It's amazing how busy a mid-winter homestead can be! Scott has been back to work at his construction job and despite my honest efforts to get everything done an blog the blog has been lacking. I know, I know wait till planting season is here the I'll really be busy.
However when I was new to homesteading winter felt so slow, like there wasn't anything I could work on to create a homestead. With my experience now know that I was dead wrong. These are ideas for winter projects I wish someone had told me when I first wanted to be a homesteader.
1. Plan a garden
While winter isn't a great time to try eating homegrown food instead of relying on the grocery is the time to plan if that's your goal for next year. You'll need to plan not only the contents of your garden but the layout as well. You may also want to start looking at borrowing or purchasing tools like a rototiller.
We're actually in the process of planning our garden too because we're starting from scratch on new land.
We're actually in the process of planning our garden too because we're starting from scratch on new land.
2. Grow herbs or sprouts indoors
There are some herbs like our sage plant that can be grown inside during the winter to fill those garden cravings now. Sprouts are even faster and can be easily grown in a mason jar with nothing more than seeds, water, and cheesecloth or other mesh material.
I absolutely adore sprouts on wraps and salads.
I absolutely adore sprouts on wraps and salads.
3. Build a cold frame
Our new cold frame!
Cold frames can be fancy or as simple as some straw bales and an old window. They'll help you get some homegrown food sooner this spring. Scott just built one for us so we'll be testing it out soon!
4. Research livestock
So you want animals? It may seem unfortunate that there's not a lot available mid-winter but it's probably a good thing. If your livestock experience is lacking this will give you time to do the necessary research and preparation.
Think about things like coop design, feed and water set ups, and who will care for your animals while you're away.
Think about things like coop design, feed and water set ups, and who will care for your animals while you're away.
5. Learn to make things from scratch
The colder months are a great time to improve on your cooking and baking skills. In my attempts to become a homesteader I've tried my hand at many homemade dinners, bread, crackers, and pasta.
6. Try canning
While you may not have a lot of fresh produce rolling in from the garden you can still try canning. If you find produce on sale like apples or tomatoes consider stocking up and getting some practice canning instead of trying to learn when your neck deep in fresh produce this summer.
My favorite beginner canning recipe for applesauce can be found here.
7. Read
As I mentioned with livestock winter really is a great time for reading and gathering information no matter what your goals are. There are so many great books out there on self sufficiency, gardening, livestock, and more.
8. Check out ads and second hand stores
If you need tools for your new homestead now it's good to start checking Craigslist and your local classified ads before you really need them. We purchased things like our rototiller, grain mill, and laundry wringer used.
Winter can be downright dreary but I've learned over the last few years that if you're a homesteader it really doesn't have to be. It's a great time to get started so go start some sprouts, make some pasta or daydream with those poultry and seed catalogs. You are on your way.
Winter can be downright dreary but I've learned over the last few years that if you're a homesteader it really doesn't have to be. It's a great time to get started so go start some sprouts, make some pasta or daydream with those poultry and seed catalogs. You are on your way.
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