14 High Tech Tools and Tricks for Modern Homesteaders

a couple of solar panels

Do high tech and homesteading go hand in hand? Absolutely! When people think of homesteaders, they often envision people eschewing all modern conveniences, and living like they’re in the 19th Century. However, while simplifying your life is a key component of homesteading, that doesn’t mean you have to turn your back on technology. There’s no … Read more

Permaculture 101 for Homesteaders

tropical forest garden

Permaculture, the shortened version of ‘permanent agriculture’ or ‘permanent culture’, is a school of thought that seeks to mimic the natural patterns of nature to find regenerative solutions to the basic needs of humans and the environment in which we live. What is Permaculture? With a view of providing holistic regenerative systems, permaculture provides a … Read more

Chicken Mites: Getting Rid of and Prevention

young chicks in brooder

Are your chickens scratching relentlessly, losing feathers, and generally in a miserable mood? If so, they probably have mites – or poultry lice. These nasty little infestations happen frequently, especially when birds are living in close quarters. Chicken mites will not kill your birds unless untreated for an extended period of time. Thankfully, mites and … Read more

Homemade Toys: Wooden Peg People

two little girls playing with wooden peg people

I stumbled across wooden peg people, also commonly referred to as wooden peg dolls on Pinterest. Most of the adorable images of these simple and natural wood toys on Pinterest led to links to sale listings for completed – and expensive, dolls on ETSY. If you played with Fisher-Price “Little People” as a child, you … Read more

The Art of Foraging: 54 Wild Edibles You Can Eat

Foraging should be an essential part of any homesteader’s and prepper’s plan to grow his or her own groceries. Learning how to identify, find, harvest, and prepare wild edibles will vastly increase the family’s healthy food supply both today and during a long-term disaster. Foraged food can be preserved just like the fruits, vegetables, and … Read more

25 Common Garden Pests and How to Get Rid of Them

Smart gardeners know how important it is to preserve a garden from pests who can turn your beautiful looking garden into a damaged, gnawed-on mess. According to some reports, rodents alone are believed to destroy major food crops, ruining a food supply for around 200 million people every year. Pests are uninvited creatures, taking advantage … Read more

How To Make A Free Play Area On The Homestead

homestead play area logo

How do you make a free playground area on your homestead? Well, go shopping in your husband’s junk piles, garage, and sheds…of course. Keeping your eye out for so-called junk on the side of the road is also a great idea. Sadly, far too many folks throw away outdoor recreational items simply because they are … Read more

Pruning Tomatoes Step by Step

Tomatoes are one of the most commonly grown vegetables around the globe, often receiving the affectionate nickname of “kingpin of the garden.” While it is really easy to grow tomatoes in a garden, doing it correctly and successfully is another story. Proper care is very important to avoid compromising your crop. Regular maintenance activities, such … Read more

How to Safely Forage for Mushrooms

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Disclaimer: neither the author nor www.newlifeonahomestead.com are responsible for the side effects resulted from applying the advice given in this article. The advice in this article is for information purposes only. Mushroom foraging is one of my favorite hobbies. In addition to providing me with delicious treats, the experience of searching for mushrooms deepens my relationship … Read more

Blueberry Jam Step by Step

blueberry jam main

Are you ready to make some blueberry jam? If you’re a homesteader, finding a way to preserve delicious easy-to-grow fruits like blueberries should be a top goal this year. Making jam is easy, inexpensive, and can help you get the most for your dollar; and if you grow your own blueberries, you can make this … Read more

The Mega-List of Gardening Mistakes

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updated by Tara Dodrill Despite the wide availability of gardening advice available via blogs, books, websites, informational articles, and even video collections on YouTube, many people fail to take care of their gardens properly. This is largely because each garden is vastly different, possessing different soil types, microorganisms, weather conditions, and crops. To ensure your … Read more

How to Pickle Garlic Step by Step

jars of pickled garlic

Garlic is a superstar in your garden, and pickled garlic is one of the best ways to enjoy this tasty vegetable. More and more people are growing garlic on their homesteads. It’s also easy to get your hands on garlic, even in bulk, at nearly any grocery store. However, most people use garlic solely to … Read more