This was another session done by Jared and Annette Thurman. I absolutely loved getting to hear them speak! They have a welcoming presence and Jared loves to be goofy! I imagine they are so fun to be around!
A “planning phase” is an important part of homesteading. Whether you’re just starting or have been homesteading for years, it’s essential to have short and long-term plans! Planning ahead will save you the headache of having to work around already established plants, trees, fencing, buildings, etc.
But first, you have to know “why”. Why are you wanting to have a homestead lifestyle? Jared and Annette encouraged the audience to create their own mission statement for themselves/their homestead.
Jared mentioned that he spoke to someone at the homestead festival that does 650,000 dollars in revenue on ONE ACRE of land! You can homestead no matter how small your property, but plan, plan, plan!
Another helpful tip when starting out is to be patient and watch the land work naturally. Pay attention to what areas get the most sun, how rainwater flows on the land, etc. This will help you determine the best places to plant or build things!
Be patient in your homesteading adventures. You can’t do everything at once. Start small with your favorite vegetables, then work your way up to more variety. Knowing your “why” can help you be more patient.
Trial and error will also help you realize how patient you are. Not everything is going to be smooth 24/7. You’ll find yourself questioning your “why” when things go wrong.
Give things time. Things will go wrong, plants and animals will die, weather will ruin your plans, but if you can stick with homesteading for 3 years, chances are you’re in it for the long haul.
Find your community! Whether it’s other homesteaders near you or someone you meet on the internet, find others with similar interests. Having others that support you in your homestead process is essential, not only for your farm, but for you! Having someone you can call on for advice can make the homesteading process much less intimidating.
Roots of a Southern Kitchen 