Homesteading Challenge: Practical Skills for Simple Living

So, what does homesteading mean? Come along and discover traditional homesteading type skills, ideas and tips to live a simpler lifestyle no matter where you live! This is a must-have homesteading skills checklist for your guide!

Some people choose homesteading off grid while others practice urban homesteading skills or backyard farming type skills……maybe you fall somewhere in-between these ideas. Read on for more thoughts on homesteading skills.

HOMESTEADING SKILLS CHECKLIST CHALLENGE:

Homesteaders were tough people. They were independent and capable, needing a wide variety of homesteading skills to survive. Self-reliant types still need these traditional homesteading skills today.

SO, ARE YOU a _________________?

>Homesteader-at-Heart ♥

>Beginning Homesteader

>Intermediate Homesteader

>Advanced Homesteader

>Life Long Homesteader

In our modern-day and age, most of us depend on others for our survival. But, really, this is okay to an extent…..commerce and capitalism allows us to provide goods and services to others.

We trade or purchase the goods and services that we need for ourselves and for our families’ well being. Most of us, work at some other type of job in order to provide for our needs.

But, there are others that enjoy and want to be more involved in their daily existence. This is where the homesteading mindset come in….”Homesteading jobs” vary greatly from growing our own foods, making many of our products land foods like cleaning solutions, laundry soap, and homemade recipes.

So, homesteading type people will still need to purchase or trade for raw materials and ingredients or actually grow or gather their resources.

In a nutshell, it is Services and Products produced and Services and Products consumed. It is this “Give and Take” type of system that makes the world go round.

So, with that said…..see how you score on this Skills and Accomplishments Checklist. Some you may not need and others you may want to learn.

Homesteading and having homesteading skills means different things to different people. Basically, it is creating your own type of lifestyle doing those things that bring you satisfaction!

Even in the city, a Homesteader-at-Heart can have a container garden, make soap, dip candles, make homemade jellies & jams……so living in the city isn’t a very good excuse to not do well on this quiz!

CATEGORIES for HOMESTEADING SKILLS:

• BASIC BAKING AND COOKING
• MILK AND DAIRY
• POULTRY / FARM BIRDS
• HOMESTEAD SKILLS
• HOUSEHOLD SKILLS
• GARDENING
• MEATS AND WILD GAME

Find out whether you are a Homesteader-at-Heart, a Beginning Homesteader, Intermediate or Advanced Homesteader!

Or, you might just curious about the homesteading lifestyle and homesteading skills…..and see what they are all about.

The list is fun but challenging!

For me, I love to do it all! For my own experience and for my own skillset. I must confess that we have never raised pigs!

So, I cannot check that one off my homesteading skills checklist…….but most of the other things on this list, we have done. All of these things do not need to be done all the time.

It is just skills, achievements and accomplishments that make us all well rounded and capable people.

It is so fascinating to see what people can do. Being prepared and capable is important.

Note: Homestead can mean simply on the home-front, farmstead, your house, home, apartment, flat, balcony or backyard. So many of these skills can be practiced and learned just about anywhere.

If you live in an apartment, it will be difficult to raise livestock. But, that does not mean you cannot find a country co-op where you can learn some animal husbandry skills.

Many of the skills listed are easy for everyone, some will be more difficult depending on your location but almost all of them are doable with some effort.

So, see how you score with your current knowledge. Then plan your next steps to increase your skills!

[This is by no means an exhaustive list of HOMESTEADING SKILLS…… But, take a look and see how many of these skills you have accomplished or plan on doing!]

BASIC BAKING SKILLS: 

Make DIY Iced Tea

Making your own homemade iced tea is such a simple way to start doing something for yourself especially if you are just beginning. Bottled drinks and especially bottled iced tea is fairly expensive not to mention the leftover plastic or glass bottle or container.

Brewing your own iced tea is fun, rewarding and very economical.

Use one tea bag or one tablespoon of loose leaf tea for every 2 cups of water. Bring your water to a boil to your heat proof, glass canning jar . I like using 1/2 canning jars for Home Brewed Iced Tea. Or, consider a heat-proof glass pitcher.

The Ratios will be: adjust according to taste

• 6 tea bags or 6 tablespoons loose leaf tea per 8 cups of water…..this makes 1/2 gallon
• 12 tea bags or 12 tablespoons loose leaf tea per 8 cups of water…..this makes 1 gallon

To Make Home Brew:

For 1/2 gallon of iced tea, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Pour into your heatproof jar or pitcher. Add 6 tea bags. Steep for at least 20 minutes.

Remove tea bags or strain out loose leaf tea. Add the remaining 4 cups of cool water.

Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or cane sugar, if desired and serve over ice! Add a sprig of fresh mint…for an extra treat. Enjoy! Refrigerate any remaining tea.

For 1 gallon of iced tea, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Pour into your heatproof jar or pitcher. Add 12 tea bags. Steep for at least 20 minutes.

Remove tea bags or strain out loose leaf tea and chill. Add the remaining 8 cups of cool water.

Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or cane sugar, if desired and serve over ice! Add a sprig of fresh mint…for an extra treat. Enjoy! Refrigerate any remaining tea.

Bake Homemade Cookies

Baking homemade cookies is a perfect first step to start cooking from scratch. Especially easy to do if you have a great recipe.

You can make your cookies exactly the way you want whether you use organic ingredients, whole wheat flours, refined sugars or sugar substitutes. If you need a wonderfully delicious recipe try: The Best Everything Cookie Recipe

Make Homemade Bread

Baking Bread can be considered an art. But, it really is a basic staple food for most of the world. Baking your own bread is rewarding.

The simple act of taking simple ingredients and working those with your hands to create a delicious food source is very satisfying. Here is a simple but delicious recipe: Basic French Bread

Also, discover how to make a No Yeast Bread that is ready in one hour! Perfect breakfast or dinner bread.

Bake a Homemade Pie Crust and Pie

Many people are scared of making pie crusts. I used to feel the same way. Then, I discover how easy it is to make a pie crust when using oil instead of lard or hard shortenings.

I love this healthy pie crust recipe: Basic Easy Pie Crust Recipe ~ Anyone Can Make ♥

Make Homemade Waffles 

Homemade Waffles are truly delicious and so easy to make! Cutting out packaged foods and mixes.

This is an easy first step in the direction of self-sufficiency; which is also a step in the direction of being a homesteader!

I love using Einkorn Flour in all my baking. This recipe is sure to please your family. The nice thing about this Homemade Waffle Recipe is that it doubles for Homemade Pancakes.

Here are three waffles irons that might work well for you:

• Cuisinart Electric Waffle Iron 
• Square Waffle Maker 
• Non-Electric Waffle Iron for Off-Grid Homesteaders

Make Homemade Pancakes

Learning to whip up from scratch recipes is a time saving and money saver. Plus, this from scratch Homemade Pancake Recipe is sure to please everyone!

Such a great skill to have….it be able to make your favorite recipes from scratch without even looking at your recipe cards. Perfect skills for homesteaders-at-heart, homesteaders and self-reliant folks.

Latest Video from Original Homesteading:

Do You Know What Hard Tack is?

Hard Tack is a crisp nutritious cracker-like biscuit. It was and is still used for survival rations. But can also be enjoyed as a healthy homemade cracker. Enjoy Hard Tack plain or spread with butter, cream cheese, peanut butter and jam! Learn to Make Hard Tack Today!!

Maybe put a  Deep-Notched Linden Swedish Rolling Pin on your gift list ♥ {this is THE COOLEST ROLLING PIN EVER} Wonderfully made and so Classic……quick side note: this Deep Notch Swedish Rolling Pin would make a wonderful gift + a copy of my Hard Tack Recipe for your baking friends!

BASIC COOKING SKILLS:

Boil an Egg

This sounds so simple but many people do not know how to properly boil an egg. Find out How to Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs today!

Make Homemade Gravy

Making gravy from roasts and meats is really quite easy to do. It is something that every cook used to know how to do but not anymore. Learn the basics of making a delicious gravy.

Here are the steps for making Easy Homemade Gravy.

Roast a Turkey with Stuffing

Can you roast turkey? Do you know the proper steps for thawing a frozen turkey and then preparing it for properly roasting it in the oven?

If not, find out How to Roast a Turkey, just in time for Thanksgiving!

Homemade Jam

Fresh and frozen berries make the best homemade jam. This is such a great place to start basic homesteading and food preservation skills.

I love mixing several types of berries in my MIXED BERRY JAM RECIPE. I have reduced the amount of sugar to only 2 cups and the jam turns out beautifully every time. Give it a try!

Cooking with Cast Iron

Cast Iron cooking is a real traditional skill. These pans and skillets are heavy but are perfect for all types of sautéing, frying, baking and reheating. A 12″ Cast Iron Skillet is a perfect place to begin when first purchasing cast iron. I also like having a round cast iron griddle and a large rectangular cast iron griddle. 

If you are really interested in a great starter set of Cast Iron Cookware you will not be disappointed in the overall versatility and durability.

I also recommend enamel cast iron pan and enamel cast iron pot and dutch oven.

Make Homemade Soup from Scratch with Your Own Vegetables

Cook a Venison Roast, Wild Game or Beef Roast in a Crock-Pot for a complete meal

Learn to Make Homemade Bone Broth from a chicken or turkey carcass

Prepare a Complete Thanksgiving Dinner!

Try your hand at making a complete Thanksgiving Dinner for your family and friends.

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MILK and DAIRY SKILLS:

Milk a Goat or Cow for Fresh Milk

Fresh milk is wonderful. Learning to milk can take time. But, watching an expert and learning the proper techniques are very important.

Here is an excellent post on how to properly Milk a Cow and How to Milk a Goat

Learn the secret to properly handling fresh milk in this post on raising Goats and Goat Milk. This technique ensures not off “goaty” tasting milk!

Make Butter from Fresh Cream in a Jar or Churn

Making butter is fun and homemade butter tastes delicious. This is a wonderful skill to have. So easy to do and so delicious.

Learn How to Make Homemade Butter

A Daisy Butter Churn from Lehman’s is a nice addition to any homestead type kitchen. Or try a smaller Vintage Style Butter Churn from Kilner.

Here is a simple recipe for Soft Spreadable Butter. Easy and delicious…..heart-healthy, too! ♥

Make Homemade Yogurt

Homemade Yogurt is delicious and perfect for extra fresh milk. Learn How to Make Yogurt at Home for your family today!

Try Making Soft Cream Cheese

Learn to make Homemade Cream Cheese with this super easy recipe. This recipe works for Ricotta Cheese, too!

Make Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese is actually quite easy and fun to make. You will need rennet or vinegar to curdle your milk. The rennet or acid in the vinegar solidifies the milk curds and they then separate from the whey. But, after that…..the rest of the process is super easy. Learn How to Make Cottage Cheese

Make Hard Cheese

If you are adventuresome, take a look at making hard cheeses. You will need a few more ingredients but, if you have a source for extra milk, hard cheeses may be the way to go.

Mastering Basic Cheesemaking: The Fun and Fundamentals of Making Cheese at Home

Standing Stone Farms “Complete” DIY Cheese Making Kit PLUS DVD – Equipment & Ingredients! 

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POULTRY:

Feeding Chickens by Hand

Collect Fresh Eggs either from your own farm birds, from a neighbor or friend’s flock.

Butcher, Scald and Clean a Fresh Chicken

How to Butcher and Clean a Chicken

Understand the importance of Top Egg Laying Breeds of Poultry

Identify Best Egg laying Breeds of Chickens

Purchase or Raise Baby Chicks

Quick Chick Checklist for Easy Chick Care

Collect Your First Fresh Pullet Egg

Finding fresh eggs in the nest boxes is almost like finding gold! It is a simple reward at the end of the day! A gift in exchange for your hard work…. and is always a pleasant surprise.

Know How to Make a Brooder for Baby Chicks

Design or know the requirements for a Safe Chicken Coop

Understand the Nutritional Needs of Chickens

Raise Ducks, Guineas or Turkeys

Clean a Chicken Coop

Make a chemical free Homemade Fly Trap for your chicken coop or back porch

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HOMESTEAD SKILLS: 

Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Dip Homemade Candles

Having a supply of Homemade Beeswax Candles is comforting especially if the lights go out. But, beeswax candles are also nice to simply just have on hand. Beeswax candles burn slower and they do not drip as paraffin candles do.

Plus, beeswax gives off a very pleasant slightly sweet honey smell as they burn. They are a much healthier alternative to standard candles.

Make Homemade Soap

Learning to make soap can be a practical skill to learn. Plus, this is something that can be turned into an income source with a bar of soap making business.

Melt-and-Pour Soap is a wonderful place to begin with simple soap making. At first, I thought this easy melt-and-pour soap idea was silly but come to find out……soap making is very tricky.

In fact, making good homemade soap is a science with percise measurements and methods. Try your hand with something simple first to get down the basics and then move on.

Even try this simple recipe for Homemade Liquid Hand Soap for the kitchen and bathroom. This recipe makes 1/2 gallon of liquid pump soap from just one bar of Kirk’s Coco Castile bar soap.

One bar of soap makes an entire 1/2 gallon!!! Extremely economical……you cannot go wrong with this easy diy liquid soap recipe.

Create a Homemade Emergency Medical Kit

Make a Survival Kit

Heating with Wood

Heating with Wood can save on utility bills while providing exceptional warmth for you and your family. This is a extremely practical homesteading skill.

Cook on a Wood Cookstove

Start a Fire in a Fireplace or Wood-stove

Make Homemade Fire Starter

Butcher and Process Your Own Meat from Livestock or Hunting

Make Wild Game Sausage

BUILDING FENCE

Being able to build the needed fences for your backyard, homestead, farmstead or ranch is very important. There are different types of fencing that work for some areas but not others.

We have very rocky ground so a wooden Buck and Pole Fence works well for us. The reason Buck and Pole are so popular in our area is that is built on top of the ground.

There are no post holes that need to be dug.

Finding out the best type of fencing for your area is easy to do and save time and money.

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HOUSEHOLD SKILLS on the Homesteading Skills Checklist:

Sewing

Knitting: here is a super idea for making Natural Kitchen Dish Scrubbers

Sewing on a Button

Learn How to Darn Socks

Learning to Darn Socks is a wonderful Vintage Skill. Once you master this, you can mend all your wool socks!

HOMESTEADING SKILLS ~ GARDENING:

Plant Lettuce and Greens in a Window box or Flower Pot

Create and Plant a Kitchen Garden

Design and Plant a Small Garden

Know How to Grow Tomatoes

Know Common Tomato Diseases and How to Treat Them

Harvest Fresh Vegetables from your Garden or Community Garden and Plan a Meal with them

Harvest Fresh Vegetables from your Garden and Preserve them by Freezing, Dehydrating or Canning

Test Your Soil for pH and nutrients

Understand What Makes a Great Garden Locations

Practice Garden Crop Rotation for Healthy Vegetables

Grow a Garden Crop for Profit and Sell at a Farmer’s Market

Plant Fruit Trees: Learn How to Plan Your Own Orchard

Start Your Own Compost 

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FARM RAISED MEATS or HUNT for WILD GAME

Raise Chicken for Meat and Learn to Butcher and Freeze for Food

Raise Pigs for Meat and Know How to Butcher a Pig at Home

Hunt Wild Game and Know How to Butcher and Process a Deer at Home

Raise Your Own Beef for Meat and Know How to Butcher and Process Beef at Home

Learn How to Make Homemade Jerky

In Conclusion: there is so much to learn and so much to do……simple living is not always easy.  It is getting involved in the day to day rhythm of life.

We all need the basics of food, water and shelter. It is interesting to see how people adapt, adjust and provide these needs for themselves and their loved ones.

As mentioned at the beginning, this list is by no means exhaustive……there are many more skills that can be added. But, it does give you an idea of a basic homesteading, do-it-yourself type lifestyle.

So many of these things can be accomplished no matter where you live. It does not take a huge amount land or space to raise a few chickens for fresh eggs or install a woodstove for addition heat or learn to make a batch or fresh jam or knit a dishcloth…..

Remember to start small and build your own simple living lifestyle.

Discover vintage skills and everyday projects that make life interesting!

Happy Homemaking, Homesteading, Gardening, Cooking, Baking and Being Yourself!

Hope you enjoyed this homesteading skills checklist with ideas on self-sufficient living……

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