Cozy, Crafty & Homestead-Ready Gifts to Make Them Smile 🎁
‘Tis the season to get cozy, knit some magic, and make your homesteading friends squeal with joy. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift that says, “I care about you and your crafty, self-sufficient lifestyle,” you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s dive into these warm and rustic gift ideas in my holiday gift guide.
Learn to Knit Gift Set
Who do you know that would love knitting, but just hasn’t had the chance to learn? Think of that person’s favorite colors, then get ready to make them a custom, DIY gift set. Gather yarn, knitting needles, and a cute tote or box. Toss in a card with a link to my online knitting guide. Or upgrade your kit by including a copy of Liz Chandler’s Knitting Guide. This knitting book will teach them everything they need to know and include oodles of classic patterns they’ll never want to stop knitting. I’ve put together a list of suggested materials on my Learn to Knit Gift Set page; read it here.
Cozy Home Decor
A thoughtful gift can feel just like a warm hug, bringing comfort and coziness to their home. Think about soft, fluffy throw blankets for curling up on the couch, gentle lighting like a pretty lamp or string lights to create a calming glow, or something special to help them enjoy their favorite warm drink; maybe a cute mug, a coffee sampler, or a new tea kettle. These little touches can add warmth and make their space feel even more inviting. Browse my list of extra-cozy home goods on Amazon to find the perfect gift.
Homestead Helper
Got a friend who dreams of raising chickens and growing all their own veggies? Help them create the homestead of their dreams with some practical goodies: a really nice drill, a sturdy toolbox, or some cool gardening gloves. Or help them automate their lifestyle with chicken coop doors that open on their own or machines that feed the animals. Find my holiday gift guide of homesteading goodies on Amazon.
DIY Craft Kits
Sure, you could buy them a candle or a bar of soap—but why not give them a whole kit so they can make their own? A candle-making kit, soap-making set, or cheese-making supplies will keep them busy and their home smelling like a rustic dream. (Bonus: You might even get some homemade goodies as a thank-you!) Browse some unique DIY Craft Kits on Amazon.
So, there you have it: a holiday gift guide that’s as cozy as a hand-knitted blanket and as fun as a night around the bonfire. Go forth, spread some holiday cheer, and don’t forget to snag a little something for yourself (you’ve earned it!).
A Guide to Transitioning Chicken Pullets from the Brooder
Raising baby chicks has been one of the most rewarding parts of homesteading for me, but figuring out the right time to move those growing little ones outside from their cozy brooder to the big world of the chicken coop can be nerve-wracking. Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that the timing is key. You want your pullets (young hens) to be comfortable, safe, and well-prepared for the elements and their new life outside.
Here’s what I’ve found to be the best approach when deciding when and how to transition your pullets from their warm indoor space to the great outdoors.
When Are Pullets Ready to Move Outside?
Knowing when your pullets are ready to move outside depends on a few things: their age, feathering, outdoor temperatures, and the safety of your coop setup. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned from my own experience.
Age and Feather Development
Chicks are usually ready to move outside at around 6 to 8 weeks old, but what really matters is their feather development. I remember being so eager to move my first batch of chicks outside that I almost jumped the gun. But they weren’t fully feathered yet, and it would have been too cold for them to handle. Lesson learned! Fully feathered means they’ve grown their adult feathers and can better regulate their body temperature.
Look for that full set of feathers before considering the move. If you see baby down (like in the picture below), they’re not ready yet.
Outdoor Temperature
Even with all their feathers, you want to be sure the nighttime temperatures are warm enough. I usually wait until the nights are consistently above 60°F (15°C). I once tried moving pullets out when it was still dipping into the low 50s at night, thinking they’d be fine since they had feathers. But I ended up sneaking out to the coop in the middle of the night to bring them back inside because they were huddling and cold!
I personally don’t use heat lamps because they can be dangerous—especially in wooden coops. Instead, I recommend using a brooder plate, heating plate, or even heated roosting posts to provide gentle, safe warmth for your pullets if needed.
Coop Setup and Safety
Before moving chicks outside, make sure your coop is ready to welcome them. I can’t stress this enough: your coop needs to be predator-proof. I lost a few pullets early on because I didn’t properly secure the coop. Now, I use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire to close up any gaps where predators like raccoons might try to get in. It’s also worth double-checking your coop’s ventilation and making sure you’ve got good bedding in place.
If your coop has a run, make sure it’s well-covered and secure. Pullets are small and can easily be preyed on by hawks or other predators. Be sure the run is escape proof. It’s for their safety, not to keep them locked up. These little ones are sneaky and can get out through much smaller openings than the bigger hens. When they get loose, it can be an adventure trying to get them back into the pen.
Flock Integration
If you already have an established flock, introducing your pullets can be tricky. I once made the mistake of tossing my new pullets into the coop without a proper introduction, and let’s just say, it didn’t go well. Older hens can be bullies as they assert the pecking order.
The typical approach is to section off part of the run or use a chicken wire divider so the older hens can see the pullets without being able to peck at them. After about a week, they’ll be more familiar with each other, and the integration should go smoother.
Or, you can choose to let your chicks grow into pullets alongside the rest of your birds. But, never just toss new chicks in without protection; set up a rabbit hutch inside your main coop. The babies will be able to grow up safely, since the bigger chickens can’t get to them. Once they are big enough to be set free, they will already have been accepted as part of the main flock’s daily life. Read more about how I set up a rabbit hutch to work as a chick brooder here.
Quick Steps to Transition Pullets Outside
So let’s sum up. Here are the four key steps I’ve taken to successfully move my chicks outside in the past:
1. Gradually Reduce Brooder Heat
About a week before I plan to move the chicks outside, I start reducing the heat in their brooder. If you’ve been using a brooder plate, gradually lower it to help them adjust to cooler nights. This helps them acclimate to the outdoor conditions. I didn’t do this with my first flock, and they struggled a bit with the cold at first.
2. Introduce the Coop During the Day
I always like to start by letting the pullets explore the outdoor coop during the day. It gives them a chance to get used to the space without the stress of a cold night. After a few days, they’re usually more confident and familiar with their new home, making the nighttime transition easier.
3. Move Them Out at Night
After a few days of daytime exploring, I move them to the coop overnight. The first night, I won’t lie—I’m always a bit anxious! I check on them (probably too much), but they generally settle in just fine.
4. Monitor Their Behavior
For the first few nights, I keep a close eye on them. If they seem huddled together for warmth, I’ll make sure their brooder plate or heated roosting post is working well. But usually, by the time they’re fully feathered and it’s warm enough, they do just fine.
What to Watch For After Moving Them Outside
Once your pullets are in the coop, watch for signs that they’re adjusting well. Here are a few things to look out for:
Huddling together at night: This can be a sign that they’re cold. Make sure they have enough bedding, and consider using a brooder plate or heated roosting post if needed.
Pecking and aggression: It’s normal for the older hens to peck a bit as they establish the pecking order, but if it turns into constant bullying, you may need to separate them temporarily.
Feather loss or stress: Keep an eye on their feathers and energy levels. If they seem overly stressed, it might be worth giving them a bit more time in their separate area before full integration.
What to Do If a Pullet Gets Injured when Joining the Flock
Unfortunately, accidents can happen during the transition, whether it’s due to pecking from older hens or just rough play among the pullets. Separate an injured chicken if the others are hurting her.
Clean then cover her wounds before exposing her to the other chickens again, or they will peck at the open sores. I always keep Rooster Booster Pick No More on hand for these situations. This product is a lifesaver when it comes to protecting an injured pullet’s wounds from further pecking by the flock. The bitter taste discourages other chickens from pecking at the injury, which helps prevent infection and allows the pullet to heal.
Essentials for the Transition
From my own experience, having the right supplies can make the transition easier for both you and your pullets. You pick up these supplies at your local farm store, or stock up before there is a problem by using my Amazon Affiliate links. Here’s what I recommend having ready:
Chicken First Aid Kit
Assemble an emergency first aid kit for your chickens. Make sure to include Vetericyn Plus Poultry Care Spray – it’s sort of like a spray-on Neosporin for chickens. Also pick up Rooster Booster Pick No More. After you clean the wound, you will use Pick No More to cover it like a liquid Band-aid. This product helps prevent further pecking at open sores and keeps the injured pullet safe while they heal. I can’t take credit for this tip, my dear friend at Stealin’ Blue Minis told me about this magical chicken medicine. And she was right! Look, the injured chicken shown above grew into a healthy member of the flock:
Heating for Chickens and Pullets
If the nights are still chilly, a brooder plate, heat mat, or heated roosting post is a safer alternative to heat lamps. I never use heat lamps because of the fire risk, so having one of these options helps keep my pullets warm without the danger.
Final Thoughts
Moving pullets outside is a big step, and it can feel a little nerve-wracking the first time. But if you take the time to ensure they’re ready—fully feathered, temperatures are warm enough, and your coop is secure—it will go smoothly. With the right supplies and a gradual transition, your pullets will thrive in their new outdoor space. And don’t forget, if you need to stock up on essentials for your coop, check out my Amazon Affiliate recommendations page to get everything you need for a safe, successful move!
Running a homestead can feel like a never-ending list of things to do, especially when life’s other demands creep in. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that keeping things simple usually works best. Here are five ways to make sure your homestead doesn’t just survive, but thrives, no matter what the day throws at you.
1. Make a Plan, But Be Ready to Improvise
Every day starts with a plan, at least, in theory. I always have a mental list of what needs to happen, whether it’s feeding the animals, pulling weeds, or trying to convince the chickens to lay their eggs in the coop, not the garden (they have their own opinions, of course).
Plans are great. Flexibility, though? Essential. Think of it like a recipe: you follow the instructions, but you know when to add a little more spice.
2. Do What You Can, When You Can
I’ve found that homesteading is all about momentum. You don’t have to clear the whole garden in one day. Just start where you are – harvest one row of carrots today, maybe the squash tomorrow – and keep moving forward. It’s like knitting: you don’t finish the sweater in one sitting. But stitch by stitch, row by row, things come together.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up if you don’t count every minute.
3. Let Systems Do Some of the Work
There’s a reason drip irrigation is a thing. The more you can automate, the less you have to remember, and frankly, there’s already enough rattling around in our heads. Setting up systems, whether it’s a watering timer or a routine for feeding the animals, creates a little breathing room for the unexpected. Because something will always come up.
And when you have that moment of extra time, use it wisely. Or just sit down. Sitting counts.
Did you know that you can automate so many things on the homestead?
4. Community Is Your Best Resource (Even If It’s Online)
We all like to think we can manage it all solo, but even the most independent among us benefit from a little help now and then. Maybe your neighbor has a tip for getting rid of bindweed forever, or maybe your kid has discovered a faster way to gather eggs. Either way, sometimes a fresh perspective or extra set of hands makes all the difference in keeping your homestead running smoothly.
You don’t have to be an island just because you want to live a quieter homestead lifestyle.
5. Celebrate the Wins, However Small
Sometimes the victory is in the details. Maybe you finally got the hens to stay in their pen for a full 24 hours (we’ll call that a miracle), or you managed to bake a loaf of bread without the dough sticking to everything in the kitchen. Whatever the win, take it. Celebrate it! After all, if you don’t, who will?
And besides, the next challenge is always waiting as you keep your homestead running. Might as well enjoy this one while it lasts.
I offered to harvest carrots while Mom was out of town, figuring it’d be a quick task. Loosen the soil, pull them up, rinse off the dirt, and done. But, of course, that’s not how it went.
Loosen the Soil
For this carrot harvest, I started with a pitchfork, working along the rows to loosen the dirt. Almost immediately, I noticed something strange: crisscrossed burrows twisted through the soil. It looked like something had dug out an entire little tunnel system under the garden. Whoever had moved in there had really settled in and helped themselves to quite a few carrots in the process.
Guess the Intruder
I never saw the culprit, but the signs of the carrot thief were all over the harvest zone. Some carrots had been gnawed on from the tops; others had bite marks from underneath. From the size of the tunnels, I started to guess: maybe a rabbit, or possibly a ground squirrel. Then again, prairie dogs are known for their underground communities and are no strangers to garden raids. Voles could be the culprits, too; they’re notorious for snacking on roots from below. Whatever it was, it definitely knew its way around a carrot…
A Nice Carrot Harvest
Despite our mystery visitor’s appetite, there were still plenty left to pick. I finished up the patch, filling two big, overflowing bowls for this carrot harvest. I left behind quite a few damaged carrots. The critter will still have something to eat. Or, if my digging scared it away, the carrots will rot over the winter and add their composted nutrients back into the soil for next year.
So, no showdown with the carrot thief, but still a happy ending to this carrot harvest: two bowls of fresh carrots for the family, plus a bit of garden intrigue. It’s a reminder that even a quick garden chore can turn into an unexpected adventure.
There are downsides to free-ranging hens. Obviously, predators can be a huge risk to your chickens when they are allowed to wander outside of an enclosure. But I did not guess that the hens would stop laying in the coop and start new nests for their eggs in secret forest spaces.
Letting Chickens Free Range with Rooster Protection
I used to keep my hens in the shelter to protect them from predators like hawks and ravens. But with the addition of two large roosters (twin Jersey Giants named Colonel Sanders and Popeye), I felt the hens were safe enough to free range. The roosters have been great at keeping an eye on the flock, but clearly, they have not been concerned with keeping the eggs in the coop.
The Missing Egg Mystery
For the past two weeks, not a single egg has been laid in the coop. I worried there was something wrong with the chickens’ feed, so I started supplementing with healthy table scraps. Still no eggs.
Finally I started following a pair of hens through the woods to try to find out what they were up to. I discovered that they had created a maze of hidden nests under trees and brush. I don’t think these were just dust baths; the hens had been laying here.
My Hens Stopped Laying in the Coop
So the mystery is solved; my hens decided the forest was a better place to lay eggs than the swanky nest boxes in their safe coop. After days of searching for their hidden nests amongst the trees, I’m pretty sure the local wildlife has been getting a buffet of fresh eggs.
I would love to live and let live, but I feed the chickens to get eggs in return. This is supposed to be a two-way deal. It is time for a brief time-out.
Some Time in the Enclosure to Reset
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a punishment for the chickens. Their coop is a large shed, and their enclosure is roomy enough for all the chicken-y activities they can dream up. They’re safer from predators, so Popeye and Colonel Sanders can relax a bit. Plus, they’re getting extra treats to encourage egg laying. But, for now, they need to stay in their run until they re-learn to lay eggs in their cozy inside nests.
So, Here is the Egg-citing Plan
(Spoiler alert!) I got an egg! Here’s what I have done to encourage these little feathered dinosaurs to lay eggs in the coop not the woods:
Keeping Them in the Coop and Run
First, I made sure to shut the enclosure after all the chickens had gone to bed for the night. They may have forgotten how to lay in the coop, but they are still certain to sleep there. This saves me the hasle of chasing wild chickens, that can fly, through a wooded area; I would never catch them this way.
Now that they’re safe and secure, I’m keeping the hens in the coop and run for now. It is giving them a chance to refocus on using their nest boxes. I hope this temporary shift helps them reestablish their laying routine permanently.
Freshening Up the Nest Boxes
I gave their nest boxes a little makeover by adding fresh bedding. In my hens’ boxes, I use excelsior nest pads (Amazon affiliate link), which makes clean-up much faster. I tossed in some calming chamomile and lavender from my garden, as well. The herbs help make the nest boxes feel like a cozy, welcoming spot to lay eggs.
Collecting Eggs More Regularly
To be sure I get as many eggs as possible, I am checking the coop much more often. Usually, I would go out for eggs once a day. But, this time, I want to ensure the eggs end up where they should. One hen, for example, likes to lay on the cold bare floor. This can encourage snakes and packrats to steal eggs. We are working on laying up in the fluffy nest, instead.
Monitoring the Hens’ Habits
I’m closely watching their behavior, especially during the times when they’re most likely to lay. I have several hens who are early layers; they give me eggs for breakfast. The rest of the hens lay through out the late morning and early afternoon. I am closely watching these ladies, because they were the first group to wander.
It worked!
I am now in possession of one, single egg! It is a start. Hopefully the girls will all jump on board and start laying where they ought to!
Once I see the hens laying in the coop again regularly, I’ll gradually let them free-range. Since winter is coming on, though, the flock just might choose their warm enclosure until spring. Either way, hooray for fresh eggs straight from my yard!
If you’re moving into a new home or just itching to change up your outdoor space, building your backyard garden from scratch can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. The good news is that with the right approach, you can transform your yard into a functional, sustainable, and beautiful oasis. Whether you’re aiming to grow your own food, create a cozy outdoor living space, or support local wildlife, these tips will guide you through finding the supplies you need (and why permaculture beats sod grass, hands-down).
Start with a Plan
Before you dive into planting, take some time to envision what you want your backyard to look like. What are your goals? Do you want a vegetable garden, a pollinator haven, or a relaxing retreat with cozy nooks? Sketch out your ideas, including where the garden beds, pathways, and seating areas will go. This will help you understand how much space you need and what types of materials you’ll require.
Finding the Right Supplies
Building a backyard garden from scratch requires some materials, but you don’t need to break the bank. Here’s where to find quality supplies without overspending:
Local nurseries and garden centers: These are your best bet for finding plants suited to your region’s climate. Staff at nurseries are usually knowledgeable and can guide you toward plants that thrive in your area.
Community marketplaces and social media: Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local garden groups often have people selling or giving away tools, soil, compost, mulch, and plants.
The Interwebs: The internet is now an excellent source for gardening supplies. Find tools, garden bed setups, and even chicken coops on Amazon. See my go-to tool list from Amazon on my Affiliate Page. Sites like fast-growing-trees.com can ship trees, fruit bushes, and a wide variety of live plants straight to your home.
DIY compost: You can create your own compost by collecting kitchen scraps, yard waste, and even cardboard. A compost bin doesn’t have to be fancy—you can make one from wood pallets or wire mesh.
Choose Permaculture Over Sod Grass when you Build you Backyard Garden from Scratch
It’s tempting to lay down a perfect, green lawn, but before you do, consider this: sod grass might look nice at first, but it’s high-maintenance, requires lots of water, and offers little environmental benefit. Permaculture, on the other hand, is a sustainable gardening method that works with nature, not against it. Here’s why it’s always the better option:
Adapted to your climate: With permaculture, you choose plants that thrive in your specific climate. This means less water, fewer chemicals, and more success! Native plants, herbs, and drought-tolerant species can fill in areas where grass might struggle.
Healthier soil: Permaculture focuses on improving soil health by using compost, mulch, and cover crops. Healthy soil leads to stronger plants and a garden that’s resilient to pests and disease.
Biodiversity: A permaculture garden encourages a variety of plants, which in turn supports bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects. A lawn of grass offers little for these important creatures.
Low-maintenance: Once established, permaculture gardens typically require less upkeep than lawns. You’ll spend less time mowing, watering, and fertilizing and more time enjoying your garden.
Productivity: Why have a lawn when you could be growing your own food? By dedicating part of your yard to permaculture techniques like edible landscaping or raised garden beds, you can enjoy fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits right from your backyard.
Focus on Soil Health First
Great gardens start with great soil. Test your soil to find out its pH level and nutrient content, then amend it as needed. Adding compost, organic fertilizers, or other soil enhancers can transform even the toughest dirt into a rich growing medium. If you’re dealing with poor or compacted soil, consider creating raised beds filled with fresh, nutrient-rich soil to get your plants off to a great start.
Water Wisely
A key element of successful gardening is managing water efficiently. Permaculture designs often include elements like rainwater catchment, drip irrigation, and mulching to reduce water waste. Try grouping plants with similar water needs together, and use mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent water from evaporating too quickly. You can also create swales—small depressions in the landscape—to help capture and direct rainwater where it’s needed most.
Start Small and Expand Gradually
When starting from scratch, it’s easy to get caught up in grand ideas and big projects. Instead of trying to create your dream garden all at once, start with one manageable section and build out from there. This allows you to learn as you go, figure out what works best in your space, and avoid burnout.
Use Perennials for Long-Term Success
One of the best parts of permaculture gardening is the use of perennials—plants that come back year after year. Not only do they reduce the need for replanting each season, but they also establish deep root systems that help improve soil structure and water retention. Consider perennials like herbs, fruit trees, berry bushes, or ornamental grasses as part of your backyard garden design.
Incorporate Companion Planting
Companion planting is a permaculture technique that involves growing certain plants together to benefit one another. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help repel pests, while beans add nitrogen to the soil for corn. Asparagus and strawberries have roots that grow at different levels, making the berries perfect groundcover. This holds in moisture and prevents weeds from filling asparagus beds. These natural relationships can reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making your garden more eco-friendly.
In Conclusion: Permaculture for the Win!
While laying sod grass might seem like the quickest way to get a green yard, it’s not the best long-term solution. By embracing permaculture, you can create a sustainable, low-maintenance garden that’s not only beautiful but also beneficial to the environment. Whether you’re growing food, supporting local wildlife, or just looking to reduce your environmental footprint, building your backyard garden with permaculture principles will reward you for years to come.
So grab your shovel, gather your supplies, and get ready to build your backyard garden from scratch; you are steps away from your own thriving oasis! 🌿
Tarantulas Wandering in Southwest Colorado: A Unique Natural Phenomenon
Every fall, a fascinating event unfolds across the plains and foothills of Southwest Colorado—the annual tarantula migration. It’s a natural spectacle that draws attention not only from local residents but also from nature enthusiasts and curious onlookers from across the country. While the thought of hundreds of large, hairy spiders might send shivers down some people’s spines, the tarantula migration is actually an incredible and harmless display of nature at work.
What Is the Tarantula Migration?
The tarantula migration is not a migration in the traditional sense, where animals move long distances for survival or food. Instead, it’s a seasonal event where male tarantulas—most commonly the Aphonopelma hentzi species—emerge from their burrows in search of mates. These bachelors are driven by one purpose: finding love before the end of their short adult lives. Think of it like nature’s speed dating, but with way more legs and a lot less talking.
Starting in late August and continuing through October, the males set out at dusk, bravely trekking across fields, roads, and even hiking trails in their quest for romance. While this phenomenon occurs throughout the southwestern U.S., Southwest Colorado—particularly around La Plata and Montezuma Counties—offers a prime viewing opportunity for those wanting to witness this spidery love parade.
Why Do Tarantulas Migrate?
The male tarantulas, typically between 7 and 10 years old, have spent their lives underground, feeding and molting in their solitary burrows. But after years of being single, they’ve had enough and emerge during the fall to search for that special someone—because even spiders can’t resist the call of love. Mating is their one and only mission now, and after they find a mate, they’ve basically checked off their entire bucket list.
Females, on the other hand, are much more grounded (literally and figuratively). They prefer to hang out in their burrows, waiting for Mr. Right Now to wander by. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, they take their time, knowing the males will come knocking. Unfortunately for the guys, some of these spider dates don’t always end well—cannibalism is a real possibility. Talk about a high-stakes romance!
Where to See the Migration
In Southwest Colorado, several areas are well known for good tarantula spotting. The flat grasslands between Cortez and Durango, particularly around Highway 160, are a great place to witness the migration. It’s not uncommon to see these large, slow-moving romantics crossing roads or meandering through open spaces, likely dreaming of the perfect spider wedding.
For those who wish to experience the tarantula migration, it’s best to go out just before sunset, when the males become more active. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to stay after dark, as the tarantulas tend to be most active at dusk and into the early evening hours.
Are Tarantulas Dangerous?
Despite their intimidating size and appearance, tarantulas are generally not dangerous to humans. Sure, they look like they could headline a horror movie, but they’re just hopeless romantics in search of a mate. While they can bite if threatened, their venom is mild and typically not harmful beyond a bee sting in terms of pain or reaction. They’re much more interested in finding love than engaging with humans, so if you come across one, it’s best to observe from a respectful distance and let them continue their search for spider soulmates.
Tarantulas also play an important role in the ecosystem, keeping populations of insects and small invertebrates in check. Their presence is a reminder of the often-overlooked importance of spiders in maintaining balance in nature—whether they’re swiping right on their tarantula Tinder or not.
How to Enjoy the Tarantula Migration Safely
If you plan to observe the tarantula migration, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure both your safety and the well-being of these eight-legged Casanovas:
Watch from a distance: Tarantulas are delicate creatures. Avoid picking them up or disturbing them on their journey for love.
Drive carefully: If you’re on the road, be mindful that tarantulas are slow-moving, and it’s easy to accidentally run them over. Drive cautiously in known migration areas, especially during the evening.
Respect their habitat: Stick to trails and paths, and avoid trampling through their natural habitats. Many of these areas are fragile ecosystems.
Ready for Love
The tarantula migration in Southwest Colorado is a remarkable event that showcases the beauty and complexity of nature—and the romantic desperation of male tarantulas! For a few short weeks each fall, the region’s rugged landscape comes alive with these gentle giants, each hoping to find love before time runs out. So, whether you’re a spider enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, the tarantula migration is a spectacle worth seeing—if you’re brave enough to witness nature’s ultimate matchmaking event.
If you’re dreaming of a quiet, self-sufficient life surrounded by nature, starting a homestead might be the perfect adventure. I made the leap from a stressful career to a life that’s more grounded, and although it’s been full of challenges, it’s been worth every moment. Whether you’re starting fresh in the woods, like I did, or you’re on a farm passed down through generations, these ten tips will help guide your journey to building your own homestead.
1. Start Small and Plan Big
The first step in homesteading is to dream, but don’t get overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once. It’s tempting to think you need chickens, a garden, bees, and solar panels all on day one, but it’s more sustainable to focus on one or two things at a time. I’ve learned this firsthand—running a knitting business and homeschooling my son on 8 acres means I’m always balancing my goals. Start small, get good at a few things, and then expand.
2. Know Your Land
Before diving in, understand what your land offers and what it needs. I’ve dealt with a lot of bindweed after leaving my garden unattended for just a few weeks, and it taught me the importance of knowing your soil, the local climate, and potential pests. Spend time on your property and note how the sun moves, where water naturally drains, and what wildlife might be passing through.
3. Get Ready to Learn
There will always be something new to learn when you are starting your homestead. Whether it’s figuring out how to preserve vegetables, raise livestock, or fix broken fences, you’ll need to embrace the learning curve. I built a business from scratch, and while that didn’t prepare me for everything (hello, endless weeds), it gave me the confidence to learn as I go. From learning to use a woodchipper to digging ditches with a backhoe, homesteading requires different skills than city-life. Research, ask for advice from experienced homesteaders, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s all part of the process.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Homesteading is a long-term lifestyle, not a sprint. It’s important to be realistic about what you can accomplish each season. One mistake I’ve made is pushing too hard and trying to do too much, which left me feeling overwhelmed and behind. Set small, achievable goals, and enjoy the process. It’s okay if you don’t produce all your own food right away.
5. Budget Wisely
Homesteading can cost more than you think, especially in the beginning. From tools to seeds to livestock, expenses can add up quickly. When I first moved to my cabin in the woods, I learned quickly that unexpected costs are part of the package. Budget not only for essentials but also for the unexpected, like a chicken coop that suddenly needs fixing or a new fence for your garden.
6. Embrace DIY
There’s a lot of satisfaction in building and fixing things yourself, and it’s an essential part of homesteading. Over the years, I’ve learned to take on projects I never thought I’d tackle, like repairing equipment, building sheds, and maintaining my own cabin. You’ll save money, and the sense of accomplishment is incredible. Plus, doing things yourself keeps you resourceful and self-reliant, key traits for any homesteader.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Even though homesteading can feel like a solo adventure, you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s reaching out to neighbors, hiring help for big projects, or simply asking online communities for advice, support is out there. I struggled with isolation in my rural setting, but building connections with others—even digitally—has made all the difference.
8. Stay Flexible
Homesteading teaches you that things won’t always go according to plan. Crops fail, livestock gets sick, and weather can ruin your best-laid plans. My experience working in different careers taught me resilience, but nothing quite prepared me for the unpredictable nature of homestead life. Adaptability is key—if one thing doesn’t work, try something else and don’t get discouraged.
9. Focus on Sustainability
The heart of homesteading is self-sufficiency, but sustainability should be a major focus as well. Whether you’re using solar power, rainwater collection, or planting a permaculture garden, try to think long-term. In my own homesteading life, I aim to leave things better than I found them. Small steps, like composting kitchen scraps or conserving water, add up over time.
10. Find Joy in the Simple Things
At the end of the day, homesteading is about finding peace in the small moments. For me, it’s walking outside to see my son playing with our dogs or spending a quiet evening knitting in front of the fireplace. Don’t forget to slow down and appreciate the life you’re building, even when things are tough. Homesteading isn’t just about the work; it’s about the lifestyle you create for yourself and your family.
Starting a homestead is an incredibly personal journey. If you’re willing to put in the hard work and take things one step at a time, the rewards are beyond measure. For me, homesteading has been about reclaiming my time, my energy, and my connection to the world around me—there’s no better feeling than knowing you built something from the ground up. So roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath, and get started—you’ve got this.
