Best Homesteading Blogs to learn from in 2023

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I don’t even know what I would do without the internet & other homestead bloggers out there. As a newby homesteader, I keep a running list of things I’m constantly needing to research and learn more about. Our own homestead has benefitted so much from the knowledge shared by others, that we have free access to. In this post, I want to share what (in my opinion) are the Best Homesteading Blogs to learn from in 2023. 

I never imagined I would become a full-time homesteader. It actually still feels pretty surreal. I always had a love for animals and found myself most at peace in nature, even as a small child. Some of my earliest memories are of playing in remote parts of our large garden, unobserved & unbothered. Fast forward through going to college in London & Paris, studying acting in New York City, meeting my husband, and traveling the world – to finally land back where I started. At our family farm in the heart of Europe. But I’m not the same person that left here 13 years ago. And the world is a very different place. 

Thanks to the internet and especially the events of the last few years, it matters less now where you live, than it ever mattered before. The world that once seemed so vast to me, actually shrunk! I can live at my small farm in the middle of Europe and yet have direct access to top business mentors, mindset leaders, and other homesteaders who have started long before me. This wealth of knowledge has been invaluable to me. Both on my homesteading journey and the journey to being Free to Flower -becoming the most authentic version of myself that I can be. 

What are Homesteading blogs?

In the digital age, homesteading blogs have emerged as valuable resources for individuals seeking to reconnect with nature, embrace self-sufficiency, and lead more sustainable lives. These online platforms serve as virtual homesteads, where modern homesteaders, urban farmers, and enthusiasts share their experiences, wisdom, and practical insights on everything from gardening and animal husbandry to DIY projects and off-grid living.

Homesteading, a lifestyle rooted in the pursuit of independence and harmony with the environment, has gained renewed interest in recent years due to concerns about food security, environmental impact, and a longing for a simpler, more fulfilling way of life. Homesteading blogs play a pivotal role in guiding newcomers through the intricacies of this lifestyle, offering step-by-step guides, personal anecdotes, and solutions to common challenges.

A typical homesteading blog might delve into diverse topics such as organic gardening techniques, raising backyard chickens, preserving harvests through canning and fermenting, constructing energy-efficient dwellings, and harnessing renewable energy sources. Many bloggers also discuss the emotional and mental aspects of homesteading, emphasizing the rewards of producing one’s own food, connecting with the land, and fostering a stronger sense of self-reliance.

The online homesteading community encourages creativity, adaptability, and innovation, as individuals adapt traditional practices to their unique circumstances and surroundings.

Through these blogs, readers not only learn practical skills but also become part of a supportive and collaborative community. Comment sections often buzz with discussions, questions, and shared experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie among individuals who share the same aspirations. As homesteading blogs continue to flourish, they contribute to a broader movement towards sustainable living, fostering a deeper connection between humans and the natural world while empowering individuals to take control of their lifestyles and well-being.

​What topics do homesteading blogs cover? 

A homesteading blog can cover a wide range of content categories, catering to the diverse interests and needs of individuals pursuing a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. Here are some common content categories that a homesteading blog might cover:

1. Gardening and Horticulture:
   • Organic gardening techniques
   • Companion planting and crop rotation
   • Soil preparation and composting
   • Permaculture principles
   • Seed saving and heirloom varieties
   • Raised beds, container gardening, and vertical gardening
2. Animal Husbandry:
   • Raising backyard chickens, ducks, and other poultry
   • Beekeeping and honey production
   • Caring for goats, sheep, cows, or other livestock
   • Rabbits, quail, and other smaller livestock
   • Pasture management and rotational grazing
3. Food Preservation and Cooking:
   • Canning, pickling, and fermenting
   • Drying and dehydrating foods
   • Making jams, jellies, and preserves
   • Cooking with homegrown ingredients
   • Farm-to-table recipes and meal planning
4. DIY and Homestead Projects:
   • Building chicken coops, animal shelters, and barns
   • Constructing raised beds and garden structures
   • Solar panels and renewable energy setups
   • Rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems
   • Homemade cleaning products and personal care items
5. Off-Grid Living:
   • Generating and managing off-grid electricity
   • Water collection, purification, and conservation
   • Sustainable heating and cooling solutions
   • Waste management and composting toilets
   • Tips for reducing reliance on public utilities
6. Self-Sufficiency and Skills:
   • Wild foraging and herbalism
   • Basic carpentry and woodworking skills
   • Sewing, knitting, and other textile crafts
   • Food self-sufficiency and preserving surplus
   • Trading and bartering in local communities
7. Homestead Finances:
   • Budgeting and financial planning for homesteading
   • Income sources from selling surplus produce or products
   • Cost-effective solutions and frugal living tips
8. Community and Connection:
   • Local farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA)
   • Homesteading events, workshops, and gatherings
   • Connecting with other homesteaders and enthusiasts
   • Sharing stories and experiences from the journey
9. Mindset and Philosophy:
   • The spiritual and philosophical aspects of homesteading
   • Cultivating mindfulness and connection with nature
   • Balancing the challenges and rewards of the lifestyle
10. Challenges and Problem-Solving:
    • Addressing common issues like pest management and plant diseases
    • Overcoming weather-related challenges
    • Coping with setbacks and learning from failures
11. Seasonal and Monthly Guides:
    • Tips and tasks specific to each season
    • Monthly to-do lists for homestead maintenance and projects
12. Product Reviews and Recommendations:
    • Reviews of tools, equipment, and homestead-related products
    • Recommendations for books, courses, and resources

Who reads homesteading blogs in 2023? 

The main audience of homesteading blogs is typically composed of individuals who are interested in pursuing a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle, often characterized by a strong connection to the land, a desire to produce their own food, and a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint. The audience for homesteading blogs can be quite diverse and includes the following groups:

1. Aspiring Homesteaders: These are individuals who are new to homesteading and are seeking information, guidance, and inspiration as they embark on their journey toward a more self-reliant and sustainable lifestyle.
2. Urban and Suburban Dwellers: Many people living in cities and suburbs are drawn to the idea of homesteading on a smaller scale. They might engage in container gardening, raising small livestock like chickens, or implementing sustainable practices in their urban environment.
3. Rural Homesteaders: Those living in rural areas with more land might be interested in larger-scale farming, animal husbandry, and off-grid living. They often seek tips, techniques, and ideas to maximize the productivity of their land.
4. Sustainability Enthusiasts: People who are passionate about living in harmony with the environment, reducing waste, and minimizing their ecological impact find homesteading blogs valuable sources of information and inspiration.
5. DIY and Self-Sufficiency Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy hands-on projects, crafting, and acquiring skills for self-sufficiency are attracted to homesteading blogs for their DIY guides and ideas for making things from scratch.
6. Foodies and Home Cooks: Those interested in cooking with fresh, homegrown ingredients and learning food preservation techniques like canning, fermenting, and pickling can benefit from the culinary aspects of homesteading blogs.
7. Families and Parents: Families with children often turn to homesteading blogs for guidance on involving kids in gardening, animal care, and outdoor activities, as well as for tips on providing wholesome food for their families.
8. Retirees and Empty Nesters: Individuals in this demographic might view homesteading as a way to reconnect with nature and lead a purposeful life in retirement, channeling their energy into meaningful projects.
9. Community Builders: Homesteading blogs can foster a sense of community among like-minded individuals who share their experiences, tips, and stories in the comment sections, creating connections across geographical boundaries.
10. Curious Observers: Even those who might not fully embrace homesteading as a lifestyle can find the content of these blogs interesting and educational, learning about practices that contribute to sustainable living.

Best Homesteading Blogs in 2023 – The Top 9

Homesteading can be hard work – especially if you’re encountering challenges & a steep learning curve. Throw a young family into the mix, running a homestead blog and you’ve got the perfect setup for constant overwhelm. The following are my favorite blogs, that have made our homestead life so much easier & more enjoyable. 

1. Farmhouse on Boone

I couldn’t start this list without giving Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone first place. Her blog is full of farm wife life content, real food recipes and simple living ideas. I call her my “sourdough mentor”. All my sourdough success is thanks to her amazing tips & recipes.  On top of that, she has an amazing Blog course, that has helped me muster up enough knowledge & courage to start my own blogging journey. She also has a thriving YouTube channel and her YouTube course is the next one up on my list! 

2. Practical Self Reliance

I find myself pinning posts from this blog all the time. While Ashley is much more off-grid than we are, I find her natural herb remedies, herbalism & foraging content extremely relevant and helpful. She also has amazing articles on frugal living and making an extra income while living on a homestead/off-grid. 

3. The Prairie Homestead 

This blog is relatively new to me, I came across it while searching for chicken coop & chicken tractor building tips. I immediately connected and found so much of Jill’s content extremely relevant to our own homesteading journey. I can’t wait to dive deeper into her blog content as well as her podcast! 

4. The Peasant’s Daughter

Jana & I connected through a blogger’s group. I found her blog so charming and loved the similarity of our Slavic origins. She is a great resource when it comes to raising chickens – a big topic on our homestead this season. Her photography is beautiful, her blog posts informative and her homesteading lifestyle is so picturesque. 

5. The Homestead Challenge 

The perfect blog for new homesteaders and those looking for an urban homesteading blog.  Brittany will be your homestead mentor, and walk you through all the basics to kickstart your homestead journey – even if you don’t have any land and live in an apartment! I have found her blog useful when it comes to sustainable living, keeping a natural home, and natural herbal remedies. I also adore her photography and blog aesthetic! 

6. The Heartwood Homestead 

I adore so many things about Fallon’s blog. For one, her photography is on my #goals list. Her content seems to line up with my interests perfectly and is full of useful information. 

​7. Homesteaders of America 

I first found this blog through their amazing podcast. If you’re looking for information on raising farm animals, food preservation, food storage, and a self-sufficient lifestyle – this is one of the most awesome blogs to follow. I love listening to audio, so their podcast is a welcome plus! But they are much more than that! Homesteaders of America organize conferences, events, workshops, and retreats. I have found many of the homesteaders I follow on social media platforms through them! 

8. A Modern Homestead 

Texas will forever have a piece of my heart. Aaron was born there, and I loved our time in Texas (except for the summer temps lol). I love that Victoria is a 10th-generation Texan! I enjoy browsing through her DIY projects, organic gardening tips, and helpful advice on how to save money at the grocery store. Her einkorn section is also excellent, as that is next on my kitchen projects list! 

9. Our Oily House

While not a homestead blog per se, I know that Laura lives on a homestead with her family. She also happens to be Lisa’s (Farmhouse on Boone) sister, and her blogging journey is so inspiring! I’ve always been a natural living fan, long before we entered the world of homesteading. I used all-natural cleaning products, natural remedies, and personal care products while we still lived in our first apartment in Brooklyn. While my views on essential oils are always evolving, I still enjoy using natural alternatives to most things in our house. Laura’s site is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to a healthier life and natural health. 

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