The Truth About Tiny Homesteading with Mary Lewis EP 38

In today’s episode of Dawn’s Dirt, I sit down with my fellow podcast host and tiny farm queen, Mary Lewis, who proves that it’s never too late to bite off more than you can chew and start homesteading. At 50, Mary and her husband left city life behind, bought a slice of land in Minnesota, and built a flourishing market garden, chicken coop, and a community around fresh food. We chat about her journey from a tenth of an acre to a full-blown mini farm, how farm life changes your soul (and your vocabulary), and why the best tomatoes are worth the wait. This episode is a love letter to seasonal eating, grit, community, and the deep magic of a yellow peony on a hard day. If you’ve ever doubted whether you can start growing food where you are—this one will light a fire under your boots.

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Episode Highlights: tiny farm dreams, chickens & tomatoes, moving at 50, seasonal eating, farmers market hustle, introvert homesteading, garden joy, loss on the farm, ISA Browns, community building, soil not ownership, small acts of kindness

Takeaways: 

• You’re never too old to start homesteading
• A tenth of an acre can feel like a prison or a paradise
• ISA Browns are the MVPs of egg production
• Good tomatoes are worth the extra effort
• You don’t need to own land to grow food
• Grief, loss, and predators are part of farm life
• Growing and giving food builds community

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Links & Resources Mentioned

Visit Dawn’s Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ 

Dawn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/

Mary’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.tiny.homestead?igsh=aGZpOWp1c2Vtcmtz  

Mary’s Website: https://www.atinyhomestead.com/ 

Mary’s Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-tiny-homestead/id1717248579 

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Have you ever started a garden that didn’t go as planned? Feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting gardening advice and unsure what’s right for you? Imagine having a personal guide to walk you through the process, helping you create a thriving garden no matter your space or experience level. That’s where I come in! With years of experience growing vegetables, I’ll help you understand your plants, tackle challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique garden. Let’s talk about your gardening goals and how I can help you grow more food at home. Book a free call today using the link below, and let’s get growing together!

https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/book-online 

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