Winter on the Homestead
Homesteading Skills to Master When It's Cold Outside
Winter is such a wonderful season on the homestead. The spring and fall always seem to be filled with hard heavy labor and the summer months have a constant running to-do list tied to them. But in the winter we finally get a chance to slow down. To reflect and focus on our little bit of earth, planning what we want to accomplish next. The colder months offer a unique opportunity to prepare for the year ahead and hone skills that can benefit your homestead in all seasons. Here are some rewarding homesteading activities to focus on when it’s cold outside:
1. Food Preservation and Storage
Now by this time most of our fall harvest is already canned or preserved but that doesn’t mean I can’t experiment with preserving. This is a great time to try out new recipes so you can beginning planning what you’d like to plant this upcoming spring. Whether you're freezing, canning, dehydrating, or fermenting, these skills are invaluable for extending the life of your food stores. Try new recipes for jams, pickles, or fermented vegetables, and organize your pantry to ensure everything is ready for use.
Pro Tip: Experiment with fermenting sauerkraut or kimchi—fermented foods are rich in probiotics and easy to make in cooler conditions.
This time of year is also filled with hunting. This year, I learned how to render tallow, or animal fat, from our hunts and preserve it for a number of different uses, from cooking to skincare. You can read more on how to do that here. We also experimented with new jerky recipes that turned out to be amazing.
2. Baking and Cooking From Scratch
When the snow falls, you can cozy up the house by mastering some new baking and cooking techniques. Homemade bread, pies, soups, and stews are perfect for cold days. Use this time to explore more ways to cook from scratch, such as making butter, cheese, or homemade pasta. Not only is this healthier, but this saves money, and it also deepens your self-sufficiency.
Pro Tip: Try sourdough baking—it’s a skill that takes time to develop and fits well with the slower pace of winter.
3. Learn a new valuable skill
Handcrafting and mending clothes or household textiles are practical and rewarding winter skills. Learn to sew, knit, crochet, or patch up items to extend their life and reduce waste. Start with simple projects like dishcloths or scarves and work your way up to more complex items.
4. Planning and Organizing
Winter is the perfect time for homestead planning. Create a garden layout, decide which crops to plant, and plan rotation strategies. Organize your toolshed, inventory seeds, and order supplies for spring. A solid plan ensures a smoother growing season. My favorite way to lay out my goals and projects for the year is with a good homesteading planner. I particularly love this one, which is a companion planner to the backyard homestead books and it is organized by season.
Pro Tip: Keep a homestead journal to track what worked well this year and outline goals for the next.
5. Herbal Remedies and Natural Medicine
Dive into the world of herbal medicine by learning to make salves, tinctures, and teas. Winter gives you time to experiment with dried herbs you’ve grown or foraged during the warmer months. Start with simple remedies for colds and aches to boost your confidence. Remember to be careful with this one. Natural remedies can still have interactions with other medications and can have side effects as well. Always seek medicinal counseling with a professional before trying a new remedy.
Pro Tip: Make an elderberry syrup for immune support—it’s simple, effective, and great for the winter months.
6. Animal Care Education
If you keep livestock, winter is an excellent time to deepen your knowledge of animal husbandry. Learn more about your animals' nutritional needs, winterizing shelters, and identifying common health issues. Use this time to plan for breeding, hatching, or expanding your livestock in the spring.
Pro Tip: Build or repair structures like nesting boxes or feeding stations indoors to prepare for warmer weather.
7. Homestead Repairs and DIY Projects
Cold weather is a great excuse to tackle indoor DIY projects. Repair or refurbish tools, build storage solutions, or create homemade décor. Winter is also a good time to learn basic carpentry skills, which are invaluable on a homestead.
Pro Tip: Build small, practical projects like birdhouses or tool organizers to refine your skills.
8. Education and Skill-Building
Use the slower winter months to expand your knowledge. Read books, watch tutorials, or take online courses on topics like permaculture, beekeeping, or off-grid living. This education will help you hit the ground running when spring arrives.
Pro Tip: Share your learning by teaching family members or neighbors—it’s a great way to strengthen your community.
9. Crafting for Income or Gifts
Winter crafts like soap-making, candle-making, or weaving can provide both creative fulfillment and extra income. These items also make thoughtful homemade gifts, especially during the holiday season.
Pro Tip: Try making beeswax candles—they're simple, smell wonderful, and align perfectly with a homesteading lifestyle.
Winter doesn’t have to be a dormant season for homesteaders. By focusing on these skills, you can make the most of the colder months, deepen your self-reliance, and set your homestead up for success in the year ahead. So grab a mug of tea, roll up your sleeves, and embrace the productivity of winter!
What are your favorite homesteading projects for winter? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!
