How to Layout A Family Homestead.

Starting a new venture can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. This article will help you get off to the best start on planning your homestead layout.

Homesteading tips from the beginning so you can adopt this amazing way of living be more self-sustaining in your home and on your land.

One of the first steps in creating a homestead is getting the layout right so you are utilizing your property in an efficient way. It’s true this can be overwhelming, but with some tips, you can create a functional setup that works for you. We’ll take a look at the basics of setting up a homestead for beginners, including tips on design, location options, and organization.

What are the main parts of a homestead?

The main parts of a homestead, center around what you plant to do, raise, and grow.

Home – Living area
Garden
Orchard
Livestock
Feed Storage
Poultry
Workshop

Why do you want a homestead?

Before you can begin planning, you will want to know just what your purpose is for starting a homestead. Invite any input from your family so you are all on the same page before you begin. Ask yourself the following questions:

What is your purpose for homesteading?
What livestock do you want to raise?
What do you want to grow?
Do you have any buildings on site you can use?
Is there room for a pasture?
Do you have water sources available?
What are your long-term goals?

Look at Your Land

Next, look at the space you have to work with – do you have a lot of open area, or is most of your property wooded? By setting things up to complement what you have now, you will make the prep work easier to do. For example, you can plan to have an orchard near a natural water source like a stream that you can use for irrigation.

If your land is limited, you will want to be intentional about where you are placing different areas so you are using the space you have efficiently. For example, your garden can be planted near to your livestock so you can use the manure for growing plants.

Planning your Homestead Layout

When setting up a homestead, it’s important to consider the following factors for each main part. Your overall goal is to set things up for efficiency. This will allow you to take care of all the different areas in the easiest way so you are kind to your time and your body.

#1. Location

Before you start planning your layout, decide where on your property you want to establish each area of your homestead. Consider factors such as sunlight, access to water sources, and space for expansion. You may also want to consider any zoning or building regulations in your area.

#2. The Living Space

More often than not, your home will already be built and on the property. Usually, it will be closer to the road, with the majority of the land to the side or behind it. I like to look at the home as the key point of a homestead, with the other areas fanning out around it. The more you need to be present, the closer you may want that area to be.

When we first started our homestead, we wanted to have our barn far away from the house, but after much talk, we realized closer was better. This way, we could get to the barn quickly for chores or to address any issues without animals. It turns out this was a very good decision. The lesson here is this, discuss all the different possibilities so you are choosing locations wisely.

#3. Garden and Orchard

The garden and orchard are essential parts of any homestead as many people take on homesteading so they can provide their own produce year-round. Since this is also the least expensive to set up it is a good place to start when planning your layout.

Consider the types of plants you want to grow, their spacing requirements, and how you plan to grow them. A few garden ideas are:

Traditional Garden
Raised Bed Gardening
Straw Bale Gardening
Orchard Rows
A combination of all

Keep in mind also where the water is for upkeeping your growing areas as well as open space for composting soil for growing. Finally, you may also want to plan for potential expansion in the future.

#4. Livestock and Poultry

If you plan on raising livestock and poultry, it’s important to consider their housing needs and any related structures, such as a chicken coop, shed, or barn. Plan for enough space to house your animals comfortably and provide them with access to food, water, and shelter.

Here are a few shelter ideas:

Chickens – Coop
Horses – Barn
Cows – Barn or Lean-to
Goats and sheep – Barn
Rabbits – Hutches or shed
Pigs – Lean-to or shed

If you are going to raise livestock, you will also need room for pasture and/or hay storage as well as access to water.

#5. Feed Storage

Proper feed storage is crucial for keeping your animals healthy and well-fed. When planning the layout of your homestead, designate an area specifically for storing feed that is easily accessible and protected from pests and weather. You can have a building to store hay for the winter months or a loft area in a barn. You may also want to have a shed for storing grain, supplements, and other food items or you can section off a room in a barn for storage.

#6. Work and Storage Space

A designated work area and storage space is important for keeping your homestead organized and efficient. This could include a workshop, storage shed, garage, or root cellar. Consider the size of these spaces based on your needs and potential future expansion.

#7. Water Sources

Access to water is crucial for both human and animal consumption, as well as for irrigation in your garden and orchard. When selecting a location for each area of your homestead, consider the availability of water sources and plan accordingly. You may also want to consider implementing rainwater harvesting systems such as a barrel to hold more water in more convenient areas.

#8. Energy Sources

Creating a sustainable and self-sufficient homestead may also involve planning for alternative energy sources. This could include solar panels, wind turbines, or hydroelectric generators. Research the feasibility and cost of these options to determine what will work best for your homestead.

#9. Waste Management

Proper waste management is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy environment on your homestead. This can include composting, recycling, and implementing systems for disposing of animal waste. Consider incorporating these practices into your homestead plan to minimize your environmental impact.

Creating a homestead requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. By following these guidelines, you can design a functional and sustainable homestead that meets your needs and goals. Remember to regularly assess and adapt your layout as needed, to ensure its success in the long run. With proper organization and management, your homestead can provide you with a fulfilling way of life for years to come.

homestead layout