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Grow, Preserve & Thrive

You can learn the traditional skills to help your family become more healthy, free and secure.

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They can homestead, so can you!

A man and woman sitting at the counter with a laptop in front of them.
Welcome To

Homesteading Family

We’re Carolyn and Josh Thomas!  We live on 40 acres in Idaho with our 11 children where we grow, preserve, and prepare most of our own food right in our own backyard.

As young parents with a quickly growing family and a desire to feed them healthy, whole foods (even on a tight budget) we knew very quickly that we were going to have to figure out how to grow and prepare it ourselves... good food was just too expensive!

But we didn’t have anyone around us that we could ask about how to make this homesteading thing work. We felt completely alone and scrambling for answers while dealing with the demands of life.

After years of studying, trial and error and learning from anyone who knew more than us, we started figuring out how to make a productive, old fashioned life in the midst of a modern world. We were raising and growing most of our family’s food and medicine, and enjoying the results of eating healthy food, working together as a family, and being more connected to our land.

We didn’t want others to have to go through the same struggles we experienced, so we created Homesteading Family.

As the years have passed we have had an opportunity to speak into the lives of more and more families… And while we are so blessed to get to help others, we also know that this is just the beginning.

Now it is time to take the next step in your journey.

The Homestead Kitchen Membership will help you transform your home from a consumer based home into a productive and healthy home, through thoughtful instruction and well-designed content.

We hope you join us and can’t wait to see how your homestead grows.

Introducing...

Homestead Kitchen magazine

A monthly magazine filled with practical tips from homesteading experts, delicious recipes, and inspiring stories to help you thrive in your homestead kitchen. Each month, you’ll get brand new recipes to help you fill your pantry, freezer and table while learning traditional cooking skills and preservation techniques.

Get the Magazine for Just $1 for your First Month!

Carolyn from Homesteading Family flipping through a copy of the Homestead Kitchen magazine
Recent Blogs

The Latest From Homesteading Family

A boy looking at finished homemade vanilla ice cream coming out of the hand crank machine.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe for Ice Cream Maker

This homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is rich, creamy, and easy to make in an electric or hand-crank ice cream maker. Made with simple

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Accelerate Learning

Featured Classes

A cast iron dutch oven with a loaf of bread inside.

The Art of Homemade Bread

Learning to make consistently good bread at home is challenging, at best. The reason is simple…​​

Herbal remedies on a shelf,

Herbal Medicine Cabinet: COLDS & FLUS

Ready to start treating your family's common health complaints with safe and natural, plant based…

Multiple kinds of dairy products sitting on a kitchen counter.

The Practical, Homemade Dairy Masterclass

Learn to make wonderful and healthy cultured milk products, soft cheese, and hard aged cheese...

Jars of home canned tomato sauce in a water bath canner.

The Abundant Pantry: Canning

Afraid of exploding canners and making your family sick? Not after you learn the simple science behind…

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Grow

Learn the practical gardening methods to fill your plate with organic fruit, veggies, meat and dairy from your own backyard.

Cook

Discover a range of delicious recipes with our collection of tips and tricks to help you succeed in the kitchen.

Preserve

Confidently fill your shelves with safe, healthy food. Learn how to Can, Dehydrate, Ferment, Infuse, Cure, and Brew.

Thrive

Simple, healthy living for the whole family. Learn about topics like Traditional Cooking, Herbal Medicine, and Natural Cleaning.

“I grew up in a bit of a homesteading family and a lot of that lifestyle, yet I moved to the city and had children who never were good city-slickers! I brought them back to the community of my childhood when they were young and now I'm still living in town and longing for the homestead life. This has already been inspiring and I've enjoyed learning from your YouTube channel and will be around learning more even if I move to the bigger city for a time.”
- Rebecca A.
watch and learn

Most Recent Videos

Should you water your garden every day? The short answer is probably not. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most common gardening questions and helping you understand how to water your garden for healthier plants, deeper roots, and better harvests.

You’ll learn:
• How often most gardens actually need water
• Why daily watering can weaken plants
• The difference between deep watering and shallow watering
• The best time of day to water
• How soil type changes your watering schedule
• Signs you may be overwatering or underwatering
• How mulch and healthy soil reduce watering needs naturally

Whether you garden in raised beds, containers, or a large in-ground garden, these simple principles will help you stop guessing and start watering with confidence.

Read the full article here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/best-time-to-water-garden/

Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this podcast! Be sure to check out all our Homesteading Family favorites, including the Persnickety Peach Chai for your summer iced tea!  If you want to give it a try, Farmhouse Teas is offering **10% off your order** with the code **HSPODCAST**. It’s a **one-time use** discount and good for **one per customer**, so be sure to use it wisely: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:27 - Chit Chat
5:00 - Farmhouse Teas
6:52 - Main Topic

#gardeningtips #wateringgarden #vegetablegarden #homesteading #gardeningforbeginners

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!  
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 don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

Should you water your garden every day? The short answer is probably not. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most common gardening questions and helping you understand how to water your garden for healthier plants, deeper roots, and better harvests.

You’ll learn:
• How often most gardens actually need water
• Why daily watering can weaken plants
• The difference between deep watering and shallow watering
• The best time of day to water
• How soil type changes your watering schedule
• Signs you may be overwatering or underwatering
• How mulch and healthy soil reduce watering needs naturally

Whether you garden in raised beds, containers, or a large in-ground garden, these simple principles will help you stop guessing and start watering with confidence.

Read the full article here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/best-time-to-water-garden/

Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this podcast! Be sure to check out all our Homesteading Family favorites, including the Persnickety Peach Chai for your summer iced tea! If you want to give it a try, Farmhouse Teas is offering **10% off your order** with the code **HSPODCAST**. It’s a **one-time use** discount and good for **one per customer**, so be sure to use it wisely: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-Favorites

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:27 - Chit Chat
5:00 - Farmhouse Teas
6:52 - Main Topic

#gardeningtips #wateringgarden #vegetablegarden #homesteading #gardeningforbeginners

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
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 don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

146 7

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLkpraThQbVh6M2Ew

Should You Water Your Garden Every Day? (Most Gardeners Get This Wrong)

1K views 5 hours ago

If you’ve ever felt nervous about spoiled canned food or heard scary stories about botulism, this video is for you.

I'm going to walk you through the truth about canning safety, what actually causes spoiled canned food, and why fear is not what keeps your food safe. Proper knowledge and tested methods are what matter most.

In this video, I’m sharing:
• The real signs of spoiled canned food
• Why botulism can’t be seen or smelled
• What actually causes unsafe canned food
• Why proper processing times and methods matter
• How to can confidently without fear

When you understand the science behind safe food preservation, canning becomes one of the best ways to keep nutritious, shelf-stable food on hand for your family.

If you want more help troubleshooting common canning concerns, be sure to grab my FREE Canning Confidence Pack here:
👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/confident-canner-podcast

And for even more information on safe home canning, read the full blog post here:
👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/canning-mistakes-to-avoid/

Happy canning! 💛

#HomeCanning #CanningSafety #FoodPreservation #Homesteading #PressureCanning #WaterBathCanning #HomesteadingFamily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!  
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 don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

If you’ve ever felt nervous about spoiled canned food or heard scary stories about botulism, this video is for you.

I'm going to walk you through the truth about canning safety, what actually causes spoiled canned food, and why fear is not what keeps your food safe. Proper knowledge and tested methods are what matter most.

In this video, I’m sharing:
• The real signs of spoiled canned food
• Why botulism can’t be seen or smelled
• What actually causes unsafe canned food
• Why proper processing times and methods matter
• How to can confidently without fear

When you understand the science behind safe food preservation, canning becomes one of the best ways to keep nutritious, shelf-stable food on hand for your family.

If you want more help troubleshooting common canning concerns, be sure to grab my FREE Canning Confidence Pack here:
👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/confident-canner-podcast

And for even more information on safe home canning, read the full blog post here:
👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/canning-mistakes-to-avoid/

Happy canning! 💛

#HomeCanning #CanningSafety #FoodPreservation #Homesteading #PressureCanning #WaterBathCanning #HomesteadingFamily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
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 don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLmdrcUF1YmdTRTRN

How to Tell if Your Home Canned Food is Spoiled

views May 20th

What happens when “the good life” slowly pulls families away from community, stewardship, and durable living?

In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I got to sit down with my good friend Rory Groves to discuss modern culture, technology, family economy, and why so many families feel disconnected from the life they were meant to live.

Using the newly republished book, Henry and the Great Society, as a lens, we talk about:

- What was lost as society modernized
- Why community matters more than ever
- The danger of radical individualism
- How families can intentionally rebuild culture at home
- Why history helps us navigate the future

This is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation for families longing to live differently in a rapidly changing world.

Links Mentioned:
- Grab your copy of Henry and the Great Society here: https://homeward.press 
- Find Rory's book, Durable Trades here: https://www.thegrovestead.com/product/durable-trades/
- Learn more about the Gather and Grow events here: https://gatherandgrow.us

🌿 Today’s episode is sponsored by Homestead Kitchen Magazine: Homestead Kitchen Magazine is our ad-free monthly print magazine filled with trusted recipes, seasonal living inspiration, gardening, herbalism, preserving, and practical homestead skills from experienced teachers and contributors. Carolyn also shares a monthly faith-centered reflection from the heart of the homestead. Grab your subscription here: 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-magazine

#FamilyEconomy #RoryGroves #EverydayHomesteading #HomesteadingFamily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!  
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 don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

What happens when “the good life” slowly pulls families away from community, stewardship, and durable living?

In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I got to sit down with my good friend Rory Groves to discuss modern culture, technology, family economy, and why so many families feel disconnected from the life they were meant to live.

Using the newly republished book, Henry and the Great Society, as a lens, we talk about:

- What was lost as society modernized
- Why community matters more than ever
- The danger of radical individualism
- How families can intentionally rebuild culture at home
- Why history helps us navigate the future

This is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation for families longing to live differently in a rapidly changing world.

Links Mentioned:
- Grab your copy of Henry and the Great Society here: https://homeward.press
- Find Rory's book, Durable Trades here: https://www.thegrovestead.com/product/durable-trades/
- Learn more about the Gather and Grow events here: https://gatherandgrow.us

🌿 Today’s episode is sponsored by Homestead Kitchen Magazine: Homestead Kitchen Magazine is our ad-free monthly print magazine filled with trusted recipes, seasonal living inspiration, gardening, herbalism, preserving, and practical homestead skills from experienced teachers and contributors. Carolyn also shares a monthly faith-centered reflection from the heart of the homestead. Grab your subscription here: 👉 https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-magazine

#FamilyEconomy #RoryGroves #EverydayHomesteading #HomesteadingFamily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
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 don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLmFkY3NTU05HaHow

The "Trojan Horse" of Modern Culture

views May 16th

What happens when you finally slow down long enough to ask… “Is this actually working?”

After years of pushing hard on our homestead, we took a step back. And what we realized changed how we’re approaching everything this year.

In this video, we’re sharing:
- The projects we’re focusing on in 2026
- What we’re scaling back (and why)
- How our homestead is shifting into a multi-generational system
- And the big changes that are helping us avoid burnout

If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to do everything on your homestead, this conversation is for you.

🌱 What We Cover
- Simplifying our dairy system
- Stepping away from pig breeding
- Turning the main garden over to the next generation
- Expanding our beef program
- Starting a family egg business
- Rebuilding our home exterior
- Resetting our orchard and long-term plans

🧭 Mentioned in This Video
- Learn how much to plant for a year’s worth of food: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-grow-a-years-worth-of-food/
- Raising backyard chickens: https://homesteadingfamily.com/raising-backyard-egg-laying-chickens/
- Stocking your pantry the right way: https://homesteadingfamily.com/prepping-your-pantry-for-winter/
- Planting fruit trees: https://homesteadingfamily.com/growing-perennials-on-the-homestead/
- Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. For first-time customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction
1:22 - Azure Standard
5:29 - 2026 Projects

💬 Join the Conversation - What are YOU changing on your homestead this year? 
Are you adding something new… or letting something go?
Drop a comment below. We read every one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!  
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 don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!! 

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me!  Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

What happens when you finally slow down long enough to ask… “Is this actually working?”

After years of pushing hard on our homestead, we took a step back. And what we realized changed how we’re approaching everything this year.

In this video, we’re sharing:
- The projects we’re focusing on in 2026
- What we’re scaling back (and why)
- How our homestead is shifting into a multi-generational system
- And the big changes that are helping us avoid burnout

If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to do everything on your homestead, this conversation is for you.

🌱 What We Cover
- Simplifying our dairy system
- Stepping away from pig breeding
- Turning the main garden over to the next generation
- Expanding our beef program
- Starting a family egg business
- Rebuilding our home exterior
- Resetting our orchard and long-term plans

🧭 Mentioned in This Video
- Learn how much to plant for a year’s worth of food: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-grow-a-years-worth-of-food/
- Raising backyard chickens: https://homesteadingfamily.com/raising-backyard-egg-laying-chickens/
- Stocking your pantry the right way: https://homesteadingfamily.com/prepping-your-pantry-for-winter/
- Planting fruit trees: https://homesteadingfamily.com/growing-perennials-on-the-homestead/
- Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. For first-time customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction
1:22 - Azure Standard
5:29 - 2026 Projects

💬 Join the Conversation - What are YOU changing on your homestead this year?
Are you adding something new… or letting something go?
Drop a comment below. We read every one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
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 don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Meals on Your Shelf – Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: https://homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-free-workshop

FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-holiday-recipes
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: https://homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
https://homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! https://homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. https://homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. https://homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsGardenYT
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. https://homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. https://homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. https://homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. https://homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: https://homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT

YouTube Video VVV1OTlXNVRUUEF1Y1ZOODNUWVF0Q3FRLk5vN18wVS1Xam5B

What We're Actually Doing on the Homestead This Year

views May 9th

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!

HOMESTEAD KITCHEN MAGAZINE

Learn how to make the most out of simple, seasonal produce in your own kitchen with Homestead Kitchen magazine. With monthly inspiration on growing, cooking and preserving, you’ll be filling your table and your pantry with delicious, new, homestead goodness every month.

Subscribe today for just $1

How to Homestead Anywhere Crash Course

Join me for a FREE live virtual event January 5th – 9th

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Get simple, actionable steps you can take right now to join the homesteading movement, whether you live in a

high-rise apartment, a suburban neighborhood or on multiple acres.