One of the most frequent questions I get is "Where do I even start?" Well, that's a deep subject! While that answer is dependent on many variables and will vary from person to person, I do have a few tips to offer.
1. Start small but just get started.
Skills are learned through mistakes, so don't be discouraged at the prospect of your garden failing, your bread not rising, or your chickens not laying. A lot of times the idea of failure keeps people from jumping in and trying something new, so find something small. Start with growing a tray of broccoli sprouts in a windowsill, getting a few laying hens, or taking a class on canning. My only caution, is to start small, but leave room to grow. My first coop here was for 12 chickens. Before I knew it, I needed space for 30. And now I'm up to 50 something... so think about your end goal, and then be sure to add a little extra. As far as keeping livestock, chickens are the easiest to start with. Getting hens already feathered out and laying or close to laying age (20 weeks) is even easier. I know, the little chicks are so cute! But skipping the younger stage takes most of the work (and risk) out of chicken keeping if you're looking to really start simply.
2. Think outside the box.
Live in an HOA and can't have chickens? I know a group of folks that started a chicken co-op. An elderly gentleman outside of the neighborhood but just down the road had an old chicken coop not in use. They worked out a deal with him to keep a flock there and trade out chicken keeping duties among neighbors. When there's a will, there's a way!
Don't have space for a garden? Grow in pots on your patio - sweet potatoes, tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and cabbage are just a few patio-friendly edibles. Or find someone with a garden and offer to come help pull weeds. Chances are, you will leave with a few garden goodies if you're lucky!
My first hen palace on wheels that we quickly outgrew.
3. Learn from others.
There are so many internet resources out there, it's hard to know what direction to take. Here are a few of my go-to resources for homesteading:
Thriftyhomesteader.com has lots of information on homesteading topics, particularly extensive resources on goat keeping.
Gardening books: How to Grow More vegetable (John Jeavons) and The Vegetable Gardener's Bible (Edward C. Smith)
melissaknorris.com is a 5th generation homesteader with various podcasts and videos on canning and gardening. There is also a free work sheet on growing enough food for your family for a year.
fiascofarm.com is a superb free resource on goats.
weedemandreap.com is another good homesteading resource with info on keeping goats, chickens and gardening.
Your local Agriculture Extension usually has useful calendars with appropriate planting dates for your specific zone. For those that are local to me (North Carolina), this is the one that I use: Central North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu) OR the orange boxes on this one (which just looks prettier but is the same) NC-Vegetable-Planting-Guide.pdf (ncsu.edu)
You will learn best by doing, so jump in and get your hands dirty. Figure it out as you go, and remember that not everyone's advice will work for you. There's a million ways to do it, find what works best for you.
I hope this gives you a good starting off point...happy homesteading!
~Leah
Meet Melanie, my baby watermelon.
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