A Homegrown Family

Returning guest, Vince, and I believe that raising your own food and being self-sustainable is a large part of what it means to live on a homestead. Chickens are often thought of as the gateway animal to get started, but should they be? Let's think more about milk cows and all the benefits and products that can be made from raw milk. And of course, the cow itself can make all the difference. Does the cow produce the more digestive A2 beta-casein protein? Do you have a breed that will produce heavy amounts of cream that will lead to the creamiest butter and cheeses? Vince and I chat about milk cows and more in this episode, including the living enzyme benefit of milling your own ancient grains. Resources:A1 vs. A2 MilkGrains you can Mill and How to use the Flour Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Ever thought “there has to be a better, more flavorful way of cooking up a deer roast or a pheasant breast rather than just tossing it into the crock-pot”? Well, you're in luck! In this episode, Jeff Benda, a cook and recipe developer of “Wild Game and Fish” shares his passion for cooking and how he fell in love with hunting and the State of North Dakota as a whole. As a result, North Dakota's wild game and fish are the primary subjects of his recipes. Other topics like field dressing pronghorn, canning meat, salmon fishing and elk hunting in North Dakota, and the presence of rattle snakes in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park are also discussed in this episode. Jeff Benda's website: https://wildgameandfish.com/Recipes:Venison SpaghettiSalmon ChowderDeer ChiliBooks:My Side of the MountainIsland of the Blue DolphinsSign of the BeaverSalt: Diamond Crystal Kosher SaltEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

In a coffee break kind of chat, join three generations of Mettlers talking about “maple syruping”. Grandpa didn't have trees to tap in South Dakota, but after migrating up to Minnesota, he found a new way to keep his sweet tooth satisfied.  Grandpa started the same way my Dad and now my brother Sam do by simply reducing the sap on the kitchen stove, but his with his ingenuity and desire for a larger quantity of product, he transformed an old wood stove into a maple sap reducer. Tapping trees and making maple syrup is now something my Dad enjoys and his great grandkids now delight in. It doesn't cost much to get started, approximately $50 + heat (energy) costs and you'll have a pint of your very own homegrown maple syrup.Resources:Tapping KitMetal Maple Bucket Starter KitEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Ever thought about getting a dehydrator to start preserving and drying food? Well, in this episode, Joe talks about his decision process and how he determined what dehydrator to get. He goes through his “Dehydrator Checklist” and relates it to a “Dating/Relationship Checklist”, just to keep it interesting. He walks through his personal “must-haves” and non-negotiables when it comes to the selecting his dehydrator and eventual spouse. Top 3 dehydrators on the list:1)      Magic Mill 10982)      Bench Foods Premium Domestic3)      LEM BigBite 10 Tray Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Dipping back in time, all the way back to the roaring 20's where cooking, processing and food preservation looked a whole lot different than it does today. Electricity was limited and indoor plumping was rare. Joined by my mother and 99-year-old Grandma we take a blast to the past. Salting and smoking meat and using a hot water bath for canning was common practice and hand milking cows by the light of a lamp was a typical evening endeavor. As inventions were made, like the electric stove and the microwave life became simpler, but somehow we as people are as busy as we ever were.  Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Join the brotherly chat, quite literally, as my brother David and I tie a bow around the garden activities of 2024 and look to the new and improved garden ideas for 2025. We talk about soil preparation and a bit about starting vegetable plants inside. What are some of our favorite cultivars we grow and what are we going to do new and differently in 2025? Pull up a seat and find out...or just check out some of the show notes below

Lauren Jacobs, “The Cheerful Baker”, and I bonded over our similar upbringing and childhood memories, and how both of us were exposed to baking at a young age. In this episode, we talk about the importance of using quality ingredients and the difference between baking powder and baking soda. We also discuss all the things a baker needs to consider before even turning on the mixer. Follow Lauren on Instagram @thecheerfulbaker if you enjoyed listening to her tips and tricks on this episode. Resources:Challenge Butterhttps://cheerfulbaker.com/Due North Gluten Free Bakery and Goods – GF Bakery in North DakotaMastering Macarons: Uncover the Scientific Secrets to making the Perfect French Macaron Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Send us a textRe-live the journey with Sam and Andi as they share the birth stories of their 3 boys. From the hospital to the car and ultimately their very own home. They have experienced it all.The Business of Being Born - TrailerEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Send us a textThe year COVID began sparked new interests and hobbies for many people. For Michelle, it was baking sour dough loaves. Pick up some of the basics and learn more about sour dough starters, discard, feeding, hooch, ratios, peak, banneton and other terminology of the sour dough community here in this episode. If you have any questions about sourdough just email Michelle at michellebsevigny@gmail.com If we get enough questions we'll bring Michelle back for a little Q&A. Don't over-think it, just bake it!Resources brought to you by Michelle:·         Maintaining Your Sourdough Starter·         Feeding and Maintaining Your Sourdough Starter·          NYT Sourdough Recipe·         Make Beautiful Sourdough with Claire Saffitz Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Send us a textInterested in learning a little more about growing fruit in Minnesota? In this episode, my brother David and I give an orchard/vineyard production update for 2024. We talk about the growing season, making juice, orchard maintaince, the importance of soil fertility and the benefits of family and friends being able to share produce and resources.  Resources:Elevate 50WDG FungicideManzate FungicideNutrient Deficiency in GrapesBlights in Fruit Trees Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamA Homegrown Family on YouTubeSupport the show

Send us a textOne aspect of A Homegrown Family podcast is growing, raising, hunting and gathering your own food. In this episode, my brother David and I share our experience of salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

Send us a textThis Fall is the first time I ever went pronghorn hunting. It was off to a slow start but ended in a successful hunt. Listen to the thrill of it all in this episode. It's great to be able to put meat in the freezer! If you enjoy listening to hunting stories, check out my brother in-law's YouTube page Family Forged OutdoorsResources:Pronghorn - North Dakota Game and FishEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

Send us a Text Message.Introducing my new cousin in-law, Ian, as we discuss his passion for foraging mushrooms and much more. From morels and lobster mushrooms to black caps and fiddle heads. The forest is our oyster. Resources:Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods From Dirt To PlateEdible Wild Plants: A North American Field GuideOxygen AbsorbersEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.When it comes to homeschooling, fathers are typically the bread winners while mothers are typically the home-makers and primary educators of the children. However, one, like my friend Vince, might say that a mixture of parental involvement is more ideal. Be present, be flexible, but ultimately tighten the belt and be the husband and parent you need to be. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.The calving season is over and boy was it a short one this year. My dad grew up raising cattle and has been raising cattle ever since. Things within the operation have changed throughout the years such as the breed of cattle or the size of the herd, but some of the basics of calving have remained the same. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.This episode explores a little bit about everything when it comes to farming. My friend Vince joins in to discuss his family farm operation along with topics such as crop rotation, water management, tillage and weed control. We also dip our toes into some of the differences between organic and conventional farming and the hot topic of glyphosate.  North Dakota State 2023 Agricultural Overview In 2023, ND was the #1 producer of:                -Spring Wheat                -Durum Wheat                -Dry Edible Beans                -Flax                -Canola                -Sunflower                -Field Pea                -HoneyNational List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for Use in Organic FarmingEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.The college experience can really play a large role in the type of person one becomes. It was no different for me and I'm glad to have been a NDSU Bison! Here, my friend Vince and I share more about our college experience. Classes and fun memories, including bare-handed evangelization, broomball, tournaments, half marathons, dancing and of course, bed bugs!  Book recommendations:                Wild at Heart                Be a ManResources:                FOCUS                BisonCatholicEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the Show.

Happy Anniversary! This podcast has been going on for about a year now, so it's probably time to learn a little more about our host, Joe Mettler. In this episode, we learn a bit more about his high school and college years. GO BISON! “Well, that's not very interesting” you say. Joe also shares stories of prank wars and one particular story that could have taken a turn for the worst.  Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the Show.

My siblings and I often get asked if any of us ended up with broken bones while playing at the farm. Simply put, the answer is “nope”. Thankfully so! In this episode, my brother David and I have a great time reminiscing about our childhood and some of the broken bones that could have been. Images to fill in some gaps:This is a bale hookSmall square balerCattle panelEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

Raising sheep across generations. Listen to my Dad and I talk about the basics, with some farm stories separating the meat and potatoes. We go through the annual cycle and what raising sheep might entail for you. Resources:Scrapie Sheep DiseaseGetting StartedEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamOur YouTube ChannelSupport the show

Jacob and Michelle share their homeschooled experience, while addressing some of the common misconceptions about the homeschooling community. Should you homeschool your children? Well, based on the conversation in this episode, the decision to homeschool shouldn't be taken lightly. It's very situational and depends a lot on the parents and each individual child. Resources:Kolbe AcademyEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

No, you won't get the same apple tree to grow by planting its seeds, and yes there is such a thing as a Frankenstein tree. This episode is a continuation of Episode 27 as my brother David and I discuss winter orchard activities when it comes to apples: rootstock, scion wood and pruning.Resources:Maple Valley Orchards – source of rootstock and scionHow to Prune Apple Trees  - YouTube VideoApple Pruning Workshop - FargoEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

There is no lack of things to do in the winter when it comes to the orchard. My brother David joins us this episode to talk about pruning grapes, collecting cuttings, and storing and rooting cuttings to be planted the following spring. He also talks about the challenges in growing out his own grape cuttings and shares some general planting tips.Resources:Synthetic rooting hormoneMosquito Bits – for control of Fungus gnatsEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Episode 26 Homeschooling with Aunt Joni: A Parents PerspectiveMy wife and I plan to homeschool our children, but before we jump into the unknown, we thought it best to talk with those who have done it before us. My Aunt Joni homeschooled her three children and learned many things along the way. In this episode, we discuss why she decided to homeschool her kids, what types of curriculums she decided to use, and the joys and challenges of homeschooling. Curriculums mentioned:SetonCatholic HeritageMemoria PressMother of Divine GraceGreat BooksOpportunities:MN Catholic Home Education Conference – May 31 to June 1, 2024Homeschooling in NDEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

This is the story of how Joe developed and refined his hobby of making wine. Since 2017 and 120+ gallons of wine later, there are some tips, tricks, and favorites to share. This episode shares the basic supplies and equipment needed to make your own wine, and also goes through a step by step process to create an enjoyable bottle. Cheers! Episodes are now available on YouTube where it's easier to communicate and interact with those that are listening to this podcast. Thanks for listening!Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

If my bank account was my raised garden bed, I would be RICH! In this episode, I walk through the soil test results of my raised garden beds. The analysis contained information on N, P, K, S, pH, organic matter and soluble salts. Gather some information and tid bits that could help you make sense of your soil report. I recommend listening to the episode titled, “Soil Sampling and Nutrient Basics” prior to this episode. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSome micronutrient fertilizer options:Covington Naturals – A little goes a long way, this product still includes N, P, KWhitwam Organics – This product only contains micronutrientsSupport the show

Welcome back as my wife and I discuss our recent adventure of travelling to Italy with our two-year-old daughter. We talk about what we did, what went well and the things we didn't expect. We also share some general tips for when it comes to travelling with children. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSfoglialette "lobster tail" pastrySupport the show

If you haven't heard enough deer hunting stories recently, you'll get your fill with this episode. My Uncle Bernie and I exchange deer hunting stories and talk about what hunting means to the Mettler family. FYI: I won't be posting another episode until mid-December as my family and I are taking a vacation. Cheers!Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Tune in as I talk about soil fertility, macro and micro nutrients (elements), mobile and immobile nutrients and some of the nutrient deficiency symptoms associated with each. What do the numbers “20-10-20” on a bag of fertilizer mean? Learn about the importance of taking a soil sample, how to take a soil sample and where to send your sample. Such an invigorating topic!Resources: Nutrient Deficiency SymptomsMobile and Immobile NutrientspH and Nutrient AvailabilitySoi Labs:NDSU Soil Testing LabAgvise LabU of M Soil Testing LabEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Another family member on the podcast! Listen to my Aunt Michelle and I talk about garlic, particularly planting, but also where to get cloves, what types to grow, fun recipes and other random things. All garlic related. It might not be too late to get some garlic to plant this Fall yet! Check out the Upper Midwest Premium Garlic Directory. Resources: Minnesota Garlic FestivalMinnesota Salsa FestBig Stone GarlicRoasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta RecipeEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Join my brother David and I as we talk a bit about food preservation and canning, particularly juice. Not all food has to come from a store. David also discloses his “top secret” ingredient in his salsa. Resources: Hot Water Bath CannerCanning Starter Kit - ToolsBall Preserving Guidebook Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Fall is a busy time of year. Harvest is in full swing, and the brewing has just begun. This episode talks about harvesting and juicing apples and grapes, and also serves as an introduction to preserving and brewing the juice into wine and hard cider. Listen here to learn more about our methods, processes, and the equipment we use to accomplish the task.Equipment:Tree Fruit PickerHarvest LugGrape ForkApple GrinderBladder PressGrape Crusher/DestemmerStar San SanitizerCampden Tablets Resources:Apple Harvesting - Roll Picking MethodApple Picking Tips Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

How did the orchard come to be?  Join my Dad, my brother David and I as we chat about how the vineyard/orchard got started. Where its been and where its going. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamResources:MN Apple Varieties Support the show

This episode starts off with my best Steve Irwin impersonation and rolls into the pros and cons of pocket gophers. My brother David and I reminisce about how our childhood summers were spent gopher trapping. We talk about the supplies needed, the different types of gopher traps we used, and the methods to find the gopher's hole….among other things. Supplies:-trap-stake-board/cover (old discs off of a cultivator work pretty good)-Shovel (we found the spade works best)-mode of transportation Resources:How to set a DK-1 gopher trapLong Spring TrapsGopher digging a holeGopher FactsEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Cousin Justin and I discuss his blossom end rot experiment that uses Epsom salts as a remedy. Did it work? After that, we chat about his childhood experiences visiting his uncle's farms, particularly my Dad's. Justin talks about anything from milking cows, feeding calves, driving tractors and raking hay to trapping gophers. There's just no place like the farm!Listening to the episodes titled "Garden Update and Blossom End Rot" and "Good Ol' Days" would be a good preface to this episode. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Listen in as I summarize what I learned recently by attending the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center field day. Focusing on pears grown in the Upper Midwest, I discuss a little bit about everything regarding pears. What rootstock and cultivars to consider growing. The difference between hard and soft pears. The pros and cons of traditional style orchards and high density trellis systems. When should pears get pruned? When should pears get harvested? What type of potential pests or problems do I need to be aware of when growing pears? These are all questions answered in this episode. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamResources:USDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapSweetland Orchard - Gretchen MerryweatherFedco SeedsSt. Lawrence NurseriesSchlabach – 585-798-6198Ugly Stub Pruning for Fire BlightGrowing Fruit in the Upper MidwestRecommended pear rootstock options: OHF87(75%); OHF97(full size)Support the show

Beetles, worms, and borers, oh my! In this episode, we talk about garden pests like the crucifer flea beetle, imported cabbage worm, and the vine squash borer. Learn about preferred host plants and different preventative measures or strategies to help prevent the demise of your garden by the mandibles of these insect pests. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamResources:Vine Squash BorerCrucifer Flea BeetleImported Cabbage MothSupport the show

The hard work in the garden is finally paying off! Join my brother David and I as we talk harvesting produce, specifically cauliflower and garlic. We also discussed some of the differences between hardneck and softneck garlic, and when should one harvest garlic and how should it be stored.David's Garlic Variety Trial:Musik – largest clovesChesnok Red – medium sizedGermain Porcelain – large clovesNorthern White – medium sizedSpanish Roja – small clovesVietnamese Red – small clovesEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comI posted a video on my Instagram on when to harvest cauliflower. Check it out! Instagram: ahomegrownfam Resources:USDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapHardneck vs Softneck GarlicSupport the show

This episode stretches a bit farther back in time to the childhood of my 98 year old Grandma, a time when nothing went to waste and children truly learned the value of hard work. She is one of the few remaining that can personally recall living in the “Dust Bowl”. My Grandma lived in a time when there was no electricity, no freezers to store food, and no snow plows! However, there was still bacon! After marrying my Grandpa, she continued the life of a farmer. A lifestyle that has been passed down to the next generation and hopefully more to come. Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamLink to the song, "Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days"Support the show

In this episode, my Grandpa and I relive the first time I went deer hunting along with other deer hunting stories. He was the lucky one that got to tag along for the eventful day. Being Homegrown in my mind includes being able to produce and gather or hunt for your own food. The Turdy Point Buck Song*If you realized that I never mentioned the distance of the shot, it was paced off to be about 200 yards...if you were curious.Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

“Do you know what a podcast is?”, I ask my grandparents as I ask them to share about their upbringing. Hauling coal. Rolling hides. Army paratroopers. Working horses. Farming. Family. Nurse Training. Piano. Join my Grandpa Tom and my Grandma Margaret as they share stories about their younger years, how they met each other and how they ended up in Minnesota. Farming isn't what it used to be. Life was simpler back then. Keep busy with productive things.Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfamSupport the show

Rocking this episode solo and talking about this year's gardening failures and successes thus far. I tend to use every inch of my garden and plant in “layers” as I describe it. It doesn't always work out, but that's gardening for ya! With this year being so dry all over the country, plants are stressed out, and blossom end rot can be more prevalent. So, what can you do about it? Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfam** No longer on Twitter Resources:Blossom End RotNasturtiumSupport the show

Listen as my mother and I talk about raising chickens, but primarily processing “broiler” chickens for meat. In this episode we talk about the supplies needed and go through all the steps from beginning to end.Supplies needed:-          Sharp knives-          Butcher block/stump/cones-          Clean processing area-          2-gallon freezer bags-          Torch-          Kettle/bucket/tubs for boiling water and cooling chickens-          Hose with nozzle-          Rubber, nitrile gloves (optional)Resources: Hoover Hatchery CatalogWhat to do with chicken feetCleaning gizzardsSupport the show

Join my wife, Nora, and I as we share our "sappy" love story about how we met. Just keeping it weird....and the moment she knew she met her future husband. Chivalry is not dead folks.  Learn more about Nora's background and how she also grew up in a Catholic household and was raised on a small family farm. Nora also shares some stories about her days farming days.Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comInstagram: ahomegrownfam** No longer on TwitterEnjoy flowers? Check out Third Day Family Farm on Instrgram @thirddayfamily or their website mandanflowerfarm.com These are friends of ours that have an awesome thing going!Support the show

**BONUS** A nice short episode to just follow up on a couple of the topics from episode 5. How do herbicide residues get into compost and how can that affect your garden. Listen here to find out. Enjoy!The variety of tomato used in the siblings' tomato contest was called a “Mortgage Lifter” Gardening Resources:Mary's Heirloom SeedsHerbicide Residues in CompostSupport the show

Potato bugs, electricity and 811! Join my brother David and I as we talk about childhood memories squishing “potato bugs”, more properly referred to as the Colorado Potato Beetle, along with having our own gardens as kids. All this leads to a discussion on things to consider when selecting a location for your garden. Things to consider: 1)      Utilities2)      Surroundings3)      Sun exposure4)      Water source5)      Ease of access6)      Air flow7)      Soil typeEmail: ahomegrownfam@gmail.com*NEW Instagram: ahomegrownfamGardening Resources:Colorado Potato BeetleNorth Dakota 811Minnesota 811Support the show

My brother Lawrence and I talk about how we got into mushroom hunting. Throughout the years, we have found morel, pheasant back, “puff balls” and white oyster mushrooms on the homestead. Learn a little bit about each of these mushrooms in this episode. Good luck to all those searching for the feast but be careful and make sure you properly identify all the mushrooms you find. Mushroom Resources:The Great Morel Tracker – UPDATE! There have now been a few sightings around the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, area. The Complete Mushroom Hunter – The mushroom book Lawrence got for Christmas.Is this Pheasant Back good? Gardening Resources:Holland's Home and Garden located in Fargo, ND. Check them out and give them a like on the Holland's Facebook page.Support the show

Get acquainted with my brother David as we discuss his background, plant starts, seed selection, purchasing seed, browsing seed catalogs and much more.  What is an heirloom seed? Find out right here in this episode. We also talk about hybridized seeds and open pollinated plants. David's favorite butternut squash is called “Waltham”Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comGardening Resources:MiniFarming Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 AcreUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapSplonskowski Plant Farm – Go buy your plant starts!Mary's Heirloom Seeds NDSU Plants Science – Interested in furthering your education? Check out NDSU Plant Sciences!Support the show

Meet the woman that brought me into this world as she shares some of her childhood duties and memories of growing up on a farm with 10,000 chickens! We also discussed dairy cows, bottle feeding calves and gardening! Gardening update as of April 22nd 2023….we still have snow! I did plant peas in my raised beds earlier this week. I will be seeding some lettuce here in the first few days of May.Email: ahomegrownfam@gmail.comGardening Resources:Vegetable Gardener's HandbookProducing Vegetable Crops MiniFarming Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 AcreUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone MapSplonskowski Plant Farm – Check them out on Facebook Support the show

Meet the man, my Dad, who made it possible for my siblings and I to grow up on a self-sustaining farm. Dad shares a bit of his story, the farm he grew up on, and how everything came back full circle to allow him to farm also. Support the show

Listen for a brief background on the podcast host, Joe Mettler. He later describes his vision of this podcast and what it will all entail. Enjoy listening!ahomegrownfam@gmail.comFollow on Twitter @ahomegrownfam Support the show