Cozy Up Your Homestead: Autumn Projects for a Sustainable & Soulful Season
The air is crisp, the leaves are ablaze with color, and a subtle scent of woodsmoke drifts on the breeze. Autumn has arrived, bringing with it a unique blend of reflection and preparation. The flurry of the summer garden slows, and a sense of accomplishment washes over us as we bring in the last of the harvest. But the homesteading journey doesn't end with the first frost. In fact, autumn is a crucial time to set the stage for a bountiful future, both in the garden and in our homes.
In this post, you'll discover practical, inspiring ideas for embracing the autumnal season on your homestead, focusing on sustainable projects that bring warmth, beauty, and self-sufficiency to your life. We'll explore how to extend the harvest, prepare your home for colder months, nurture your animals, and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the season.
Extending the Harvest & Preparing the Garden for Winter
The growing season may be winding down, but with a little ingenuity, you can continue to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce well into the colder months. And, preparing your garden now ensures a head start on a thriving spring.
Late Season Planting: Don't pack away the seed packets just yet! Certain vegetables thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall. Garlic, for example, must be planted in the fall to develop properly over the winter. Similarly, consider planting fast-growing greens like spinach, kale, and arugula. With a little protection (more on that below), you can enjoy salads well into November! Prepare the soil by adding compost and ensure good drainage. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and protect the roots from frost. Fall Pollinator Garden plants can be a great addition here too!
Cold Frame/Low Tunnel Construction (Beginner-Friendly): One of the easiest ways to extend your harvest is by creating a simple cold frame or low tunnel. These structures provide a microclimate that protects plants from frost and wind, allowing them to continue growing even when temperatures drop. You can build a cold frame from recycled windows or scrap wood, or create a low tunnel using plastic sheeting and hoops. I built mine from an old storm window my neighbor was throwing out! They are an excellent way to keep your plants going through the first freeze.
Harvesting & Storing Root Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beets are a staple of the autumn harvest. To ensure they last throughout the winter, harvest them on a dry day after the first light frost (this helps to sweeten them). Brush off excess soil, but don't wash them. Store them in a cool, dark, and humid place, such as a root cellar or unheated garage. You can layer them in boxes or bins with sand or sawdust to help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Composting Fall Leaves & Garden Debris: Don't let those fallen leaves go to waste! They are a valuable resource for creating nutrient-rich compost. Collect leaves, along with garden debris like spent plants and vegetable scraps, and layer them in a compost bin or pile. Be sure to alternate layers of "brown" materials (leaves, straw, cardboard) with "green" materials (grass clippings, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds). Add water as needed to keep the pile moist. Turning the pile regularly will help it decompose faster. Composting is a great way to return nutrients to the soil in your Fall pollinator garden.
Cover Cropping: Bare soil is vulnerable to erosion and nutrient loss over the winter. Protect and improve your soil by planting cover crops. These plants, such as rye, oats, or clover, help to prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter to the soil. Sow cover crop seeds in the fall, and they will germinate and grow until the first frost. In the spring, you can till them into the soil or simply cut them down and leave them as a mulch.
Cozy Up Your Home with Autumnal Decor & Crafts
Autumn is the perfect time to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your home.
DIY Wreaths from Natural Materials: Gather fallen leaves, berries, pinecones, and dried flowers from your garden or local woods to create stunning autumnal wreaths. Simply attach the materials to a wire or grapevine wreath form using floral wire or hot glue. These wreaths add a touch of natural elegance to your front door or any room in your home. I love to forage for unique materials that I can incorporate into my wreaths, making them truly one-of-a-kind!
Making Beeswax Candles: There's nothing quite like the warm glow of a beeswax candle on a chilly autumn evening. Beeswax candles are not only beautiful but also sustainable and naturally scented. Melt beeswax in a double boiler, add your favorite essential oils for fragrance, and pour the wax into jars or molds with wicks. This is a wonderful way to create natural light and a cozy ambiance.
Creating a Cozy Reading Nook: Designate a special area in your home as a cozy reading nook. Add a comfortable armchair or sofa, soft blankets and pillows, and good lighting. Choose natural textures and calming colors to create a relaxing and inviting space. This is the perfect place to curl up with a good book and a warm cup of tea on a crisp autumn day.
Drying Herbs for Winter Teas and Cooking: Extend the flavors and aromas of your garden by drying herbs for use throughout the winter. Harvest herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, and mint, and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place. Once they are completely dry, store them in airtight containers. Use dried herbs to make flavorful teas, season soups and stews, or add them to your favorite recipes.
Autumnal Recipes & Food Preservation
Autumn is a time of abundance, and preserving the bounty of the harvest is a crucial part of homesteading.
Fermented Autumn Vegetables (Sauerkraut, Pickled Beets): Fermenting vegetables is a simple and delicious way to preserve them and boost their nutritional value. Sauerkraut, made from shredded cabbage, and pickled beets are both excellent options for fall. These fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. The process is easier than many believe and provides you with healthy foods throughout the colder seasons.
Apple Butter Recipe: Apple butter is a classic autumn treat that's perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or pancakes. Made with homegrown apples, cinnamon, and other spices, apple butter is a delicious and comforting way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Slow cooking is the key to achieving the perfect consistency and flavor. We love giving jars of apple butter as gifts during the holidays.
Hearty Fall Soups & Stews: Nothing beats a warm and hearty soup or stew on a cold autumn day. Utilize seasonal vegetables like squash, pumpkins, and potatoes to create flavorful and nourishing meals. Add beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber. These soups and stews are perfect for batch cooking and freezing for easy weeknight meals.
Drying Fruit (Apples, Pears): Dehydrating fruit is a great way to preserve it for snacks or baking. Slice apples and pears thinly and dry them in a dehydrator or oven until they are leathery and chewy. Dried fruit is a healthy and portable snack that's perfect for hiking, camping, or packing in lunchboxes.
Making Herbal Vinegars for Winter Salads: Infuse vinegars with fall herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme to create delicious and healthy salad dressings. Simply add fresh herbs to a jar of vinegar and let it steep for several weeks. Strain the vinegar and store it in a cool, dark place. These herbal vinegars add a unique and flavorful touch to winter salads.
Preparing Your Homestead Animals for Winter
As the weather turns colder, it's important to ensure your homestead animals are warm, safe, and well-cared for.
Chicken Coop Winterization: Protect your chickens from the cold by winterizing their coop. Seal any cracks or gaps to prevent drafts, and add extra bedding (such as straw or wood shavings) to the floor. Make sure the coop is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. Providing a roosting bar will allow the chickens to stay off the cold ground.
Securing Feed Stores: Protect animal feed from rodents and moisture by storing it in airtight containers. Place the containers in a secure location that's out of reach of pests. Regularly check the feed for signs of spoilage.
Building a Cold Frame for Chickens: Chickens can get bored and restless during the winter months when they are confined to their coop. Provide them with access to fresh greens by building a small cold frame attached to the coop. This will give them a place to scratch and peck and enjoy some sunshine.
Preparing Water Sources: Ensure your animals have access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. Use heated water bowls or buckets to prevent the water from freezing. Check the water regularly and break up any ice that forms.
Embracing the Rhythm of Autumn
Autumn on the homestead is more than just a season; it's a state of mind. It's a time for slowing down, reflecting on the year, and appreciating the simple pleasures of home. It's a time to embrace the cozy warmth of the hearth, savor the flavors of the harvest, and prepare for the challenges and joys of winter. It’s time to put a Fall pollinator garden into action. It's a time to feel grateful for all that we have and to find contentment in the rhythm of nature.
What are your favorite autumn homesteading traditions? What are you most looking forward to preserving this fall? Share your own autumnal homesteading projects with us! Tag your photos on Instagram with #BetterHomesandHarvestsAutumn for a chance to be featured on our page! If you found these tips helpful, please share this post with your fellow homesteaders! We'd love to hear your responses in the comments below!