Top 9 Fall Activities to Do on The Homestead

Fall is a magical time on the homestead. After the hustle of summer, autumn feels like a gentle, steady rhythm guiding us into the slower months. The air is crisp, leaves are turning, and there’s this unspoken call to gather, preserve, and prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just getting started, here’s our Top 9 Fall Activities to Do on The Homestead.

1. Harvesting the Last of the Summer Crops

As temperatures drop, it’s time to gather the last of your summer bounty before frost sets in. Many crops, like tomatoes, peppers, and beans, won’t survive the first frost, so prioritize harvesting these before it’s too late!

• Tomatoes and peppers: If frost is looming, pick your green tomatoes and let them ripen indoors. They might take on a slightly different flavor, but they’re still delicious for sauces, salsas, or preserving. Peppers can be harvested fully ripe or green—whatever stage they’re at when the cold weather hits.
• Herbs: Basil, parsley, and other tender herbs won’t survive frost either. Harvest, dry, or freeze them now so you can enjoy home-grown flavors through winter.
• Winter squash and pumpkins: These sturdy fall favorites should be harvested when the rind is hard and the stem is dry. Cure them in a warm place for a couple of weeks to improve their shelf life, then store them in a cool, dark spot to enjoy all season.

2. Preserving the Harvest

Fall is all about filling up the pantry with goodies that’ll get you through winter. Whether you’re canning, drying, or fermenting, preserving your harvest lets you enjoy the flavors of fall all winter long.

• Canning fruits and vegetables: Apples, pears, tomatoes, and late-season veggies are great candidates for canning. Jars of applesauce, tomato sauce, and pickled vegetables add color and variety to your pantry shelves.
• Dehydrating herbs, fruits, and veggies: Dehydrating is one of the simplest ways to preserve food. Herbs like thyme, oregano, and sage dry well and make great additions to winter recipes. Apples and pears can also be sliced and dried for healthy snacks.
• Making jams, jellies, and sauces: Fall fruits like apples, cranberries, and pears are perfect for making spreads and sauces. Whip up a batch of apple butter, cranberry sauce, or pear jam to add a seasonal touch to your meals.

3. Clearing and Prepping the Garden for Winter

After the final harvest, it’s time to prep your garden for a winter rest. Properly “putting the garden to bed” now can make your life easier in spring and even improve your soil health.

• Remove spent plants and debris: Clear out dead plants, weeds, and other debris. Not only does this tidy up your garden, but it also removes potential pests and diseases that could overwinter in the soil.
• Add compost and mulch: Once your beds are clear, spread a layer of compost to enrich the soil. Then, cover with a thick layer of mulch—like straw or shredded leaves—to protect your soil from winter’s harsh elements.
• Consider planting cover crops: Cover crops, such as clover or rye, help prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter back into the soil. These “green manures” work all winter to boost soil health.

4. Taking Care of Livestock as the Weather Cools

Fall is the time to ensure your animals are healthy, comfortable, and ready for the colder months ahead. Making a few preparations now can make winter livestock care much easier.

• Clean and prepare shelters: Go through each animal shelter, clean out old bedding, and check for drafts or leaks. Replace bedding with fresh straw or shavings, which help trap warmth. A well-insulated shelter will keep your animals cozy through winter’s chill.
• Stock up on feed and bedding: Animals often require extra feed to keep warm during colder weather, so make sure you have enough on hand. Hay, grain, and straw for bedding are essentials you’ll want to store before winter hits.
• Ensure water access: Freezing water can be a challenge in winter, so if you’re in a freezing zone, consider heated water bowls or troughs. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in keeping your animals hydrated through the winter.

5. Planning and Splitting Firewood for the Season

If you use wood for heating, fall is the time to prepare your firewood stack. Properly seasoned wood burns hotter and cleaner, making it a must for a cozy and efficient winter fire.

• Splitting and stacking: Firewood needs time to season, so the earlier you stack, the better. Aim to split wood into manageable pieces and stack it in a covered but airy spot to keep it dry. Make sure your woodpile is organized and easily accessible for those frosty mornings. Also be sure to keep your wood covered to keep it from getting wet!
• Checking your wood stove or fireplace: Give your wood stove or fireplace a quick inspection to make sure it’s in good working condition. Clean out any ash or soot build-up and make sure your chimney is clear to avoid fire hazards.

6. Embracing Cozy, DIY Fall Projects

Homesteading in fall isn’t just about chores—it’s also a season for creativity. Fall is ideal for diving into DIY projects that bring coziness and warmth to your home.

• Making natural decor: With so many natural materials on hand, fall is perfect for DIY decorations. Use dried flowers, pinecones, and autumn leaves to create wreaths or garlands that bring the season indoors. Pumpkins and gourds also make beautiful, natural decorations for the porch or kitchen table.
• Creating homemade candles: As days grow shorter, candlelight adds warmth and ambiance. Making candles is simple, and beeswax candles are a great way to use any extra beeswax from your hive. Customize them with seasonal scents like cinnamon or cloves.
• Sewing or knitting cozy items: Whether you knit a chunky throw blanket, sew a warm pillow cover, or crochet a cozy scarf, fall is an inspiring season for DIY projects. These small projects bring a sense of comfort and are wonderful ways to spend a quiet, chilly evening indoors.

7. Foraging for Fall’s Bounty

Fall offers some unique opportunities for foraging. Even though it’s Fall, there’s still plenty to gather in the wild.

• Wild nuts and berries: Hazelnuts, acorns, and elderberries are common fall finds that add to your homestead’s food variety. Hazelnuts are delicious roasted, acorns can be leached and ground into flour, and elderberries make wonderful syrups for immune support.
• Wild herbs: Herbs like yarrow and rose hips can still be gathered in the fall. Yarrow is excellent for teas, and rose hips, high in vitamin C, make lovely additions to syrups and jellies.

8. Planning for Spring Projects and Ordering Supplies

As winter draws closer, fall is also the perfect time to get a head start on spring by planning new projects and ordering supplies.

• Assessing tools and supplies: Check over your gardening and homesteading tools, make any necessary repairs, and take note of anything that needs replacing. This can save you last-minute shopping trips when spring is in full swing.
• Ordering seeds: Many seed companies start releasing their spring catalogs in fall. Browsing through these now lets you order early before popular varieties sell out. Plus, it’s a great way to dream about next year’s garden if the winter blues hit.
• Planning spring projects: Take some time to reflect on this past season and set goals for the next. Whether you’re expanding the garden, raising new livestock, or tackling a big DIY project, planning now lets you take it slow and steady when the busy spring season arrives.

9. Gathering with Family and Friends

Fall has a natural rhythm for gathering and connecting. Take a moment to embrace the social side of homesteading this season.

• Hosting a harvest gathering: A small harvest gathering is a beautiful way to share the fruits of your labor. Invite friends and family over for a simple meal made with homegrown ingredients. Whether it’s a potluck, a bonfire, or a cozy meal indoors, these moments help create lasting memories.
• Sharing homemade gifts: Consider sharing the products of your fall homestead activities—jams, jellies, or dried herbs make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Homemade candles or a batch of spiced applesauce can be simple yet heartfelt offerings that carry the warmth of fall. And of course you can’t forget a nice warm batch of sourdough bread!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about fall on the homestead. Each activity, from harvesting to preserving, is a step toward the slower, quieter months, but they also serve as gentle reminders of our connection to the land and the rhythm of the seasons. So, as you move through your fall to-do list, take a moment to enjoy the journey. These are the days you’ll look back on when winter has settled in—the days that make homesteading such a rich, rewarding life.