The Prairie Homestead

Homesteading | Self Sufficient Living | Living off the Land

Jill Winger

214 Comments | |    Last Updated: April 19, 2024

How to Can Homemade Stock or Broth

Lest I give off the impression that I "have it all together," let me assure you that I do not. Case in point? Menu planning. I know menu planning is a great idea. And it saves loads of time. And prevents tons of stress. And makes grocery shopping easier... But in many years of marriage, I have yet to make a meal plan and stick with it for more than about... say... a week. Seriously. And it's not for lack of trying (I talk more ...Continue Reading

14 Comments | |    Last Updated: October 24, 2016

Simple Tips for Harvesting Herbs + 3 Easy Ways to Dry Herbs {Guest Post}

Guest post by Laurie of Common Sense Homesteading There are many easy ways to dry herbs so that you can enjoy them year round. In this post, I'll cover how to harvest leafy herbs and several drying options, so you can decide what works best for you. How to Harvest Herbs The best time of day to harvest herbs is in late morning after the dew has cleared, but before the heat of the day sets in and draws off volatile oils. Dry, sunny ...Continue Reading

3 Comments | |    Last Updated: March 17, 2018

The 2012 Homesteader’s Gift Guide

I've had a blast putting together this gift buying guide for the homesteaders in your life! In it you'll find gift ideas from quality companies for homesteading enthusiasts of all kinds. Personally, I try to avoid the "big box stores" and instead support small businesses when I purchase Christmas gifts for friends and family. If you have some homesteaders (or even just wanna-be homesteaders!) on your gift-buying list this year, ...Continue Reading

6 Comments | |    Last Updated: November 22, 2012

My Not-so-Obvious Homestead Blessings

(Photo Credit) (This post was originally posted last year. But, I had such a good time writing it, I'd thought I'd bring it out again! Enjoy your friends, family, and food today. (And pssst! Check back bright and early tomorrow for a Black Friday special on Your Custom Homestead!) Happy Thanksgiving to all of my lovely readers! I hope you are surrounded by family and good food today. :) One thing I love about blogging and ...Continue Reading

44 Comments | |    Last Updated: March 17, 2018

Feeding Compost Worms: What, When, & How {Guest Post}

Today I'm thrilled to have my blogging buddy Holly from Your Gardening Friend guest posting today! She has been doing a fabulous compost worms series on her blog, and I am excited to have the 4th installment here on The Prairie Homestead. It’s time for another compost worm post. If you missed the previous posts, you can catch up on the series with the below links. 1. 14 Reasons to Have Compost Worms 2. DIY Compost Worm ...Continue Reading

80 Comments | |    Last Updated: November 9, 2012

Prairie Boy’s Birth Story {A Natural Hospital Birth} Part Two

Click here for Part One We loaded in the pickup and headed to town. Hubby made an effort to slow down as we bumped across the cattle guards, which was greatly appreciated... I tried to sit back and let all my muscles go completely limp during each contraction. 9 am It took us an hour to reach the hospital on the snow packed roads. We passed off Prairie Girl to Grandma when we arrived. The receptionists and nurse who met us in the ...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.
Read My Story