Heidi Hawthorn, Author at Homestead Survival Site

13 Things You Should Know BEFORE You Dehydrate Food

Before you start dehydrating food, there are 13 things you should know. Learn how to get the best results and avoid common beginner mistakes.

Every homesteader needs these old-fashioned tools. From the scythe to the crosscut saw, these time-tested hand tools belong in every shed.

Learn how to build a thermal siphon water heater using a wood stove and copper coil to produce endless hot water off the grid.

Purple deadnettle is a wild herb hiding in plain sight. Learn to use it for food, medicine, and natural first aid, right from your backyard!

These 35 survival items can be built at home with basic supplies, saving money now and keeping you self-sufficient when it matters most.

Learn how to render lard at home using simple tools and methods, plus how to store it and use the cracklings.

Learn how to make homemade garlic powder with just a few simple tools. It’s cheaper than store-bought and tastes so much better.

Borax isn’t just for laundry! Here are 27 surprising uses for borax, from cleaning cookware and killing fleas to unclogging drains and more.

Build a stealth fire pit that hides the flame and minimizes smoke. Perfect for survival situations where staying undetected is a priority.

Check out these 10 ways to grow strawberries vertically, from PVC towers and stacked milk crates to pallet planters and hydroponic systems.