Preserving a BIG Garden Harvest for the Homestead Pantry

Hey friend, harvest season is here and that means its time to preserve food for winter! I have a big garden harvest that we will be freezing, freeze drying and canning for fall and winter eating.
Thanks for watching,
Kelsey
ForJars affiliate link: forjars.co?sca_ref=3685763.xi1oyUHLai
Code: SEEDANDSPARROW10 for 10% off
Crystal @wholefedhomestead Freeze Fresh Book: amzn.to/3qLH4uT
Links to my favorite kitchen items:
Mason Jar Pour Spout: amzn.to/43v7PSI
Immersion Blender: amzn.to/43z0K3X
All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving: amzn.to/3KwTPBs
Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving: amzn.to/3INp3mK
Canning Tool Kit: amzn.to/3KvqrLL
All American Canner: amzn.to/3ZehPgN
Presto Pressure Canner: amzn.to/3InsGhF
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: amzn.to/3YUVTra
Kitchen Scale: amzn.to/41lFlu4
Copper Measuring Cups and Spoons amzn.to/3nmISZN
Apron: amzn.to/3J5PSRJ
French Rolling Pin: amzn.to/3IVrXoc
Label Maker amzn.to/3IJUVao
Plastic Mason jar lids amzn.to/3kDMOEu
Danish Dough Whisk: amzn.to/3oawvAp
Egg Holder: amzn.to/3ZBYZjj
Canning Tool Kit: amzn.to/3KvqrLL
All American Canner: amzn.to/3ZehPgN
Presto Pressure Canner: amzn.to/3InsGhF
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: amzn.to/3YUVTra
Crock Pot: amzn.to/3TBhRhh
Kitchen Thermometer: amzn.to/40sgFPp
Cheese Cloth: amzn.to/3LL31CI
Wooden Cooking Utensils: I can't find the ones I have but these are similar! amzn.to/42LLCQG
Pie plates: amzn.to/3ZB9YdL
Waffle Maker: The one I have isn't made anymore, but here is another with good reviews and has a smaller profile!: amzn.to/3T5h9bW
Silicone muffin pan: amzn.to/3mCvLTY
Cast Iron Skillet: amzn.to/3liMrix
Electric Roaster: amzn.to/3WebzFH Mine isn't in stock right now!
* All links are affiliate links. It is no extra cost to you to use them and in doing so you are supporting this channel and my family. Thank you!
#threeriverschallenge #pantrychallenge #homemaking #homesteading #preservingfood #canning #freezedrying #freezingfood #preservingtheharvest

[@Julie-ci9ve]

We kept our old fridge in the basement just for produce. I finished last year's carrots last month, and they were still perfect. I also don't like canned carrots, so I was thrilled to discover they could last in the fridge by doing nothing but chopping the greens and tossing in a grocery bag.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Oh how awesome! I so wish I had room for another fridge! Great tip, thank you! ❤️

[@SandraMalone-pq4mn]

That's exactly how I store mine. Still working on last year's harvest of 170 pounds. I haven't had to purchase a carrot in a couple of decades. Store cabbages and leeks the same way, although I wrap my cabbages in saran wrap thoroughly.

[@SacBuster]

​@@SandraMalone-pq4mnAND4 AND Z9P Pp

[@katescaringcorner6765]

Just a suggestion for your mice problem in the garage that I learned from my dear dad: If you have a radio playing music at all times 24/7/365 you won’t have a rodent problem. They don’t like the noise and thus won’t cone to live there. After my dad passed I turned off the radio and rodents came back. The radio went back on again and has been on ever since.

[@sarah_farm]

My grandmother grew up in the countryside of the state of Virgi,. She and my great-grandmother used to make pig feet in the oven. It's awesome to see how others on the other side of the globe in a different culture make them. And it's an honor to have you visit our channel, we can discuss more about our experiences in harvesting and building farms.

[@carriem7832]

Hi …I noticed the fly sticky trap hanging by your sink,……I worked in a restaurant and we of coarse had flys with a open patio in back by the kitchen…..the health dept made us take them down because they give off a toxic chemical…..they said. So we had to put up plastic bags with some water and some copper pennies to keep flys away….we also took plastic containers and put some raw hamburger or sweet fruit and poked some holes for the flys to get in it…they’d drown in the soapy water in the bottom…..then we just threw the recycled container away and made fresh every couple of days…..gnats we’re really bad around the outside bar because of pop and beer spills……the old trap for that is a dish of red wine or vinegar with a little soap in it….and bleach in sink traps because they reproduce quickly in them

[@rowantreehoneybee3486]

I love Thomas the Tank Engine in the background. My boys loved those toys growing up.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

😂 there are sooo many Thomas toys around here! Both my kids love it!

[@beekind1940]

Our daughter grew up watching all the Thomas the Tank Engine videos, and also had the track and trains! Such healthy creative play.

[@LeadingMomChronicles]

For salad I used the paper towel method and a variation of it so 2 comments: - I spin the salad to make sure it as dry as possible before I roll it out - I used both paper towels and fabric kitchen towel. The fabric works great too!!! If you need to keep it even longer you can roll it up and put it in a freezer bag, that works too

[@stephencameron1709]

Whew, lots of work. Great job. Thank you Val C

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thanks so much Val, blessings 🤍

[@auntiepam5649]

I use a muslin lettuce bag. Wash it- leave it moist -dampen your bag and put in the fridge. Don’t let your bag dry out.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Great tip! Thank you ☺️

[@morgan0598]

For lettuce I personally wash and wrap it in clean dish cloths before putting it in an air-tight container. So its basically the same idea just costs less since I'm using reusable items.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@RokkTheRock]

animals are usually deterred by onions and garlic ime. you could store some onions with the garlic too to help

[@naominagata1127]

Hey Kelsey. First time visitor here - I enjoy the more informal "being in the kitchen together" kinda feeling so thanks for sharing :) Best wishes

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Welcome! Thanks for joining me here ☺️

[@naominagata1127]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead Thank you :) I will be coming back for sure!

[@cindykyle3551]

So, would you show how you process your flowers? This is new to me, but I'm very interested. Thank you.

[@kskorner74]

I love the idea of steam blanching!!! Saves more nutrients

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching, blessings 🤍

[@janw491]

50-100 mg of zinc in the Doreen beans keeps them lovely and green

[@lorihuttner1703]

What a lot of work, just to coordinate all that preserving. I really loved your video! This is my first year with a freeze dryer and a canner. I don’t preserve as much as you, but I do feel very “accomplished”, and blessed, for everything I have preserved. I must be doing something right as I am going to pick up a second shelving unit tomorrow! 😂

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

I chuckled at the “second shelving unit” that is so relatable! You’re doing fantastic! No matter how much or little, it’s an accomplishment and one to feel proud of. What a gift. Thanks for watching, blessings 🤍

[@susanclair8623]

steam blanching so smart. Never would have thought of that. thank you. I love freezer meals

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 🤍

[@kaylapilon1447]

I don't like canned carrots either what I started doing was a little bit of beef bouillon and dried sweet onions they come out absolutely delicious

[@carolclarkson4859]

Thank you for sharing all of your food preservation methods. I really enjoyed this video. We have a freeze dryer and love it.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching ☺️ The freeze dryer is such a blessing!

[@lynsmith2698]

I am so looking forward to harvesting season. We are still a month to go yet for most things. Really enjoyed this video. Thanks so much for sharing 🇨🇦🌷

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

I’m so glad you enjoyed! It will be here so soon! Blessings 🤍

[@Melissa.Bordelon84]

Just found your channel and absolutely love it.❤❤❤❤

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you and Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here ☺️🤍

[@BrendaJBarNett]

I flash freeze celery, chopped onions and chopped peppers and keep in large bags then just grab out what I. need for recipes. Great video❤

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Perfect for grab and go ingredients! Make preparing meals a breeze, thanks for watching and sharing ☺️❤️

[@connieparker8896]

So greatful for you and your family, what a wonderful video

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Aww thank you! I’m grateful you’re here, blessings to you and yours! ❤️❤️❤️

[@karenfisher7753]

I wash my lettuce in ice cold water. Spin it dryThen I put it in a plastic container with kitchen paper at the bottom seal it up and put it in the fridge. Works a treat.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

How long do you find it lasts for? I'd love to not use paper towels!

[@karenfisher7753]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead you could use a clean reusable cloth. It lasts at least a couple of weeks but we eat our way through it.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

@@karenfisher7753 Perfect, thank you!!

[@smallspaceswithGloria]

Beautiful preserves😊

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you ☺️

[@Janice_1979_]

Great video, love it. Blessings.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you ☺️ 🤍

[@karenfisher7753]

I make bags of onion carrots and celery and freeze I think it’s called mirepoix for soups stews chilli and pasta as I always over purchase.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Oh awesome! Thats a great idea, thank you!

[@conniewach7872]

You do such beautiful work. I really enjoy your videos.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

That means so much to me, thank you!! ☺️

[@09echols]

Try putting your carrots in a simple vinegar pickle and water bath can. I use 1 cup of vinegar for every 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. When I need to use them I drain them, rinse them, and add them to what ever meal I'm preparing.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Oh interesting! I might do that and just make them and store In The fridge to try! Thank you!

[@sitara68]

Another way to preserve your lettuce is to pull the entire plant, including the root ball and store it in the fridge in a bowl with water on the bottom to keep the roots alive.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Oh good idea!!!

[@cherylbond1556]

WOW, so much great information! Thank you! 😊

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

I’m so glad it was helpful! Thank you ☺️

[@aly_b]

Wow. Amazing!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

☺️🤍

[@s.l.6747]

Congratulations on your harvest! Great video as always and really helpful, thank you :)

[@ChristFirstHomemaking]

I love the snow princess variety! My daughter picked them to grow this year and the heads are kind of tiny but very pretty!

[@kennieloo6357]

I cannot wait to get a freeze dryer. So many possibilities. The flowers especially are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

It’s such a great investment and I’m so thankful we were able to purchase one! Thank you for watching! ❤️❤️❤️

[@galeabbs2]

😊

[@vickiiluvboxers4191]

You're the busy little ant at SandS Homestead gathering food for the winter for your family like the Proverbs 31 woman, spouse and mother that you are! The freeze dried flowers are so beautiful. I wish I could justify the cost of a freeze dryer, but I can't just for the 2 of us! I'm so glad you shared a way to preserve celery, I've got some growing and wasn't sure what i should do to preserve it. Does it come back or does it have to be planted every year? Kelsey, have you checked the cost of 1/2 gallon jars through Azure? Y'all are living a very blessed life Kelsey!! ♥

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Awww thank you friend! The freeze dryer was a hefty investment, I can understand the wisdom in refraining from purchasing one if it won’t be used a great deal. It’s been a great tool for us here. Celery is an annual and must be started again each spring. I like to start it indoors for an early harvest. I’ll look into Azure, hadn’t thought of that! Thank you again. ☺️🤍🤍🤍

[@cherylpresleigh6403]

The flowers look amazing and I was very surprised to hear you say that the scent was still strong. What an amazing tool the freeze dryer is. I am very excited to give mine a try very soon. The beets were so pretty. A lot was accomplished from your harvest Kelsey. Well done!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

That freeze dryer is such a blessing! I was surprised when I opened the door and was hit with the scents of those flowers! It was powerful. Thank you friend, Blessings!

[@lindapoe4124]

That is how I always do my lettuce and it lasts for quite some time.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Oh good to know! Thank you ❤️

[@candijones9074]

Another good one to encourage me in my current preserving state which looks much like yours minus the freeze drying, i do not have one yet. I'd be interested in hearing more about your diet and what type of things you are eating. If thats not a direction you want to go i understand. Many blessings!

[@sitara68]

I preserved my lettuce exactly as you are doing with no problems, although, it only lasted a month at best because we ate it all. I also do this for my arugula and kale. I just ate the last of my kale a couple of days ago and it was harvested from the fall/winter garden back in March.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Awesome! Glad to hear it will keep for at least that long! Thank you ☺️

[@iartistdotme]

What do you do with the dried petunias and yarrow flowers? I assumed when you picked them, they were destined for decorating a salad but no - you freeze dried them and I'm so curious. How do you clean your nut bags after using them? I suppose washing machine but just wondered. Thank you so much for your videos - such inspiration!

[@teriharman566]

Ive put it into a half gallon jar used my foid saver ti remive oxygen it lasts a ling time

[@arobichaud40]

Oh the beets looks amazing, I might try this recipe

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

There are so yummy! Great to quick whip up some red beet eggs!

[@arobichaud40]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead what are red beet eggs 🤔

[@erinr86]

You’re an inspiration! Thank you for sharing all of your tips and tricks. I’m new to pressure canning, and also feeling nervous and out of my depth. So thank your for all the info. I’m interested in the salves and soaps you’ll be making with your flowers. Will that possibly be in a future video? 😊

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you Erin! You can do it! I have an in depth look at pressure canning a ways back If that helps! I know it’s intimidating at first. Once you get started and learn to trust yourself and trust the canner it’s a breeze. You bet! I’ll have lots of salves and soaps making happening closer to the fall when the garden settles down ☺️

[@erinr86]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead thank you! Looking forward to more videos! I enjoy your channel and Jessica’s from Three Rivers Homestead. Happy canning!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

@@erinr86 Oh she is a fav of mine too!

[@abigailbudan6485]

What types of projects do you use your dried flowers for, specifically the petunias? I know many flowers have medicinal properties, but I'm new to all of this and would love to hear how you use them!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Not all petunias are edible but this variety is, I’m going to attempt a simple syrup for baking and drinks! The other flowers I’ll use in teas, salves and soaps!

[@Ashleydrupp]

I need your help 😂my garden is hopeless I'm in eastern pa lol

[@connieparker8896]

Amen

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

❤️❤️❤️

[@johnnievillalobos9920]

What do you use the flowers for?

[@kate739]

we do not peal our carrots, do you know of a quick way to clean each carrot?

[@ChelseaNichole2911]

I love these videos! Can I ask why you choose to blanch things like carrots/celery then freeze vs just flash freezing? I’m just curious if your way is better!

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you! You will always get a better result by blanching certain produce. It stops a certain enzyme that would degrade flavor, nutrients and color over time. Hope this helps!

[@carlafawcett3851]

I just found your channel. It's lovely. I have learned a few new things! So why can't you eat the lettuce ? Just curious : )

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you so much ☺️ A few videos back I shared some health struggles and an anti inflammatory diet I’m on to start addressing the issues 🤍

[@laurielyon1892]

When it comes to the lettuce, can't you just freeze dry it since you have one of those (I don't) or dehydrate the leaves and turn it into a powder? You can put it with some of the other vegetables that you powder and get the nutrients from it and not just giving it to the pigs. I did that one year when I had a bunch. Also, when it comes to the carrots, what is the texture like after freezing them? I froze some once and then ended up throwing them away. They weren't home grown, just baby carrots from the store that I got a deal on and just put in freezer in the bag. I did see that you blanched and then put into an ice bath, which I didn't do. How do you use the frozen carrots?

[@juanitahall2702]

Wash and Break up the lettuce and put it in glass jars. It will last a long time

[@vickybischof4612]

Hi, Kelsey 🙂Is your freeze dryer Harvest Right?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Yes it is! We love it 😊

[@veronicabell1738]

Nice video. Regarding the petunias. Do you use them for tea? And how would you describe the flavor? You youse any flower bed variety of petunias for tea? Thank you for all the hard work.

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you! You have to research which varieties are edible not all are! These are cosmic cherry petunias from baker creek and are edible. I haven’t tried yet, but Ive been told when made into a simple syrup it resembles a cherry flavor!☺️

[@veronicabell1738]

Thank you very much for the information. I have petunias in my front yard every year. I will try the Baker Creek variety.

[@barbjarvi6543]

What do you make out of your flowers?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Teas, salves, and for soaps ☺️

[@barbjarvi6543]

Hi

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

❤️❤️❤️

[@gailwarfield9491]

Great video, have you thought about dry canning your carrots?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Thank you ☺️ I’m a by the book canner and I don’t believe that’s a tested way of canning, so I’d personally not try that method. I appreciate the suggestion!

[@languagelynnie]

What projects do you do with the freeze-dried flowers?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Teas, salves, soaps and maybe some tinctures ☺️

[@languagelynnie]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead OOOHHHH!! Now you're giving me ideas...

[@michellebarrera6738]

What do you do with the flowers?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Teas, tincture, salves, soaps and beauty products!

[@maryegerton6848]

Hi Kelsey🙂 Isn’t it satisfying? I really like the celery thing. I buy it and I end up tossing it out because I don’t use it fast enough. I think I will get a bunch from the farmers market and preserve it for myself. It just adds so much flavour to everything. I do the grated carrot thing and it’s just the best. I am always tossing handfuls of them into whatever suits my fancy. I am a trash cook, so I just walk around here tossing stuff into a pot and living on it for a couple of days, and sometimes freezing it for when I’m too lazy even for a trash pot. Lol. What do you do with the petunias?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

I love tossing random stuff together! It’s the best and sometimes creates the most delicious things ☺️ I’m going to attempt a simple syrup with the petunias!

[@HeatherLucas865]

Have you thought about getting an electric pressure canner?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

A bit but I haven't done enough research yet. They are still fairly new and I'd like to see some 3rd party testing done. If I were to buy one it would be the Presto, but so far I don't think any 3rd party testing results have been released. I believe Oregon State was running tests!

[@desireemarana4997]

Is there a way to preserve green beans so they keep there crispness? I never was a fan of canned green beans, I have never caned veg, so I am assuming they come out like a regular canned veg. I need a little education!😊

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Not a safe way to can that I know of. Sometimes variety can play a part and freshness. I don’t think they come out super mushy but you might like the results of blanched and frozen better!

[@Julie-ci9ve]

Blanch and freeze will retain the flavor and crunch. They honestly taste like they were just picked.

[@desireemarana4997]

@@Julie-ci9ve so the trick is to blanch huh? Never ever would I have thought to do that! Thanks so much!!😁👍🏻 PS: is that why she balances the celery??!

[@Julie-ci9ve]

Blanching stops the enzyme action that makes veggies lose their texture and flavor. The only veggies I don't blanch before freezing are onions and peppers. It is definitely worth the extra step!

[@christinegriffiths9391]

why are you freeze drying petunias?

[@katieauth8979]

How will you use the calendula?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

Salves and soaps!

[@katieauth8979]

@@seedandsparrowhomestead thanks for replying. Do you harvest them at a certain time? Ie. As soon as they open vs when they are almost spent ?

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

@@katieauth8979 Sure thing! The blossoms should be picked at peak and will have a sticky resin on them! Your fingers will actually stick together a bit. I stay away from picking buds and spent blooms. Hope this helps!

[@connieparker8896]

Psalm 34:8

[@seedandsparrowhomestead]

🤍🤍🤍

[@irmabronder]

Grow for yourself and give the overflow to the community for free. The Lord looks after us, there is no reason to save food. Only when you don't trust you will go for this kind of actions. ❤