Good morning #homesteaders ! 👋
I could use some help from you, my community.
I'm writing a book series about how to start homesteading.
If you had to start homesteading from scratch, or are still starting to homestead, what are the questions you are asking?
What do you want to know?
I want my books to be relevant and real. They need to help people, not just talk vaugly about general homesteading practices.
I've lived on 3 different homesteads throughout my life in 2 different climates. I have a lot of experience and knowledge. So, I can speak from experience.
But I feel I can best help people like you if you ask me directly what you think people should know when starting a homestead.
Thanks, this will help everyone seeking answers and help our community grow stronger.
#homesteading
#homestead
#countryliving
#ruralliving
#gardening
#permaculture
#permies
#grownostr
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Replies (14)
I’d say details on forest succession are severely lacking especially if the homesteader is interested in food forests. This could be an entire book by itself
Also emphasize Koppen climate classification, all homesteaders I know only use USDA. Koppen is much better for perennials, IMO
Knowing where is a good place to set up a homestead.
Not rocky, not sandy.
Or, if that's what is available how do you go about making a viable garden? (Raised beds, compost, etc)
I grew up and worked on a farm. And I still have one. Anything may help. 🫶🏼
Im most interested in making the best use of my suburban house
Gonna start by planting lots of apple and cherry trees, eventually will turn the front yard into a big garden
Im sure to get funny looks from the neighbors but idgaf
Canning--easy to grow--hard to preserve.
Assess your situation, you, your family, your living situation, you're area. So many different scenarios to consider.
Perennials to set up on going with less work long-term. How to build health for difficult soils.
And also, finding groups for on-going support information and options, example permies.com, Master Gardening groups, etc
You can never have enough water spigots.
I've never heard of Koppen climate classification, thank you for your suggestions!
Thanks! We are designing our irrigation system for our 3 acres right now. 👍
Fruit trees are awesome edible landscaping plants! When I lived in the suburbs, many of my neighbors had beautiful fruit trees in their yards.
What are the startup costs?
What are the best areas (climates, counties, etc.)for homesteading?
Are there more friendly homesteading places with regard to regulation?
Where are the best places to get premium soil?
What are the benefits to homesteading?
Can you get free land for homesteading?
Great questions! I've been working on answers to some of them. And you gave me a few new questions to answer. Thanks! I'll keep everyone updated on my progress with my book writing.
Regarding premium soil, that's difficult depending on the location of the homestead. I'm trying to make as much of my own as I can. Heavily amending with composted animal manure. Heavy mulching, chop and drop nitrogen fixers in my food forest. My soil sucks here in Florida, but where I grew up in Michigan, You could drop any seed in the ground. And it would grow as fast as a weed. Soil was so much better up in the Midwest.
I have a few answers here: https://ourfrugalfloridahomestead.com/12-questions-to-ask-before-you-start-homesteading/
You've inspired another blog post!☺️ Writing these articles helps me refine my book content. Thanks, and I hope this helps you and others learning about homesteading.