Biggest Canning Mistakes I See Every Year

Biggest Canning Mistakes I See Every Year

Author: Wendi Bergin March 3, 2026 Duration: 24:28
Have you ever thought about entering a canning competition… but talked yourself out of it? In this episode, Wendi pulls back the curtain from her role as Chairperson of the Food Preservation Division at the Florida Strawberry Festival. After receiving 41 jars from first-time canners, seasoned homesteaders, teens, and small business owners, she shares what she learned from behind the judging table. From common safety mistakes to the surprising trend of what actually wins, this episode is equal parts encouragement and education. You’ll learn: Why modern tomatoes aren’t the same as Grandma’s A simple explanation of pH and why it matters The real reason some jars are disqualified Why removing your rings after processing is essential What judges actually gravitate toward How to enter with confidence, even if you’re new If you’ve ever wanted to grow your skills, build confidence, and participate more deeply in your community, this episode will inspire you to bring your best jar this year. Do it well. Do it safely. Do it joyfully.

Wendi Bergin hosts Homesteading Made Simple I Joyfully Prepared, a space where the romanticized idea of off-grid living meets the reality of a busy schedule. This podcast is built on the understanding that building a self-reliant life happens in small, consistent steps rather than dramatic leaps. You'll hear conversations that dig into the tangible skills of gardening, food preservation, and kitchen efficiency, all framed around integrating them into the life you already have. Wendi’s approach is notably calm and practical, stripping away the overwhelm often found online. Episodes serve as a guide to building a pantry, understanding food storage, and cultivating a resilient mindset without requiring a hundred acres. The focus is always on the achievable, emphasizing that homesteading is less about a location and more about a set of purposeful, daily choices. Tune in for a common-sense companion on the path to preparedness and greater self-reliance, wherever you happen to be planting your roots.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Homesteading Made Simple I Joyfully Prepared
Podcast Episodes
The Hidden Problem With Food Storage: Are You Missing Key Ingredients [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:41
The Truth About Wheat, Beans, Oil, Salt & Sugar in Food Storage" You've probably heard it before—“As long as you have wheat, beans, oil, salt, and sugar, you’ll be fine.” But is that really true? These five staples are i…
Meal Planning That Actually Works: No More Scrambling at 5 PM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:00
Have you ever opened your fridge or pantry, seen random ingredients, and thought, "There’s nothing to eat!"? You’re not alone! Meal planning and food storage go hand in hand, and in this episode, I’m sharing my simple, s…
The Power of Elderberries: Why You Should Grow This Superfood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:52
In this episode of Joyfully Prepared, host Wendi Bergin dives deep into the world of elderberries—why they’re amazing, how to grow them, and how they can support your health. She shares her journey of discovering elderbe…
Why Your Home Feels Overwhelming—And How to Fix It for Good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:47
In this episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin sits down with decluttering and organizing expert Tiffany Donaghu to talk about more than just tidying up. Tiffany shares her powerful story of transformatio…
Am I Worthy of Good Things? A Journey Through Shame and Self-Worth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:00
In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Wendi shares a profound spiritual lesson she recently learned about shame, self-worth, and God’s good gifts. She walks us through a recent journal entry and a humorous yet…
Self-Care in Action: Simplify Your Kitchen, Simplify Your Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:56
In this episode, Wendi dives into how decluttering your kitchen and simplifying meal planning can be acts of self-care. Learn why a clean kitchen can bring joy and how to start creating space—physically and mentally—thro…