Discover practical guides on sustainable living, from gardening and raising livestock to preserving food and managing a self-reliant homestead. We show you how to build a lifestyle that’s resilient and resourceful.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene is still unfolding across western North Carolina, and the toll it has taken on the region’s farmers is only now becoming painfully clear. The storm, which struck months ago, left farms in ruin, crops destroyed, and entire livelihoods hanging in uncertainty. As reported by The Washington Post’s Brady Dennis, many …
For many aspiring homesteaders, getting a goat seems like a natural next step. They’re small, adorable, and promise a steady supply of milk. But according to Anne Briggs, the homesteader behind Anne of All Trades, goats are not the easy, low-maintenance livestock that many assume. After more than a decade of raising goats, Briggs has …
With the price of trucks higher than ever, buying a brand-new pickup just doesn’t make financial sense for most people. If you need a reliable truck for hauling firewood, moving supplies, or handling rough backroads, an old, well-maintained pickup can do just as good a job for a fraction of the cost. The trick is …
Power strips can be a convenient solution for powering various gadgets and appliances. However, it is important to know the potential dangers of plugging certain high-wattage devices into them. To ensure your safety, it’s crucial to pay attention to the maximum wattage of your power strip and ensure you’re not exceeding that amount with the …
A home garden is a powerful step toward food independence. As food prices rise and global shortages loom, growing your own vegetables ensures you always have access to fresh, nutritious produce. Some crops, however, are far more valuable than others when it comes to food security. The best choices are high-yielding, nutrient-dense, easy to store, …
Small-scale farming might seem like a passion project rather than a profitable business, but with the right strategies, it can generate consistent income. Despite large-scale industrial farming dominating the market, small farms have unique advantages – direct-to-consumer sales, lower overhead costs, and flexibility in adapting to local demand. If you’re looking to turn your small …
When I first moved to Alaska, I thought I was prepared. I had read all the books, watched all the survival shows, and stocked up on every cold-weather essential I could think of. I was ready—or so I believed. But nothing could have fully prepared me for what it truly means to live in one …
For thousands of years, farmers around the world have saved, stored, and replanted their own seeds. This simple practice has ensured food security, biodiversity, and resilience to changing climates. But today, that tradition is under legal attack. Large agribusiness corporations have spent decades lobbying for strict seed laws, turning seeds into intellectual property and limiting …
When I first set out to turn my one-acre farm into a livestock powerhouse, I had big dreams and even bigger expectations. I envisioned an operation that could produce meat, eggs, milk, and honey, all within a small, efficient space. I read the books, watched the videos, and planned everything down to the square foot. …
Building a cabin is a dream for many – a peaceful retreat nestled in nature, a place to escape the chaos of daily life. But before you dive into construction, there are several important factors you need to consider. While the idea of a cozy log cabin may seem simple, the reality involves careful planning, …
Raising backyard chickens isn’t just about the joy of collecting fresh eggs every morning—it’s about finding the best breed to keep those eggs coming. Some chickens lay a few eggs a week, while others are egg-laying machines, pumping out hundreds of eggs per year with impressive consistency. If you’re looking to maximize your egg production, …
Living off-grid is a dream for many who seek independence, sustainability, and freedom from the constraints of modern urban life. But not all locations are created equal. Factors like climate, zoning laws, land prices, access to water, and even political attitudes toward self-sufficient living can make or break an off-grid experience. Acorn Land Labs examined …
Raising cattle on grass alone can be a challenge, especially when it comes to growth rates and profitability. Some breeds take years to mature, requiring extensive feed and care before they’re ready for slaughter. For small-scale farmers or homesteaders, waiting three years for a return on investment isn’t always an option. That’s why selecting the …
When I first decided to raise Angora goats, my main goal was simple: produce high-quality mohair. I had read about how luxurious and valuable their fleece was, and I figured it would be a rewarding, albeit challenging, endeavor. What I didn’t expect was just how much these goats would teach me – not just about …
Homesteading has a romanticized image – wide-open spaces, fresh eggs every morning, and a lush garden overflowing with vegetables. That’s what I had in mind when I packed up my life and moved to the countryside, ready to embrace self-sufficiency. A year later, I came close to throwing in the towel. The reality was harder, …