Want to know how to build a patio? If your front porch or backyard needs a makeover, a new patio may just be what you need. And, to make it easy for you, we've broken down this free video series from GardenContinuumINC on how to build a DIY patio. DIY Patio For The Homestead I’ve always wanted to have a patio in the homestead but just thinking about it makes me think of how much I’ll be spending. Just thinking about hiring a contractor to do the job makes it seem not worth it. So I spoke to my hubby and decided, we can build it ourselves! So if you also want to try your building skills, try this. It may take more than a weekend though.   Materials For Building A Patio: Paver Crushed Bank Packable Sand Wooden Stakes Landscape fabric   Tools You’ll Need: Hammer Tape Measure Chalk Line Line Level Level Garden Rake Hearing Protection Wheelbarrow Safety Glasses Sod Cutter Tamper Masonry Saw gloves Garden Hose Shovel Brick Hammer Mason String line Push broom   It's another beautiful day at the homestead! #HappyHomesteading | : @abidinghomestead A post shared by Homesteading (@homesteadingusa) on Apr 11, 2017 at 4:13am PDT   Let Us Start Building A DIY Patio! Step 1: Set-Up The Base Set a 9-inch depth for your base. Layer a crushed bank to your base. To ensure that you base is set-up properly, watch the full video and learn the steps on how set-up your patio base. Hit play to start video below or watch it here:   Step 2: Placing The Bedding Sand And Pavers Use wood and steel bars to keep the sand even and use a chalk line to keep the paver aligned. Make sure to watch the full video for placing the bedding sand and pavers, it will show everything about bedding sand and pavers. Hit play to start video below or watch it here:   Step 3: Cutting Pavers And Adding The Joint Sand Use a masonry saw to cut pavers for designing your patio or to make sure that all the pavers are in perfect shape. After all the pavers are set, sweep the jointing sand over the cracks of the bricks.The jointing sand will work as a binder once watered. Let it dry. | Your patio is ready, my fellow homesteaders! Wasn’t that easy? To properly cut the pavers and add the joint sand take some time to watch the full video below or watch it here.   A patio is a perfect spot to take some time to catch up on a busy day or just relax and unwind. This DIY patio that we've learned to create today is another great project to add to any homestead. I don't want any envy brows from you but I just want you to know how fun it was when we build ours and now, it's a place where I and my husband can really take some time to observe and enjoy the comfort homesteading life have brought us. What do you think of this DIY patio? Will you give a try? Let us know how it went and share your experience with us in the comments section below. Want another DIY project for your homestead? Learn how to build zip line and you'll have long hours of play time with your little ones! Follow us on Instagram, twitter, pinterest, and facebook! This post was originally published in December 2015 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.   Featured Image Via people.hgtv

Spring calls for a home refresh. Whenever the weather shifts, heavy fabrics used in your home might be too much but replacing them with lightweight ones might also be insufficient. So, how do you maintain the right balance? The answer is layering homestead textiles like linen, wool, and cotton. These natural fibers regulate temperature, add texture, and improve comfort. Plus, they blend beautifully into any space. If you enjoy DIY projects, you’ll love the creative ways to incorporate them into your home. Why Linen, Wool, and Cotton Work Best Each fabric type plays a role in keeping your home comfortable as temperatures fluctuate. Linen: This material is breathable, moisture-wicking, and softens over time. It's ideal for bedding, curtains, and slipcovers. Wool: A natural insulator, wool holds warmth while allowing airflow. Use it in blankets, rugs, or lightweight throws. Cotton: Durable and versatile, cotton pairs well with linen and wool. It works best for dish towels, upholstery, and quilts. Layering these fabrics lets you create an inviting home without overheating. Now, let's explore how to use them in different areas. Layering Textiles for a Functional Spring Home Here’s how to make the most of homestead textiles in key spaces. Living Room The living room sees daily use, so fabrics should feel comfortable and practical. Replace heavy wool blankets with lightweight alternatives. A wool-linen blend works better during spring, as it provides warmth without the bulk. Use linen slipcovers on sofas and armchairs. They protect furniture while maintaining breathability. Mix cotton and wool pillow covers. Pairing different textures creates dimension and enhances comfort. For more inspiration on choosing natural fabrics, check out this guide on breathable textiles by Warde. Bedroom The temperature during spring nights can be unpredictable, so layering your home fabrics can help regulate warmth. A thoughtfully layered bedroom can help improve your family’s sleep quality. Start with cotton sheets and a linen duvet cover. This combination keeps the bed cool yet comfortable. Add a lightweight wool throw at the foot of the bed. It's easy to pull it up on cooler nights and store it when it gets warmer. Switch to linen curtains. These provide privacy but allow fresh air to circulate. Kitchen & Dining The kitchen and dining areas need durable, easy-to-clean fabrics. Replace disposable napkins with linen or cotton alternatives. These are reusable and add character to the table. Layer a linen table runner over a cotton tablecloth. This combination feels light yet structured. Swap synthetic dish towels for natural fibers. Linen and cotton absorb moisture efficiently and dry quickly. DIY Sewing Projects for Homesteaders If you enjoy crafting, try making your own homestead textiles. Here are three simple sewing projects to start with. 1. Linen Bread Bags Linen prevents mold and keeps bread fresh longer. Cut a rectangle of linen fabric, sew the edges, and add a drawstring closure. This project is simple, sustainable, and practical. 2. Wool Dryer Balls Ditch chemical-filled dryer sheets by making wool dryer balls. Roll 100% wool yarn into a ball, secure it with felting needlework, and wash it in hot water to bond the fibers. Use them to reduce static, soften fabrics, and shorten drying times. 3. Quilted Cotton Placemats Use scrap cotton fabric to create quilted placemats. Layer two fabric squares with batting in between, stitch the edges, and add decorative quilting lines. They can protect the table from excessive spills and stains. Refresh Your Home with Homestead Textiles Linen, wool, and cotton help make adjusting your home to spring’s changing temperatures easy. Whether you’re layering fabrics, sewing your own decor, or replacing heavy materials with lighter options, homestead textiles offer both beauty and function. How do you use natural fabrics in your home? Share your ideas in the comments below! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Why are natural fabrics better than synthetic ones? Natural fibers like linen, wool, and cotton are breathable, moisture-resistant, and biodegradable. Unlike synthetic materials, they don’t trap heat or shed harmful microplastics. 2. Can I mix different homestead textiles in one space? Yes! Combining various fabrics adds texture and function. For instance, a linen couch cover pairs well with wool pillows and a cotton throw. 3. How should I care for linen textiles? Linen softens over time. Wash it in cold water with mild detergent, and air dry when possible to preserve its natural texture. 4. Is wool too warm for spring? Not at all! Wool regulates temperature, keeping you comfortable in both cool and warm weather. 5. Can I sew my own homestead textiles without advanced skills? Definitely! Many projects, like linen bread bags and cotton placemats, require only basic sewing skills. Start with simple patterns and progress from there. 6. What’s the best way to layer textiles for different seasons? Swap thick wool blankets for lighter options and switch to breathable linen curtains for spring. In colder months, add wool layers for insulation. 7. Are linen curtains better than cotton ones? Linen allows airflow while maintaining privacy, making it great for warmer months. Cotton is denser, so it’s better for blocking light. 8. Can homestead textiles help with allergies? Yes! Wool and linen naturally resist dust mites, mold, and bacteria, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. 9. How do I prevent cotton from shrinking? Wash cotton in cold water and avoid high heat when drying. Line drying helps maintain its shape and softness. 10. Where can I find sustainable homestead textiles? Check local fabric shops, eco-friendly online retailers, or thrift stores for quality, secondhand materials that are both affordable and sustainable.

Want to know how to build a raised flower bed? If you need some flower bed ideas for your garden, this may just be what your looking for. This is a great woodworking project for beginners and experts alike. How to Build a Raised Flower Bed I've recently been working on my garden (again) and thought that a flower bed would be just the perfect addition. There was an amazing spot in my garden but it seem to have clay soil and I didn't really want to amend it. So my other solution, a raised flower bed. Not only does it solve my problem with the soil composition but it's also a great wood craft project I've always wanted to try. So if you also want to test your homesteading skills, check out this step-by-step tutorial that will teach you how to make a raised flower bed. It would be great to add to a small garden.   What you'll need to build a raised flower bed:  2 x 4s 4 x 4 post tape measure pencil square drill with bits and screw driving bits circular saw work gloves soil landscape fabric shovel hoe level utility knife sawhorses wheelbarrow soaker hose safety glasses dust mask flowers or vegetable (it's totally up to you!)   Now for the Process: How to Build a Raised Flower Bed Garden in 12 Simple Steps ((I'd like to thank Lowe's for this excellent tutorial from their Youtube! – Watch the entire video at the bottom of this post.))   Step 1 Choose the location of your flower bed. There are certain things you have to consider: it should have plenty of sun and you should have access to both sides. Once you've decided, mark the dimensions of the container. We'll be making a standard 3′ x 5′ garden bed. |   Step 2 | Dig up the sod using your shovel just deep enough to remove the grass and use a level to check if the ground is level. Make any adjustments to it as necessary.   Step 3 | Roll out the landscape fabric on the ground you dug. It should be at least 6″ longer than the edge of your bare soil.   Step 4 Now that you have the layout done, it's time to build the box. Start by cutting the 2 x 4s and 4 x 4 posts to length using your circular saw. Don't forget to use a protective mask and safety glasses. TIP: If you're building a bigger flower bed, you may have to anchor the posts into the ground.   Step 5 Drill pilot holes to the end of the 2 x 4s.   Step 6 Secure the 2 x 4s to the 4 x 4s making sure that they are even to the top of the post. Afterwards, use your square to check that it is also even and square on the sides.   Step 7 Screw the 2 x 4s to the posts on one side then to the other. Do the same for the ends of your box too. It should now look like the picture below.   Step 8 You're now done with the box! Wasn't that easy? You can now set it on top of the landscape fabric and make sure that it's level.   Step 9 Once you're satisfied with how it looks, cut the excess fabric with your utility knife.   Step 10 | Time to put your soil. You should have at least 6 inches of soil to allow the plant's roots to grow. If you have compost or fertilizer, you can also mix it in with the soil you're putting in your flower bed.   Time to Plant! Step 11 Prepare the your plants. Now pull the dirt back with your hoe.   Step 12 | Put your plant in and pack the soil around the roots with your hands.   Optional Step: | If you want to make watering easier, you can come up with this irrigation system. Lay a soaker hose around the plants and cover it with soil. Then you can attach it to a timer to make sure that your plants will get the water it needs all the time.   | And that's it. You'll have a better view in your garden after making this raised flower bed. Would you agree that it's an excellent gardening idea? Remember, if you don't want to set up an irrigation system, you can always water your plants manually. That's how I do it.   If you'd like to see how to build a raised flower bed, you can watch this video tutorial from Lowe's Home Improvement:   What do you think of this tutorial on how to build a raised flower bed? Let us know in the comments section what your thoughts are on this gardening idea. Do you think you'll be building one for your garden this weekend? What plants are you going to use? We'd love to know more about it. Share it with us in the comments section below. Have any homesteading projects you’d like to share? Share it with us an we’ll give it a try. We’d love to know what you think!   If you're interested in growing everything you can on your own homestead, check out our Homesteader's Handbook: How to Grow Everything You Need For Survival On a Small Plot of Land Like this post? You'll also LOVE: Best Plants for Clay Soil How to Amend Clay Soil Growing an Herb Garden

Want to know how to jumpstart a car? If you want to learn self-sufficiency and not have to rely on anyone else with your car problems, this how-to is for you. Learn how to use jumper cables and jumpstart your car in a sticky situation. How to Jumpstart a Car Safely Have you ever had that experience when you parked your car and when you got back, you see that you left your headlights on? Well you must know what may come next, your car just won't start! It's not the best experience especially when you have dead battery. I've been a driver for years and there will come a time when your car's battery will fail you. What I normally do before was call the tow or ask for someone else to help me out. But I then decided that I shouldn't always ask for help when the solution can be so easy. I realized that being a woman should not stop me, or anyone, from learning automotive skills. You can never tell when you can use an added skill of self-reliance. So if you're ready to learn something new, check out this easy tutorial on how to jump a car.   What you'll need to jumpstart a car: jumper cables the dead car a working car   Step 1 Get the two cars close enough together so you can connect the jumper cables without a problem. TIP: Always have your jumper cables in your trunk. You'll never know when you need them.   Step 2 Open the hood of both cars but before doing anything, make sure that they are both turned off.   Step 3 Clamp the red cable to the positive terminal of the battery of the dead car. Start with the red cables first, they are your positive cables. You'd want to clamp the red cable [positive cable] to the battery's positive terminal of your dead car first. Now clamp the red cable to the positive terminal of the battery of the good car. Then clamp the other red cable to the battery's positive terminal of the good car. TIP: Need to know which is the positive and negative on your car battery? Normally there would be a positive (+) and negative (-) sign on top of the battery but in some cases that it doesn't, there are still a few indicators you can check. Normally the positive will have something red on it and the negative, something black. If you still don't see any of these signs, remember that the negative cable usually runs where it touches the body and the positive cable runs along the outside of the engine. So if in doubt, just follow where the cable leads.   Step 4 Clamp the black cable to the negative terminal of the good car's battery. Now that you have the red jumper cables attached, let's move on to the black cables. Put the black cable [the negative cable] to the negative terminal of the good car's battery.   (+) connects to (+) (-) connects to (-)    Step 5 Don't clamp the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery. You may think that the next thing to do is clamp the other black cable to the negative terminal of the dead car's battery but think again. This may cause a spark and an explosion or accident so please don't do that. Clamp the second black cable to the part of your car that has a good ground. What you should do is find a good ground to connect the black cable, a clean unpainted metal surface on the car's hood, the car's engine block or the top of your alternator.   Step 6 Now that you have everything attached, it's time to jump start the car. Start the good car and allow it to run for 2-3 minutes. What you're doing with this is charging the battery of the dead car.   Step 7 After a bit of waiting you can now turn the ignition of the dead car and it should start. Congratulations, you're almost home free. TIP: In the event that the dead car still doesn't start, raise the idle of the good car. This will allow the alternator to run better and charge the dead battery more.   Step 8 Remove the black cable from the dead car then the good car. Remove the red cable from the good car then the dead car. Now that you have your car running, the last thing to do is to disconnect everything. You'll be doing it in a reverse order. So start with the black cable from the dead car then the good car. Then remove the red cable from the good car followed by the dead car earlier.   Step 9 Drive around the jumped car for at least 30 minutes. This will give the battery time to recharge itself.   And that's how you jump a car battery. If you don't want to go through that whole process, be sure to always check you headlights but in case you experience this and you didn't leave your headlights on, have a professional check your battery. Want to see how to jumpstart a car? Watch the video tutorial from Art of Manliness:   What do you think of tutorial on how to jump start a car? Do you think you'd be confident to do it in case you experience this kind of car problem? Let us know in the comments section below! Have any homesteading projects you’d like to share? Share it with us an we’ll give it a try. We’d love to know what you think!   Like this post? You'll also LOVE: How to Change a Tire Safely |Homestead Tips Homesteader’s Guide to Basic Carpentry Skills 34 Must Have Tools for Homesteaders | Homesteading Tools

This is why you should own The Juice Plus Tower Garden, and why it is the single best vertical aeroponic indoor gardening system ever. I am a huge fan of all things efficient, good for the earth, and good for you. That's why I'm a huge fan of the tower garden. I recently learned about this amazing contraption, and I loved it so much that I found a rep to share it with you! Please check out this great article she wrote all about the tower garden and how it can change your life! I've already ordered mine, and I'll be eagerly standing by to start this tower gardening journey with you! The Juice Plus Tower Garden By Jen Bumstead It was June 2014 when I was first introduced to the one thing that would end my black thumb days forever, the Tower Garden. I had just begun my first week as a Juice Plus+ representative, the company that owns Tower Garden. I was at teammates house when she took us out to her back patio to show us her new Tower. It was love at first sight. From the luscious green produce thriving all the way up to the very top to the relaxing sounds of trickling water cascading down through the center column I was positive I would be owning a Tower Garden. It was in that moment that I knew I could do great things for my family and my community with the Tower Garden.   |   When fall arrived in West Michigan and our Farmers Markets closed for the season I decided it was time to invest in our health and become Tower Gardeners. It was the best decision I ever made. Our Tower graced our kitchen and became our very own fresh, organic, produce stand. What were once small seeds were now growing at rapid pace and as quickly as the snow falls we had seedlings that were ready to be transported to the tower. Within 4 weeks we had full grown produce! When I cooked, I’d harvest what I needed from it and leave the rest on the vine to keep growing instead of keeping in my fridge. We had fresh produce and herbs growing all through winter thanks to the Grow Lights. From its bounty I make my own salsa, pesto, zucchini bread & muffins, smoothies, side dishes, dressings, salads and more. My 3 year old has also been a big part of the growing process and has learned all about the different kinds of produce we grow in our kitchen. It has helped transform my picky eater into a healthy eater and seeing this in my own child made me want to share it with others.   |   It was then I decided to team up with 3 other tower garden moms to bring the Tower Gardens into schools through our organization Teach Learn Grow TG. Our mission is to help teachers find a way to seamlessly introduce more lessons on nutrition, sustainability & environmental awareness into the curriculum of all the local districts and starting them as young as pre-school all the way to College level education. Since we began our journey back in October of 2014 we have placed Tower Gardens in 6 schools and the number is quickly rising. Watching the students of these schools flourish with the Tower Gardens presence in the classroom has been a rewarding experience to both their educators and us. Today we continue to raise funds to donate more towers to low-income schools and communities in our area in hopes that they will help keep kids in school and be excited and proactive their health & environment. For more details on how you can get involved with Teach Learn Grow TG please visit www.teachlearngrowtg.com.   |   How does the Tower Garden vertical, Aeroponic, gardening system work? The Tower Garden vertical, Aeroponic, gardening system uses air & water to produce more colorful, better tasting & incredibly nutritious fruits, vegetables & herbs indoor or out, all year round, no matter the climate. Check out the whys & hows here:   Along with all the Tower Gardens many benefits, ranging from environmental awareness to health to sustainability it is also a much more economical way to garden and eat produce.   So, how cool is this vertical aeroponic system? Not only is it reasonably priced, compact, and easy to use, but it can ALSO bring fresh nutritious produce anywhere in the world, anytime of year, in any kind of climate. That's amazing! * You can find all the details here on the product's site! * I am so eager to start growing!! Although I do love going outside and getting my hands and knees dirty in the natural dirt while growing my veggies, I must admit that I am looking forward to the convenience of this invention. It will be much easier on my back. It will also allow me to grow some produce that I was not able to in my climate before! But don't worry folks – I will continue to garden and dig in the dirt with my flowers! This is an example of how modern inventions can be a very good thing and I will willingly embrace this kind of change because I know it is for the better! The Tower Garden can be purchased all around the world with 2 payment options available… Talk to my friend Jen for all the details on how you can order yours. She'll walk you through the whole process, including which tower garden is best for your home, what can be grown, and how these are being used to benefit society! Click here to talk to Jen and learn more.    I'd love to hear from you! Do you have a tower garden? How has the tower garden changed the way you homestead? Please let me know in the comments, and share this post with others!   DISCLAIMER: This post is NOT sponsored by Juice Plus or  Tower Garden  – I just REALLY like them & HIGHLY Recommend them!   Like this? You'll Also Like: Cool Solar Powered Inventions That Homesteaders Will Love 43 Off The Grid Hacks How to Grow All The Food You Need To Survive In Your Own Backyard 27 More Tower Gardens You Can Make