Coming out of pandemic life, there’s a newfound appreciation for self-sustainability and having a home that’s ready for anything. After we’ve experienced having to stay in our homes for days weeks, on end, having a hobby homestead has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s more than just a fringe hobby.
At this point, homesteading is something that we all need to seriously consider.
Now is the time to get to work and make our homes into a safe place that can provide for our families no matter what the world throws at us next.
Here is a simple list of hobby homestead essentials:
1. Chickens + Chicken Coop
Homesteading and backyard chickens go pretty much hand-in-hand, and for good reason! Chickens are low-maintenance, friendly animals that produce a bounty of eggs for your family to enjoy (yay for free food even the twins will eat!). And trust me when I say that your kids will love having them around, too! Chickens are surprisingly friendly and love attention (and treats!) just like any other family pet.
Once you’ve scoped out a space for a chicken coop, stocked up on feed, and picked out a basket to collect eggs, you’re in for a fun adventure. Local? Here’s where to buy chicks in Waco.
2. A Backyard Garden
A little backyard garden can produce an enormous amount of food to keep you and your family fed with delicious and nutritious (for practically free!) produce all year long. When planning your garden, first think about what your family enjoys (there’s no sense planting zucchini if no one is going to eat it!).
Next, consider the size and start small — ask anyone who’s grown tomatoes and they’ll tell you that a single plant in the height of its season is tough to keep up with!
In addition to a vegetable garden, growing a few pots of medicinal herbs on your patio can give you even more peace of mind. Plants like aloe, calendula, peppermint, and garlic can help ease a wide range of issues, from digestive discomfort to burns and bee stings to sore muscles and even fevers. (Winter colds are coming.)
3. Food Preservation
Gardens are great at the height of the growing season, but what about the rest of the year? It’s time to think about preserving your veggies and fruits for winter. When you hear “food preservation” you probably picture your grandma standing over a hot stove of boiling water with dozens of mason jars lined up on the counter. Thankfully there are a lot of other great (and easy!) food preservation methods these days.
Use a dehydrator to preserve foods with minimal fuss. Toss cleaned and prepped veggies into a deep freezer! We love to roast tomatoes and freeze them for a boost of freshness in winter.
QUICK RECIPE: Quarter the tomatoes. Sprinkle on S&P and minced garlic with a glug of EVOO; roast on a sheet pan at 425 F for 30 minutes. Peal off the outer skin and store flat in a freezer-safe baggie. (One sheet pan of tomatoes will fit in a quart baggie and is about 1 portion for a whole pizza or a yummy addition to minestrone soup.)
Ready to turn your home into a hobby homestead? Need help deciding on where to put your chicken coop? We would love to help! Whether you’re jumping all in with a chicken coop or just need a shed to store your gardening tools, we offer a free yard evaluation to make sure your backyard is good to grow (pun!) into your very own homestead.
Click here to schedule a free Yard Evaluation or contact us by phone: (254) 537-1014.
