The animals need tending, the fence is down and it is a high of 18 degrees today! What is a homesteader to do?
Stay warm.
Sound’s stupid or simple as far as advice goes, but the tip is just to not ignore the need to stay warm.
Tips on HOW to stay warm are….
- Wear layers! Lots of layers!
- Double up the socks. If you don’t have water proof shoes wear grocery bags between sock layers.
- Cover your head and neck. Hats and scarves are a must!
- Good weather-proof gloves are important. These are worth the investment.
- Timing is everything. Go out mid-day if possible and in dry weather if possible to tend to outdoor chores.
- Go in short stints rather than long haul.
- Learn the signs of frost bite.
- Rest. Working in the cold weather can really take a lot out of you physically, so rest.
Now, don’t ignore the most important ‘tool’ you have on the homestead – YOU!
Until next time – Best Blessings!
The Millers
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, , the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.
Popular Questions
What is Tuesday’s Tip to Homesteading…Stay WARM! for keeping a homestead comfortable?
Begin by stopping drafts around doors, windows, and other openings before adding more heat. Use weatherstripping, caulk, door sweeps, or removable draft blockers where needed. Close curtains at night and open sun-facing window coverings during the day to make the most of available warmth.
How can Tuesday’s Tip to Homesteading…Stay WARM! help protect pipes in cold weather?
Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, barns, and outbuildings. On especially cold nights, let vulnerable faucets drip slightly and open cabinet doors beneath sinks so warm air can circulate. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and know where the main shutoff is located in case a pipe freezes or bursts.
What heating practices fit Tuesday’s Tip to Homesteading…Stay WARM!?
Have chimneys, woodstoves, furnaces, and other heating equipment inspected and cleaned before heavy use. Burn only properly seasoned firewood in a woodstove or fireplace, and keep combustible materials well away from heat sources. Install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, then test their batteries regularly.
How can homesteaders follow Tuesday’s Tip to Homesteading…Stay WARM! for animals and livestock?
Keep animal shelters dry, protected from wind, and well ventilated without creating direct drafts at bedding level. Add clean, dry bedding and check that water remains unfrozen throughout the day. Provide appropriate extra feed during severe cold, while monitoring each animal for shivering, weakness, or other signs that require prompt attention.