Ditch The Store

Have you ever watched a beautiful cabbage, zucchini, or box of fresh vegetables slowly turn into compost while sitting in your fridge? What if there was a way to preserve that food for months, improve its flavour, support your gut health, and do it all without a freezer, pressure canner, or expensive equipment? In this episode of Ditch the Store, we're diving into one of humanity's oldest food pre...

Bird flu has officially arrived in Australia, and if you keep backyard chickens, you've probably seen plenty of headlines, social media posts, and opinions flying around. But what does it actually mean for your flock? Should you be worried? Do you need to lock your chickens up? What practical steps can you take to protect your birds without falling into panic mode? In this episode of Ditch the Sto...

Winter has settled in. The garden has slowed down, the chickens are taking their annual leave, and the shortest day of the year is almost here. But what if this wasn't something to endure? What if it was something to celebrate? In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explores the history of Yule, the ancient midwinter festival that celebrated the longest night of the year and the return of the...

Have your hens suddenly stopped laying eggs? Before you panic and start questioning your chicken-keeping skills, take a breath. If it's winter, there's a good chance your girls haven't quit their jobs—they've simply gone on annual leave. In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explains why egg production drops (or stops completely) during winter, what a molt actually is, how dayligh...

Southern Tablelands, NSW and cool-temperate Australia — June, July, August LEAFY GREENS Kale: Cavolo Nero / Tuscan Kale, Curly Kale, Red Russian Silverbeet / Rainbow Chard English Spinach: Bloomsdale, Winter Giant — direct sow only Mustard Greens Asian Greens: Bok Choy, Pak Choi, Wombok/Chinese Cabbage BRASSICAS Broccoli — plant as seedlings Cauliflower — plant as seedlings, frost cloth on hard fr...

Frost season is here — and if you’re in a cold pocket like the Southern Tablelands, you already know it can wipe out a garden overnight. In Episode 165 of Ditch The Store , I’m walking you through frost protection basics : what frost actually is, how to judge your risk, the cheap methods that work , and the common mistakes that make things worse. Quick personal note first: Tuesday was my “D‑Day” —...

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...