Preserve Your Harvests with Jeremy & Staci Hill | The Beet

In this episode of The Beet, host Jacques Lyakov welcomes Jeremy and Staci Hill, authors of the new book *The Preserver's Garden*, to discuss the art and practicality of preserving homegrown harvests. The Hills, who run Gooseberry Bridge Farm in southwest Missouri, share their journey from living in Hawaii to embracing the challenges and rewards of a temperate climate with extreme seasons. They emphasize that preserving food isn’t about perfection or grand setups—it’s about starting small, knowing your 'why,' and building a functional, self-sustaining pantry. Their approach centers on smart preservation methods like freezing, canning, and freeze-drying, with a focus on maximizing yield and minimizing waste. They break down how to use succession planting, choose the right varieties, and creatively store food—even in unconventional spaces like under beds or in sun porches. The conversation also touches on the emotional and practical benefits of growing your own food, from better flavor and food safety to the deep satisfaction of self-reliance. The Hills’ philosophy is rooted in flexibility, experience, and the joy of abundance, even when things go wrong. The episode offers actionable insights for gardeners at any level, including how to preserve tomatoes without canning, use freeze-drying to intensify flavor, and grow complementary crops like onions and tomatoes together for mutual benefit. They also discuss their plant CSA, which helps support their farm while giving customers access to unique, heirloom varieties. Ultimately, the message is clear: preserving food is not a chore but a joyful, sustainable practice that strengthens your connection to food, family, and the seasons. The Hills’ story is one of resilience, creativity, and the quiet power of growing and storing your own food—proving that even in a chaotic, baby-filled spring, a well-stocked pantry brings peace.