Articles - Backwoods Home Magazine

Chickens — The most valuable animal on the homestead

Build an attached solar greenhouse

By David Lee Issue #125 • September/October, 2010 We planned it to be permanent, well built, and able to withstand the extremes of temperature, humidity, and...

Parge the ugly out of your concrete wall

Save Time and Energy with the Fenced Chicken Coop/Garden

Plant Once Harvest for Years

By Jackie Clay-Atkinson Issue #140 • March/April, 2013 Year after year we start seeds, till the ground, plant, weed, harvest, then tear it all out at...

Here’s a Mighty Creative Way to Protect Your Plants from Animals

How to become a backyard beekeeper

Seven tactics for planning next year’s garden

James Polk — A model for modern presidents

By John Silveira Issue #32 • March/April, 1995 It was snowing and three of us were up at the office. Dave Duffy, the fellow who publishes...

President George Washington’s Farewell Address

Who were the best…and worst U.S. Presidents?

Emancipation Proclamation by Historical Document

Water development for the homestead: Ponds, cisterns, and tanks

Preserve the harvest naturally through wild fermentation

Build your own solar-powered water pumping station

Solar system codes — Build it right!

7 Solar Water Heating System Designs

Military surplus and military “clone” rifles

By Massad Ayoob Issue #116 • March/April, 2009 One reader writes to ask if military surplus rifles are still a good idea for hunting, recreational shooting,...

Firearms handling refresher Part I: Handguns

Avian Flu — How afraid of this

Issue #97 • January/February, 2006 There's been a lot of talk in the mass media...

A brief history of health and medicine

The Newtown atrocity and “gun control”

Once a day milking

By Patrice Lewis Issue #99 • May/June, 2006 It sounds bucolic, doesn't it? The simple joys of milking your own cow. Fresh milk, fresh cream, homemade...

Finding, buying, milking, and living with the family milk cow

By Jayn Steidl Thibodeau Issue #36 • November/December, 1995 Have you ever had this happen to you? You've opened the refrigerator door for a cold, refreshing...

Raising cattle on your own place

Where our farm animals come from

An Introduction to Small-Scale Home Hydroponics

Small Town America: Thermopolis, WY — Horses and hot springs

The poor man’s ultra-light dual-fuel backpacking stove

By Hook or Crook: A Billhook is a Handy Homestead Tool

Secure and Economical Livestock Feed

By Sherry Willis Issue #145 • January/February, 2014 The recent droughts in the midwest have meant hard times for many livestock owners. Areas without irrigation saw parched earth without a scrap of green anywhere. Corn withered...

How to become a backyard beekeeper

By Sheri Jones If you’ve been intrigued by the idea of becoming a beekeeper but think you don’t have the space, resources, or knowledge, you’re about to be pleasantly surprised. Backyard beekeeping is a lot...