Small homestead Layout plan
If you want to add a bit of homesteading to your lifestyle, this guide on setting up a small homestead layout Plan is just what you need to get started.
Homesteading tips for anyone wanting to live a more self-sufficient lifestyle. From urban plans to rural ones, you can add touches of homesteading and take a step closer to living a healthier life on your terms.
As I get up there in years, I find myself more aware of the things around me. From the foods I eat to the cleaners I use, I am proactive with the ingredients I allow in my home.
In a world of modern conveniences, being a homesteader is pretty liberating. It allows you to choose what to buy, putting you back in charge of your household and health.
To me, homesteading is a choice and one I can make for each area of my life instead of an all-or-nothing decision.
What does homesteading mean?
Homesteading is a word that got it’s start in 1862 after an act in the US. Today, it is a way of life—a way to supply more of what you need at home so you rely less on outside sources.
It gives you more control over the foods you eat, the resources you use, and the ingredients you allow into your home.
Homesteading on a small scale
When you look at homesteading in bits and pieces, it can open up a whole new world of possibilities. If you have been wanting to give homesteading a try, this is a great place to start.
Let’s map out a small-scale homestead layout so you can begin making big changes in your home and life today.
Small Homestead Layout plan
No matter where you live, you can add a bit of homesteading starting today. Let’s look at the main areas of a layout and the different options you can try.
Gardening
Growing your food, even just a little, is a huge part of homesteading. Here are some options.
#1. Raised beds – These allow you to grow a variety of vegetables in small, compact areas. You can put them in your yard, tuck them into a flower bed next to your house, or place them on a patio.
Raised beds can be made using wood or block as a border, or you can purchase a kit that fits the space you have available.
#2. Containers – My favorite way to grow food today is using containers made specifically for the plants I want to grow. Grow bags are a great option, and they make it easy to grow all the food we love without any of the backbreaking work a traditional garden requires.
Grow bags are my top choice as they are lightweight, come in a variety of sizes, and can be used for many years.
#3. Indoor Growing – Finally, if you are in the city or have no space outdoors, you can grow food inside your home. This is a bit more expensive option, but if you are looking to have year-round access to fresh organic food, it is a good one to invest in.
You can use small counter setups or full-room hydroponic systems. The market is full of different options that you can try out no matter what time of year it is right now.
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Food Preservation
Once you grow your food, filling your pantry and freezer is a huge part of homesteading. Luckily, there are several ways to do this, and you can choose any or all.
#1. Canning – This is the process of preserving food in jars by first heating the filled jars to a specific temperature for a specified time and then allowing them to cool.
You can preserve fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, sauces, and even meats. It’s a great way to stock up on food for the winter months. Look for a starter kit online that will give you all the tools you need.
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#2. Freezing – Another popular method of food preservation is freezing. You can freeze fruits and vegetables and pre-cooked meals for easy future meals.
It’s important to properly package and label your frozen items to prevent freezer burn and make it easier to find what you need later.
You can invest in a vacuum sealer for any food you put into your freezer. This will help it to last longer with less chance of freezer burn.
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#3. Dehydrating – Dehydrating is a great way to preserve fruits, vegetables, and meats while also creating delicious snacks.
You can use a dehydrator or simply dry out items in the oven on low heat. This method is perfect for making homemade jerky, herbs, or dried fruit.
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#4. Fermenting – Fermentation is another form of food preservation that has been used for centuries. It involves using bacteria or yeast to break down sugars in food, resulting in a tangy, acidic flavor and increased shelf life.
Fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, kombucha, and more. It’s a fun and tasty way to preserve your garden produce and add probiotics to your diet.
Livestock
You might think that raising animals is off the table if you live in a small area, but luckily, those rules have changed completely. Now, you have a few options you can try.
#1. Honey Bees – Beekeeping is gaining popularity as people become more aware of the importance of pollinators. Look online for beekeeper kits to get all the tools you need to start.
You don’t need much space to have a hive; you can even keep them on rooftops in urban areas. Plus, harvesting honey from your own bees is a sweet bonus!
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#2. Chickens – Raising chickens for eggs or meat is an excellent option for small-scale homesteading. You can raise them in a backyard coop and collect fresh eggs daily.
Just make sure to research local laws and regulations before getting started with any livestock to ensure it’s allowed in your area.
More Chicken Starter Guides:
Adding chickens to your small homestead layout plan is a great way to bring in organic food options daily.
Small compact coops work well for 2-3 chickens and that will give you a dozen or more fresh eggs to enjoy each week.
#3. Goats – Miniature goats are becoming popular among urban farmers due to their compact size and gentle nature. If you have a small yard, you might be able to add a dairy goat or two.
Goat milk is great for drinking, making cheese or butter, soaps, and lotions.
If you do not have room for a larger animal such as this, you can find a local farm where you can purchase fresh and even raw milk for your home.
#4. Rabbits – Another great option for small-scale homesteaders is raising rabbits. They are quiet, low-maintenance, and can provide a sustainable source of meat. Rabbit manure is also excellent for fertilizing your garden.
Just like with chickens, make sure to research local regulations before starting your own rabbitry. Read our guide on Raising Rabbits for Beginners to get started off right!
Planning the layout of your small homestead
Now that you have some ideas of what to include on your small homestead, it’s time to start planning the layout.
When working with limited space, it’s essential to make the most of every inch. Here are a few tips for maximizing your space:
- Utilize vertical space by building up instead of out. This can be done with shelving units or stacking planters for gardening.
- Consider dual-purpose items, such as a chicken coop with a rooftop garden or using rain barrels for both water collection and as planters.
- Use raised beds for gardening to save space and make gardening easier on your back.
- Plan ahead and rotate crops in your garden beds to maximize yield and save space.
- Utilize companion planting techniques to make the most of limited garden space and help plants thrive.
- Consider incorporating animals into your garden layout by using them for pest control or fertilization.
Space Allotment
Look at your area as a whole and designate space for each part of your homestead.
Growing a Compact Garden
When planning a compact garden, using your space efficiently is important but not any space will do. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing.
- Be sure there is enough sunlight. Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
- Be sure there is water nearby. Don’t choose a spot too far from a water source, as this will make watering and maintenance more difficult.
- Be sure it is easy to get to. Plan for easy access to your garden for harvesting and maintenance purposes.
- Leave room for pathways between garden beds or containers for easy plant care.
Raising Small Scale Livestock
If you plan on incorporating animals into your small homestead, you’ll need to allocate space for their housing as well. Here are some factors to consider when planning animal housing:
- Chickens – Be sure you have a coop that is large enough for the number of birds you plan to raise. You will need 4 square feet of space for each chicken inside the coop and 8 square feet outside.
- Bees – A hive will need about 10 square feet of space and should be placed in a sunny location with easy access for maintenance.
- Goats – These animals require more space, with at least 200 square feet per goat for grazing and shelter areas.
- Rabbits – If using hutches, plan on at least 4 square feet of space per rabbit.
Mapping out the Layout
I am a visual person, so I like to draw things out. On a piece of paper, you can give an overview look at your property. Sketch out any existing structures, trees, or permanent fixtures that are already in place. This will give you a bird’s eye view to help you better plan your layout.
Start by drawing in your growing area or areas if you are tucking containers around your home.
Next, add in each livestock location being sure you give enough room for your animals to thrive.
Finally, look for ways to add in additional storage to help make each area of your homestead efficient and easy to take care of.
Once you have your list of areas and your layout mapped, you can begin listing out the supplies you will need to get started.
It is important to not go into debt and the best way to do this is to list things by importance. Focus on the top of your list and work your way down. Give yourself time to adjust to each new addition before adding on more.
By being slow and intentional with your new homestead, you will find it an enjoyable and rewarding lifestyle that you can continue with for years to come.
Having a small homestead layout plan is a great way to add a bit of self-sufficiency to your home and life. Get back in control of what you allow in your home and watch your health improve significantly.
More Homesteading Resources:
Get more tips for things you can do to be more self-sufficient no matter where you live or how old you are!
