Back to Basics – Homesteading is more than a lifestyle—it’s a mindset rooted in self-sufficiency, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the land. Whether you’re on five acres or in a suburban backyard, you can embrace the homesteading life by starting with the right foundation. Here’s what every beginner should know to get started on the right foot.
Back to Basics – 1. Start Small and Build Wisely
Don’t try to do it all at once. One of the biggest mistakes new homesteaders make is taking on too many projects too fast. Instead:
- Pick one or two priorities. A small garden and a few hens are a great beginning.
- Plan seasonally. Think in terms of what you can realistically do in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
- Track your progress. Keep a homestead journal to document what works and what doesn’t.
Back to Basics – 2. Learn the Land
Spend time observing your property through the seasons. Notice:
- Sunlight and shade patterns
- Where water collects
- Wind exposure
- Wildlife and pests
Understanding your environment is key to planning where to place gardens, coops, and structures.
Back to Basics – 3. Embrace the Learning Curve
Homesteading includes gardening, animal care, food preservation, DIY building, and more—it’s okay not to know everything.
- Read, watch, and learn constantly. YouTube channels, blogs, books, and local workshops are goldmines of info. (As a side note, there is an enormous amount of learning material throughout Two Oaks Farm Talk. You’re in the right place!)
- Ask questions. The homesteading community is one of the most generous and supportive around.
Back to Basics – 4. Focus on Food First
Producing and preserving your own food is the heart of most homesteads. Start by learning:
- How to grow seasonal vegetables
- How to build and maintain healthy soil
- Basic preserving techniques like freezing, drying, and canning
Even a small pantry stocked with homegrown goods is incredibly satisfying.
Back to Basics – 5. Budget for Self-Sufficiency
Homesteading can be economical over time, but getting started often requires upfront costs.
- Set a realistic budget for tools, animals, fencing, and gardening supplies.
- Look for secondhand deals and barter opportunities.
- Invest in quality over quantity. A few good tools and a sturdy setup are worth more than many cheap ones.
Back to Basics – 6. Expect (and Respect) the Work
This life is rewarding, but it’s not easy. Expect early mornings, long days, and unexpected setbacks. But also:
- Celebrate the wins, no matter how small.
- Take breaks. Burnout doesn’t help your land, your animals, or your family.
- Remember why you started.
Back to Basics – 7. Build a Support System
Homesteading doesn’t have to be lonely.
- Join local or online communities for advice, inspiration, and encouragement.
- Share skills and trade labor or goods with nearby homesteaders.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to go “all in” to be a homesteader. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or running a full-fledged farm, what matters is your intention to live a more self-reliant, grounded life. Start where you are, use what you have, and grow as you go.
We have multiple new series starting now to give you the best in information and instructional posts in all areas of homesteading. Join our community so that you never miss anything, plus get some great exclusive insight!
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
We also, as a homesteading family, have a variety of blogs that might interest you. A Life on the Farm focuses on the more personal side of the homesteading life. We discuss subjects like family, parenting, relationships, homeschooling, cooking, canning and so much more.
Two Oaks Farm Talk concerns the more technical side of homesteading. We discuss subjects like gardening, food prep, and farm building and construction with lots of tutorials!
Farm Raised Family is basically a hub for everything under the Two Oaks Farmstead umbrella. You can learn a great deal about all parts of the farmstead there. The Farm Raised Family blog focuses on financial matters such as budgeting, saving, and more and on current events affecting families.
You can also have a more in depth look at all that we do by visiting our Two Oaks Farmstead YouTube Channel and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss a thing!
Farm Life and Freedom is the new podcast we are in the process of launching! It is going to be so much fun! You could also check in with our Farm Life and Freedom Youtube Channel.
Two Oaks Farmstead is the farm store… the one that holds the umbrella! Check us all out and join us, not only on our blogs and Farm Life and Freedom podcast but come join the fun on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter… wherever you get social!
