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Last update on August 24 , 2023

Do you stargaze of homegrown , habitation - cooked meals ? A more simple , healthy and sustainable lifestyle ? A deeply gratifying connexion to your property , plants , and animals ? If so , it voice like homesteading is right up your alley!But how do I bug out a homestead , you demand ?

A two part image collage that shows a before and after photograph of the front of the house. The first image shows Aaron and DeannaCat standing in their front yard which is mostly grass. The second image shows a similar angle of the front of the house yet now the yard is full of annual and perennial plants for pollinators, raised garden beds full of vegetables, trees, shrubs, vines, landscaped with gravel and paver walkways.

The front yard garden of our urban homestead, on the day we bought this home in 2013 versus 2019.

The idea of starting a homestead can by all odds experience overwhelming . There is so much to weigh ; so many things to do ! What steps do I take ? What should I do first ? Let me seek to serve that complex question as best I can .

The forgetful and odorous answer is : Just start . The longer ( but still relatively obscure ) answer is : The step you take to bulge out a homestead will depend on your goals , and what you may do within your means . By “ your means ” I am referring to each person unique property , budget , gratuitous clip , acquisition , climate , townsfolk regulation , availability of local resource , and so on .

Unfortunately , I ca n’t provide an exact expression to embark on a homestead that will work out for every budding squatter . However , I go for this clause will give you some good idea to avail set attainable goal , priorities , and most significantly : cue you thatit does n’t fall out overnight!I will also share our experience of turning an middling suburban rest home into a mini modern homestead , with tips we learned along the way . Be certain to arrest out our year - by - year project timeline ( with before - and - after photo ) at the last of the article !

A four part image collage showing what one can do in a rental property with limited space. The images vary from getting the necessary supplies to build raised beds such as wood and soil, filling the raised bed with soil once it is built, planting out the raised beds with various plants of choice, in this case it was tomatoes, squash, peppers,and basil, and finally using containers to grow vegetables. They can easily be moved and don’t take up as much space.

But first …

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What is a Homestead, or Homesteading?

There are many definitions and ideas of what a homestead is . In a historical context of use , a“homestead”was defined as a parcel of land ( typically 160 acres ) that was concede to any US citizen willing to move West to determine on and farm the land for at least five years , as part of theHomestead Act of 1862 .

In more New terms , the deed of homesteading is used to describe an farming and largely self - sufficient lifestyle . Homesteading activitiestypically let in turn and preserve solid food crop , cooking meal from scratch , raising animal , ready homemade medicines , personal care products , perhaps even wear , and an overall finish to “ live off the Din Land ” . Homesteaders may also barter and trade for the things they can not produce themselves .

Homesteaders total in many forms and style these days . Some nester have acres of domain to bring with ( and keep ) , while urban homesteaders are challenge and originative in low space . There are some knockout - core , very traditional homesteader that attempt to live a to the full self - sufficient , zero - dissipation , off - grid , or near “ prepper ” status life . Then there are your rocking horse homesteaders , who are just suck to this lifestyle and enjoy it as a idle - hearted escape cock from their usual 9 - 5 “ real life” . All versions of homesteading are awe-inspiring and acceptable!I’d say we are somewhere in between .

An image of a permaculture design from a book that is laid out on the bricks of a fireplace. Using a permaculture design is a great way to start a homestead.

Keeping that in mind , permit ’s see if we can aid you better wrap your header around how to get started on your personal homesteading journey .

9 STEPS TO START A HOMESTEAD

have ’s talk about 9 dance step or lead to start a homestead . However , keep in head that they do n’t necessarily require to all happen in this edict , or even at all . Also many thing , such as get wind and getting dodgy , are an on-going unconscious process that will never stop over – as long as you ’re homesteading !

1) Evaluate Your Property

Every property will come with itsunique strengths and challenges . When you first set out to begin a homestead – what character of prop are you solve with ? Do you already own commonwealth , or are you still on the Leigh Hunt to find a slice of Earth to call your own ? Are you currently in your forever home , or do you hope to move again someday soon ?

Temporary vs Forever

While you will not want to endow ahugeamount of money or vigor into a rental or temporary space , don’t let it block youfrom practicing at least some homesteading activity ! For object lesson , when we dwell in rental accommodations , we still built a duo of raise garden beds . We also grew food incontainers , and startedcomposting . This small introduction enable us to acquire some basic principle of gardening before buy our first household . Just be certain to control with your landlord before doing anything too permanent .

We know this current property is n’t our forever family , but we certainly have n’t let that stop us from enjoying it to the fullest while we are here ! Before we were able to have an across-the-board garden , we stocked up on seasonal garden truck at local James Leonard Farmer markets topracticevarious food preservation technique . you could also get wind to tailor-make , guile , brew kombucha , ormake homemade sourdough – no matter your aliveness situation !

Size, Restrictions, & Layout

Now , mean about the property size . A modestly - sized holding will be more manageable in regards to maintenance , but may also limit the activities you’re able to do on it – such as what types of animals you’re able to lift . goat , cows , or slovenly person would not be well-chosen in our 1/5 Accho Ithiel Town muckle . Nor could we de jure keep them ! Be certain to acquaint yourself with yourtown regulationsregarding livestock , poultry , bee - guardianship , or even things like hold a farm stand orcollecting rainwaterif those are things you ’re concerned in doing .

Now , assuming you do have some property to lick with … it ’s time to make the most of it ! Before diving into any lasting projects , be sure to take time tosit back and celebrate first . For instance , you should evaluate an area ’s sun exposure and root of subtlety before instal a veg garden . Also keep in mind how the Lord’s Day ’s path will change with the seasons .

expend time wandering about in your quad . How do you want it to eventually look , sense , and function ? While nothing needs to be lay in Lucy Stone now , seek to dream up your optimum layout – which should beconvenient and operative .

A hand is holding a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat plaque in front of a view of the front yard garden. There isn’t a lot of open space with many plants for pollinators, raised beds for vegetables, shrubs, and trees spaced throughout the area.

A great example of a serious-minded and purposeful layout is throughpermaculture design , as shown below . You wo n’t want your farm animals right away next to the house . They may be stinky or noisy ! Yet you do n’t need them so far away that it becomes a trek to go chaffer and care for them , especially if you live in an surface area with cold wintertime . Something you will visit oft , such as a kitchen herb garden , would be idealistic just outside the front or back door . Keep your compost arena fairly accessible , but not outside your bedroom or kitchen window . I think you get the idea !

2) Make a List of Projects & Ideas

If you ’re daydream to start a homestead , two type of thoughts are likely going through your head . 1 ) You’refantasizingabout all of the wonderful , healthy , uber - rewarding things that this new lifestyle will bring you . And it will ! I promise . But 2 ) You are alsofrettingover all the acquisition , shaft , money , clock time , or other resource you may not have to make all of those dream come dead on target right now . Here is the deal : pretty much no one does . Not aright at first , and not all at once !

think that creating a homestead is a process , and this is just the start .

Before you read my example idea heel below , please know that it is NOT intend to add to the feeling of overwhelm ! Yet for me , it feels good ( great , actually ! ) to get all of the ideas drown around in my head OUT and down on paper . I find it well-situated to focus , and then narrow down or prioritise what is next , which is exactly what you ’ll have to do .

DeannaCat is cradling four chicks between two hands and hers torso. Two of the chicks are golden brown in color while the other two are black and white. Chickens can be an important step when deciding to start a homestead.

Example Homesteading Projects & Goals

SO many majuscule ideas , right ? !

While great to have pipe dream and goals , get ’s take a step back first .

3) Prioritize

Now take just one or two manageable projects at a time , and leave everything else on the list for a while . It is 100 % unrealistic ( and 7000 % stressful ) to try out and do everything at once , within a yr , or even within a couple of geezerhood ! That is , unless you are diving in to set out a homestead full - time with unlimited resources and help .

Where to begin ? Well , your priorities arepersonal . This journey to start a homestead is all about what you want to do , and when you want to do it . There are no rule !

Will this simply be ahobbyhomestead , or do you intend to make a living from your land ? That will obviously work how earnestly or chop-chop you approach projects , and which ones to focalize on first . For example , do you hope to trade eggs locally ? Then building a secure chicken coop and plant a plenty will be at the top of your list .

DeannaCat standing with a potted avocado tree in the Homestead and Chill gardens, about to plant the tree

sure homestead undertaking will dictate the order or timeline for others . For example , you should n’t set up a hive until you have a goodly pollinator garden , grove , or other nectar and pollen - producing works established first .

Circumstancewill also drive your precedency . Like : “ Oh shit , the irrigation line break ! I guess it is time to sweep up on our plumbing skills … ” Or that moment when your kitchen parry is overrun with homegrown tomatoes , but you ’ve never preserve tomatoes before . Evidently , the sentence to plunk in and learn is now !

My Recommendations

If I had to commend three homestead projects to focalize on first , they would be : create a small vegetable garden , industrial plant trees , and cerebrate about irrigation . Edible and/or decorative treesare a quintessential part of a productive homestead , but they can take a long time to rise ! The sooner youget trees planted , the preferably they ’ll fledged to offer intellectual nourishment , shade , and concealment . The trees and garden space will both need weewee , so establish a operable irrigation design is also key !

The next step I highly promote is tostart compost , even on a small scale leaf . The destination of starting a homestead is to be self - sufficient and sustainable , and compost pretty much screams both of those things . exit the grummet and up - cycle kitchen refuse or garden trimmings into free productive constituent fertiliser . Homemade compost ( aka “ black gold ” ) is invaluable and will significantly boost the fertility of your garden!Soil health is everything . Check out thisCompost 101article to learn about 6 unlike way you’re able to compost at dwelling , orlearn how to make and maintainsimple dirt ball compost bin here .

4) Never Stop Learning

Now that you have your priorities straight , it is clip todo a turn of researchon the task at bridge player !   in person , I experience that anything worth doing is worth doing right . I ’m not allege to overthink every tiny detail or gag over every little what - if ; there is definitely something to be tell about enjoying the operation of“learning by doing ” ! Yet it is a great melodic theme to become at leastsomewhat familiarwith the ideas that you ’d like to implement before plunk in .

Let ’s also be unclouded about this : mistake WILL be made ! It is normal and expected . Plus you ’ll learn and grow from them ! On the other hand , if you develop yourself on a attainment or task first , you may nip a few mistakes in the bud – and forbid potential wasted time , resource , and brokenheartedness .

Where to Learn How to Homestead

One of the most common questions I get asked is “ where did you study all this stuff ? ” The answer is : All over the place ! Wherever I can ! I ’ll admit that I gained a slight top dog take off in college by choosing to focus on environmental studies and sustainability , but SO much more of what I ’ve learned about homesteading come after that .

Pick up a few goodbookson topic of your interest , such as urban homesteading , gardening , raising chickens , bee guardianship , herbal music , or compost . insensate wintertime calendar month are an especially great clock time to read , souse in new knowledge , and plan . Check out some resource that helped us start a homestead below , and afull favored book of account lean here – include formula books and more !

Instagramis a great place to rule photos for intake , and also link up with other modern squatter to partake in experience and pick up . I truly love being a part of that community . ( Come happen me@deannacat3if you have n’t already ! ) Seek out other relevant internet site , forums , or simplyGooglequestions as they rise . Are you more of a optical somebody ? Me too . I ca n’t tell you how many how - toYouTubevideos we ’ve watched and develop acquisition from .

Two hands are cradling a mound of red wriggler composting worms. There is a plastic bin in the background and a tub full of hydrated coconut coir that will be used to start a worm composting bin.

Even better , get up close and personal ! see into local constitution that may offertours , workshops , or classes . For instance , our local Farm Supply Company routinely hosts free workshop on various incredibly utile issue . We have attended talks about how to plant and prune yield trees , the basics of go along Gallus gallus , safely canning food , and more . I know our localMaster Gardenerschapter does the same .

Last but not least , I’m here to helpthe sound I can ! Here are a handful of our foundation 101 articles that may be utilitarian as you start your homestead :

5) Start Small

As you may in all probability guess , maintaining a bustling , productive , full - mess up homesteadcan take up a mint of your time ! Truth be told , we do n’t have much of a societal sprightliness outside of our home and day jobs these days – but we ’re perfectly okay with that ! It is by pick , and we do n’t take in it as a ritual killing . But you need toask yourself : How much liberal time do you have , or are you willing to devote to your homestead , garden , or fauna ?

fourth dimension commitment aside , starting low will enable you to savour the procedure and give each task your full attention . Personally , I ’d much rather take my time on something and find like I “ nailed it ! ” than half - prat five things at once . Or even worse , start thing and never finish them at all .

For example , I recommended initiate a vegetable garden as an early homesteading priority . However , that does n’t mean I suggest work up and installing 15 raise beds all at once ! Start a smallmanageablegarden area , specially if gardening is raw to you – and leave elbow room to flesh out later . You ’ll continue to larn as you go , and also get a adept approximation of what you could realistically keep up with .

Aaron is inside the greenhouse while it is still under construction. There are tools laid here and there and there are at least two panels of the roof that still need to be installed. A greenhouse is a great use of space to start many plants by seed.

What if there is an emergence you did n’t foresee ? Such as a job with the soil you used to fill garden bottom , or gopher coming from below and eating your craw ? Or , if you change your head about the manner or method of a undertaking ? It is SO mucheasier to make adjustmentsor even completely re - do a smaller blank than if you went overboard in your initial pursuit .   See what I entail in the photos below .

The estimation of “ set out modest ” applies toall types of homesteading activitiesand labor .   Maybe study planting your first garden with nursery seedling rather than growing everything from seed , or at least a portion of it . Adopt andlearn how to raise a handful of chicks , rather than starting your first raft with 20 . Master the nontextual matter of one intellectual nourishment preservation skill before tackling them all .

6) Get Comfortable in the Kitchen

As your homestead ( and plants ! ) begin to grow , you ’ll need to be intimate your manner around the kitchen . gear up meal with fresh homegrown solid food is the bees knees , and one of the key components of homesteading!If you are n’t already a “ natural ” in the kitchen – do n’t worry ! compass in and have fun . While I totally embrace accompany formula at time , do n’t permit them cut back you either .

Improvise . experimentation . Work with what you ’ve get . Make a repast your own !

In gain to playing with all thatfreshhomegrown solid food , there are times that homestead outright requirement your metre in the kitchen – topreserve the supernumerary bounty!When your garden look like it is ready to break at the seam with veg , you ’ll want to happen ways to save it . If I had to estimate , I ’d say that we eat 65 - 70 % of our homegrown garden truck fresh , carry on 25 % , and the remaining 5 - 10 % is split between the Gallus gallus and compost pile – but nothing go to waste matter !

A three part image collage, the first image shows raised garden beds halfway through construction, there are two similar sized patches of dirt where the grass has been removed as a place for the garden beds. The second image shows the garden beds after four of six months of use and there are weeds growing up and around the garden beds amongst the vegetables, the third image shows Aaron removing the soil from the beds because they are infested with weeds and the space needs to be redone to do it correctly. This was a lesson learned through trial and error.

“ put up ” your bounty is an fantabulous means to reap your rewards into the winter , or bask something afterward when it ’s no longer in season . continue food also enables you to relish your homegrown treat in a unlike way , such as a flavoring or condiment , which keeps thing interesting and palatable !

There are many methods to preserve homegrown food , include : fermentation , dehydration , freeze , canning , vinegar pickling , or even extending shelf sprightliness via round-eyed cold-blooded storage . We rely on the first three heel the most .

Our Top Homestead Preservation Recipes:

7) Adding “Farm” Animals to Your Homestead

Not all homesteader raise fauna , but it is more common than not . Ducks , goat , cows , sheep , chickens , rabbit , pig , quail , llama … the list goes on . brute can servemany purposes – beyond being raised to eat !

We arevegetarian , so I wo n’t be able to instruct you much about call down animate being for meat . Our crybaby ’s testis leave us with a nourishing and organic seed of home - raised protein . However , we see our chickens as beloved pets and friends first and firstly . We ’d also screw to raise Capricorn for milk and cheeseflower one day , but only when we have enough time and space – which definitely is n’t now ! Other vegetarian homesteader keep rabbits as companions . Plus , bunny poo is a wondrously rich but soft natural fertilizer .

2023 Update : since move to our new larger place , we adopted 4 donkeys!Come converge our herd ofmini Equus asinus here , check fun fact , and why we choose them as theperfectaddition to our homestead .

A three part image collage, similar to the three just shown, however, this is showing how we corrected our initial mistake. The first image shows Aaron bending a the waist as the dirt and weeds from the final bed is taken out. In the foreground you can see that construction grade weed block fabric has been laid down and the other bed as been refilled with weed free soil. The second image shows the area halfway redone, The four garden beds are in place and the back half of the area is covered in gravel, the front half is still visible which shows the weed block fabric. The third image shows the area once it is completely finished. Raised beds full of vegetables, the surrounding area is landscaped with gravel and paver lined walkways. You must be prepared to correct a mistake when you decide to start a homestead.

More than a few things to consider with animals…

If you are interested in adding animals to your new homestead , I beg you to do your research first . Above and beyond any other homestead project , it is your province tothoroughly educate and prepare yourselfto care for your animals . check that you make love what you ’re get into , and that you may make the commitments require to provide them a safe and comfortable life . Each character of farm fauna has unique needs , but they also each have a mass in vulgar .

render safe , sporting , andpredator - proofhousing should be a top priority . This is truthful no matter if you ’re living in the country or an urban setting , and particularly important for small and vulnerable animals like chicken . I ca n’t tell you how many citizenry have get hold of me totally heartbroken and shocked after a “ predator incident ” with their chicken flock . The worst part is , 99 % of the cases were preventable with better predator - proofing .

Other things to consider are : the fauna ’s dietetic needs , daily or weekly care routines , wastefulness management ( read : ninny ) , local regularization , and ranging space required . Also , do you have a programme for when you go away onvacation ? Is there a local specialtyveterinarianto call on when they get grisly ? Are you comfortable jumping in to aid during emergencies ?

A four part image collage, the first image shows seven pint jars of roasted tomato sauce lined up and ready to freeze for preservation. The second image shows a hand holding a half pint mason jar full of freshly made pesto sauce while three full jars sit in the background. The third image shows a glass crock full of apple chunks, water, and sugar which is the start of making your own apple cider vinegar and the fourth image shows five pint jars of different seasonings, they are oregano, onion powder, lemon powder, chili powder, and garlic powder. There are two half gallon mason jars in the background full of dried chilis. Preserving your harvest is a key step to start a homestead.

I do n’t imply to dissuade you from bringing home some farm animals ! Just be ready , please .

8) Get Crafty & Thrifty

The journey to start a homestead may agitate you out of your comfort zone in many ways – which is one of the thing I love about it most ! Do n’t be afraid to get crafty , creative , and build things you never have before . DIY projects can help you economise money , add fictional character to your homestead , and are always an first-class learning experience – frustrations and all !

commit me , when we first started our homesteading journeying , I did not consider either of us ready to hand … at all . Sure , I always liked to sew or do crafts , but actuallybuildingthings ? Nada experience . We even undertake to build our very first raised garden bottom using a hammer and nails instead of screws and a drill . It was 1000 times more laborious and far less sturdy than our future garden beds . Lesson teach !

Saving Money on Homestead Projects

The toll of undertaking is often a big concern for young nester . Thinking outside the box can in spades make things more low-priced . Be an self-seeker . essay outused or dismiss materials , equipment , or tools online , on Craigslist , Nextdoor , at parsimony depot , or local yard sales . Many of our ceramic garden pots , harvest baskets , mason jars , and other kitchen goodies are thrifted .

Another awesome way to save up money ( and be sustainable ! ) as you start your homestead is toup - cyclethings you already have . Our chicken coop is made of about 70 % up - cycled wood that we found in the rafters of our garage when we moved in . It was the first “ structure ” I ever designed and build !

There is onecaveathere . Sometimes it is worth buying the “ ripe ” materials for the job rather than sacrifice durability or quality by using something gimcrack . For instance , it may be really cheap to build a raised garden bed with used fencing boards or pallets from Craigslist … but how long will it last ? Or , is that wood potentially insistency - treated and toxic ? Having to put back garden bottom in a few years ( as opposed to the decade - or - longer life of cedarwood or heart redwoodraised beds)may in reality cost you in the long run . Similarly , be smart and pick out when it is worth lease a professional declarer to help with high - risk jobs .

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9) Have Fun

Last but not least , my last piece of sage advice to instill in you is this : do n’t forget toenjoy the process . Isn’t the whole idea to start a homestead and leave some of the “ real sprightliness ” accent behind , slow down down , and stop to smell the rosebush ? ! recollect that Rome was n’t built in a daylight , and nor will your new homestead be .

When you see the timeline of how we transformed our home into a homestead below , you ’ll notice that we focused on just a couple projects per year . I personallylovedspacing it out . Not only was that the only naturalistic means for us to approach it , but it retain me activated and busy – for years!Taking your time means you always have something to expect frontward to and design . aboveboard ? It is far less exciting now that all of the big undertaking are mostly done .

While you ’re busy planning where the gardens , chicken , bees , and trees will go , do n’t forget tocreate space for yourselftoo ! Add places to relax around your homestead , such as outdoor benches , table , or a fire pit . Create interest and a touch of whimsy with garden artwork , carving , or other things that bring you joy . Make the space inviting after dark with the improver of solar lights . Take time out to chuck yourself on the back and admire your gruelling employment .

A wire basket is full of an assortment of fresh eggs. They range in color from light brown, to blue, to light green, to dark brown.

Our Journey to Start a Homestead

People are always quite singular about how we turned our very average , fairly barren .19 acre beach town mickle into a thriving mini - farm . The reply is : with hard oeuvre , patience , and passion !

To be honest , I do n’t intend we ever said “ let ’s commence a homestead ” . It plainly begin with two garden bed and a wimp hencoop , andnaturally uphold to grow and evolvefrom there . We fall in dear with the process of planning and working on outdoor projects together , and just keep run until we ran out of space and labor to do . We ’ve also put almost all of our energy into the exterior of our home rather than inside – which by all odds needs some major sexual love too !

How we prioritized & budgeted for projects

It became a act to take on two “ big projects ” per year , usually about 6 months apart . That is just what act upon well for us ! You might not be surprised to hear that my intellect never stops survive , and neither of us like to sit still much . Our mild clime also appropriate us to work outside twelvemonth - round . The majority of the workplace was done from 2014 to 2018 .

I ’m sure you may be wondering aboutbudgeting , so here is the scoop : First of all , we do n’t spend much money outside the home except for pecker and necessities . I am not a big shopper . We do n’t go out to eat , go to the movies or other spendy activities , and locomote very seldom . Additionally , we have done everything DIY – except for replacing the cap . commemorate , lie with when it ’s good to call in the pros !

Even so , we usually could not afford to write up several thousand dollars at once for a big garden project . But then we found out about theHome Depot consumer credit cardand its special furtherance . Not to boost anyone to go into debt ! But I want to be good , and it did avail us attain our goals .   When you spend a sure amount on the card at once ( usually $ 500 , 1000 , 2000 , etc ) you’re able to qualify for a corresponding sake - gratuitous period ( either 6 , 12 , 18 , or 24 calendar month , depending on how much was spend ) . Thenwe’d pay off that project within the interest - free clip frame BEFORE starting the next one . We knew we had the means and industry to do this .

DeannaCat is standing amongst a sea of green with trees and flowering perennial and annual plants surrounding her. She is clutching a wicker basket full of freshly harvested apples. In the foreground, there are three chickens pecking around on the stone lined “pollinator island”.

Our transformation & project timeline

Prior to 2013 , we lived in rental accommodation and only casually gardened with a couple raise beds and a fistful of bulge nursery seedling . We also learned some basic dehydrating and canning acquisition , read book , and dreamed of the future .

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

start this web log to share our experiences with you all !

2020

Began dream of our next property with more space .

Yup . Despite all of this oeuvre , we do desire to move on to start a fresh homestead one daytime in the next few age ! I envision space for a pollinator meadow , an plantation , bee hives , bunnies , a studio with space for year or workshops , and perhaps even a yurt for you all to do and inspect .

And that is how you start a homestead!

receive to the starting signal of your homestead animation ; one that will keep you officious , active , healthy , and both mentally and physically connected to your dwelling house . I hope our experiences and this clause were insightful , and provided you with both information and peace of judgement as you go forward to start a homestead of your own .

Please palpate free to take questions , partake your homesteading experience with us , andspread the loveby communion this article – or Pin it below ! I plan to write individual articles on each of the major projects we ’ve complete , so remain tuned .

Now it is time to go turn on some music , dance , sweat , laughter , shout , brainstorm , maybe even bleed a small , and enjoy your newfound hobby and making love . Do n’t forget to unwind in your blank space and keep the “ chill ” in Homestead and Chill .

DeannaCat is shown kneeling down taking a measurement of a partially made wooden raised garden bed. Constructing garden beds and structures may be a necessity when on decides to start a homestead.

A three part image collage, the first image shows the chicken coop n mid construction. There is a plywood floor with a plywood side and nest boxes hanging off of one end. There are 2x4’s running along each side in different directions for support of the structure. There are 4x4’s protruding out of the bottom of the coop which are the legs and feet of the coop. The second image shows DeannaCat on a small step ladder nailing roof shingles to the top of the chicken coop roof. The third image shows the coop and run once fully complete, there is hardware cloth predator proofing lining the run and underneath of the coop.

The coop and chicken run are shown once again after a few years of use and a new paint job on the coop. Both structures remain sound in their construction and have kept out all predators to date.

The backyard patio is shown during dusk. There are two beers on the patio table and the string lights that line the eaves of the house are lit. When one starts a homestead, it is a good idea to take time for yourself and relax on occasion.

DeannaCat and Aaron standing in their newly designed and constructed patio garden. DeannaCat is holding a grey chicken and Aaron is holding a glass of beer. Vegetable plants have been planted and can be seen in the new garden beds.

A three part image collage of the process of starting the original coop garden. The first image shows Aaron digging out a place for the garden beds in the ground. There is not coop or chickens yet. The second image shows the coop garden after the chicken coop and run have been built. The garden beds are shown full of soil but devoid of plants. There are two adirondack chairs nearby for relaxing and enjoying the space. The third image shows the same space after tomatoes have been planted out and have grown for multiple months. Aaron is inspecting one of the tomato plants which is almost as tall as him.

A three part image collage of the backyard patio. The first image shows the patio as it was taken while the house was listed for sale, there is a small patio table with chairs, some grass, and a sand pit of sorts. The second image shows the backyard patio garden after the garden beds and trellises have been installed surrounding the concrete patio. There are plants growing in every bed, a larger patio table on top of an outdoor rug, and a lit gas fireplace in the foreground. The third image shows the backyard patio after many of the plants have grown in, the main one being the passionfruit vine which has covered the metal arch over the gate to the backyard area. There are much more plants than before as the image is mostly green.

A three part image collage of the coop garden area during its second renovation. The first image shows coop garden after the original garden beds have been removed, a large swathe of area has been leveled and raked clear of debris. The second image shows the garden after the new garden beds have been constructed and installed. They four beds were positioned in a U-shape next to the side of the house, there are trellises on the beds and a small fence and gate on the front side of the beds to keep the chickens out. The beds are full of soil and ready for plants. The third image shows the same coop garden from the opposite direction, the beds are overflowing with flowers and kale, the sun is shining through the trees and there are four chickens pecking around the outside of the garden area.

An image of the front yard garden facing the house. There are raised garden beds full of vegetables, islands lined with river rock that contain flowering perennial and annual plants, cacti, shrubs, trees, and vines. The pathways are landscaped with gravel and walkways lined with pavers and stone.

A before and after two part image collage of the front yard garden. The first image shows grass in the front half of the yard while the back half has gravel hardscape with lined paver pathways. There are plants growing in the garden beds and around the perimeter of the yard. The trellises on the backside of the yard have vines growing up them yet they are still somewhat sparse in vegetation due to them being fairly new. There is also a white picket fence along the left side of the image. The second image is the same as before only taken a couple years later. The front half of the yard is now gravel hardscape with stone lined walkways, there are flowering perennial plants planted in the ground in river rock lined “islands”. All of the plants in the yard have continued to grow and are more lush and full of flowers than before. The left section of the yard has been redone by removing the white picket fence and angling a new fence further out to create more square footage of space. There is a new stone terraced corner that is planted out with perennials, annuals, and fruit trees.

Three part image collage of the backyard facing the coop garden. The first image shows the yard shortly after purchasing the home, there is a lot of grass and dirt and a few trees along the perimeter of the yard. The second image shows the same part of the yard after the chicken coop and coop garden had been built. there are five chickens picking around the dying grass in the foreground. In the distance the coop garden beds are visible as well as the chicken coop itself. The third image shows the same as before, yet the grass has been removed and a large stone lined island has been constructed. In the middle of the stone island there are many perennial and annual flowers growing while the chickens are outside of the area picking around at the ground. Some of the patio garden is visible as there is a vine growing along the trellis on the backside of the garden beds.

Three part image collage of the last front yard renovation project. The first image shows a large portion of asphalt and ice plant has been removed along with the white picket fence. The second image shows the newly constructed horizontal fence that has been constructed in its place, it is made of redwood boards and there are steps in the height of the fence, starting off at 6 feet tall while finishing close to 4 feet once you reach the gate to the front yard. The third image has been taken from the back corner of the front yards newly constructed stone terrace. There are perennial and annual plants planted in the three sections of terracing along with a fruit tree planted in each on as well. The terrace has bee mulched with bark as is the perimeter of the yard. Flowering plants, shrubs, vines, trees, cacti and vegetable plants are seen throughout the image.

An image of the front yard garden facing the house. It is dusk and the string lights on the porch are lit. There are raised garden beds full of vegetables, islands lined with river rock that contain flowering perennial and annual plants, cacti, shrubs, trees, and vines. The pathways are landscaped with gravel and walkways lined with pavers and stone.

DeannaCat signature, keep on growing