Welcome to The 104 Homestead

Hey there, and welcome to The 104 Homestead—I’m so glad you stopped by. I’m Jessica Knowles, a longtime homesteader who started with a quarter-acre lot, a big dream, and no idea what I was doing. Fourteen years later, I’m still learning every day, but I’ve picked up plenty of practical know-how along the way—and I’m here to share it with you.

Whether you’ve got a backyard, a balcony, or a few acres to play with, you’ll find real-life tips here to help you grow food, raise animals, preserve the harvest, and live a little closer to the land. Homesteading isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it sure doesn’t have to be perfect. If you’re ready to dig in and start (or simplify) your journey, you’re in the right place.

Let’s make this homestead dream work—together.

Seasonal Favorites

Homesteading has a rhythm, and it changes with the seasons—seed catalogs in winter, muddy boots in spring, overflowing gardens in summer, and a pantry full of jars come fall. Each time of year brings new joys (and new to-dos), and I’ve got your back through them all.

Here’s what I’m focusing on this season, and what fellow homesteaders are loving right now too.

Need help with something? Start here.

The Latest

Trying something new? Tackling a tricky project? Just need a little nudge in the right direction? These are the freshest posts from the blog, packed with real talk, practical steps, and ideas to help you build the homestead life you’ve been dreaming about—no matter where you’re starting from.

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Animal Husbandry

Adding animals to your homestead is a big step—but it can be one of the most rewarding ones. Whether you’ve got room for goats and ducks or just a tiny coop of quail, there’s something magical about caring for critters and collecting food right from your backyard.

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Real Food Recipes

Let’s talk food—the kind that tastes amazing and makes you feel good, too. I’m all about keeping it simple in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you’re cooking from scratch, preserving a bumper crop, or just trying to make dinner less stressful, these recipes and food tips are for you.

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Kickstart Your Homesteading Journey (Free Workbook!)

Want to hit the ground running with homesteading? I’ve got just the thing.

This free workbook is packed with seasonal tips, bite-sized goals, and simple ideas to help you get started without the overwhelm. Whether you’re just dipping your toes in or ready to go all in, this guide will help you build a homestead life that works for you.

Backyard Gardening

You don’t need a big garden to grow good food. Even a couple of containers on a sunny porch can get you started. I’ll show you how to work with what you’ve got—whether it’s raised beds, window boxes, or a full-blown backyard garden—and get real results without breaking the bank.

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Simple Living Skills

Homesteading isn’t just what happens in the barn or garden—it’s also about how you live day-to-day. From homemade cleaners to frugal fixes, handmade gifts to seasonal decorating, these simple living skills bring the heart of homesteading into your home, no matter the size or style.

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In the Farm Life Shop

Looking for something that celebrates your love of this life? The Farm Life Shop is where I stash all my favorite creations—fun t-shirts, helpful printables, and books that are equal parts encouragement and hard-won wisdom. Everything’s designed with homesteaders in mind (and made by me, right here on our little patch of earth).

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