Hello friends, and welcome back to ASW Homestead! 🌻
When I first dreamed of preserving food, I pictured those beautiful pantry shelves you see in magazines—rows of perfectly sealed jars filled with summer’s bounty. Tomatoes, pickles, applesauce, jams… all lined up neatly, waiting for the colder months. I thought canning would come naturally, just another part of the homestead rhythm.
But the truth? My first few years of canning were anything but picture-perfect. There were jars that didn’t seal, recipes that didn’t turn out, and more than one mess left to clean up. Still, in the middle of all the mistakes, I also found small miracles—family gathered around the table, laughter over “flops” that turned out delicious anyway, and God’s gentle reminders that even our imperfect efforts can bear fruit.
If you’re just starting your preserving journey (or if you’ve had your fair share of mishaps), I hope my story encourages you. Because here’s the secret: canning isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence, learning, and savoring the blessings that come with each season.
was so proud of my homemade applesauce. I had seasoned it just right and ladled it into jars while it was still steaming. But in my rush, I didn’t wipe the rims properly. Two days later, one of the jars exploded on the shelf. Applesauce dripped down like a sugary avalanche.
Lesson learned: Follow the steps. Every part of the canning process matters, even the ones that seem small. Skipping one step out of impatience can undo hours of work.
Faith takeaway: Obedience in the small things often leads to fruitfulness in the big things.
I once made an entire batch of pickles that were so sour they made our eyes water. I’d followed the recipe, but my vinegar-to-water ratio was way off. I didn’t taste the brine before canning.
Lesson learned: Trust your senses. Taste, smell, and intuition all play a role in homestead cooking and preserving. It’s okay to adjust as you go. Even good recipes need personal wisdom.
After a few years—and many mistakes—I finally had that moment I’d imagined: a pantry filled with jars, each one representing a season’s worth of work and God’s provision. It wasn’t perfect, but it was deeply satisfying.
Miracle moment: Seeing your family eat something you preserved yourself, months after it came from the garden, is a kind of joy that words can’t quite capture.
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:27
I used to feel guilty when I messed up a batch—like I’d wasted food or failed my family. But over time, I realized that learning to preserve is just that: learning. And with learning comes grace.
We serve a God who multiplies, who restores, and who delights in our effort, not just our outcomes. He meets us in our sticky kitchens and teaches us patience, persistence, and peace.
Encouragement for beginners:
Start small. One jam recipe or one batch of tomatoes is plenty.
Don’t fear failure—it’s the best teacher.
Celebrate every sealed jar.
Invite someone older or more experienced to teach you. There’s wisdom in community.
Preserving food is more than a homestead chore—it’s a practice of faith and patience. Each jar teaches us to honor the harvest, to work with our hands, and to trust that God is the true provider of our daily bread.
So if your jam doesn’t set or your pickles turn out too salty, take heart. Every mistake is just another step in the journey, and every jar (perfect or not) tells a story of grace and growth. The pantry may not be flawless, but it’s yours—a reflection of the love and effort you’ve poured into your family.
If you’re just beginning your canning adventure, don’t give up. Keep trying, keep learning, and most of all, keep savoring the blessings along the way. And if you’re looking for simple, tested recipes to try next, visit our pantry staples page for inspiration straight from our homestead kitchen.
Around here, we’re learning as we go—one season, one project, and one lesson at a time. I’m glad you’re along for the journey.
Frugal Living Friday: Giving Tuesday and the Heart of Generosity Home / Frugal Living Friday: Giving Tuesday and the Heart of Generosity Frugal Living Friday:
