Category: Homesteading / Gardening
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Should You Choose an At-Home Apiary?
Aspiring beekeepers must make a crucial decision at the start of their journey. They can either house their bees on their own property or find a host property to store them. Unveil the pros and cons by considering every aspect of apiary care. Weighing priorities against the inconveniences and costs clarifies if at-home apiaries are…
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Balancing Technology and Sustainability in a Homestead Build
Self-sufficiency and sustainability go hand in hand. Homesteads that are built to last require less upkeep, source their own energy, and provide all the fresh food that a family could ever need. However, modern homesteads aren’t completely devoid of technology — even if they are completely off the grid. Making tactical use of technology in…
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9 Ways to Prevent Mud and Other Seasonal Problems from Ruining Your Land
Dirt and excess water can be a recipe for disaster. Mud is a common problem for off-grid dwellers and regenerative farmers, negatively impacting nearby surroundings and spreading harmful bacteria to ecosystems, wildlife and humans. Preventing mud is critical to preserving your land. While you may have little control over the weather, there are several ways…
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Homestead Success: 20 Steps for Summer and Fall
When would you rather clean out the gutters and trim your overgrown trees — on a warm day or in the dead of winter? Summer and fall are the perfect times to work outside, or take care of minor indoor projects that could become bigger issues during a freeze. When you curl up by a…
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Living in an Old Homestead: 20 Tips for Updating While Preserving Its History
Crystal doorknobs, sleeping porches and laundry chutes — old houses have plenty of character. Countless stories have been told under your homestead’s roof, and they leave echoes in the floral wallpaper and hardwood floors. Now the home is yours. How can you renovate your house while still preserving its rich history? [Editor’s note: I can…
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10 Tips for Avoiding Flooding on Your Homestead
Floods are the most common type of natural disaster. Often the result of heavy rain, snowmelt or storm surges in coastal areas, floodwaters can wreak havoc on your home, land and outbuildings. Luckily, there are several ways to help prevent flooding that don’t entail moving to a new homestead. Stay high and dry with these…
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Is It Better to Build Your Homestead or Buy It?
Many people dream of owning a homestead. It’s hard to beat the feeling of waking up at dawn to water the garden, tend beehives or collect fresh eggs, especially when it all belongs to you. But should you buy a property with existing buildings or construct your own? Here are the pros and cons of…
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The Survival Benefits of a Green Home Build
In recent years, there has been a growing global emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness. As a result, many individuals are opting for green home builds, which offer a myriad of benefits not only for the planet but also for homeowners themselves. Green homes also mesh well with more independent approaches, like homesteading and off-the-grid…
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10 Best Places for Off-Grid Living
Living off the grid affords you all kinds of freedoms, from keeping the lights on during a major power outage to selling excess power. Some people also combine this energy-independent lifestyle with homesteading — growing their own food, raising animals and getting away from city life. With so many great options for going off the…