The Easy Homestead
Category

Homesteading

The skills, projects, and know-how behind a more self-reliant home, from first steps to everyday routines.

70 articles

Homesteading

Best Solar Panel Kits for Homestead

Compare the best solar panel kits for homestead power, then size your battery, panels, and inverter for reliable off-grid use.

Sep 1, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Best Pasture Fencing for Small Farms: 6 Options

Compare the best pasture fencing for small farms, including HDPE, woven wire, high-tensile, electric, and welded fencing for livestock.

Sep 1, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Best Portable Diesel Generators for Off-Grid Power

Compare the best portable diesel generator for off-grid power, with picks for homesteads, farms, job sites, remote cabins, and backup use.

Sep 1, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Best Off-Grid Generator for Homestead: 2026 Picks

Compare the best off-grid generator for homestead use, including solar power stations, dual-fuel models, and local support from The Easy Homestead.

Aug 30, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Best Insulated Barn Doors for Winter

Compare the best insulated barn doors for winter, including wood, PVC-coated, and bypass options for sheds, workshops, and farm buildings.

Aug 30, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Fence Company Near Me: Hiring for a Farm or Homestead

Searching "fence company near me" for a farm? Learn which fence types fit livestock, why farm fencing needs a livestock-savvy contractor, and how to find one by county.

Aug 16, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Best Local Meat Processor Options for Homesteaders

Find the right local meat processor for your farm animals. We cover directories, USDA vs. state-inspected facilities, mobile units, and what to ask before you book.

Jul 17, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Where to Buy Hay Near Me: 6 Local Sources Compared

Where to buy hay near me? Compare 6 local sources, feed stores, farms, co-ops and more, to get quality hay for your livestock at a fair price.

Jul 13, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Best Local Butchers Near Me: 7 Picks for Homesteaders

Local butcher near me searches turn up unverified listings, so here are 7 vetted options for homesteaders, from mobile units to co-op lockers. Start here.

Jun 24, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Apple Cider Vinegar Soap: Benefits + a Beginner Recipe (No Lye Needed)

Apple cider vinegar soap fights acne-causing bacteria, gently exfoliates, and soothes irritation. See the benefits and make a no-lye batch in about 30 minutes.

Mar 14, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Cocoa Butter Soap Recipe: Easy Melt-and-Pour + Cold Process Guide

Cocoa butter soap recipe done two ways: easy melt-and-pour with no lye, or cold process with full step-by-step instructions. Firmer bars, creamy lather.

Mar 14, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Make Lilac Enfleurage at Home (Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide)

Lilac enfleurage captures the scent of living lilacs in a solid fat. Learn the simple daily method, which fats to use, and how to finish a scented pomade.

Mar 14, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Flemish Giant Bunny: The Complete Beginner’s Guide (Size, Care, and Costs for 2026)

Flemish Giant bunnies weigh up to 22 pounds and live 8 to 10 years. Get the space, enclosure size, monthly feed costs, and care basics before you buy one.

Mar 13, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

What Is a Goat Door? Pop Door Sizes, Styles, and the Best Options for Your Goat Shed

A goat pop door lets your goats come and go without you opening the shed twice a day. Compare sizes, styles, and DIY versus buy options to pick the right fit.

Mar 13, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

What Is a Hay Load? (Plus How to Haul One Safely in a Pickup)

Hay load traditionally means 21 small square bales; today it loosely means one truckload. See what it costs, what your pickup can carry, and how to strap it.

Mar 13, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

The Best Heated Water Hose for Livestock: What to Know Before You Buy (2026)

A heated water hose for livestock keeps water flowing to barns and pens in sub-zero temps. Compare the Pirit and Allied models plus setup tips before ordering.

Mar 13, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Make Foaming Hand Soap (2 Ingredients, 2 Minutes, Costs Pennies)

How to make foaming hand soap: mix 1 part liquid soap with 4 to 5 parts water in a foaming pump. Takes under 2 minutes and cuts about 75% off each refill.

Mar 13, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

What to Do with Lavender: 15 DIY Uses, Recipes, and Health Benefits

What to do with lavender: 15 DIY projects, recipes, and wellness uses for dried buds, with beginner instructions and the research behind each common claim.

Mar 13, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

The Best Farm to Table Cookbooks for Scratch Cooks and Homesteaders (2026)

Best farm to table cookbooks for real home cooks, organized by skill level and use case, with picks for homesteaders and scratch cooks. See the full list below.

Mar 12, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

English Shepherd Dog Breed Guide: The Original American Homestead Dog (2026)

English Shepherd dogs are the original American farm dog, well suited to homesteads with kids, chickens, and livestock. Here is what to know before you get one.

Mar 12, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes - Fresh, Old, and Already Dried (2025)

Grease stains come out of clothes with dish soap and the right water temperature, even old or dryer-set ones. Methods for fresh, dried, whites, delicates here.

Mar 12, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How Long Can Cow’s Milk Sit Out? (Pasteurized vs. Raw, Plus What to Do Next)

How long can cow's milk sit out? Pasteurized milk is safe about 2 hours, less in heat. See times for raw milk, formula, and bottles, plus how to spot spoilage.

Mar 12, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Remove Rust from a Cast Iron Skillet (Simple Methods That Actually Work)

Removing rust from a cast iron skillet is simple with steel wool, vinegar, baking soda, or salt. Learn each method, then re-season the pan so it lasts.

Mar 12, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Trap a Skunk Without Getting Sprayed: A Beginner’s Guide for 2025

Skunk traps rarely cause spraying if you cover the cage before you approach. See which trap to buy, the best bait, and how to check it at dawn safely.

Mar 12, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

The Best Cast Iron Bread Pan (And How to Actually Use It) - 2026 Guide

Cast iron bread pans give even heat and a fully developed crust with no synthetic coatings. See which Lodge loaf pan to buy and how to use it properly.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Does the Zevo Fly Trap Actually Work? My Honest Review

Does Zevo work? The plug-in UV trap catches gnats and house flies well, with mixed results on heavy fruit fly infestations. See the honest verdict here.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Make Essential Oil Soap at Home: A Beginner’s Guide (2026)

Essential oil soap keeps natural glycerine and uses pure plant oils like lavender and tea tree. Learn a simple melt-and-pour recipe you can make in 30 minutes.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Hatching Duck Eggs: Beginner’s Guide (Incubator or Natural Method)

Hatching duck eggs takes 28 days with higher humidity than chicken eggs. Get incubator specs, lockdown numbers, daily misting, and broody tips to get started.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How Long Do Dwarf Rabbits Live? Average Lifespan + Tips to Help Them Thrive

Dwarf rabbits typically live 8 to 10 years, with care, breed, and spay or neuter status shaping the range. See realistic numbers by breed and tips to help.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How Much Do KuneKune Pigs Cost? A Complete 2025 Price Guide

KuneKune pig prices range from $100 to $850 or more, depending on registration, sex, breeder, and where you live. See the full cost breakdown before you buy.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Make Lavender Handmade Soap for Beginners (Easy No-Lye Recipe)

Lavender handmade soap takes about 15 minutes using a melt and pour base, no lye needed. One $18 loaf makes about ten bars. Full steps and tips to start.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

What Is Magnesium Hydroxide in Deodorant - And Does It Actually Work? (2026)

Magnesium hydroxide in deodorant works by raising skin pH to fight odor, and it tends to be gentler than baking soda. Here is what to know before trying it.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Oatmeal and Honey Soap Benefits (and Why I Make My Own for Just $2 a Bar)

Oatmeal and honey soap benefits include gentle exfoliation, locked-in moisture, and calmer skin for eczema-prone and sensitive types. See how to make your own.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Pineapple Sage Tea: Benefits, How to Make It, and What It Actually Tastes Like (2026)

Pineapple sage tea is a caffeine-free herbal brew with a tropical aroma and mellow, earthy taste. Learn the real benefits, honest flavor, and how to steep it.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

The Easy Guide to Soap Stamps: What to Buy, How to Use One, and When to Stamp Your Bars (2026)

Soap stamps press a design into fresh homemade bars. Compare pre-made, custom, metal, and DIY options, plus when to stamp cold process and melt-and-pour.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

The Best Stick Blender for Soap Making (and Why Most Advice Is Wrong)

Stick blender for soap making comes down to one ~$30 pick the soapmaking community trusts. See what actually matters and which wattage advice to skip.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Make Whipped Tallow Face Cream (Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe for 2025)

Whipped tallow face cream is a natural moisturizer from grass-fed tallow, jojoba oil, and essential oils. One 4oz batch takes 20 minutes. Make a jar at home.

Mar 11, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Bath: Benefits, Easy Recipe, and What It’s Good For (2026)

An Epsom salt and baking soda bath eases sore muscles, calms itchy skin, and helps you unwind. Here is the simple recipe, soak time, and how to adjust it.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Make Honey Soap at Home (Melt & Pour or Cold Process)

Making honey soap at home costs under $1 a bar versus $7 to $13 store-bought. Try the no-lye melt and pour method or cold process, with steps for both.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How Much Is a Mini Highland Cow? (2026 Price Guide)

Mini Highland cow cost runs $2,500 to $9,000 depending on type, age, and registration. See the full price breakdown plus the real first-year budget to plan for.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Make Turmeric Soap at Home (Easy Recipe - No Lye Required!)

How to make turmeric soap at home using two methods: a 30-minute melt-and-pour bar with no lye, or a cold process version for full control. Give it a try.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Is Soap a Base or an Acid? The Plain-English Answer (+ Why It Matters for Natural Living)

Soap is a base, an alkaline salt with a pH around 9 to 10 made by reacting fats or oils with lye in saponification. See the simple chemistry behind it.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

How to Make a Lotion Bar: Easy Beginner Recipe for Soft, Nourished Skin

Lotion bar recipe with three ingredients: beeswax, butter, and a carrier oil. Melt, pour, and cool to make 8 to 10 solid moisturizing bars, ready to gift.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Homemade Lotion Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Body Butter (or True Lotion When You’re Ready)

Homemade lotion recipe basics: most online versions are actually body butter. Make a simple 3-ingredient body butter or a true water-based lotion at home.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Natural Wax Melts: The Beginner’s Guide to Non-Toxic Home Scents (+ Easy DIY Recipe)

Natural wax melts skip paraffin and synthetic fragrance for plant or bee-based wax and pure essential oils. Compare soy, beeswax, coconut, then make your own.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

What Is Pink Clay? Benefits, DIY Recipes, and How to Use It for Beginners

Pink clay is the gentlest cosmetic clay, ideal for sensitive, dry, and mature skin. Learn its benefits, a beginner face mask recipe, and how to use it.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Homemade Scouring Powder Recipe (Non-Toxic & Way Cheaper Than Comet)

Homemade scouring powder made from baking soda and washing soda. A non-toxic, low-cost alternative to Comet that mixes in about five minutes. Try a batch.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Easy Shower Steamers Recipe (Beginner-Friendly with Essential Oil Blends)

Shower steamers recipe with essential oil blends for sinus relief, energy, and sleep. Make 8 to 12 in about 15 minutes for around $3 a batch. Try it tonight.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

What to Do with Dried Lavender: 20 Uses Organized from Easiest to Most Creative

What to do with dried lavender? This guide lists 20 uses, sorted from quick two-minute wins to small-batch recipes, so you can start with whatever you have.

Mar 10, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Mini Highland Cow: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get One (2026)

Mini Highland cows are real, smaller-bred Highland cattle. See their size, cost, lifespan, space needs, and how to spot a reputable breeder before you buy.

Mar 6, 2026 Read →
Homesteading

Farmhouse Decor on a Budget: Decorating Tips for Beginners

Farmhouse decor ideas for beginners on a budget, from throw pillows and lighting swaps to paint and a simple color palette. Practical tips to start today.

Jan 5, 2025 Read →
Homesteading

31 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Women: Affordable & Thoughtful

Stocking stuffer ideas for women, from travel perfumes and lip masks to cozy and practical picks, most under $50, with options for moms, sisters, and friends.

Dec 17, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

20 Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas for a Magical Holiday Feast

Christmas Eve dinner ideas spanning prime rib, seafood, and modern dishes, with cooking tips and temperatures to plan a holiday meal your guests remember.

Dec 14, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

20 Best Holiday Treats: Classic Cookies to Modern Delights!

Holiday treats from classic cookies to modern bakes: 20 recipes with ingredient lists, baking tips, and timing to help you plan your holiday baking ahead.

Dec 12, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

20 Christmas Door Decorating Ideas (Transform Your Entryway)

Christmas door decorating ideas for every style, from classic evergreen wreaths to bold red and green schemes. Find a look that suits your front entryway.

Dec 10, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

22 Elf Arrival Ideas for 2025: Creative First Day Magic!

Elf arrival ideas for the first morning, from quick setups you can do in minutes to bigger North Pole scenes. Find a fun first-day reveal your kids will love.

Nov 30, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

Homemade Easy Gravy Recipe (Ready in 15 Minutes!) 2025

Easy gravy recipe using three pantry staples: fat, flour, and stock. Make silky, lump-free gravy in about 15 minutes with this simple method. Try it soon.

Nov 29, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

103 Hilarious White Elephant Gift Ideas to Steal the Show

White elephant gift ideas from practical to absurd, with price tips for office and friend group exchanges, plus picks built to get stolen. Take a look.

Nov 28, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

10 Turkey Disguise Ideas for Kids: Superheroes & More!

Turkey disguise ideas for kids, from superheroes to classic costumes, plus the craft supplies, templates, and paper tips that make each project easy to build.

Nov 6, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

Solar vs Generator: Best Power Options for Homesteads

Solar vs generator for homesteads: compare upfront cost, long-term savings, reliability, and emissions to choose the power setup that fits your land and budget.

Nov 3, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

27 Creative Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Love

Thanksgiving dinner ideas spanning classic mains, hearty sides, and lighter alternatives, from herb-butter turkey to vegetarian Wellington. Plan your menu.

Nov 3, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

20 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas Ready in Under 30 Minutes

Quick and easy dinner ideas you can make in under 30 minutes, from sheet pan fajitas to shrimp stir-fry and grain bowls. Twenty recipes for busy weeknights.

Oct 31, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

30+ Pumpkin Painting Ideas For No-Carve Halloween Magic!

Pumpkin painting ideas for no-carve Halloween decor, with acrylic paint tips, design inspiration, and tricks to keep painted pumpkins fresh all season.

Oct 28, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

15+ Pumpkin Carving Ideas I’ve Perfected Over the Years

Pumpkin carving ideas for every skill level, from essential tools and safety gear to beginner faces and intricate designs. Browse the picks and start carving.

Oct 27, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts at Home (Top 2 Methods)

How to grow alfalfa sprouts at home using a jar or tray, ready in three to four days. Simple setup, rinsing, and harvest tips for fresh, crunchy greens.

Jul 20, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

Homemade Pedialyte and Freezer Pops

Homemade Pedialyte replaces store-bought freezer pops and liters with a simple electrolyte drink for sick kids, made without artificial dyes or sweeteners.

Jan 21, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

Farm chores for kids – by age

Farm chores for kids, organized by age from toddlers through ages 10-12. Practical task lists that teach responsibility and useful skills on the homestead.

Jan 20, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

Homemade Peach Pie Recipe

Peach pie recipe with a homemade butter crust and fresh ripe peaches in a spiced filling. Ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and baking notes included.

Jan 8, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

What is homesteading

Homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency built on growing food, preserving the harvest, and raising animals. See what it means and how to begin.

Jan 7, 2024 Read →
Homesteading

Easy Homemade Eczema Cream Recipes That Actually Work (2026)

Homemade eczema cream uses a few simple ingredients like shea butter, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe to calm itching and soften dry, irritated skin. Try a batch.

Apr 14, 2023 Read →
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