How to Tan a Cow Hide Using Traditional Methods

a dried and salted cow hide

So, you live on a homestead and raise your own meat. That’s great. You get extra self-reliance points if you butcher the meat yourself. But, your journey to a sustainable life, an existence where you always use resources wises and for optimal benefit, will not end before you learn how to tan hides. There are … Read more

Dilled Carrots Step by Step

jars of dilled carrots

If you’re a homesteader looking to fill up your pantry with preserved foods, dilled carrots are one of your best bets! These pickles taste delicious. Carrots are also plentiful all year round at the grocery store, and are inexpensive as well. Jars of bright orange dilled carrots will help add variety to your canned goods … Read more

20 Plants to Grow for Calcium

calcium plants featured

In addition to being required for healthy and strong bones and teeth, calcium plays an important role in everything from your nervous system to your muscle control, making it important that you are consuming enough of this mineral. Most people turn to dairy when it comes to their calcium intake, not realizing that there are actually … Read more

Growing Leeks Step by Step

harvested leeks

Leeks add such incredible flavor to a dish, and they are quite fun to grow. There are only a few factors that complicate growing leeks, and they are really not that complicated. Leeks are reasonably easy to grow, as long as you pay attention to their time frame and keep up with them through the … Read more

Edible Landscaping: What Is It, and Which Plants to Choose

edible landscaping featured

Edible landscaping refers to mixing food plants in with your ornamental ones, to create a setting that is not only visually appealing, but productive as well. Examples include: Whether you are completely new to edible landscaping, or already practice the concept but need some inspiration, this guide will teach you all you need to know … Read more

Raising Chickens: The ULTIMATE Guide

chicken eating a slice of bread

If you’re a homesteader, or about to become one, chances are you’re itching to buy a small flock of chickens really bad. In fact, it really doesn’t seem like you are even a homesteader at all until you have your own flock, right? But before you take the plunge, you should do some research first.  … Read more

The Best Homesteading Books

gardening books

No matter how large or small a space I live in, it is always overflowing with books! Whether you need reference resources or something to spark your imagination, I hope you find something here that enriches your life. I tried to emphasize a mix of foundational resources with newer works that offer truly novel additions. … Read more

15 Cheap DIY Compost Bins for Homesteaders

a 3-bin composter made of scrap wood and wire mesh on the winter homestead

If you’re a homesteader or aspire to be one, sooner or later you’re going to make a compost bin. Turning yard waste, kitchen scraps, and manure into rich fertile compost is just plain common sense, right? If you’ve always wanted to have a compost bin, but don’t know where to start, don’t worry; this article … Read more

Essential Homestead Kitchen Tools

sanitizing canning jars in dishwasher

Anyone running a homestead will likely spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen, whether this may be preparing daily meals or preserving a harvest for the winter months. There’s no denying that kitchen work can be time-consuming and tiring, which is why we have put together this list of essential homestead tools, which … Read more

How to Raise Pigs – The Ultimate Guide

pig next to old stone rocks

Does the smell of frying bacon make your mouth water? Is snacking on a deliciously cooked whole ham after Easter dinner something you look forward to every year? If so, raising pigs should be part of your homesteading plan. Pigs, or hogs as we refer to them in Appalachia – the two labels are completely … Read more

Planning Your Garden Season By Season

chicken coop next to garden and raised beds

Plans are nothing. Planning is everything. Dwight D. Eisenhower If you want to have a great garden, you have to plan for it. All year long. Your garden is the heart of your homestead. You rely on it for all of your fresh fruits and vegetables. You can and preserve other garden items to get … Read more