Ditch The Store

Winter’s rolling in down here in the Southern Tablelands, so today we’re talking backyard greenhouses — and I don’t just mean the “grab a kit from Bunnings and hope for the best” kind. I break down what a greenhouse actually does (wind management, frost protection, moisture control and temperature buffering), why it matters in frosty climates, and the different options from tiny cloches right thro...

Fresh herbs from the garden taste nothing like the sad wilted bunch from the supermarket — and if you know how to preserve them, you'll have that flavour all year round. CJ covers drying, freezing, herb butter, herb salt, and infused oils, so nothing from your autumn harvest goes to waste. 👉 Weekly tips and seasonal advice at mojohomestead.net

Think there's nothing to do in the garden in May? Think again. CJ covers the autumn cleanup jobs that'll save you a heap of work come spring — from harvesting the last of the season, prepping your soil, getting winter crops in, and planning ahead so you're not scrambling when the weather warms up again. 👉 Weekly seasonal tips at mojohomestead.net

Potatoes, garlic, and onions are three of the easiest, most satisfying crops you can grow — and right now is exactly the right time to plant them. CJ covers everything from soil prep to harvest, so you can stock your pantry for months without spending a fortune at the shops. 👉 Jump on our newsletter list and see freebie links at mojohomestead.net

Think composting is too hard, too smelly, or needs a fancy setup? It doesn't. CJ breaks it down to the basics — greens, browns, and just getting started. Whether you've got a backyard or a farm, this episode will have you composting by the end of the week.👉 Find the Ditch the Store book series at Brooder to Plate - USA and Kindle https://amzn.to/44yQr2L Brooder to Plate - Aussie version h...

Cool Season Gardening: What to Grow This Winter (and How to Actually Keep It Alive) Think winter means shutting the garden down and waiting for spring? Think again. In this episode, CJ breaks down everything you need to know about cool season gardening — what actually changes in your garden over winter, which crops thrive in the cold, and how to set yourself up for success without overcomplicating...

Easter on the Homestead: Seasonal Cycles, Real Food & Why You Should Pat Yourself on the Back Easter looks a little different when you're living off the land — especially in the Southern Hemisphere, where it lands smack in the middle of autumn, not spring. In this episode, CJ digs into what Easter actually means for homesteaders: the ancient seasonal roots behind the chocolate eggs and rab...

New to backyard chickens and something suddenly looks… wrong? In this episode of Ditch the Store , CJ walks through the most common chicken problems new chicken keepers run into — and the simple fixes that usually solve them. This isn’t a deep dive into complex poultry health issues. Instead, it’s a practical overview designed to help beginner homesteaders stay calm when something unexpected happe...

What do you do when your chickens suddenly produce more eggs than your family can eat? In this episode of Ditch the Store , CJ dives into the very real homestead problem of egg overload . If you keep backyard chickens, chances are you’ll eventually walk into the coop and realise you’ve got far more eggs than you know what to do with. CJ talks through why egg gluts happen, how long fresh eggs actua...

You don’t need a fancy coop. You need a secure one. In this episode, I walk you through what actually keeps your chickens safe — not what looks pretty on Instagram. We cover: The biggest predator mistakes beginners make Why chicken wire isn’t enough How dogs are often the real problem The 5 non-negotiables of a predator-proof coop Daily habits that protect your flock What to check before predators...

Not all chickens are created equal. Some are hardy and steady. Some are high-drama divas. And if you're just starting out — you do not need divas. In this episode, I break down the four best chicken breeds for beginners, focusing on: Health and hardiness Calm temperament Reliable egg production What to avoid for your first flock We compare ISA Browns, Australorps, Sussex, and Plymouth Rocks —...

Episode 153: Why Autumn Is the Smartest Time to Get Chickens Thinking about getting chickens? Don’t wait for spring. In this episode, I explain why autumn is actually the smartest time to start your flock — and exactly what to do over the next four weeks to set yourself up properly. You’ll learn: The best age birds to buy for autumn timing Why daylight hours matter more than cold weather How to se...

What does a self-sufficient year actually look like? In this episode, CJ shares a practical 12-month roadmap for becoming more self-sufficient — without burnout. From choosing one food to stop buying, to building seasonal rhythms and learning small skills each quarter, this is about steady progress, not perfection. If you’ve ever felt behind or overwhelmed, this one will ground you. 📓 Journals me...

CJ covers seasonal planning for your first homesteading year , including what to prioritise in each season, how to avoid doing too much too fast, and why simple routines + record-keeping make everything easier. Main takeaway: keep it small, grow what your family eats, and review what worked so year two is easier . Also includes a quick personal update on CJ’s recovery and how it’s shaped this year...

CJ and the Handy Helper cover the real beginner tool list for homesteading , including garden basics, livestock gear, and kitchen/preserving essentials—plus what not to buy yet. They talk frugal strategies like secondhand shopping, repurposing containers , and borrowing tools before investing . Practical, no-fluff advice to help you start without blowing the budget. Links mentioned: https://www.mo...

Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead 🌱 www.mojohomestead.net This week we’re taking a little detour — into the spiritual side of homesteading. Join CJ as she explores Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh ) — an ancient Celtic harvest festival that marks the beginning of reaping what we’ve sown. Whether you’re into folklore, farming, food preserving, or just the rhythm of the seasons, this epis...

Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead 🌱 www.mojohomestead.net This week, CJ gets real about what it takes to build a homestead while still working full-time . She shares personal stories, lessons, and hard-earned tips from managing 120 acres with a shift-working partner, teenagers, and a busted leg… all without quitting the day job. 💬 “You don’t need to live off-grid or quit your...

🎧 Episode 147 – 12 Beginner Homesteading Mistakes to Avoid Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead 🌱 www.mojohomestead.net Let’s be honest — when you’re starting out with homesteading, it’s easy to miss things you didn’t even know to think about. This week, CJ goes through the 12 most common beginner mistakes (yep, not 10 — she added extras she couldn’t leave out) and gives you prac...

🎧 Episode 146 – How Much Land Do You Need? Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead 🌱 www.mojohomestead.net Ever been told you need a farm to start homesteading? In this episode, CJ sets the record straight. Whether you're in a unit, on a suburban block, or out on five acres — you can absolutely start homesteading right where you are . From window-sill herbs and homemade laundry...

Hey everyone, and welcome to Episode 145 of Ditch the Store ! We’re officially a week into 2026 (can you believe it?), and after a cracking start with last week’s beginner episode, this week I’m diving into the big question: What even is homesteading? Because let’s face it — everyone seems to have their own definition. From off-grid living to growing herbs on a balcony, homesteading can mean very...

Happy New Year and welcome to Episode 144 of the podcast! We’re kicking off 2026 by going back to basics — because let’s face it, a lot’s changed in the last couple of years and it’s time for a reset. This month on the podcast, we’re talking all things beginner homesteading — where to start, what to think about before diving in, what you absolutely don’t need, and how to avoid that slap-in-the-fac...

It’s Christmas Day, and if you’re tuning in — thank you. Whether you’re milking goats, cooking a roast, working a shift, or hiding from the in-laws with your earbuds in — this episode’s for you. I’m looking back on 2025 with real honesty. It was the year where plans went pear-shaped: a knee replacement, a broken leg, a dog attack, and a veggie garden that never even got planted. But amongst the ch...

🎙️ EP 142 – My Farm Accident (Warning: Graphic Content) This episode is raw, real and straight from the paddock. I’m sharing the full story of my recent farm accident — from a routine neighbourly favour to an emergency dash in the ambo and major surgery. It’s not pretty. It’s not polished. But it’s important. Farm accidents do happen. And if you’re working with animals, you need a plan for what to...

It’s time to talk about the stuff under your boots — soil . Industrial farming has turned living earth into lifeless dirt, and the fertiliser companies are cashing in on the damage. In this episode, we dig into how Big Ag broke the soil — and how you can fix it in your own backyard. 🌾 In this episode: What’s really killing our soils The fertiliser myth that’s keeping farmers broke How to bring yo...

The backyard veggie patch isn’t just about saving a few dollars — it’s about taking back control of your food. In this episode, we’re talking about why growing even one tomato plant is a quiet act of rebellion against a food system that’s broken, overpriced, and overprocessed. 🌱 In this episode: Why growing food matters more than ever The truth about supermarket dependence How home gardening buil...