As the calendar flips to September, it’s time to prepare your homestead for the changing seasons. While winter may seem like a distant prospect, there are still crucial tasks to complete before the cold weather sets in. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing a comprehensive list of fall chores that will ensure your home and garden are well-maintained and ready for the challenges ahead.
By taking care of these essential tasks now, you’ll be able to make the most of the fall season and set yourself up for success as winter approaches.
Compost
As the seasons change, it’s a fantastic opportunity to enhance your composting routine by gathering leaves and spreading existing compost over your garden beds.
To aid you in this process, here are three relevant articles worth exploring: first, learn what items can and cannot be composted with our comprehensive list of 88 things; next, discover the secrets to selecting the perfect compost bin for your needs; and finally, find out how to effectively utilize chicken manure as a valuable resource for enriching your compost.
Canning
As the fall season gives way to winter, it’s the perfect time to reap the rewards of your harvest. If you’ve been nurturing a garden throughout the autumn months, now is the ideal moment to start gathering and preserving your bounty. Whether you’ve cultivated everything yourself or need to supplement with store-bought items, this period offers a unique opportunity to stock up on supplies.
Take apples, for instance – while some may enjoy a bountiful harvest from their own orchards, many others rely on seasonal purchases to meet their needs. With the right techniques and knowledge, preserving your fall haul can be a simple and satisfying process.
Take Care Of Next Year’s Seeds
As the fall season approaches, take advantage of the opportunity to harvest dried beans from your plants. Not only can you store some for future seed collection, but you can also utilize them in hearty soups and stews. Meanwhile, it’s essential to tidy up your seed storage and make a list of the varieties you intend to cultivate next year. This organization will ensure you’re well-prepared when the time comes to start sowing seeds anew.
Use This Time To Declutter…And Make Some Extra Cash
As the seasons transition from autumn to winter, it’s a reminder that the warmer months of growth and abundance are behind us. This period of downtime provides an opportunity to tidy up your homestead, including your home, outbuildings, and barns. Take the chance to declutter and purge anything you no longer use or need. Consider selling or bartering items you can’t part with, so that when winter arrives, you’ll be starting fresh with a lighter load and more resources at your disposal.
Finish Raising Meat
As fall approaches, it’s akin to receiving a gentle warning from winter, urging us to wrap up our outdoor activities and prepare for the colder months ahead. It’s as if nature is flashing a neon sign, saying ‘Time to bring things inside!’ This serves as a reminder to complete any outstanding tasks related to raising livestock before the harsh winter conditions set in. While it is possible to raise rabbits during this time, the cold temperatures can prove challenging for newborns.
Therefore, consider squeezing in one more round of meat birds and litter of rabbits before the weather turns, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the season ahead.
Take Care Of Your Chicken Coop
As the cold weather approaches, it’s essential to prepare your chicken coop for the impending season. One crucial step is to install a regular lamp on a timer within the coop. This will trick the chickens into thinking their days are longer, prompting them to continue laying eggs without any issues. However, it’s vital to avoid using heat lamps as they can be a significant fire hazard and pose unnecessary risks. Instead, opt for a safe and reliable alternative.
In addition to lighting adjustments, you should focus on providing ample deep litter within the coop. This can be achieved by adding straw, mulch, or any other readily available material. Don’t forget to include their nesting boxes in your preparation efforts as well. Finally, take the time to thoroughly winterize your coop. While maintaining a balance between airflow and insulation is crucial, this is an excellent opportunity to block wind drafts using plastic sheeting or old feed bags.
By taking these steps, you’ll ensure your chickens remain comfortable and healthy throughout the cold season.
Trim the Berry Patch
As the seasons transition, it’s essential to tend to your berry patch by pruning back the foliage. This initial step sets the stage for a healthier and more productive growing season ahead. Following the trim, apply a layer of straw or mulch to shield your plants from harsh winter conditions. This dual approach not only safeguards your berries but also enriches the surrounding soil, fostering an environment conducive to robust growth and bountiful yields in the years to come.
Set-up And/Or Repair Any Fences
With winter fast approaching, it’s essential to tackle any outstanding fencing needs sooner rather than later. If you’re dealing with an area that requires a new fence installation, or if your existing fence is in disrepair, there’s no better time to take care of the issue. By addressing these matters now, you’ll avoid the inconvenience and potential hazards of attempting to do so during harsh winter conditions, when snow and ice can make the task even more challenging.
Check All Of Your Outdoor Lighting
When it comes to winterizing your outdoor lighting, it’s essential to consider the same logic as fencing. In order to avoid the hassle of climbing high places with heavy snowfall or ice accumulation, it’s advisable to change any lightbulbs that are exposed and prone to damage. This proactive approach will save you from the inconvenience of having to replace a bulb in treacherous conditions. By taking care of this task ahead of time, you’ll be better prepared for the winter season.
Winterize Your Rabbits
While rabbits don’t demand the same level of winterization as chickens do, they still require some attention during the colder months. If you have portable rabbit hutches, it’s an ideal time to relocate them indoors to shield them from harsh weather conditions. On the other hand, if your rabbits inhabit stationary hutches, now is the perfect opportunity to incorporate wind-blocking measures.
This can be achieved by using plastic sheeting or even old feed bags, which can provide a simple yet effective barrier against the biting winds.
Get Up Your Tomato Accessories
If you recall my earlier article on building a trellis or tomato cage, now is the perfect time to gather your creations and prepare them for long-term storage. As the growing season comes to a close, it’s essential to store your trellises in a way that makes them easily accessible next year. This will ensure they remain functional and ready to support your future gardening endeavors.
Clean Your Heating Source
As the seasons transition, it’s essential to focus on maintaining your alternate heating sources to ensure a safe and efficient winter. If you’re a fireplace enthusiast, now is the ideal time to thoroughly clean out the firebox and chimney. Similarly, if you rely on a woodstove for warmth, take this opportunity to give it a good cleaning and also clear out the chimney pipe.
By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy your alternate heating sources without worrying about safety concerns or reduced performance.
Take Care Of Your Windows And Doors
As the seasons change, it’s essential to inspect your home’s weather stripping around windows and doors for signs of wear. The task may seem tedious, but trust us, you’ll be thrilled with the outcome when the first chilly snap hits. Not only will this simple maintenance task keep unwanted drafts at bay, but it’ll also contribute significantly to maintaining a snugly insulated home and, subsequently, lower power bills throughout the colder months.
Gather Firewood
In my household, the task of gathering firewood is often met with reluctance. However, I’m grateful to say that this week we dedicated an entire day to collecting and storing wood for our woodstove. The end result has been a cozy home, warm even on the chilliest winter days. While it’s undoubtedly a physically demanding chore, the sense of accomplishment and subsequent comfort it brings make it well worth the effort.
Prune
As the seasons transition, it’s essential to prioritize pruning and mulching in your garden. Begin by methodically cutting back all perennial plants to ensure they remain healthy throughout the year. Next, head over to your fruit trees and perform a gentle pruning to assist them in weathering the winter months. Finally, apply a layer of mulch to any area that could benefit from it, whether it’s a tree, shrub, or even a section of lawn.
Clean Up Your Garden
As we’ve previously covered, setting up trellises and placing compost in your garden are crucial steps towards a thriving harvest. However, it’s equally important not to forget about clearing out dead plants from your garden beds. This task is especially pertinent if you till your soil, as now is the perfect time to incorporate any soil-enriching additives while tilling.
If you prefer a no-till approach, take advantage of this opportunity to thoroughly clean up your garden and cover it with materials that will benefit from the winter composting process.
Garden Tool Care
As the winter chill begins to set in, it’s time to retire your gardening tools until the warmer months return. Before putting them away, take a moment to give them some much-needed TLC. Clean any dirt or debris that may have accumulated, address any repairs or maintenance issues, and store them safely to ensure they’re ready for action when the urge to get back in the garden strikes next spring.
Take Care Of Your Tractor
Our trusty old tractor may have seen better days, but we scored an incredible deal on it and it still runs smoothly, making us big fans. Nevertheless, whether you’ve got a brand new machine or one with character like ours, tractors require regular maintenance to keep them in top shape. Before the winter season sets in, make sure to schedule a thorough service for your tractor, tackle any issues with its attachments, and give everything a good clean.
After all, these hardworking machines are an investment that can greatly simplify farm work – so be kind and show them some TLC.
Stock Up
As the winter season approaches, it’s crucial to stockpile essential animal feed to avoid the skyrocketing prices that come with this time of year. Hay and grains will become increasingly scarce and expensive, making autumn an ideal time to replenish your supplies. In our case, we’ve recently spent several days hauling in hay at a great deal, and I’ll be doing the same for deer corn and other necessary winter provisions.
Cold Frame Care
As the seasons change, it’s essential to inspect and maintain any cold frames you may have in use. If you’re an avid gardener who takes advantage of these structures, now is the perfect time to give them a thorough cleaning and make any necessary repairs. By doing so, you’ll be ensuring they’re in top condition for the upcoming growing season, allowing you to start planting earlier and continue harvesting later than usual.
Plant Winter Wheat
As we transition back to a till garden next year, we’ll be cultivating our soil anew. I’m weighing the benefits of planting winter wheat, which not only provides a valuable source of feed for our animals but also safeguards the soil during the winter months and offers a sustainable food supply for my family throughout the season. What’s more, winter wheat can be tilled back into the soil come springtime, replenishing its nutrient reserves.
This fall is an ideal time to plant it, once our garden has been tidied up and prepared for the next growing cycle. Additionally, there are a host of other crops that thrive in the autumn season.
Put Away All Lawn Furniture
As the seasons change, I’m cherishing every moment spent on our new front porch, lovingly built by my husband this year. The unobstructed view of our yard has become a daily delight, allowing me to watch my kids play and observe the antics of our guineas as they scamper across the lawn in search of bugs. As autumn arrives, I know that all too soon it will be time to bid farewell to these cozy days on the porch.
So, I’ll take a moment to tidy up our outdoor furniture, making sure our lawn chairs and cushions are ready for another year of warm weather gatherings.
Declutter Your Outdoors
To be truthful, my yard often becomes cluttered due to the lack of tidiness among my 3 sons and husband. As a busy person myself, I sometimes find myself too preoccupied to keep up with cleaning after them. But when fall arrives, it’s time for everyone to pitch in and tidy up the mess that’s accumulated over the summer. It’s crucial to get things back in order to avoid losing valuable items or creating hazardous situations – especially with deep snow, where hidden obstacles can be a concern.
Build A Fire Pit
As the leaves begin to fall, autumn becomes the perfect setting for cozy gatherings with friends. And why not take advantage of the great outdoors? A cookout over a fire pit can be just as enjoyable as an indoor affair. Create a whimsical s’mores station or set up a soup party table featuring a variety of delicious options. Alternatively, you could even craft a hot chocolate bar to warm everyone’s hearts and hands.
But perhaps the most appealing aspect of fall gatherings is the opportunity to simply sit back, enjoy good company, and indulge in some ‘cowboy TV’ – aka, just watching the flames and chatting with friends. It’s a time-honored tradition that never fails to bring people together.
Take Care Of Your Generator
As the winter season approaches, it’s essential to prioritize your generator’s maintenance. A faulty or neglected machine can leave you scrambling when you need it most. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, fire up your generator and conduct a thorough inspection to ensure all systems are functioning correctly. Don’t forget to stockpile necessary supplies and equipment in preparation for an emergency situation, so you’re never caught off guard.
Pull Out Winter Garments
As the seasons transition, it’s essential to prepare your home for the impending chill. Start by revamping your wardrobe with warmer essentials, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the frosty temperatures that await. It’s crucial to do this before the mercury plummets, as you don’t want to be caught off guard by the biting cold. In addition to updating your attire, it’s also a great time to swap out light bedding and heavy blankets for their thicker counterparts.
Consider giving these items a thorough wash and airing them out to remove any lingering humidity. This way, they’ll be fresh, clean, and ready to provide warmth when you need it most.
Winterize Your Bees
As fall draws to a close, beekeepers must begin winterizing their colonies. A popular approach is to apply winter wraps directly over the hives, providing crucial insulation against harsh temperatures. While this method may prove effective in regions with frigid winters, our southern climate doesn’t necessitate such measures. Instead, we focus on feeding our bees fondant cakes, allowing them to thrive throughout the winter months and enter the new year in optimal condition.
Move Your Clothes Line
When it comes to drying clothing off-grid or without access to a traditional dryer, winter presents its own unique challenges. The good news is that with a little creativity, you can still get the job done. For instance, if you have an outdoor clothesline, your garments will naturally undergo a process called freeze-drying, which can be a great way to dry your clothing without relying on heat.
However, for those who prefer to stay indoors during the cold weather, setting up an indoor clothesline can be a game-changer. By mimicking the natural drying process in the comfort of your own home, you’ll be able to keep your clothing fresh and warm all winter long.
Clean Your Cast Iron
As the winter season approaches, my trusty cast iron skillet gets a lot more action. The warmth from our wood stove makes it an ideal cooking companion. Before firing up my iron, though, I take some time to inspect it. If it’s been collecting dust for a while, a good cleaning is in order. Additionally, a quick seasoning can work wonders to ensure non-stick performance and prevent rust.
If you’re new to the world of cast iron cookware, I highly recommend investing in one – once you go cast iron, you’ll never look back!
Get Salt Bottles Ready
As I didn’t mention earlier, I don’t rely on electronic devices to keep water frozen for use during winter months. Not only do they require electricity, but I’m mindful of the costs associated with keeping them running. Instead, my family and I employ a cost-free method that’s been effective in our experience. We save 2-liter bottles, fill them with a mixture of water and salt, and then place them within our rainwater barrels and larger water storage containers.
This simple yet efficient approach has allowed us to maintain a consistent temperature without incurring any additional expenses.
Fill The Freezer
As autumn approaches, we’re fortunate to have friends and family who are passionate about hunting, which means we receive a bounty of fresh meat. Interestingly, some of these enthusiastic hunters don’t enjoy consuming their own harvests, making us the lucky recipients of their leftovers. By freezing and canning the venison, I’m able to stockpile a valuable supply that will sustain us throughout the year.
It’s crucial to prioritize hunter safety and seek guidance from an experienced mentor if you’re new to the sport. Many states offer comprehensive hunter safety courses that are well worth exploring. Not only does hunting provide a means of acquiring essential foodstuffs, but it also represents a vital skillset that can significantly reduce our reliance on commercial markets.
And with that, I’ll wrap up today’s post, hoping you find the insights helpful as you prepare your homestead for the impending winter.
