So let’s look at starting your Homestead and recommendations on where to begin…
You’ve All in all talked your spouse into starting a homestead because you want a simpler and more self-sufficient lifestyle, like growing a garden, raising chickens, making soap, and getting some livestock. You know, the dream you have had for years about living a life that is full of meaning and purpose.
This journey is going to be wonderful!
So, now what?
Where do you start? While the thoughts of this new homestead adventure is very appealing, you know it will be easy – especially if you have no clue what a homestead lifestyle entails.
Well, a good starting point would be to start learning how to garden. If you don’t have enough space for a garden in the ground. Then begin one in containers on your deck or patio. Heck, you can even start one inside with grow lights.
Let’s say you can grow a good garden depending on the weather, and you’re ready to move out to the country and start your homestead for real.
Start Small
The best advice is to start small. Don’t get in over your head with a big homestead if you have no idea how to run one. By starting small and adding new animals or features each year, you will have the success and the confidence to move on to bigger animals and better homesteading equipment.
Most homesteaders jump in head first and figure things out as they go. You’ll do the same. Learn as you go and if you need to learn about how to raise those cute goats you’ve been dreaming about, then talk to some people that raise them. Go to the county fair and inquire where to purchase one and get any tips you need for fencing and animal care. You’ll learn so much more by asking someone that deals with these animals all the time than you would by reading books about it.
Examples of Starting A Small Homestead
For instance, if you don’t know anything about growing a garden. Then start with tomatoes, regular and cherry, maybe another vegetable you like to eat, rather than a full-fledged garden. This way, you won’t become overwhelmed and give up halfway through the growing season.
The same goes for getting animals for your homestead. Start small if you have no experience with farm animals. Buying a few chickens is a good start with a rooster. You’ll learn how to take care of them and keep them safe from predators. Maybe you can hatch a few eggs; that’s a fun activity for the family.
Once you learn how to keep the chickens inside the fence and predators from getting in the hen house, you’ll be ready to move on getting a few goats. They will need a much better fence, or your garden will be gone in a day. But they are great for clearing out thorny, overgrown patches of land.
As your homestead grows and you get more animals, you might want to check if there’s a local vet that will come out to the farm to look at all the animals at one time or twice a year for a checkup and worming. This is essential to a healthy herd.
Start small and grow your homestead, little by little. And you’ll be thrilled with your choice of a new homesteading lifestyle.
Popular Questions
What should you do first when starting your homestead?
Begin by defining your homesteading goals, available time, and budget. Evaluate your property for sunlight, water access, drainage, soil quality, and local zoning rules before buying animals or building structures. Start with one manageable project, such as a garden bed, compost system, or rainwater collection setup.
How do you choose land when starting your homestead?
Look for reliable water access, usable sunlight, fertile or improvable soil, and adequate drainage. Confirm property boundaries, road access, utility availability, and local rules for wells, septic systems, livestock, and outbuildings. Spend time on the land during different weather conditions so you can identify flooding, wind exposure, and other limitations.
What should beginners grow when starting a homestead?
Choose crops that match your climate, growing season, space, and cooking habits. Begin with a small number of dependable vegetables such as beans, greens, herbs, or radishes rather than planting a large garden immediately. Track planting dates, watering, pests, harvests, and crop performance so you can improve your plan next season.
Should you get animals right away when starting your homestead?
Wait until you have secure fencing, shelter, feed storage, and a daily care routine in place. Calculate ongoing costs for feed, bedding, veterinary care, equipment, and possible replacements before choosing livestock. Starting with a small number of animals or beginning with gardening allows you to learn essential homestead routines without taking on more responsibility than you can manage.