If you’re dreaming of a quiet, self-sufficient life surrounded by nature, starting a homestead might be the perfect adventure. I made the leap from a stressful career to a life that’s more grounded, and although it’s been full of challenges, it’s been worth every moment. Whether you’re starting fresh in the woods, like I did, or you’re on a farm passed down through generations, these ten tips will help guide your journey to building your own homestead.

1. Start Small and Plan Big

The first step in homesteading is to dream, but don’t get overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once. It’s tempting to think you need chickens, a garden, bees, and solar panels all on day one, but it’s more sustainable to focus on one or two things at a time. I’ve learned this firsthand—running a knitting business and homeschooling my son on 8 acres means I’m always balancing my goals. Start small, get good at a few things, and then expand.

2. Know Your Land

Before diving in, understand what your land offers and what it needs. I’ve dealt with a lot of bindweed after leaving my garden unattended for just a few weeks, and it taught me the importance of knowing your soil, the local climate, and potential pests. Spend time on your property and note how the sun moves, where water naturally drains, and what wildlife might be passing through.

3. Get Ready to Learn

There will always be something new to learn when you are starting your homestead. Whether it’s figuring out how to preserve vegetables, raise livestock, or fix broken fences, you’ll need to embrace the learning curve. I built a business from scratch, and while that didn’t prepare me for everything (hello, endless weeds), it gave me the confidence to learn as I go. From learning to use a woodchipper to digging ditches with a backhoe, homesteading requires different skills than city-life. Research, ask for advice from experienced homesteaders, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s all part of the process.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Homesteading is a long-term lifestyle, not a sprint. It’s important to be realistic about what you can accomplish each season. One mistake I’ve made is pushing too hard and trying to do too much, which left me feeling overwhelmed and behind. Set small, achievable goals, and enjoy the process. It’s okay if you don’t produce all your own food right away.

5. Budget Wisely

Homesteading can cost more than you think, especially in the beginning. From tools to seeds to livestock, expenses can add up quickly. When I first moved to my cabin in the woods, I learned quickly that unexpected costs are part of the package. Budget not only for essentials but also for the unexpected, like a chicken coop that suddenly needs fixing or a new fence for your garden.

6. Embrace DIY

There’s a lot of satisfaction in building and fixing things yourself, and it’s an essential part of homesteading. Over the years, I’ve learned to take on projects I never thought I’d tackle, like repairing equipment, building sheds, and maintaining my own cabin. You’ll save money, and the sense of accomplishment is incredible. Plus, doing things yourself keeps you resourceful and self-reliant, key traits for any homesteader.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Even though homesteading can feel like a solo adventure, you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s reaching out to neighbors, hiring help for big projects, or simply asking online communities for advice, support is out there. I struggled with isolation in my rural setting, but building connections with others—even digitally—has made all the difference.

8. Stay Flexible

Homesteading teaches you that things won’t always go according to plan. Crops fail, livestock gets sick, and weather can ruin your best-laid plans. My experience working in different careers taught me resilience, but nothing quite prepared me for the unpredictable nature of homestead life. Adaptability is key—if one thing doesn’t work, try something else and don’t get discouraged.

9. Focus on Sustainability

The heart of homesteading is self-sufficiency, but sustainability should be a major focus as well. Whether you’re using solar power, rainwater collection, or planting a permaculture garden, try to think long-term. In my own homesteading life, I aim to leave things better than I found them. Small steps, like composting kitchen scraps or conserving water, add up over time.

10. Find Joy in the Simple Things

At the end of the day, homesteading is about finding peace in the small moments. For me, it’s walking outside to see my son playing with our dogs or spending a quiet evening knitting in front of the fireplace. Don’t forget to slow down and appreciate the life you’re building, even when things are tough. Homesteading isn’t just about the work; it’s about the lifestyle you create for yourself and your family.

Starting a homestead is an incredibly personal journey. If you’re willing to put in the hard work and take things one step at a time, the rewards are beyond measure. For me, homesteading has been about reclaiming my time, my energy, and my connection to the world around me—there’s no better feeling than knowing you built something from the ground up. So roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath, and get started—you’ve got this.

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Tips for Navigating Challenges with Animals, Land, and Nature when You’re the only Adult

Being a solo parent is challenging enough, but when you add the responsibilities of managing a homestead, it can feel like a whole new level of overwhelm. I know firsthand what it’s like to juggle raising a child on your own while tending to animals, land, and all the wild surprises nature throws your way. But here’s the good news: with a bit of strategy, resilience, and some solid tips, you can not only survive but thrive as a solo parent homesteader.

Start Small and Scale Slowly

One of the most common pitfalls is biting off more than you can chew—especially when homesteading. You might be dreaming of a barn full of animals, a flourishing vegetable garden, and a DIY project on every corner of your land, but it’s essential to pace yourself. Start with a few manageable tasks: maybe a small garden, a few chickens, or a couple of goats. As you get the hang of things, you can gradually expand. Remember, homesteading is a marathon, not a sprint.

Prioritize Safety First: For You and Your Kid

When you’re working solo, safety becomes even more critical. Always keep your phone charged and nearby; accidents can happen when handling animals, working with tools, or navigating rugged terrain. Teach your children basic homestead safety: never approach animals without you, stay away from machinery, and always wear appropriate gear. A simple first aid kit in easy-to-reach places around your homestead can be a lifesaver.

Routine Is Your Best Friend

Establishing a daily routine will keep you on track and help manage the chaos. Start with morning animal care: feeding, checking for injuries, and cleaning enclosures. Next, tend to your garden or any outdoor chores. In the afternoon, handle tasks like homeschooling, meal prep, or indoor projects. Evening rounds should include closing up chicken coops, checking fences, and making sure all your animals are safe for the night. Having a predictable routine helps you stay organized and ensures nothing important gets overlooked.

Get Creative with Animal Care

Managing livestock as a solo parent can be tough, but there are ways to make it easier. Set up automatic feeders and waterers wherever possible. Use portable electric fencing to rotate pastures without the heavy lifting. If you have a child who’s eager to help, assign them age-appropriate tasks like collecting eggs, brushing animals, or helping with light weeding. These small contributions can make a big difference in your workload and give your child valuable skills and confidence.

Harness the Power of Nature’s Helpers

Nature is full of allies waiting to help you if you know where to look. Consider adding guinea fowl or ducks to your homestead; they are excellent at controlling pests like ticks and slugs. Plant flowers that attract pollinators to boost your garden’s productivity. Set up bat houses to help with mosquito control. By creating a balanced ecosystem, you can reduce the time you spend on pest management and let nature do some of the work for you.

Land Management Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Keeping your land in check is no small feat, but there are ways to streamline the process. Mulching is a lifesaver; it suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and enriches the soil—plus, it means less weeding for you. Use permaculture principles like companion planting and crop rotation to keep your soil healthy and your plants thriving. If your property has sloped areas, consider terracing or planting ground covers that prevent erosion and reduce maintenance.

Embrace Low-Maintenance Crops and Perennials

As a solo parent, you don’t need high-maintenance crops that demand constant attention. Opt for hardy perennials like rhubarb, asparagus, and berry bushes, which come back year after year with minimal effort. Herbs like mint, thyme, and oregano are also low-maintenance and can add flavor to your meals while attracting beneficial insects. Focus on crops that provide high yields with little input—think potatoes, beans, and squashes.

Lean on Technology and Community Resources

Don’t shy away from using technology to lighten the load. Solar-powered electric fences, trail cameras, and weather apps can help you stay on top of animal security and land management. Online forums, local Facebook groups, and YouTube channels are goldmines of information and support. Even though you may feel isolated, the homesteading community is vast and welcoming; reaching out can provide advice, moral support, and sometimes even physical help when needed.

Make Time for Nature, Not Just Chores

With a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to forget why you chose this lifestyle in the first place. Set aside time to simply enjoy your surroundings. Take a moment to walk your property with your child, watch a sunset, or listen to the sounds of the animals at dusk. These small moments of connection with nature can recharge your spirit and remind you of the rewards of your hard work.

Accept Imperfection and Celebrate Small Wins

There will be days when the chores pile up, the animals don’t cooperate, or your garden gets overrun with weeds. Accept that imperfection is part of the journey. Celebrate the small wins—like a successful harvest, a day without any major mishaps, or your child learning a new skill. Each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Tiny Family, Giant Love

Being a solo parent homesteader is no easy task, but it’s a deeply rewarding one. With careful planning, a willingness to adapt, and a bit of creativity, you can build a sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle for yourself and your child(ren). Remember, every homestead is a work in progress; give yourself grace, trust your instincts, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!

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