Homesteading for Beginners: Start with These 5 Skills
It’s safe to say that our tumultuous world circumstances the past few years, combined with a beckoning to return to a simpler way of life, has reawakened the homesteading movement.
I know this is the case for my family and I. Even though I was fortunate to grow up in a rural area, where gardening, raising livestock, hunting, etc were all very common, I never fully appreciated this lifestyle until I had children. Being able to raise our children away from the noise, toxicity, and hustle of the city, is an amazing blessing that is not lost on us.
While I had some knowledge of the skills, I never had the passion that I do now. I say that to encourage you, and tell you that living a more natural, and simpler life is for anyone with a passion for those things. It doesn’t matter your knowledge, age, background, or residence.
For beginners, diving into this lifestyle can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I love that saying, “What is the best way to eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” In other words, every large task or challenge can be broken down into small actionable steps!
By honing in on a few essential skills, you can transform your homesteading dreams into reality. Whether you're eager to grow your own food, cultivate livestock, or preserve seasonal bounty, you have to start with baby steps. In this article, I’m breaking down five fundamental skills that every aspiring homesteader can start with.
Join me as we break down the basics of homesteading and set you on a path toward a rewarding, self-sufficient life!
Why is Homesteading Important?
Homesteading and the skills you will acquire foster self-sufficiency above all. When you acquire the skills to grow your own food, raise animals, and make necessary repairs, you become less vulnerable to the uncertainties of modern life. Economic fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and natural disasters all have less impact on those who can rely on their own resources.
In this world,and especially among Western culture, many people feel disconnected from the sources of their food and the processes in providing food. By learning to be self-sufficient, you can reduce your dependence on commercial systems, and enjoy the fruits of your labor directly from your own land.
By embracing Homesteading as a lifestyle, you are investing in a more stable and fulfilling future. I want you to always remember that as you read, learn, and hone new skills (remember the elephant!)
Gardening Basics
Gardening is the cornerstone of homesteading and one of the most rewarding skills of the homesteading lifestyle. However, it can be the most daunting of beasts! Not to mention the amount of information that is available can almost feel conter-productive.
Here is how I broke down this task: decide what type of planting you will do (above vs. in-ground), what crops you will actually use, what season you are planting for, and finally, how to best care for each plant.
Above Ground or In-Ground Gardening
Deciding between above-ground and in-ground gardening comes down to your soil quality, available space, and how much control you want over the growing environment. If your native soil is rocky, clay-heavy, or lacks nutrients, raised beds or containers might be your best bet—they allow you to build your own soil mix and manage drainage more easily. On the other hand, if you have rich, workable soil and plenty of space, in-ground gardening can be less expensive and more sustainable long-term. Consider how much time, effort, and initial cost you’re willing to invest, and choose the option that best supports your lifestyle and land.
If you are choosing to garden in the ground, healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden, so begin by learning about soil composition, pH levels, and nutrient requirements. If you can, conduct a soil test to determine what amendments might be necessary to optimize your garden's fertility. Composting is also an excellent way to enrich your soil naturally, recycling kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich humus.
Make a reasonable list of crops
From there, make a list of the fruits, veggies, and herbs you actually eat on a weekly or seasonal basis. There’s no sense in growing something just because it’s “easy” if no one in your house is going to eat it!
Next, familiarize yourself with the types of plants that grow best in your region. Consider the climate, sunlight, and water availability when choosing what to plant. Compare this with the list you made above, and choose only a handful of things!
Pick a planting season
To figure out what season you're planting for, start by identifying your local planting zone—this tells you which crops grow best in your area and when to plant them.
If you're not sure when to start planting in your area, the best place to begin is by finding your local frost dates. This will help you know when it’s safe to plant outside in the spring and when to expect your growing season to wrap up in the fall. I use the Farmer’s Almanac frost date calculator—just pop in your ZIP code and it gives you customized planting info. Super easy and beginner-friendly!
You’ll also want to know your planting zone, which helps you figure out what types of plants grow well in your climate. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the go-to tool for that. Once you know your zone and frost dates, planning your garden becomes a whole lot less guesswork and a whole lot more fun.
