Bees are an important part of our ecosystem. They are pollinators for your vegetable gardens and flower beds, produce honey for consumption, and are actually food for wildlife, like birds. Because of this, beekeeping is a rewarding hobby for some homesteaders. But it’s not for everyone. Keep reading to learn more....
If you are considering starting a garden, it’s a big undertaking and you might not think it’s worth it. But gardening as a hobby is definitely worth it! Here are all the benefits of gardening at home....
Growing your own vegetables is a rewarding hobby that will feed your family with healthy foods, free from pesticides found on supermarket produce. If you are just getting started with gardening, you might need some help! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to build your first vegetable garden in your backyard and join the growing community of homestead gardeners....
You might not realize it, but small businesses are an integral part of your community. Shopping at big corporations can be cheaper and more convenient, but small businesses have their advantages, too. Here are the top 5 reasons you should support small businesses....
Quilting is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby that anyone can do at home in their spare time. Not only is it a fun hobby, but you’re creating something for your home that you can pass down the generations. Quilts are great to keep warm on a cold winter evening or you can even use them as wall decorations for a rustic look in any room. Read on to learn how to get started with the quilting hobby!...
If you are interested in processing and curing meat as a hunter or as a hobbyist, you might want to dip your toes into making jerky, too. Jerky is a nutrient-dense meat that was dried to become shelf-stable. According to the USDA, a pound of meat or jerky can be reduced to just 4 oz of shelf-stable jerky. Because its lightweight, shelf-stable, and dense in nutrients, jerky is a great food for hikers, campers, and hunters. Its origins date back to ancient times and in North America, it was taken on hunting expeditions by American Indians. Read more to learn how to get started with this ancient way of preparing meat....
Buying new furniture is often not a pleasant experience. You’re either buying inexpensive furniture made out of particle board that won’t last after a few years or buying hardwood furniture that’s built to last but costs a small fortune. A much better option is to refinish or repurpose used furniture for your home, also known as upcycling....
Processing and curing meat from your homestead or hunting expeditions are great ways to save money on delicious, flavorful cuts of meat. There are many regulations surrounding meat and wild game processing that do not apply when the meat is for yourself and your family. To simplify things for homesteaders and hobbyist hunters, this blog will focus on meat processing and curing for personal use....
As the weather cools, there are several things you should do to prepare your home for the winter. Here is some practical advice to not only protect yourself and your home but also make it a bit more cozy during the winter....
Our website is filled with classified listings that make perfect Christmas gifts for your homesteading and hobbyist loved ones. Today we are going to take a look at some of our favorite homesteading and hobbyist Christmas gifts that can be found on Plain Direct....
As we start the hunting season this year, it’s important to gather all the hunting gear you need for your first weekend out. Learn what you need...
Take a look at the benefits of making your own soap, the processes used, and how to scale your soap-making operation to turn it into a business....
Many people get intimidated by lawn fertilization, but by the end of this blog post, you will be equipped to take your lawn to the next level....
One thing that most people can agree on is that it’s frustrating when your mower isn’t working properly. Some of these issues might be mechanical, but sometimes mower problems can be fixed with a simple cleaning. Today we are going to go over the cleaning process for various mower parts to get your mower running in tip-top shape....
Relaxing on a boat can be a joyful experience, but some people want a little more excitement on their ride. Check out our picks for the top 5 watersports!...
Buying farm equipment online can be a great way to get a quality piece of equipment at a great price. Learn how to do so with this guide....
If you are looking to decorate your home to complement the homestead way of living, adding furs and animal mounts make great accent pieces. Learn more....
Alaska has been a leading state in the homesteading lifestyle, using classified ads to buy, sell, and trade goods for decades. While classified ads are popular in Alaska for purchasing and selling handmade or used goods, the sites available can be problematic. Plain Direct was created by experienced homesteaders to solve many of these problems and to provide a safe place for homesteaders to buy and sell....
If you’ve decided that it’s time to start selling your unwanted household items or handmade goods online, you’ve come to the right place. At Plain Direct we make it easy to create listings, but oftentimes the quality of the listing comes down to the quality of the photo. Today we are going to look at some photography techniques that will improve your listing photos and entice potential buyers....
Online marketplaces make buying and selling more convenient and accessible. With an increase in ways to buy and sell online, it’s important to know how to identify and avoid suspicious activity on the internet. Being alert and knowledgeable in identifying scams will give you more security as you buy and sell. Read on to see our tips concerning how to identify and avoid online scams....