The 5+ Easiest Fences to Install Yourself [Without a Big Budget]
Looking for the easiest fence to install yourself? All homesteaders will need a privacy or garden fence at some point. Your options are hiring the local fence-building guys or doing it yourself. Unfortunately, perimeter fences aren’t cheap. And the local fence-building guys are out of your…
25 Smokin’ Hot Smokehouse Ideas [DIY Plans You Can Use for Free!]
Smokehouse ideas and designs! Fancy making your bacon or smoking your salmon catch? If that sounds good to you and your tastebuds, you need a smokehouse! A smokehouse you can DIY using free plans and proven smokehouse designs and ideas. Today, traditional smokehouse methods are more…
How to Grow and Use Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) [Complete Bee Balm Care Guide]
While wild bergamot (monarda fistulosa) is not the citrus you’ll find in most Earl Grey Teas, it is a unique and gorgeous bee balm flower with a unique taste, aroma, and plenty of uses in the garden. Wild bergamot is a robust perennial variety of bee…
67 Things to Make Out of Logs and Branches [Repurpose What Trees Leaf Behind!]
Are you looking for things to make out of logs and branches? Try some of these. So you’ve had to say goodbye to an old friend, and now you have a backyard full of remains from a tree removal project. Or perhaps the latest windstorm to…
How to Make Super Simple DIY Tallow Soap [30-Minute Recipe]
My soaps generally use a tallow (beef fat) recipe. We raise our own beef cattle, and I don’t like wasting anything, bring in the steak & kidney pies and liverwurst, so over time, I’ve developed an excellent formula for tallow soap! I don’t get a lot…
How to Build a Fence Gate That Won’t Sag [11 Easy Steps!]
Knowing how to build a fence gate that won’t sag is vital for your DIY fencing project. No other part of the fence gets looked at or used more. Needing to lift the gate to keep it from dragging on the dirt to compensate for sag…
Cheap Ways to Block Your Neighbors View [15+ Ideas!]
Unless you are an unreformable exhibitionist, you need some cheap ways to block your neighbor’s view. Of your house, your deck, your yards. Not that you ever plan anything inappropriate. But as we all know – stuff happens – like doing the Macarena in the garden….
15 Cheap Fence Ideas and Designs for Privacy and Utility
Whether you’re setting up a smallholding or need to revamp your garden, low-cost fencing options are a lifesaver. Quotes from fencing companies can be shockingly expensive, so you might start looking at other cheap fence ideas and low-cost fence designs. One thing that all homesteaders have…
Practical Gutter and Downspout Drainage Ideas [Rain Barrels, Cisterns, and More]
Roof water is one of the most underused homeowner resources. Practical downspout drainage ideas should focus on collecting and dispersing water to gardens and trees. You can turn the burden of excess water into a tremendous homesteading asset. Here’s how. Consider that 1 US gallon =…
Best Pocket Flashlight – Our 15 Brightest Small Flashlights
Have you ever wanted to bring a reliable flashlight with you for a camping adventure at night but realized you couldn’t stuff it inside your backpack? Love hiking but don’t love the weight that comes with a bright flashlight? The best pocket flashlight is just what…
How Much Does a Bale of Hay Weigh [Round vs Square Bales]
17 Simple Outhouse Plans You Can DIY Cheaply
As far as traditional off-grid structures go, an outhouse needs a simple plan for a simple DIY build – a tall wooden box with a door positioned atop a hole in the ground. Job done! Or is it? Is that the limit of DIY outhouse design today? Modern outhouse plans…
Backyard Beekeeping [Complete Guide for Beginners]
You may wonder why I’ve dedicated an entire guide to something as simple as a bee and how to start your journey into backyard beekeeping. I’ve talked about my love of multitasking animals here before, and honey bees are some of the best. Obviously, they’ll provide…
Living Off the Land 101 – Homesteading Tips, Off-Grid, and More!
Living off the land – sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?! Spending your days working away on your own piece of paradise, making enough to pay the bills – it is something that many of us dream of – daily! What Is Living Off the Land? Living off…
How to Make Traditional Hand Crank Ice Cream (With Recipes)
Delicious homemade ice cream without electricity? No problem! Hand crank ice cream provides your family with many memories, from having cranking competitions to enjoying family-made ice cream on Sunday night. The right hand crank ice cream maker (also known as a manual ice cream maker) makes…