10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Starting a Homestead

by BLeaves Farms ·

Starting a homestead is one of the most rewarding decisions we’ve ever made. But let me tell you, there were plenty of surprises along the way! If you’ve ever dreamed of having a small farm, growing your own food, or raising animals, here are 10 things I wish I knew before I started and some great affiliate links to help. Hopefully, these insights will save you some time, money, and maybe even a few headaches!

I think the dream of homesteading started when I was a kid, visiting my aunt in Utah. She had a copy of Reader’s Digest Back to Basics, and I was mesmerized by it. I could have flipped through those pages forever, soaking in all the knowledge of traditional skills. My aunt also taught me so many traditional skills through 4H, like animal care, horseback riding, cooking, baking, sewing, needlecraft, crochet, and more–the things our pioneer roots passed down. I always dreamed of having my own land where I could build something beautiful and live in harmony with nature.

Later, when I rode my bicycle all the way from Arizona to Panama, I spent so much time in the countryside, riding past farms, watching people work the land, and imagining the day I’d have my own slice of paradise. I longed to grow my own food and finally have a place to call home. That dream eventually led me to an old farm foreclosure, a rare find in our area. It wasn’t much when I got it. Just an old, run-down house. But with a lot of work (and a lot of love), we’ve built something special. It’s still a labor of love, but we’ve reached a point where we can enjoy it, and that makes all the hard work worth it.

Pinas harvested from the field and roasted to make Mescal and Tequila.

1. You Don’t Need 100 Acres to Homestead

When I first started dreaming of homesteading, I imagined rolling green pastures, a big red barn, and acres of farmland. The truth? You can homestead anywhere. Whether you have a tiny backyard, a few acres, or even an apartment balcony, you can grow food, raise small animals, and work towards self-sufficiency. Start where you are! Check out the Backyard Homestead for small-space farming!

2. Animals Are Amazing… But a LOT of Work

I love my animals, but I wish someone had told me just how much time, money, and mental energy they require. Pigs escape, goats are mischievous, and chickens? They will turn your garden into their personal buffet. Before getting animals, do your research, start small, and have a plan for food, shelter, and vet care. Essential guides:

You might also be able to find these guides or something similar at your local library!

3. Gardening is Trial and Error (And That’s Okay!)

I used to think I had a black thumb, but the truth is, gardening is a skill you develop over time. Plants will die. Bugs will win sometimes. And that’s okay! The key is to start small, learn as you go, and keep trying. Here’s our blog article on growing a thriving desert garden. These gardening tools can help you get started: Cedar Raised Garden Bed Kit | Garden Seed Bundle

4. Water Management is Everything

Watering your plants isn’t as simple as turning on a hose. Some areas have droughts, some have too much rain, and bad soil won’t hold water properly. I quickly learned that rainwater collection, mulching, and smart irrigation systems make all the difference. Reduce your water bill with these: Rain Barrel System | Organic Mulch | Ollas for Watering

5. DIY Fixes Will Become Your New Hobby

I never thought I’d become a part-time plumber, electrician, and fence-builder, but here we are! Homesteading teaches you self-sufficiency whether you like it or not. Expect to fix broken fences, thaw frozen pipes, and troubleshoot all sorts of unexpected problems. Must-have homesteader tools: Multi-Tool | Heavy-Duty Work Gloves | Tool Kit

6. Expect Setbacks (And Learn to Laugh About Them)

Homesteading is not always picture-perfect. Crops fail. Predators attack. Equipment breaks. We’ve had pigs escape, coyotes show up uninvited, and entire crops destroyed overnight. The secret? Learn to roll with the punches. Every mistake is a lesson in disguise! Protect your homestead: Solar Powered Outdoor Wireless Surveillance Cameras | Livestock Guardians Book

7. Preserving Food is a Game-Changer

One of the biggest shocks for me was how much food a successful garden produces. What do you do with 50 pounds of tomatoes? Learn to preserve them! Canning, dehydrating, and freezing will save you money and keep your pantry stocked year-round. Preserve your harvest: Canning Kit | Dehydrator for Fruits & Veggies

8. Passive Income is Key

Homesteading is rewarding, but let’s be honest…it’s not cheap! Between feed, supplies, and repairs, costs add up. We quickly realized that making income and passive income helps keep everything running smoothly. Want to make money from your homestead? Here’s a good book: How to Make Money Homesteading Book

9. You’ll Never Stop Learning

Homesteading is a never-ending learning process. One day you’re learning about soil health, the next you’re figuring out how to help a goat give birth (glove up, buttercup). Be curious, open-minded, and ready to learn from both successes and failures. Some of my favorite homesteading books: Homesteading Book | Back to Basics Book

10. The Reward is So Worth It

Even with all the hard work, unexpected challenges, and lessons learned, we wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Growing our own food, caring for our animals, and living in harmony with nature has been the most fulfilling journey. If you’re thinking about homesteading–go for it!

Let’s Chat!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from homesteading? Or, if you’re just starting out, what’s your biggest question? Drop a comment on our BLeaves Farms Instagram or Facebook page!

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