Category: Homesteading / Gardening

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

No-dig gardening is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than tilling before planting a garden, you strategically build up rich layers of compost, manure and even cardboard to amend the soil. No-dig gardening — also called the no-till or no-plow method — stifles weeds, boosts biodiversity, prevents erosion and improves soil health. Here’s how to…

Whether you’re roughing it in the woods or living in the city, there are many ways to be self-sufficient. Being self-sufficient means having the knowledge, skills and supplies to take care of yourself. That doesn’t mean you have to disconnect from the community — far from it. In fact, cultivating self-reliance will likely help you…

If you’re looking at buying a homestead, it’s important to know if the property is situated on a public or private road. The county, city or state takes care of public roads, but private road maintenance is the homeowner’s duty. Are you prepared for that responsibility? What Is a Private Road? Dispel any notions of…