On today’s podcast episode, I’m joined by Jill May to share her homesteading journey. She and her family are homesteaders on a couple of acres in Ohio with a passion for the homesteading lifestyle.
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Starting Your Homestead Journey
Homesteading can seem like a big step, but as Jill May shared in this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, it’s more about taking small steps that lead to self-sufficiency and fulfillment.
Whether you’ve got two acres or just a small backyard, there are ways to start growing your own food, raising animals, and living a more sustainable lifestyle. Let’s dive into Jill’s homesteading story and pick up some tips that can help anyone get started!
Inspired by Family Traditions
For Jill, her homesteading journey started with her grandparents. Like many of us, she spent time with them snapping beans on the porch or watching them tend their garden. When she and her family bought their current property, they decided to expand on those childhood memories, taking on new challenges and enjoying the benefits of a homestead lifestyle.
The lesson here? You don’t have to start from scratch. Many of us have fond memories of gardening, cooking, or spending time outdoors with loved ones. Tap into that knowledge and those experiences to inspire your homesteading goals.
The Big Garden: Getting Started with Growing Food
One of the first things Jill and her family did was start a large garden—110 by 35 feet! While this may sound intimidating, Jill’s story reminds us that gardening can begin small. Whether you’ve got a large plot or just a few pots on your porch, growing your own food is a huge part of homesteading.
She started with easy crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Eventually, Jill got into canning and preserving, which is a great way to make sure all that hard-earned food doesn’t go to waste.
For beginners, she recommends starting with water bath canning for things like pickles and salsa. Once you’re comfortable, try pressure canning for veggies like beans and corn.
Expanding Beyond the Garden: Chickens and More
After a few years, Jill and her family decided to add chickens to their homestead. Chickens are a great way to start with animals because they’re relatively easy to care for, and they provide fresh eggs.
Jill shared how her husband’s coworkers are often eager to buy their eggs, and while they don’t have many leftover, the chickens are a great addition to the homestead.
Jill’s family now has 14 chickens, and while they’re currently “on strike” in the winter, she’s learned a lot about managing a flock. Her advice? Let your chickens take a break in the colder months instead of using supplemental light, allowing them to rest naturally.
Dreaming Big: Future Homestead Plans
Like many homesteaders, Jill’s journey is ongoing. She and her family are already planning to expand by adding bees to help pollinate their garden and orchard, which includes apple, pear, and cherry trees. Jill is also considering raising miniature Hereford cows, although that will require some rearranging of their property.
How to Start Your Own Homestead
If Jill’s story has inspired you, here are a few tips to get started:
- Start Small with Gardening
Even if you only have a small yard or balcony, you can grow tomatoes, herbs, or even salad greens in pots. Start with easy crops and learn as you go. If you have more space, consider expanding with things like squash, potatoes, or corn. Start Your First Vegetable Garden - Try Canning and Preserving
Once you start harvesting your garden, you’ll want to preserve your bounty. Water bath canning is a great place to start, especially with things like jams, pickles, and tomatoes. - Consider Adding Chickens
Chickens are a fun way to expand your homestead. They provide eggs and help with garden pest control. If you have enough space, even a few hens can make a big difference. - Plan for the Future
Think about what you might want to add to your homestead next. Bees, more fruit trees, or even small livestock are all possibilities. But remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Focus on one project at a time and learn as you go. - Join a Community
Whether it’s a local group or an online space like the Homestead Front Porch Facebook group, connecting with other homesteaders can provide inspiration, advice, and support. Jill found encouragement and knowledge from the community, and so can you!
Conclusion: The Joy of Homesteading
Homesteading is a journey, not a destination. As Jill’s story shows, it’s about learning, experimenting, and growing—both literally and figuratively!
Starting with small steps like gardening and canning can lead to a more self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle. And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. What matters is that you’re trying, learning, and finding joy in the process. Happy homesteading!
