Program

The Mellon Patch - It's a Family Thing

Homesteading is the timeless art of trading sweat for security and food. For many years, doing things for yourself was seen as a last resort—something only practiced by those who couldn't afford the convenience or perceived quality of store-bought goods. Homesteaders are known by their ability to get the job done. Self-sufficiency isn’t just a choice - it is a way of life. They grow their own food, build their own homes, and handmake everything else they need. We were raised in the homesteading culture. Our grandparents and parents lived that life and taught us. We grew up living simply, with most of our needs met by large gardens, the wild game we hunted, and the fruits and vegetables we put away for the coming winter. There is a saying that hard times make hard men, and soft times make soft men. In two generations, the world around us fell upon soft times. Society moved toward a fast-paced, commercial lifestyle—one filled with processed food, and convenience. As food became cheap and abundant, the basic skills of self-reliance quietly slipped away for many. And then a global pandemic and runaway inflation blew up international supply chains causing shortages of essential products and food. For the first time people were worried about running out of food and and the very safety of the food for their family. The search for answers led many back to homesteading self sufficiency. For us, the homesteader's way never lost its value. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about living well, with intention, a connection to the land, and pride in what you build with your own hands. If you want it done right you do it yourself. Welcome to our life. Welcome to The Mellon Patch. It's a family thing.