Introduction
Homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. It is characterized by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of food, and may or may not involve the keeping of livestock. The degree to which one can achieve self-sufficiency depends on many factors, including access to land, climate, and the willingness and ability to do hard work.
The Morning Routine
The typical morning routine for a homesteader usually starts before the sun comes up. After getting up and starting the day with a cup of coffee, the homesteader will head out to start their chores. These chores typically include tasks like feeding and caring for animals, collecting eggs, milking cows, and chopping wood.
After completing their morning chores, the homesteader will likely take some time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning before starting their day. They may take a walk around their property, read a book, or just spend time enjoying nature.
Once the sun starts to come up, the homesteader will begin working on their gardening tasks for the day. This may include planting seeds, watering plants, weeding gardens, and harvesting produce.
After working in the garden for a few hours, the homesteader will take a break for lunch. This is usually a simple meal that can be prepared quickly so that they can get back to work.
In the afternoon, the homesteader will typically focus on tasks that need to be done inside the house. This may include cooking, cleaning, canning food, or working on DIY projects.
As the evening starts to approach, the homesteader will finish up their inside work and head back outside to complete any remaining chores. They will then enjoy a simple dinner before heading to bed early so that they can start their day all over again tomorrow!
Chores
Chores are a never-ending part of homesteading. Though they may seem mundane, they are actually a very important part of the homesteading lifestyle. By taking care of the everyday tasks, homesteaders are able to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Some of the most common chores include:
-Taking care of livestock
-Farming and gardening
-Cooking and canning
-Cleaning
-Building and repair
Garden
Gardening is a chore that homesteaders perform every day during the growing season. Weeding, planting, and harvesting are all part of a homesteader’s daily garden routine. In addition to these daily tasks, homesteaders also need to prepare their gardens for the winter months. This includes putting away tools, cleaning up debris, and mulching the garden beds.
Animals
A lot of people ask us what we do all day, and the answer is: a little bit of everything! We start our days early, around dawn, and try to get most of our outdoor chores done before the heat of the day sets in. That might mean feeding the animals, gathering eggs, collecting firewood, or doing some gardening. In the cooler months, we might also spend some time hunting or fishing. Throughout the day, we’re always keeping an eye on the animals to make sure they’re healthy and happy. We also try to do some cooking from scratch and canning or preserving food when we have a chance. In the evenings, we wind down with some simple pleasures like reading or spending time with family.
Canning and Preserving
Homesteaders are often known for their ability to “put food by” for the winter months. Canning and preserving food is a skill that was once common among Americans, but which has been mostly lost in recent generations. If you are interested in learning how to can and preserve food, there are many resources available to help you get started.
The first step in canning and preserving food is to choose the right foods to preserve. Not all foods can be canned or preserved, and some methods are better suited for certain foods than others. Once you have chosen the foods you want to preserve, you will need to gather supplies. Canning jars, lids, and rings can be purchased at most grocery stores or online. You will also need a pressure canner or water bath canner, depending on the method you choose.
Once you have your supplies, you will need to prepare your food for canning. This may involve cutting or chopping the food into smaller pieces, blanching it to kill bacteria, or adding acid (such as lemon juice) to lower the pH level and prevent spoilage. Once your food is ready, you will need to choose a canning method. Pressure canning is generally used for meats and vegetables, while water bath canning is typically used for fruits and pickled foods.
Canning and preserving food is a satisfying way to provide for your family – both now and in the future. With a little practice, anyone can learn how to do it!
Homesteading Projects
Homesteading projects can be small or large, simple or complex. They can be done in an hour, or take all day. No matter the size or scope, every project on the homestead has one goal: to make homesteading easier.
Here are some examples of homesteading projects that fall into each category:
-Building a chicken coop
-Constructing a garden fence
-Digging a well
-Planting a food forest
-Starting a compost pile
-Building a solar dehydrator
Relaxation and Entertainment
On a homestead, there is always work to be done, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t time for relaxation and entertainment. In fact, many homesteaders enjoy a very active lifestyle.
There are many ways to relax and entertain yourself on a homestead. One of the most popular ways is to simply take a walk around the property and enjoy the scenery. Nature enthusiasts may also enjoy hiking, fishing, or bird watching. Others may prefer to relax with a good book or take a nap in a hammock.
Many homesteaders also enjoy spending time working on their gardens or woodworking projects. Others may choose to spend their free time canning and preserving food for the winter months. And of course, don’t forget about the animals! Caring for your chickens, goats, cows, or other livestock can be a very rewarding experience.
The Evening Routine
After supper, the evening chores begin. These may include feeding livestock, collecting eggs, milking cows, and gathering firewood. With the sun setting earlier in the winter, homesteaders have to make the most of their daylight hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one answer to the question, “What do homesteaders do all day?” Each homesteader brings their own set of skills, talents, and interests to their homesteading lifestyle. With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of heart, anything is possible on the homestead.