One of the best parts of a DIY project is that you can create something custom that suits your needs perfectly. Whether you’ve always wanted to build your own root cellar or collect rainwater for your garden, this year’s a great time to get it done. For whatever your preferences, here are some projects for you to try out.

1. For homesteaders: DIY cold storage room

If you grow a lot of your own food, a cold storage room will help keep your harvest fresh and supply your family with tasty, healthy food all year. Luckily, they aren’t hard to make yourself. Check out our Build It page to learn how easy it is to build your own walk-in cooler for cold storage.

Pro Tip: Use food-grade buckets to store your produce so your goods stay safe.

 

See more: CoolBot for agriculture

2. For recyclers : DIY compost barrel tumbler

Striving to re-purpose your waste?  This DIY compost barrel tumbler is perfect for leftover kitchen scraps and yard waste.  Enjoy the end result of nutrient rich soil. 

 

See more: DIY Compost Barrel Tumbler [Family Handyman]

3. For water conservationists: DIY rain barrel and diverter

If water conservation matters to you, this DIY rain barrel and diverter can save rainwater to use in your garden later — or for other home projects. With food grade barrels, a little drilling, and sealing, you can have your own rain barrel customized for your home.

 

See more: DIY rain barrel and diverter for environmentalists [Instructables]

4. For hunters: DIY meat cooler

If you’re a hunter, you know how important it is to move your game to a cool spot to produce tender meat and prevent spoilage. Surprisingly, setting up a meat cooler isn’t as hard as you think. In this video, Wyoming hunter Nick Duncombe shows you how to make your own.

Pro Tip: Use a gambrel system, meat hooks, and hanging scales to weigh your game then store it in style.

See more: CoolBot for hunting and meat

5. For tech-loving gardeners: DIY vertical hydroponic farm

Do you like gardening — and tech? This smart hydroponic farm is connected to an app, helping you grow food on the go with a higher consistency of crops without the weeding. Despite appearing complex, this DIY hydroponic farm uses minimum tools that gets you set up in just an a few hours.

Pro Tip: Read The Urban Farmer Curtis Stone’s book for a deeper dive on urban farming.

See more: DIY vertical hydroponic farm for tech lovers [Instructables]

 

6. For kitchen gardeners: DIY mini greenhouse

Turn a raised bed into a mini greenhouse to grow veggies, flowers, and plants no matter the season.

Pro Tip: Use a misting system to keep your greenhouse plants hydrated.

See more: DIY mini greenhouse for gardeners [do it yourself]

7. For barbecue bosses: DIY smoker

Cooking meat on a smoker is a great way to shake up the traditional summer BBQ. All you’ll need to make your own smoker is about 3 hours, a cooler, electric hotplate, cooling rack, wood chips, and cookie sheet to get started.

Pro Tip: Spice up your meats with some delicious meat seasonings.

See more: DIY smoker for cooks [ehow]

8. For oenophiles: DIY wine cellar

If you make your own wine or buy a lot of it, storing it in a temperature and humidity controlled room makes a difference — plus, it can increase your property value. See how one tech-loving oenophile turned his crawl space into a wine cellar for under $1,000.

Pro Tip: If you want to store extra wine in your cellar and you don’t have time to build shelves, you can pick up an inexpensive wooden wine rack.

See more: CoolBot for wine cellars

9. For home decorators: DIY natural wooden shelf

Want to add a natural and unique flair to your home? This wooden shelf can add character to your space while saving money. All you need is some wood, so keep your eyes open for the perfect piece on your next hike through the woods.

See more: DIY wooden natural edge shelf [instructables]

10. For anyone who needs a room of their own: DIY cabin on a budget

If you find yourself needing a spot to get some peace and quiet, this DIY cabin will save you money compared to buying a shed straight from the store. You’ll need some carpentry skills and maybe a friend who can help — but having a room of your own will be worth it!

See more: DIY cabin on a budget [instructables]

Do you have any fun DIY projects planned for the year? We’d love to hear about them! Tell us in the comments.