Homesteading for Beginners

This was one of the hardest videos I've ever had to make. After three years, over 220,000 podcast downloads, and countless amazing connections with listeners and viewers, I've made the difficult decision to pause the YouTube channel and podcast—indefinitely.

Watch on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMz8Wn41XFw

In this episode, I open up about:

👉 Why I decided to step away for now

 👉 What's been happening behind the scenes

👉 How recent life changes (including my husband's layoff) have shifted our priorities

👉 What's next for me, my fami...

Get the Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist

In this episode, Melissa K. Norris talks about these 9 food preservation methods in this episode:

― cold storage ― water bath/steam canning ― pressure canning ― dehydrating ― fermenting ― freeze-drying ― root cellar ― infusion ― salting and curing meat

Watch on YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/U6Wogu_4yCc?si=K8RNgTMvyj0gMXMW

Melissa's info: Podcast: Pioneering Today

Website: https://melissaknorris.com/

Everything Worth Preserving: The Complete Guide for Food Preservation at Home (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/43EzKPQ 

Mona's Info: ➡️Free...

This episode is from a livestream I recorded yesterday.  I'll be sharing some funny things I realized I say and do on my homestead. I think you will find it entertaining. Please share your own stories in the comments on YouTube. I'd love to hear them.

Also, I'll be answering some questions from the members of my Homestead Income Plan Facebook group at the end. 

Here's the link if you'd like to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/BzxAu7eFC34?feature=share

Links mentioned in this episode: 

🛒 Homestead & Farm P...

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Amber Belt to discuss the importance of creating a natural medicine cabinet for your home or homestead. We explore the reasons why organization by category is useful, especially for families and caregivers, and delve into essential equipment and remedies to have on hand. Dr. Belt shares her expertise on building a self-sufficient health plan, why early treatment is crucial, and practical tips for setting up an accessible and effective medicine cabinet. Enjoy insights on both natural and conventional remedies, and learn about Dr. Belt's course, Medicine Cabinet Mastery, for more in-depth guidance.<...

In this episode, we explore the critical issue of food security and how to prepare for potential shortages by becoming more self-sufficient. Learn practical tips on how to start a garden, raise livestock, and cook from scratch no matter the size of your living space. Emphasizing the importance of community and passing on these essential skills to the next generation, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to reduce reliance on grocery stores and enjoy the benefits of homegrown food.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-LNaQ6W6TNw

Interviews...

In this video, I'm sharing my personal homesteading journey and the reasons why my family and I have been dedicated to this lifestyle for over 21 years. Homesteading has been a dream of mine since childhood, long before I even knew what the term meant. Now, I'm living that dream—surrounded by animals, nature, and the challenges and rewards of homesteading life. 

I hope my story and insights resonate with you! Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments on the YouTube channel video—I'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for m...

Join us for an inspiring interview with KhadiYah Preciado, a passionate herbalist. She shares her journey from personal health struggles to developing proven frameworks like the T.E.A. Method, 4 Levels of Safety, and 4-Step Journey, making herbalism clear, effective, and practical.

Whether you're looking to heal, grow a business, or become a clinical herbalist, KhadiYah's wisdom will empower you to do it with confidence and purpose. 

Don't miss this powerful conversation!

This is episode 114 of the Homesteading for Beginner podcast with Mona Weathers.
 
KhadiYah's Links: 

https://www.youtube.com...

Are you thinking about starting your homesteading journey but unsure if now is the right time? In this episode, I'll help you decide if homesteading life is for you and when to take that first step. I'll also share a personal story about my gardening journey—the mental barriers that held me back and how I finally broke through.

Topics Covered:

Hi, I'm Mona Weathers, host of...

Get the Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/

In this episode, Olivia shares her incredible journey from running a thriving farm-to-table business to pivoting her life entirely. Learn how she and her family transitioned to life on the road in a camper, sharing the stories of small farmers across the U.S. through their YouTube channel.

We talk about burnout, the challenges of farming, and the joys of building community and making meaningful connections. Don't miss this deep dive into her and her family's farmstead to homestead pivot story!

T...

I'm ok! I know it's been awhile since I've update this podcast. I share why I had to take a break and my plans for the future. Thank you so much for listening. I truly appreciate you!

Make sure you check out the Homesteading for Beginners Youtube channel here (this is the latest vlog): https://youtu.be/eRJmNGHPLS4?si=fspva2iGnG5d5w68

Get the Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist

https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/

Homesteading for Beginners workbook:

https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook

Shop Homesteading Supplies on...

In this episode of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast, I chat with Larry Wheeler about integrating permaculture design into your homestead. Discover the principles of permaculture and its application in everyday life, and learn from Larry's experiences. Tune in for practical tips on setting up a sustainable system, understanding your land, and following organized common sense to make the most of your resources.

This is episode 110 of the Homesteading for Beginners Podcast.

Larry's Links:

http://libertyspringsfarm.com/

https://www.instagram.com/libertyspringsfarm/

https://www.facebook.com/LibertySprings

...

In this episode, I share the personal challenges and transformative decisions that led me to leave social media and focus on my mental and emotional well-being. From the joy of having my family live with us to the heartbreak of losing my beloved horse, this summer has been a rollercoaster. Learn why I've slowed down my podcast frequency, my plans for vlogging, and how I'm rediscovering creativity without the constant distraction of social media. If you're keen on sustainable homesteading or just need inspiration to unplug and reconnect with yourself, this episode is for you!

This is...

In this episode, we're diving into small-scale homesteading with rabbits. Laura Cox shares her journey from resisting to embracing rabbits for meat, manure, and more. Learn the essentials of rabbit care, breeding, and housing, along with tips for cooking and processing rabbit meat. We'll cover the benefits they bring to gardens, handling the cuteness factor, and the respect that comes from knowing your food. Perfect for anyone interested in sustainable living, this episode is packed with personal experiences, practical advice, and insights into homestead life.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eRx3ivKqFW4

...

In this episode of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast, host Mona Weathers dives into the essentials of chicken ownership. From their amusing dinosaur-like demeanor to the pros and cons of keeping them, Mona shares her years of experience and a wealth of insights. She discusses the initial enthusiasm of owning chickens, occasional challenges like sudden deaths due to predators, the constant cleaning up of chicken poop, and the cost of feed. On a positive note, she highlights the dietary benefits of fresh eggs, natural pest control, and the joy chickens bring with their entertaining personalities. Whether you're considering chickens...

In this episode of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast, host Mona Weathers delves into the benefits of raising quail for meat and eggs, especially for those with small-scale or suburban homesteads. Special guest Jasmine Bass shares her journey of transitioning to quail raising, discussing their nutritional perks, ease of care, and space efficiency. Jasmine recounts her struggles with chicken egg allergies and how quail eggs proved to be a healthier alternative. They also explore different housing options, feed strategies, and potential challenges with quail. This informative chat is perfect for both new homesteaders and those considering adding quail to...

In this episode, we talk with Cal Hardidge, a regenerative farmer and host of the 'Grazing Grass' podcast. We delve into the principles and practices of grass-based livestock management, focusing on topics such as rotational grazing, the benefits of diverse livestock, and the importance of soil health. Cal also shares insights from his own farming journey, detailing his transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture, and offers practical advice for homesteaders and farmers with smaller acreages. We also discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating different livestock species, as well as the potential advantages of using practices like chicken tractoring...

In this episode I dive into 25 practical ways to kickstart your homesteading journey, even if you have little to no land. From gardening on apartment balconies to learning animal husbandry without owning animals, I cover a variety of essential skills. I also discuss composting, preserving food, foraging, bread making, herbalism, and much more. I share my experiences and provide valuable tips on how to become more self-sufficient and sustainable.

Are ready to start your homesteading journey but you're not sure exactly how to begin? The Beginner Homesteader's Starter Kit will take you through the steps you need...

In this episode of the 'Homesteading for Beginners' podcast, I emphasize the importance of celebrating small wins to remain motivated and achieve long-term goals. I share personal stories from my homesteading and gardening journey, illustrating how celebrating incremental progress has been crucial in my 20+year experience. I also offer practical tips for maintaining a positive mindset and discuss the broader impacts of this mentality on homesteading and life. 

Are ready to start your homesteading journey but you're not sure exactly how to begin? The Beginner Homesteader's Starter Kit will take you through the steps you need to s...

Hey there, future and new homesteaders! In this episode of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast, we're getting real about homesteading. Is it as amazing as it sounds, or are there some hidden challenges you need to know about? I'll be sharing a list of pros and cons to help you get a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you're just daydreaming about the homesteading life or you're already digging into the dirt, this episode is for you. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea), sit back, and let's chat about the true ups and downs of homesteading!

Have you ever dreamed of having a beautiful and affordable greenhouse? Check out the DIY greenhouse plans from Hillside Market. #homesteading #homesteadingforbeginners #greenhouse #gardening 

In this interview with Carolynne Hill we talk about the ins and outs of building and having a greenhouse. 

This is episode 101 of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast.
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! 

View the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/BjR4juQnNtc

Check out the Hillside Market designs here: DIY Greenhouses with Carolynne Hill from Hillside Market

Website: https://thehillsidemarket.com

Celebrate with me today! This is the 100th episode of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast!

This podcast has been a labor of love and I'm just thrilled that I've made it this far. Thank you for being a part of the sucess of this podcast. I really value your listening ear.

Are ready to start your homesteading journey but you're not sure exactly how to begin? The Beginner Homesteader's Starter Kit will take you through the steps you need to start your journey off on the right foot so that you can prevent homesteader burnout.<...

Building a community involves embracing differences while focusing on common goals. In this episode I share some tips on how to be a good community member and how to start a community if you can't find what you are looking for.

I also share about the four pillars on homesteading:

This episode is packed with information that will help you find our build a thriving homestead community. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/nmDwoOZIfBM?si...

It's important for homesteaders to have healthy bodies and minds. One way to do that is learn how to support our healthy by reducing things that tear our health down and increase things and aid in healing. 

On today's episode of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast I'm talking with a Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Amber Belt. She shares so very important information about how to support our health as homesteaders. 

In this episode she share protocols for preventivity and post illness healing. Learn about self-suffienct health with Dr. Belt. 

Episode mentioned: 

Episode with...

Today, I'm diving into a topic close to my heart: homesteading as a mom. As a homesteading coach and a mother myself, I understand the unique challenges and rewards of juggling homesteading aspirations with the responsibilities of raising children, especially little ones. Here's what I've learned and want to share with you:

- Finding Balance: Being a mom and a homesteader means constantly balancing our desire to give our children the best with the demands of tending to our homestead. It's essential to avoid overcommitting and prioritize what truly matters for our family's well-being.
- Embracing...

Gardening tends to be one of the very first skills learned by new homesteaders. And I think it's fantastic. Some people seem to intuitively know what to do as soon as they start. Other's struggle to get seedlings to grow and stay alive and take on the belief they have a black thumb and growing is just hard for them.  If you are one of those black thumb people I'm going to help you in today's episode by giving you some green thumb tips.

If you are just starting your homesteading journey be sure to get the H...

The homesteader's mindset is unique. We tend to have a different outlook on life than many people. We are choosing this lifestyle for many reasons and there are some common characteristics that help us enjoy this life some much. 

Listen to episode 95 to learn the 9 characteristics the contribute to the homesteader mindset. 

-Prepared

-Producing more than we consume.

-Problem Solver & Resilience

-Appreciation for Nature

-Community Oriented

-Ingenuity 

-Skill Building & Mastery

-Self-Motivated

-Food Snobs ;)

Don't forget to get the...

If you are thinking about getting chicks or chickens this season then you need to listen to this interview with Dalia Monterroso. Dalia has been educationing people about caring for backyard chickens for years and in this interview she shares tips for raising day old chicks. Before you get those cute chicks this year be sure to listen to this episode. 

On today's episode Dalia shared:

-Her story and how she became a backyard chicken keeping advocate.

-How to decided whether you are ready to start chicken keeping.

-How to care f...

I tend to talk about the weather a lot. A few weeks ago I brought up the weather to one of my daughters and she laughed and said, "Why do you always talk about the weather?" I told her it's because it's a big part of my life as a homesteader and horse owner. My daily life changes based on what the weather is doing.

I also like to talk about the weather because it's a universal small talk topic that everyone has an opinion about. Let's chat about the weather today on the show! 

S...

If you have listened to this podcast for more than a few episodes you know how much I encourage homesteaders and dreamers to find a local community. There as so many reasons why I believe this is a crucial step in your journey and in today's episode I chat with two of my homesteading friends from the town where we used to live in California. 

Adam and Leslie Martin are homesteading full time now in Tennessee. They started their beekeeping education business in hopes of teaching more people about natural and sustainable beekeeping. 

In this ep...

If you have ever wondered what it's like to be coached by Mona Weathers, you need to listen to this episode. In this episode I coach Kelvin Crosy, a deafblind potter living in California. His desire is to start a homestead within the next year or so. This coaching session is Mona coaching Kelvin through the first steps to starting his homesteading journey. 

In this episode we talk about...

I've learned so many lessons throughout my journey but these lessons are 5 truths that have stood out the most. I hope you enjoy episode 90 of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast. 

What do you do when your spouse or partner is not on board with your homesteading dreams? This is something I hear people struggling with all the time. One spouse is all into the idea of homesteading and the other has big reservations or is very against the idea.

Recently, I coach a member of my students through this very topic. I decided a podcast episode on this topic would be good for those dealing with the same thing.

I didn't poll any of my audience but I imagine some of the objections from the...

If I were to have the opportunity to start my homesteading journey over again, I would do a few things differently. In this episode I share some lessons learned throughout the 21 years of my homesteading journey that I've broken down into 3 stages. Listen to this episode for inspiration and tips for you and your homesteading journey.

Mona's info and important links:

Mona's Links:

Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist:

https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/

Homesteading for Beginners workbook:

https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook

Workshop for Beginner Homesteaders...

Have you ever had a love/hate relationship with something? Well, I have a love/hate relationship with some of my farm work. I don't usually use the word hate, and there are very few things I actually hate. And I don't really hate any of my farm work. But I do strongly dislike some things, and I've come to realize that it's perfectly fine and normal not to love every part of your life. It's the things that challenge us that are often the reason we love the things we love.

Many tears have been shed...

If you are listening to this you are likely a new homesteader or homestead dreamer. You are either in the beginning years or the dreaming years of your journey.

It seems homesteading has gained in popularity these past few years. It's no surprise. Since 2020 people have been evaluating their quality of life and their health.

Sipping tea while sitting on your front porch overlooking the acres of land. Spending your days watching your chickens and goats enjoy the land you own and feeling very satisfied with all of the self-sufficiency skills you are learning in...

I get the excitement and motivation that comes with the start of a new year. It's a fresh slate and a chance to set new goals and make positive changes. However, I also understand that it can be challenging to maintain that enthusiasm as the days go by. That's why it's important to approach goal-setting with a realistic mindset and create a plan that is achievable and sustainable in the long run. Remember to break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each milestone along the way to stay motivated throughout the year.

I have...

While I was planning for my homestead and business goals for 2024, the word "invest" came to mind. I've realized that I need to focus on investing my time, money, and energy into things that will propel my goals forward. This also means reducing or eliminating things that don't contribute to my goals.

I chose the word "invest" because it carries more weight. When we invest, we are intentional and expect a return on our investment.

So, for 2024, I choose to invest in:

In this episode, I'm sharing some of the things that are happening in my life right now and things I've gone through in the past that will shape how I move forward with my homesteading goals in 2024. Perhaps it will help you as well but at the very least you will get to hear what plans I have coming and how you can get involved.

Episodes mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 15: Letting Go of Your Timeline

Ep. 17 Make Thankfulness a Part of Your Journey

Ep. 36 How to Start Homesteading in 2023

In this episode, we'll explore the fundamental principles of organic gardening and how they set it apart from conventional gardening methods. Jessica Gaige from the Organic Gardening for Beginners podcast shares her inspiring journey into the world of organic gardening and the reasons behind their commitment to this earth-friendly approach.

Discover the secrets of organic gardening as we delve into topics like soil health, pest and disease management, and the art of companion planting. We'll also address the age-old debate of organic gardening's cost-effectiveness compared to non-organic methods and uncover some surprising insights.

Gain valuable...

When you think of the homesteading lifestyle is part of that picture you racing around trying to get all the stuff done on the farm? Or is it you have a pace that matches nature? A place where time is not your enemy and you have a more relaxed way about you.

Are you envisioning rest and calm or busyness and hurrying? If you are envisioning rest and calm then you must intentionally set up your life to create that.

Because the alternative is, you wish for rest and calm but you create busy and...