Articles - Backwoods Home Magazine

Llamas guarding sheep? — Not such a far-fetched idea

Where our farm animals come from

Livestock fencing for the small homesteader, part 2

By Don Lewis In the last issue of Backwoods Home Magazine, we covered Part 1 of livestock fencing for the small homesteader. The article included...

Building and stocking your pantry

New invention— The Fencerunner

Build a wood-fired stock tank heater

Sweet Potato Greens

By Tim Scullen Issue #168 • November/December, 2017 By now, you’ve no doubt figured out how good chard, spinach, and kale are for you. But did...

Gleaning — An Old Tradition Made New

Gardening in the Desert Using Only Rainwater

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

George Washington Carver — He wrote the book on self-reliance

By John Silveira Issue #31 • January/February, 1995 "What were you listening to when I got to your house? Sounded nice. I don't think I've ever...

The Great Depression — A reminiscence

Emancipation Proclamation by Historical Document

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

Stuffed Mushrooms – Greek Style

American food — It’s as varied as the melting pot

Funerals don’t have to be expensive

Medical kits for self-reliant families

Advice from second-time homesteaders

Pysanki — You can make those biddies pay!

Use solar landscape lights for emergencies

Our journey to modern off-grid living

Solar charge controllers — myths, hype, and facts

Walden Pond, the solar version: Part 1

The light at the end of the gun

By Massad Ayoob Issue #128 • March/April, 2011 Dave writes, "A few weeks ago I had to shoot a skunk in the chicken house, but the...

An economical battery of guns for the backwoods home

The M1A — A rifle that makes a statement

Gee-Whiz: Dinosaurs

By O.E. MacDougal July/August 2014 Backwoods Home Biologists and paleontologists are now pretty certain that birds are part of the dinosaur lineage. Their extinct relatives include...

The threat of electromagnetic pulse!

The world is coming to an end… and this time, I’m...

Concealed carry laws reduce crime

This St. Bernard backwoods hero saved old Grandma’s life

By Margaret Wright Issue #35 • September/October, 1995 When we think of a backwoods dog we generally think of a Pyrenees, German Shepherd, or other breed...

How to buy your first sheep without getting shorn

By Anita Evangelista Issue #32 • March/April, 1995 Multimillionaire J. Paul Getty was once asked the secret of becoming rich. He's reported to have said, "I...

Mountain lions — Attacks are still rare, but just in case…

Khaki Campbell ducks — The other egg layer

Your survival depends on water

Making a great rug from the rag bag

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

10 tips for selling your homemade product

Swiss Chard — The Leaf Vegetable That Keeps on Giving!

By Raymond Nones Issue #92 • March/April, 2005 For years every spring I planted spinach in my garden. For those who have never tasted home grown spinach, there is a world of difference between its taste...

Garden Spaces for Small Places

By Dorothy Ainsworth Issue #116 • March/April, 2009 When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden. Minnie Aumonier Yes, and if your budget is lean and you want something green, there's...