How to Start Homesteading (2024)

Embarking on Your Journey to start homesteading

We embarked on our homesteading journey feeling both excited and overwhelmed. The dream of cultivating our own food, distancing ourselves from grocery stores, and living a self-sufficient life seemed like a daunting challenge. Yet, as we dove into the hard work, everything from planting fruit trees to setting up garden beds and a chicken coop, the rewards became evident. Homesteading in small spaces taught us that it doesn’t take a lot of land to start. The joy of watching your own homestead grow and evolve, learning new skills like food preservation, and the satisfaction of preparing meals from ingredients we grew, has been remarkably empowering. With dedication, anyone can learn how to start homesteading. In this post I want to share with you some of the things you should consider if you want to start homesteading, so that they joy & satisfaction outweigh the challenges and hard work.

Key Takeaways:

Homesteading is attainable: Even in small spaces, you can start homesteading, grow your own food and live sustainably.
Self-sufficiency brings empowerment: Learning how to start homesteading and mastering the necessary skills boosts confidence and independence.
Start small but dream big: Beginning with a few, manageable projects can lead to a fully self-sufficient lifestyle down the road.

Assessing Your Resources

The best place to start is always exactly where you’re at. Conduct a review of your current situation, including finances, life circ*mstances, and location. Then contrast that with your first goal. I say first goal, not the ultimate dream, because (at least in my experience) doing that can be a little deflating. You don’t want to feel like there is a million miles between you and your ultimate homesteading dream. Instead, when you work towards your first goal only, chances are you will feel like even though it’s a stretch, it’s attainable. That is a sign of a good goal: challenging but not impossible.

Our situation was a little different than most other cases because we were moving onto a family farm. However, we still evaluated our financial situation and sat down with our family to decide what projects were a priority. This allowed us to understand what we could handle right away, and what will have to till another time.

We scrutinized the piece of land available to us. This analysis helped us plan for the number of garden beds and the types of fruit trees we could cultivate. We also recently submitted a deeper analysis of the land we have available for our garden to a permaculture designer, to help us come up with the best garden design for our space. TBD on how that turns out!

Time availability also played a critical role. We had to be realistic about how much time we could dedicate to the start of our homesteading journey, especially considering the need to balance it with our other responsibilities. We are parents to two boys, run a couple of business and homestead on top of that. Our days are full to say the least!

Hard work was a given, but knowing our capacity for it made the planning stage more manageable. Starting small was a great way to ensure we didn’t overwhelm ourselves (although we love to add on projects all the time, so there definitely were a lot of overwhelming seasons at the very start of our homesteading journey).

Setting Realistic Goals at the start of your homesteading journey

After coming to the family farm in the summer of 2021 and leaving 4 months later completely exhausted, we shifted into more realistic goal setting when we settled at the farm permanently in 2023. With a desire to escape the grocery store’s grasp and cultivate my food, I imagined vast gardens and farm animals grazing on my land. Yet, I quickly realized the importance of starting small. Dreaming of dairy products from my cows or wearing clothing I sewed myself was ambitious for a first year.

Gradually, I learned to appreciate the significance of manageable objectives. Initiating small-scale projects, like running the chicken egg incubator and hatching our own chicks, or adding on just a few quails, marked the beginning of my path towards self-sufficiency. These projects, though not grand, taught me new skills and instilled confidence. With time, I know we will continue to see our small homestead flourish, proving that setting realistic goals wasn’t just a great idea; it was essential.

Understanding the Basics of Gardening

I embarked on my homesteading journey fueled by a vision to cultivate my own food. Gardening became one of the first skills I tackled, understanding it as the cornerstone of a self-sufficient lifestyle. It was a lot of work, yet immensely rewarding to see my small garden thrive. Even in small spaces, starting with a few garden beds of vegetables and herbs proved to be a great way to jumpstart this new lifestyle.

For those wondering how to start homesteading, I recommend beginning with crops that don’t demand much time or expertise. Radishes, lettuce, and herbs are excellent examples. They are not only easy to grow but also offer the gratification of quick results. This initial success in your small garden can be incredibly motivating, setting a positive tone for the rest of your homesteading projects. Remember, every experienced gardener was once a beginner, staring at their first seed packet with hope and anticipation.

Choosing the Right Crops

I had mulled over what crops to choose in my small garden as a novice gardener learning how to homestead. Deciding on the right plants seemed like a monumental task. We were interested in permaculture, but with limited time on our hands, we found it very challenging to create a garden design and decide on the crops to start with all on our own. In the previous years, when we were not full time homesteaders just yet, but merely visiting the family farm for longer periods of time, the garden design & crop choice was made by my other family members. But for our first full year at the farm, we decided to hire a permaculture professional to help us with the overall concept plan as well as the specific list of plants and when to start them. I’m excited to see what she comes up with!

In the past, these are some of the crops we’ve found to be the easiest to grow:

Building & Managing Garden Beds

In our initial garden design, Micah made me 4 raised beds out of reclaimed wood. I These elevated plots provided an excellent way to manage my soil’s health and ensure efficient water use. In my first year, I quickly learned that mixing compost & horse manure into the bed was crucial. This step encouraged vibrant plant growth and made my small garden a lucrative source of organic food. Strategically positioning my garden beds close to water sources made daily care less of a chore.

The Basics of Animal Husbandry

Our homestead originally started as a small horse farm. Even though my family had a number of different animals here over the years, horses & chickens were the only ones left when we moved here. I had always dreamed of adding more farm animals to my small homestead. Last year we built a new, large chicken coop to be able to grow our flock. The sound of hens bustling in their new home marked my first success in animal husbandry and learning how to start homesteading. Raising chickens taught me invaluable lessons, not just about egg production but also about pest control.

For those considering dairy production, even though many people recommended starting with goats, we opted for a cow instead. We are now thinking of adding goats to our homestead as well. They require relatively less space compared to cows and offer a gentle introduction to managing larger farm animals. I’m also excited to dive into the world of goat cheese and other goat dairy products.

Choosing which animals to raise demanded careful consideration of my available resources and personal commitments when we were learning how to start homesteading. Ensuring I had enough free time for daily animal care tasks was crucial. Having a farm hand has made animal care so much easier, and allowed us to do things like raise 100 broiler chickens for meat last year. We also tried our hand at geese & ducks. All of those were a huge success and we’re excited to bring them back this year.

Exploring Dairy Production

I had ventured into dairy production with hopes high and a straightforward plan: goats and cows could provide my small homestead with milk. This move, however, required me to learn new skills swiftly. The first thing I grasped was the significant space these animals demanded; it isn’t just a small corner in your barn. They needed ample pasture to roam and graze. Care requirements came next on my learning curve. Cows demanded time for daily feedings and milking. The investment was considerable, in both time and money. Raising dairy animals for the first time opened my eyes to the harsh realities and gratifying rewards of this aspect of homesteading. It underscored the importance of patience and resilience. Every day, as I honed my animal husbandry skills, my connection to my land and my livestock deepened, affirming my commitment to this self-sufficient lifestyle.

Food Preservation Techniques

I had discovered that food preservation stands as a cornerstone when learning how to start homesteading. It ensures we enjoy the fruits of our hard work well beyond the end of the season. Initially, I struggled with grasping new skills such as canning, freezing, and drying my garden’s bounty. Yet, these techniques have been invaluable.

Learning how to effectively preserve food meant that my small garden could nourish us even in the coldest winter months. Canning tomatoes, freezing carrots, and drying herbs became a significant part of my homestead journey. It wasn’t just about saving a lot of money that would otherwise go to a grocery store; it was about embracing a lifestyle of self-sufficiency and tapping into the wisdom of generations past.

This essential skill set has provided my family with organic food year-round, significantly reduced waste, and strengthened our connection to the land. I encourage you to explore these methods. Start small, perhaps with making your own jam or drying apple slices. You’ll find it’s an excellent way to extend the harvest and a great step toward learning how to start homesteading.

Embracing DIY Clothing on Your Homestead

Before embarking on my own homestead, creating my own clothing seemed like a distant dream. I had dabbled in some knitting and crochet, but not with any serious intent. I’m excited to get my grandmother’s sewing machine fixed, and maybe dive into the world of sewing simple dresses and pinafore aprons. Another project that I already started and am excited to finish is upcycling old hand-me-down baby clothing into cloth wipes. Sometimes, hand-me-downs just don’t fit or are not in a condition good enough for ware anymore. That’s when I got the idea to cut those pieces up and easily sew into cloth diaper wipes which we desperately need around here! TBD on how they turn out!

Mastering Homemade Personal Care Essentials

I embarked on crafting my own personal care products years ago, discovering it aligned perfectly with our intentions when we were learning how to start homesteading. Initiated by soap making, this journey opened avenues for us to delve into creating a wide array of home and personal care items. These endeavors not only help in cutting down expenses but also embody the essence of the homestead lifestyle—embracing self-sufficiency.

Making soap seems daunting at the moment. But I recently learned about the benefits of tallow and how to render it myself. Soap and candles are coming soon!

Managing Your Water Sources

I’ve spent much time contemplating how to manage our homestead’s water sources efficiently. The first thing I recognized was the essential nature of sustainable water use. It became clear to me that mastering techniques for harnessing and conserving water wasn’t just a great idea; it was pivotal for an independent lifestyle.

Embracing rainwater collection stood out as an excellent way to begin. By setting up a simple system to catch and store rainwater, we found an effective strategy to reduce dependence on conventional water sources. This effort, coupled with mindful water usage, underscored the importance of every drop. Installing a compost pile became another step in our journey, illustrating an integrated approach to homesteading where nothing goes to waste, and every resource, including water, is valued. Through these methods, we were not just saving a lot of money, but also contributing positively to our local environment.

Renewable Energy on the Homestead

I embarked on my homestead journey with the dream of leading a self-sufficient life. Initially, the prospect of integrating renewable energy into my daily routine seemed daunting. Yet, over time, I recognized its indispensable value. We installed solar panels on our house, and we’re planning on using more solar energy to power the electric fence in our field and hopefully more things down the line!

I have found that investing in these energy sources paid off much sooner than anticipated. Solar panels, in particular, proved to be an excellent way to harness the sun’s abundant energy. Especially during the long winter months, they significantly cut down on electricity costs. These systems not only reduced my environmental footprint but also brought me closer to achieving my end goal of complete self-reliance.

Building a Compost System

I viewed composting organic waste as a key step toward a sustainable garden. Composting transformed my refuse into a resource, significantly reducing the waste my small homestead generated. My initial compost pile was a simple affair, yet it played a crucial role in enriching the soil. By recycling kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials, I created nutrient-rich compost.

This homemade compost provided my garden beds with an excellent way to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and foster beneficial microbial activity. I found that starting a compost system was an easy way to save a lot of money on commercial soil amendments. To set up my compost pile, I first chose a modest, shaded spot near my water sources. Then, I layered green materials like vegetable scraps with brown materials such as dried leaves, ensuring a balanced mix for efficient decomposition. Through this process, I realized composting was not just an important skill but an indispensable part of my homesteading lifestyle.

Seeing the end results each season, from wasted scraps to valuable compost, underscored the cycle of life in my garden. It became clear that a well-managed compost system was integral to growing organic food, supporting my goal of self-sufficiency. This journey taught me that every small step, even dealing with waste, contributes to the bigger picture of a sustainable homestead.

Networking with Local Farmers and Homesteaders

I found that networking with fellow enthusiasts and local farmers became a cornerstone of my homesteading journey. At first, it seemed daunting. I wasn’t sure how to approach others or what I could offer in return. Yet, the simple act of reaching out taught me invaluable lessons. I learned about organic food from individuals who committed their lives to sustainable practices. From them, I also discovered easy ways to start homesteading that I hadn’t thought of.

Engaging with these local experts offered insights into the importance of supporting farmer’s markets and small farms. These connections often led to exchanges, not just in goods, but in knowledge too. By trading my modest harvest of apple trees, homemade bread or a few eggs, I received tips on animal husbandry and food preservation. These interactions underscored the value of a community that thrives on shared successes and collective growth. They encouraged me to think beyond just my own piece of land and consider how my actions contribute to a greater good.

Budgeting for Your Homestead

I learned quickly that budgeting wisely formed the cornerstone of my homestead journey. My early days were filled with adjusting spreadsheets and scouring deals at local farmer’s markets. In those moments, I recognized the importance of prioritizing expenses. Initially, it seemed like a lot of work required a lot of money. Yet, I found that by focusing on essentials such as seeds for my small garden, a few tools for building garden beds, and materials for a simple chicken coop, I could stretch my budget further.

Scouring local ads and online marketplaces became a great way to find deals on farm animals and gardening supplies. This approach allowed me to invest in fruit trees and compost pile necessities without breaking the bank. DIY projects and making most of our food from scratch saved me a significant amount. These strategies not only conserved funds but also enriched my homesteading skills, making each step of the process an educational experience.

Planning for the Long-Term

I have always believed that envisioning the end goal powers us through the complexities of today. Planning for the long-term wasn’t merely about setting goals for my homestead; it became a blueprint for my journey into self-sufficiency. It required me to consider not just what I wanted my homestead to look like at the end of the season but also how it could evolve over years into a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Each step, from setting up a small garden and chicken coop to understanding the basics of water sources and animal husbandry, guided me closer to the end goal. I learned early on that embracing small-scale farming and preserving organic food through canning and drying weren’t just tasks; they were stepping stones towards achieving a self-sufficient life. Investing time and effort into learning new skills, such as sewing my own clothing on a sewing machine or crafting personal care products, paid off by saving me a lot of money and bringing me closer to my vision of a sustainable homestead.

Building relationships with local farmers and embarking on homesteading projects with family members amplified the joy in this journey. As an urban homesteader, I discovered that even small spaces could yield remarkable results with hard work and a great idea. Now, I look forward to winter months as a time to plan my next steps and ponder over which homesteading skills to tackle during my free time. This long-term view transformed daunting challenges into exciting opportunities, pushing me to constantly learn and grow. Encouraging you to plot out your own homestead’s journey yields more than just food or products; it sprouts a fulfilling lifestyle rooted in the principles of sustainability and self-reliance.

Dealing with Setbacks

I have faced a fair amount of hurdles on my homestead journey, from failed crops to stubborn farm animals. It tested my resolve but also taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and flexibility. Dealing with setbacks was never easy, yet it was crucial for growth and progress. Every challenge presented an opportunity to learn new skills, whether it was finding more effective pest control methods or improving my food preservation techniques.

It’s important not to view obstacles as the end of the road. Instead, see them as detours on the path to a more self-sufficient life. Adapting plans and learning from mistakes are parts of the process. After all, to start homesteading involves a lot of work, from tending garden beds to managing water sources. It demands hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace new homesteading projects.

Remember, resilience in the face of adversity is a key homesteading skill. Whether it’s a disastrous first year in gardening or challenges in animal husbandry, what matters is your ability to stand back up, dust off your clothes, and try once more. Your homestead lifestyle, your commitment to growing your own food, and your overall journey are uniquely yours. Every setback is just another step towards achieving your end goal of living a sustainable, fulfilled life.

Celebrating Your Achievements at the start of your homesteading journey

In the journey of homesteading, I learned that acknowledging each milestone carried immense value. It compelled me to pause and reflect on the hard work and dedication put into cultivating my own food, raising farm animals, and mastering new skills. Celebrating your achievements, big or small, fortifies the resolve for pursuing this lifestyle. Sharing these moments with family members or fellow homesteaders not only spreads joy but also sows seeds of inspiration.

Whether it’s the first egg from your chicken coop, harvesting organic food from your garden beds, or successfully preserving food for the winter months, each accomplishment deserves recognition. It reminds us why we embarked on this homesteading journey. Encouraging others by showcasing what can be achieved with dedication and hard work helps build a supportive community. Embrace these victories; they are pivotal in fueling our passion for a self-sufficient life. Let them be a beacon for those just starting out on their homestead journey or contemplating their next steps toward sustainability.

Learning and Growing

I embarked on my homesteading journey feeling much like a beginner. It looked like an immense lot of work lay ahead. I considered the vast array of new skills I would need, from gardening in small spaces to mastering food preservation. The idea of transforming a small garden into a source of organic food thrilled me, yet I knew it required hard work.

Throughout our first season, I spent a great deal of time learning about animal husbandry, sourdough baking and milk products. We built our new chicken coop and planted fruit trees, seeing these as great ways to step closer to self-sufficiency. The change didn’t happen overnight. It involved a lot of trial and error, from understanding the best crops for small homesteads to mastering water management in garden beds.

Now, looking forward, I see the importance of continuous education. I plan to delve more into farming on a small scale and explore renewable energy options for my homestead. Connecting with local farmers taught me the value of community and sharing knowledge. I’ve learned that homesteading is not just about the hard work you put into your land but also about growing and improving oneself. Therefore, I encourage you to embrace this ever-evolving journey filled with learning opportunities and the joy of mastering homesteading projects, big or small.

Understanding the Commitment

I embarked on my own homestead journey with dreams of organic food, fresh dairy products, and a pantry stocked through the winter months. Homesteading demanded a lot from me. It was a lot of work, yet it was equally rewarding. I quickly learned that success required commitment, hard work, and a willingness to learn new skills. Growing my own food, for instance, wasn’t just about planting seeds; it involved understanding soil health, composting, and food preservation techniques.

Building my chicken coop marked a milestone in my first year. It taught me not only about construction but also about animal husbandry. Over time, my small garden expanded, and I began experimenting with fruit trees and raising farm animals. Each project added layers to my homesteading skills. I saved a lot of money along the way, but more importantly, I gained a deep sense of personal fulfillment.

The journey wasn’t easy. There were setbacks. Yet, perseverance turned challenges into opportunities. I became not just a better gardener or farmer, but a more resilient person. This path demands much time, effort, and patience. For those ready to embrace the homesteading lifestyle, the rewards are profound and plentiful. The connection to the land, the joy of eating food you’ve grown yourself, and the peace of mind that comes with self-sufficiency are priceless.

Embracing the Simple Pleasures

I discovered that the homesteading lifestyle transcends the mere act of growing my own food or raising farm animals. It has been about reconnecting with the earth, appreciating the rhythm of the seasons, and reveing in the simple pleasures that come with living a life of self-sufficiency. Planting apple trees or sewing your own clothing may seem like a lot of work initially. But the satisfaction of biting into a crisp apple from your backyard or wearing a garment tailored by your own hands is unparalleled.

Raising chickens and having a small garden offered me not only organic food but also lessons in patience and dedication. Every time I collect eggs from my chicken coop or harvest vegetables from my garden beds, I feel a burst of pride. This pride doesn’t just stem from the action itself but from the knowledge that I played a direct role in bringing this food to my table. Foraging for wild berries or crafting my own soap allows me to tap into ancient homesteading skills, creating a deep sense of connection to generations past. Such activities have shown me that even in small spaces or urban settings, adopting a homestead journey enriches life in profound ways.

Your Next Steps To start homesteading

I’ve journeyed through the daunting yet rewarding path to start homesteading. In those early days, fretting over the perfect way to nurture fruit trees or set up my chicken coop consumed much time. Yet, these endeavors taught me an abundance of new skills. The commitment I placed into my small garden and compost pile didn’t just cultivate food; it grew me into a confident homesteader. I found joy in producing my own dairy products, preserving food for the winter months, and even sewing my own clothing. The hard work spent toward self-sufficiency brought a unique fulfillment, proving each effort significantly impacted my life and the environment.

Embarking on your homesteading journey can seem like a lot of work initially. You might wonder if your small spaces suffice or whether you have enough free time. However, the beauty of the homesteading lifestyle lies in its flexibility. Urban homesteader or owner of sprawling lands, we all share the same end goal: to lead a life that’s more in tune with nature.

Consider your first steps toward this rewarding lifestyle. Whether it’s planting apple trees, starting a small-scale farming project, or making your own soap, each action brings you closer to this goal. You don’t need a lot of money or an expansive acreage to begin. Homesteading skills, such as food preservation, animal husbandry, and sustainable water use, can start on any scale. Connecting with local farmers and exploring farmer’s markets can inspire your homesteading projects, offering insights into easy ways to proceed. Taking these initial steps marks the beginning of a profound journey, guiding you to a fulfilling, self-sufficient life.