If you could grow only one crop on your homestead, potatoes would be a good choice. Potatoes are perhaps the ultimate survival food. They are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, and nucleic acid. They can be prepared in many ways, from potato chips to potato casserole. And best of all, there are many ways to grow potatoes. What makes … [Read more...]
25 Off Grid Uses for Five Gallon Buckets
The origin of the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” is somewhat unclear. Most people think it dates back to the first Earth Day held on April 22, 1970. For dedicated homesteaders, however, the popular mantra is more than a call to reduce trash -- it is a way of life. One of the most useful items homesteaders can recycle is the five-gallon bucket. … [Read more...]
11 Common Garden Pests and How to Deal with Them Naturally
Picture this. It’s a beautiful late spring or early summer morning, and you head out to check your garden. The previous day everything looked healthy and strong, but today, you notice signs of an apparent infestation. Seemingly overnight, leaves are withering and/or new growth looks as if it has been eaten away. It's any gardener’s nightmare, … [Read more...]
17 Off Grid Tools and Supplies to Search for at Flea Markets
If you want to get some great bargains for your homestead, it’s time to start visiting flea markets. Flea markets get their name from “marché aux puces,” a French phrase that literally translates to “market of fleas.” The name comes from the fact that the first outdoor bargain markets in Paris often included items that were old and worn and … [Read more...]
25 Things You Can Use As Seed Starting Containers
It’s that time of year again. Now is your chance to get a jump on spring gardening by starting your seeds indoors. Once you have your seeds, your soil, and your lighting squared away, you'll need to find some containers. Frugal homesteaders repurpose just about everything, and seed starting containers should be no exception. Look for flexible … [Read more...]
19 Things to Do Before You Plant Your Spring Garden
At this point in the winter, outdoor gardening can seem like a distant memory. However, there are many tasks you can and should start doing right now to gear up for a great spring garden. Here’s our checklist of 19 things to do before you plant your spring garden. 1. Order Seeds - Check your favorite seed catalogs or garden stores for the … [Read more...]
7 Harsh Truths About Homesteading
If you are thinking of homesteading or are just starting out, you may be seeking a way out of the typical consumer-driven lifestyle of the 21st century. You are willing to put your time, effort and money into a simpler, more self-sustaining way of life. However, in order to be successful as a homesteader, you need to take off your rose-colored … [Read more...]
9 Key Differences Between Preppers & Homesteaders
Are you a homesteader or a prepper? Both lifestyles are linked by their focus on self-sufficiency, but there are some key differences when it comes to motivation, food storage, water storage, shelter, skills, off-the-grid living, security, medical needs, and lifestyle. Let’s examine them so that you can see where you fit into the spectrum. 1. … [Read more...]
13 Self-Reliance Skills The Pioneers Needed to Survive their Journey West
Between 1840 and 1860, more than 400,000 men, women, and children set out on the overland journey across the American West which became known as the Oregon Trail. Heading out from departure points in Missouri, these pioneers desired a new life, one that offered more freedom, more opportunity, and more space. In some ways, these Americans are not … [Read more...]
9 Tips for New Homesteaders
If you are thinking of homesteading or are just starting out, you probably have been immersing yourself in tons of information and advice. Maybe some of it is helpful; maybe some it is confusing. And just maybe, you are feeling overwhelmed. Yes, there is a lot to learn, but no, you don’t have to learn it all at once. You couldn’t even if you … [Read more...]
Can You Homestead When You’re Broke?
Do you keep putting off your dream of homesteading while you try to save up enough money to get started? With the cost of everyday living, that can be a frustrating and never-ending experience. How would it change things if you made the decision to begin homesteading with what you already have? You can, you know. It may not look like the … [Read more...]
14 Foods You Shouldn’t Store for More Than a Year
When you are setting up a survival pantry, you want to choose foods that will last. Stored properly, many foods – such as beans, pasta, and white rice – can last indefinitely without refrigeration. Other foods, however, can spoil or lose their taste in less than a year. Here are 14 foods that do not store well for more than 12 months. Since many … [Read more...]
27 Essential Spices That Should Be In Every Kitchen
Whether you're stockpiling food or just organizing your first kitchen, be sure to include lots of spices on your list of necessities. By having the following essentials on hand, you'll already have all the spices you need for almost any meal. And in addition to being able to flavor your food, you'll also be able to heal many ailments. First, you … [Read more...]
10 Things You Need for a Basic Chicken Coop
If you've been dreaming of eating freshly gathered eggs in the morning, you may be considering building a chicken coop in your backyard or on your homestead. Designs and plans can vary widely for chicken coops, depending on what building materials you have on hand and how many chickens you want to raise. However, there are some basics every good … [Read more...]
17 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 for your home and property. Some homeowners either don’t see the value of what they own or don't know how to make use of the items they have. Therefore, they are willing to sell their … [Read more...]
How to Prepare Your Homestead for a Hurricane
Hurricane season is upon us, and we all are familiar with the TV and internet weather maps that track the ominous swirls of wind and water that develop this time of year. However, if you live in a hurricane zone, it is foolhardy to wait until a hurricane develops to prepare for its fury. Here are 15 steps to follow, so that if a severe storm is … [Read more...]
30 Ways to Make Money With Your Homestead
Making the decision to live the homesteading lifestyle is one that offers a new sense of freedom and satisfaction. However, you may have taken a drastic cut in income to make your dream of self-sufficiency a reality. Whether you are looking for a full-time salary or a supplemental income, there are many ways to make money as a homesteader. Your … [Read more...]
