Small Scale Homesteading for Beginners: Best of Growing Joy Replay

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a homesteader? A growing number of people are turning to self-sufficiency and sustainability in their way of living. However, homesteading can seem intimidating, especially when social media portrays it as an exclusive lifestyle requiring acres of land and living off the grid. The good news is that it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing lifestyle! In this episode, learn how Stephanie Thurow and Michelle Bruhn, co-authors of the book Small Scale Homesteading and absolute BFFs, are making homesteading accessible to everyone—no matter how much land you have. They share their experiences with gardening, chicken keeping, maple sugaring, and more, all while living on less than an acre in the suburbs of Minneapolis.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [06:43] Stephanie & Michelle’s homesteading journey
• [13:08] The challenges of gardening in different regions (know your last frost date)
• [16:24] How Stephanie & Michelle’s friendship and shared interests led to their book “Small-Scale Homesteading”
• [17:51] What is the role of community in their homesteading journeys?
• [24:32] What is the difference between gardening and homesteading?
• [26:40] What inspired Michelle and Stephanie’s move from gardening to homesteading
• [30:50] Tips for transitioning from gardening to homesteading
• [40:21] Michelle on seed starting
• [43:36] What are the easiest seeds to save?
• [44:59] How can you preserve your homegrown food?
• [46:45] Fermentation vs pickling
• [48:36] What is water bath canning?
• [51:21] Things you should know about raising chickens!
• [01:01:13] Further homesteading stories and experiences from Michelle & Stephanie

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Book by Stephanie Thurow & Michelle Bruhn Small-Scale Homesteading: A Sustainable Guide to Gardening, Keeping Chickens, Maple Sugaring, Preserving the Harvest, and More
• Can It & Ferment It: More Than 75 Satisfying Small-Batch Canning and Fermentation Recipes for the Whole Year
• WECK Home Preserving: Made-from-Scratch Recipes for Water-Bath Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and More
• WECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes for Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreFood Preservation Cookbooks by Stephanie Thurow: 
• Chicken Pens at Tractor Supply Co.

Ready to start your homesteading journey?

Check out the full show notes and blog for the best beginner tips!

Follow Stephanie:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Follow Michelle:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, p