Homesteading at Home

So you like the idea of living in the country and growing your own food? Homesteading involves much more than just planting some seeds and picking the fruits of your labors. Here are some experiences from homesteaders, taken from homestead.org:

"A country home typically defines a house, a somewhat controlled area around the house, and a larger, more natural, maybe wild area expanding beyond--whether majestic mountains, undulating sands, shimmering waves of grasses, or the quiet, cool green of forest. It is often more, the sum of house, garden, and landscape plus the magical, mystical aura common to a natural place. The whole can only be improved by working with instead of against nature." Gene Gerue, "The Ideal Country Home"

" If you have never raised a pig before it is best to raise one or two for the freezer to get an idea of their behaviors, abilities, and personalities. Breeding can be tricky and handling boars can be dangerous. If and when you decide to buy a pig to raise, choose a gilt, or a barrow (a castrated male). Either will give you a good indication of what to expect and will get you started on possibly breeding in the future." C.J. Mouser, "Getting Started with Pigs"

"Chickens can offer good, home-grown food in a short amount of time.  Fresh eggs are much different than what is in the stores! For the creative...feathers can be used in many crafts as well. You have thought about it for some time. You think you have room. It's time to decide and take the plunge!" Jan Hoadley, "Selecting and Starting Chicks"

"Homesteaders must remember always that planting fruit trees is a very labor intensive effort. Fruit trees are even more time intensive.  Think about this:  Plant the wrong peas, and you've made a three month mistake.  You lose a planting season. Plant the wrong fruit trees, or plant them in the wrong place,  and it may be a ten year mistake, and you may never really get to make it right." Ed Mashburn, "Planning the Homestead Orchard"