21 Fun Backyard DIY Projects For Thrifty Homesteaders On A Budget

Winter will be here before you know it. But don’t let that stop you from soaking up the sun! We’ve compiled 21 fun and thrifty backyard projects to bring your outdoor space to life. These DIY activities can help you attract more wildlife, add value to your yard, or charm your garden.

A lovely picnic table with chairs and floral decorations.

Sound good?

Then, let’s dive in!

21 Fun Backyard Projects For Frugal Homesteaders

These DIY projects are perfect for September, October, early fall, or any time you need an excuse to spend more time outdoors.

1. Install A Backyard Bat House

Installing an epic bat house on a tall wooden post.

Bats devour mosquitoes by the boatload. And installing a bat house is a straightforward way to invite them. You can pick up or DIY a bat house for less than the price of a cheesesteak sub with fries. And once you get it set up, it requires almost no maintenance. Watching these mysterious creatures glide through the evening sky is worth the effort!

Place the bat house at least 12 to 15 feet high in an area with plenty of sunlight.
Avoid installing it near artificial bright lights (like motion sensor flood lights) or areas with frequent human activity.
Bats love warmth. Mount the house facing south or southeast to get optimal sun exposure.

Did you know one bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes per night? That’s like having a personal winged pest control army.

2. Make A DIY Wind Chime

Making a wind chime brings rustic charm to your garden. You don’t need to get fancy. You can use old keys, cans, branches, or bottle caps. And you always get to enjoy the unique tune you helped create whenever the wind picks up.

Use materials like metal, wood, or glass to create unique sounds.
Space out your pieces so they don’t overlap and make the sound too chaotic.
Hang your wind chime in your favorite breezy location.

Wind chimes bring harmony and positive energy into your space. Plus, they can be a relaxing ambiance.

3. Install A Garden Drip Irrigation System

Installing drip irrigation system in the backyard garden.

Drip irrigation systems transform your garden watering routine into a set-it-and-forget-it deal. They can also reduce excess splashing on your plants, which can cause icky fungus or mildew on their foliage.

Use a timer with your system to ensure consistent watering without overdoing it.
Elevate the water source slightly to improve the flow rate for gravity-fed systems.
Test your system for leaks before covering any tubing to save yourself a headache later!

Drip irrigation systems also help you save water. Installing one ensures the water goes directly into the roots, minimizing waste.

4. Plant A Wildflower Garden

Growing a wildflower garden in the backyard.

A wildflower meadow feels like your little secret slice of paradise. Start by scattering seeds and then wait patiently for a burst of color to emerge. It’s a thrifty way to attract pollinators and give your yard a free-spirited look.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Mix your seeds with sand for even distribution when planting.
Water regularly during the first few weeks to help the seeds establish roots, then let nature take over.

A meadow of wildflowers can boost biodiversity and attract butterflies, friendly bees, and hummingbirds to your yard.

5. Build Raised Garden Beds

Fresh raised garden beds for a yummy veggie garden.

Raised garden beds are a game-changer if your yard lacks quality soil. I built mine over five years ago, and they’re still going strong. You can use them to grow nearly any veggie, herb, or flower. Plus, it’s easier on the knees if you don’t want to bend to ground level!

Use untreated wood or stone to avoid chemicals leaching into the soil.
Fill your raised beds with compost, topsoil, and organic matter.
Make the beds no wider than four feet so you can easily reach the center without stepping inside.

Did you know raised garden beds can extend your growing season? The elevated garden soil heats up quickly in the spring.

6. Install A Birdhouse Or Bird Feeder

Backyard birdhouse with a friendly visiting wren.

It feels so good waking up to the cheerful sounds of birds visiting your yard: titmice, blue jays, cardinals, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers. We love them all. We admit that feeding the songbirds every day takes effort. However, the joyful colors, songs, and avian recreation make the effort worthwhile.

Place birdhouses in quiet areas with nearby trees or shrubs for birds to perch on.
Clean your bird feeder regularly to prevent the spread of diseases among birds.
Use different types of bird feed to attract various species to your yard.

Birdhouses can increase the local bird population, which helps control insect pests naturally. Plus, who doesn’t love watching baby birds fledge for the first time?

7. Cook Yummy Outdoor Snacks With A Solar Oven

Preparing a solar stove for epic backyard feasts.

Building a solar oven is like a fun science experiment that pays off in delicious ways! It takes anywhere from one to two hours to cook a cheeseburger. But it’s still one of the niftiest and cheapest ways to cook. It’s also a great eco-friendly project. (You can buy a cheap solar oven on Amazon for around $40.)

Use a box with a clear glass or plastic top to trap heat and cook food effectively.
Line the inside with reflective material like aluminum foil to concentrate sunlight.
Aim your oven towards the sun and adjust its position throughout the day for maximum heat.

Cooking food with a solar oven takes much longer than a regular oven or grill. Always double-check the internal temperatures of any meats you prepare!

PS – Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to build and use a solar oven from scratch.

8. Plant Some Yummy Fruit Trees

Digging a transplant hole for a small apple tree.

Planting fruit trees is like gifting your future self with a harvest. I started with two small apple trees and a nectarine tree. And now I get more fruit yearly than I can handle. It’s a small investment upfront. But once established, you’ll have fresh, homegrown fruit for years.

Choose fruit tree varieties suited to your growing zone.
Plant in full sun! And provide plenty of space between trees.
Mulch around the fruit tree’s base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

A mature fruit tree can produce hundreds of pounds of fruit each year, meaning one or two trees are sufficient for an entire family.

9. Build A Bedazzling Garden Pathway

Epic garden path made from small stones and wood slices.

A garden pathway doesn’t have to be fancy. I’ve used pebbles, river stones, old bricks, and shells to create one. Start by visualizing your pathway. Then, collect as many rocks and other materials as possible from your surroundings.

Lay down landscape fabric beneath your path to prevent weeds from popping through.
Use a mix of materials like stones, gravel, or bricks.
Compact the base layer before laying your pathway materials. Doing so prevents sinking or shifting.

Garden pathways offer more than good looks and charm. They also help suppress weeds and act as a whimsical invitation to our favorite outdoor space.

10. Start An Epic Compost Tea Brewer

Brewing potent compost tea for feeding our hungry plants.

If you’ve never heard of compost tea, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to supercharge your plants. I love brewing a batch using kitchen scraps, aged manure, and lawn clippings. It’s like giving your garden a magic potion. (Or more like a protein shake!)

Use a mesh bag to steep your compost in water. Pretend you’re brewing a giant tea bag.
Stir your compost tea regularly to aerate it and help beneficial bacteria grow.
Apply the tea directly to the soil or as a foliar spray for an all-natural fertilizer boost.

Compost tea is like a vitamin shot for your plants. It’s loaded with nutrients and microbes to help your garden grow.

PS – Here’s an excellent guide on how to build a compost tea brewer from scratch.

11. Launch An Outdoor Kitchen

Preparing yummy food in our rustic outdoor kitchen.

Who says you need a fancy setup to enjoy cooking outdoors? My outdoor kitchen started with a basic grill and an old wood table. I’ve been adding to it ever since. Now, I have room to chop, scoop, fillet, and mince without fuss.

Start small with a grill and a simple prep station.
Ensure your kitchen is close to the house for easy access to utensils and ingredients.
Use weatherproof materials like stone or stainless steel.

I have a top-secret theory that cooking outdoors improves food flavor. There’s something about fresh air that adds a little extra magic to meals.

12. Plant An Herb Spiral

Planting a lovely herb spiral garden in the backyard.

The herb spiral is one of my all-time favorite garden projects. They save space, look fantastic, and make harvesting your herbs as easy as walking in a circle. Chives, cilantro, tarragon, sage, rosemary, and basil are perfect for herb spirals.

Arrange your herbs based on their water and sunlight needs. Put dry-loving herbs higher than the water-seeking ones if possible.
Use rocks or bricks to create the spiral structure and retain heat for your plants.
Drip irrigation systems can help keep your herb spiral hydrated efficiently.

An herb spiral maximizes space and creates microclimates. These help you to grow herbs with different needs in the same space.

13. Keep Yourself Warm With A Fire Pit

Staying warm in the backyard next to the fire.

A fire pit is the heart of outdoor autumn gatherings. And it doesn’t have to cost much to create a cozy space. I built mine from old bricks and cinderblocks. It’s now the perfect spot to unwind with friends under the stars. A bonus tip? Use the ashes in your garden—they’re great for soil health.

Choose a location at least ten feet away from any structures or trees.
Use fire bricks or heat-resistant stones to build the pit and line the inside.
Always keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby when enjoying the blaze.

Fire pits can also help deter mosquitoes. They’re not foolproof but make your summer nights more enjoyable and bug-free.

14. Start A Rainwater Harvesting System

Harvesting water from the big rain barrel.

Rainwater harvesting is another eco-friendly project that pays off year after year. I set up a simple barrel under my gutter. And now I water my shrubs and trees without touching a drop from the well. It’s budget-friendly and makes you feel like you’re making a difference, one raindrop at a time.

Use collected rainwater for non-edible plants, lawns, or shrubs.
Position your barrel under a downspout to maximize water collection during rainfall.
A screen or filter will reduce insect and muck infestation.

Rainwater is naturally soft, so using it in your garden can help prevent salt buildup in the soil.

15. Build A Sundial

A beautiful and colorful custom sundial.

Building a sundial is a unique way to mix art with science in your backyard. It serves as a timepiece and a decorative piece. Sundials are also a great way to teach kids about shadows and time!

Place your sundial in a sunny, open spot with minimal shade throughout the day.
Align the gnomon (the part that casts the shadow) with true north for accurate time readings.
Add a personal touch! Decorate your sundial base with pebbles, tiles, or paint.

The shadow of a sundial moves just 15 degrees every hour. It’s a gentle reminder of how time flows – slow, steady, and beautiful.

Do you want more help building one from scratch? We found this epic tutorial from PBS Kids showing how to make a backyard DIY sundial.)

16. Build A Bee Hotel

Bees are the unsung heroes of your backyard garden. Building a bee hotel is one way to give them a little relaxation. Bee hotels cater to solitary bees. (Solitary bees create private nests and don’t live in colonies.) These bees are common in American backyards and are also super-efficient pollinators.

Use hollow reeds, bamboo, or drilled wooden blocks to create bee nesting tubes.
Place your bee hotel in a sunny, sheltered area.
Clean the hotel yearly to prevent parasites and diseases from harming the bees.

Carpenter bees and mason bees will move right in. It’s like starting a Bed and Breakfast for backyard bees!

17. Erect A Garden Trellis

A rustic garden trellis made from wooden stakes and string.

A garden trellis adds beauty and support for peas, beans, cherry tomatoes, or flowering vines. You can use old garden stakes and twine. You don’t need anything fancy – a rudimentary trellis can help your plants grow upright and give the garden a rustic, whimsical feel.

Use sturdy materials like wood or metal.
Place the trellis in an area with plenty of sunlight.
Secure the base firmly in the ground or attach it to a solid structure.

Climbing plants like peas and beans love climbing and stretching on a trellis. Plus, they save space, making it a vertical feast for the eyes.

18. Set Up A Backyard Beehive

A custom made beehive with hungry bees buzzing about.

Setting up a beehive is thrifty and thrilling. And while you get rewarded with tasty honey, there’s a more crucial reason to support bees! Bees are vital to local ecosystems and food supplies. Giving them a home is a fun way to enhance your backyard ecosystem.

Research local regulations before setting up a beehive.
Place the hive in a sunny spot with a nearby water source for your thirsty bees.
Wear protective gear and carefully handle the bees, especially during hive inspections.

A single beehive can pollinate thousands of plants! These mighty workers help your garden and the surrounding ecosystem bloom to life.

19. Make A Leaf Mulch Pile

Collecting leaves in the backyard for compost.

Fallen leaves are nature’s gift to thrifty gardeners. I rake up my leaves every fall and start a mulch pile. The leaves then break down into rich, free fertilizer. It’s an easy way to recycle what you’ve got. It’s not glamorous, but your plants will thank you come springtime!

Shred the leaves before piling them to help them break down faster.
Turn your compost pile every other week. Doing so helps aerate it and speed up compost decomposition.
Use the finished leaf mulch to enrich your garden beds or suppress weeds.

Leaf mulch improves soil health and encourages nature’s best little soil aerators and earthworms to move in and do the heavy lifting.

20. Create A Refreshing Water Feature

You don’t need a fancy setup to enjoy the soothing sound of water in your garden. You can repurpose an old ceramic pot or stock tank for a simple water feature. It’s thrifty, tranquil, and the perfect way to elevate any outdoor space.

Use a pump to keep water circulating and prevent stagnation or mosquito breeding.
Add aquatic plants or fish to your water feature for charm and ecological balance.
Check for leaks regularly and clean the pump to maintain a smooth-running system.

The soothing sound of water can be gentle and relaxing. It can make your garden a sanctuary for the mind and soul.

21. Install Outdoor Lighting

Enjoying the evening with picnic table and outdoor lights.

Outdoor lighting helps transform your backyard into a magical nighttime haven. I went the solar route by hanging inexpensive string lights around the patio. Now, my evenings feel like I’m in a cozy outdoor café. Candles or lanterns also work.

Opt for solar-powered lighting. Doing so helps save cash and makes installation easy.
Place lights along pathways, near seating areas, and around plants.
Choose weather-resistant fixtures.

Outdoor lighting helps create a sparkling wonderland where your backyard plants glow with life.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our backyard project guide for thrifty homesteaders! We know the cost of going out keeps skyrocketing, so we wrote this guide. We hope it helps!

What about you?

Would you welcome bats in your yard? Or are they too freaky?
Have you ever cooked food using a solar oven?
What are your thoughts on bee (and bug) hotels?
What’s the most creative item you’ve ever recycled for a DIY project?
What other fun outdoor projects do you have planned? Let us know!

We invite all outdoor enthusiasts to respond!

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!