For many, the cold season signals new work patterns and a shift in one’s daily routine. While you may have spent your days outside cultivating crops and caring for your land during the summer, the change in weather brings quite a few changes with it.
Fortunately, a drop in temperature doesn’t have to mean a decrease in activity, too. Here’s a look at seven simple tasks at the top of your homestead’s to-do list this winter season.
1. Clean Your Homestead’s Interior
When it’s cold outside, it’s the perfect excuse to break out the mops and dust rags. Cleaning your home’s interior can help save you money during the winter season. Simple acts, such as washing your furnace, can make your home more energy-efficient and cut down on monthly bills. Dusting and cleaning hardwood floors periodically can elongate their lifespan, too.
Your home is an investment. Taking a day or weekend to deep clean your interior ensures your living space is well taken care of and as comfortable as possible.
2. Take Advantage of Canning
While crops may be plentiful during the summer, it’s not easy to yield fruits and vegetables during the chilly time of year.
To be more productive during the winter, start canning now. You’ll greatly appreciate the stockpile of tasty food during severe winter storms or snowfall. From soups to jams, you can prepare food today to ensure convenient access all winter.
3. Transfer Your Garden Indoors
If you have a green thumb and don’t want to quit gardening when the season transitions, you don’t have to! While the cold weather and snow may not provide ideal conditions, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow your favorite plants indoors.
Research how you can help your indoor plants thrive and flourish. Consider investing in an indoor light to compensate for the lack of sun. Be careful not to overheat your house, either, as plants prefer temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Bring Light Into Your Home
More natural sunlight in your home benefits you twofold. On the one hand, you’ll find it easier to be more productive during the day. Since the sun increases your serotonin and Vitamin D levels, you’ll feel happier and find it easier to get things done.
However, opening your curtains is also a great way to maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Since sunlight is an excellent source of heat, you’ll increase your home’s interior temperatures. Remember to close your curtains at night to reap the most benefits.
5. Rent Out Your Space
When planning a photoshoot, people love rustic backgrounds. Your homestead may provide the perfect scenery for engagement photos, prom pictures and more!
Do you want to remain productive and profitable in the cold season? Then renting out your space may be the perfect solution. Take a photo of your homestead and spread the word on Facebook. Even better, consider renting your property out for events to bring in higher cash flow.
6. Use Home-Grown Herbal Remedies
During the spring, summer and fall, you’re likely to grow a variety of plants on your homestead. These plants can include a mixture of herbs and vegetables.
Winter is notorious for kick-starting illnesses and colds. Why not make the most of your herbs with some homemade herbal remedies? Many herbs contain powerful healing agents you can combine into homeopathic medicine. Not only will the act of cultivating and combining herbs keep you active, but their curative capabilities will ensure you stay on your feet.
7. Make a Plan for the Upcoming Year
Any successful homestead owner knows taking care of their space requires steady preparation, planning and dedication.
As you unwind in the winter season, make sure you have a plan in place for the upcoming year. What plants will you focus on cultivating? What work do you need to do when the weather breaks? Ask yourself what you’d like to accomplish in the upcoming year and write a quick outline of how you plan to achieve your goals.
The seasons are changing, but you can remain an active homesteader. Follow these productivity-enhancing activities to set yourself up for a fruitful new year.
