Never Buy Garden Seeds Again: Seed Saving Secrets Every Homesteader Needs
Seed saving is one of the most valuable skills a gardener can learn, and in this episode I’m joined by Don Tipping of Siskiyou Seeds to dive deep into the why and how of saving your own garden seed. We’ll cover the difference between open-pollinated, heirloom, and hybrid varieties, which crops are best for beginners, how to prevent cross-pollination, and tips for harvesting, drying, and storing seeds so they last for years. Don also shares how seed saving helps you develop plants uniquely adapted to your microclimate, creating the heirlooms of tomorrow. Whether you’re brand new to seed saving or looking to refine your skills, this conversation will inspire and equip you to grow a more resilient, self-sufficient garden. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/481 This podcast is sponsored by Redmond Real Salt. Did you know Redmond sells much more than just salt? I love their bentonite clay powder and it’s a must-have in our house because we use it for wound care. Check out all of Redmond’s products at melissaknorris.com/redmond-salt and use code "PIONEERING" at checkout for 15% off your order.
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The Most Overlooked Way to Preserve Food for Months (No Freezer Needed) w/ Sam Knapp
Think you need a traditional root cellar to keep your harvest fresh through the winter? Think again. In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, Melissa K. Norris sits down with Sam Knapp of Off Beet Farm in Alaska to talk about practical, no-fuss ways to store root vegetables without a root cellar. You’ll learn the three keys to long-lasting storage—temperature, humidity, and airflow—as well as simple methods like using a spare fridge, Rubbermaid totes, or packing in sand or shavings. Sam also shares which crops are the most forgiving, the best varieties for long-term storage, and how to troubleshoot common problems like shriveling and rodents. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or growing a year’s supply of food, this episode will give you the confidence to keep carrots, beets, potatoes, and cabbages fresh for months. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/480 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
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Dinner Without the Scramble: 4 Moms Share Their Best Secrets
Think from-scratch cooking is hard or takes too much time? The truth is, with a stocked pantry, a few simple substitutions, and some foundational kitchen skills, you can make healthy, homemade meals in less time than it takes to run to the store. In this podcast, we're busting the top myths about from-scratch cooking and showing you how to: ✅ Swap ingredients with easy substitutions (no last-minute store runs!) ✅ Make boxed food favorites from scratch—faster and healthier ✅ Save time with meal planning that actually fits your family ✅ Reheat leftovers so they taste fresh and delicious ✅ Build a stocked pantry that makes dinner stress-free You’ll see how learning just a handful of simple techniques can transform your kitchen, your budget, and your confidence as a home cook. From homemade cream-of-soup that takes four minutes to a DIY biscuit mix that beats Bisquick, cooking from scratch has never been easier. 👉 Want to go deeper? Join me for my FREE live training, “From-Scratch Cooking Made Easy,” on September 8th where I’ll share pantry staples, substitution secrets, and time-saving tips: https://melissaknorris.com/kitchen Related Videos & Resources: • Homemade Cream of Soup Substitute: https://melissaknorris.com/the-best-cream-of-soup-recipes-youll-ever-make/ • How to Meal Plan Without the Stress: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/how-to-meal-plan-for-easy-healthy-meals-from-scratch/ • Homemade Biscuit Mix Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/homemade-biscuit-mix/ ✨ If you’re ready to ditch the boxes and serve your family nourishing meals every night—without the overwhelm—this podcast is for you!
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Ditch the Soda: 8 Old-Fashioned Summer Drinks from the Homestead Kitchen (Healthy & Refreshing!)
Looking for healthy and refreshing summer drinks that aren’t soda? In this podcast, we’re sharing our favorite homemade beverages to help you stay cool and hydrated on hot summer days. From sparkling lemon spritzers and fruity mocktails to herbal iced teas, iced coffee, and smoothies. You’ll find plenty of delicious options made with real ingredients right from your kitchen or garden. What you’ll learn in this podcast: Easy soda alternatives you can make at home Seasonal fruit mocktails like watermelon basil & rhubarb lemonade How to use herbs for refreshing iced teas and infused waters My go-to protein shake and iced coffee recipe Simple tricks like herbed ice cubes & chia pudding for cool summer treats Say goodbye to sugary sodas and hello to nourishing drinks that actually hydrate and satisfy! For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/478
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From Burnout to Balance: What a Mature Homestead Really Looks Like
In this special episode, I sat down with my dear friend Carolyn Thomas from Homesteading Family, right in her Idaho home! We’re pulling back the curtain on what life looks like on a mature homestead. After over two decades each of growing food, raising animals, and running busy households, we’re sharing what we’ve let go of, what we’re leaning into, and how we’re building homesteads that truly work for our families and seasons of life. From letting go of burnout and fussy crops to rethinking dairy animals, planning for grown kids, and producing more animal feed right on the land. This is a real, refreshing conversation you won’t want to miss. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/477 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
Pioneering Today is all about getting back to basics, simple living, and self-sufficiency with old-fashioned skills and wisdom in a modern world. With heirloom gardening, canning, preserving the harvest, from scratch cooking, raising your own food, including livestock (backyard chickens, pigs, and cattle), natural medicine, herbs, DIY like soap making along with living a simple self-sufficient life, no matter where you live. Hosted by 5th generation homesteader, Melissa K. Norris, author of The Made-from-Scratch Life. This podcast brings you the conversation from MelissaKNorris.com and The Pioneering Today Academy, with Q&A's, teaching, tutorials, and always giving you practical ways and tips to live the simple and self-sufficient life.
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