Fall Homesteading Projects & Tasks (w/ Printable Checklist)
Get your homestead ready for winter with key fall homesteading projects and a free printable checklist to help keep you organized!
Alright, fall’s here, and it’s time to get ready for the cold. Cooler weather, crisp mornings, and shorter days—the natural rhythm calling you to prep, hustle, and enjoy the fruits of your labor – to reap what you’ve sown – before winter kicks in.
This time of year is all about getting the land, animals, home, and garden ready for the cold months ahead. So roll up those sleeves and grab your checklist because we’re diving into the most essential fall homesteading projects that’ll keep your homestead thriving through the frosty days.
Garden
Time of year to put that vegetable garden to bed, but you don’t just abandon it. Now’s your chance to get ahead of the game for next year. If you want to set yourself up for an epic harvest next season, fall is the best time to prep.
Harvest Fall Crops
Before the cold winter months hit, grab the last root vegetables—your carrots, beets, potatoes—and keep an eye on those frost dates. Check the forecast or estimated first frost date. Cooler weather is great for some plants like kale, but for others, like tomatoes, early fall frosts are a death sentence. Take care of any delicate plants before they get frosted over.
Clear Garden Beds
Fall yard waste, dead plants, weeds—they gotta go. One of the easiest ways to prep is to clean everything up. You don’t want pests chilling in your garden beds over winter, waiting to wreak havoc come spring. Add some compost or other organic matter to your soil to prevent erosion and keep that dirt nutrient-packed for next year’s planting season.
Plant for Spring
Get your garlic and onions in the ground now, and come early spring, you’ll be digging up fresh onion bulbs before you know it. Fall is also the perfect time to plant fruit trees and perennials. Want flowers in the spring? Toss some bulbs in the ground now, like tulips and daffodils—they love cooler temperatures for their chilling period.
Sow Cover Crops
Rye, clover, winter peas—cover crops add nitrogen back into the soil while also preventing soil erosion. One of the best things you can do for your soil’s organic matter is to plant cover crops now and till them under in late winter. It’s a good time to give your garden the TLC to bounce back stronger next year.
Trim, Prune, & Mulch Perennials
Now is the time to trim back dead or overgrown perennials, prune shrubs or small trees, and add mulch around your perennials. Mulching will help insulate the roots, retain moisture, and reduce temperature fluctuations during winter.
Food & Pantry
Your pantry’s calling; now’s the time to stock it up. Fall is perfect for food preservation, so if you haven’t already started, now’s the time to start.
Preserve the Harvest
Whatever’s left in your garden—whether it’s tomatoes, peppers, or even root vegetables—preserve it. Small batches of salsa or tomato sauce are good ways to use up that last bit of harvest. Once winter sets in, those jars will be gold when grocery stores are limited and prices are jacked up.
Dry Herbs
Have herbs hanging out in the garden? Dry them now before they freeze. You can hang-dry them in your kitchen or use a dehydrator. Once dried, they’re perfect for making herbal remedies and teas or adding flavor to winter soups.
Store Root Vegetables
If you’ve got a cool, dark storage space like a root cellar, you’re all set. Root veggies like potatoes and carrots store best in these conditions. If not, use plastic barrels or even cardboard boxes or baskets in a basement or garage—just keep the temperature consistent to prevent spoilage.
Make Jams, Butters, and Sauces
Fall fruits like apples and pears are perfect for making jams and butters. Can those bad boys, and you’ll have a sweet stash for the cold months. Plus, they make great gifts for the holidays. Stock up your dry stores, and you’ll be set for whatever winter throws your way.
Organize Pantry & Take Inventory
Go through your pantry, check supplies, and stock up on essentials like flour, sugar, beans, and rice.
Livestock
Your animals need to be prepped for the long winter months, just like your garden and home. You can’t just throw extra feed at them and call it a day.
Stockpile Feed
Get your hands on enough feed and hay to last through any potential winter storms. It’s one of the most important things you can do to make sure your animals are taken care of when you’re snowed in, and the roads are too icy for deliveries.
Winterize the Chicken Coop
The coop is crucial for your chickens in the winter. Chickens need a dry, draft-free place to survive the cold. Add extra straw or hay, and make sure their water source won’t freeze. Heated waterers or plastic bottles filled with warm water can help keep the water flowing when the temperature drops.
Prepare Shelters
Check your barns, sheds, or any other animal shelters for drafts, leaks, or areas where snow could sneak in. Insulating with straw bales or heavy-duty tarps can work wonders.
Goats especially need to stay dry to prevent respiratory issues; check out my guide on how to keep goats warm in the winter for more details.
Inside the Home
A little work to prep your home now, before the snow comes, saves a lot of headaches when winter hits.
Check Chimney and Fireplace
Before lighting your first fire of the season, make sure your chimney and fireplace are cleaned and inspected for safety. This helps prevent chimney fires and ensures everything is running efficiently.
Weatherproof Windows & Doors
Walk around your home to check for drafts around windows and doors. Weatherstripping, caulking, or even installing heavy curtains are some of the easiest ways to keep the cold out and the heat in.
Prepare for Power Outages
If you live somewhere prone to snowstorms, make sure your generator is fueled up and ready to go. Stock up on candles, batteries, oil lamps, and alternative heating sources like propane or kerosene. It’s one of the best ways to keep your family safe and warm during extended outages.
Organize Winter Supplies
It’s the perfect time to take inventory of your winter supplies. Make sure you have enough blankets, emergency food, water treatment, and any other necessities stocked up. Keep everything accessible for when the cold really sets in.
Service Heating Systems
Make sure your furnace or heating system is in good working order. Call in a professional if needed to inspect and service your heating system before the cold hits in full force.
Outside the Home
Remember to prep the exterior of your homestead for the upcoming cold season. Fall is the best time to winterize your outdoor areas to avoid costly repairs come spring.
Clean and Inspect Gutters
As leaves fall, gutters can get clogged quickly, leading to drainage problems or even ice dams when the snow starts. Clean out all debris and check for any damage that might need repair before winter sets in.
Check Roof for Leaks & Repair Damage
Inspect your roof for anything that can cause serious damage during the snowy months. Patch any small leaks, replace shingles, and consider calling in a pro if you spot anything major.
Stockpile Firewood for Winter Heating
This is the perfect time to gather firewood and make sure it’s stacked and seasoned properly. Whether you rely on wood for heating or simply enjoy the warmth of a cozy fire, it’s crucial to have plenty on hand before the cold really sets in.
Winterize Outdoor Water Systems
Drain and store hoses, shut off outdoor water sources, and insulate any exposed pipes to prevent freezing. If you have livestock or a garden, consider installing frost-proof spigots or insulated water troughs.
Inspect for Any Cracks or Damage
Walk around your property and inspect your foundation and outbuildings for cracks or damage. Sealing up cracks can prevent cold air drafts and keep pests from sneaking into your home or barns during winter.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Any branches hanging too close to your house or structures should be trimmed back before winter. Heavy snow can cause branches to snap, which can cause roof damage or even power outages if they fall on electrical lines.
Extras
The fall season isn’t just for prepping—it’s a perfect time to slow down and savor the moments. Whether you’re starting new projects or soaking in the cozy vibes, fall offers much more than just homestead chores.
Build a Cold Frame or Greenhouse
If you’re looking to keep those greens going during the snowy months, building a cold frame or even a greenhouse is the way to go. It’s one of the easiest ways to extend your growing season. You can even repurpose materials like untreated wood or wooden pallets for a DIY setup.
Tackle Your Fall Bucket List
Tackle Your Fall Bucket List: Fall is the perfect time for new projects and family fun. I’ve got a Fall Bucket List Free Printable, so you won’t miss anything. Whether it’s a bonfire or baking pumpkin bread, there’s no shortage of fall projects.
Start Winter Crafts
Now’s the time to get into some winter crafts. Whether making your own infused oils, salves/balms, candles, soap, or knitting, these cooler months are perfect for starting new projects. Crafting is one of those good ways to slow down and appreciate the little things.
Decorate for Fall
Bring the outdoors in! Use pumpkins, dried flowers, cornstalks, or fallen leaves to deck out your front door and homestead. It’s an easy way to celebrate the season and adds that fall feeling to your home.
Plan for Thanksgiving
Don’t let the holiday rush catch you off guard! Use my Free Thanksgiving Planner Printable to stay organized with a menu planner, shopping list, and more. It’s all about making the most of the season while keeping things simple and stress-free.
Download Your Free Fall Homesteading Projects Checklist
Download your Fall Homesteading Projects & Tasks Printable Checklist to stay organized and get it all done. enjoy the bonus blank checklist to add your own tasks!
Wrapping up: Fall Homesteading Projects
Homesteading is still a lot of work in the fall, with so many projects and tasks to do, but there’s no better time of year to get ahead. Whether prepping your garden, feeding your chickens, or stacking firewood, it’s best to get it done now so your homestead thrives through the colder months.
