Starting a Homestead: Lessons from My Journey So Far
Homesteading has always been a dream of mine, but it wasn’t until my ever-demanding nursing job became completely unfulfilling that I finally decided to take the plunge full-time. Like many people, I was drawn to the idea of living closer to nature, growing my own food, and creating a more self-sufficient way of life.
While the journey has been incredibly rewarding, it’s also been full of lessons—some learned the hard way. Today, I want to share a few insights from my experience in the hopes of inspiring and guiding others who are considering starting their own homestead.
What Inspired Me to Start Homesteading
For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a connection to the land. Whether it was the inspiration of my parents garden growing up, the livestock in my youth, or camping trips that made me appreciate the simplicity of the outdoors, I always knew I wanted a life that was rooted in nature. However, the tipping point came when I wanted independence from our food system and skills of old, the ones that have been lost!
Starting a homestead felt like the perfect way to combine my love of nature with a desire to live more intentionally. I envisioned a life where I could grow my own food, care for animals, and learn to live in harmony with the seasons. But as I quickly discovered, the reality of homesteading comes with its fair share of challenges.
Early Challenges
When I first started, I was overwhelmed by how much there was to learn. From soil health and crop rotation to building fences and caring for livestock, it felt like the to-do list was never-ending. Here are some of the biggest challenges I faced early on:
Finding the Right Land: For us, we already had the land. We had to learn how to create what we envisioned based on our land. We had to deal with lots of rocks! ( Honestly, we should have been rock farmers!) It was a challenge and we had to get creative with what space we had. Key points when choosing land would be the soil and water access. Be sure to consider these when your searching for your next piece of land.
Our land before pastures and cattle. Learning New Skills: I did grow up on a farm, but my responsibilities were not taking care of and managing the whole farm. So really, I had to start from scratch, just like anyone! The first time I tried to grow herbs in a pallet bed, it was a disaster! I had no idea what I was doing. But, that changed, I learned and grew!
Time Management: Homesteading is incredibly time-consuming, especially when you’re balancing it with work or family responsibilities. I underestimated how much time simple tasks, like weeding or feeding animals, would take.
Budgeting: The initial costs of tools, seeds, and supplies added up quickly. I had to get creative with upcycling and DIY solutions to stay on track financially.
Biggest Wins
Despite the challenges, there have been so many rewarding moments. These are the experiences that keep me motivated:
My First Harvest: There’s nothing like the taste of the first tomato you’ve grown yourself. It’s a small victory, but it’s incredibly satisfying.
Building Confidence: Every time I master a new skill—whether it’s planting a successful crop or fixing a broken tool—I feel more empowered to tackle the next challenge.
Connecting with Nature: Watching the seasons change and seeing wildlife thrive on the property has been a constant source of joy.
As a family, we spend a lot of time in nature. Even in winter when its cold! Community: This is where its at!! Meeting like-minded people, both online and locally, has been one of the unexpected joys of this journey. The homesteading community is incredibly supportive.
Advice for Beginners
If you’re thinking about starting your own homestead, here are a few tips that I wish I’d known from the beginning:
Start Small: It’s tempting to dive in headfirst, but starting with one or two manageable projects can help you avoid burnout.
Do Your Research: Read books, watch videos, and learn from others who have been where you are. Go shadow and learn from those who have already paved the way. Knowledge is your best tool!
Be Patient: Homesteading is a long-term commitment. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.
Find a Mentor: If possible, connect with someone who has experience. Their guidance can save you a lot of time and frustration. Even 12 years later, I have mentors, people I trust and can rely on for good advise.
Conclusion
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the lessons I’ve learned on this journey. Homesteading has taught me resilience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. If you’re considering starting your own homestead, my advice is to take that first step—however small it might be. The road may not always be easy, but the rewards are more than worth it.
I’d love to hear from you! What inspires you about homesteading, or what questions do you have about starting your journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going.
I love your humility and honesty! Makes this relatable and easy to read and understand. Your mission and efforts are to be admired! Thank you for sharing.