Homesteading 101! {Ultimate Guide for Homesteaders Today}

Savor every moment of the simpler life and take your homesteader skills to the next level with this ultimate guide for Homesteading 101!

Are you dreaming of moving to the country for a simpler life?  Or maybe you’re just getting started out on your Modern Day Homesteading journey?  Well, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this HUGE collection of Homesteading 101 Tips and Frugal Homesteading Tips!

Homesteading today is becoming more and more popular, and these easy tips will jumpstart your homesteader’s adventure!

Whether you’re looking for proven ways to care for your animals, gardening tips for growing your own food, easy tricks for canning and preserving, healthier DIY natural cleaners, luxurious homemade beauty products, or just some good ol’ from scratch cooking and heritage baking recipes, you’ve come to the right place!  You’ll love these Homesteading for Beginners step-by-step instructions and tips to get you off to a great start!

{A BIG thanks to frugal friend Amy for sharing this adorable photo of her white leghorn above!}

Just remember… you can start living the homestead life wherever you are!  So much of it is more about the mindset.  Maybe you haven’t moved out to that gorgeous country property yet, but don’t let that hold you back!  Urban homesteading and suburban homesteads are becoming more and more common… go on and get started with the homestead lifestyle wherever you are right now!

With a complicated world, it’s easy to see why we crave the simplicity of the good old days, isn’t it?  So who’s ready for a fun Homestead adventure?  Let’s continue honing our skills and savor every moment of this sweet life the good ol’ fashioned way!

Here’s everything you need to know about Homesteading 101 to get started…

Related: 21 Clever Home Depot Money Saving Tips

Homesteading 101

Homestead Animals:

There are so many fun animals you can raise on the homestead!  When you’re considering what animals to add to the farm, some of the most popular animals for homesteaders include…

• Backyard Chickens {for eggs and/or meat}
• Ducks {for eggs and/or meat}
• Goats {for clearing land, producing fiber, nutritious milk, and making goat milk soap}
• Sheep {for milk, homemade cheese, and wool}
• Pigs {for bacon, ham, pork chops, ribs, and sausage}
• Cows {for fresh milk, homemade cheese, homemade butter, or beef}
• Horses {to be your faithful friend and riding companion}
• Bees {for beekeeping and harvesting natural wild honey}
• Cats {to keep those mice away}
• The Beloved Farm Dog {to be your pal, and the watchful guardian of the livestock}  Some breeds to consider include Great Pyrenees and German Shepherds for protective guard dogs, or Border Collies for the ultimate herder and loyal buddy.

Related:

• How to Save Money on Pet Supplies

To learn more, check out these fun homestead animal tips and tricks below…

Backyard Chickens for Beginners Tips!  {Raising Chickens 101}

Easy Horse Tail Coconut Oil Conditioner Trick

15 Farm Dog Puppy Training Tips That Work Like a Charm!

How to Save Money On Pet Supplies! {22 Frugal Hacks}

Homestead Gardening for Beginners – Fresher than the Farmer’s Market!

Growing your own food is an essential part of your homestead!  From indoor herb gardens to patio container pots, and fruit trees and vines to outdoor raised beds filled with produce, you’ll find such satisfaction growing your own food!  You can grow it using organic growing practices and feed your family with high-quality fresh food for a fraction of the cost!

Related:

• How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half {35+ Brilliant Tips}

I can’t even begin to tell you how many edible things I’ve grown over the years, and honestly… I’ve loved them all!  Some of my absolute favorite things have included our Apple Trees, Grapefruit Trees, Raspberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Blueberries, Onions, Beans, Peas, Parsley, Rosemary, and LOTS of Basil!  This year, I’m trying my hand at some fun new crops including Romaine Lettuce, Bell Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, and our new Pomegranate tree!

Whatever you choose to grow, you’ll love the results when it comes time to harvest!  Check out these insider tips and tried and true tricks for growing your best fruit, veggies, and herbs in your garden this year…

28 Strawberry Growing Tips

30 Corn Gardening Tips and Tricks

22 Watermelon Gardening Tips

45 Zucchini Growing Tips

40 Tips for Growing Perfect Tomatoes

15 Pumpkin Growing Tips and Tricks!

Sweet Potato Slips {How to Grow Sweet Potatoes at Home!}

Did you know it’s actually really easy to grow your own sweet potatoes at home? All you’ll need are some Sweet Potato Slips to get started!

How to Store Potatoes Long Term

Are you wondering How to Store Potatoes Long Term? These simple little potato storage tricks work like a charm!

Growing Green Onions Tips

This crazy trick is a great way to always have fresh delicious green onions within arms reach!  As a result, you just may never be buying green onions again!

Tips for How to Grow Basil From Cuttings

How to Grow Rosemary from Cuttings

How to Grow Sage from Cuttings in Water

DIY Raised Garden Bed {Step-By-Step Instructions}

What to Put in a Compost Bin at Home {Composting 101}

Homemade Weed Killer with White Vinegar

23 Lowe’s Money Saving Tips for your Garden Supplies and Seeds!

21 Home Depot Money Saving Tips for your Garden Supplies and Seeds!

The Homestead Kitchen – Growing Kitchen Herbs:

DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden

Mastering Canning, Preserving, Freezing, Drying, and Dehydrating:

With all of that food you’ll be growing, it’s important to know how to preserve your bountiful harvest!  Sometimes those crops are ready for harvest all at the same time… and if you’ve got too much to eat fresh, you’ll want to preserve some for later!  From canning to drying, and freezing to dehydrating, I’ll show you how to preserve your food and fresh herbs below…

Apple Pie Filling for Canning Recipe

Easy Homemade Blackberry Jam Recipe

Strawberry Jam Recipe for Canning

Easy Freezer Jam Recipe

Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe

Crockpot Peach Butter Recipe

Canning and Preserving for Beginners {Your Ultimate Guide}

How to Freeze Strawberries

How to Freeze Pesto with Fresh Basil

Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe

Homemade Banana Chips Recipe

How to Dry Fresh Basil

How to Dry Thyme Leaves in 2 Minutes!

Drying Fresh Rosemary in 60 Seconds!

Best Tips for How to Dry Oregano

How to Dry Dill from Your Garden or The Store!

Easy Tip for How to Dry Sage Leaves Fast

How to Dry Parsley Leaves Fast {Dried Herb Trick}

Simple Tip for How to Dry Cilantro Leaves

101 Genius Kitchen Tips and Tricks to Save Time and Effort!

How to Grind Your Own Meat:

When it comes to homesteading, the one kitchen appliance every homestead kitchen needs is a high quality meat grinder!  I use the Weston #12 Electric Meat Grinder and LOVE it!

Not only does grinding your own meat save so much money, but it’s fresher and tastes SO much better, too!  Plus… it’s also incredibly handy if you raise or catch your own meat!

Related: 20 Ways to Save Money on Meat

For burgers, I like to blend 1 lb. Sirloin with 1 lb. Chuck Roast… or you can even get wild and mix in Brisket or Venison, too!  For Taco Tuesday, I like to change things up and grind boneless skinless pieces of chicken to make Ground chicken tacos!  You can even make chicken meatballs!  Once you start using a meat grinder, you won’t believe how outrageously delicious your burgers and tacos will be.  Trust me… you’ll never go back to those pre-made patties or expensive ground meats from the store!

Where to Buy Electric Meat Grinders

Homesteading with a Baby:

7 Easy Homemade Baby Food Recipes {The Complete Guide}

The Homestead Pantry:

Pantry Organization Ideas to Declutter Fast!

Homemade Pancake Mix Recipe

Best Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe

Cornbread Mix Recipe

Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

Oat Flour Recipe

20 DIY Seasoning Recipes

Snacks From the Garden:

Easy Basil Pesto Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips

Fresh Pico de Gallo Salsa Recipe

Hot Homemade Salsa Recipe

Breakfast on the Homestead:

25+ Apple Recipes! {From Your Orchard to Table}

Are your apples ready to pick?  Check out these simple and delicious apple recipes!

Bacon Recipes {Farm to Table}

Biscuit Recipe from Scratch

Nothing beats fresh biscuits for breakfast… especially topped with homemade jam!  These muffin tin biscuits are quick and easy to make… and will disappear as fast as you can make them!

Egg Recipes {How to Use up Fresh Eggs}

Thanks to the girls… your counter is probably loaded with eggs right about now!  You’ll love these creative and delicious breakfast recipes using eggs!

Pumpkin Recipes {How to Use Pumpkin Puree}

With all those pumpkins you’ve grown, you’ll love these delicious recipes to use your homemade pumpkin puree!

Cooking with Cast Iron:

15+ One Pot Meals Dutch Oven Recipes

Cooking in a cast iron dutch oven is a game changer… it cooks low, slow, evenly, and perfect every time!  Plus… enameled cast iron is ridiculously easy to clean, too!  These one pot meals will get you started with dutch oven cooking, with delicious soups and dinners the whole family will love!

25+ Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

Cast Iron Skillets are a must have on the homestead… and these easy cast iron recipes will have you using your skillet in fun new ways you never thought of!

Heritage Baking Recipes:

Easy Pie Recipes for Beginners

Fresh pies on the homestead are the perfect way to end the day!  Master the art of pie making with easy step-by-step instructions for pies including Apple, Caramel Apple, Blackberry, Pecan, Raspberry, and more!  They’re a delicious dessert… straight from your trees to your tummy!

Double Pie Crust Recipe

Just 3 ingredients, and you’ve got a fool-proof crust, just like Grandma used to make!

Best Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe

More Bake From Scratch Recipes!

Bread Making for Beginners:

Sourdough Starter Recipe {Quick & Easy Homemade Bread Starter}

This easy Sourdough Starter Recipe will have you baking gorgeous loaves of fresh, crusty sourdough bread in no time!

Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe {Classic, Rustic Dutch Oven Bread}

This Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe will show you step-by-step just what you need to do to become an AMAZING sourdough bread baker!

Crusty Bread Recipe Easy Artisan Loaf

This Crusty Bread Recipe Easy Bakery Loaf will have you baking dutch oven bread like a pro in no time!

Rosemary Dutch Oven Bread Recipe! {Easy No Knead Bread}

Making bread at home just got really easy.  This Rosemary Dutch Oven Bread Recipe is the foolproof recipe you’ve been looking for!

Homemade Hamburger Buns Recipe

Send your burgers and chicken sandwiches over-the-top when you serve them on these perfect homemade soft buns!

Honey Wheat Sandwich Bread Recipe

World’s Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe {Use Homemade Pumpkin Puree!}

Apple Bread Recipe with Fresh Apples

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

Homestead Laundry:

DIY Wool Dryer Balls {How to Make Your Own}

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder

8 Benefits of Drying Clothes Outside

Save money on electricity and learn why hang drying clothes can be a great idea!

More DIY Homestead Cleaning Products:

Homemade Glass Cleaner

This miracle DIY glass cleaner will have your windows, mirrors, and shower doors sparkling!  It’s so quick and easy to make, and will save you SO much money, too!

Homemade DIY Carpet Powder {Natural Freshener}

You won’t believe how fresh and clean your carpets will smell with this natural freshener trick!

Sewing and Mending Clothes on the Homestead:

How to Prevent Knee Holes in Jeans and Pants

This budget friendly, no-sew tip will help keep those jeans and pants hole-free!  This was a lifesaver when my boys were little!

How to Hand Sew a Boys’ Bow Tie

Learn how to hand sew a sweet bow tie for your boys with this easy step-by-step tutorial!

Crochet Crafts:

Free Patriotic Crochet Pattern for Baby

Deck out your itty bitty ones for the 4th of July this year with this adorable crochet project!

Easy Homemade Soy Candles

Luxurious Natural Homemade Beauty Products:

30 All-Natural Homemade Beauty Product Recipes

Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes

Oat Honey Face Mask Recipe

Easy Whipped Body Butter Recipe

Homemade Bath Salt Recipes

Nothing beats a relaxing bath after a hard day’s work on the homestead!  Learn how to make your own essential oil bath salts for the ultimate evening soak!

24 Creative Essential Oil Uses

Homemade Gifts from the Homestead:

How to Make Homemade Soy Candles

Did you know that candles are actually ridiculously easy to make?  Learn how to start making your very own soy mason jar candles with these step-by-step instructions.

101 Gifts in a Jar from the Homestead!

Gifts in a jar are so much fun to give… and receive!  Plan ahead for the holidays with this HUGE collection of mason jar gifts with step-by-step instructions!

Homesteading Budget:

20 Ways to Save Money on Meat {How to Save BIG All Year Long}

Are you looking for some Easy Ways to Save Money on Meat? With grocery prices soaring, these simple tips and tricks are just what you need!

How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half {35+ Brilliant Tips}

Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half?  Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!

How to Save Money Fast {Easy Tips to Ramp Up Your Savings}

Cut costs and save BIG with these frugal homesteading tips and tricks!

Preparing for Severe Weather Tips:

21 Tornado Preparedness Tips

Whether you’re living in a tornado zone or will be visiting one soon… take some time to prepare yourself, your family, and your home with this detailed list of Tornado Preparedness Tips.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips! {21 Ways to Be Prepared}

I have some really unique hurricane preparedness tips to share with you.  Like creative ways to put your dishwasher and washing machine to use, and why some extra long screws are essential when the storm is approaching.

Decorating the Homestead:

Farmhouse Home Decor Tips {Get the Look on a Budget}

How to transform your home into the ultimate farmhouse!  You’ll love these DIY decor tricks on a dime!

So don’t miss out!  Now that you’ve learned all about Homesteading 101, be sure to come join the frugal fun here…

So have you started out on your Homesteading adventure yet?  

Or do you have any Homesteading 101 Tips to Share?

Leave a comment below… we’d love to hear!