Starting Our Homesteading Journey: Insights and Lessons from Phase One

Embarking on a homesteading adventure feels like stepping into a new world filled with endless possibilities and challenges. We have just begun the research phase, and already the scope of what’s needed to run a farmstead is both exciting and overwhelming. This post serves as a journal of our early experiences, discoveries, and the planning process as we lay the groundwork for a sustainable homestead.

Understanding the Basics of Homesteading

Before diving into the hands-on work, we realized the importance of building a solid foundation of knowledge. Homesteading is not just about growing food or raising animals; it involves managing resources, planning for seasons, and learning skills that support self-sufficiency.

Some of the key areas we focused on include:

• Soil health and preparation for planting

• Water management and irrigation options

• Choosing the right crops for our climate

• Basics of animal husbandry for small livestock

• Tools and equipment needed for daily tasks

  
  

Each topic opened up new questions and required us to seek out books, online courses, and advice from experienced homesteaders. The learning curve is steep, but every piece of information adds clarity to our vision.

Creating a Practical Plan

With so much to consider, we knew a clear plan was essential. We started by mapping out the land and identifying areas for gardening, animal pens, composting, and storage. This visual approach helped us prioritize tasks and set realistic goals.

Our plan includes:

• Starting with a small vegetable garden to build soil fertility

• Raising a few chickens for eggs and pest control

• Installing rainwater collection systems to reduce dependence on external water sources

• Building compost bins to recycle organic waste and enrich the soil

  
  

Breaking down the project into manageable steps keeps the process from feeling overwhelming. It also allows us to adjust as we learn more about what works best on our land.

Planning the first vegetable garden and compost area

Lessons Learned So Far

Even in this early phase, several important lessons have emerged:

• Patience is key. Nature operates on its own timeline. Seeds take time to sprout, and animals need care and attention before they thrive.

• Start small and scale up. It’s tempting to plan a large farmstead right away, but beginning with a few crops and animals helps build confidence and skills.

• Community matters. Connecting with local homesteaders and online groups provides valuable support, advice, and encouragement.

• Flexibility is necessary. Weather, pests, and unexpected challenges require adapting plans and trying new approaches.

  
  

These insights remind us that homesteading is a journey, not a quick fix. Each step forward builds experience and resilience.

Tools and Resources That Helped Us

Finding the right resources made a big difference in our early progress. Here are some that stood out:

• Books like The Backyard Homestead and The Self-Sufficient Life offer practical, step-by-step guidance.

• YouTube channels focused on homesteading provide visual demonstrations and real-life examples.

• Local agricultural extension offices often have free workshops and advice tailored to the region.

• Online forums and social media groups connect us with others who share tips and troubleshoot problems.

  
  

Using a mix of these sources helped us avoid common mistakes and gave us confidence to move forward.

Preparing for the Next Phase

As we wrap up this initial research and planning stage, we are eager to start putting our plans into action. The next phase will involve preparing the soil, planting the first crops, and setting up basic infrastructure for animals.

We know there will be surprises and setbacks, but the excitement of creating a self-sustaining homestead keeps us motivated. Our goal is to document each step, share what we learn, and build a farmstead that supports both our needs and the environment.

Starting this journey has already transformed how we think about food, work, and living close to the land. We look forward to sharing more updates as we grow.