Starting a Homestead From Scratch
Are you wanting to start your own homestead? Are you confused on where to start or think you dont have enought room? Well, I’m here to encourage you to simply start right where you are. Determine what you would like to start with, and take a look at what resources you already have in front of you. Depending on your goals, you do not have to have a lot of acreage to begin your journey. For instance, if you would like a garden, but don’t have enough outdoor space, you can build a garden indoors in a sunroom or by using windows with adequate lighting. Some people use a back porch or deck and have vegetables and fruit growing in pots. There are also options for creating indoor spaces with artificial lighting. It can be fun coming up with creative ideas to make your garden.
Chickens are also easy animals to have in small spaces. They don’t need a lot of acreage and can easily be confined to a coop or run. A small backyard with fencing and a predator proof shelter works as well. Chickens usually do not require a lot of time or maintenance. There are several breeds to choose from and lots of different colors of eggs. Our chickens are fed and watered twice a day and the coop cleaned periodically. Remember to first check on any restrictions you may have in the area you live, especially if you reside in a neighborhood or have any HOA restrictions.
Your Goals and the “why” of Homesteading
It’s important to determine your why and goals for your homestead. Wether you already have land or are going to be in the market to purchase land, you must figure out what you want your homestead to look like. What are you trying to accomplish with your homestead? What type of livestock would you need for your goals and what type of shelter do they require? How much land does it take to accommodate your goals? It’s best to start slow and build your homestead a little at a time. Take a look at where you would like your homestead to be 2, 3 or even 5 years from now. One project at a time will help keep you from getting overwhelmed. Keep in mind that It’s ok to change your mind and take your goals in a different direction. Once you start building your homestead, things may not go as expected. You can always change your mind and reevaluate your goals and long term plans. When I started my homestead, I started with chickens and dairy goats. I now have sheep and therapy horses. I would not have ever thought I would own sheep or horses.
How to Finance Your Homestead
Finances can be a factor in determining what you can accomplish within your homestead. Starting out small will help in managing your budget and help determine what you can afford. This will also allow you to see how much time you are going to have to invest into your homestead and make sure you will be able to manage your time effectively. You may consider cutting back on trips, eating out, splurging or shopping for things not necessary to allow for expenses on your homestead. I can gaurantee you that there will always be things that need to be fixed, supplies that need purchased or animals that need vet care that you didn’t plan on needing. The price of feed tends to vary from time to time and can greatly affect the budget. Depending on the type of homestead you have, there are different types of loan programs you can look into as a resource for funding.
Research and Plan
Researching the area where you plan to establish your homestead is very important. There may be restrictions on the type of livestock you can have. You may need permits to build or have livestock shelter placed on your property. You wouldn’t want to find out after the fact that you could not have the setup you worked so hard at putting together.
Research your animals to determine they can help carry out the goals you have in mind. Most people only want animals who will serve a purpose and support their overall goals. Determine the commitment, cost, feed, shelter and lilfe span of the livestock you are considering.
You must give yourself time to learn and grow while you establish your homestead. Don’t compare yourself to others and know that you can’t do it all. It’s not easy work and there will be problems along the way. Get family involved in your projects and daily chores. My family plays a very big roll in helping me with chores and projects on a daily basis. No one can do it all on their own. It also created great memories and bonding time when families work together.
Ideas for Small Homesteading
Below are some ideas to consider for new or small homesteaders.
-Container Gardening
-Milk share groups
-Farmers markets
-Cooking from Scratch
-Learning to can foods
-Food storage
How to Find Support When Establishing Your Homestead
Its important to find support to help and give advice, especially when you are first starting out. Joining online groups or communities can be one way of getting advice and support. Become friends with like minded people in your community who can help with ideas and share their pros and cons of homesteading. There is value in learning from others experiences, whether are good or bad. Many times you can find a tennored breeder of livestock you own who is willing to mentor you when you first begin your journey. Most people who homestead have a passion and love to share their knowledge and time with others.
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