On today’s podcast episode I will share with you 7 Diy Homestead Building Projects that will make great additions to your homestead. These are simple and easy-to-build projects that anyone can do.
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Make Your Homestead Thrive With These Fun and Easy Projects!
If you’re like me, you probably love spending time outside, especially around the homestead. There’s something so satisfying about making improvements with your own two hands. Whether you’re new to homesteading or have been at it for years, there are always ways to make life easier and more efficient.
I’ve gathered seven easy DIY projects you can do yourself—some I’ve already tackled, and others are on my to-do list. So, let’s dive in!
1. Build a Solar Dehydrator
Why dry food using electricity when you can use the sun?
One of the most useful projects I’ve seen is a solar dehydrator. It’s perfect for drying fruits, veggies, and herbs. Instead of using electricity, this DIY project lets you take advantage of the sun.
I found some great plans for a solar dehydrator on Mother Earth News. It’s designed like a large box that absorbs sunlight, allowing heat to rise and dry your food naturally. This year might just be the year I build mine!
2. Set Up an Outdoor Garden Wash Station
Keep the mess (and soil!) outside where it belongs.
I can’t tell you how handy my outdoor garden wash station has been. Not only does it save me from dragging muddy veggies into the kitchen, but it also helps me conserve water and keep precious garden soil in place. With some scrap wood and an old sink, I made a station where I can wash produce right near my garden. Plus, the dirty water drains right back into the garden. I highly recommend setting up your own!
3. Create a Brick Wood Oven
Cook outside and keep the heat out of your house.
If you love pizza, bread, or even roasted chicken, an outdoor brick wood oven is a game-changer. I haven’t built one yet, but it’s high on my wish list. A brick oven uses wood to generate heat and cooks your food with amazing flavor. I found some fantastic plans at www.brickwoodovens.com for building your very own brick wood oven. Plus, having an outdoor oven keeps your house cooler in the summer!
4. Build an Herb Spiral
Make the most of a small space with this permaculture favorite.
Herb spirals are super cool and practical. If you’re into permaculture, you’ve probably heard of them. They’re a way to grow a variety of herbs in a small space by creating a spiral-shaped garden bed. You can build them out of stones, bricks, or other materials you have lying around. The spiral design allows different herbs to thrive in microclimates, depending on their sun and water needs. I built mine years ago and it’s still one of my favorite garden features!
5. Add a Backyard Garden Pond
Attract beneficial wildlife and create a peaceful garden feature.
I added a small garden pond to my backyard a few years ago, and I couldn’t imagine my homestead without it. Not only does it add beauty, but it also helps attract beneficial wildlife like frogs, which help keep pests under control (bye-bye slugs!). You can find inexpensive pond liners online or even use something like an old bathtub for a DIY pond. It’s a simple project that brings a lot of life to your garden.
6. Build a Compost Bin
Turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into rich soil.
Every homestead needs a compost bin! Whether you’re tossing in veggie scraps or garden clippings, a compost bin helps turn waste into nutrient-rich soil. You can build a basic three-bin system out of pallets or scrap wood. This lets you rotate the compost, speeding up the decomposition process. By the time the first bin is full, the last bin should be finished compost, ready for your garden.
7. Set Up a Potting Bench
Make seed starting and plant care easy and organized.
A potting bench might seem like a luxury, but once you have one, you won’t know how you managed without it! I built mine out of some pallet wood and placed it in my greenhouse. It gives me a designated spot for planting seeds, potting up new plants, and storing my garden tools. If you don’t have a greenhouse, you can put your potting bench in a shady spot outside. Trust me, you’ll love having this dedicated space!
So, there you have it—seven DIY projects that can make your homesteading life easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re drying fruits with a solar dehydrator or relaxing by your backyard pond, each of these projects brings its own benefits. Plus, the satisfaction of building something yourself is unbeatable!
Happy homesteading! If you have other DIY project ideas, feel free to share them. I’d love to hear about your experiences.
