12 Micro-Homestead Projects You Can Start This Weekend

We’re always looking for ways to be a little more self-sufficient, even if it’s just on a small scale. Sometimes, the biggest projects feel overwhelming, but what if we told you that you could start some awesome micro homestead projects this weekend? We’ve put together a list of 12 ideas that are totally doable in just a couple of days. Get ready to boost your homesteading skills without needing a whole lot of time or space.

Key Takeaways

Tackle small, manageable micro homestead projects over a weekend to build self-sufficiency.
From food preservation like meal prep and canning to crafting like soap making, there are diverse options.
Consider animal husbandry projects such as building a rabbit hutch or preparing new beehives.
Planning for the future, like designing your next garden, is a productive weekend activity.
Many micro homestead projects require minimal investment and can be started with basic supplies.

1. Meal Prep

We know, the idea of meal prepping can sound like a lot, especially when you’re just starting out. But honestly, it’s a game-changer for busy weekends and hectic weeknights. Even if you’re not aiming to have a month’s worth of meals stashed away, having a few go-to dishes ready can save us so much time and stress.

Think about it: instead of scrambling to figure out dinner after a long day, you can just pull something delicious out of the fridge or freezer. It’s about setting ourselves up for success. We’ve found that prepping 2-5 basic meals or components can make a huge difference.

Here are a few ideas to get us started:

Batch Cook Grains: Cook a big pot of rice, quinoa, or farro. These can be used as a base for bowls, added to salads, or served as a side dish throughout the week.
Roast a Big Pan of Vegetables: Chop up a variety of veggies like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and onions, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and roast them until tender. They’re great on their own, mixed into pasta, or added to omelets.
Prepare a Protein: Cook a large batch of chicken breasts, ground meat, or even hard-boil a dozen eggs. This protein can be easily added to salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries.
Make a Big Salad Base: Wash and chop lettuce and other salad greens, then store them with paper towels to absorb moisture. Add chopped veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes separately, and toss everything together with dressing right before serving.

Taking just a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday to get these basics done means we can enjoy more relaxed evenings and less time stressing about what’s for dinner. It’s a simple way to make our lives easier and eat a bit better too.

2. Sourdough Bread-Making

We’ve all seen those beautiful loaves of sourdough bread with the perfect crust and airy crumb. It might seem complicated, but we can totally make it happen this weekend! Sourdough baking is a fantastic way to get into more traditional cooking, and honestly, the smell that fills the house while it bakes is worth the effort alone.

At its heart, sourdough relies on a starter, which is basically a fermented mix of flour and water. This starter is what gives sourdough its unique tangy flavor and chewy texture. Getting a starter going can take a week or so, but if you’re lucky, you might be able to get one from a friend or neighbor to speed things up.

Here’s a basic rundown of what you’ll need to do:

Feed Your Starter: If you already have a starter, make sure it’s active and bubbly. This usually means feeding it with fresh flour and water a few hours before you plan to mix your dough.
Mix the Dough: Combine your active starter with flour, water, and salt. We’re looking for a shaggy dough that will rest and develop.
Bulk Fermentation: This is where the magic happens. Over several hours, you’ll fold the dough periodically to build strength and allow the wild yeasts to work their magic.
Shape and Proof: Gently shape the dough into your desired loaf form and let it rest again, often in the refrigerator overnight.
Bake: Finally, bake your loaf in a hot oven, ideally in a Dutch oven, until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

The long fermentation process makes sourdough easier to digest than regular bread. It’s a bit of a process, but totally doable for a weekend project. You can find tons of great resources online to help you get started, like this simple guide to baking sourdough bread.

Don’t be discouraged if your first loaf isn’t perfect. Sourdough baking is a skill that improves with practice. Each bake teaches you something new about your starter and your dough.

3. Soap Making

Making your own soap is a surprisingly accessible project, and it’s a fantastic way to control the ingredients that touch your skin. We’ve found that starting with a simple cold-process recipe is a great way to get your feet wet. You can make several batches in a single weekend, which means you’ll have plenty to use yourself and even some to give as gifts.

It might sound a bit intimidating at first, especially when you hear about lye, but with careful measuring and safety precautions, it’s totally manageable. We usually do this part outside just to be extra safe. The basic ingredients are pretty straightforward: fats (like olive oil or coconut oil) and a lye solution. You’ll want to have your oils measured out and your lye and water ready to go.

Here’s a general idea of the steps involved:

Melt your solid oils: If you’re using oils like coconut or palm oil that are solid at room temperature, gently melt them down.
Mix lye and water: This is the step where you need to be most careful. Slowly add the lye crystals to the water (never the other way around!) and stir until dissolved. It gets hot, so ventilation is key.
Combine and blend: Once both the oils and the lye solution have cooled to a similar temperature, you can slowly combine them. Using an immersion blender helps speed up the process until the mixture reaches ‘trace’ – a point where it thickens up like pudding.
Add scents and colors: This is where you can get creative! Add essential oils for fragrance and natural colorants if you like.
Pour and cure: Pour the mixture into your soap mold. After it sits for a day or two, you’ll cut it into bars. Then comes the waiting game – the soap needs to cure for several weeks to become mild and safe for use. You can find basic recipes online to get started with making cold-process soap.

It’s a rewarding process, and the feeling of using soap you made yourself is pretty special.

4. Cheesemaking

Even if we don’t have a milk cow or goat right now, learning to make cheese is a really fun process. We started out making simple mozzarella and ricotta, and it was surprisingly easy. You can make a lot of delicious cheese with just a few basic ingredients and some patience. It’s a great way to use up extra milk or just to have some really fresh cheese on hand.

We found that starting with simple recipes is the best approach. Things like fresh mozzarella, chevre, or cream cheese are good entry points. Once you get the hang of those, you can move on to more complex cheeses.

Here’s a basic idea of what you might need:

Milk (cow, goat, or sheep)
Rennet (an enzyme that helps milk coagulate)
Cultures (specific bacteria that give cheese its flavor and texture)
Salt
Thermometer
Large pot
Strainer or cheesecloth

Making your own cheese might seem a bit daunting at first, but it’s really not as complicated as it appears. Many recipes require minimal ingredients and equipment, making it accessible even for beginners. Plus, the taste of homemade cheese is often far superior to anything you can buy at the store.

There are tons of resources out there to help you get started. We found a great recipe for fresh cheese that uses just three ingredients and can be adapted for different types of cheese. It’s a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about this homesteading skill.

5. Smoking Meats

Smoking meats might sound like a big production, but we found it’s totally doable for a weekend project. It’s a fantastic way to preserve meat and add some serious flavor. We’ve been experimenting with different woods and rubs, and the results are just incredible.

Getting started doesn’t require a fancy setup. You can even use an old wood stove if it has a smoker shelf. Just make sure you’re not doing it on a super cold day if that’s your only heat source, because smoking takes a long time at low temperatures.

Here’s a basic rundown of what we learned:

Choose your wood: Different woods give different flavors. Hickory and applewood are great for beginners. We like mesquite for a stronger taste.
Prepare the meat: We usually brine or rub our meats beforehand. This helps with moisture and flavor.
Control the temperature: This is key. We aim for a steady temperature, usually between 200-250°F (93-121°C).
Be patient: Smoking takes hours, sometimes even a whole day, depending on the cut of meat.

The real magic happens when you can taste the difference from store-bought. It’s a rewarding process that makes your food taste amazing.

We learned that the type of wood you use really impacts the final taste. Experimenting with fruit woods like apple or cherry gives a milder, sweeter smoke, while hardwoods like oak or hickory provide a more robust flavor. It’s worth trying a few to see what you like best.

6. Canning

When we think about preserving the harvest, canning often comes to mind. It’s a fantastic way to keep fruits, vegetables, and even meats safe to eat long after their growing season is over. We’ve found that getting started with canning is less intimidating than it seems, especially if we focus on one type of food at a time. Tomatoes are a great starting point because they’re so abundant in late summer and early fall, and there are tons of recipes for sauces, salsas, and even ketchup.

Before we dive in, it’s good to have the right gear. You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to begin, but a few key items make the process much smoother.

Canning Jars: We usually buy these in bulk. Make sure they are the right kind for canning (Mason jars are standard).
Lids and Rings: Lids are single-use, so you’ll need a fresh box each time.
Canner: A large pot with a rack is the minimum. A water bath canner is best for high-acid foods like fruits and pickles, while a pressure canner is needed for low-acid foods like vegetables and meats.
Jar Lifter: This tool is a lifesaver for safely moving hot jars.
Funnel: A wide-mouth funnel helps fill jars without making a mess.

The basic idea is to heat food, pack it into sterilized jars, seal them, and then process them in the canner to create a vacuum seal. This kills any bacteria and prevents spoilage. It sounds like a lot, but once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature. We like to set aside a whole afternoon for canning, put on some music, and make a day of it. It’s incredibly satisfying to look at shelves full of our own preserved food, knowing we can enjoy the taste of summer all winter long.

7. Icefishing

When the lakes freeze over, we don’t just hibernate. Ice fishing is a fantastic way to get outside during the colder months and, believe it or not, it can be a productive homestead project. Fresh fish is a great addition to our winter meals, offering a healthy protein source that we caught ourselves. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s a pretty relaxing way to spend a weekend.

Getting started is simpler than you might think. You’ll need a few basic things:

An ice auger to drill holes in the ice.
A sturdy ice fishing rod and reel.
Some basic tackle like jigs, spoons, and bait.
Warm clothing – layers are key!
A bucket or sled to carry your gear and any fish you catch.

We find that targeting panfish like perch and bluegill is a great way to start, as they’re often abundant and easier to catch. You can also try for larger game fish depending on your location and local regulations.

Remember to always check the ice thickness before venturing out. Safety first is the golden rule of ice fishing. We usually wait until the ice is at least 4 inches thick for walking and 6-8 inches for a small vehicle.

It’s a skill that takes a little practice, but the reward of a fresh, home-caught meal makes it totally worth the effort. It’s a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the quiet beauty of a frozen landscape.

8. Making Herbal Wines

Making your own herbal wines is a fantastic way to use up extra herbs and create unique, flavorful beverages. We love this project because it’s relatively simple and the results are both delicious and potentially medicinal. It’s a great way to add a special touch to meals or just enjoy a warming drink on a chilly evening.

The basic idea is to infuse herbs and spices into wine. You can use fresh or dried herbs, and the possibilities are endless. For a warming winter blend, try infusing cacao nibs and a chili pepper or two into a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. Just combine your ingredients in a large bottle on a Friday and strain them out by Sunday evening. You’ll have a delightful, circulation-boosting wine ready to share or enjoy yourself.

Here’s a simple process to get you started:

Choose your base wine: A dry red or white wine usually works best, depending on the herbs you’re using.
Select your herbs and spices: Consider what flavors you want to achieve. Mint, ginger, cinnamon, and citrus peels are popular choices.
Infuse: Combine the wine and your chosen additions in a clean jar or bottle. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for a few days to a couple of weeks, tasting periodically.
Strain and bottle: Once the flavor is to your liking, strain out the solids and bottle your new creation.

This process is similar to making mulled wine, but with a focus on longer infusion times for deeper flavor. It’s a wonderful way to experiment with different flavor combinations and create something truly your own. You can even find recipes for specific herbal wine infusions online to guide your first few attempts.

9. Hide Tanning

This weekend, we’re going to tackle hide tanning. It might sound a bit intense, but it’s a fantastic way to make sure nothing from a harvested animal goes to waste. Whether you’ve got a deer hide from a hunt, a rabbit from your backyard flock, or even a squirrel you happened upon, tanning it yourself is a rewarding process. We’re going to focus on a more natural method, using eggs instead of the harsh chemicals you might find in commercial tanning solutions. It’s a bit more hands-on, but the result is a beautifully preserved hide that you can use for all sorts of projects.

Here’s a basic rundown of what we’ll be doing:

Scraping: First, we need to get all the meat and fat off the hide. This is a crucial step for proper preservation.
Soaking: Next, we’ll soak the hide. This helps to loosen up the fibers and prepare it for the tanning agent.
Tanning: This is where the magic happens. We’ll use our egg mixture to treat the hide, making it soft and durable.
Stretching and Softening: Finally, we’ll stretch the hide and work it to make it pliable and ready for use.

Tanning hides is an ancient skill that connects us directly to the resources around us. It takes patience, but the satisfaction of transforming a raw hide into something useful is immense. Plus, it’s a great way to practice self-sufficiency.

It’s a process that requires a bit of time and effort, but transforming a raw hide into a usable material is incredibly satisfying. We’ll be using simple tools and readily available ingredients, making this a truly accessible homesteading project for the weekend.

10. Build a Rabbit Hutch

If you’re looking to add a low-maintenance, high-yield animal to your homestead, rabbits are a fantastic choice. They don’t take up much space, reproduce quickly, and provide excellent meat. But to keep them happy and healthy, you’ll need a proper hutch. Building one yourself is a straightforward project that can easily be completed over a weekend.

We found that a simple, sturdy design is best. It needs to offer protection from predators and the elements while providing good ventilation. A common size for a hutch that can house a couple of rabbits is about 2 feet deep, 4 feet wide, and 2 feet tall. You can adjust these dimensions based on the number and size of rabbits you plan to keep.

Here are some key considerations when building:

Materials: Opt for untreated wood like pine or cedar. Avoid pressure-treated lumber, as the chemicals can be harmful to rabbits. Hardware cloth (1/2-inch mesh) is ideal for the flooring and walls to prevent escape and keep predators out.
Design: Include a nesting box or a sheltered area where rabbits can feel secure. A slanted roof helps with water runoff. Make sure there’s easy access for cleaning and feeding.
Flooring: While some prefer solid flooring, many homesteaders use wire mesh flooring. This allows waste to fall through, keeping the living area cleaner. If you use wire, ensure the gauge is strong enough and the mesh size is appropriate to prevent injury.

A well-built hutch is an investment in your rabbits’ well-being and your homestead’s productivity. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just functional and safe. Think about ease of cleaning from the start; you’ll thank yourself later when you’re doing daily or weekly maintenance.

We usually build our hutches with a removable tray underneath the wire floor. This makes cleaning out droppings a breeze. Just pull out the tray, scrape it clean, and slide it back in. It saves a lot of time and effort, especially if you have multiple rabbits.

11. Plan Next Summer’s Garden

While it might seem a bit early, now is actually the perfect time to start thinking about and planning next summer’s garden. We know, we know, it’s cold outside and the last thing you might want to do is think about dirt and sunshine. But trust us, putting in a little bit of thought now will save us a lot of headaches and wasted effort later.

First off, let’s take stock of what worked and what didn’t this past season. Did that new variety of tomato actually produce? Were the beans a total flop? Jotting down these notes now, while it’s fresh in our minds, is super helpful. We should also think about what we want to eat more of next year. More zucchini? Less kale? This is the time to decide.

Here’s a quick checklist to get us started:

Review last year’s garden journal: What thrived? What struggled? What pests were a problem?
Dream big (and small): What do we really want to grow and eat next year?
Consider crop rotation: Don’t plant the same things in the same spots year after year. This helps with soil health and pest control.
Research new varieties: Maybe try a different type of pepper or a more disease-resistant cucumber.
Map it out: Sketching a rough plan of where things will go can prevent overcrowding and ensure good sun exposure.

We also need to think about the stuff we’ll need. Do we have enough seeds? Are our tools in good shape? Maybe we need to order some new trellising or fencing materials. Getting these supplies sorted now means we won’t be scrambling when planting season hits.

Planning ahead also means we can start seeds indoors at the right time. Counting back from our last expected frost date is key for things like tomatoes and peppers. Getting this timing right makes a huge difference in our harvest.

Don’t forget about companion planting! Some plants help others by deterring pests or attracting beneficial insects. A little research here can go a long way in creating a healthier, more productive garden ecosystem. We can also start thinking about succession planting – planting quick-growing crops multiple times throughout the season to extend our harvest window. It’s all about maximizing our space and getting the most out of our efforts.

12. Build New Hives

Winter might seem like a quiet time for beekeeping, but it’s actually a fantastic period to get ahead on hive construction. If you’re already a beekeeper, this is the perfect chance to build replacements or expand your apiary. If you’re planning to get bees in the spring, having your hives ready beforehand will make that transition much smoother. We find that building them indoors, perhaps by a warm fire, makes the process quite enjoyable, and you can use up any scrap wood you might have lying around.

Building a basic hive isn’t overly complicated. Most plans follow a similar structure, and you can find many free resources online. A standard Langstroth hive, for example, consists of several boxes (called supers), frames, a bottom board, and a lid. The key is to get the dimensions right so that the frames fit snugly but can still be removed easily.

Here’s a general idea of what you might need for a single hive body (a "deep" super):

Wood: Typically pine or cedar, about 3/4 inch thick.
Screws or Nails: Weather-resistant ones are best.
Wood Glue: For extra strength.
Tools: Saw, drill, measuring tape, square.

We always aim to build at least one extra hive body than we think we’ll need. It’s always better to have a spare ready to go. Plus, if you get a swarm or decide to split an existing hive, you’ll be prepared.

Building your own hives can save a significant amount of money compared to buying pre-made ones. It also gives you a better understanding of the equipment your bees will call home.

Ready to Get Started?

So there you have it – a whole bunch of ideas to keep us busy and productive, even when we only have a weekend to spare. We know it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one or two projects that sound fun or useful to you and just go for it. We’ve found that the best way to learn is by doing, and even if things don’t turn out perfectly the first time, we still gain something from the experience. Happy homesteading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main idea behind these weekend homestead projects?

The main idea is to show you that even with a busy life, you can tackle fun and useful projects on your homestead in just a weekend. We want to inspire you to try new skills and make the most of your free time, whether it’s for preparing food, making things, or getting a head start on future plans.

Are these projects suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! We’ve picked projects that are generally easy to start with. Many of them don’t require a lot of special tools or experience. We believe in learning as we go, and these are great starting points to build your confidence and skills.

Do I need a lot of land to do these projects?

Not at all! While some projects like building a rabbit hutch or planning a garden might benefit from a bit of space, many others, like meal prepping, sourdough baking, or soap making, can be done right in your kitchen. We’ve tried to include a variety that fits different living situations.

What if I don’t have any homesteading experience?

That’s perfectly fine! We started with little to no experience ourselves. The goal is to learn and have fun. Think of these as opportunities to try something new. There are tons of resources online and in books to help you along the way if you get stuck.

How much time do these projects usually take?

We’ve focused on projects that can realistically be started and often completed within a typical weekend, usually around two days. Some might take a few hours, while others might involve a bit more hands-on time, but the idea is to make significant progress without needing weeks off.

What’s the benefit of doing these projects in winter?

Winter is a great time because outdoor chores might be less demanding, and we often have more downtime indoors. Plus, many of these projects, like baking bread or smoking meats, can actually add warmth and coziness to our homes during colder months. It’s also a perfect time to plan for warmer seasons.