You probably know by now I’m a fan of all kinds of pre-industrial skills, and making mud bricks from mud and straw is one of the coolest skills for a homesteader to know. It might not be the most practical way to obtain bricks in our modern life, as they’re pretty labor-intensive, but it is a … Read more
When you live on a homestead, chances are good that you keep your place warm using a fireplace or a wood burning stove. They are important for your warmth in the winter, and you can even use them for cooking. However, they get dirty and need to be cleaned. Naturally, many people gravitate toward having … Read more
Seed saving is one of the most important skills to have for self-reliance. If done properly, one packet of seeds could last for generations. One of the biggest reasons to seed save is that if you choose the seeds from a healthy, productive plant, is that you are choosing the plant with the genes that … Read more
You are excited about the prospect of getting away from the city or the suburbs and onto your own homesteading property. You have been practicing various skills, such as planting and growing vegetables, sewing, and you have been learning as much as possible about keeping livestock, bees, and so many other things you are excited … Read more
Propagating plants through cuttings when possible rather than using seeds can save time and produce more predictable results. However; commercially produced root tone can be expensive, and some products are also unhealthy. To save money, and stay healthy, you can make your own root tone at home. Here are two methods that are so … Read more
When the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, you might find that you are getting a little bored in the homestead. You do not have as much sun, and if you aren’t careful, you and the rest of the family, could start to suffer from the effects of cabin fever. Fortunately, you can … Read more
Let’s be honest. People like the simple things in life. They enjoy when things are nice and easy, and if given a choice between an easy path that leads to an average life and a more rigorous path that leads to true joy, people will take the easy path. They live the fast food lifestyle. … Read more
If you have an electric dryer you may be able to reduce your electric bill this time of year and still stay warm. This video demonstrates and explains how get heat and a comfortable level of humidity in your home using a simple device that you can manufacture yourself at home. The only material you … Read more