A Homesteading beginning
3 min read
How to start is often a very first question to beginning any thing that is new to a person. So for my first article on APN, I am going to tell you about new beginnings.
Lately, folks are beginning to feel a pressure to prepare and start to put foods and survival type items aside. People have been canning and dehydrating and curing and storing in root cellars for a very long time. Possibly it was said to be a lost cause for a time, however, it is very strong now. Many people that have not been raised in the preservation ways are picking it up and turning to the net, books and people in their lives when they are fortunate to have them.
We that do these things are thrilled to be asked when someone wishes to learn these ways. While we are not experts, we do know what works and have studied at the knee of someone. The internet is a wealth of information, though not all of it accurate. So I believe in beginning to take up an interest, you should read or contact the company of the products to be used. Many of them have brochures, books and internet sites where you can find accurate information. Once you have mastered the approved things, then you can begin to branch out to other items. A clue though about some of those approved methods…… most of what you learn are of what has been tested. So branching out to unapproved things is a comfort thing for many. Those that do those unapproved things and have been successful over quite a few years may be the ones you need to listen to.
Another new beginning in the current world situation may be that you have been fortunate to move to a rural area. That is a big move for many, it will be a lot of work and you should have pen and pencil handy, or your favorite electronic note keeping item. Lists will be your best friend at the beginning of your new homestead. Please, have the rooms ready for each animal you plan on acquiring. It does no one any good to be thrust together, animal and human with no barn, or shed, or lean-to, coop, sty, or whatever. Your new animal friends, that I hope you realize are your edibles in the future, need to be kept safe from the predators of which there are many. Your animals will be a new beginning for those predators to hunt and take out. That could get real expensive. Housing for your animals is imperative.
If you have chosen a new homestead many many miles from civilization, you will need to learn how to support your new lifestyle. If you have at least one person able to stay on the property full time that will free up another to head into town for work. Keeping a job, or if your fortunate in this economy a new job much closer to your new home would be great.
If you are a family with children you may start with homeschooling. That as a new beginning will be very worthwhile. It is not hard, you can tailor it to fit your new lifestyle out in the country. There are many methods to homeschool, some have called it un-schooling. Learning is a big part of any kids life and you can be as creative as you like since you know your kids the best. Even if you do not home-school your children, the new beginning for the kids in a new school can be stressful or fun. I hope that it is fun for your children to enter a new school.
Well, for my first article here I think I have made a dent in the topic of homesteading. I look forward to any suggestions as to what information you are looking for. I may just have a good idea that could help you.
When my husband retired from the military we bought 16 acres in Tennessee. We actually had a house already on the property we purchased so we were ok there. Our mistake was trying to get to big to fast. You are so right about being read up and prepared for animals and the realities of getting up before dawn to feed and water before your 40 hour a week job in all weather (our 1st snow/ice storm was that year) Or having your fencing not up to snuff and having your cows eat your garden. Being prepared to spend the money required to feed these animals through a winter. Homesteading is a big step that should not be taken lightly. It is hard, steady work that never ends. But having said that it is very satisfying way to live. When you see the rows of home canned veggies or the deep freeze is full with all your produce and meat the feeling of accomplishment is awesome. I think the biggest advise I can give anyone wanting to homestead is DO NOT go in debt! Due to job requirements we had to sell the place and move to the city (with a load of debt) We have just bought 5 acres with the option to buy on 10 more. We will start building as soon as we can sell the current home. Good luck to you!