November Homesteading To-do List

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Having a plan is a great way to stay on top of all the things that need to be done. This November Homesteading To-do List will get you back on track with your projects. From the barn to the coop, we’ve got the step-by-step plan you need.

Keep this November list in your homesteading tips binder so you can refer to it year after year. Add on new tasks and stay on top of your goals, raising healthier and hardier livestock on your homestead.

NOVEMBER HOMESTEADING TO-DO LIST

November is a busy time on a homestead. Even though things are getting cold and wet, and the nights come sooner than just a few weeks ago, the busy season is still in full swing.

Top November Goals

There are a few projects this month, with the top two being breeding and prepping for the weather. Most gardens should be closed up unless you live in a mild area, and some of you might have fall chicks arriving soon.

With so much to do, a plan can help. Be sure to grab the FREE Homesteading Checklist for this month below to get started.

November Homesteading To-Do List

Our monthly lists are broken down into sections to help you more easily create an organized plan you can stick with.

Work on the areas that pertain to you and make any additions as they come up. Records are a valuable resource to have, so if you have not started that yet, now is a good time.

Start a homesteading binder to keep your monthly lists, records, and notes. Start each month by referring to how things went the previous year so you can keep improving your skills and setup.

a homestead project planner on a table witgh a pen. Projects listed out on the top 2 pages

Garden Tasks for November

For most of you, the garden should be closed up and prepped for the winter months. If you live in a mild area, you still have time to get things tightened up.

#1. Close Up the Garden

Take time to close things up in your garden, giving it time to reset and rejuvenate over the winter.

  1. Remove any dead plants. Be sure to dispose of any that are unhealthy and compost what is good.
  2. Rake away weeds, twigs, and rocks.
  3. Add compost and gently work it into the soil.
  4. If you have any produce, you can use it yourself or give it to your livestock or chickens.

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#2. For Any Growth

  1. Add mulch and protection if needed if you have winter crops.
  2. If you have not done so yet, plant your garlic.

#3. Tools and Care

  1. Bring in garden tools and clean them before storing them away.
  2. Clean out empty flower pots or grow bags and store them.
  3. Turn off the water if needed to prevent freezing.
  4. Close up the garden shed.

Livestock Tasks for November

Most pastures are dying down this time of year so most animals will rely on you for their feed and care over the winter. November is a good time to ensure you have things prepped and ready.

#1. Hay and Feed

  1. Be sure you have hay stocked up in a dry area that you can use to feed your livestock.
  2. Use pallets to keep the hay up off the ground, keeping the air flowing to prevent mold and must.
  3. Check your stock of feed and minerals. Order what is needed so you do not run out.
  4. Give support and nutrition for healthier, hardier livestock. You can try kelp, ACV, and high-quality alfalfa. Animals need more calories in the winter to help them handle the cold.
hay stored in a barn in front of a section of empty pallets

#2. Breeding

Breeding is the most important item on the November homestead to-do list.

  1. Most breedings are in full swing or just getting started. The timing all depends on the animals you are raising.
  2. Remove any livestock you do not want to be bred. Set up a temporary area to house them until breeding is completed.
  3. Keep records for each female so you know the target due date.
  4. Monitor breedings so you can ensure everyone is safe throughout the process.

#3. Monitor Health

  1. Touch and watch your animals routinely so you can more easily catch things when they are off.
  2. Keep records of all your animals so you are better prepared for their care each month.
  3. Invest in books on animal husbandry and care.
  4. Call your vet and ask for advice if you see an issue. Even if you do not have a livestock vet in your area, most vets will offer you advice or tips over the phone.
  5. Test for parasites of all your animals so you know early in if there is an issue.
  6. Consider using herbal wormers to keep parasites at bay.
an old scale next to a bowl of kelp and with minerals added in

Chicken Tasks for November

November things start to get cold and wet here, so the run area is what gets most of our attention.

#1. The Coop

  1. Finish prepping the coop for winter. Add insulation to the inside to keep things warmer.
  2. Be sure air vents are clean and free of dirt.
  3. Add in solar lights to extend the day encouraging more egg laying.
  4. Add extra bedding to nesting boxes.
  5. Be sure you have plenty of bedding on the floor to keep chicken and duck feet warmer.

#2. The Run

  1. Add in wood shavings or straw to wet areas.
  2. Cover any dust baths you have out or store them away for the winter.
  3. You can add a dust bath inside the coop if you have the space.
  4. Hang a tarp or board to keep drifting snow out of the coop.

Barn and Shelter Tasks for November

Keeping snow and cold out of the barn is the best way to raise happier animals.

#1. Check the Area

  1. Check windows and doors for ice or snow and close up if needed.
  2. Add a few raised platforms for your goats to get up off the ground.
  3. Add extra bedding to corners so your animals and find a warm spot to sleep.
  4. Give small items for young goats to climb and play on to stop boredom.
  5. Cover fans to keep them free of dust or debris.
  6. Add a scratch brush for animals to scratch on.
  7. If you have overly wet entry areas outside the doors, you may want to add in gravel.
  8. Remove any wasp nests you find.

Homestead Tasks for November

Finally let’s give some attention to the home and homestead.

#1. The Fence

  1. If you use temporary fence netting, take it down and store it away. Heavy snow can damage the strands, giving you a less than optimal fence solution in the spring.
  2. Do a final walk of your fence area. Close up any holes now to keep predators out.
a brown dog walking a path in a field next to a white electric fence netting

#2. Outdoors

  1. Clear up areas near shelters or walkways. Remove any broken limbs, branches, and leaves. Mulch before composting.
  2. Check patios and porches for any issues that need to be corrected before the snow falls.
  3. Store any outdoor furniture or misc items.

#3. Utilities

  1. If you use wood to heat your home, be sure you have your supply cut, split, and stacked.
  2. Keep a container of kindling near the home to start fires.
  3. Walk your home and look for energy issues. Find ways to save money on utilities this winter while staying warm and cozy.

#4. Winter Gear

  1. Go through your winter wear and see what is missing or needs to be replaced.
  2. Invest in good warm boots and winter clothes to make chore time easier.
  3. Have a space to keep winter gear that allows things to dry and warm up.

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#5. Routine

  1. Winter chores are more difficult than summer and tend to take more time as well. Set up a routine for your animal’s care to ensure you are efficient and everyone gets the attention they need.
  2. Instill shortcuts for easier chore time. Solar doors for the coop to let chickens out to the run. Heated waterers to keep water from freezing. Self-feeders to ensure everyone is fed at all times.

Preparing for winter can seem overwhelming, but with a list and plan, you can get on track quickly. Break things down by area, make a list for each, and utilize that list until everything is checked off. This will have you relaxed knowing you have given attention to each.

Remember to download and print out the November Homesteading To-Do list and add it to your binder so you can refer to this monthly routine year after year.

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Hi there, my name is Tracy and I am a city girl gone country. I am a redneck frugal living goat owner and I am working everyday towards living a more simple life. Now I am teaching others how to do the same. From growing their own food, making their own cleaning supplies, cutting back, and paring down. It’s all about making more of what we need so we spend less, save oodles of money and live better! About me →

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