17 Creative Winter Homesteading Projects

Winter in western New York is no joke. When the lake-effect snow starts swirling, and your homestead is blanketed in a thick, freezing layer of white, the homesteading lifestyle shifts gears. This season is anything but slow.

Winter homesteading brings challenges and opportunities to keep you connected to your land, goals, and even your sanity—when you’ve been snowed in for the third time that week.

If you’re ready to make the most of winter, I’ve got a cozy lineup of activities for you, whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just dipping your toes into the icy waters of “homesteading DIY.”

1. Map Out Next Spring’s Garden

While the western New York ground stays frozen, winter is prime time for garden planning. Use graph paper or digital garden planners to design your layout and identify the crops you’ll grow when the frost finally melts. If you’re looking for tools to organize your seeds or plan your planting schedule, check out these free Garden Designer ideas.

2. Dive into Indoor Gardening

Bring a little green into your winter routine! Start an indoor herb garden or experiment with microgreens. Fresh basil, cilantro, and spinach can thrive in small pots or under grow lights. To ensure your efforts are budget-friendly, explore things to use in your home to start seeds for FREE for ideas on how to keep costs low.

*Grab my 2025 Homesteading Planner to keep everything on track and organized for the year!

3. Preserve Your Summer Harvest

Winter gives you the perfect excuse to try new preservation techniques. Have extra frozen berries or canned tomatoes from last summer? This is the time to transform them into jams, sauces, or even dried snacks.

For inspiration and frugal tips on food prep, read How to Save Money Cooking from Scratch.

4. Experiment with DIY Crafts

Snow days are a great excuse to tackle homesteading DIY projects. You can upcycle, sew, or even try woodworking while staying warm inside. Need ideas? Start simple with projects like heating pillows or birdhouses, and browse Beyond the Dream: Hard Truths About Simple Living on a Homestead to see how even small changes can make a big impact on your homestead.

5. Stay Ahead of Livestock Care

Livestock care can be tough in winter, but there’s always room to improve your cold-weather setup! Upgrade your chicken coop or build a DIY heated water container to keep your flock hydrated and cozy.

Check out how to keep your chickens warm in winter.

6. Brush Up on Homestead Skills

Take advantage of long winter evenings by books, podcasts, or online tutorials for new skills. Learn to bake sourdough, crochet blankets, or start candle-making. These activities keep you creative and engaged, even on the frostiest nights. For more ideas on hands-on projects, check out The Best Things to Make at Home to Save Money.

7. Host a Family Homesteading Night

Winter is a slower season, making it perfect for homestead family time. Try cooking dinner together using your preserved goods, or even spend an evening planning next spring’s garden as a team. Get the kids involved by making simple recipes—like something from Healthy Super Bowl Snacks That Are Low Carb and Affordable.

8. Make Homemade Natural Cleaners

Winter is the perfect time to experiment with DIY natural cleaning products. These are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and can help reduce your family’s exposure to chemicals. Try whipping up a vinegar-based cleaner or an all-purpose spray using essential oils.

Check out my post on natural living tips for some inspiration—and a little pep talk to get started!

9. Bake (and Master) the Ultimate Homemade Bread Recipe

If you haven’t dabbled in bread baking yet, now’s the time to channel your inner homestead baker. Try perfecting sourdough or testing easy Dutch Oven techniques. Plus, because western New York winters are chilly, firing up the oven is a welcomed way to add extra warmth to the kitchen.

For more money-saving kitchen projects, see The Best Things to Make at Home.

10. Experiment with DIY Winter Bird Feeders

Winter snowstorms can make food harder for local birds to find. Use scraps like orange halves, pinecones, or old mugs to create unique feeders. This is a family-friendly project that your kids can enjoy, and it provides an important source of sustenance for wildlife.

Other frugal sourcing tips can be found in my affordable crafting ideas.

11. Start a ‘Buy Nothing’ Declutter Challenge

Why not use this slower season to tidy up while prepping for spring? Join Buy Nothing Groups to declutter while giving items a second life. You’ll get organized, make local connections, and clear out storage areas all at once

.Discover how to lean toward minimalism and save money in Beyond the Dream: Hard Truths About Simple Living on a Homestead.

12. Make Tallow or Beeswax-Based Candles

If you haven’t tried candle-making yet, making homemade tallow or beeswax candles can add a sustainable touch to winter homesteading. These come in handy during power outages (a western New York winter tradition).

Plus, the process is straightforward and super satisfying. Tap into your DIY spirit with more of my DIY Projects here.

13. Cook Up Comfort Food from Long-Stored Goods

Challenge yourself to create recipes entirely from pantry staples and freezer finds during the cold months. Think hearty stews, casseroles, and even homemade pasta. This is not only a frugal activity but clears space before spring preserving kicks up again.

For more frugal kitchen motivation, check out How to Save Money Cooking from Scratch.

14. Plan a Small, Cozy Space Refresh

Use winter downtime to refresh a snug area of your home or a family room. Upcycle old items, sew cozy throw pillows, or crochet blankets for that cabin-in-the-woods feel (even if your homestead is away from the mountains).

Get more design inspiration from my Small, Cozy Balcony Garden ideas.

15. Create a Cozy Emergency Preparedness Kit

Winter storms in western New York have a way of catching even the most seasoned homesteaders off guard. Use this downtime to build or refresh an emergency preparedness kit filled with essentials like candles, matches, blankets, canned goods, and backup batteries.

16.  Make DIY Homemade Beauty Products

Channel your inner chemist by crafting your own beauty products during the winter months. These projects are both rewarding and practical, from lip balms and salves to body scrubs made with simple pantry items like sugar and coconut oil.

For more DIY inspiration, take a look at Healthy Super Bowl Snacks That Are Low Carb and Affordable to see how creative simplicity can go a long way—even in the kitchen or bathroom!

17. Take Winter Hikes and Set a Goal for Outdoor Exploration

Even in western New York’s chilly winter months, hiking can be a refreshing way to stay active and connect with nature. Bundle up and challenge yourself with a goal—like exploring three new trails by spring or tracking a certain number of miles walked each week.

It’s a fantastic way to beat cabin fever and enjoy this area’s stunning winter landscapes.

For tips on setting achievable and motivating goals, check out How to Empower Your Debt-Free Journey with a Money Vision Board. The same goal-setting mindset can inspire your outdoor adventures!

Winter in western New York may bring its fair share of snow and icy winds, but it’s also a season full of opportunity for modern homesteaders. From planning next spring’s garden and trying out new DIY projects to bundling up for invigorating winter hikes, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active, creative, and connected to your homestead.

These activities aren’t just about passing the time—they’re about finding joy in the rhythm of the seasons, challenging yourself to grow, and preparing for the brighter days ahead. So grab that hot cocoa, set some goals, and make the most of what winter has to offer. After all, there’s unique satisfaction in creating, learning, and thriving in harmony with the chill of the season.