Getting Started with Homesteading

Welcome to the world of homesteading! I’m Deanna, and I’ve been on this incredible journey for over 15 years now. Whether you’re dreaming of a few tomato plants on your balcony or a full-fledged homestead, this guide will help you take those first exciting steps.

In 1910, one-third of Americans lived on farms. Today, modern homesteaders are reviving this lifestyle in cities, suburbs, and rural areas!

Did You Know…

In 1910, one-third of Americans lived on farms. Today, modern homesteaders are reviving this lifestyle in cities, suburbs, and rural areas!

Source

What is Homesteading?


Homesteading is all about embracing self-reliance and sustainable living. It’s a blend of age-old wisdom and modern innovation that lets you create a more natural, fulfilling lifestyle – whether you’re on a rural farm or in a city apartment.

For me, homesteading started as a quest for better health and blossomed into a passion for natural living. It’s taught me resilience, the joy of working with my hands, and the true meaning of abundance. While it’s not always easy, it’s infinitely rewarding.

Cow on the homestead
Cow on the homestead
I embarked on my homesteading journey over 15 years ago with a singular mission: to heal my body. What began as a quest for personal health blossomed into a passion for natural living and self-sufficiency. Homesteading isn’t just about growing food or raising animals; it’s about rediscovering timeless wisdom and applying it to our modern lives. It’s taught me resilience, the joy of working with my hands, and the true meaning of abundance. While the path isn’t always easy, it’s infinitely rewarding. My hope is to inspire others to take those first steps towards a more natural, sustainable lifestyle—no matter where they are in their journey.

Why Choose Homesteading?

  • Self-sufficiency:
  • Reduce dependence on external systems
  • Sustainability:
  • Lower your environmental impact
  • Health:
  • Enjoy fresh, organic produce and a more active lifestyle
  • Financial savings:
  • Reduce grocery bills and utility costs
  • Personal satisfaction:
  • Experience the rewards of a do-it-yourself lifestyle
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Getting Started: Your First Steps

Assess Your Current Situation

Location:

Urban, suburban, or rural?

Space:

How much land do you have access to?

Time:

How much time can you dedicate to homesteading activities?

Skills:

What relevant skills do you already possess?

Resources:

What tools and equipment do you have?

Set Realistic Goals

1

Start small and gradually expand

2

Focus on one or two areas initially (e.g., gardening and food preservation)

3

Create short-term and long-term goals

Learn Essential Homesteading Skills

Embarking on your homesteading journey involves mastering a variety of skills. Here’s an overview of the key areas you’ll want to explore:

Growing your own food is a cornerstone of homesteading. Start with these fundamental skills:

Gardening

Soil Preparation:

Learn to test and amend your soil for optimal plant growth.

Planting Techniques:

Discover methods for different plants, from seed starting to transplanting.

Pest Management:

Explore organic ways to protect your crops from insects and diseases.

Companion Planting:

Understand which plants grow well together to maximize space and yields.

Learn More

Extend your harvest and reduce waste with these preservation methods:

Food Preservation

Canning:

Master both water bath and pressure canning for different types of produce.

Dehydrating:

Learn to dry fruits, vegetables, and herbs for long-term storage.

Freezing:

Discover the best techniques for freezing various foods to maintain quality.

Learn More

Develop skills to create and maintain items for your homestead:

DIY & Crafts

Remember, homesteading is a journey of continuous learning. Start with the skills that interest you most or are most relevant to your current situation, and gradually expand your knowledge over time.

Resources for Homesteaders

Equip yourself with knowledge, community support, and the right tools to thrive on your homesteading journey.

Essential Books:

Over the years, these books have been my trusted guides, mentors, and friends on my homesteading journey. They’ve taught me, inspired me, and sometimes saved me from disaster! From late nights planning to figuring out how to preserve my bumper tomato crop, these pages have seen it all. Now, I’m excited to share them with you.


Build your homesteading library with these comprehensive guides that have stood the test of time (and dirt, and water stains) in my own collection. Each one has earned its place on my shelf, and I hope they’ll become valuable resources for you too. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, there’s wisdom here for every stage of your homesteading adventure.

Community Resources

Connect with fellow homesteaders to share knowledge, resources, and support:

  • How to find them: Check local libraries, community centers, or use platforms like Meetup
  • Benefits: Hands-on workshops, seed exchanges, tool sharing
  • Tip: Offer to host a skill-share session to get more involved
  • Why attend: Network with local producers, find unique varieties of plants and livestock
  • What to look for: Educational demos, heritage breed exhibitions, local soil and extension services
  • Tip: Volunteer at these events to gain behind-the-scenes knowledge
  • Recommended platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook Groups, Reddit (r/homestead), Instagram (#homesteading)
  • Benefits: 24/7 access to advice, troubleshooting help, inspiration
  • Tip: Start with lurking to learn group norms before actively participating
  • What they offer: Free or low-cost classes, soil testing, pest identification
  • How to find them: Search “[Your State] Extension Office” on any search engine such as Google.com
  • Tip: Start with lurking to learn group norms before actively participating
  • Why listen: Learn on the go, stay up-to-date with trends and techniques
  • Recommended shows: “The Homesteading and Permaculture by Paul Wheaton”, “Homesteady”, “The Modern Homesteading Podcast”
  • Tip: Listen while doing homestead chores for efficient learning

Essential Tools and Equipment for Homesteading

Investing in quality tools will save you time, effort, and frustration as you manage your homestead efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

Detailed List of Supplies

Gardening Essentials

Must Haves:

  • Spade: Choose one with a durable handle and rust-resistant blade for digging, turning soil, and planting.
  • Garden fork: Ideal for breaking up tough soil or mixing compost. Opt for one with sturdy tines to handle heavy-duty tasks.
  • Hoe: Perfect for weeding and cultivating the soil. Look for one with a sharp blade to make cutting through soil easier.
  • Pruning shears: Essential for cutting back plants and small branches. Invest in bypass pruners for clean cuts that promote plant health.
  • Watering can: A solid, large-capacity can will help you water your plants evenly and efficiently.

Consider investing in:

  • Quality gardening gloves: Look for durable, waterproof gloves that provide both protection and flexibility.
  • Broadfork: Excellent for no-till gardening, allowing you to aerate the soil without disturbing its structure.
  • Wheelbarrow: For hauling soil, compost, and plants across your homestead. A sturdy, well-balanced wheelbarrow will make heavy loads easier to transport.

Tip: Ergonomic tools can reduce strain and discomfort during long work sessions. Try tools with padded handles and lightweight materials to avoid fatigue.

Canning and Food Preservation

Basic kit for water bath canning:

  • Water bath canner: For preserving high-acid foods like jams, jellies, and pickles. Make sure it’s large enough to submerge jars completely.
  • Jar lifter: Essential for safely removing hot jars from the canner. Look for one with a secure grip and long handles.
  • Bubble remover: To release trapped air in jars before sealing, ensuring proper preservation. Many come with a built-in headspace measure.
  • Preserving jars and lids: Stock up on a variety of jar sizes to suit different recipes. Make sure the lids are new to ensure a proper seal.

For pressure canning:

  • Pressure canner: Essential for canning low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, and soups. Choose one that meets USDA guidelines for safety.

Don’t forget:

  • Food mill: Great for making sauces, purées, and mashed foods with ease. A food mill helps remove seeds, skins, and cores from fruits and vegetables.
  • Dehydrator: Use it to dry fruits, herbs, and even make jerky. Look for one with adjustable settings for different types of produce.

Orchard and Perennials

Essential tools:

  • Lopping shears: Long-handled pruners that provide leverage for cutting larger branches.
  • Grafting knife: Precision tools for making clean cuts when grafting new trees or maintaining old ones.
  • Pruning saw: Designed for cutting thicker branches in trees and shrubs. A folding saw can be easier to carry around your orchard.

For ongoing maintenance:

  • Soil testing kit: Helps ensure your trees and perennials have the nutrients they need to thrive.
  • Sprayers for organic pest control: Essential for keeping pests at bay without harmful chemicals.

Consider:

  • Small tiller or cultivator: Ideal for breaking ground when establishing new beds for perennials or working in larger orchards.

Homestead Kitchen

For daily use:

  • Large stock pot: A must for making soups, broths, and large batches of preserved foods.
  • Kitchen scale: Ensures precise measurements when cooking, preserving, or fermenting.
  • Cast iron cookware: Durable, naturally non-stick, and perfect for cooking over a fire. Proper care can make these last for generations.

For preservation:

  • Fermenting crocks: Great for making sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles. Look for crocks with water-seal lids for less maintenance.
  • Cheese-making supplies: Rennet, molds, and cheesecloth are all essential for DIY cheese production.

Don’t overlook:

  • High-quality knives: A sharp chef’s knife and paring knife are kitchen essentials for any homesteader.
  • Large cutting boards: Choose durable wooden or plastic boards to provide a stable surface for chopping.