I’ve put together a list of resources from my site and elsewhere on many of the homesteading topics you’re curious about. These resources are a great place to start gaining knowledge and skills.
I’ve also included tools that I find incredibly helpful.
Homesteaders are notorious for reusing, upcycling, and going without, but when you do need something, it’s best to buy a high-quality item so that you’re not replacing it all the time (and spending more money to do so!).
I wanted to share my favorites with you so you can have a good idea where to start for quality items.
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Homestead Skill Building
100+ Homesteading Skills to Master
The Encyclopedia of Country Living – This was the first homesteading related book I read. It’s what launched me head first into a life of self-reliance.
Soil Sisters – An excellent book for aspiring women farmers. If you have any desire to monetize your homestead this is a great resource with lots of great info on laws, etc.
The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It – A great guide for all aspects of homesteading. Its so thorough I still haven’t gotten through it entirely (which is why I’m so glad I have a hard copy!)
Rootsy – This is a great membership site with tons of training videos, ebooks, workshops, webinars, etc. Each month is a different skill but all of the previous months are available as well. They cover everything you want to know about: Beekeeping, canning & preserving, gardening, raising small livestock, scratch cooking, etc.
Favorite Youtube Channels
Justin Rhodes – Focuses on permaculture and includes fun family videos
Homesteady – I really like Austin’s business sense. If you’re interested in making a profit from your homestead, check these videos out.
Doug and Stacy – These two are fun and informative!
Weed Em and Reap – I love Danelle’s humor and honesty!
Animals/Livestock
How to get started with chickens
My pinterest board on all things Homestead Animals
Electric poultry fencing – This fencing helps us protect out flock while being able to use them to work in the garden for us!
Energizers for poultry fencing – You can choose solar or AC/DC energizers. We have an AC/DC energizer because it’s cheaper, and I’ve heard, works better than the solar.
Gardening
Seeds – I buy seeds from Seed Savers, Seeds for Generations, and Pinetree.
Broadfork – This tool is for aerating the earth without upsetting the soil structure. Some of the cheaper broadforks will break (so I’ve heard) which is why I bought and recommend this one. The handles are ash (a very hard wood) and it holds up great to use.
Real Food
Though I try to grow as much as possible, I’ll likely never have access to coconuts in my yard. That’s ok though, because the money I save growing vegetables can go towards buying things I can’t grow that I otherwise may not be able to afford!
Tropical Traditions – I like to check out the current sales every so often and build an order around what’s on sale.
Amazon Subscribe and Save – Each month I get an order which includes BPA-free coconut milk, Larabars and other things we use regularly.
Thrive Market – It’s is sort of like Costco meets Whole Foods meets Amazon. For a yearly membership fee Thrive Market offers wholesale prices on natural and organic food. The great thing is that you don’t have to buy in bulk to get wholesale prices.
Vitacost is a great place to find wholesome foods as well as vitamins and supplements. They offer free shipping on orders over $49 so I will make sure I meet that minimum.
Real Plans – This is the best meal planning app for those of us who eat real food. It’s easy to use, reduces the time it takes me to plan meals, and save me lots of money.
In the Kitchen
Instant pot – I love my instant pot! I had been toying around with the idea of getting one for a while but I finally took the plunge when I realized you can make yogurt in it!
Food Processor – I couldn’t live without my food processor. I own and love this one.
Ball Jars (mason jars) – I use Ball jars for everything from storage to fermenting to water cups to leftover containers.
This is a living list so check back later for more resources!