Hey mama, summer’s here—or just around the corner depending on where you live—and that means it’s the perfect time to dive into some budget homestead projects that won’t empty your wallet. There’s just something so good about building something with your hands and watching it grow, especially when it’s for your family.
I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of doing things that make our space better without spending a ton of money. And honestly? These budget homestead projects can really change the feel of your homestead and still leave time (and energy!) for what matters most—like chasing kids through the sprinkler or sipping iced tea on the porch.
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Budget Projects
Let’s start with the obvious—it’s just easier to do outdoor stuff when there isn’t snow everywhere. Right? The sunshine makes it so much more doable to tackle those hands-on projects that you’ve probably been thinking about since winter.
Plus, many of these budget homestead projects can be done super cheap. DIY really can save you money in the long run… as long as you know what you’re doing (trust me, I’ve had my fair share of oops moments). So definitely research before diving in. But seriously, if you can make it for a penny, do it for a penny!
And there’s something really powerful about being a little more self-sufficient and a little less dependent on store-bought everything.
Budget-Friendly Backyard Projects to Start This Summer
Raised Garden Beds
We love our raised garden beds. We built ours out of a metal premade kit, but you can totally use logs from the woods, or even old boards you’ve got lying around. Nail them together, fill with soil, and boom—you’re ready to plant. These beds help so much with drainage and keeping things neat. It’s one of those classic budget homestead projects that offers a big return for little cost. To learn a little bit more, check out Gardenary
Compost Bins
Okay, this one’s actually on my list for this summer! We’re planning to use pallets to make a simple compost bin. You can use wire mesh or even an old bin—anything that keeps it contained (because trust me, compost piles without structure get a little…wild). Look around for free pallets—businesses in town often give them away. This is one of the simplest budget homestead projects to get started with. To learn about the type of compost bins that I would love to make, check out Homestead and Chill.
Vertical Gardening
This is such a fun one, especially if space is tight. One thing I really want to try someday is the Three Sisters method—plant corn in the middle, beans around it to climb the stalks, and squash around that to keep pests away. But even just finding branches in the woods to make a quick trellis works great for peas, cucumbers, or herbs. Vertical gardening fits perfectly into a list of budget homestead projects because it’s all about maximizing space with minimal investment. Some of my favorite ideas are found on Roots and Refuge.
Chicken Coop (or Upgrade!)
If you’ve got chickens—or want to—summer’s a great time to build or upgrade their coop. Keep it simple and sturdy, and use what you’ve got. Chickens are a fantastic investment for fresh eggs and a little backyard entertainment (they’re funnier than you’d think!). If you’re looking for family-friendly budget homestead projects, this one’s a winner. I love The Spruce as a resource and here you’ll find 25 Free chicken coop plans!
Herb Garden in Containers
Herbs are so easy and satisfying. Grab some pots (or old mugs, tin cans, whatever you’ve got), fill them with soil, and plant herbs like basil, thyme, or mint. Stick them on your kitchen windowsill or porch so you’ll actually use them. It’s a small, doable step that totally counts as one of your summer budget homestead projects. Here’s another post from Gardenary that is all about herbs in pots when you have no space.
Saving Money on Supplies
Let’s be real, the cost of supplies can add up fast. But you can find great deals if you keep your eyes open.
Look for cheap (or free!) materials: Check out yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even your local hardware store’s clearance section. And remember—just because someone’s getting rid of something doesn’t mean it’s useless. One person’s junk really can be another’s treasure. Some of the best budget homestead projects come from repurposing what others throw out.
Use what you already have: Old wood, containers, buckets—get creative! If you’ve got a forest nearby, use fallen branches for trellises or fencing. And don’t forget the kids. Getting them involved is such a sweet way to bond and teach them practical skills. Let them help paint garden markers or plant seeds—it doesn’t have to be perfect. Plus, it makes your budget homestead projects feel even more like a family win.
A Little Devotional Thought for the Journey
There’s something really special about taking good care of what we already have. Stewardship isn’t about having the best or the most—it’s about treating what we do have with love and purpose. That’s where the joy is.
So even if all you’ve got is a single pot of basil on your windowsill—that’s a beautiful start. These humble budget homestead projects are a reflection of gratitude in action.
One Last Thing
Homesteading isn’t about Pinterest perfection—it’s about progress. Every small project, every step forward, brings you closer to a more self-sufficient, joyful family life.
So go ahead—start with one small thing. Plan that raised bed. Pick up a few pallets. Or even just start a Pinterest board to gather ideas for later. Whether you’re in a season of plenty or scraping together scraps, budget homestead projects are a way to keep moving forward.
And when you do, share it with me! I’d love to see what you’re working on. Tag me in your summer budget homestead projects—I’ll be cheering you on.
