Pioneering Today

We’re continuing the conversation of from-scratch cooking today with RuthAnn Zimmerman. Both of us agree that cooking from scratch does not mean you’re slaving away in the kitchen all day long, nor does it mean everything you eat has to be made from scratch. Listen to today’s podcast on implementing Mennonite traditions to create simple meals and stronger families. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/465 This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Struggling to make healthy, from-scratch meals during a busy week? In this episode of the Homestead Kitchen Round Table, Melissa is joined by Rachel, Michelle, and Sophia to share real-food batch cooking tips, time-saving kitchen strategies, and practical meal-planning ideas for busy families—whether you’re cooking for two or ten. Say goodbye to last-minute processed meals and hello to nourishing food made simple. 🔗 Get all the resources mentioned at: https://melissaknorris.com/464 This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard 

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Enjoy this podcast interview with Bevin Cohen as we discuss many medicinal herbs, their uses and the best time to harvest various herbs for the most medicinal properties. Though this post isn't an extensive look at each herb, if you'd like to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Bevin's book, Herbs in Every Season to learn more! In his book, he shares 48 various herbs you can focus on throughout the seasons to deepen your understanding and usage of herbs for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/463 Also, grab your tickets to the Modern Homesteading Conference… Bevin and I hope to see you there!

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

From a preparedness standpoint, knowing how to identify and properly harvest and prepare wild edibles means you'll be able to feed yourself (and your family) if ever the need arises. In this podcast interview, Whitney (The Appalachian Forager) and I are discussing some common foraging basics to keep you safe, as well as some basic mushroom identification tips you'll want to study before you go out foraging. Harvest to Table Magazine (get your copy here): https://melissaknorris.com/magazine Whitney's book, Go Forth and Forage: https://geni.us/GoForthandForage For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/462    

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Join me for another Roundtable podcast with my guests Michelle, Rachel and Sophia as we discuss all things herbalism. From growing new varieties of medicinal herbs to how to get our resistant family members to use herbal remedies. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/461

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

Join me for this podcast interview with Chris Browning of Popcorn Finance as we discuss the importance of budgeting, saving and planning for the future. He’s sharing his best tips for how to get out of debt and create a life that will sustain your homesteading dreams for the future. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/460 This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Join me for this podcast interview with Dana K White from A Slob Comes Clean! We’re talking about the multiple reasons why your home may continue to get cluttered and how to change your mindset to finally stay on top of it all. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/459

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

This week’s podcast episode is all about hand-crank grain mills. Are they worth the hype or not? My guest, Bonnie Jones from GrainMaker, is a wealth of knowledge and sharing who hand-crank grain mills are right for. Plus, you’ll definitely want to hear about GrainMaker’s Heirloom Lifetime Guarantee on their 100% made in the USA grain mills! For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/458 Grab your Modern Homesteading Conference tickets here: https://modernhomesteading.com/ Check out my post on grain grinding tips: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/grinding-flour-6-fresh-flour-baking-tips/

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

Welcome to the first-ever Homestead Kitchen Roundtable podcast episode! This is a free-form podcast chat with me, Melissa Norris and my guests Michelle Hedgcock, Rachel Costenbader and Sophia Eng. In this episode (which is #457 of the Pioneering Today Podcast), we're discussing time-saving kitchen tips and tricks we wished we knew as younger cooks. From our favorite go-to recipe when we need dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less to our must-do time-saving tips in the kitchen for busy schedules.  For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/457

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

Many of us desire to have backup and emergency systems in place to know our family will be well taken care of in times of emergency or power outages. That's why my family has been looking into a hand water well pump as a backup water solution for our generator. Join me in this podcast episode with Jonathan and Cody from Flojak, a made in the USA hand well pump company to learn more about these pumps and whether they’re a good option for your homestead.  For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/456

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

If you're listening to this podcast, you're probably thinking that sourdough baking is something you'd like to try. Hesitate no more, and let me assure you that baking with sourdough is 100% worth the effort to learn and implement into your daily life. Snag some of my best tips in today’s podcast, then sign up for my upcoming FREE webinar where I'm sharing nine easy tips for sourdough to bake like a pro at home. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/455. To sign up for my FREE sourdough webinar, visit: https://melissaknorris.com/sourdoughclass.   This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard  

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

Imagine being able to grow crops that basically preserve themselves! Would you believe me if I told you there are storage varieties of tomatoes that can last upwards of six months when stored correctly? You know I’ve purchased my storage tomato seeds already! If you want to learn more, join me for today’s podcast episode with Don Tipping of Siskiyou Seeds. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/454.  This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

In this podcast episode I’m recapping my experience at the Homestead movie premiere in Salt Lake City, UT. Being at the premiere brought up some important questions and I found myself having deep thought-provoking conversations with friends and family afterward. If you have yet to checkout the Homestead movie, or want to learn more, visit https://melissaknorris.com/angel. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/453 This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard  

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Join me with my guest, Susan Poizner, as we discuss fruit tree care and management. I’m excited for today’s episode because I learned something new that I’m excited to implement in our orchard next year. Susan is a wealth of knowledge about all things fruit trees and I know you’ll find today’s podcast filled with wisdom and tips.  For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/452. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

Join me with my guest, Jason Ross, co-author of the Black Autumn book series which has been turned into a movie and TV series called Homestead. In this episode, we’re discussing how homesteading can bring communities together for good and to learn skills that provide hope for the future unknowns. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode (including where you can grab David’s books), visit https://melissaknorris.com/451. To enter the Homestead giveaway, visit the link and purchase tickets to see Homestead (releasing on December 20, 2024) in a theatre near you. https://www.angel.com/pre-sales/homestead/giveaway To learn more about the Homestead movie or watch the trailor, go here: https://www.homestead.tv/ 

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

Join me with my guest, Jason Ross, co-author of the Black Autumn book series which has been turned into a movie and TV series called Homestead. In this episode, we’re discussing how homesteading can bring communities together for good and to learn skills that provide hope for the future unknowns. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode (including where you can grab David’s books), visit https://melissaknorris.com/451. To enter the Homestead giveaway, visit the link and purchase tickets to see Homestead (releasing on December 20, 2024) in a theatre near you. https://www.angel.com/pre-sales/homestead/giveaway To learn more about the Homestead movie or watch the trailor, go here: https://www.homestead.tv/ 

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

It’s incredible the difference between commercial and ancestral methods of cheesemaking. Join me for today’s podcast with author David Asher as we talk about what you need to know for natural cheesemaking at home. Plus, you won’t want to miss his tip on using sourdough starter to make a homemade cheese culture. You read that right, a sourdough starter! I can’t wait to give it a try.    For more information and any links mentioned in this episode (including where you can grab David’s books), visit https://melissaknorris.com/450. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard  

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

You may not think of regenerative farming practices and skincare as topics that go hand-in-hand, but after this podcast you might! Not only can regenerative agriculture save the planet, but it can save your skin! Join me in this podcast interview with Charles Mayfield from Farrow Skincare to learn the long-lost secret to your best skincare.   For more information and any links mentioned in this episode (including where you can find out more about Farrow Skincare), visit https://melissaknorris.com/449. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

Most of us will experience times of uncertainty at some point in our lives. This uncertainty can turn into worry and/or anxiety if not properly processed. However, there are ways to control our emotions and let them work for us instead of against us.  Join me with today's podcast guest, Britnay Nelson for this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast (episode #448) as we discuss how to turn worry into purpose. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/448. This podcast is sponsored by Pioneering Today Academy, a monthly membership to help you make your homesteading dreams a reality. Join over 1,600 members that are growing, canning, and building their way to healthier, more self-sufficient lives.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

As summer rolls into fall it’s important for any homestead to walk through the checklist of things to do to be prepared for winter. The bonus of doing these tasks is that it sets you up for a great spring the following year. Join me as I walk you through everything we’ve been doing on our homestead. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/447. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

Our diets are more important than Western civilization gives them credit for. Everything from what we put into our bodies and how our digestive system handles that food to the effects of that food is often overlooked (or ignored). Join me with my guest, Heather Woodruff, as we discuss how to heal our guts based on what we put in our bodies. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/446. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

Sometimes more modern doesn’t mean better. For years, our ancestors raised, slaughtered and butchered animals for their families without the help of butchers. In this episode, my guest Andrea and I are discussing ways to get back to the old ways of butchering with a hybrid model that allows you more control of the cuts and costs less in the long run. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/445. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard 

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

When it comes to eating the whole animal, our modern-day culture has fallen away from eating nose to tail. Sadly, some of the most nutrient-dense parts of the animal are in the cuts many people don't eat. If you've been wanting to give offal a try, this video interview is a must-watch. For more information, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/444 Grab your Pluck Seasoning and be sure to use coupon code "MELISSAKNORRIS" at checkout for 15% off your order: https://melissaknorris.com/pluck-seasoning This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

When raising cattle, the feed is the most expensive part! If you can grow your own feed in a pasture, you’ll be drastically cutting the cost of raising those cattle. For us, we purchased 40 acres of farmland two years ago and have been trying to rehabilitate the pasture grasses to help offset our feed bill. We knew we were battling thistle, but it turns out, the thistle wasn’t the problem, it was the only a symptom of a larger issue. Listen to this podcast episode with Karson Rippstein from Redmond Agriculture as he helps uncover the problems we’re facing in our pastures. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/443.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

If you've been curious about getting a freeze-dryer, then this podcast is a must-listen because we're diving deep into everything you'd want to know about freeze-drying before bringing one home! Today's podcast (episode #442) is special for me because it's with my best friend, Carolyn Thomas of Homesteading Family. In this episode, we share the behind-the-scenes of our freeze-drying journies and share some of the mistakes we made along the way. Plus, Carolyn shares her seven must-do steps when freeze-drying for the best success every time. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/442. Grab Carolyn's book, Freeze Drying the Harvest.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

Today we’re learning how we can grow MORE food with LESS work by using food forests with my guest Takota Coen. This podcast includes information about what a food forest is, how they're restorative to nature, and how you can grow one no matter what climate or growing zone you're in. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/440.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2024

Join me with my guest Dr. Torrie Thompson. This is the functional doctor I’ve been working with to eliminate toxins for the past 9 months now. In today’s episode we’re diving into all things toxins. From where we get exposed to them, how to eliminate them and avoid them, to how to detox from toxins. I’m even asking her all the questions I’ve been gathering from you, my listeners. This is one jam-packed episode you won’t want to miss. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/439. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa15” to get 15% off your first order of $100 or more delivered to a drop location.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2024

Join me with Back to Eden master Paul Gautschi as we discuss basic methods for using woodchips in the garden. He walks me through some of the common mistakes I made and how to fix them. I’m happy to report that just a couple of months after implementing these strategies, I’ve already seen massive improvements in my garden. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/438. Be sure to grab your copy of Homestead Living Magazine to see Paul's cover story in October's issue: https://homesteadliving.com

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2024

This week I’m sharing my favorite easy and FAST preservation methods. When the harvest comes on, it’s not always convenient timing. But we don’t want all our efforts to go to waste. Learn about my top four go-to preservation methods when I need to preserve food fast. Some of them can buy you time until you’re ready for a larger preservation session! Learn more and find any links mentioned in this episode at https://melissaknorris.com/437. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa15” to get 15% off your first order of $100 or more delivered to a drop location.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2024

This week I’m excited to have Laura Gilmour on the podcast talking about herbal elixirs, shrubs, cocktails and mocktails. She’s given me plenty of inspiration to start using my herb garden to create incredible drinks with health benefits! Laura also shared her favorite drink recipe using a blueberry and spruce shrub that sounds incredible. You can find that recipe and any other links mentioned in this episode at https://melissaknorris.com/436.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2024

This week I’m sharing part two of my health journey and updating you on my six-month toxin results. Though I’m not going to disclose my exact detox protocol (because it’s so individualized based on my numbers and labs), I will be sharing some basic changes you can make in your life to immediately reduce your toxin exposure. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/435. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa15” to get 15% off your first order of $100 or more delivered to a drop location.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2024

This week I’m sharing my health journey and update on some toxin testing I’ve been doing for better health. It’s been quite the journey, but one I’m happy to share about because I know I’m not the only one struggling from years of exposure to PFAS (or “forever chemical”). Unfortunately, our bodies don’t know what to do with these chemicals and the results can be devastating to our health. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/434. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa15” to get 15% off your first order of $100 or more delivered to a drop location.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

Join me with guest Marc Warnke as he nearly convinces me to get goats again! We’re talking all things raising goats, from the space and supplies required, time it takes to milk them daily, and the various uses they have around the homestead. He’s a wealth of information and you’ll definitely want to check out the corresponding blog post for the resources mentioned. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/433. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa15” to get 15% off your first order of $100 or more delivered to a drop location.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2024

Join me as I continue on in this Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics). Today’s episode is all about the basics of preserving. There are ten different methods I’ll discuss in today’s podcast, listed in order from what I consider to be the easiest to the most difficult. I truly believe in layering on skillsets to help prevent overwhelm. If you’re new to preserving, this podcast will be a treasure trove of information and tips for getting started. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/432. Be sure to join me for my live training all about preserving on June 10, 2024. This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa10” to get 10% off your first order of $50 or more delivered to a drop location.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

In the realm of sustainable farming practices, regenerative agriculture has really come to the forefront of our attention. It provides hope with a holistic approach to land stewardship that goes beyond mere sustainability to actively restore and regenerate ecosystems. But what exactly is regenerative agriculture, and why does it matter? Join me with Noble Research Institutes Jim Johnson as he shares regenerative agriculture practices to improve our soil, ecosystem and, ultimately, our planet. For links and resources, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/431. This post is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa10” to get 10% off your first order of $50 or more.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

This week I’m sharing a bit more about my own health journey and what I learned about the dangers of soda. I’m excited to have CeAnne Kosel from Farmhouse Teas joining me as she’s a wealth of information when it comes to making your own healthy homemade soda alternatives that actually taste good and that your family will love. If you’d like to learn more from CeAnne, she’ll be at this year’s Modern Homesteading Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho June 28-29, 2024. We can’t wait to see you there and we hope you enjoy this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast. To learn more, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/430. This post is sponsored by Azure Standard. If you’re not quite ready to make your own soda, Azure has quite a few alternatives, including water kefir grains. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa10” to get 10% off your first order of $50 or more.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

While I continue my podcast break, please enjoy this podcast episode that was published as a YouTube video only. I’m interviewing Dr. Patrick Jones on the medicinal herbs I’m growing in my garden, plus discussing many of their uses. If you’re looking to grow a medicinal herb garden, you’ll definitely want to check out the post that goes with this interview as it’s jam-packed with more herbal info. If you’d like to learn more from Doc Jones, he’ll be at this year’s Modern Homesteading Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho June 28-29, 2024. You can hear him teach and shop his herbal remedies at his booth. We can’t wait to see you there and we hope you enjoy this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast. To learn more, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/429.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2024

I know last week I said I’d be taking a break from podcasting, and while that’s still true, I just couldn’t leave you all hanging for three whole weeks. So this week and next week I have a couple of special podcast episodes that originally aired as video interviews over on YouTube with Dr. Patrick Jones from Homegrown Herbalist. In this podcast, he’s sharing his wisdom of herbal medicine and veterinary care. Sharing what herbs are safe for animals (and which should be avoided or used with caution). If you’d like to learn more from Doc Jones, he’ll be at this year’s Modern Homesteading Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho June 28-29, 2024. You can hear him teach and shop his herbal remedies at his booth. We can’t wait to see you there and we hope you enjoy this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast. To learn more, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/428

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2024

Join me with my guest Deanne Converse as we discuss ways to become more self-sustainable with our livestock feed costs. Deanne is sharing her years of experience in feeding livestock without the feed store. With the rise in feed costs over the past few years, this is one podcast you won’t want to miss. We’re not only talking about how to feed cattle, but chickens, pigs, sheep, goats and more. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/427. This post is sponsored by The Modern Homesteading Conference. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, don’t wait!

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2024

Join me as I continue on in this Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics). Today’s episode is all about the basics of raising livestock, and I’ll heavily focus on cattle. If you’ve ever wanted to raise your own grass-fed, grass-finished beef then this is the podcast for you. I’m giving you all the basics you need in today’s episode, plus many links for additional resources. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/426. This post is sponsored by Azure Standard. If you’re not yet raising your own beef cattle and are looking for good quality beef, look no further than Azure Standard. They offer sustainably sourced beef products from frozen cuts of beef to, my favorite, beef jerky! We've purchased their beef jerky for my son and husband to take as snacks on their long days of work and it’s delicious. They also carry many A2/A2 dairy products that you'll want to check out. For first-time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa10” to get 10% off your first order of $50 or more. Be sure to sign up for my Homestead Skills Summit, April 22-26, 2024. Each day of the week we’ll focus on a different homesteading topic, with live Q&A and prizes and a final live Q&A session on Friday to wrap up the week. Join here: https://melissaknorris.com/pta-summit/

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2024

Join me and my guest, Don Tipping from Siskiyou Seeds as we discuss the history of seeds and seed saving and how it’s changed over the past 100 years. Our conversation takes a deep dive into how seed companies source their seed (this may surprise you!) and how to know you’re getting quality seeds with the exact characteristics you want. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/425. This post is sponsored by Azure Standard. If you’re in need of garden starts, be sure to check out Ellie’s Eden plants. They have a large selection of vegetable, herb and flower starts and they’re fantastic quality. For first time Azure customers, you can use code “Melissa10” to get 10% off your first order of $50 or more. Be sure to sign up for my Homestead Skills Summit, April 22-26, 2024. Each day of the week we’ll focus on a different homesteading topic, with live Q&A and prizes and a final live Q&A session on Friday to wrap up the week. Join here: https://melissaknorris.com/pta-summit/

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2024

Join me and my guest, Susan Poizner, as we discuss the basics of growing fruit trees. With a few tips under your belt, you’ll know what fruit tree varieties will work best for your climate, when to plant your trees, and the nine tips for getting your fruit trees to grow fast! Susan also covers some mistakes to avoid when planting new fruit trees and we briefly cover how to protect your trees from disease (or rehabilitate neglected trees). For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/424

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2024

Join me as I continue on in this Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics). Today’s episode is all about the basics of gardening. Which ultimately means understanding the basics of soil. You don’t have to be a soil expert, or a biochemist to understand how to know if your soil is good (or how to amend it, if needed). However, if you don’t pay attention to your soil quality, it doesn’t matter how many other gardening skills you acquire, you’ll continue to struggle if your soil quality is poor. I’m giving you all the basics you need in today’s episode, plus many links for additional resources. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/423. Azure Standard: I want to thank Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. One of my favorite things about Azure is every spring they offer incredible garden starts! So, if you find yourself behind the curve of starting seeds indoors, you can order starts from Ellie’s Eden. They have vegetable starts, flower starts, herb starts… so many options! For first-time customers, you can get 10% off your first Azure Standard purchase of $50 or more using coupon code “Melissa10” at checkout.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2024

Join me for this podcast interview with Dr. Christopher Hobbs as we discuss the health benefits of mushrooms. The benefits are vast, and when you consider that you can easily grow mushrooms at home (or forage for them nearly everywhere), it gets even more exciting. Ever since I found healing from stomach acid and ulcers by changing the food I ate, I've continued down the rabbit hole of using our food and herbs as medicine. Join me with Dr. Hobbs as we discuss the best mushrooms for their medicinal purposes, the benefits of consuming mushrooms, and how mushrooms may be a great way to get some extra prebiotic fiber into our diets. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/422. Check out my live class on 3/20/24 all about growing and foraging for mushrooms here: https://my.demio.com/ref/EIhRpGOdPqVWiDqE American Blossom Linens: I want to thank American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. You may think of linens and bedsheets as a basic item, but they're a staple in most homes. If you want heirloom quality sheets that will last a lifetime, American Blossom Linens is for you. I've found in many areas of the homestead, by investing in higher quality items (yes, they generally cost more up front), I inevitably save money in the long run. This is definitely true for my sheet set from American Blossom Linens. I’ve had my sheets for two and a half years and they’re only getting softer and softer. Use coupon code "PioneeringToday20" to get 20% off your first set of sheets at: https://melissaknorris.com/ABL

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2024

One of the crops that’s easily overlooked for growing a sustainable food source on the homestead is the nut tree. As with fruit trees, once a nut tree is established, it can produce food for your family for decades (and even generations) to come. Learn which nut trees are best for your homestead needs with David Hughes from Rock Bridge Trees. He’s sharing his best tips on nut tree care and maintenance, harvesting and even pest control. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/421. Azure Standard: I want to thank Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. If you don’t yet have nut trees of your own, Azure is a fantastic source for buying nuts in bulk. It’s the only place I’ll buy my nuts because I trust their sourcing and quality control practices. Not only does Azure Standard carry whole nuts, they also carry a wide variety of nut butters and other such products. For first-time customers, you can get 10% off your first Azure Standard purchase of $50 or more using coupon code “Melissa10” at checkout.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2024

Join me for this podcast series on Homesteading 101: Back to the Basics. We know countless people are joining this homesteading movement, and I would like to hold the door open and welcome you in. In this series we’ll be discussing the five pillars of homesteading: gardening, livestock, homestead cooking, preserving and herbal medicine. Though this series won't be a comprehensive step-by-step on how to start a homestead, it should help answer some of those basic questions many people have when venturing into a new aspect of homesteading. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit https://melissaknorris.com/420. American Blossom Linens: I want to thank American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. You may think of linens and bedsheets as a basic item, but they're a staple in most homes. If you want heirloom quality sheets that will last a lifetime, American Blossom Linens is for you. I've found in many areas of the homestead, by investing in higher quality items (yes, they generally cost more up front), I inevitably save money in the long run. This is definitely true for my sheet set from American Blossom Linens. I’ve had my sheets for two and a half years and they’re only getting softer and softer. Use coupon code "PioneeringToday20" to get 20% off your first set of sheets at: https://melissaknorris.com/ABL

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2024

For the first time ever, genetically modified seeds have been made available to the common gardener for home use. I’ve been hearing from many home gardeners how excited they are to grow this new variety of tomato in their home garden, which to be honest, surprises me. Which makes me wonder if everyone knows exactly what GMO seeds are, and if we ought to be concerned? In today’s podcast, I’m diving into the nitty gritty of what classifies a seed as GMO, or Hybrid, or F1 Hybrid. I’m also explaining self-pollination, open-pollination and what you need to know as a home-gardener to successfully seed save. But more importantly, I want to discuss the place of GMO seeds in the home-garden. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/419. Azure Standard is the sponsor for this podcast. For first-time Azure customers, get 10% off your first order of $50 or more with coupon code "Melissa10" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2024

Are you under the impression that you live in a pretty secure area, free of threats from natural disasters or wide-spread emergencies? I invite you to listen to today’s podcast and you may reconsider just how prepared you and your family are. Emergencies happen in the blink of an eye, and if you’re not ready, they can be catastrophic. Join me with Jeff Anderson from Warrior Life as he shares his knowledge of being prepared and how to pack a “bug out bag” (also known as a “go bag”). He’ll share what must-haves each bag needs, plus some items to avoid. Grab his FREE class here: melissaknorris.com/warrior-life-workshop. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/418.

Transcribed - Published: 16 February 2024

Now is the time to be thinking about your medicinal herb gardens. When planning to stock your herbal medicine cabinets, the planning starts well before harvest. Whether you’re growing your own medicinal herbs, just getting started with an herb garden, or purchasing herbs, tinctures, or other herbal remedies already made, now is the time to plan to stock up for the year. Come listen to this episode as I share my tips on how to plan, buy seeds, starts or cuttings, or purchase products from trusted and reputable sources. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/417. To grab the Medicinal Herb Garden e-book go here

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2024

With meat labeling laws being changed right before our eyes, it's getting harder and harder to trust where our meat is coming from, and how it was raised and processed. Will Harris and his daughter Jenni from White Oak Pastures share the steps consumers can take to regain control over the food industry. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/416.

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2024