Homestead.org

11/11/2025

“In a world where agriculture is increasingly defined by algorithms, genetically engineered seed, and machines that cost more than a suburban home, it feels almost rebellious to return to something so modest as a mobile wooden box on skids. Yet that is exactly what is happening in backyards and small farms across the country. The chicken tractor, a humble contraption that relies less on technology and more on the simple instincts of hens, is quietly staging a comeback. It is not just a novelty or a nostalgic throwback. It is a practical solution to some of the deepest challenges of modern homesteading: how to build soil health without chemicals, how to cut costs when feed prices soar, how to keep flocks safe while still letting them express their natural behavior, and ultimately how to reconnect with the land in a way that feels both responsible and sustainable.”

The tractor is not just a tool but a philosophy: working with natural cycles instead of against them for happier hens and better soil

11/10/2025

“It always surprises me how quickly we are encouraged to move from the attitude of gratitude of Thanksgiving to the hyper-consumerism of Christmas. Constant media bombardment, as well as the growing wish lists and responsibilities of the season, make it easy to push our values to the backburner and follow the crowd in the celebrations of the season. Fortunately, it is possible to not only maintain your homesteading values this time of year but actually to strengthen them. You do not have to hurry through Thanksgiving to get ready for holiday shopping. Black Friday can be a buy-nothing day and if that feels right, you can celebrate a buy-nothing Christmas.”

Do you plan to buy gifts this year?

Black Friday can be a buy-nothing day and if that feels right, you can celebrate a buy-nothing Christmas or another holiday.

11/12/2024

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09/17/2024

"When I had to pack up my rural homestead and move it to the city, foraging was one of the few things I thought I would have to give up. Fortunately, after just a few short weeks, I began to notice a few familiar plants, which gave me a much-needed incentive to explore my new neighborhood. Urban foraging—identifying and harvesting food that grows around the city—is as much, if not more, fun than foraging in the woods. Wild food is everywhere for the taking, and who among us doesn’t like free food?" –Jenny Flores

Urban foraging is as fun as foraging in the woods. Wild food is everywhere for the taking, and who among us doesn’t like free food?

09/11/2024

"I had to go to Africa to discover pigweed. But, once smitten, never forgotten. I was smitten with the country, the people, and the tiny green plants that gave me my first *aha* moment about the connection between agriculture and human culture."

Amaranth got the nickname “pigweed” for its bad manners and aggravating abundance. That’s why you should eat it when it’s young and tender.

09/04/2024

“Everyone knows the benefits of composting but most people believe composting is a homestead project that requires a good amount of space. The truth is, composting is like almost any other homesteading activity – it can be done anywhere, even in a small apartment. Of course, indoor composting is done on a smaller scale, but since your garden is smaller, that works out fine.” -Jenny Flores

Apartment composting or indoor composting is done on a smaller scale, but since your garden is smaller, that works out fine.

08/31/2024

“Unlike what you hear from your doctor at your yearly checkup, there's no bad news here—only good. In this article, we're giving you the keys to success in the—we'll say it—art of adding harmony to your homestead life. From tackling deadlines to wrangling kids, we've got you covered with practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and a healthy dose of solidarity. Who knew a virtual hug is just what you need?"

we're giving you the keys to success in the—we'll say it—art of adding harmony and balance in homesteading life

08/29/2024

“We dive in despite the dangers, believing we’re well-informed. But some threats are so obscure we fail to notice them.

Alpha-gal syndrome is one of these. As positive cases rise around the world, this mysterious illness is morphing into a homesteading hazard everyone needs to know about.

It’s vital to learn who is at risk for alpha-gal, watch for symptoms, and take the proper steps before and after diagnosis. That way, we can stay ahead of the curve to protect ourselves, our families, and our homesteads.” -Lyza Hayn

It’s vital to learn who is at risk for alpha-gal syndrome, watch for symptoms, and take the proper steps before and after diagnosis.

01/31/2024

Craving the limelight? Like to write? Are you any good at it? (We'll be the judge of that.) Want to make a hundred bucks? Well, we may have just the opportunity for you to make yourself mildly internet famous (in a good way).

Homestead.org is always looking for writers to produce interesting, well-written homesteading articles for cash.

05/10/2023

Several weeks ago, we received an email from Chris Moody asking if we would like to participate in an article about homesteading in modern times for Washington Post. Jessica answered their questions and Chris sent the link to the completed article this morning. Check it out!

Some homeowners use gardening, lumber production and other subsistence skills — paired with community support — to take more control over their lives.

04/02/2023

"So, what is the off-grid beginner supposed to do? How do you know when the old ways are best to learn or when the new innovations are worth the buy? On my increasingly off-grid homestead, we are trying to answer that question with a balance of the best of the past with the best of modern innovation. I will admit that we have a bias toward simple, manual tools (mostly because there’s less chance for something to break down). So I’d like to take our years of experimentation and show you some modern and traditional tools and ideas for your own consideration. The off-grid life comes at the cost of time or money; time to build your own systems or money to pay someone to do it for you. So, no matter how much cash you've got, you can likely go off-grid. I hope the comparison of these DIY cheap off-grid methods and pricier, manufactured methods can help you figure out the best fit for your own property."

You can easily spend a fortune to go off-grid, but you don’t have to with cheap off-grid options and diy off-grid...

03/25/2023

"Most homesteaders start with fowl of some sort. Of those of us who choose feathered over furry critters, most choose chickens. This was not the case for our family, who decided to jump into the livestock world with 50 ducklings. You might be wondering why we chose ducks over chickens and, perhaps, if this is a bird you should consider. Spoiler alert: if I had to do it all over again, I would have started with chickens. My husband, on the other hand, loathes our chickens and would keep all ducks if he was forced to choose. But which is the best bird for your homestead? What advantages do ducks have over chickens and vice versa?”

Whatever you decide is the best fowl for your farm no homestead is complete without chickens or ducks running around the yard.