starting a homestead from scratch
Starting a homestead from scratch can be intimidating, scary, and overwhelming. This guide is meant to help you get started in a way that will have you doing small projects that will give you quick wins, getting you closer to your goal. A functional and productive homestead.
Homesteading tips that are considered a bit of prework that will help you plan and achieve your homesteading startup goals.
When my husband and I decided to create a homestead, we had nothing but some land and a house. It was little more than a shell at that point and trying to see the end result was hard to do. There are so many parts of homesteading, and trying to do them all at once can create burnout in no time.
We learned that small projects worked best and we were able to use those projects to make a foundation for all that we have today.
Here’s the things about doing something from scratch. It takes time and if you want to be successful you need patience and lots of it.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that if you have a goal that you hope to achieve, a reasonable budget you can stick with, and a desire to be self-sufficient, then all that is left to do is to create a plan. One you can follow along to achieving success as you go.
Homesteading: What Is It and Who Is It For?
Homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency that is based on a small-scale version of a family farm with an off-grid focus that incorporates the use of renewable energy. It mainly centers around growing, raising, or making what you need and eat so you rely less on outside sources. The homesteading movement can appeal to a broad range of people, including:
- Those seeking to live a more self-reliant lifestyle
- Individuals interested in organic farming and permaculture practices
- Retirees or empty nesters looking for a new challenge
- City dwellers looking to reconnect with nature and simplify their lives
The Benefits of a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle
There are many benefits of homesteading. Being self-sufficient brings a sense of empowerment and a healthier, more balanced way of life. By growing and raising your own food, you control what goes into your body, reducing wasted trips to the grocery store. The financial benefits of reduced spending and generating income from homestead products can provide stability and security for an individual or an entire family.
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Preparing to Start a Homestead
Before you begin, it is important to prepare yourself and your family for what lies ahead.
List and Prioritize Your Homesteading Goals
Take time to talk about and make a list of what you want to achieve with your homestead. If you have a family, be sure to include everyone in this step. Being included from the start will help everyone to be open to the work that comes with homesteading.
Prepare Your Finances
Becoming self-sufficient often requires spending money to get outbuildings, tools, and supplies ready and purchased. If possible, pay off as much debt as you can before beginning your homesteading adventure. Set a strict budget and start saving money to fall back on. Consider building an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs, such as equipment repair or medical needs.
Assessing Your Property
Understanding and working with what you have is important in homesteading. Assess your property’s soil quality, sun exposure, and available water sources. Take stock of any existing structures that can be repurposed, such as sheds or outbuildings. If you live in a suburban area, evaluate your indoor space and look for community garden opportunities.
Getting Started: Practical Steps for New Homesteaders
I tend to go all in when starting a new project, and this is what I did with our homestead. This list of tips is meant to help you not make the same mistakes I did so you can be kind to yourself and your family from day one.
Start Small
It’s easy to get over-enthusiastic about homesteading and take on too much at once. Starting with small projects can help you get used to this new way of life slowly without getting in over your head and overwhelmed.
Small Garden Ideas
Gardens are the heart of any homestead. Whether you have acres of land or just a balcony, there’s a garden that will work for you. Remember, just because you have 4 acres of land does not mean you need a 4-acre garden. Start out small and grow in size each year.
#1. Raised Bed Gardens: A raised bed garden is a great way to grow a lot in a small amount of space. You can start with one raised bed now and add in more each year. Keep things simple by growing themed gardens such a salsa garden or a baby food garden.
#2. Container Gardens: Container gardening is perfect for people who are short on space or time. You may be surprised at how much you can grow in containers, and their popularity has led to many options that can be purchased online. You can grow everything from herbs to tomatoes to peppers and potatoes using grow bags of all shapes and sizes, garden tables, or straw bales.
#3. One-Pot Herb Gardens: A simple, one-pot herb garden is perfect for the beginner or anyone with limited space. You can plant several herb one-pot gardens, put them out on a porch in the summer, and bring them in over the winter. This will give you a supply of fresh herbs to enjoy year-round.
Small Livestock Ideas
If raising animals is one of the goals you listed earlier, consider starting with a small flock of chickens, a few rabbits, or a beehive. When considering livestock, you will want to look for animals that are self-sufficient with their care and are beneficial in what they contribute to a homestead. Here are a few examples.
#1. Chickens: A few laying hens require minimal space and will provide you with fresh eggs daily. If you get 5-6 hens, you will have enough eggs for your family, and you can sell extras. You will need a coop for your chickens, and you have a few options here.
- If you have a shed you can turn it into a coop for your chickens.
- You can purchase plans online and build a small coop.
- You can purchase a metal chicken tractor that you has wheels so you can move it around your property for fresh areas they can scratch in.
#2. Beekeeping: Bees are important pollinators and can be a source of honey for your family and excess that can be sold. Before starting your hive, understand the necessary beekeeping practices and local regulations. The best part of raising bees is you can purchase everything you need allowing you to get started more quickly.
#3. Rabbits: These quiet and docile animals are easy to raise and can provide a source of meat for your family. Their manure is a great addition to your compost area and can be used for your garden. They require little space, just a hutch or enclosed area that has room for them to move around with space for food and water. Rabbits breed quickly, which allows you to grow the size of your colony quickly so you can start bringing in money to fund your homestead.
Minimize Reliance on Stores
Homesteading is about self-sufficiency, reducing trips to the store for anything from food to clothing to tools. You can start living this way as you prepare to start your homestead.
Food Sustainability Planning
Create a plan for achieving food sustainability that you can grow with year over year.
- Expanding your garden each year is a great way to grow more food without getting overwhelmed early on.
- Purchasing non-perishable staples in bulk and learning to preserve them. You can purchase bushels of food from local farmers, freezing, drying, and canning to fill your stock.
- Participating in local food swaps, a community garden, or co-ops. This is a great way to round out your food storage while helping others and creating new relationships with others who have the same beliefs you do.
Using What You Have
Before heading to the store, take a look at what you already have on hand. Get creative with your meals and use up what’s in your pantry, freezer, and fridge before buying more.
Reducing Store Trips
Challenge yourself to reduce the number of times you go to the store each month. Plan your meals, buy in bulk, and learn to make use of substitutes for those “quick runs” you’re used to.
Swaps
Swaps are a great way to get things you need without spending any money. You can do clothing swaps, tools swaps, craft swaps, and home goods swaps. If there are no swaps in your area, you can easily arrange one starting out small as you get comfortable running the show.
Setting Larger Project Goals
Once you have a few smaller projects under your belt, it’s time to think bigger. Make a list of larger homestead projects that will grow your setup adding value to your overall plan. A few ideas are:
- A barn
- A compost area
- A pasture
- A milking palor
- A greenhouse
- A produce stand
- A watering system for your garden
- Solar energy sources
Step #1. Choose One Major Project Each Year
Whether it’s installing a rainwater catchment system, building a new barn, or starting a larger section of your garden, choose one major project to focus on each year. Know the cost of each project so you can choose one that compliments the funds you have available to spend. Be sure to choose a time of year that allows for the time needed to complete your project.
Step #2. Make a Plan
For each major project, make a plan that includes materials needed, steps to be completed, and a realistic spending plan. Start purchasing supplies now so you can keep your budget in check. If you will need outside help, ask early so you can get your help committed and reduce any stress of a busy timeline.
Step #3. Set Deadlines
Deadlines will keep you on track and ensure that projects don’t drag on indefinitely. Set a schedule to ensure that all parts fit together smoothly. Knowing you have 5 men coming in on the 15th of June to do the roof will ensure you finish up that area in plenty of time so you are not holding them up. Deadlines and schedules are a great motivator to getting projects done.
Keep Records of your journey
Finally, be sure to document the progress of your new homestead. Take loads of pictures, and write out colorful journal entries. This is your story and one, no matter how hard it is now, you will want to look back on later. Give a voice to each of your accomplishments as your homestead journey plays out.
Starting a homestead from scratch is an ambitious goal, but one that is attainable with careful preparation, a thoughtful approach, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Be patient with the process and celebrate every win, no matter how small. Living a homesteading lifestyle takes work, but the rewards in a closer connection to the land, the food you eat, and the community you build are immeasurable.
