Melissa K. Norris inspires people's faith and pioneer roots with her books, podcast, and blog. Melissa lives with her husband and two children in their own little house in the big woods in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains. When she's not wrangling chickens and cattle, you can find her stuffing Mason jars with homegrown food and playing with flour and sugar in the kitchen.
By Melissa Norris | Gardening , Podcast , Raising Your Own Food , Vegetables
Learn when to pick pole beans and all about growing my absolute favorite type of bean. Let’s take a look at why I recommend growing pole beans for your family, including the best methods to use as you grow them, which seeds to save, and how to know when to pick pole beans in your […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Gardening , Podcast , Raising Your Own Food , Vegetables
What to plant in August for fall and winter garden crops! Today I’m going to share with you the crops that can be planted now in mid to end of summer that you’re going to be able to harvest through fall and maybe even through the winter months, depending on your climate, because being able […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Canning , Food Preservation , Podcast , Pressure Canning
Wondered about canning in electric pressure cookers? Are you interested in pressure canning but also worried that you will make a mistake that causes your canner to explode or your family to get sick? I have good news for you: pressure canning doesn’t have to be scary! In fact, it’s one of my favorite methods […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Podcast
5 tips on how to avoid overwhelm on the homestead, because let’s face it, this old-fashioned way of life, it adds another layer of work and tasks. It’s worth it, oh is it worth it, but it’s important to make sure we’re enjoying the process and not allowing ourselves to get too close to burnout. […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Gardening , Podcast
The best way to water vegetable gardens based on water use, ease of putting in the system and the BIGGEST benefit, certain options provide an organic way of helping eliminate disease and increasing your harvest. All from the way you water, pretty cool, huh? But before we dive into the technical tips, I want to […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Frugal Living , Homestead Life , Lifestyle , Podcast , Raising Your Own Food , Skills
One of the most common questions asked when someone is first embarking on their homesteading journey is “How can I earn a living from my homestead?” Listen in below to the full podcast, Episode #187 Earning an Income from the Homestead, of the Pioneering Today Podcast, where we don’t just inspire you, but give you […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Gardening , Natural Medicine Cabinet , Podcast
How to design a cottage garden using forgotten medicinal and edible plants, because what could be more homestead and pioneer living than that! Herbs are an important part of any edible garden, both for their culinary uses and medicinal properties. But herbs are also a fantastic addition to any garden landscape because of the natural […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Canning , Food Preservation , Podcast
Should you store your home canned jars without the canning rings? The official sources are mixed saying you may do so either way. We’re also gearing up inside the Pioneering Today Academy membership group to go through our preserving challenge. Every week this summer we’ll have assignments, lessons and tutorials that walk you through all […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Food Preservation , Podcast
Let’s talk about home food preservation, because it’s one of my favorite things in the whole world. If you haven’t been bit by it yet, trust me, it’s only a manner of time and then you’ll be hoarding Mason jars right along with me. Today I outline pro tips for home food preservation so you […]
Read MoreBy Melissa Norris | Podcast , Preparedness/Survival
Off grid living, many are intrigued by it and some dream about it. How about you, ever dreamt of living off-grid? If so then today’s topic is for you my friend. We’re talking about just what it takes to go from city life to off-grid living, and here to talk about all of this are […]
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