Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck as we discuss illness in the Holler, early spring sprinting, and more.

Featured Event: SelfRelianceFestival.com

Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/lftn

Sponsor 2: InvestableWealth.com

Stinging Nettle Harvest Week

Morels should begin to pop soon

Early spring green salad: baby plantain, dead nettle leaves, baby dock, wild garlic (I like to add to a salad)

Illness in the Holler

Second garden bed is up and planted

Food forest lower swale is 25% mulched, then I will toss lots of seeds out

4 Wheeler

Subaru Saga

Ram Weaning

Stormy and preventing a prolapse

Breed rabbits this week

Livestock

Duck egg update

Yard herbs are coming back - the ones that made it through the winter

All the compost tea is being sprayed

Time to make garlic/pepper/LABS spray for the orchard

Holler Neighbor Dinner on Sunday

Finances: Upped my seedling game so have only spent $60 on gardens

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, we explore five things homesteaders get wrong—and how to avoid them. Every homestead decision is a preference, but some choices lead to costly, time-consuming headaches.

Resources
Crunchy Mama Beef Processing Class (March 21-24 in Texas) – Crunchy Mama Farms
Sponsors:

• DiscountMylarBags.com 
• EMPShield.com (Coupon Code LFTN for $50 off)

LFTN Spring Workshop

National Center For Home Food Preservation

Weekly Segments:
Tales from the Prepper Pantry – Freezers, Scotch eggs, and pantry upgrades
Frugality Tip – How to save $3,000+ on international travel
Shopping Report from Joe – Prices on food, lumber, and gas
Operation Independence – Expanding aquaponics and biochar progress

Main Topic: 5 Things Homesteaders Just Get Wrong
1. Keeping weak animals with genetic problems such as throwing prolapses in sheep, scissor beak, etc
2. Using That Untested Recipe For Canning From Your Grandma, Rebel Canners, Or A Random AI Generated Blog Post
3. You Got Chickens (Or Other Livestock) And Did Not Have Infrastructure (Housing, Water, Fencing, Etc.)
4. Why Did You Grow Food You Hate?
5. You Cultivated Plants Not Soil

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. 

Community

• Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv
• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee

• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, I am joined by Tactical as we discuss a semi-crazy, off-site week, the coming spring, and more.

Featured Event: SUNDAY - Bioremediation Workday in Marshall, NC: https://www.facebook.com/events/1157636552497302 

Shout out: Canary Cry Radio! https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=XK4bqtxb1PA 

Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteadingPodcast.com

Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

Roof issues and the wind

The mama ewe left the pasture

Duck feed/Egg issue. Protein content is lower so adding sprouts sunflower seeds, take 2

1st round seedlings placed in raised bed

Finishing last 2 raised beds

AP update

LFTN Email Updates

Fencing repairs 

Pasture easter egg hunt after the storm

Last round of seeding happening this weekend

Indoor AP is up and running

New 4 wheeler rebuild progress report

Prepper Pantry Next Phase

So Much Bacon

Scotch Egg Experiment update

Lettuce from the vet

Assessing what is alive after the most brutal winter ive seen in the holler

Holler Neighbors/Community Update

Finances: Making sure we can source chickens before we announce the processing class

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Join me for a discussion all about kefir, its origins, its benefits, how to make it and HOW TO USE IT!Sponsor 1: Permies.com FUNDLE $45: https://permies.com/wiki/223017f495/Fundle-fungi-bundle

Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com

Shout out: Canary Cry Radio! https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=XK4bqtxb1PA 

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

• Bacon Week
• Slicing Like a Mad Woman
• Ground Lamb
• The Carnivore Scotch Egg Test

Operation Independence

• No more TAHOE

1. Why Kefir Matters

• More than just a probiotic – Kefir is a living ecosystem of bacteria and yeast, offering benefits beyond typical fermented foods.

• Gut health & digestion – Restores microbiome balance and may help with IBS.
• Immune system support – Contains natural antibacterial and antifungal compounds.
• Bone health & longevity – High in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K2, supporting bone density.
• Why it beats store-bought probiotic drinks – No added sugars, no preservatives, and a wider range of beneficial microbes.

3. The Mysterious Origins of Kefir

• No one knows!
• Ancient legends – Believed to have originated in the Caucasus Mountains, with stories linking it to nomadic herders or religious figures.
  • Some claim kefir grains were a gift from the Prophet Muhammad to Orthodox Christians.
  • Others suggest they evolved naturally in animal skins used for storing milk.
• Why scientists can’t recreate it – Unlike yogurt cultures, kefir grains cannot be artificially synthesized, making them a true biological mystery.
  • Kefir grains are a complex symbiotic community (SCOBY) that must be propagated from existing grains.
  • Attempts to isolate and recreate them in labs have failed, suggesting a unique co-evolution with traditional dairy farming.

4. The Science Behind Kefir Fermentation

• Bacteria vs. Yeast – A Perfect Partnership
  • Bacteria (Lactic Acid Bacteria - LAB) – Convert lactose into lactic acid, lowering the pH and thickening the milk.
  • Yeasts – Break down sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide, adding mild effervescence and contributing to flavor complexity.
  • Acetobacter species – Convert ethanol into acetic acid, giving kefir its subtle tang.
• How fermentation transforms milk
  • Lactose breakdown – Kefir becomes more digestible for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Nutrient enhancement – Increases B vitamins, calcium, and K2, making nutrients more bioavailable.
  • Probiotic boost – Contains up to 50+ strains of beneficial bacteria and yeast, making it superior to yogurt in microbial diversity.

5. How to Make Kefir at Home

• Basic Steps:
  • Add kefir grains to whole milk (raw or pasteurized, but avoid ultra-pasteurized).
  • Cover loosely and let ferment 12-24 hours at room temperature.
  • Strain the grains, store finished kefir in the fridge, and repeat the process.
• Troubleshooting Common Issues:
  • Too sour? Shorten fermentation time or use cooler temperatures.
  • Too thin? Use higher-fat milk or ferment longer.
  • Off flavors? Check milk quality and ensure grains are healthy.

6. Ways to Use Kefir Beyond Drinking It

• Culinary Uses:
  • Smoothies & flavored kefir – Blend with fruit, honey, or spices.
  • Salad dressings & dips – Use as a tangy base for ranch or tzatziki.
  • Kefir cheese & butter – Strain whey to make a spreadable cheese.
• Second Fermentation for More Flavor & Fizz:
  • How to do it – Store strained kefir in an airtight bottle with fruit or honey for another 12-24 hours.
  • Why it works – Yeasts consume remaining sugars, boosting carbonation.
  • Best add-ins: Citrus peel, ginger, berries, vanilla bean.

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. 

Community

• Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv
• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee

• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Tactical Redneck Hijacked my show while I was out of town - Enjoy his update.

Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com
Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

Join me for sad news from the pasture, making progress in spring, a review of a cool event happening in about a week, a NEW recipe, and more!

Featured Event: Refuge Ruckus, March 7-9 in Fort Smith, AR: https://www.refugeruckus.com/

Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com

Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

Permies Fundle - and why it is so cool, but dont buy it until Saturday: Heads up on the Permies Fundle

Listener Feedback

From a listener -  I remembered that you decided to sell your AGHs, and I'm in a similar (but bigger) situation, and hoped you might be able to offer some suggestions or possibly send my way  anyone you know who's in the market, and feel free to share my email for contact. I'm local (Cookeville) and the pigs are in the Monterey/Muddy Pond area. Hope everything's going well in the Holler, and hope to hear back from you soon. 

Sad News From The Pasture

Ram separation day - with help from a visitor

Community: Dog care

Weather was fantastic this week: Nicole at a big, thorny frog

New inhabitant at basecamp

Community development idea

Scotch egg recipe

Biochar project update

Topping the garden beds

Stuck trailer day

Shepherd’s pie

Outhouse spring set up

Ducks laying in the yard

Livestock

Early spring garden planting is going well this year so far

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Join me for a discussion of how the heavy rains created minor flooding in the barn one day before we needed to give the sheep access and what we did to dry it out. We will also cover all our usual Monday Segments.

Featured Event: Blueberry Hill Sunday Meetup in Knoxville: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/bluebird-hill-open-house-gathering/

Sponsor 1: TheWealthSteadingPodcast.com

Sponsor 2: EMPShield.com

Coupon Code: LFTN

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

• Processing 2 Ewes with Prolapses, lots of ground meat
• Homemade Roast Beef Sandwich Meat
• Prepper Pantry Update

Frugality Tip From Margo

Stopping in the middle of a project when you run out of something and having to go get more can be annoying. What's more annoying to me is wasting time to go save a dollar or two. While I am probably one of the most frugal people I know with money, I value my time a lot as well. So save some time and run to the closest store and spend an extra $2 and finish the task. 

Happy Savings y'all 

~Margo

Operation Independence

$10 Ultrasound

Seedlings

Main topic of the Show: Small Changes, Big Results - Tales From A Barn Underwater

• Biggest local flood since 2010
• Back Story
• What We found
• How we divided work
• What T did
• End Result

In the end, a small change every day makes the biggest difference in your world.

Just ask Angry Prepper about walking for 15 minutes after each meal.

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. 

Community

• Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv
• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee

• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Tactical Redneck Hijacked my show while I was out of town - Enjoy his update.

Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com
Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBagsd.com

Home Alone Update from tactical

1) Frozen pipes
2) Keeping 2 fires going
3) The stuck truck
4) Impressions of premade meals
5) Keeping up with bacon curing

Seed Roullette Update - it dropped to 8 so Nicole seeded the peas and will check in on the radishes when she gets home. Garden bed is covered

Incoming nomad hands this coming week so we will focus on the garden spaces.

Sheep dont care that it is cold

Bottl;e Baby update

Rabbits can get it done through the cage mesh

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today I had a surprise visit from Dawn Gorham, here to pick up her half lamb, so we decided to replace the Monday show with a fin interview show.

Spponsors:
InvestableWealth.com
EMPShield.com - Coupon Code: LFTN

More notes detail coming soon!

Join me for our weekly homestead update solo this week because Tactical is picking up feed from BooneTop Farm in Centerville!

Featured Event: Seed Exchange and Potluck Saturday 12-3pm

Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com

Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast

Listener Feedback

 I've been telling my wife about you swim spa. We think it might be a good thing for her to get. She has a couple of questions:

1. “Having been used to lap pool swimming, in 25-yard pools, is it difficult to get used to a swim spa?”
2. “How do you track distance?” (I’m used to counting laps to know how far I’ve gone)

Boone Top Farm Feed Source

Bracing for another single digit time

Duck Egg Feed Update - tucker milling

Tiny house community concept

Seed Roulette Next Week

Seedling update

Prepper pantry Just In Time

Stinging Nettle, chickweed and deadnettle

Operation Email Zero

More rabbit breeding

Better rabbit rotation needed

Eversoles Departing

Tomatoes are finally all canned

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Join me for a discussion about opting out of fear. You are easier to control when you make your decisions from a fear-based place and that is why it is so profitable too keep our population divided and frantic. But you don’t have to participate. You can mindfully move yourself to a place of awareness without the constant fear and build a better place for yourself and your family - and that it what homesteading is all about! We will also cover our usual Monday Segments.

Featured Event: Cast Iron Webinar, Feb 23 at 6pm

Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

Sponsor 2: EMPShield.com, coupon code lftn

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

• Concrete Pour on Wednesday do clearing the freezers out and needing to turn them off at night when it is cold
• Holler Stew, Carnivore style - lamb and chicken
• Idea for using up chicken breasts
• Excellent roast leg of lamb recipe

Frugality Tip

• Making left overs sexy - frugality tip - - pair it with eating before you leave and Bone broth packets

Operation Independence

• New car this weekend

Main topic of the Show: How to Opt Out Of Fear

Watching my more left friends freak out about DT

• Constant barrage of fear communications
• Homesteaders should market to leftys
• Reminds me of when Obama got elected and the response from the right

Making decisions from a fear based place is almost never good for you in the long run - WHY

>>Michelle’s Car Story

Mistake - fast decision under pressure and while still impacted by fear of the accident

This is no different than the fear caused by terminal diagnosis, the news cycle, a tight budget, and more.

So what do you do?

>>Nicole’s Car Story

1. Slow your roll
2. Cut off access to you of anything causing fear – people, news, even obsessing about your bank account. Go on a fear diet! 1-5 days, weeks if necessary. 
3. Focus on success stories from people in a similar situation. 
4. Collect the facts, not the opinions
   1. Elon Musk has access to your SSN!!!! We are all gonna DIE
   2. The reality of the situation is that you are no more at risk now than you were 2 weeks ago when some unnamed person with very little oversight had access to your information
   3. Look at what has historically happened in a similar fear cycle. Who did well and how/why. Who did poorly and how/why.  
5. Fitness and Food 
6. Think LONG TERM SUCCESS not short term fix – unless you need a tourniquet

Back to your bank account fear: Poverty mindset IS making decisions out of fear. But the reality. Long term value over short term happiness is one thing.

>>Selling the tahoe for parts story - its time has passed, time to scrap it for long term payoff of my time

And when the sky is falling in the news? The same approach applies. If you are a more right leaning person, you are probably noting that articles are better reported all of the sudden by major news organizations. Or are they?

What if you are just an anxious person? (Get help)

Opting out of the fear cycle means going on a fear diet – AND a fake news diet – so that you can develop perspective for what truly matters and can make the best decisions for you in the long run rather than constantly control for the next thing.

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. 

Community

• Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv
• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee

• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today we give you an update on the homestead after we have spring into FIRST SPRING in Tennessee, operation eyesore, keeping up with meals on the homestead, egg issues and more.

Featured Event: Rabbits and Roses, Huntsville, AB, https://www.facebook.com/events/1010824777095474/?ti=ls 

>>This may change your perspective on your rabbit meatery 😀

Sponsor 1: InvestableWealth.com

Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

Vevor Raised Bed Link: https://s.vevor.com/bfQ6sp 

Transitioning to Feeding twice a day in the pasture

Duck Egg Response to Different Feed - the lights

Radish germination and second round of seeding this weekend

How do you track your seedings, seedlings and progress?

Rolling Leftovers: Roundroast and Lamb goulash

Not Dry Round Roast

Prepper Pantry Update - Getting Excited for the finish!

Water descaler and Culligan water softener for sale: $300

Move the Ram

Housekeeping Test

Deadnettle, chickweed, wild garlic

First Spring - and First Tornado

Operation Eyesore

Truck Repairs

Duplex Fix

More raised beds incoming

Tomato wall completion

Holler Neighbors/Community

Finances Idea - ways to grow a homestead into your primary income

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, we update you on the new lambs on the Holler Homestead, the new feed source we found, importance of community and more!

Featured event: 9 am. Tomorrow (Saturday). Workshop Tickets go on sale!

Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com

Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

Celebrate! Got first round of seedlings ready (Yesterday’s episode)

Bottle Lamb Updates

Awesome Kitchen Vent Hood

Pasture Brat Pack

Normalized Paddock Rotation again

Operation Eyesore

New Feed Source for TN

Processor connections

Update on managing while Nicole was away

Forage: Time to be on the lookout for wild garlic and early spring greens

Concrete project sound fun this weekend?

Invoicing the lambs we sold this weekend - and why I waited so long.

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Join me for a discussion on starting your seeds and out usual “Monday Segments.”

Spring Workshop, April 24-26:P https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/spring-workshop-2025/

Sponsor 1: InvestibleWealth.com

Sponsor 2: EMPShield.com, Coupon code LFTN

LFTN Spring Workshop Tickets go on Sale Saturday at 9am Central. 

• Alan Booker, 2 deep sessions on permaculture topics
• Jack Spirko, Building Bioreactor Compost and Biochar
• Nicole Sauce, Lessons Learned from 3 Years Raising Regenerative Sheep
• Emily Skyles Zanotti: Urban Homesteading
• Dawn Gorham, Building A Homestead Business 
• Tactical Redneck - A tour of erosion remediation projects at the Holler Homestead. 
• Joel Ryals, Problem Solving and Planning for Success
• Roundtable Discussion. Function stacking: Holler Homestead Greenhouse Design with Nicole Sauce
• Harry Albright - Hands on - Building Cages
• Knitting - Lani Johnson
• Jenni Hill - Somatic Movement and Breath Work
• Barter Blanket
• John Pugliano - Permaculture Your Wealth
• Kerry Brown- Planning Your Off Grid Home
• Patrick Roehrman - Accomplishing Anything How I transformed raw land into a family HQ

Updated Links for Equipment:

• Lighting: Burrina Full-Spectrum LED
• Seed Heat Mat: Updated options on Amazon

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

• Double and triple cooking paid off for Mom’s knee replacement
• Looking to skim coat the concrete this weekend or next week so that we can move utilities and do the final sweep in there
• Refining what I store to LESS

Frugality Tip - send one in

Operation Independence

Picked up the processed lambs today, Lambs for sale!

Main Topic: Seed Starting

4 Keys to Successful Seedlings

1. Light, Light, Light
   • A window isn’t going to cut it—this is the #1 reason for failure.
   • Use proper, full-spectrum grow lights (like Burrina lights) positioned uncomfortably close to seedlings.
   • Keep lights on 12-16 hours per day for strong, stocky plants.
   • If you don’t have grow lights, be prepared for leggy seedlings.
2. Soil Temperature Matters
   • Too cold? Bad germination and weak seedlings.
   • Ideal temp: 65-85 for many plants
   • Use a seed heat mat (updated links below) or place trays in a warm spot like on top of the fridge.
3. Consistent Moisture—Not Overwatering
   • Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.
   • Bottom watering is best—use trays with no holes to create a DIY water table.
   • Overwatering leads to weak roots and damping off. Underwatering even once can stunt growth for the life of the plant
4. Potting Mix & Soil Biology
   • If you’re new, just buy a good quality seed-starting mix. Look for fine-textured, bark-free soil.
   • Pro tip: Add a quart of soil from a well-run local garden to introduce beneficial microbes and integrate local soil biology.
   • Advanced growers: Make your own with compost, biochar, worm castings, and indigenous microorganisms (IMO).
   • Compost tea made from local soil is a fantastic boost.

Soil Mix

• Don’t mix your own unless you know what you’re doing (WRONG ADVICE)
  • Experiment while setting yourself up for success—but start with a 50/50 blend before committing fully.
  • Learn from my mistakes

Trays & Containers

• Deep pots (3-4 inches) = Stronger roots
• Plastic trays with no drainage holes work great for bottom watering.
• Solo cups are cheap and effective (poke a few drainage holes).
• Peat pucks: Can work, but I don’t use them.
• Peat pots: Just don’t.

Choosing Seeds: Heirloom vs. Hybrid

• It’s all okay! Pick what works for your system.
• Good seedling choices: Tomatoes, peppers, kale, chard, broccoli, lettuce, loofahs.
• Less ideal: Squash, cucumbers (direct sow if possible).
• Don’t start indoors: Peas, beans, carrots, and most root crops.

First Year: Choose 1-2 things, experiment, and don’t stress if you buy starts. Keep going!

Troubleshooting Germination: The Paper Towel Trick

• Use damp paper towels in a plastic bag to check seed viability before planting.

Keeping Costs Down (While Buying Quality Equipment)

• Source second-hand greenhouse supplies from local growers.
• Attend local seed swaps (like the one here in February) for high-quality, adapted seeds.
• Consider bulk seed buys as a community.

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. 

Community

• Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv
• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee

• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today I am joined by the Tactical Redneck and perhaps Knighthawk for the latest news from the Holler Homestead. Babies, extreme cold, planning the gardens and more

Featured event: LFTN Spring Workshop

Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

Sponsor 2: EMPShield.com, Coupon Code LFTN

Email feedback to nicole@livingfreeintennessee.com

Forage

• Wheat is ready to harvest
• Iding herbals/wilds that we do not want the sheep to eat
• Day Lillies are blooming 
• Garden: Cover crop sautees
• Inside cherry tomatoes

Livestock

• Rabbit ear mites
• No ducklings yet
• Eating things faster than we thought so we are moving them each day until cleared (overseeding pasture mix)
• Muscovies incoming tomorrow thanks to Kerrry and Lisa
• 4 eggs a day - summer slump
• Sheep story

Grow

Holler Neighbors/Community

Infrastructure

Finances

Membership Plug

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, we talk about how to plan your kitchen garden, especially from the perspective of replacing dependence on the grocery store. I also cover our usual segments: Tales from the Prepper Pantry, Frugality Tip, Operation Independence and more.

Featured Event: LFTN Spring Workshop

Sponsor 1: TheWealthSteadingPodcast.com

Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

Resources

Mad River Seeds on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/mad_river_seeds

Baker Creek: https://www.rareseeds.com/ 

Seed Savers Exchange: https://seedsavers.org/ 

Homegrown Cooking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbCr4DQ3KI0 

SCHEDULE THIS WEEK AND NEXT

Listener feedback - I want to move to TN, where do I go?

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

• Big thanks to Ryan Steva on the prepper pantry before this deep freeze
• Homegrown Cooking: Beef Heart - Next month is steak and kidney stew from Dawn and meatballs from me
• Travelling with a cooler
• Freezers are reorganized and ready for incoming lambs

Weekly Shopping Report

Based on some videos from a few prepping channels (eg. Poplar Report, Pinball Preparedness), I’m trying to be more attentive to shortages, but fortunately haven’t seen anything remarkable other than the limit of 2 on Aldi eggs.

Dollar Tree was first.  Stock is always changing there, but there were no vacant areas and I did not see duplication being used to hide low stock.  The drink selection remains good.  The food coolers are mostly full.

We did not go in to Home Depot, but the online price of a 2x4x8 remains at $3.85.

Aldi was last.  We found what we wanted.  Staple prices were: bread (20 oz. white): $1.39; eggs: $4.17 (+, limit 2); whole milk: $2.87 (-); heavy cream: $5.39; OJ: $3.69; butter: $3.79 (-); bacon: $3.99; potatoes: no tag; sugar: $2.99 (+); flour: $2.35 (+); and 80% lean ground beef: $3.79. 

Untainted regular unleaded at Weigels was still $3.59 per gallon, but the 87 octane (regular) corrupted with ethanol is only $2.79.

Frugality Tip from Margo

Today is a short and sweet simple tip. Whenever we are out shopping or whatnot I pack a small cooler with drinks and a reusable ice block. I also keep an extra insulated tumbler full of water in the car at all times. Stopping to grab a drink adds up quickly, especially with someone that drinks soda. So stop yourself from grabbing that convenience store overpriced drink and just pack a small cooler. Happy saving y'all.

~Margo

Operation Independence

Value of four rams on homestead income: $1200

Main Topic of today’s Show: Planning Your Kitchen Garden

Two ways to plan: Replacing fresh veg in season then buying shipped in “fresh” veg the rest of the year VSr eating seasonally.

• What is your goal? (Replace most food by growing your own VS supplementing and sourcing locally or regenerative options)
  • I dont care what you say - Unless you are wiling to dramatically adjust what you eat, your goal is to supplement
    • Grain example - it’s both regional and dependent on how much land you have in production: Wheat, oats, corn, beans
    • That mid-winter banana, apples, fresh summer squash, etc
    • Sugar
  • Seasonal eating method
    • Use what is here and ripe first (Bone broth story)
    • Preserve what makes sense
    • Then tap stored items when fresh is not available
  • Develop/track a cycle of preservation 
    • power pantry method of storing what you use and using what you store.
    • (Pay attention to what you really use each year and do tap into waves of abundance - cornmageddon) 

• Assessing Needs: Calculate the amount of food needed per person and how to align this dietary preferences.
  • Typical example - 2 heads of lettuce a week, means succession planting 2 heads a week, 5 lbs of tomatoes a week, means succession planting tomatoes. Also, there is an AI problem
    • The reality of vegetable seasonality - 
      • Tomatoes ripen in waves
      • Lettuce will stop producing in very hot weather
      • Location appropriate alternatives
      • Preserving surplus for “off season” use (Carrots and other “Roots”
      • Integration into the local community and compost 
  • Meals replaced method: in season and out of season - this is how to estimate % food coming from land and local sources
    • Green bean example - 65 jars - 65 meals covered, most of which will happen
    • Fresh chard, squash, etc
    • 99% meat is from here at this point
  • Choosing plants - Dont plant what you dont eat
    • Radishes story
    • Yield per plant BS on seed packets
  • Proioritize 3 things - Green beans, chard, tomatoes at the HH

Garden Layout: Talk about zoning, herbs, and succession planting.

• How much space do you have - will you have and how close is it to your house?
• What takes the most interaction? Put high maintenance stuff closer (Tomato wall)

INTERPLANTING, COVER CROPS and SUCCESSION PLANTING

• Soil Health: Your are first growing soil - HomeFoodSystems.com
• Interplanting, guilds, etc
• Succession planting and seed roulette
• Rotation - needed or not?
• Cover crops - again - homefoodsystems.com
• Sourcing seeds: Ask locally what people have success with - see if they have saved and will sell you some, participate in seed exchanges even if you have no seeds.
• I like Baker Creek, Mad River Seeds https://www.etsy.com/market/mad_river_seeds

Have fun with this! Especially if it is your first year. The first rule of homesteading is BE FEARLESS

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. 

Community

• Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv
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• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee

• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, we talk about more lambing fun, dog kefir, cold swimming and more.

Resources: Solar Webinar: LivingFreeinTennessee.com

Homegrown Cooking with Dawn Gorham: https://www.youtube.com/@lftn 

Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com

Sponsor 2: The WealthsteadingPodcast.com

Lamb Deposits for October: LivingFreeinTennessee.com

Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup

Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Email feedback to nicole@livingfreeintennessee.com

Failed chicken dinner

Prepper Pantry Progress

Avoiding pasture damage when ice turns to mud

Loading rams for the processor

Fun at the processors

Hairy balls

Dog kefir

How are we going to split the flock?

Cold swimming - polar plunge light

You finally finished the stew

Bone broth on cold days

Seed order is in for the gardens (The challenge)

REALLY MUST process rabbits

Basecamp showing to a community member today

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

I am joined by The Tactical Redneck, Tracy and Knighthawk to talk about the latest on the homestead: New births (oops), the snowmageddon that didn't, actual snow and more.

This show is brought to you by:
DiscountMylarBags.com
AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

Lambs born
Lamb died
The parts car sale and roadblocks
4 wheeler rebuild
Watercress is under water for the winter
Processing Rabbits this weekend
The Pantry Challenge
Planning what to grow
Rabbit Water cant go empty on any of them because of the cold
Finishing our raised beds - smaller gardens in 2025 to facilitate the move
Ducks are not laying eggs
Time to start chard and brassicas
Screening ashes
Thinking about compost
The pool house green house idea
Basecamp will be available to rent mid-February
Rams headed to the processor next week

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today is our last Homestead Happenings show for 2024 and I am flying solo. Join me for a discussion of manning the homestead by myself and other late year homestead topics.

Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com

Sponsor 2: EMP Shield, EMPShieldcom, Coupon Code LFTN

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today is Tactical’s last day on the show for 2024 – well live on the show anyway. He will read the Redneck Night Before Christmas in about a week.

LFTN Christmas Reception Reminder

Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast

Sponsor 2: EMP Shield, Coupon Code LFTN

Rabbit Tractor - On the Christmas Break To Do List

Almost a record month for Holler Roast Coffee!!

Great American Preparedness Tour Reminder

Foraging Jerusalem Artichokes for Christmas Dinner

Found Tamahawk Steaks – we'll also get some cut

A Tale of my swiss chard, the wind, and a cold night when I was not here

Planning spring seedlings in the next few weeks

Does anyone have a fun chicken idea for thighs?

Wood stove dries clothing the best

Presetting 3 paddocks so T can leave for 4 days

Raised bed is about ready for garlic

Need to source cover that has active local biology in it for both raised beds

Incoming cow

Took down locust trees for posts

Heating with wood

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, we talk about the polar plunge in the Holler, Christmas busy season, shoring up the livestock to do well through winter, and more

Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com

Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com

Hard to work outside because the cold came on suddenly.

Heat battery worked for one day – now we need a heater

Goat fencing

Chickens are gone

Feed staging

Preparing to be gone – location of sheep

Augmenting with creep to give sheep a boost because of the sudden change in temperature

Chestnut’s sweater

Garlic still not in – need the bed finished

Don’t low and slow a round roast - it gets dry

AP didnt freeze even though I didnt winterize the wicking beds

Chard is still producing under plastic

Duck eggs are slow

How do you like the rabbit waterers?

Time to breed the rabbits again

Rabbit tractor is still not done and I am the bottle neck

Checking the microclimate near the post for the last of the fall herbs

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, we have our annual brainstorm on gifts we can make from the home or homestead. If things are tight, or even if they aren’t, handmade gifts with lots of love and thought are awesome.

Featured Event: Webinar Announcement For December, Christmas Gathering RSVP DEC 21

Sponsor 1: EMP Shield, Coupon Code LFTN

Sponsor 2: TheWealthsteadingPodast

Livestream Schedule

First Tuesday Coffee Chat, 9:30am Tomorrow

Friday Homestead Happenings, 9:30am

Tales from the Prepper Pantry

• Freezer reoorganization week
• Preparing for the SOE Party - food plans from the pantry
• Still working on the redo of the prepper pantry and it’s cold
• Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas: Holler Stew and dressing, potato pancakes with cheese

Weekly Shopping Report from Joe

We took our usual trip on Friday, deciding to risk possible Black Friday traffic, but it wasn't too bad.  As we approached Dollar Tree, we could see that the China-mart lot was packed, but it did not extend as far as the Dollar Tree parking area.

Next we split, Sonia going into Hobby Lobby and I into Lowe's.  Both were very busy, but she said she had little wait. Although we did not go into Home Depot, the online price of a 2x4x8 is still $3.85.

Aldi was next.  Wet cat food has returned, so I got a couple of 12-can boxes.  Eggs are no longer marked limit 2.  There was very little of even the type of chocolate I normally get, not just the variety I prefer; the shelf area was vacant, although still marked for it.  Staple prices were: bread (20 oz. white): $1.39; eggs: $3.96 (+); whole milk: $3.03; heavy cream: $5.39; OJ: $3.69 (+); butter: $3.99; bacon: $3.99; potatoes: $3.69 (+); sugar: $2.69; flour: $1.79; and 80% lean ground beef: $3.99 (-).  They also had no cantaloupes.

A gallon of untainted regular gasoline remains at $3.599.

Frugality Tip

When you have a gathering and you put things out for drinks like sliced lemons, limes and oranges there are usually leftovers. What I do is put them in the freezer and when I'm going to make tea I'll take out a slice or two in the morning for a hot cup of tea in the afternoon or evening. Alternatively I'll freeze them in ice cube trays and use in iced tea in warmer weather. 

So save the citrus and enjoy it later

Operation Independence

Setting a schedule for classes to be hosted at the Holler Homestead next year. Cheese, for example.

Main topic of the Show: Handmade Homestead Gift Ideas

• Polished and sealed wooden handle for tools (Either make yours in the shop or buy the base handle and do the work)
• Seeds you have saved with a write up about them
• Recipe booklet (Printable or printed) THE CHEESECAKE, pair with cookies if that is your jam
• Jams, Jellies, and chutneys
• Tallow and Birdseed (careful, this one can get messy)
• Pot Holders, quilted, with non-plastic fabric. Like for real awesome.
• Homemade Vanilla (sous vide method, 135 for 4 hours)
• Tea collections (or herb collections)
• Pinecone ornament collection, or mason jar lid ones
• Cure wooden burned or carved signs - especially if it is the person’s homestead or farm name.

MeWe reminder

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. 

Community

• Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv
• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee

• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Post Thanksgiving Homestead Happenings. Enjoy!

Featured Event: Black Friday Sale at Holler Roast! https://hollerroast.com/

Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteadingPocast.com

Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, we talk about the first REAL cold in the holler, new life, and fencing. 

Featured Event: Black Friday Sale at Holler Roast! https://hollerroast.com/

Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteadingPocast.com

Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

Lamb Product Live: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/whole-or-half-lamb-deposit/

How the goat fence failed while Nicole was away

Baby Rabbits

It’s cold

Perimeter fence is almost complete

Second rotation of the rams - faster than we’d like

Eggs are returning

Jerusalem Artichoke season

Inside tomato update

Chard patch is doing great

Last Pepper Harvest

Live shooter in Smithville and the Holler Neighbors

Membership Plug

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today, we talk about the first REAL cold in the holler, new life, and fencing. 

Featured Event: Black Friday Sale at Holler Roast! https://hollerroast.com/

Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteadingPocast.com

Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

Lamb Product Live: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/whole-or-half-lamb-deposit/

How the goat fence failed while Nicole was away

Baby Rabbits

It’s cold

Perimeter fence is almost complete

Second rotation of the rams - faster than we’d like

Eggs are returning

Jerusalem Artichoke season

Inside tomato update

Chard patch is doing great

Last Pepper Harvest

Live shooter in Smithville and the Holler Neighbors

Membership Plug

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to talk about all the changes at the Holler Homestead as well as to share how we work through conflict here when our priorities do not align.

Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com

Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast

CONFLICT

Tree class

Rams working 

The Election

Rams leaving

Perimeter fence

Changes afoot at the Sheep pasture land

Make it a great week!

GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!

Community

• Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn
• Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup
• Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b

Advisory Board

• The Booze Whisperer
• The Tactical Redneck
• Chef Brett
• Samantha the Savings Ninja

Resources

• Membership Sign Up

• Holler Roast Coffee
• Harvest Right Affiliate Link