So many resources have helped us along the way!
Homesteading is equal parts passion and persistence — and a whole lot of learning. When we first started J & J Homestead, I spent countless evenings reading, researching, and scribbling notes about everything from chicken health to compost layering. Over time, a handful of websites became my most trusted companions, guiding nearly every step of our journey.
Today, I want to share some of the most valuable websites that have helped us grow — quite literally — from a few raised beds and a handful of hens into a thriving small homestead.
🐔 For Chickens: Health, Nutrition, and Daily Care
1. The Chicken Chick
Kathy Shea Mormino, “The Chicken Chick,” is one of the most reliable voices in backyard poultry care. Her site is full of practical advice on everything from treating respiratory issues to understanding molting, and she explains it all in plain, friendly language. Her articles on coop design, biosecurity, and natural remedies have helped us prevent issues before they start.
2. Backyard Chickens
Think of this as the ultimate community forum for chicken keepers. It’s a wealth of information — and real-world experience. I’ve found answers to obscure questions about egg-laying behavior, breed temperament, and even homemade feed recipes just by searching through their threads.
3. PoultryDVM
When it comes to understanding chicken health and disease symptoms, this site is a must-bookmark. Their A-Z database of poultry conditions and treatment options has been invaluable, especially when I wanted to better understand what might affect flock health without guessing.
4. Meyer Hatchery Blog
We’ve had great experiences ordering chicks from Meyer Hatchery, but their blog has also become one of my go-to resources. Their posts on brooder setup, breed selection, and medication guidance helped us start strong with our first Cornish Cross batch and keep our laying flock healthy.
🌱 For Gardening: Planning, Planting, and Soil Health
5. The Old Farmer’s Almanac
An old classic that never goes out of style. The Planting Calendar lets you plug in your ZIP code and get personalized planting dates based on frost zones — something I use religiously when scheduling garden rotations and seed starts.
6. Epic Gardening
Kevin Espiritu’s site is a modern homesteader’s dream. His tutorials on raised bed soil layering, seed starting, and companion planting have completely changed how we grow. I especially love his posts on urban composting and worm bins, which prove that anyone can garden — no matter the space.
7. Virginia Cooperative Extension
This one is a cornerstone of everything we do. The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) provides an incredible library of region-specific information — from gardening guides and plant disease diagnostics to poultry health, honey bee management, and food preservation safety. Their local expertise ensures that the advice fits our climate, soil, and growing season here in Virginia.
Some of my favorite resources include:
- Virginia Home Vegetable Gardening Publication
- Small-Scale Poultry Flock Management
- Beekeeping Resources
VCE’s classes and newsletters also keep me up-to-date on seasonal pests, soil testing, and livestock health programs. If you’re homesteading in Virginia, this site is truly a goldmine.
🐝 For Beekeeping: Hive Health and Honey Production
8. Honey Bee Suite
Rusty Burlew’s blog is one of the most balanced, science-based sources I’ve found for backyard beekeeping. Her articles on hive ventilation, mite monitoring, and winter feeding are well-researched and easy to follow.
9. Scientific Beekeeping
If you like the data behind bee behavior, Randy Oliver’s site dives deep into the science of apiary management. His writing on Varroa mite control and disease prevention has been instrumental in helping us keep our colonies strong and productive.
10. Bee Culture Magazine
For ongoing education, Bee Culture offers current research and beekeeping trends in plain language. It’s great for learning what’s happening in the larger beekeeping community — from pollinator protection to innovations in hive design.
🌾 For General Homesteading Inspiration
11. The Prairie Homestead
Jill Winger’s blog has been one of my biggest inspirations. She covers everything from homemade herbal remedies to dairy cow care and homestead kitchen recipes. Her “modern pioneer” approach blends traditional skills with realistic, 21st-century living.
12. Homestead Honey
Teri Page’s site dives into off-grid living, seasonal gardening, and self-sufficiency — perfect for anyone seeking a more sustainable, back-to-basics lifestyle. Her posts on homestead goal-setting have been especially motivating during the slower winter months.
13. Mother Earth News
A classic magazine turned online resource that I still reference all the time. Whether I’m researching natural soil amendments, DIY compost bins, or pasture rotation, they have practical, time-tested articles for nearly every facet of homesteading.
🌻 Wrapping It Up
Every homestead is unique, but one thing remains the same — the need to keep learning. These websites have not only given me information but also confidence, inspiration, and community. From diagnosing chicken ailments to timing tomato transplants, from brewing herbal tinctures to managing beehives, each site has played a part in shaping who we are and how we homestead.
If you’re just starting your own journey, bookmark a few of these and dive in. And if you’re in Virginia, make the Virginia Cooperative Extension your first stop — it’s the backbone of homesteading knowledge in our region.
Because the more we learn, the better we care — for our animals, our gardens, and the land that sustains us all.
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