11 Homestead Survival Tips When Getting Started In 2023
Are you thinking of homesteading in 2023? Whether you’re a young couple just starting or a seasoned pro, you can learn a few things.
In this post, we’ll share 11 homestead survival tips to help you transition as smoothly as possible. From choosing the right spot to build your home to living off your land, we’ll help you make the most out of your new chapter. Let’s get started!
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What Are the Best Homestead Survival Tips?
Preparing is vital when becoming a homesteader, especially during uncertain times – a short-term power outage or a natural disaster. Research, study, and gain the required knowledge to be confident in supporting your family. Create a plan of your big-picture vision of what should be on the empty land. Start with the basics.
1. Find Your Homestead Land
It would help to consider your needs, priorities, and comfort when looking for land to build your sustainable (potentially off-grid) homestead. Many people prefer to look for a location that isn’t too close to the city as they want their land to be their great escape from urban life. Some crown land areas may be suitable for hunting.
(In Canada, Crown Land is land that the provincial government owns. As a hunter, you must obtain permission or documentation before hunting on the crown land.)
As you explore different options for possible land ownership, you must consider any restrictions on the use of the property. Depending on where you live, you may encounter zoning regulations limiting your ability to build or subdivide on that land. So ensure that you have understood all the rules before purchasing the land.
2. Pile Up On Natural Resources
Another important consideration when looking for land is the proximity to natural resources such as water or forested areas. The dead wood nearby could easily be used to build houses, and barns, or turned into woodchips.
The forest ecosystem is also home and a source of nutrients for various plants and animals. Using techniques similar to those employed by ancestors in the past, modern foragers can find everything from berries to mushrooms in their local forests. Not only is this process a great way to connect with nature and find nourishment in the natural world, but it also helps promote healthy living by encouraging greater efforts towards physical activity and fine-tuning skills like tracking and hunting.
By respecting the forests and their resources where we find food, we can ensure that it provides us with all the nutrients we need to thrive. Furthermore, it will help protect the food source for future generations. Ultimately, through our efforts to preserve forests in all aspects of life, we can create an incredible farm in nature where we will find health, longevity, and abundance.
3. Water Witch Your Way To Natural Water Source
A natural water source signifies that you should consider that property your top choice. A well or spring-fed stream indicates that the land is fertile and well suited to growing plants and crops, but it also ensures that you will always have access to clear, potable water.
These water sources are pretty rare and expensive to develop, making them a valuable resource in today’s world of dwindling freshwater supplies. The property will provide for you well into the future, no matter the challenges.
4. Get Backup To Unreliable Power Grids
Depending on where you live, if the area has unreliable power, it can be frustrating, whether caused by a storm or accident. Power outages can significantly disrupt our daily lives, distracting us from important amenities like electricity and water. Many people invest in a backup generator to mitigate the risks of unreliable power. Although it is a temporary solution, a generator allows homeowners and business owners to function normally even when the grid is down.
Another solution for protecting against power outages is solar panels. These panels absorb energy from the sun throughout the day and store it for use during the night. Solar panels are often expensive upfront though they pay for themselves over time by saving on excessive energy bills from traditional utility companies.
5. Find A Backup Heat Source
A backup heat source is a must when living in a colder climate with longer winters and experiencing frequent power outages. A practical and affordable option for many homeowners is to install a wood-burning stove. As it relies on burning wood, it requires very little fuel to operate, especially when using the best burning wood to burn hotter and longer. So whether you are gathering or purchasing your firewood, choosing a wood-burning stove is a cost-effective option for keeping your home warm.
6. Get Your Water Filtration System
In today’s uncertain world, it is important to have access to reliable, safe, and clean water. Uncertain water supplies due to natural disasters or human-caused factors can put our health in a downward spiral. Luckily, we now have filtration technologies to help remove water contaminants, ensuring we always have access to the cleanest water. So whether you live in an area with a questionable water supply or want to stay cautious, having a water filtration system is an essential investment.
7. Build Your Greenhouse Paradise
A greenhouse is an excellent addition to any homestead, as it gives you the perfect space for starting your seedling early and extending your growing season into some of the colder months. The greenhouse provides a warm and humid environment ideal for plants to flourish. Seedlings require ample growth space, as they can easily be overcrowded and suffer.
There are many options for choosing a greenhouse, depending on your needs and budget. There are plenty to choose from, whether you are looking for a simple structure to place on the property or a more complex structure equipped with all the necessary features, such as heaters, irrigation systems, and automatic venting mechanisms. With all of these factors, you can have a greenhouse filled with an abundance of fresh produce ready.
8. Grow Microgreens & Sprouts
Microgreens and sprouts are excellent choices for growing nutrient-rich foods quickly and easily, and they typically can produce a much larger harvest in a much shorter timeframe.
While microgreens are young plants with fibrous leaves with delicate roots, sprouts are seedlings just beginning to emerge from the soil.
In addition, growing these nutrient bundles can be additional revenue for growers. Many local restaurants have started to incorporate them into their dishes. So here is another valuable asset, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned gardener.
9. Plant An Edible Landscape
Many people incorporate flowers, plants, and herbs into their gardens and transform them into a beautiful edible landscape. It’s a great way to add creativity to the scenery; start by choosing your plants and determining your garden size. Another option is a raised-bed garden, having them set in containers above ground level helps to prevent weed growth.
To achieve your ideal outdoor space that yields delicious vegetables, it will take time and effort to set up and maintain it over time.
10. Earn Through Grape Crushing
Here is another highly profitable endeavor on your homestead that may be labor-intensive. However, this may be for you if you have attention to detail.
Successful wine growers will need to focus on growing the best quality graphs and the market trends to identify which are popular and understand the intricate winemaking technique, as it requires attention to detail at each step of the process.
Ultimately, it will take skills and hard work though the potential for success is certainly there regardless of your stage.
11. Cider-Making Adventures
Cider making is a great way to generate profit as it has a high return on investment. It requires relatively simple ingredients to make and equipment to filter and store. The cider-making process is also pretty straightforward; you can experiment with different flavors and techniques to create a unique but delicious cider for your customers. Just like anything, it will take consistency along with trial and error.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Homestead Survival Tools To Have?
When homesteading, it is crucial to have suitable systems and tools to function efficiently. Some essential tools for cultivation and maintenance include a garden cart, a critter-proof fence, and an irrigation system.
Other useful homestead survival tools include hand tools such as rakes, shovels, and spades for weeding; other accessories for building materials; paints for weatherproofing structures; and sheds for storing all of your homesteading supplies neatly. Whether you are starting out or an experienced homesteader looking to optimize your space and resources, these homestead survival tools will help you thrive in any condition!
How Can Homestead Survival Help With Financial Challenges?
Homesteading is a way to help with financial challenges, as it allows you to embrace a minimalist lifestyle and cut back on your spending. Also, over time you will learn to become self-sufficient by growing your food and producing other goods like microgreens, livestock, and eggs.
Without financial worries, you would be able to focus on more important things like building community and strengthening your relationships. Additionally, with the skills and knowledge you gain, you generate additional income through selling produce or other products. It’s the best of both worlds and an ideal strategy for overcoming financial struggles and achieving success in the long term.
In Conclusion
This homestead survival tip is a guide to start living more naturally and eventually becoming self-sufficient. Although it takes time and some upfront costs, it’s a well-worth experience you don’t want to miss out on. Follow along with our blog for more sustainable living; it becomes a rewarding path when done with others.
