Homesteaders are the ultimate recyclers. You re-purpose jars, buckets, and clothing, and you find ways to fix and reuse things that many people today would toss in the garbage. However, you may be overlooking a recycling project that is easy, economical, and right under your nose after dinner. I'm talking about kitchen scraps. Did you know you … [Read more...]
17 Houseplants That Remove Toxins From The Air
When I was a child, my mother often shooed my brother and me out of the house with the words, “You two need some fresh air.” I remember thinking at the time that she just wanted some peace and quiet. Years later when I found myself saying the same words to my own kids, I realized that craving a few moments of silence was only part of the … [Read more...]
If You See These Weeds, Don’t Kill Them! Here’s Why
If you're a gardener, you probably spend a good deal of time thinking about how to prevent weeds from taking over your beds. When left unchecked, weeds can take valuable space and nutrients away from our plants. Pulling weeds that do take root can be a time-consuming and arduous task. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a weed as “a plant … [Read more...]
8 Seed Starting Methods That Expert Gardeners Rely On
No matter what climate zone you live in, the growing season never seems long enough when you are growing your own fruits and vegetables. The best way to extend that time-frame is by giving it a jump start with your own seed starts. When you grow seedlings indoors, you save time and money. Your young plants will be able to take off in spring … [Read more...]
30 Dirt-Cheap Items You Should Stockpile While You Still Can
When you are building up a stockpile, it can be a financial worry. Even when you focus on thrifty options, it can be daunting to budget for items both for your family’s use now and for an emergency scenario. However, after planning for food and water needs, you might be overlooking some dirt-cheap items that would serve you well in a survival … [Read more...]
5 Ways To Generate Power When Living Off Grid
Although conserving energy is important to any homeowner, energy conservation takes on a whole new meaning when you live off the grid. Going off-grid means you need to generate and maintain your own energy sources. The benefits include saving money on utility bills, becoming more environmentally conscious, and enjoying the independence the … [Read more...]
Top 10 Herbs That Every Homesteader Should Grow
You probably already know that, in addition to adding flavor to food, many herbs have abundant medicinal properties. However, as we have come to rely more and more on the medical community to treat common physical ailments, many of us have forgotten how to use these plants to promote healing in our bodies. Since most herbs are easy and … [Read more...]
How To Read The Language Of Nature
Tristan Gooley writes in his book, The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs, that it is “not the map that should make sense of the land, but the land that will make a map for us.” Although we have access to more information than ever before in history, many of us have lost the ability to learn from an ancient and wise teacher: Mother Nature. It is … [Read more...]
15 Clever Ways to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter
In case you haven't noticed, the days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting colder. And it's going to get worse before it gets better. It’s time to prepare your home for the harsh winter weather ahead. There are three reasons to winterize your home: 1) It will keep your family nice and cozy no matter how cold it is outside. 2) If … [Read more...]
7 First Aid Skills You Should Learn Before Going Off Grid
For many Americans, their first response to an emergency is to call 911. However, when you live off the grid, your remote location may make it difficult--or even impossible--for an ambulance to reach you. Therefore, your knowledge of first aid skills can mean the difference between life and death. Not only will you be able to help friends and … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Preserve Fresh Herbs So They Won’t Go To Waste
Waste not, want not. According to the Dictionary of American Proverbs, this well-known saying can be traced back to 1772. It is a mantra for many homesteaders. Herbs are delicious straight from the garden, but their freshness can fade quickly. You should discard herbs when their leaves turn dark or brittle, or if their stems show any traces of … [Read more...]
20 Crucial Homestead Items to Stockpile for Winter
I’ve been observing the squirrels in my yard and neighborhood this past week as the temperatures have become more fall-like. They are busy! Fascinated, I did a little research on the common gray squirrel. Squirrels don’t hibernate in the winter, but they do spend far less time foraging outside their dens in the colder months. Several squirrels … [Read more...]
50 Staple Foods That Should Be In Every Cook’s Kitchen
A well-stocked pantry offers peace of mind. When you have all the basic cooking supplies on hand, you can be ready to prepare a meal on short notice and without the time and expense of running to the store for ingredients. Every family is a little bit different in terms of their tastes and customers. Some families may not be able to live without … [Read more...]
6 Ways People Stored Food Before Refrigerators
Long before the modern conveniences of refrigeration, people were storing their food using time-tested methods. Many modern homesteaders are learning and honing these skills as a way to preserve their harvest and continue to serve their families home-grown, home-raised food throughout the year. Here are six ways people stored food before … [Read more...]
23 Homestead Items to Look For at Yard Sales
Yard sales and garage sales can be treasure troves for the homesteader. With a little time and effort, you can save a substantial amount of money on quality items and supplies for your homestead. Some homeowners either don’t see the value of what they own or don't know how to make use of what they have. Therefore, they are willing to sell their … [Read more...]
10 Tasty Recipes That Use Acorns
Did you know that you might have a bountiful and nutritious food source right at your feet this fall? Acorns are much more than something to rake up with your leaves and deposit into your compost pile. With a little preparation and know-how, you can eat them as you would other nuts, you can use them to make oil, and you can grind them into flour … [Read more...]
15 Pioneer Skills That Will Make You Completely Self-Sufficient
If the off-grid way of life is calling to you, you already have an adventurous spirit. However, to succeed as a self-sufficient homesteader, you also need to learn these basic pioneer skills. Our forefathers and foremothers did not consider this list to be anything other than ordinary, but knowing them will set you apart from the average … [Read more...]
