So, are you thinking of becoming a homesteader? Saying yes to that, and going through with it, may be the best decision of your life. As it was mine. But that lifestyle can be minorly (majorly) overwhelming when it comes down to it. You may be wondering where to start, what to start with, or how quickly to add in new endeavors as you continue in homesteading. If this resonates at all this read might just he for you. This is the first three things to start with as a new homesteader.
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This is The First 3 Things to Start with as a New Homesteader
Luckily for you, you are talking to an aged homesteader. But not aged like fine wine, more like cheese (which is less aged than wine haha).
What I am trying to say without calling myself amateur is that I’ve been doing this for years but still don’t know everything. I do know, however, what to start with on your first steps to become a homesteader, because I’ve done that before. I have been homesteading my whole life, but took quite a few years off the older I got. A few years ago I got to start from scratch and it felt so new to me. But now, with way more personal experience as an adult I can happily guide others through the beginning stages with what I wish I did, and what I did do to get to where I am now in my homesteading journey.
Without further ado I am going to get right into this starters list.
1.) Sourdough and Homemade Breads
One of the easiest things to start with as a beginner in homesteading is sourdough and bread recipes. (I am going to post my favorite bread recipe soon so be sure to subscribe to the newsletter below!)
Most simple bread recipes are just a few ingredients. Usually three or four. Along with that sourdough starters are flour and water mixed together (also coming in a future post!). Recipes for both are easily accessible and easy to follow! This is a really good recipe for a sourdough starter and for the maintenance of the starter.
You can also buy super good bread books online full of recipes, tips, and tricks! This one is a fan favorite! Along with that they sell both artisan bread making kits and sourdough starter kits.
2.) Egg Layer Chickens
There is a list of small but necessary purchases to make before getting chicks. (Learn more about owning chicks from my farm blog). Here is a quick list with links so you can see the basic necessities and their prices! All from Amazon so you can get it all at once without leaving your couch (my favorite type of purchase).
Before Chickens Checklist:
- A large tub of sorts (no corners, meeds to be round)
- Pine Shavings
- Heat Lamp or Two (lights sold separately)
- Chicken Feeder
- Chicken Waterer
- Netting
- Baby Chick Food with Nutrients
Chickens are the EASIEST farm animal to start with. They are super simple, low maintenance (especially once adulthood is reached), and they give back to you in multiple ways.
Make sure you do your research, make sure you buy quality layer hens, not broilers for meat and try not to get too many roosters (that can be messy)! Once you have these chicks know in just a few months you will have eggs, fertilized ground, and eventually meat chickens when they quit laying. This is a great start to opening yourself up to homesteading.
3.) A Backyard Garden
Gardening is such a good way to get into homesteading. It sounds like a cliche or simple point, but the cheap cost of starting a garden verses the potential outcomes is incredible. Growing your own vegetable garden can feed you through the Summer and if preserved correctly the next few Seasons as well. This open doors to learning more about homesteading, like canning, drying, and freezing foods for the Winter. This helps you rely more on yourself and your efforts over a system like the grocery store or government.
