Skillful Living

Category: Homesteading

  • Fall Garden Prep

    Introduction As the vibrant colors of summer start to fade and a chill fills the air, there’s a magical shift that takes place in our gardens. The frenetic energy of growth slows down, making way for a more introspective and nurturing phase. As homesteaders and small farmers, this transition signifies a time of preparation and…

    Read more: Fall Garden Prep

  • Horses 101

    Introduction Welcome to the exciting world of horses. Today, we will explore these majestic animals and consider their role on homesteads and small farms. Whether you’re a beginner or already have some horse experience, this guide will provide you with valuable insights to make informed decisions and ensure the well-being of your equine companions. Remember,…

    Read more: Horses 101

  • 5 Old Fashioned Desserts to Cherish

    Introduction Desserts have long been a cherished tradition on homesteads and small farms, where fresh ingredients are abundant and simple, rustic flavors reign supreme. From the bountiful harvests of ripe fruits to the aromatic scents wafting from the kitchen, these homemade desserts encapsulate the heart and soul of rural living. Families come together to celebrate…

    Read more: 5 Old Fashioned Desserts to Cherish

  • Homestead Flour Making

    Introduction Hello! Have you ever wondered how to make your own flour from various ingredients right in the comfort of your home? Well, you’re in for a treat! In this post, we’ll explore the art of flour making using simple and natural ingredients like beans, nuts, seeds, and even corn flakes. It’s easier than you…

    Read more: Homestead Flour Making

  • How to Banish Flies

    Introduction Today, we’re addressing a common nuisance that uninvitedly buzzes into our lives – flies! Whether they are persistent house flies or bothersome horse flies, dealing with these winged intruders can be quite the challenge on our homestead or small farms. But fear not, for we have gathered a wealth of knowledge to help you…

    Read more: How to Banish Flies

  • 5 Natural Insect Repellent Plants

    Introduction Are mosquitoes and other pesky insects causing havoc on your homestead or small farm? Instead of resorting to chemical-laden solutions, why not turn to nature’s own bug fighters? In this post, we’ll explore five plants that not only repel mosquitoes and other unwanted insects but, also offer practical benefits for your homestead or small…

    Read more: 5 Natural Insect Repellent Plants

  • Raising Rabbits 101

    Introduction Rabbits are a great addition to a self-sufficient lifestyle for a homestead or small farm, providing a sustainable source of meat and various other useful byproducts. In this article, we’ll cover all the essentials of raising rabbits, from their care and breeding to the many ways you can monetize them. Let’s dive in! Getting…

    Read more: Raising Rabbits 101

  • Hot Water without Electricity

    Introduction Today, we’re going to talk about producing hot water without relying on electricity. Whether you’re a homesteader, a prepper, or simply passionate about reducing your carbon footprint, learning to generate hot water off the grid can be a game-changer. Especially, if you’re without power for an extended period of time. So let’s roll up…

    Read more: Hot Water without Electricity

  • 5 Southern Recipes for 4th of July

    Introduction As Independence Day approaches, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. It’s a time when friends, families, and communities come together to celebrate the spirit of freedom and the birth of our great nation. While fireworks light up the sky and patriotic melodies fill the air, it’s also an opportunity to slow…

    Read more: 5 Southern Recipes for 4th of July

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Herbs

    Introduction Welcome to the world of herb gardening. Whether you’re tending to a sprawling piece of land on a large homestead or making the most of limited space on a small farm, cultivating an herb garden can be a fulfilling and practical endeavor. Cultivating an herb garden is a delightful and aromatic experience that allows…

    Read more: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Herbs

  • Growing Apple Trees: 101

    Introduction If you’ve ever dreamt of nurturing your own apple orchard, this post is here to help you turn that dream into a reality. In this comprehensive resource, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing apple trees on your homestead or small farm. From selecting the right tree varieties to tending to…

    Read more: Growing Apple Trees: 101

  • Guarding your Livestock with Llamas

    Introduction When it comes to protecting your livestock, no one technique works best for all scenarios. For some homesteaders or small farmers, they may only need to take a passive approach, such as using electric fences, traps, or other mechanical deterrent devices, to get the job done. While others find that they need to take…

    Read more: Guarding your Livestock with Llamas

  • The Buzz on Beekeeping: Bees 101

    Introduction For centuries, humans have marveled at the extraordinary social structure of bees and their incredible ability to create honey. Throughout history, honey has held a special place in human culture. Ancient civilizations revered bees and their golden elixir, recognizing honey not just as a sweet treat, but also as a valuable commodity with remarkable…

    Read more: The Buzz on Beekeeping: Bees 101

  • Harvesting and Utilizing Rainwater

    Introduction Today, we’re going to talk about another one of our natural resources…rain water, and how we can use it to supplement our homesteads, small farms or off-grid lifestyles. In the coming paragraphs, we’ll share knowledge about collecting, filtering, storing and using rainwater to further our self-sufficiency and promote a sustainable living. By harnessing the…

    Read more: Harvesting and Utilizing Rainwater

  • The Magic of Heirloom Seeds and Sustainable Gardening: A Comprehensive Guide

    Introduction In the world of gardening, there’s something truly special about saving and growing your own seeds. It’s like keeping a piece of nature’s history alive. But, did you know that not all seeds are the same? Some are called heirloom seeds, and others are hybrids. Understanding the difference is important for sustainable gardening. Heirloom…

    Read more: The Magic of Heirloom Seeds and Sustainable Gardening: A Comprehensive Guide

  • Food Preservation without Electricity

    Introduction In an era of modern conveniences, the art of food preservation is often overlooked. However, for homesteaders, small farmers, and those living off the grid, food preservation is an important skill to acquire to ensure a steady food supply, minimize waste, and extend the shelf life of perishable items. In this post, we will…

    Read more: Food Preservation without Electricity

  • Microgreens: For Food or Profit?

    Introduction Microgreens have gained significant popularity in recent years, becoming a sought-after addition to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. These tiny and nutrient-packed greens are not only a flavorful and healthy addition to meals but also present a lucrative opportunity for home growers and small-scale farmers. Whether you’re looking to embark on a new gardening venture…

    Read more: Microgreens: For Food or Profit?

  • From Scraps to Self-sufficiency: Re-growing Fruits and Vegetables from Table Scraps

    Introduction For many living on a homestead, small farm or off-grid, creating a sustainable lifestyle becomes a top priority pretty quickly. One of the best skills a sustainable homesteader or small farmer can learn is how to use their land to re-grow food, such as fruits and vegetables, from table scraps. Not only is this…

    Read more: From Scraps to Self-sufficiency: Re-growing Fruits and Vegetables from Table Scraps

  • Water Wells 101

    Introduction Welcome to our introductory guide on establishing and maintaining a water well for your homestead or small farm. In it, you’ll discover information about choosing the proper location, working with a hydrologist, water well construction, maintenance, storage and testing. By following the information within this guide, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to…

    Read more: Water Wells 101

  • Off-grid Root Cellars: Traditional and Alternative Solutions

    Introduction In the realm of off-grid living, having reliable and sustainable food storage solutions can be a game changer. Whether you have a sprawling homestead or a smaller off-grid setup, this comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with the knowledge and techniques to create effective and sustainable root cellars. We’ll explore two approaches: building…

    Read more: Off-grid Root Cellars: Traditional and Alternative Solutions

  • 15 Foods that can be Grown from Scraps

    Introduction Whether you live on a homestead, small farm, or are planning on just using your backyard, growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables is an important skill to master. By producing your own food, you’ll not only know exactly where it came from, but also enjoy the satisfaction of eating something you’ve grown yourself.…

    Read more: 15 Foods that can be Grown from Scraps

  • Monetize Your Homestead

    Introduction Homesteading and small-scale farming have been gaining popularity in recent years as people look for ways to live a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle. Homesteading can be a fulfilling way to connect with nature, produce your own food, and reduce your environmental impact. However, many people wonder if it is possible to monetize a homestead…

    Read more: Monetize Your Homestead

  • Tracking Animals

    Introduction Welcome to this guide on tracking animals, where we will delve into the process of identifying and following the tracks of various animals. As a homesteader, tracking can be a valuable skill for supplementing income through hunting and providing food for the family. Tracking animals, for yourself or others, is a centuries-old practice that…

    Read more: Tracking Animals

  • Candle Making 101

    Introduction For centuries, candle making has been an enjoyable pastime and a necessary skill to have in households. Before the advent of electricity, candles were the primary source of light, and sometimes warmth, making candle making a crucial craft to know. But, candles not only provide light and warmth, they can also create a cozy…

    Read more: Candle Making 101

  • Homemade Soap

    Introduction Soap making is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and it is still a popular hobby and a practical skill that many people enjoy today. With the right ingredients and techniques, making your own soap can be a fun and rewarding activity that can help you supplement your…

    Read more: Homemade Soap

  • 10 Most Popular Vegetables for Your Garden

    Introduction Growing your own vegetables can be an incredibly satisfying and fulfilling activity. It not only allows you to have control over how your produce is grown, but also promotes a healthier lifestyle and a more self-sufficient way of living. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, it’s important to choose the right…

    Read more: 10 Most Popular Vegetables for Your Garden

  • Gardening 101

    Introduction Preparing your land for gardening can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable activity, whether you’re growing fruit, vegetables, flowers, or herbs. However, it can also be intimidating if you’re new to gardening or don’t know where to start. In this post, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for choosing the right location for your garden, preparing…

    Read more: Gardening 101

  • Water Wells 101

    Introduction Water is a basic need for human survival. It is important to have access to clean and reliable water sources for homesteads, farms, and off-grid living. Water wells are a great option for providing clean and reliable water. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about water wells for homesteads,…

    Read more: Water Wells 101

  • 10 Ways to Preserve Eggs without Refrigeration

    Introduction Preserving fresh eggs is a great way to extend their shelf life and ensure that they remain edible for longer periods. While refrigeration is the most common method for preserving eggs, there are several alternative techniques that don’t require a fridge. In this post, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for 10 different methods of preserving…

    Read more: 10 Ways to Preserve Eggs without Refrigeration

  • Sources of Water for Your Homestead

    Introduction Homesteading, farming, and off-grid living are all lifestyles that require a certain level of self-sufficiency. One of the most critical components of these lifestyles is water. Ensuring that you have multiple sources of water on your property can make a significant difference in your ability to sustain your family and your livestock. In this…

    Read more: Sources of Water for Your Homestead

  • 9 Ways to Make Water Safe to Drink

    Introduction Access to safe drinking water is essential for human health and survival. Unfortunately, millions of people around the world do not have access to clean and safe drinking water. Unsafe drinking water can cause a variety of diseases and health problems, ranging from diarrhea and dehydration to serious illnesses like cholera and typhoid fever.…

    Read more: 9 Ways to Make Water Safe to Drink

  • Rooster Basics

    Introduction Keeping chickens in your backyard can be a rewarding and fun experience. Not only do you get to enjoy fresh eggs every day, but you also get to interact with these fascinating birds and enjoy their quirky personalities. For those of you that may be interested in keeping and raising chickens, a common topic…

    Read more: Rooster Basics

  • 10 Best Egg Layers

    Introduction Egg production is one of the main reasons why people choose to raise chickens. However, it is important to understand that a hen’s egg-laying capacity is influenced by several factors, including age, breed, and environment. When hens reach the age of maturity, which is typically around 22-26 weeks old, they start to lay eggs.…

    Read more: 10 Best Egg Layers

  • Hatching and Caring for Chicks

    Introduction Raising baby chicks can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anyone desiring to raise chickens.  It’s not only an educational activity, but also a fun and engaging experience that the whole family can enjoy. Hatching eggs can be especially enjoyable for those who want to experience the entire life cycle of a chicken,…

    Read more: Hatching and Caring for Chicks

  • Chicken Basics

    Introduction Normally a staple on farms and homesteads, chickens are becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists and urban homesteaders. They are a low-maintenance livestock that provides their owners with a variety of benefits, from fresh eggs to pest control and even fertilizer for the garden. However, caring for chickens requires some basic knowledge and dedication. In…

    Read more: Chicken Basics

  • Purchasing Foreclosed Property for Homesteading or Small Acre Farming

    Introduction For those seeking a simpler, more sustainable way of living, homesteading or smallholder farms (typically less than five acres) can make this a reality. For many, this means purchasing a piece of land and building their own home, often using alternative building materials and techniques. However, acquiring land and a home can be a…

    Read more: Purchasing Foreclosed Property for Homesteading or Small Acre Farming

  • 10 Things to Consider when Looking for Land to Homestead

    Introduction Starting a homestead can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, but requires careful planning and consideration when looking for land. In this post, we will discuss land location, zoning laws, accessibility, price, soil quality, water availability, natural resources, land use history, community, and future plans. When beginning your journey, one of the most critical…

    Read more: 10 Things to Consider when Looking for Land to Homestead

  • 6 Best Alternative Power Sources for your Homestead

    Introduction Power outages or blackouts are a common occurrence in many parts of the world. These can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as extreme weather events, equipment failures, or overloaded power grids. If you live on a homestead, or are striving for self-sufficiency, having a reliable alternative power source is very important.…

    Read more: 6 Best Alternative Power Sources for your Homestead