The Prairie Homestead

Homesteading | Self Sufficient Living | Living off the Land

Jill Winger

7 Comments | |    Last Updated: January 5, 2023

Why You Should Grow Heirloom Seeds

There are mountain-high piles of snow everywhere, freezing temperatures, and spring is nowhere in sight. What is a cold-climate gardener to do? This is the time to start garden planning and seed buying. During these cold winter months, I like to sit down with my seed stash, take inventory of what I already have, and start planning for the coming spring. You see, good garden planning starts months before your seeds will actually be ...Continue Reading

3 Comments | |    Last Updated: January 5, 2023

Reasons to Plant a Victory Garden

I remember not too long ago, during the crazy times of 2020, being shocked as I walked pass multiple empty grocery store shelves. The last few years' trips to the grocery store have been unpredictable; you never know what state you will find the aisles in or what products will be missing. These circumstances naturally have people questioning our current modern food system, where they are depending on others to provide them with what ...Continue Reading

4 Comments | |    Last Updated: May 27, 2026

How to Afford a Homestead

Over the last few years, there has been a noticeable shift… a homesteading movement... and I for one couldn’t be more excited.  Decisions to bypass the system, support local businesses, and live more sustainably are being made across the country. The good news is, you don’t need 50 acres, a milk cow, and a commercial-sized garden to join in. It has always been my belief that homesteading is a state of mind. Homesteading is ...Continue Reading

Leave a Comment | |    Last Updated: January 5, 2023

Tips for Building a Debt-Free Homestead

You have probably heard the saying “Rome Wasn't Built in a Day”, well I'm here to tell you a debt-free homestead isn't usually built in a day either. Homesteading is a never-ending journey full of possibilities and surprises, and it can be a bit overwhelming at times. However, not all aspects have to be surprising or overwhelming, especially when it comes to money matters on your homestead. Starting something new is exciting, ...Continue Reading

21 Comments | |    Last Updated: December 13, 2021

My 5 Favorite Ways to Use Sourdough Discard

Sometimes, it's easy to feel like I'm drowning in sourdough starter. It can be pretty darn overwhelming when the sourdough starter takes over the kitchen counter. Before you (or I) give all that precious sourdough starter to the livestock or the garbage bin, let's talk about my top five ways to use that sourdough discard and how having a sourdough starter can help with menu planning for the week. If you would like to start your own ...Continue Reading

25 Comments | |    Last Updated: April 15, 2025

How To Use Einkorn Flour

Have you ever heard of einkorn flour? I'm always late to new trends and I can admit that it took me quite a while to catch onto the idea of using einkorn flour in my baking. Einkorn flour has been generating quite the buzz these days. If you've been curious about using einkorn, but you're not quite sure how to get started, you're in the right place. Einkorn is an ancient grain that has some awesome health benefits (you can read ...Continue Reading

Nice to Meet You

I’m Jill. I’ve never been very good at following prescribed paths.

For the last 15 years, that instinct has led me through homesteading, entrepreneurship, and creating a life my younger self could have only dreamed of.

These days, I’m less interested in living the perfect "old-fashioned life" and more interested in knowing which ideas are worth carrying forward. The first half of this story was about building a homestead. The next part is about building a life that actually fits.
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