Everyone dreams of a thriving homestead—a place where fresh food is just steps away and animals live in harmony with the land. Permaculture offers a way to design that dream and help it grow over time. In this podcast episode guest Takota Coen—who has spent years learning, experimenting, and helping others—gives us advice on things to consider to design and implement permaculture into your homestead.
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Understanding the Big Picture
A key idea in permaculture is that everything on a homestead connects. Chickens help fertilize gardens; ponds support plants and animals; and compost turns kitchen scraps into rich soil. Instead of seeing each task as separate, a permaculture mindset looks at how each part helps the others. This can save energy, money, and time.
But before diving in, it helps to have a plan. Takota often says that slow and steady progress beats rushing into big changes. Careful thinking before digging into the dirt can prevent headaches down the road.
Step 1: Clarify Your Vision, Values, and Resources
Every great project starts with a clear goal. Some folks hope to grow most of their own food, while others want to raise animals or even run a small farm business.
- Vision: Picture your ideal homestead. Do you see animals roaming on pasture? A big veggie garden? Large orchards or small berry patches?
- Values: What’s most important? Is it family time, healthy food, profit, or community?
- Resources: Think about time, money, tools, and skills. Anyone can learn by doing, but it helps to know your starting point—especially if you need big equipment or extra help.
This step guides every other choice. When a property or plan doesn’t match the vision, it might be wiser to change direction or redesign early on.
Step 2: Assess the Land
After deciding on goals, take a close look at the land. What’s the local climate like? Where does water gather during storms? Is the soil sandy, clay, or a mixture? Are there slopes, valleys, or open fields?
Some properties may be too steep, too wet, or lacking in water for certain homestead dreams. If the land just can’t support your main goals, a different approach—or even a different property—might save time and money.
Step 3: Design with Nature
With your vision in mind and an honest look at the land, it’s time to design.
- Map Out Zones: In permaculture, “zones” refer to how often you visit certain areas. A kitchen garden might be close to the house (Zone 1) because it needs daily care. Animals that require less attention, like cattle in a pasture, might stay farther away (Zones 2 or 3).
- Capture Water: Whether it’s a pond, rain barrels, or drainage ditches, plan for water early. Watering trees or crops becomes easier when water naturally flows where it’s needed.
- Combine Elements: Chickens, for example, can help fertilize fruit trees when allowed to range underneath. A small orchard can grow better if animals clean up fallen fruit and add manure to the soil.
Thinking ahead cuts back on work. Once these systems are set, they require less effort.
Step 4: Start Small and Improve Over Time
It’s tempting to plant a full orchard or buy all the animals right away. Yet many people find themselves overwhelmed. Instead, focus on one new project each season:
- Year One: Try a variety of crops in a test garden to see what grows best. If you want animals, maybe begin with chickens or rabbits instead of a milk cow.
- Year Two: Build on what worked. Expand the garden or upgrade to bigger livestock if the land and fences are ready.
- Year Three and Beyond: Keep going step by step. Add fruit trees only after you’ve improved the soil and planned for proper watering.
Small trials allow for mistakes without huge losses. Lessons learned make future work easier and more fun.
Step 5: Observe, Adapt, and Keep Things Fun
Permaculture is a loop, not a straight line. Once the homestead is set up, keep an eye on everything:
- Health of Animals: Are they stressed or thriving? If livestock seem unhappy—like cows getting sick in a certain pasture—there might be a design fix (like better fencing or water access).
- Garden Growth: If certain vegetables do poorly, consider adding mulch or different cover crops.
- Personal Well-Being: A homestead should bring joy, not endless drudgery. If a chore feels impossible and never-ending, that may signal a design flaw.
When problems show up, they’re often clues that lead to a better solution. Moving a fence or rotating animals can solve stress issues while also improving soil or pasture.
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Building a Community (People Care)
A strong homestead doesn’t stand alone. Neighbors, friends, and local farmers might share equipment, trade seeds, or lend a helping hand. Good design also welcomes visitors, making it a place where people learn and share ideas.
Permaculture, at its heart, includes caring for the earth, caring for people, and thinking about the future. Working together builds healthier soil, stronger animals, and happier families.
Final Thoughts
Designing and growing a homestead in a permaculture style takes planning, observation, and time. Mistakes happen—but each mistake teaches a new lesson. Focusing on good design and steady progress keeps a homestead thriving and enjoyable.
With a clear vision, simple steps, and a spirit of curiosity, anyone can build a place that feels alive, productive, and truly regenerative. The journey will be full of surprises, but it leads to a homestead that cares for the land, supports healthy families, and offers endless rewards for years to come.
Links Mentioned
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 235 – February 21, 2024 – https://redemptionpermaculture.com/creating-systems-for-a-gardening-and-homestead-revolution-guest-takota-coen/
