Category: homestead property
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How to Heat a Greenhouse Without Electricity: 7 Amish-Inspired Methods
Heating a greenhouse through a Western New York winter can get expensive quickly. Even worse, an electric heater leaves your plants vulnerable if the power goes out during a snowstorm. Thankfully, you do not necessarily need to keep an entire greenhouse warm like your living room. Traditional farmers have long used sunlight, thermal mass, manure,…
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Rabbitry Setup Ideas: Different Ways to House Rabbits on a Homestead
When I first started arranging rabbit cages in my barn, I quickly realized there is no single “correct” way to set up a rabbitry. I spent an entire day I think going over YouTube videos and blogs trying to find the right setup for ME. Some people hang individual wire cages from the ceiling. Others…
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How to Make a Pallet Fence for Pigs
Introduction Pig fencing does not have to be fancy to work. When we first set up our pig area, we built our fence out of free pallets. We used good-quality pallets, T-posts for support, and small 2×4 sections to brace the pallets together. And honestly? It worked. Our pallet pig fence lasted about three years…
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10 DIY Chicken Coop Run Ideas: Cheap, Predator-Safer & Easy to Build
Introduction A chicken coop keeps your flock safe at night, but the run is where your chickens spend a huge part of their day. A good chicken run gives your birds room to scratch, dust bathe, explore, and stay busy without having full access to your entire yard. It can also make your daily chores…
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The Ultimate Survival Garden: What to Grow to Feed Your Family
Introduction I feel like more and more people are starting to realize just how important it is to know how to grow food. Grocery prices are crazy right now. Produce quality can be hit or miss. Egg shortages happen overnight. And honestly, there’s something comforting about being able to walk outside and harvest food from…
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Winter Sowing 101: How to Start Seeds Outdoors in Milk Jugs (Even in the Snow)
Introduction Every single year, I do the same thing. I think about starting my seeds… but it’s still freezing out, so I don’t do it. Then weeks go by. I forget. Life happens. And suddenly it’s too late to start seeds. That’s when I end up at the nursery, spending way more money than I…
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Working Remotely From Your Homestead With VIPKid / VIPTeacher in 2026
One of the biggest misconceptions about homesteading is that it has to immediately pay for itself. In reality, most homesteads are supported—at least in the early years—by remote income. One of the most common and accessible options people still ask about is VIPKid (now called VIPTeacher). So the real question is: Does VIPKid still make…
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Winter Homestead Chores You Should Be Doing Now (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
Introduction Winter hits differently on the homestead — especially when you’re juggling goats, chickens, ducks, horses, and a million little chores that don’t slow down just because it’s cold. But winter doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right routine, you can keep your animals healthy, your property running smoothly, and your future spring projects…
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USDA Announces $3 Billion in Aid- A Promising Turn for Farmers & Homesteaders
The USDA has reopened 2,100 Farm Service Agency offices and announced a $3 billion aid package to support farmers during the government shutdown. This article explains what it means for small farmers, homesteaders, and programs like the hoop-house grant—and why renewed federal support matters for rural communities.
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Make Money with Your Goats
17 different ways you can make money with your backyard goats. I started an entire business with this- and I wanted to share with you!
