You don’t need a huge amount of land or animals to live a homestead life. The modern definition of homesteader is “lifestyle of self sufficiency†and we will talk about all things that make you get closer to that. I’m a city girl that learned self sufficiency skills and I am determined to start a food revolution, teaching others to start right where you are. Things could get salty as we explore topics like gardening, sourdough, the broken food system and breaking free of the system that wants to keep us obedient.
If you have wanted to start keeping chickens but have no idea where to start my friend Laura from The Girly Homesteader does not disappoint! She breaks it all down. I took two pages of notes and feel so much more prepared.Here are a few notes and links of the products that Laura mentioned.Colored Egg BreedsAmericanas/Easter Eggers/AmeraucanasOlive EggersCream LegbarDark Egg BreedBlack Copper MaranBroody ChickensAustralorpsOrpingtonsZeolite containing coop additives to neutralize AmmoniaSweet PDZ: https://a.co/d/cusnmqLCoop Recuperate: https://a.co/d/c3VETHKPoultry Nipples https://carolinacoopsflockshop.com/products/horizontal-side-mount-chicken-waterer-nipples?variant=43402825007354Auto Chicken Doorhttps://run-chicken.com/doors/?srsltid=AfmBOopmlKx9Xg59SJM4sc2kcIu6O9lRY0BvSE7H_BVAFaGmpm9m8AMZGrubbly Farms Foodhttps://grubblyfarms.com?ref=thegirlyhomesteader&utm_source=thegirlyhomesteader&utm_medium=affiliate
I am going off topic today to tell you to please calm the heck down! For your own sake, take a breath and step away from the computer.A few things have been bothering me these last few weeks on social media from MAHA and others so I am getting it off my chest.
If you are at all interested in common sense prepping this is the episode for you! My friend Laura shares so many amazing tips that you will be prepping in no time. Preparing for natural disasters can feel overwhelming but Laura makes it feel totally doable. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!She created an incredible resource for you all. You can grab it HERE
In this episode I share how the dream of starting my non profit Restoration Farm came about and what the status is now!
Part 2 of my son's story and how he is completely off all pharmaceuticals and only taking supplements! His is a HARD journey and it was difficult at times to share it with you but I think it is important. Here is the list of the supplements he is taking. Some of these were introduced in phases. NOTE: just because he is taking these doesn't mean your kid should so PLEASE see a holistic caregiver in your area for their guidance. If you are local to Winston Salem call Robinhood Integrative Health https://robinhoodintegrativehealth.com/ Zen from Allergy Research Group Rise Up from Winged Women's Wellness DL-Phenylalanine from Pure Encapsulations FiberMend from Thorne Berberine from Integrative Therapeutics Magnesium from Pure Encapsulations Biocidin from Biocidin Biotanicals Vitamin D from Pure Encapsulations ZERO artificial colors and no enriched flour If this helps you PLEASE let me know! It will make me so happy.
This is raw and honest. I apologize for the audio issues and the fact that I had trouble getting through it! I will address the microphone issues, I promise but I hope you will bare with me through these episodes. https://robinhoodintegrativehealth.com/ https://pandasnetwork.org/what-is-pandas/
After a break I am back to recording and I missed it so much! In this episode I am recounting all the lessons I learned in the 2024 garden and I think a few points will help (especially my fellow fly by the seat of our pants girls) I end with some exciting news and a preview of the net few episodes coming about my son's journey.
I have a take on all the recent conspiracy theories that are popping up after hurricane Helene devastated part of my beautiful state. Some of you won't like my take and some of you will....and that's the point. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
It's not the most fun topic to talk about but these times call for this conversation. How to regular folks without a ton of land, living in cities or suburbia prepare for food supply issues or natural disasters. I have some thoughts... I mentioned Azure Standard. Find out where they reliver near you. Trust me....https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=b5ddb00add --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
Follow up on previous episode about my frustration with the poison food my kid's school serves, what the head administrator said and how I am reacting to that. Watch the roundtable discussion here (It will blow your mind!) https://www.youtube.com/live/2iWE465RCOk?si=0NaZyVJXcamroBA2 Good Energy book https://amzn.to/3Y5p8cP I also discuss the dock worker strike that started today. How that could effect you and I? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
Not to sound like a broken record but I have two great reasons to break up with the grocery store and buy local food!If you want to take me up on the offer to be a beta tester to start a Food Collaborative in your town shoot me an email!Sabrina@unexpectedgardener.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
I really went back and forth on whether to post this but in the end I think it's important. What we feed our kids is important and if we call ourselves Christ followers we have a higher standard we should set for ourselves. I say this to myself as much as I say this to anyone else. I pray you receive this in the spirit it is intended...in love. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
I talk about them a lot and they are starting an epic sale on Sept 2nd so I decided to talk all about them. Several people on Instagram asked me to do an episode about it so this seems like the perfect time. Use this link to take advantage of their buy 1 get 1 65% off sale Sept 2nd-9th and use the code SUMMER https://greenstalkgarden.com?rstr=UNEXPECTED10 I do get a small commission so I appreciate you using my link! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
Today we are talking all about the fall garden, why I love it, what I'm growing and whether you can grow a fall garden too! I mention Greenstalk and it's my favorite way to grow food in a small footprint. You can take $10 off with this link! Or if it's Sept 2-9 use this link and the code SUMMER to get buy 1 get 1 65% off! https://greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=UNEXPECTED10 Soil3 Coupon $10 off! shop.soil3.com/discount/Sabrina24 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
Snacks can be a hard thing to convert to clean so I take you through some of my favorite brands for the kids. Mentioned in this episode: Boulder Canyon Jacksons Sweet Potato Chips That's It Fruit Bars Froot Thief Bear Fruit rolls Archer Beef sticks Simple Mills Sweet Thins and Almond Flour Crackers Siete Tortilla chips Made Good Lesser Evil Costco Peanut Butter --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
In this quick episode I give some ideas to deal with the burden of the harvest! I was completely overwhelmed when I had so much produce without a plan. This will help you prepare ahead of time so you are ready to deal with all the amazing food you grew. I have a ton of suggestions in my Amazon storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/unexpected_gardener --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
In part 2 we go from bulk fermenting to final bake! I also answer some questions I got from Instagram and cover the items I think are absolutely needed. If you didn't listen to part 1, you may want to do that first. You are going to be an AMAZING sourdough baker! Amazon storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/unexpected_gardener Grab my recipe https://stan.store/unexpected_gardener Fav Sourdough website www.farmhouseonboone.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
I'm not sure why it took me so long to do a sourdough episode! This will need to be in a few parts because there are so many things to cover. In this episode I cover why sourdough is a superfood, dive into starter and begin explaining the process of making an amazing loaf! Amazon storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/unexpected_gardener Grab my recipe https://stan.store/unexpected_gardener Fav Sourdough website www.farmhouseonboone.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
Today we will discuss how to make the switch to homemade food for your family. I give tips and share how I did it so hopefully you can be encouraged and start to make the changes. I hope this helps you! It can take time to make the changes but it's totally worth it. Some links of things I mentioned in the podcast (and a few that I didn't mention but I think you will love) Azure Standard https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=b5ddb00add Ranch mix - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C07F8TPrngM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Granola Bars - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cp0khHQMPNy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Make your own mayo - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfzkBTFpQYf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Homemade Instant Oatmeal - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cqy0QvHu4qj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Make ahead pancake mix - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cq_uhHeOrmw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instant Pot Yogurt - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxeZuKjrTcD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Make ahead breakfast - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Czw_QsOLV_m/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Make ahead hot chocolate - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0uk9RMPRar/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== My favorite Naan recipe - https://foodess.com/butter-naan/ Grab my Azure Standard Pantry Guide https://stan.store/unexpected_gardener --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
As usual the husband thought I was CRAZY for wanting to become work farmers but here we are 1 1/2 years later and the wormies are thriving and giving up some amazing black gold for the garden! I go over a brief explanation on how we started and how to take care of them and how you can too! Get the Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Worm Farmer - https://stan.store/unexpected_gardener/p/ultimate-guide-to-setting-up-a-worm-farm The worm farm I bought - https://amzn.to/49SzXSa Red wiggler worms - https://amzn.to/49Va5oS --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
In this episode I talk about what I use for supports for vertically growing crops and crops that need a strong support (tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, pole beans) I also give some tips for inexpensive options for arches that add beauty and functionality to your garden. Links to the items I mentioned - www.greenstalkgarden.com https://www.seedtospoon.net/ Cattle panels mentioned - https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/feedlot-panel-cattle-16-ft-l-x-50-in-h https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ok-brand-handy-panel-8-ft-l-x-50-in-h https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grip-Rite-2-in-Mesh-Ladder-Block-GRLBMG04/203590051 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
I get a little emotional talking about how the local food collaborative is changing my community! We all deserve real food. I am incredibly humbled to be leading this incredible local food revolution in my town! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
In this episode Amanda from The Happy Homestead and I get some stuff off our chests about crappy, chemical laden beauty products and fakers at the local farmers markets. If you want to check Amanda out and all the awesome things she is doing check out her website www.thehappyhomestead.net --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
This is the top requested topic believe it or not! In this episode I share what I am growing in my garden this year. If you are a gardening nerd like me and love to know what others are growing and why, this is the episode for you! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
In this episode I'm discussing just 3 of the marketing scams women have fallen for. The more I explore my feelings on the way we are marketed to in this country the more annoyed I get. Even though this is a little off my normal topics, I do see this connected to whether or not we are really free. And thinking about how we are marketed to is important on the journey of self sufficiency. If you think of other ways we have been marketed to that lead to unhealthy results I would love to know! This is a great way to enlighten each other. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
I have been having such a blast teaching Gardening 101 classes in my community so I thought it might be a fun idea to record an episode talking about some of the topics I cover. If you are just starting out I hope this helps! I mention this garden graph on my blog. Grab that HERE If you want to attend some of my local classes or the online classes, grab a seat HERE --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
I am so sick of all the toxic chemicals in the food we have available and I need to get this off my chest! In this episode we are going to read all 55 ingredients in a Chic Fil A sandwich and go into the toxic chemicals we allow in our food. Buckle UP! Search out local farmers and producers in your area for the best quality food! If you want an amazing alternative to Big Food check out Azure Standard. Click this link to see if they deliver to your town https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=b5ddb00add --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
Amanda from The Happy Homestead is back to teach us what we can include in our own Herbal First Aid kit! She covers the following categories: Digestion Topical Immune Support Pain Relief Basics to have on hand: ACV Witch Hazel Bentonite Clay Activated Charcoal powder (to make into capsules, if desired) Aloe Vera Castor Oil, and a castor oil pack Comfrey/Plantain salve Calendula salve A good supply of dried herbs for teas to help treat everything from sleeplessness, stress, anxiety, cold, flu, sore throat and even help heal internally. Such as lemon balm, peppermint, chamomile, echinacea, valerian, lavender, mullein, comfrey, marshmallow root, nettle, yarrow, boneset, licorice and gotu kola. Where I buy all of my dried cultivated and ethically wild harvested herbs - Mountain Rose Herbs:http://aspireiq.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=24&aff_id=3343 This Amazon list houses a lot of the items I talked about as well as the containers, jars and tins I use to store our herbal creations.https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehappyhomestead/list/2SXYX6UNPN174?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfthehappyhomestead_7CV5TTC8WGK4G3YM5QR4 Dr. Kloss Liniment: 1 ounce goldenseal root powder (make sure it's been responsibly sourced) 1 ounce myrrh gum 1/2 ounce cayenne pepper1 /2 pint rubbing alcohol Put all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid, and shake daily for 14 days. Keep it in a warm shaded area. After 2 weeks, strain well through cheesecloth and store in a glass bottle. Herbal Bandaid: 1 part ground dried yarrow flowers 1 part ground dried lavender buds 1 part ground dried comfrey leaves 1 part bentonite clay Poison Ivy – Wash the affected area with ACV, and cover in bentonite clay. Find Amanda https://www.instagram.com/thehappyhomesteadnc/ https://www.youtube.com/@TheHappyHomestead --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
John Klar is back again to dive deeper into the topic of where he feels Christians fall into this whole self sufficiency movement and I have to say I was fighting back tears a few times while he was talking. This is a message to the followers of Christ but I think anyone listening will find it very interesting! I hope this conversation sparks something in you to come back to the soil and come back to the Father. If you want to talk more about the Gospel please reach out to me on Instagram (I answer every single DM!) or John at farmerjohnklar@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
The world is getting weird. With AI and the uncertainty of whether what you are reading on the Internet is even true, it's becoming important to have trusted books in your home. In this podcast I share some of my favorites that I think are important and a few I want to add. Hopefully this will help you decide what books you want to have on hand in your home. See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE Read my blog HERE --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
You all know how I want to start a food revolution but I also want a health care revolution! In this AMAZING episode Dr. Sherri Raley joins us to discuss how our health (sick) care system is broken and how we can take some of the power and freedom back. To find Vitality Chiropractic click HERE. If you're local to Wake Forest and are looking for a holistic chiropractor, I cannot recommend them enough. If you are not local but are interested in some testing, reach out to them. Listen to Dr. Sherri's podcast The Vital Life by clicking HERE or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes are released each Monday and they are fantastic and super educational. See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE Read my blog HERE --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
Who would have thought I could dedicate an entire podcast episode to tomatoes? Well I did and I think you will learn something you did not know about the most popular crop to grow in your garden. Seeds Now - https://bit.ly/41am7rV Baker Creek Seed Company - www.rareseeds.com MI Gardener - www.MIgardener.com See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE Read my blog HERE --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
If you are interested in medicinal herbs this podcast is for you! I am growing as many as I can this year so I can have remedies ready for me and my family. Amanda from The Happy Homestead joins us to teach us about her top 8 choices and she has a lot of amazing information. Do not miss this one! We will discuss the following: Echinacea PurpureaElderberryAstragalus rootLicorice rootGarlicAndrographisOreganoPau d'arco bark You can find Amanda on YouTube HERE and on Instagram HERE The book Amanda mentioned can be bought HERE See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE Read my blog HERE --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theunexpectedgardener/support
It's almost time for me to start seeds which is so exciting! In this episode I go through the why, when and how to start seeds in your own house. It is not as hard as you imagine, trust me. I mention a lot of items in the podcast so I will link them below so you can check them out. Shop/grow lights https://amzn.to/47G8xOA or https://amzn.to/428QuiA Seed starting trays - https://collabs.shop/lrqxf0 and https://collabs.shop/cnmocw Seed starting pots - https://collabs.shop/vnzhnu and https://collabs.shop/sqed7i Heat mat - https://amzn.to/47G8G4A Fertilizer - https://amzn.to/3U7fHbx If you need to learn all the basics here is a link to my Gardening for Beginners course. https://stan.store/unexpected_gardener/p/start-becoming-self-sufficient-
This episode is so important! Author/farmer/Revolutionary John Klar and I explore a ton of topics surrounding local food, small farms and everything in between. It gets a little passionate! If you are interested in grabbing his amazing book Small Farm Republic click HERE You can learn about John, what he is writing about, subscribe to his substack and connect with him on his website https://www.smallfarmrepublic.com/
It's that time. It's cold outside and we are starting to dream of warmer weather and the new garden! I am mostly speaking to the NEWBIE but I think all I talk about will apply to folks who have already gardened. Hopefully it will spark something in you! Sign up for my Gardening Planning workshop 1/21 @ 2pm EST HERE I mentioned Greenstalk in my podcast. Click HERE to check them out and get $10 off your order. I also talk about my favorite seed companies. Seeds Now - https://bit.ly/41am7rV Baker Creek Seed Company - www.rareseeds.com MI Gardener - www.MIgardener.com See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE Read my blog HERE
In this episode I am interviewing Tiffany Hedgepeth, a local mom, homeschooler, homesteader and all around rebel about how she got started. This will be a huge encouragement to everyone who is starting out because we talk about how she grows in a small quarter acre. She is redefining what it means to be a homesteader and showing that you do not need a huge property to grow awesome food. She is also an unschooler and although we didn't discuss it, I want to encourage you to listen to her podcast Bright and Beautiful. Click HERE to listen!
We have a serious problem in our country and it isn't what main stream media wants us to focus on....our food supply is absolutely broken. In this episode I explore a wonderful option for Americans to buy super good quality, organic (and conventional) food without stepping foot in a grocery store! Azure Standard has completely changed things for me and my family and I want you to know about it too. We gain FREEDOM when we have choices to step out of the systems society wants us to stay enslaved to. I want to help you to explore more options to feed your family and have security. I have an affiliate link to share with you! Interestingly enough I recorded this podcast before they reached out to me to ask me if I wanted to become an affiliate. I enthusiastically said YES since I have been a customer for years and love them. If you use my link and place a $100 order within 60 days I get $25 credit on my account which I appreciate! I just wanted to be up front about that with you. Click HERE to check out Azure Standard. I hope this podcast encourages you to take some freedom back for yourself. See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE Read my blog HERE
I believe every single American needs to grow food. If not because of the crazy food prices than do it to learn the skillset. Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding things I have done. In this episode I give you a few things you can do if you are just getting started in gardening. Sometimes there is a mental block that stops you from getting started. I'm here to give you some tips to break through that block and start the journey towards self sufficiency. Some of my favorite seed companies: Seeds Now - https://bit.ly/41am7rV Baker Creek Seed Company - www.rareseeds.com MI Gardener - www.MIgardener.com If you want to explore starting seeds inside here is the link to my blog post about how I have mine set up. Click HERE to read that! See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE Read my blog HERE
How the heck can I actually homestead on .18 acres without animals? Well, I did it and in this episode I talk about what that looks like for me and my family. Hopefully that will help you see what is possible and help you redefine what a homesteader looks like. I mentioned Greenstalk planters and they are by far the best American made option for growing in small places. I have a $10 coupon for you HERE See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE I do have a mini gardening course on my website too! www.unexpectedgardener.com
What would happen if we started to locally source your food? It would cause a complete revolution and I think it would change everything. In this episode I talk about why I started to source my meat locally and how it blew up into an awesome collaborative of over 350 people and 7 local farmers. If you want to see what we are doing click HERE to see my webpage that explains what we are doing. If you are local please join us! See all my Freebies, courses and digital products HERE See my Amazon Store HERE Follow me on Instagram HERE
In this podcast premier I am talking about my journey from city girl who hated dirt to gardening teacher, from scratch maker, slow food advocate. I think so many of you will relate to so much of what I went through. It's been a wild ride but a ride I am very grateful for.