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On this podcast episode, Harold and Rachel discuss how and when to add or sometimes remove something from your homestead. Making the right choices for your homestead and balancing wants, needs, and timing in the pursuit of your homesteading goals.

The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 262 – November 10, 2024

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Starting and building a homestead is an exciting journey that can bring a sense of self-sufficiency, a connection to nature, and a more intentional lifestyle. However, knowing what to add to your homestead—and when—is one of the biggest challenges. Here are some key factors to consider.

Why Setting Goals Matters

Before adding anything to a homestead, it’s important to know the ultimate goals for the property. Some may want to focus on growing fresh food, while others may be more interested in raising animals or creating a peaceful retreat. When goals are clear, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with the bigger picture.

Tips for Setting Homestead Goals:

• Think long-term (five to ten years).
• Write down goals for each year to help stay on track.
• Make sure everyone involved—family members or partners—shares in these goals.

Understand Wants vs. Needs

It’s tempting to want every type of animal, tool, or plant you come across. But understanding the difference between a “want” and a “need” can save time, money, and even stress. A “need” supports homestead goals directly, while a “want” is often something that looks fun but may not fit into the current plans.

Example of Wants vs. Needs:

• Want: Bees for honey.
• Need: Reliable honey source. If you have a local honey provider, adding bees may not be necessary just yet. Instead, store honey to meet current needs until beekeeping makes sense.

Time Commitments Are Real

Adding anything to a homestead requires time. Some things, like starting a new garden bed or adding animals, can be particularly time-consuming. It’s crucial to be realistic about the time available. Be aware that every addition will need regular care, and new projects often take more time than expected.

Evaluate the Time Impact:

• Do you have daily or weekly time to care for this addition?
• Could family or friends help?
• Consider seasonal demands; growing a large garden, for example, means a busy harvest season that can easily take over all free time.

Do the Research

Jumping into something new without understanding what’s involved is easy to do, but research can prevent overwhelm. Whether it’s raising chickens or planting a particular crop, it’s wise to research care requirements, costs, and any special needs.

How to Research Before Adding Something:

• Watch videos or read books.
• Talk to others who have experience.
• Join local groups or clubs (like beekeeping clubs) to gain hands-on knowledge.

Factor in Costs

Adding anything new often has upfront and ongoing costs. While some items, like tools, may have a single price, others, like animals, require regular purchases (feed, vet care, fencing). Even something like expanding a garden can have hidden costs, such as soil amendments or water needs.

Budgeting Tips for the Homestead:

• Think beyond the initial purchase: Consider all ongoing expenses.
• Only buy what’s truly necessary for now.
• Avoid debt for additions unless there’s a guaranteed way it will pay back.

Making Adjustments Over Time

Every homesteader will experience times when they need to add or remove things to make the homestead manageable. Sometimes, cutting back temporarily can be the best decision to avoid burnout. Remember, just because you start with certain projects doesn’t mean you need to stick with them forever.

Examples of Adjustments:

• Animals: If daily care is too much, consider reducing the number of animals or going without for a season.
• Garden: A large garden can be scaled back to avoid an overwhelming harvest season.

Think About Function Stacking

In homesteading, “function stacking” means that everything added should ideally serve multiple purposes. This approach allows a homesteader to get the most out of their investments, whether in time, space, or money. For example, chickens provide eggs, help control pests, and fertilize the soil.

Balancing Homestead Growth with Simple Living

One of the goals for many homesteaders is to enjoy a simple and relaxed life connected to the land. Yet, it’s easy to get caught up in endless projects, which can lead to feeling stressed. It’s helpful to remember that slow, steady growth is often better than adding everything at once.

A Few Final Thoughts

Homesteading is a long journey, not a quick race. While it’s tempting to add everything at once, taking time to plan, budget, and adjust keeps the experience positive. By balancing wants and needs, homesteaders can build a homestead that grows with them instead of overwhelming them.

The most successful homesteaders are often the ones who learn to pace themselves, stay realistic, and keep the bigger picture in mind.

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