Growing your own vegetables is a rewarding hobby that will feed your family with healthy foods, free from pesticides found on supermarket produce. If you are just getting started with gardening, you might need some help! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to build your first vegetable garden in your backyard and join the growing community of homestead gardeners....
You might not realize it, but small businesses are an integral part of your community. Shopping at big corporations can be cheaper and more convenient, but small businesses have their advantages, too. Here are the top 5 reasons you should support small businesses....
Quilting is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby that anyone can do at home in their spare time. Not only is it a fun hobby, but you’re creating something for your home that you can pass down the generations. Quilts are great to keep warm on a cold winter evening or you can even use them as wall decorations for a rustic look in any room. Read on to learn how to get started with the quilting hobby!...
If you are interested in processing and curing meat as a hunter or as a hobbyist, you might want to dip your toes into making jerky, too. Jerky is a nutrient-dense meat that was dried to become shelf-stable. According to the USDA, a pound of meat or jerky can be reduced to just 4 oz of shelf-stable jerky. Because its lightweight, shelf-stable, and dense in nutrients, jerky is a great food for hikers, campers, and hunters. Its origins date back to ancient times and in North America, it was taken on hunting expeditions by American Indians. Read more to learn how to get started with this ancient way of preparing meat....
Buying new furniture is often not a pleasant experience. You’re either buying inexpensive furniture made out of particle board that won’t last after a few years or buying hardwood furniture that’s built to last but costs a small fortune. A much better option is to refinish or repurpose used furniture for your home, also known as upcycling....
This New Year we’re giving back to the community with $3,000 in prizes from January 8th to January 15th! Each day, we’ll have new prizes and multiple winners will be randomly selected. You can increase your chance of winning one of these prizes by completing actions for extra entries....
Processing and curing meat from your homestead or hunting expeditions are great ways to save money on delicious, flavorful cuts of meat. There are many regulations surrounding meat and wild game processing that do not apply when the meat is for yourself and your family. To simplify things for homesteaders and hobbyist hunters, this blog will focus on meat processing and curing for personal use....
As the weather cools, there are several things you should do to prepare your home for the winter. Here is some practical advice to not only protect yourself and your home but also make it a bit more cozy during the winter....
Our website is filled with classified listings that make perfect Christmas gifts for your homesteading and hobbyist loved ones. Today we are going to take a look at some of our favorite homesteading and hobbyist Christmas gifts that can be found on Plain Direct....
As we start the hunting season this year, it’s important to gather all the hunting gear you need for your first weekend out. Learn what you need...
Take a look at the benefits of making your own soap, the processes used, and how to scale your soap-making operation to turn it into a business....
Many people get intimidated by lawn fertilization, but by the end of this blog post, you will be equipped to take your lawn to the next level....
One thing that most people can agree on is that it’s frustrating when your mower isn’t working properly. Some of these issues might be mechanical, but sometimes mower problems can be fixed with a simple cleaning. Today we are going to go over the cleaning process for various mower parts to get your mower running in tip-top shape....
Relaxing on a boat can be a joyful experience, but some people want a little more excitement on their ride. Check out our picks for the top 5 watersports!...
Buying farm equipment online can be a great way to get a quality piece of equipment at a great price. Learn how to do so with this guide....
If you are looking to decorate your home to complement the homestead way of living, adding furs and animal mounts make great accent pieces. Learn more....
Alaska has been a leading state in the homesteading lifestyle, using classified ads to buy, sell, and trade goods for decades. While classified ads are popular in Alaska for purchasing and selling handmade or used goods, the sites available can be problematic. Plain Direct was created by experienced homesteaders to solve many of these problems and to provide a safe place for homesteaders to buy and sell....
Feeding chickens scraps is a great way to give your flock extra nutrients and reduce waste. As all chicken owners know, these birds are omnivores that will eat almost anything you give them, so how do you know which fruits and vegetables are safe for them to eat? While no fruit or vegetable should make up your flock's whole diet, there are many fruits and vegetables that make wonderful treats for your flock and promote healthy living. Keep reading to learn what produce you can give your chickens and what you should avoid....
Raising poultry is a rewarding hobby that can also feed your family! Backyard poultry control pests, reduce weeds, and provide you with farm-fresh eggs daily. Here’s our guide on how to feed your farm birds....
Raising backyard poultry is a great way to control pests, reduce weeds, and save money with your own farm-fresh eggs. Some farmers and homesteaders prefer one type of poultry while others reap the benefits of raising multiple varieties. Read on to learn all about raising chickens, guinea fowl, turkeys, and quail....