Hello world! Welcome to my first blog post about how I started a homestead!

I’ve been homesteading for 4 years now, and I’m excited to share the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained along the way. Homesteading has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s something I’m deeply passionate about.

I invite you to join me on this adventure. When we share knowledge, we open our minds to new ideas and perspectives, learning from each other in the process. There have been moments when I’ve questioned why I continue, but the rewards of living a self-sufficient lifestyle and connecting with nature keep me going.

Let’s embark on this journey together, cultivating a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and support one another. Welcome to the world of homesteading! 

My homesteading journey began as a dream. I put that dream on paper, transforming it into tangible goals. Those goals became reality when I moved into our generational family home in the winter of 2019.

I knew I wanted to grow and raise my own food, and I was fortunate to have plenty of land to do so. That following spring, with my father’s help, we plowed a large garden plot and started planting. It brought back memories of gardening with my parents when I was a child, walking through the dirt barefoot and towing a chain behind me to pull the dirt around the fertilizer we had sprinkled down the rows.

Starting out was a challenge. I wasn’t fully prepared for the hard work involved in balancing a full-time job, taking care of children, and keeping up with planting and weeding such a large garden. But my passion for homesteading kept me going. My advice to anyone in a similar position is to start small with your gardening. Plan out your plots and learn about companion gardening for optimal growth and pest control. Start by planting the foods you enjoy eating and that you would consume quickly or that are easy to preserve. This approach will help you manage your time and resources more effectively while you build your skills and confidence.

Despite the time constraints, I plunged into the next step in my homesteading journey by setting up a small chicken coop for four laying hens. I used chicken wire for fencing, but quickly realized how unprepared I was. Without proper fencing, I ended up letting the hens free range during the day. While free ranging has its benefits, it also comes with the risk of predator attacks.

Additionally, I wasn’t prepared for the harsh Maine winters and the weatherproofing that a cheap coop would require. Despite these challenges, I was determined to make it work because I was living out my dream after all.

My advice for anyone starting with chickens is to invest in sturdy fencing and a well-insulated coop. This will help protect your flock from predators and harsh weather. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. 

Feel free to share your own experiences or ask any questions you might have by leaving a comment! And don’t forget to hit the subscribe button to receive all the newest content. Let’s learn and grow together. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from my homesteading journey.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure.