The Best Homesteaders are Good Researchers

Reader Contribution by Jenny Underwood
Updated on January 27, 2022
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by Steve Fecht for W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Community seed swaps are a great way to learn from those that do. Here, seed swappers share advice at W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Harvesting Change: Food & Community Gathering, May 2014 in Detroit, Mich.

Research. You might not have thought much about that concept since your school days, or perhaps you’re the kind of person who loves to dig deeply into a ton of topics. Whatever your preferences, the fact remains that research is an excellent way to learn about things we don’t know a lot about.

For example, let’s say you’re a beginning or aspiring homesteader. You could just sell everything you own, pack up your family, and move sight-unseen into an off-grid lifestyle. It could be done. I don’t recommend it, though.

Research Considerations for Homesteaders

Location. Instead, research the location, the neighbors (or lack of), the climate, the amenities, the closeness to town or supplies, the expense of living in the area, and the crops that grow there (just to name a few considerations). This will most likely help to ensure that you’re a success, not a failure.

Crops. Then, its time to research your preferred garden crops, the time of year to plant them, the type of soil they prefer, the varieties that are best suited for your area, and opportunities to produce a specialty food.  You need to research pests and fertilizer and crop rotation and harvest and preserving!  Trust me, there’s a ton of work that goes into a garden.

Livestock. If you’re going to get animals for your homestead, you’re certainly going to need even more research. Now you need fencing, breeding implements, shelter, food and butchering tools, along with technology for preserving the meat or other produce, such as eggs, milk or honey.

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