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Homesteading is all about resourcefulness, sustainability, and self-sufficiency.
But if you’re just starting out, it can feel like a lot, especially if you’ve never worked outside or grown a plant before! That’s why I love simple DIY projects that are practical, rewarding, and often budget-friendly.
You can pick one project to do over a weekend and start incorporating more and more. Before you know it, your home is a living, breathing self-sufficient machine.
Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a windowsill, these 25 indoor and outdoor projects will help you build your homesteading skills in small but meaningful ways.
Indoor DIY Homesteading Projects
1. DIY Herb Garden Wall
Fresh herbs at your fingertips? Yes, please. Mount mason jars, tin cans, or small pots on a wooden board and secure them to a kitchen or patio wall. Choose herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint to keep things simple and practical. This not only provides fresh ingredients for cooking but also adds a charming touch to your space.
Here are 7 more diy projects for indoor herb garden walls.
2. Homemade Beeswax Wraps
Say goodbye to plastic wrap by making your own reusable food wraps. Melt beeswax over fabric squares, brush evenly, and let cool. They’re perfect for keeping produce fresh and reducing kitchen waste. Plus, they’re easy to clean! Just rinse with cool water and mild soap.
3. DIY Sprouting Jar
Sprouts are packed with nutrients and take up hardly any space. Just grab a mason jar, some cheesecloth, and sprouting seeds like alfalfa or lentils. Rinse and drain daily, and in about five days, you’ll have a fresh batch ready to eat. They’re great for salads, sandwiches, and adding a little crunch to meals.
4. Mason Jar Fermentation Kit
Fermenting foods like sauerkraut or kimchi is easier than you think. All you need is a wide-mouth mason jar, salt, water, and your favorite veggies. The fermentation process enhances flavor and boosts gut health, making it a great DIY project for those looking to eat healthier.
The Masontops Complete Mason Jar Fermentation Kit transforms wide-mouth mason jars into effortless fermentation vessels. Ideal for making sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles, it includes airlock lids, glass weights, and a wood tamper for simple, probiotic-rich fermenting at home.
5. DIY Indoor Compost Bin
Don’t let small space stop you from composting. A lidded container with holes for airflow and a mix of food scraps and shredded paper can get you started. Just remember to turn it every few days to keep things balanced. This is an excellent way to create nutrient-rich compost for your plants.
6. Windowsill Microgreens Tray
Microgreens grow fast and require minimal effort. Scatter seeds like radish, sunflower, or kale in a shallow tray, keep them moist, and harvest within two weeks. They pack a nutritious punch and are perfect for garnishing meals or blending into smoothies.
7. Homemade Natural Cleaning Products
Ditch store-bought cleaners for a mix of vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. These DIY solutions are free from harsh chemicals and safe for the whole family. You can make everything from all-purpose sprays to glass cleaners with just a few ingredients.
Here are 9 easy diy cleaning product recipes for a non-toxic home.
8. DIY Canning & Food Preservation Station
Preserving food doesn’t require a massive setup. Start with a water bath canner, mason jars, and simple recipes like homemade jam or pickles. This skill is a game-changer for reducing waste and ensuring you always have homemade goods stocked in your pantry.
The easiest place to start is quick pickling. Here are 7 easy quick pickling vegetable recipes.
9. Indoor Mushroom Growing Kit
Oyster mushrooms thrive in small, humid spaces—like a closet or under the sink. A pre-made kit makes this foolproof, but you can also DIY it with a plastic tote and some coffee grounds. The result? Fresh, gourmet mushrooms for soups and stir-fries.
Grow gourmet oyster mushrooms effortlessly with the Back to the Roots Organic Mini Mushroom Grow Kit—100% organic, non-GMO, and perfect for year-round indoor cultivation. Just mist daily and harvest in 10 days. A sustainable, fun, and nourishing addition to any home!
10. DIY Herbal Medicine Cabinet
Stock up on homemade tinctures, infused oils, and dried herbs for natural remedies. Chamomile for sleep, peppermint for digestion. Soon, you’ll have a go-to stash for everyday wellness. This is a great way to take control of your health naturally.
Outdoor DIY Homesteading Projects
11. DIY Vertical Garden
Transform an old pallet, ladder or bookshelf into a vertical garden by attaching fabric or small containers. It’s a fantastic way to grow salad greens, strawberries, or herbs in limited space. This method maximizes your growing area and adds beauty to your outdoor space.
Get inspired with these 12 Outdoor Vertical Garden Ideas.
12. DIY Rainwater Collection System
A simple rain barrel setup can help you capture free water for your garden. You’ll need a food-grade barrel, a downspout diverter, and a spigot. This helps reduce reliance on municipal water and is great for sustainability.
13. Raised Bed Garden
A small raised bed keeps gardening manageable. Use untreated wood or cinder blocks to frame your space and fill it with nutrient-rich soil. This setup makes it easier to control weeds and soil quality, leading to better plant growth.
Here are 7 affordable diy raised garden bed ideas to get you started.
14. Homemade Chicken Feeder & Waterer
Keeping backyard chickens is so rewarding. Save money by making your own feeder with a bucket and PVC pipe. A gravity-fed system helps keep feed dry and clean. This DIY project ensures your flock always has access to fresh food and water.
15. DIY Worm Composting Bin
Vermicomposting (composting with worms) is an excellent way to turn food scraps into rich fertilizer. Drill aeration holes in a plastic tote, add bedding and worms, and let nature do its thing. The finished compost is a fantastic addition to garden beds and potted plants.
16. Hanging Strawberry Planter
Short on space? Hang a metal or plastic strawberry planter from your porch or a backyard tree. Strawberries thrive in small spaces and look beautiful cascading down. This project is perfect for adding fresh fruit to your homestead without taking up ground space.
17. Outdoor Rocket Stove
A rocket stove lets you cook efficiently with small twigs. Build one using bricks or a metal canister. Find an easy tutorial here. This is an excellent option for emergency preparedness or off-grid cooking.
18. DIY Beehive for Pollinators
Attract bees to your garden by making a small wooden bee house. If you’re feeling ambitious, research top-bar or Langstroth hives to start beekeeping. Pollinators play a crucial role in healthy gardens.
19. DIY Fire Pit for Cozy Evenings
A simple fire pit can be made with stacked bricks or a recycled metal ring. Whether roasting marshmallows or just unwinding, it’s a worthwhile backyard addition.
Here are 15 diy fire pit ideas to get you started.
20. Recycled-Tire Potato Tower
Growing potatoes doesn’t require a large garden, just a few stacked old tires or a wire cage filled with soil will do the trick. As the plants grow, continue adding soil and another layer of tires or mesh. This vertical method is perfect for maximizing yield in a small space, and harvesting is as easy as removing the layers to reveal your homegrown potatoes.
21. DIY Drip Irrigation System
Keeping your plants consistently hydrated can be a challenge, especially in the summer. A simple DIY drip irrigation system made from recycled plastic bottles or PVC pipes ensures your plants get a steady water supply with minimal waste. Here’s a guide to get started.
22. Backyard Composting Station
A backyard composting system helps you recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Whether you build a simple single-bin setup or a more advanced three-bin system, composting is a great way to reduce waste and enrich your garden. If space is tight, consider a tumbler composter for easier maintenance.
23. DIY Chicken Tractor for Small Spaces
A chicken tractor is a portable coop that allows your chickens to graze while fertilizing your lawn at the same time. This movable design keeps your flock safe from predators while giving them access to fresh grass. It’s a great way to integrate poultry into your backyard homestead. Check out these easy plans.
24. Self-Watering Container Garden
For busy homesteaders, a self-watering container garden can be a game changer. Using a large bucket with a wicking system, this setup ensures plants get just the right amount of moisture without daily watering. It’s an excellent solution for container gardening on patios, balconies, or small backyards.
Here are more tips for getting started with container gardening.
25. Upcycled Garden Tool Organizer
An organized homestead is a productive one. Repurpose an old wooden pallet or pegboard into a practical tool organizer for your backyard. Hang garden shears, shovels, and gloves in one easy-to-access spot to keep your space tidy and efficient. This simple DIY project saves time and frustration when working in the garden.
Conclusion
Homesteading doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, experiment, and find joy in the process. Whether you’re growing food, reducing waste, or building practical skills, these DIY projects bring you one step closer to a more self-sufficient and fulfilling lifestyle.
