pure and not filled with toxins that will do more harm than good? Let's dive into this topic with H.R. from AzureWell.

To learn more, check out the blog post that accompanies this episode here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/safe-supplements/

Grab your AzureWell supplements from Azure Standard now: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b

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MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're...

We're back with part TWO of our series on starting a homestead business. Today's topic is turning your homestead into a farm. Join us as we dive into what you should know before starting a business, and the four pillars of business we think every entrepreneur should know.

If you missed the first part of the series, you can find it, along with this episode and more details in the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-make-money-from-your-homestead/

LINKS MENTIONED:
- Get your PRINT copy of In the Homestead Kitchen Magazine for just $1: https://classes...

Being a man today can be hard, especially if you're listening to what the world says is "right." Join us with guest John Lovell from @WarriorPoetSociety as we discuss what being a Warrior Poet means and how we can live counter-culturally in this modern world and walk worthy of our calling.

For more information and any links mentioned in this podcast, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-preparedness-helps-protect-our-families/

This podcast is sponsored by Lehmans. Be sure to check out all their preparedness supplies here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/lehmans-preparedness

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