From the journal

The Blog

Seasonal wisdom, hard-won lessons, and stories from the homestead.

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Beginner · November 12, 2024

What Nobody Tells You About Your First Year Homesteading

The first year is brutal, beautiful, and nothing like the YouTube videos. Here's the unfiltered truth about what to expect — and h…

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Chickens · October 8, 2024

How to Keep Hens Laying Through the Entire Winter

Egg production doesn't have to crater in October. Here's exactly what we do to maintain production through the darkest months — wi…

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Solar · September 22, 2024

The Real Cost of Going Off-Grid Solar in 2024

Real numbers from real homesteads. What does a complete off-grid solar system actually cost in 2024, and where do most people go w…

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Hunting · October 31, 2024

How to Butcher a Deer at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Professional butchering is expensive and impersonal. Doing it yourself saves $150–300 per deer and gives you complete control over…

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Preservation · September 5, 2024

Stocking Your Root Cellar: A Complete Fall Harvest Guide

What to grow, when to harvest, how to cure it, and exactly how to store each crop for maximum winter shelf life. The complete root…

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Foraging · April 3, 2024

10 Wild Plants You Can Eat Right Now This Spring

Spring is the most abundant foraging season of the year. These 10 species are safe for beginners, nutritious, delicious, and almos…

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Preservation · August 14, 2024

Water Bath Canning for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

Canning your own food feels intimidating the first time. Here's the complete beginner's guide to water bath canning — what's safe …

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Off-Grid · July 19, 2024

7 Costly Off-Grid Living Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Learn from the failures of those who came before you. These seven mistakes cost off-grid homesteaders thousands of dollars and eno…

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