The beginners Guide to Homesteading!

I’m so excited you’ve found your way to this little corner of the internet. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re curious about homesteading – and boy, do I have some stories to share with you!

What does homesteading mean?

So, what exactly is homesteading? Well, it’s not just about living on a farm (though that can certainly be part of it). Homesteading is a mindset, a way of life that’s all about embracing self-sufficiency and sustainable living. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, getting your hands dirty, and connecting with the world around you in a more meaningful way.

How I got Started…

Let me share a bit about how I got into homesteading. It wasn’t the typical story you might expect. My husband had been living this lifestyle most of his life, but he’d taken a break and moved into a condo. That’s where we met. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves back on the ranch, embracing the homesteading life together.

My real passion for homesteading, though? It didn’t start right away. What opened my eyes to this lifestyle was when I started battling some health issues. I began looking for natural ways to heal, which led me to change many things about how I lived. And you know what? That’s what sparked my interest in gardening. From there, it just snowballed into full-blown homesteading and natural healing.

Why Choose Homesteading?

You might be wondering, “What’s so great about homesteading anyway?” Well, I’ve got a few reasons that might pique your interest:

1. Self-sufficiency: There’s something incredibly satisfying about eating a meal made entirely from ingredients you’ve grown yourself.
2. Connection to nature: In our tech-heavy world, homesteading helps you reconnect with the natural rhythms of life. It’s grounding, to say the least.
3. Quality control: When you grow your own food or make your own products, you know exactly what’s in them. No more mystery ingredients!
4. Cost savings: While there might be some upfront costs, many homesteading practices can help you save money over time.
5. Skill building: From gardening to food preservation, homesteading is a constant learning process. You’ll never run out of new things to try!

What’s Coming Up

In the posts that follow, we’ll explore different aspects of getting started with homesteading. We’ll look at how to assess your current situation and resources, cover some essential skills every homesteader should know, and get into the nitty-gritty of gardening – even if you’re starting from scratch like I did!

We’ll also talk about food you can make from home (because who doesn’t love homemade yogurt?), practical DIY projects, and how to bring homesteading principles into your kitchen.

Remember, homesteading is a journey, not a destination. It’s about progress, not perfection. So don’t worry if you kill a few plants along the way (believe me, I have!) or if your first batch of homemade soap looks a bit… unconventional. It’s all part of the process!

I hope you’ll join me in exploring this rewarding lifestyle. There’s always something new to learn in homesteading, and I’m excited to share what I’ve picked up along the way.

Deanna

P.S. Got questions? Drop them in the comments below. There’s no such thing as a silly question when you’re starting out. We’re all learning here!