215 Homesteading Skills to Learn for the Modern Homestead

Explore homesteading skills to learn for a resilient and sustainable lifestyle. Master gardening, food preservation, animal care, and much more to make your homestead thrive.

homesteading skills to learn for the modern homestead

Starting a homestead is an exciting adventure, full of opportunities to learn and grow. On my five-acre homestead, I’ve experienced both the joys and challenges of picking up new skills. Planting our permaculture orchard last year was a thrilling milestone we’d dreamed of for years.

On the flip side, learning to neuter my goat bucklings this year (via banding) was quite intimidating, but I’m glad I tackled it and can now check it off my list.

To help you along your homesteading journey, I’ve compiled a list of 215 essential homesteading skills to learn. Not everyone will need every skill on this list, so pick the ones that fit best for you and your homestead. 

215 Homesteading Skills to Learn

man and woman in greenhouse holding plant starts

Gardening and Food Production

Let’s talk about some essential gardening and food production homesteading skills to learn. From planning your vegetable garden to mastering the art of composting, these skills will help you produce a bounty of fresh, homegrown goodness.

1. Vegetable Garden Planning

Organize your garden for maximum yield. Use a gardening journal to track your progress.

2. Starting Seeds Indoors

Extend the growing season by starting seeds indoors. Use a seed starting chart to help you keep track of what you’re planting.

3. Companion Planting

Use plants that support each other’s growth.

4. Crop Rotation

Rotate crops each year to reduce pests and maintain soil health.

5. Garden Bed Preparation

Prepare garden beds with appropriate soil amendments and tilling.

6. Fruit Tree Care

Plant, prune, and maintain fruit trees.

7. Berry Bush Cultivation

Grow and maintain berry bushes.

8. Herb Gardening

Grow herbs for culinary and medicinal uses.

9. Build a Greenhouse

Build a greenhouse to extend growing seasons.

10. Building Cold Frames

Construct cold frames to protect plants from frost.

11. Vertical Gardening

Maximize your space by growing plants vertically.

12. Wild Edibles Identification

Identify and harvest wild edible plants.

13. Seed Saving

Save seeds from your best plants for future use.

14. Seed Stratification

Learn techniques for stratifying seeds to improve germination rates for certain plants.

15. Composting

Turn kitchen scraps and other organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.

16. Vermiculture

Use worms to enhance compost quality.

17. Mulching

Conserve moisture and reduce weeds with mulch.

18. Drip Irrigation System Setup

Install and maintain drip irrigation systems for efficient watering.

19. Rainwater Harvesting

Collect and store rainwater for garden use.

20. Pruning

Properly prune plants to promote growth.

21. Grafting

Combine plant parts to propagate new plants.

22. Plant Propagation

Multiply plants using cuttings and divisions.

23. Permaculture Design

Implement sustainable gardening practices.

24. Pest Control

Implement natural methods to manage pests.

25. Cover Cropping

Grow cover crops to improve soil health.

26. No-Dig Gardening

Reduce soil disruption to maintain soil structure.

27. Square Foot Gardening

Optimize small spaces with square-foot gardening.

28. Edible Landscaping

Design landscapes with edible plants.

29. Making Biochar

Create biochar to improve soil fertility.

30. Building Garden Structures

Construct trellises, raised beds, and other garden structures.

31. Hydroponics

Grow plants without soil using a nutrient-rich water solution.

32. Aquaponics

Integrate fish farming with hydroponics for a symbiotic system.

33. Mushroom Cultivation

Grow edible mushrooms in controlled environments.

34. Landscaping

Design and maintain functional and aesthetic outdoor spaces.

35. Soil Testing

Test and amend soil to improve fertility and structure. 

Food Preservation

homesteading skills to learn: woman fermenting food

Preserving your own food is probably one of the most important homesteading skills to learn. By mastering these food preservation techniques, you can keep your pantry stocked throughout the winter months and even year-round.

For inspiration, check out my picks for the 23 best books on preserving food.

36. Canning

Preserve food using pressure or water bath canning.

37. Freezing

Properly freeze food to extend its shelf life.

38. Drying

Dehydrate food for long-term storage.

39. Fermenting

Ferment vegetables for preservation and health benefits.

40. Vacuum or Heat Sealing

Remove air in packaged goods to extend shelf life.

41. Cold Storage

Store food in a root cellar or other cool environment.

42. Freeze Drying

Use a freeze dryer to preserve a variety of foods, including eggs and milk, for up to 25 years!

43. Waterglass Eggs

Learn to preserve farm-fresh eggs by waterglassing. 

44. Smoking Meats

Smoke meats to preserve and flavor them.

45. Curing Meats

Use salt and other methods to cure meats.

46. Making Jams and Jellies

Preserve fruits by making jams and jellies.

47. Jerky Making

Dehydrate meat to make jerky.

48. Fruit Leather

Make fruit leather by drying pureed fruit.

49. Making Fruit Preserves

Create preserves from seasonal fruits.

50. Pickling

Preserve vegetables by pickling.

51. Making Dairy Products

Extend the life of your milk by making yogurt, kefir, butter, cheeses, sour cream, and more at home.

52. Wine Making

Turn fruit into wine.

53. Making Beer

Brew beer from grains and hops.

54. Vinegar Making

Produce vinegar from wine or fruit.

55. Mead Making

Brew honey into mead.

56. Kombucha Brewing

Brew kombucha for a probiotic drink.

Kitchen and Cooking

homesteading skills to learn: woman making sourdough bread

Anyone can live the homesteading lifestyle by starting right in their own kitchen. There are so many kitchen and cooking homesteading skills to learn. That’s where I began, learning to cook from scratch. These skills will help you make the most of your harvest and reduce your grocery bill.

57. From Scratch Cooking

Cook meals from basic ingredients.

58. Sourdough starter

Make your own sourdough starter.

59. Sourdough Bread

Bake sourdough bread from a starter.

60. Mill Your Own Grain

Grind whole grains for baking.

61. Cooking with Cast Iron

Use cast iron or carbon steel cookware.

62. Making Baked Goods

Learn how to make baked goods like scones, muffins, cakes, and more from scratch.

63. Making Natural Food Dyes

Use carrots, beets, and other natural ingredients to make food coloring.

64. Meal Planning

Plan meals to use fresh ingredients.

65. Homemade Pasta

Make pasta from scratch.

66. Use Real Butter

Ditch the seed oils and cook with butter.

67. Buy in Bulk

Purchase supplies in bulk to save money and ensure you have essential items on hand.

68. Making Sausage

Create homemade sausage.

69. Use a Whole Chicken

Learn how to use a whole chicken to make several things.

70. Cooking with Fresh Herbs

Use fresh herbs in your cooking.

71. Making Butter

Use a stand mixer to turn fresh cream into butter.

72. Cooking with Seasonal Produce

Use seasonal produce for freshness.

73. Homemade Soups and Stews

Make soups and stews from scratch.

74. Making Ice Cream

Make homemade ice cream using raw milk, cream, and eggs.

75. Cooking with Edible Flowers

Add edible flowers like nasturtiums to your dishes.

76. Making Nut Butters

Create homemade nut butters like almond and peanut butter.

77. Making Spice/Herb Seasonings

Create your own blends like taco seasoning.

78. Vacuum or Heat Sealing

Remove air to extend shelf life in stored dried goods.

79. Making Homemade Pizza

Create pizza from scratch with homemade dough and toppings.

80. Making Bone Broth

Make nutrient-rich bone broth.

81. Make herbal tea blends

Use dried herbs to make herbal tea blends for making herbal tea at home.

82. Making Sauces and Condiments

Create homemade sauces and condiments like mayonnaise and salad dressing. 

Animal Husbandry

homesteading skills to learn: woman milking dairy goat

Raising animals is a key part of many homesteads, providing meat, milk, eggs, and more. These animal husbandry homesteading skills to learn will help you properly care for your livestock and ensure they contribute to your homestead’s self-sufficiency.

​83. General Livestock Care

Understand the basics of caring for livestock. Start with my guide to raising chickens and guide to raising goats naturally.

84. Building Animal Shelters

Build your own chicken coop and other shelters for your livestock animals.

85. Milking Animals

Milk your own cows, goats, or sheep for raw milk.

86. Animal Nutrition

Provide proper nutrition for all types of livestock.

87. Animal Health Care

Recognize and treat common animal illnesses.

88. Breeding Animals

Breed animals for sustainability.

89. Artificial Insemination

Use artificial insemination techniques.

90. Incubating Eggs

Incubate and hatch eggs.

91. Building a brooder

Create a safe space for raising young chicks.

92. Pasture Management

Manage pastures for optimal grazing.

93. Using Animal Manure

Use manure to fertilize your garden.

94. Animal Fencing

Build and maintain fences to keep animals safe.

95. Herding Dogs

Train herding dogs to manage livestock.

96. Guard Animals

Use guard animals like LGDs, geese, or donkeys to protect livestock.

97. Neuter Livestock

Learn different methods for neutering livestock.

98. Trimming Hooves

Maintain hoof health by regular clipping.

99. Shearing Sheep

Shear sheep for wool production.

100. Butchering Livestock

Process livestock for meat.

101. Identifying a Broody Hen

Recognize and manage broody hens.

102. Rotational Grazing

Implement rotational grazing to improve pasture health.

103. Giving Injections

Administer injections for health care.

104. Managing Poultry Health

Keep your poultry flock healthy.

105. Catching and Handling Chickens

Safely catch and handle chickens.

106. Caring for Newborn Animals

Learn how to care for newborn livestock.

107. Feeding Orphaned Animals

Bottle-feed orphaned livestock.

108. Managing Flock Dynamics

Understand and manage flock behavior.

109. Culling Animals

Humanely cull animals when necessary.

110. Identifying Livestock Breeds

Learn about different livestock breeds.

111. Managing Parasites

Control internal and external parasites.

112. Training Pack Animals

Train animals like donkeys and llamas for packing.

Home and Farm Maintenance

man wood working

Maintaining your homestead requires a range of practical skills. From carpentry to plumbing, these maintenance homesteading skills to learn will help you keep everything running smoothly.

113. Basic Carpentry Skills

Build and repair structures on your homestead.

114. Using Basic Tools

Use basic tools like hammers, saws, and drills.

115. Building Fences

Construct and maintain fences for livestock and garden protection.

116. Roof Repair

Fix and maintain roofs on your buildings.

117. Plumbing Repair

Repair and maintain plumbing systems.

118. Electrical Repair

Perform basic electrical repairs and maintenance.

119. Using a Manual Transmission

Drive vehicles with manual transmissions.

120. Basic Automotive Repair

Perform basic repairs on vehicles.

121. Basic Plumbing Skills

Repair leaks and install new plumbing fixtures.

122. Wood Splitting

Split wood for heating and cooking.

123. Chainsaw Operation

Safely operate a chainsaw for cutting wood.

124. Well Maintenance

Keep your well in good working order.

125. Generator Maintenance

Maintain generators for backup power.

126. Repairing Tools

Sharpen and repair tools to keep them in good condition.

127. Tractor Operation

Operate a tractor for various farm tasks.

128. Managing Septic Systems

Maintain and troubleshoot septic systems.

129. Weatherproofing

Apply weatherproofing techniques to protect buildings from the elements.

130. Snow Removal

Use tools and techniques for efficient snow removal.

131. Building an Outdoor Shower

Construct an outdoor shower for hygiene.

132. Building a Fire Pit

Construct a fire pit for cooking and warmth.

133. Building a Pond

Construct a pond for fish and water storage.

134. Fence Repair

Fix and maintain fences to ensure they remain effective.

135. Painting and Staining

Paint and stain buildings to protect and beautify them.

136. Welding

Use welding skills for repairs and construction.

137. Masonry

Build and repair stone and brick structures.

138. Roofing

Install and repair roofing materials.

139. Drywall Repair

Patch and repair drywall.

140. Tile Work

Install and repair tile in kitchens and bathrooms.

141. Concrete Work

Pour and finish concrete for various projects.

142. Insulation Installation

Install insulation to improve energy efficiency.

143. Siding Installation

Install and repair siding on buildings.

144. Window and Door Installation

Install and maintain windows and doors.

145. Gutter Installation

Install and repair gutters to manage rainwater.

Homemaking & Natural Living

woman making homemade soap

Every homesteader needs a set of basic skills to handle everyday tasks. From sewing to soap making, these practical homesteading skills to learn will support your self-sufficient lifestyle.

146. Laundry Techniques

Hand wash and line dry clothes.

147. Making Laundry Detergent

Create your own laundry detergent.

148. Homemade Cleaning Products

Make cleaning products using natural ingredients.

149. Making skincare products

Make your own skincare products such as salves and balms. Try my Calendula Salve with Shea Butter or Calendula Yarrow Salve Recipe.

150. Natural Air Fresheners

Use indoor plants and a diffuser with essential oils to freshen the air naturally in your home. Check out these spring diffuser blends or summer diffuser blends for inspiration.

151. Homemade Soap

Make your own soap using natural ingredients.

152. Creating an Herbal Apothecary

Stock your home with medicinal herbs for making herbal remedies.

153. Building a Natural Medicine Cabinet

Stock your home with essential oils, tinctures, supplements, and more to treat sicknesses naturally.

154. Making Herbal Tinctures

Create tinctures from herbs for medicinal use.

155. Using Natural Remedies

Incorporate natural remedies for health and wellness.

156. Herbal First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit with herbal remedies.

157. Herbal Infused Oils

Infuse oils with herbs for cooking and skincare. Try my calendula-infused and yarrow-infused recipes, which are perfect for various homemade products and remedies.

158. Natural Fabric Softeners

Make fabric softeners using natural ingredients.

159. Preserving Flowers

Dry or press flowers for decoration and crafts.

160. Natural Pet Care

Make homemade pet food and natural pet care products.

161. Making Bug Repellent

Create natural insect repellents for you and your animals.

162. Making Lip Balm

Create moisturizing lip balms from natural ingredients.

`163. Making Beeswax Products

Create beeswax candles, wraps, and balms.

164. Homemade Deodorant

Make deodorant using natural products.

165. Beeswax Wraps

Create reusable food wraps from beeswax and fabric.

166. Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner

Make hair care products using natural ingredients.

167. Furniture Restoration

Restore old furniture to give it new life.

168. Making Natural Perfumes

Create fragrances using essential oils.

169. Herbal Bath Products

Make bath salts and bath bombs with herbs and essential oils.

170. Homemade Toothpaste

Craft toothpaste using natural ingredients.

171. Home Organization

Implement efficient storage and organization systems for your homestead.

172. Indoor Plant Care

Learn how to care for indoor plants to enhance your living space.

173. Grow an Indoor Herb Garden

Cultivate herbs indoors for year-round fresh herbs. Here’s a list of the 25 best herbs to grow indoors.

174. Candle Making

Create candles for light and decoration.

175. Basic Sewing Skills

Sew by hand for repairs and small projects.

176. Using a Sewing Machine

Operate a sewing machine for larger projects.

177. Making Your Own Clothes

Sew clothes from scratch using patterns and fabric.

178. Knitting and Crocheting

Create items from yarn.

179. Quilting

Make quilts for warmth and decoration.

180. Basket Weaving

Weave baskets for storage and decoration.

181. Leatherworking

Create and repair leather goods.

182. Pottery

Make pottery for functional and decorative use.

183. Wood Carving

Carve wood for tools and decorations.

184. Metalworking

Craft and repair metal items.

185. Stone Carving

Carve stone for decorative purposes.

186. Spinning Yarn

Spin fibers into yarn.

187. Dyeing Fabric

Dye fabric using natural and synthetic dyes.

188. Making Paper

Produce paper from recycled materials.

189. Embroidery

Embellish fabric with decorative stitching.

190. Making Natural Dyes

Create dyes from plants and other natural materials.

191. Rug Making

Make rugs using various techniques.

192. Macrame

Craft decorative items using macrame techniques. 

Preparedness

woman adding wood to a woodstove

These preparedness homesteading skills to learn will help you live more independently by be prepared to handle emergencies and living off grid.

193. Water Purification/Filtration

Get a water purification/filtration system that works for you.

194. Learn CPR

Learn to provide basic emergency medical care.

195. Emergency Medical Skills

Be prepared to handle emergencies with both animals and humans.

196. Use renewable energy sources

Install and maintain solar panels or wind power systems.

197. Starting a Fire

Learn to start a fire for cooking and warmth.

198. Learn to build basic shelters

Construct shelters for emergencies.

199. Hunting and Trapping

Hunt and trap wild game for food.

200. Fishing

Fish for food and recreation.

201. Using Firewood

Cut, split, and store firewood for heating.

202. Building a Smokehouse

Construct a smokehouse to preserve meat.

203. Making Charcoal

Produce charcoal for cooking and heating.

204. Bartering

Trade goods and services with others.

205. Building an Outhouse

Construct an outhouse for sanitation.

206. Composting Toilets

Install and maintain composting toilets.

207. Building a Water Wheel

Use a water wheel for energy production.

208. Making Biofuel

Produce biofuel from waste products.

209. Install a generator

Set up and maintain a generator for backup power.

210. Building a Root Cellar

Store vegetables and fruits in a root cellar.

211. Building a Solar Oven

Cook food using a solar oven.

212. Making Tools

Craft and repair your own tools.

213. Gun Safety/Training

Learn proper gun handling and safety.

214. Making Ammunition

Reload or create your own ammunition.

215. Building a Water Catchment System

Collect and store rainwater.

Wrapping Up 215 Homesteading Skills to Learn

Remember, the homesteading way of life is all about continuous learning and adapting. This list of 215 valuable homesteading skills to learn is a resource to help you grow and thrive on your homestead. Choose the skills that suit your needs and enjoy the journey of becoming more resilient, sustainable, and connected to your land. 

And for more tips and resources, check out my 101 Homesteading Essentials article. It covers all the tools to help you with these tasks.  Also, don’t miss my list of the 10 best homesteading books for beginners to get even more insights.

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