10 Homestead Hacks Everyone Should Know

The top 10 SSL Family Dad Homestead Hacks for around the small farm or any size homestead.
Homemade cleaner video - • Homemade Spray Cleaner
Starting seeds on a budget video - • Starting Seeds on a Bu...
Bacon Grease Soap video - • How to Make Soap From ...
homemade laundry soap video - • How to Make Your Own H...
Garage Organization video - • 2 Free Ways to Organiz...
Wood Disc Garden Path video - • Simple Free Garden Path
Free Tomato Supports video - • Cheap and Easy Tomato ...
Chip Drop website - getchipdrop.com/
Get SSL Family Merchandise here - teespring.com/...
.$.99 organic seeds - migardener.com... - use this link for $.10 off!
Please check us out at www.sslfamilyfarm.com
Find recommended products on Amazon - www.amazon.com...
and follow us on....
/ sslfamilyfarm
/ sslfamilyfarm
/ sslfamilyfarm
/ sslfamilyfarm
Daily Beetle by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Source: incompetech.com...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Country Cue 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Any links here may be Affiliate links

[@aaroncross4412]

10. Worn Clothes as shop rags 9. Homemade Cleaners, vinegar plus essential oils 8. Old 2 liter pop bottles, cut them and use as funnels. Use for oil, coolant, etc 7. Starting seedlings inside, get a jump-start on the short growing season. Use cake containers with lids. Works great 6. Save (bacon) grease, make soap with it. 5. DIY Laundry Soap, cheap, easy. 4. Save coffee cans and jars for organizing nuts, bolts, parts 3. Used motor oil. Reuse for lubricating parts, as a wood stain, wood preservative for posts 2. Tomato Supports, plant a sunflower next to tomato plant. Sunflowers grow faster than tomatoes. 1. Wood Chips, use them for garden, landscaping, keeping weeds down

[@gameplugunlimited4369]

In my town (New England area), we have a recycling center. There's a part of the center where you can leave old crap for free, and pick up old crap for free. Its great for scrap wood because lots of people leave furniture there

[@amandafield3569]

I think YOU are the best resource I have! Best homesteading video I have seen yet. I’m looking forward to more of your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@buggaboo2707]

I cut plastic shopping bags into ribbons and use them as tomato ties, about an inch or 2 wide.... they even stretch slightly kind of like the green stuff they sell at the stores ( I also collect them all at the end of the year and recycle them )

[@grosseileracingteam]

Keeping safety glasses in old socks keeps them from getting scratched up. Old pipes make great breaker bars.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Both great tips!

[@saryarohit2925]

Hello from Trinidad (in the Caribbean). I enjoyed your video a lot and just wanted to let you know that! 👍

[@The_True_]

I have been combining my 2 litre bottles with shredded t shirts to make self wicking planters for cut and come again green onions. I love the low maintenance of these, and my omelets are now complete.

[@andrewsarles3520]

I use rain water off the roof for watering cows this year tool shed water for garden! I fix my own tires with hi lift jack and tire bar if time allows it! Dish soap(palmolive) for insect repellent on my fruit trees! Salt and vinegar for weed control! Reuse my 200 gallon gaylord liners for haylage by turning them inside out! Reuse screws whenever possible take them out of whatever project they use to be? Reuse 2xs and plywood from any project is good enough for the barns,feeders ect. Bleach jugs and laundry jugs are great for scoops. I get cat litter buckets from my mother in law for oil, unwanted fluids and storage of bigger items around the shop! Guess I could go on and on! Oops already did!

[@amandafield3569]

Doctor once told me that vinegar doesn’t kill germs…. I appreciate this video so much. I love re-using things and I hate buying new things.

[@kjvacp]

Those little brown marmorated stink bugs come by every year. Instead of buying spray (which never works), we get a ShopVac, suck em up, and dump em out in our chicken coop. They go nuts for those bugs.

[@andersonsoutdoors4873]

I like your sunflower/tomato idea! I think I might try that one this year. I normally plant tomatoes at the end of my trellises and train them up the poles, but maybe I will plant some extras just to try this.

[@jchny00]

I use shredded paper for nest boxes. 55 gallon food grade drums for rain collection. IBC food grade totes for goat houses. Used pallets for a lot of projects. Lol I can go on for hours, I repurpose anything I can. I also know when saving things is too much clutter and it goes to the fire pit or the dump.

[@seansolomon7566]

Great tips. Also, check with a local tree service company, if you sign up, they will text you when they are cutting down a tree in your area and you can pick up free firewood.

[@chinchilla6180]

For a yard hydrant..... To keep it from freezing...and super easy to operate...... Lube the bushings and rod with outboard motor lube... I get a tube made by quaker state and water doesnt affect it.. It doesnt get in your water either. Anything that needs to operate in cold weather.... Large tube lasts for yrs

[@mileakin2689]

Thank you for that info especially for the link for free wood chips we need them

[@darlajames674]

You can also use old pallets for holding shovels/hoes or other items in the barn

[@Yutani_Crayven]

including animals

[@chf1949]

Vinegar also keeps ants away. Plastic bottles with handles can be trimmed to act a scoop to get out old cold grill and fireplace ashes.

[@rockyglenfarms5050]

Redbeans & Rice and they also make nice feed scoops

[@fr8sk8r]

Awesome Info! Can’t wait to use these tips!!!

[@jonhunter8725]

You can also use dried wood chips in a wood gasifier.

[@RunamuckFarms]

Great hacks to remember. If you have extra maple syrup kicking around make some maple sugar it will save you money from having to buy store bought sugar.

[@heatherfulcher1794]

I loved this! Thank you for all of the wonderful information! I saved this video so I can watch it again later!

[@ggwo5492]

Toilet paper rolls as seedling starter containers.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Oh, yeah great idea!

[@purple3frog895]

Yup this is what I just told my husband we could have been using toilet paper rolls.

[@augustreil]

Great tips, although I use concrete mesh wire for my tomato cages. I've had them for at least 25 yrs, so it's been pretty cheap so far. The used oil works great for spraying the underneath of trucks and cars, it keeps the rust at bay better than anything else I've ever used.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Never thought about spraying it on to prevent rust. I may have to try this on some of my farm equipment

[@doityourselflivinggardenin7986]

It doesn't work that great. A KZbin testing guy disproved that theory. Fluid Film and a new product from PB Blaster works much better because it uses lanolin. (hopefully I got the name of that ingredient correct)

[@kathrinekerns8398]

Great hacks. Being very resourceful is a good thing.

[@patyarriaga3685]

Good information! Everyone love homestead hackie stufff,lol! Thank you for all you do! Have a great day!

[@tomjones8209]

Some good tips , I use most of those already. Sunflower for tomatoes , I’ll give that a try !

[@stacy2point0]

Thumbs up for good homestead hacky-type things!

[@danchauvin9896]

I've been on the chip drop waiting list for 18 months now. Still waiting for my first drop. Pretty much given up on that avenue, going to try to source some through the county. Great hacks!

[@feyrband]

keep an eye on the craigslist free section and you can also make a post on there that you're looking for some.

[@silverridgecircle]

In Reference to wood chips. Do you not need to worry about termites? I had a problem years back and I have not use wood chips since.

[@blindmango69]

Very good tips on your video. Definitely will keep watching for more.

[@kimberlymayo9951]

Love the sunflower/tomato hack!

[@debnelson8127]

Chip drop is brilliant! Just signed up. Thanks!

[@CraishyBoB]

yeah...i signed up a year ago and have renewed my request repeatedly. Still have not received my first drop.

[@designdoctor247]

@@CraishyBoB same here 😥

[@HyggeHomestead]

@@designdoctor247 same here

[@atraincg1]

I absolutely love that tractor. My wife and I are 5 months into homesteading. Great tips.

[@monkeymangonewild]

It kind of hurts me that you make your own soap with essential oils because “chemicals”, but have two liter bottles of the worst stuff for you. I like the laundry detergent one.

[@johnforeman9926]

Wonderful information on all your hacks...especially the tomatoes!

[@Marcanthonyfb]

thanks for the tomato and sunflower hack

[@movingmountainshomestead]

Wow! Thanks for the chipdrop.com info!! That will help out a ton!!

[@GreenZebraGardening]

You can also use the Cropswap app to swap, sell or barter.

[@PaulaJoDavis]

We use a lot of those hacks....GMTA! We have gotten away from the home made laundry soap, tho, because it wasn't really cleaning well. Use your old 2 liter bottles (we don't have any) for seedling cloches! Like a mini greenhouse for your seedlings. Other than that, great list! Especially the wood chip one. Blessings from NE Missouri!

[@robertschmidt9296]

2 liter bottles cut at the bottom just above the rib of the base fits perfectly in those oscar Meier lunch meat containers that have the backs that peel off.

[@WillaMamet]

Thanks! So helpful and kind!

[@Laurie_Tinsley]

Love the video and tips! New subscriber here :)

[@Screamingpinesfarm]

Thanks for the advice. Good work. Have a wonderful week

[@chance3174]

Scrapyard is a great place

[@lkhfun6575]

Great list.

[@pamgalloway7272]

love it. thanks. pammie from chicago il

[@lawrencenachtrab735]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@elderberryfarmlife4258]

Great information! Thanks!

[@maingun07]

Couple of things to add. On organizing: I eat a lot of canned pasta and soup. I use a side cutting can opener. Those things are great. The cutter never gets into the food so you don't have to clean it after every use. There's no sharp edges. You don't have to fish the top out of the can. But best of all, you can put the lid back on. I wash and save those cans. They don't break like glass can. They are great for little stuff. A little duct tape holds the lid on. They stack great. Need another can? Just have some mini ravioli for lunch. Yum! Oh, and if you've found that you've collected too many cans, fill them with water and a little food coloring and use them for target practice. Sploosh! On motor oil: Motor oil also burns really well. Maybe a some point I might make an oil burner to heat one of the out buildings, but for now I use it to help burn trash. I pour about a 1/2 cup of motor oil into the bottom of my burn barrel and have a trigger style oil can handy. It works great for keeping the fire going especially that material down at the bottom. A couple of extra squirts and a 2 x 2 to stir and your week's trash is nothing but ash. Make sure there is no metal or glass in there and test a little of that ash in the garden as well.

[@thewestnewyorker7269]

Good advice. Keep up the good work!!!

[@HerbHillFarm]

Just a great tips!

[@amandafield3569]

We have a wood burning stove to heat the house. So we use the trees on our property for heat. We have wood chips that i thought was a big mess… we can actually use. I’m just starting the homesteading journey. I am usually pretty resourceful and I am sure I will come up with many ideas to share with you guys.

[@lechatbotte.]

That’s the farm lifestyle. Today’s society gives it the buzz words you mentioned, but these ideas were how we used to live lol

[@willdwyer6782]

Since ANSI safety standards were updated, it's impossible to find a sickle bar cutter that you can walk behind like a lawn mower. Since hedge trimmers cut like miniature sickle bars, I've tinkered around with mounting them on wheels. I've managed to harvest enough hay from my back yard to feed my meat rabbits.

[@PaulOtis]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing them! I was wondering if making sure your Ford tractor has 2 headlights was going to be on the list!

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Lol

[@PaulOtis]

@@SSLFamilyDad 😊

[@BonnieDoonHomestead]

#1 Baling Twine- What can't you use it for? #2 Wire- LOL! Hey used motor oil is also great for your pastured hogs as skin care and mite and lice deterrent. The more burned up carbonized it is the better. Old Tymers would mix in some sulfur to give it that extra kick, but I have yet to venture into the sulfur world, so try that and tell me what you think. But used motor oil to keep the mud munchers free of lice and mites.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Twine! Use it for everything. Great tip

[@the_keen_edge]

Do a instructional video on making laundry soap.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Link to the video from the sslfamilymom in the description:)

[@the_keen_edge]

@@SSLFamilyDad D'oh lol thanks!

[@CJBoehlert]

Probably important to note that the laundry detergent might not be High-Efficiency washer compatible.

[@joycemastaw910]

Actually it is. We have a new washer and it works perfectly

[@joycemastaw910]

We have new washer and the home made detergent is good for high E machines

[@EastMesaUrbanHomestead]

Vinegar, epsom salt and original dawn dish soap makes a great weed killer that we use all the time. Does cost some money but so environmentally friendly. I also do deep beefing for my chicken coop, saves on pine wood chips mine right now is about 8 inches deep and I have only bought one bale this year.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

I am going to try a vinegar/salt/soap mix to kill some weeds this week, might do a video on that!

[@EastMesaUrbanHomestead]

Yeah it has to be done consistently for it to work, doesn’t kill on one application. But it is pretty much organic and is kid and family friendly😎

[@silverridgecircle]

East Mesa UrbanHomestead or anyone else that can answer. ?you say you do deep beefing for your chicken coop? I do not understand what you are saying. Please clarify. Thank you, Rebecca

[@darrelsmusic]

What is deep beefing?

[@juliebaker6969]

Baking Soda! It has dozens of uses: Non-abrasive scouring powder Mix with a couple drops of peppermint oil to make tooth powder A box or dish full makes a great deodorizer in a fridge, cupboard, bathroom, laundry room, bedroom, or any other stinky place For an antacid drink 1/4 tsp in 4 oz. of water Make a paste with water as first-aid for stings and bug bites Add to hot water as a soak for tired feet and sore muscles Bake it to turn it into washing soda for dishes and laundry. A couple Tbsp down a drain followed by a couple ounces of vinegar makes a non-corrosive drain cleaner Add to water as a pre-soak to deodorize stinky clothes. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

great tips!

[@Spencersofduffield]

On number 6 you said "doesn't smell like bacon when you are done with it". It sounded like you were suggesting that was a pro when indeed that would be a con. Can we get some clarity? Also, do you sell your bacon scented soap?

[@SSLFamilyDad]

lol, well I guess you could scent it with bacon scent afterwards:) It is bacon colored though since I used red food coloring for some reason which turned it pink

[@mimisafay2899]

Love it! Thanks. I use very diluted vinegar to keep bugs from munching on my plants.

[@topsecretbear9918]

How do you make the homemade laundry soap.. I have wanted to know this fro awhile but havent found a really good recipe yet.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Link in description

[@ruthgraff2064]

Check out homestead tessie she makes all her own soap

[@mymai2792]

SSL Family Dad 10 Homestead tips: Save old clothes as shop rags- wiping up oils & spills in the garage. Put vinegar & a little essential oil in spray bottle to use as household cleaner. Cut up 2L plastic soda bottles to use as funnels. Recycle old plastic containers with clear lids for mini hot house/seedling pots. Save up bacon or any animal grease/fat to make soap. Make homemade laundry soap - it cost way less than store bought. Repurpose coffee cans & glass jars to store garage items, screws, bolts, attachments. Save used motor oil - use to lubricate tractor equipment...or as woodstain/wood treatment. Sunflowers as tomato support. Plant a tomato & a sunflower next to each. The sunflower grows faster. Wrap the tomato plant around the sunflower stalk. Or use large sticks from the property to avoid wasting money on cages. Use woodchips, for building up soil, supoorting gardens. Many places or councils have them for free.

[@suzanneleblanc1077]

5 gallon buckets at the restaurant free

[@typolive8663]

Great video. Thank you! God Bless

[@cdf01]

Go SPARTY! Great tips.

[@joycemastaw910]

Do you have recipe for vinegar cleaner? Great tips 👍

[@SSLFamilyDad]

I think I did 75% vinegar, the rest water, and then add lemon essential oil. 10 drops. But you can adjust that to whatever you like and use other oils also

[@Reddylion]

Nice

[@jmsmith8566]

Excellent hacking, also enjoy the religious hacking

[@augustreil]

Remember when these things were called tips ? !!!

[@mikewroblewski9976]

We also had a dog some time back that had fleas so bad the grandparents told us soak her in used motor oil. The filthier the better. Worked wonders! Glad she was an outside hunting dog :)

[@augustreil]

Now that's seems like a really bad idea, even if it works really good, lol.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

I have heard this also works for mites on pigs but have been reluctant to soak our pig in used motor oil!

[@mjk6618]

Carcinogen... Cancer causing! Wiuldnt rub it on any living thing, at least not long term! Guess itd be okay as an additive with a salve mixture as ppl in the Appalachian Mts. oftentimes use petroleum as a ' drawing agent'.

[@emilyb5972]

I’m sure it’s just suffocating then. I would use used cooking . Maybe used oil from a turkey fry. COLD !!!

[@thebmxandoffroadchanelchan3696]

I use some of these hacks

[@thecynic807]

Too bad it doesn't smell like bacon. That would be awesome

[@gabrielo2651]

Yamato cages to keep deer out? Well ye just use hog wire.

[@friendlyfoodforest8033]

Martha Stewart has nothing on SSLfamilydad.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

lol

[@thebmxandoffroadchanelchan3696]

First here

[@michaelmoeder4984]

The laundry soap isn’t much of a hack if you don’t tell us how

[@brentderksen]

Wood chips!!!!!!

[@fhagerber4079]

Hi nice video thumbs-up from me

[@karyhartmann2724]

they aren't free

[@leegodfrey3490]

Aren't wood chips a breeding place for insects

[@chiragparmar26000]

Eveybody know these hacks. Nothing surprising at all.

[@johnwayne2497]

I didnt

[@jesuschristismylordandsavi6108]

Give all your thanks to Jesus. He is the one, the only one, who reveals truths. Time is so, so short. Our ground water this year will no longer sprout seeds. Time is short. Do not take the Mark of the beast OR his name OR the number of his name (Vaccine). Live in freedom for Jesus in all you do. Lord be with you.

[@suzanneleblanc1077]

All those things I already do.

[@buffalosteve287]

Rags....

[@saryarohit2925]

What about 'em?

[@kas5857]

I thought bacon was prohibited as a Christian??

[@SSLFamilyDad]

That would be a Jewish thing I believe

[@chinchilla6180]

Also a muslim thing

[@ImagineSolutionsLLC]

hi im new at this. thank you for your information.. i do have a farm in idaho 5.5 acre and its open for me to do with it as a farm land.. help 😁

[@FarmandRanchHacks]

Good tips! Thanks.