So, you’ve been thinking about building a survival homestead. Maybe you’re tired of depending on grocery stores or dreaming of a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Or perhaps, like many, you’ve noticed the world’s unpredictability—natural disasters, pandemics, or economic uncertainties—and it’s made you wonder, “What if I could provide for myself?”
Well, you’re not alone. More people are taking the leap into survival homesteading, and it’s not just about “prepping” for the apocalypse. It’s about living sustainably, building a community, and creating a life that’s in harmony with nature. Whether you’re a city-dweller ready for a rural escape or already living on some land and wanting to make it more productive, this guide will walk you through the essentials of planning, operating, and thriving on a survival homestead.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Why Build a Survival Homestead?
Before we get into the nuts and bolts, it’s important to understand why people are drawn to this lifestyle. Sure, a survival homestead offers practical benefits like food security and independence, but it goes much deeper than that. It’s about reconnecting with the land, living in a way that aligns with your values, and preparing for whatever the future holds.
Here are some key reasons why a survival homestead could be the right choice for you:
1. Self-Sufficiency
Imagine walking out into your backyard, plucking a ripe tomato, collecting eggs from your chickens, and heading inside to prepare dinner—all without a trip to the grocery store. Homesteading allows you to produce much of what you need, reducing your reliance on external systems.
2. Resilience
Power outages, a food shortage, a sudden job loss, or something worse, a survival homestead equips you to handle life’s curveballs.
3. Sustainability
In an era where we’re bombarded by environmental concerns, a homestead offers a way to live more sustainably. You can reduce your footprint, recycle resources, and build a life that’s in sync with natural rhythms.
4. Healthier Lifestyle
You know what they say—food is medicine. Growing your own produce and raising animals humanely ensures that you’re eating healthier, more nutritious food. Plus, the physical activity involved in homesteading keeps you fit!
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
― Hippocrates
5. Connection with Nature
There’s something deeply satisfying about working with the land. Homesteading connects you to the seasons, the soil, and the rhythms of nature in a way that modern life rarely allows.
6. Skill Building
From growing food to preserving it, to fixing things when they break, homesteading teaches you a ton of practical skills. These aren’t just good for survival—they’re incredibly empowering.
7. Financial Independence
A well-planned homestead can drastically reduce your living expenses. Instead of spending money on food, energy, and even entertainment, you create your own wealth through the land. Over time, this can help you achieve financial freedom.
Planning Your Survival Homestead: 50 Key Areas to Focus On
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Building a survival homestead isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, effort, and, most importantly, planning. Below, I’ll walk you through 50 key areas to focus on when setting up your homestead. Don’t worry, you don’t have to tackle them all at once, but it’s a great roadmap to keep in mind as you start your journey.
1. Land Selection
Everything starts with the right piece of land. Whether you’re buying property or working with land you already own, the location and quality of your land will dictate a lot of your success. Look for land with good soil, access to water (like a stream, well, or rain catchment potential), and enough space for gardening, livestock, and possibly renewable energy systems like solar panels.
2. Water Supply
Water is life, especially on a homestead. You’ll need a reliable water source for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation. Wells, springs, rainwater harvesting systems, or even ponds can provide what you need. In a pinch, having multiple sources of water will ensure you’re never left high and dry.
3. Water Storage
Having a water supply is great, but what happens in a drought? Or if your well pump fails? Water storage systems like large cisterns, barrels, and tanks will help you collect and save water for when you need it most.
4. Water Filtration
Water from natural sources isn’t always safe to drink. A good filtration system is crucial. Whether you use a simple sand filter or a high-tech UV treatment system, make sure your drinking water is clean and safe.
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5. Water Irrigation
If you’re growing food, you’ll need a way to get water to your crops. Drip irrigation is a great option because it conserves water while keeping your plants hydrated. Plus, it’s relatively easy to set up.
6. Soil Health
Without healthy soil, your garden won’t thrive. Focus on building your soil through organic methods like composting, cover cropping, and mulching. Over time, you’ll create rich, fertile soil that produces abundant food.
7. Composting
Speaking of composting, this is an essential practice on any homestead. Composting turns your food scraps, yard waste, and animal manure into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden. It’s a natural way to recycle waste and build soil health.
8. Permaculture Design
Permaculture is a system of designing your land and homestead to work with nature rather than against it. By mimicking natural ecosystems, you can create a self-sustaining environment that requires less input from you over time. Think food forests, swales for water retention, and companion planting.
9. Crop Selection
Not all crops are created equal when it comes to survival homesteading. Focus on growing nutrient-dense, high-yield plants that store well. Root vegetables (like potatoes and carrots), beans, grains, and hardy greens are excellent choices.
10. Crop Rotation
Keeping your soil healthy and avoiding pest buildup is easier when you practice crop rotation. Each year, move crops to different areas of the garden to reduce disease and maintain soil fertility.
11. Raised Beds
Raised garden beds can improve drainage, prevent soil compaction, and make gardening easier on your back. Plus, you can fill them with rich, composted soil to give your plants the best start.
12. Food Preservation
Food preservation is a critical skill for any homesteader. Whether you’re canning, fermenting, dehydrating, or freezing, preserving the harvest will allow you to enjoy your food year-round, even in the off-season.
13. Root Cellar
A root cellar is a traditional way to store fruits, vegetables, and canned goods long-term. It stays cool in the summer and prevents freezing in the winter, keeping your produce fresh for months.
14. Animal Husbandry
Animals are an integral part of many homesteads, providing eggs, meat, milk, and even fertilizer. Chickens, goats, rabbits, and bees are popular choices for smaller homesteads, while larger properties might support cows, pigs, or sheep.
15. Animal Housing
Just like people, animals need a safe, comfortable place to live. Whether it’s a chicken coop, goat barn, or beehive, build housing that protects your animals from predators and the elements.
16. Fencing
Fencing serves multiple purposes on a homestead—keeping predators out, keeping livestock in, and protecting your garden from critters. Make sure your fencing is sturdy and appropriate for the animals or crops you’re trying to protect.
17. Seed Saving
Buying seeds every year can be costly. Plus, there’s no guarantee that store-bought seeds will be available in times of crisis. Learning to save seeds from your own crops ensures that you’ll have a steady supply of seeds for future plantings.
- Seed, Propagation, Vegetables, How To GARDEN
- Ashworth, Suzanne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
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18. Perennial Plants
Unlike annual crops that need to be replanted every year, perennial plants come back on their own. Fruit trees, berry bushes, and nut trees are excellent perennials that provide food with minimal effort year after year.
19. Medicinal Plants
In addition to food, it’s smart to grow plants that can be used for medicine. Herbs like echinacea, peppermint, and chamomile have been used for centuries to treat common ailments. With a little knowledge, you can create a natural pharmacy in your garden.
20. Greenhouse
A greenhouse allows you to extend your growing season by protecting plants from frost and cold weather. You can start seeds earlier in the spring and grow tender crops (like tomatoes and peppers) for longer. Check out this article on how to build an inexpensive cattle panel greenhouse.
21. Pollinators
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are crucial for a productive garden. Planting flowers that attract pollinators ensures that your crops are fertilized and produce well. It’s also a good idea to consider beekeeping if you have the space.
22. Orchard Management
If you plant fruit trees or an orchard, you’ll need to manage them for the long term. This means pruning, pest control, and harvesting—skills that take time to master but are incredibly rewarding.
23. Composting Toilet
A composting toilet can be a sustainable alternative to traditional plumbing, especially if you’re off-grid. It turns human waste into compost while conserving water—perfect for a survival homestead.
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24. Solar Energy
Electricity can be a tricky thing on a homestead, especially if you’re off the grid. Solar panels are a great way to generate renewable energy. They work well in most climates and can drastically reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
25. Wind Energy
Depending on your location, wind energy might be a viable option for your homestead. A small wind turbine can generate electricity, especially if you live in an area with consistent winds.
26. Wood Stove
A wood stove is a lifesaver in cold climates. It provides heat and can also be used for cooking. Plus, if you manage your woodlot sustainably, you’ll have a free, renewable energy source for years to come.
27. Firewood
Speaking of wood, make sure you have a plan for harvesting and storing firewood. It’s a great idea to have at least a year’s worth of firewood stacked and ready for winter.
28. Greywater System
A greywater system recycles water from sinks, showers, and washing machines for irrigation. It’s a smart way to make your water supply go further, especially if you’re in an area prone to drought.
29. Food Forest
A food forest is a permaculture concept that mimics a natural forest but is planted with food-producing trees, shrubs, and plants. It requires little maintenance once established and provides food, habitat for wildlife, and pollinator support.
30. Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing can supplement your homestead’s food supply, especially during lean times. If you have access to forests or lakes, consider learning these skills to provide additional protein sources.
31. Trapping
In addition to hunting and fishing, trapping small game like rabbits, squirrels, or other local animals can provide an additional source of food. Learn safe and humane trapping techniques to add this skill to your homestead repertoire.
32. Security
Whether you’re protecting your crops from pests or ensuring the safety of your family, security is important on a homestead. This could mean installing fencing, lighting, surveillance, or even learning self-defense skills.
33. First Aid and Medical Supplies
Accidents happen, especially on a homestead where you’re working with tools, animals, and unpredictable elements. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit, and learn basic medical skills to deal with emergencies until professional help is available.
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34. Tool Maintenance
Your tools are your lifeline on a homestead. From gardening tools to power equipment, keeping them well-maintained will save you time, money, and frustration. Make sure you have backup tools for the most important tasks.
35. Bartering and Trade
No homestead is an island. Developing relationships with neighbors and local farmers can be beneficial for bartering goods and services. You might trade surplus eggs for firewood or honey for a favor. A strong community network can be one of your greatest assets.
36. Building Shelter
Your shelter is one of the most important elements of a survival homestead. Whether you’re building a house, a barn, or an off-grid cabin, focus on durability and energy efficiency. Natural building techniques like cob, straw bale, or earth-sheltered homes can offer low-cost, sustainable options.
37. Back Up Generator
Even if you’re not ready to go fully off-grid, having a backup power system is crucial. Even a small generator can provide the electricity you need to keep essential systems running when the grid goes down.
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38. Clothing and Fiber
Growing your own fiber (like wool, cotton, or flax) allows you to make your own clothing and textiles. Not only does this reduce your reliance on external sources, but it also ensures that you have durable, sustainable materials for years to come.
39. Home Crafting Skills
Knowing how to sew, mend, and craft items for everyday use is essential on a homestead. Whether it’s repairing clothes, weaving baskets, or making soap, these skills will serve you well in a self-sufficient lifestyle.
40. Alternative Medicine
When doctors and pharmacies aren’t easily accessible, it’s helpful to know about alternative medicine. Herbal remedies, essential oils, and traditional healing techniques can complement modern medicine and offer natural solutions to common health problems.
41. Emergency Preparedness
Disasters can strike anytime, from natural events like floods and wildfires to economic downturns. Having a solid emergency plan—including food and water stockpiles, a bug-out plan, and communication strategies—will help you stay calm and prepared.
42. Evacuation Plan
While the goal of a survival homestead is to stay put, there are times when evacuation is necessary. Develop an emergency evacuation plan for situations like wildfires, floods, or other natural disasters. Know the routes, what to take, and where to go if you need to leave in a hurry.
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43. Financial Resilience
Building a homestead can help you achieve a level of financial independence. By reducing your reliance on external systems (grocery stores, utilities, etc.), you’ll lower your living expenses. Over time, this allows you to save more money, pay off debt, and live a more financially resilient life.
44. Community Building
Homesteading doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Engage with local communities, farmers, and like-minded individuals. Community building not only provides a support system, but it also gives you access to shared resources and knowledge.
45. Education and Skill Building
Homesteading is a lifelong learning process. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s gardening techniques, woodworking, or animal husbandry. Take advantage of workshops, online courses, and books to build your skills and knowledge base.
46. Foraging
Nature offers a bounty of wild edibles if you know where to look. Learning to identify and harvest wild plants, nuts, mushrooms, and berries can supplement your diet and increase your food security. Just be sure you know what’s safe to eat!
- Thayer, Samuel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages – 05/15/2006 (Publication Date) – Foragers Harvest Press (Publisher)
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47. Personal Health
Homesteading is physically demanding. To keep up with the day-to-day tasks, it’s important to prioritize your health. Eat well, exercise regularly, and take care of your mental health. A healthy homesteader is a productive homesteader.
48. Livestock Breeding
If you keep animals on your homestead, breeding them is a way to ensure a steady supply of meat, milk, or eggs. Breeding your own livestock means you don’t have to rely on outside sources for animals, and you can select for traits that work well in your environment.
49. DIY Repair Skills
On a homestead, things will break—guaranteed. Having the skills to repair your tools, equipment, or even buildings is essential. Learn basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and mechanics to keep your homestead running smoothly.
50. Mental Resilience
Homesteading can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. There will be failures, setbacks, and unexpected events. Developing mental resilience, patience, and a problem-solving mindset will help you persevere through tough times and find joy in the journey.
Summary of The Key Points of Focus
| Areas of Focus | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| Location Selection | Climate, natural resources, proximity to civilization, legal restrictions |
| Water Sources | Wells, rainwater harvesting, natural springs, water purification methods |
| Food Production | Gardening, livestock, food preservation techniques |
| Energy Systems | Solar power, wind turbines, hydroelectric systems, backup generators |
| Shelter | Sturdy construction, insulation, multiple heat sources, security features |
| Security Measures | Perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, safe rooms |
| Community Building | Networking with like-minded individuals, skill-sharing, mutual aid agreements |
| Essential Skills | First aid, gardening, animal husbandry, mechanical repairs, self-defense |
| Tools and Equipment | Hand tools, power tools, farming equipment, medical supplies |
| Long-term Planning | Sustainable practices, resource management, continuous learning and adaptation |
Get Started Building Your Survival Homestead
Building and operating a survival homestead isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s about more than just preparing for hard times—it’s about creating a life that’s aligned with your values, one that’s sustainable, self-sufficient, and in harmony with nature.
Whether you’re just starting out or are well on your way, the key is to take it step by step. Don’t get overwhelmed by the list of things to do. Pick one area, start small, and grow from there. Every seed you plant, every skill you learn, and every improvement you make brings you one step closer to a life of independence and resilience.
