Start Your Own Homestead
First 10 Steps on Any Size Property
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Ali's Organic Garden & Homestead Presents
Start Your Own Homestead
First 10 Steps on Any Size Property
Tiny Farm, Big Dreams – A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to
Homesteading
📖 INTRODUCTION
Starting a homestead can feel overwhelming—especially when you have limited
space, a small budget, or no idea where to begin. But here's the truth: you can start
right where you are. Whether you’ve got half an acre, a suburban backyard, or just
a dream, this guide will walk you through your first steps toward growing food,
raising animals, and living more self-sufficiently.
Inspired by our 1/2-acre homestead where we grow 80% of our own food.
✅ Step 1: Define Your Homestead Goals
What matters most to you? (Ex: fresh food, animal products, preparedness,
sustainability)
Consider:
How much time you have weekly
What your climate supports
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Your family’s needs and interests
Tip: Keep your “why” visible—it helps when things feel hard.
🏡 Step 2: Assess Your Land (or Space)
Sunlight patterns
Water access and drainage
Zoning or HOA rules
Fencing and wind protection
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Wildlife or pest issues
Even renters can begin with containers or a portable chicken tractor!
🛠 Step 3: Start with What You Have
Don’t wait for perfect tools or land. Use:
Buckets for container gardening
Pallets for raised beds
Salvaged fencing for animals
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Craigslist or FB Marketplace for supplies
Budget Tip: You don’t need $1,000 to start—you need creativity
🥕 Step 4: Grow Something Right Away
Easy starter crops (based on season):
Leafy greens, radishes, herbs, bush beans
Use raised beds, grow bags, or direct sow in the ground
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Build 1–2 beds at a time
Ali’s Tip: Start with just a 4x8 bed—you’ll learn fast without overwhelm.
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. Step 5: Add Animals When You’re Ready
Chickens are the #1 starter animal for eggs, compost, and entertainment
Other good starters:
Ducks (pest control + eggs)
Rabbits (meat or manure)
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Goats (later: milk, brush clearing)
Build simple shelters using repurposed wood or pallets!
💦 Step 6: Water is Everything
Install rain barrels or IBC totes
Use drip systems or soaker hoses for gardens
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Keep animal water sources clean and close to shelter
Money Saver: Drip irrigation saves water and time.
🍑 Step 7: Plant a Fruit Tree or Two
Start small with 1–3 trees
Choose low-maintenance varieties that grow well in your zone
Consider semi-dwarfs for size and ease of care
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Mulch deeply, water consistently the first year
Fruit trees are long-term investments that reward for decades.
🧰 Step 8: Build Infrastructure Slowly
Fence one area at a time
Use what you’ve got—T-posts, welded wire, scrap lumber
Prioritize:
Compost bin
Tool shed or storage
Garden trellises or vertical growing systems
🗓 Step 9: Create a Seasonal Plan
Spring: Prep beds, start seeds, plant fruit trees
Summer: Tend garden, harvest, preserve food
Fall: Expand beds, mulch, plant garlic
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Winter: Reflect, plan, learn new skills
Use a simple calendar to rotate garden tasks and goals.
📉 Step 10: Reduce Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Start seeds instead of buying transplants
Barter with neighbors (ex: eggs for compost!)
Buy in bulk when possible (like feed or amendments)
Use free platforms for learning: YouTube, Extension services, library
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books
Homesteading is a slow build—pace yourself.
🎁 BONUS: My First-Year Homestead Worksheet. (Use this as a
printable or pin-up reference)
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Ali s Favorite Homesteading Tools & Products
Here are the products I personally use and recommend on my
homestead . These tools and supplies have been game-changers for me,
making everyday tasks easier, more efficient , and more enjoyable. From
gardening tools to animal care essentials, I’ve carefully selected items
that help me maintain a thriving, sustainable homestead. I hope they
work as well for you as they do for me!
Tomato Saucer : https://s.vevor.com/bfRc6r
z
Free e Dryer : https://affiliates.harvestright.com/3018.html
High Tunnel : https://s.vevor.com/bfQGlt
Vacuum Sealer : https://s.vevor.com/bfRQJo
Chicken Plucker: https://s.vevor.com/bfRQJu
Vego Raised B
ed: https://glnk.io/vzw5/7ah
Hoof B
oss: https://amzn.to/43tDMgI
London Sunshine Dehydrator: https://www.londonsunshine.com/products/food-
dehydrator-6-tray?ref=todrqlvs
Coupon Code 10% off
Ali2024
Cream Separator: https://s.vevor.com/bfRmao
Fisrst Steps to Starting
Your Homestead
Define Your Goals
Assess Your Land (or Space)
Start with What You Have
Grow Something Right Away
Water is Everything
Add Animals When Your Ready
Plant a Fruit tree or Two
Build Infrastructure Slowly
Create a Seasonal Plan
Reduce Cost Without Sacrificing
Quality
Enjoy the Process!
