Whether you’re on a hobby farm or in a small urban apartment, our practical guides and tutorials will help you embrace the homesteading basics.
This section is also a place to celebrate the joys and challenges of homesteading. We share stories from our own experiences, including the successes and the lessons learned. We believe that homesteading is a journey of continuous learning and growth, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Render pure lard from pork fat and create a liquid gold. It’s a rewarding process that connects homesteaders to traditional cooking practices. When I was first married years ago, my mother-in-law taught me how to render lard. She just used a roasting pan to melt the fat at a very low temperature. On the farm, […]
Simple Steps to Render Pure Lard for Cooking and Baking Read Post »
Homemade body wash. All natural and leaves my skin soft and smooth. Has also massively helped me acne prone skin. When it comes to personal care, I’ve found that making my own body wash is not only a cost-effective alternative but also a luxurious experience that’s perfect for my sensitive skin. With this DIY body
Natural Homemade Body Wash with Simple Ingredients Read Post »
We spend so much time and effort in our gardens, storing squash for the winter is just as important to us. We had to do some research to find the best methods. Don’t worry, we are sharing with you so you can be successful in preserving your harvest too. As the growing season winds down
The Homesteader’s Guide to Storing Squash for Winter Read Post »
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to make use of your fresh grass clippings and yard waste, turning them into mini hay bales is a fantastic idea. Not only is it a great way to recycle lawn clippings for fall decorations, but it’s also a good hay source for small animals like miniature horses,
How to Make Mini Hay Bales from Lawn Grass Clippings Read Post »
Quick-Harvest Vegetables to Try for Fall in the Midwest to get a bountiful Autumn harvest. As summer’s heat fades, the fall months bring cooler temperatures, making it a great time to plan your fall vegetable garden in Wisconsin and neighboring areas like northern Illinois. The crisp cool weather is perfect for growing cool-season crops that
Quick-Harvest Vegetables to Try for Fall in the Midwest Read Post »
Extending the Garden Season into Winter: 11 Easy Ways. As the crisp days of fall set in, many gardeners think the harvest season is over. But with a little planning and the right tools, you can extend your gardening season into winter, even in cold climates like Wisconsin. We try and extend our vegetable garden
Extending the Garden Season into Winter: 11 Easy Ways Read Post »
Making French butter at home is one of those satisfying skills that brings you closer to the roots of traditional homesteading. In a time when convenience often trumps quality, taking a step back and crafting your own butter from fresh cream gives you control over your ingredients and connects you to an age-old process. The
How to Make French Butter at Home Read Post »
Learn how easy it is to make your own butter. Making butter at home is not only a rewarding experience but also a simple way to connect with traditional homesteading practices. If you’ve ever wanted to savor fresh, creamy butter made from scratch, you’re in for a treat. With just a few basic ingredients and
How to Make Your Own Butter: A Simple Homestead Recipe Read Post »
If your apple tree looks like it’s struggling, you may be wondering, “Why is my apple tree dying?” The good news is that there are natural ways to revive it, but first, it’s important to understand the root causes. For years and years, we’ve had apple trees growing all over our farm. At the back
Why Is My Apple Tree Dying: How to Revive It Naturally Read Post »
Let’s delve into 17 types of mushrooms, exploring their flavors, textures, and culinary uses across various cuisines. Exploring the vast array of mushrooms available is like uncovering nature’s hidden treasures. From the robust meatiness of shiitake mushrooms to the delicate earthiness of porcini, each variety brings its own unique charm to the table. Navigating the
17 Types of Mushrooms: How to Choose and Cook Read Post »
Let’s talk about how to manage bugs in a compost bin. If you’ve started composting, you’re already contributing to reducing food waste and creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden. But when it comes to managing bugs in your compost bin, things can get a little buggy—literally! You might spot fruit flies, pill bugs, or even
How to Manage Bugs and Unwanted Bugs: Compost Like a Pro Read Post »
Raising animals for meat on a homestead can be a fulfilling and sustainable way to produce your own food. Whether you’re interested in filling your freezer with fresh meat or providing your family with high-quality, locally sourced animal products, there are many livestock options to consider. From backyard chickens to larger animals like dairy cows
Animals for Meat on a Homestead: Livestock Options Read Post »
Natural Repellents to Get Rids of Ants in Your Home. They are a common household pest that can be both frustrating and difficult to eliminate. Whether you’re dealing with sugar ants, carpenter ants, or odorous house ants, you’re likely searching for effective solutions to keep your home ant-free. The good news is that there are
Natural Repellents to Get Rids of Ants in Your Home Read Post »
Growing onions can be one of the most rewarding experiences for any home gardener. There’s something deeply satisfying about nurturing these versatile vegetables from tiny seeds or sets into robust bulbs that grace our kitchens with flavor. The journey from planting to harvest offers invaluable lessons in patience, care, and the joy of cultivating your
Best Soil Choices and Planting Tips for Growing Onions Read Post »
How long does zucchini last? For homesteaders and backyard gardeners, harvesting fresh squash is one of the joys of the growing season. However, zucchini plants are prolific producers. Often leaving you with an excessive amount of squash to enjoy throughout the summer. To make the most of your harvest, it’s important to know how long
How Long Does Zucchini Last After Picked? Read Post »
Learn how to prevent and treat tomato blight. It’s one of the most devastating diseases home gardeners face during the growing season. It can affect your tomato plants, entire tomato crop, and even spread to potato plants. Understanding the different types of blight and how to prevent and treat them is essential to maintaining healthy
How to Prevent and Treat Tomato Blight in Your Garden Read Post »
An easy sourdough starter is made from a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast from the environment, which will naturally ferment to become the base for many tasty sourdough breads. Creating your own sourdough starter is simpler than it seems, and with a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll
From Scratch: How to Make an Easy Sourdough Starter Read Post »
We love pumpkins in the fall, but how do you keep pumpkins from rotting so fast? As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to change, one of the joys of the fall season is adorning your home with vibrant pumpkins. Whether you’ve picked them fresh from the patch or carefully selected them for their
How to Keep Pumpkins from Rotting This Fall Read Post »
Your Guide to 9 Different Onion Varieties and Their Uses.They are a staple in kitchens around the world, known for their versatility and ability to enhance flavors in a wide range of dishes. From the everyday yellow onion to the delicate shallot, each type of onion brings its own unique taste and texture to the
Your Guide to 9 Different Onion Varieties and Their Uses Read Post »
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini or turnip broccoli, is a nutrient-packed cruciferous vegetable that has a unique place in Italian cuisine. Despite its name, broccoli rabe is not the same as broccoli florets or even baby broccoli. Instead, it’s more closely related to mustard greens and turnip tops. This vibrant green vegetable features long
What is Broccoli Rabe and How to Cook it? Read Post »
