Some Good YouTube Homestead Channels

Whether just starting out in your homesteading journey or you are seeking information for the next step, there are many excellent YouTube channels dedicated to homesteading, offering a wealth of information and inspiration for those interested in this lifestyle. Here are some popular homesteading channels that you may find helpful:

Jack Spirko/The Survival Podcast: One hour episodes discussing current issues affecting our world and methods the average person can use to prepare for them, The Survival Podcast has a very simple guiding philosophy. Take steps to prepare for the worst and develop a plan to live the life you want, if times get tough, or even if they don't.

Nicole Sauce/Living Free in Tennessee: Living Free in Tennessee is a podcast done by Nicole Sauce about homesteading, self-reliance, building resilience into your life, food, freedom and fun.

Tag and Bee/Life Done Free:  Life Done Free is not a place it's a lifestyle shared by many Homesteads. Our purpose it to challenge every aspect of our life in order to live freer. From Energy produced by wind and solar to water from wells and rain catchment systems. We will strive to help each other produce everything we need. Our shared goal is to continuously push the definition of off grid. Join us as we highlight Homesteads who are breaking the chains of modern day slavery

The Hollar Homestead: A family that packed up their four kids to find their forever homestead, and are now revitalizing an old homestead in North Carolina! They live small, love hard, and have one major goal - to LIVE a life worth living.

Justin Rhodes: Justin and his family run a homestead in North Carolina and document their experiences on their YouTube channel. They cover a range of topics, including raising chickens, gardening, beekeeping, and more.

Roots and Refuge Farm: This channel features the experiences of a family homesteading in Arkansas. They offer advice and inspiration on topics such as raising goats, gardening, preserving food, and more.

Homesteading Family: This channel features the experiences of a family homesteading in Idaho. They cover a range of topics, including raising livestock, gardening, cooking from scratch, and more.

Living Traditions Homestead: This channel documents the experiences of a family homesteading in Missouri. They offer practical advice on topics such as raising cattle, preserving food, and building a self-sufficient homestead.

The Elliott Homestead: This channel features the experiences of a family homesteading in Washington State. They offer advice on topics such as raising dairy cows, gardening, and cooking from scratch.

Jill Winger - Old Fashioned On Purpose: This channel features the experiences of a family homesteading in Wyoming. They cover a range of topics, including raising chickens, preserving food, and using essential oils for natural health and wellness.

An American Homestead - This channel follows the journey of a family living off-grid on a homestead in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. They cover topics such as gardening, raising livestock, building structures, and living a self-sufficient lifestyle.

These are just a few examples of the many excellent homesteading channels available on YouTube. Depending on your interests and needs, you may find other channels that cater to specific aspects of homesteading, such as permaculture, herbal medicine, or off-grid living. As always, it's important to do your research and cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure that you are getting reliable and accurate information. Happy homesteading and remember it's the simpler things in life that matter!

 

 

 

Good Books on Homesteading

 

There are many great books on homesteading that cover a wide range of topics, from gardening and animal husbandry to food preservation and self-sufficiency. Here are a few highly recommended books on homesteading:

1. "The Encyclopedia of Country Living" by Carla Emery: This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of homesteading topics, including gardening, animal husbandry, food preservation, and self-sufficiency. It's often considered a classic in the homesteading community and provides practical advice and techniques for living off the land.

2. "The Backyard Homestead" series by Carleen Madigan: This series includes several volumes, such as "The Backyard Homestead: Produce All the Food You Need on Just a Quarter Acre!" and "The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects." These books offer practical guidance on various homesteading skills, from gardening and food preservation to raising livestock and building structures.

3. "Storey's Basic Country Skills" series: This series includes multiple volumes, such as "Storey's Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance" and "Storey's Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Living Off the Land." These books cover a wide range of homesteading skills, from gardening and livestock management to cooking, preserving food, and renewable energy.

4. "The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It" by John Seymour: This classic homesteading book covers a wide range of topics, including gardening, animal husbandry, food preservation, and more. It provides practical advice on living a self-sufficient lifestyle and includes illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand the techniques.

5. "The Resilient Farm and Homestead" by Ben Falk: This book focuses on regenerative farming practices and homesteading techniques for building a resilient and sustainable homestead. It covers topics such as water management, soil fertility, permaculture design, and more, and provides practical guidance on creating a sustainable homestead.

6. "Homesteading: A Back to Basics Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More" by Abigail R. Gehring: This comprehensive book covers a wide range of homesteading skills, from gardening and food preservation to keeping livestock, making homemade remedies, and more. It provides step-by-step instructions and practical advice for living a self-sufficient lifestyle.

7. "The Joy of Keeping Chickens" by Jennifer Megyesi: This book provides practical advice on how to raise chickens for eggs and meat, as well as tips on building a coop and caring for your birds.

8. The Foxfire Book series is a collection of books that documents the traditional folk culture of the Southern Appalachians and are an important resource for those interested in traditional crafts, skills, and folk culture. The books are known for their down-to-earth style and emphasis on practical knowledge, as well as their focus on preserving the traditions and wisdom of rural Appalachian communities.

These are just a few examples of the many books available on homesteading. Depending on your interests and needs, you may find other books that cater to specific aspects of homesteading, such as permaculture, herbal medicine, or animal husbandry. It's always a good idea to read reviews and check the credentials of the authors to ensure that you are getting reliable and accurate information. Happy reading, homesteading, and remember that it's the simpler things in life that matter!

How Can I Learn New Homestead Skills?

 

With homesteading, there is always something new to learn or do and with that comes the question of, "How do I learn these new skills?" Very few people in today's world are brought up in a family or with a mentor who can teach one how to homestead, however there are several ways in which you can learn new homestead skills:

1. Take classes: Look for local classes or workshops that teach homesteading skills such as gardening, animal husbandry, and food preservation. Many agricultural extension offices and community colleges offer classes on homesteading topics.

2. Attend conferences: Homesteading conferences and events can be a great way to learn new skills and connect with other homesteaders. Look for events in your area or consider traveling to attend larger events.

3. Read books and articles: There are many books and articles available on homesteading topics. Look for books and articles written by experienced homesteaders who have successfully implemented the skills you want to learn. Books like the Foxfire Series
   

4. Watch videos: There are many instructional videos available online that can teach you homesteading skills. Look for videos on YouTube or other video-sharing platforms.

5. Join a homesteading group: Joining a homesteading group or organization can be a great way to connect with other homesteaders and learn new skills. Look for local groups or join online communities.

6. Seek guidance from experienced homesteaders: Reach out to experienced homesteaders in your area or online and ask for their guidance and advice. Many homesteaders are happy to share their knowledge and help others get started.

Remember that homesteading skills take time to learn and master, so be patient and persistent. Focus on one skill at a time and practice consistently to improve your skills over time.

How Do I Choose A Homestead Location?

 

Choosing a homestead location is a crucial decision that will impact your ability to succeed in your homesteading endeavors. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a homestead location:

1. Climate: The climate of your chosen location is an important factor to consider. You will want to choose a location that has a climate that is suitable for the type of crops you want to grow and animals you want to raise. You may also want to consider factors such as average rainfall and temperature extremes.

2. Soil quality: The soil quality of your homestead location is crucial for successful gardening and crop production. You will want to choose a location that has soil that is rich in nutrients and well-draining. You can have your soil tested by a local agricultural extension office to determine its quality.

3. Water availability: Access to water is crucial for successful homesteading. You will want to choose a location that has a reliable water source, such as a well or a stream. You should also consider the quality of the water and whether it is suitable for drinking and irrigation.

4. Zoning regulations: Zoning regulations vary by location and can impact your ability to homestead. You should research the zoning regulations in your chosen location to ensure that you can legally engage in homesteading activities.

5. Access to resources: Consider the availability of resources such as building supplies, feed, and seeds in your chosen location. You will also want to consider the proximity of medical facilities, schools, and other community resources.

6. Cost: The cost of land and living expenses can vary widely by location. You should consider the cost of purchasing land, building or renovating a home, and the cost of living in the area.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a homestead location that is well-suited for your needs and goals.

How Can I Get Started In Homesteading?

 

Getting started in homesteading can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning, research, and preparation. 

Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Determine your goals: Think about why you want to homestead and what you hope to achieve. Do you want to live more sustainably, grow your own food, or become more self-sufficient? Your goals will guide your decisions and actions as you begin your homesteading journey.

2. Choose a location: Look for a piece of land that meets your needs and budget. Consider factors such as soil quality, climate, access to water, and zoning regulations.

3. Learn new skills: Homesteading involves a wide range of skills, including gardening, animal husbandry, carpentry, and food preservation. Consider taking classes, reading books and articles, and seeking guidance from experienced homesteaders. There are a number of great YouTube creators that provide a lot of advice and help for aspiring homesteaders
   

4. Start small: It's easy to become overwhelmed when starting a homestead, so it's important to start small and focus on a few projects at a time. You can gradually expand your homestead as you gain experience and confidence.

5. Build a support network: Homesteading can be challenging and isolating, so it's important to build a support network of other homesteaders, farmers, and community members who share your values and goals.

6. Be prepared for setbacks: Homesteading is a learning process, and setbacks and failures are inevitable. Be patient and persistent, and be prepared to adapt and learn from your mistakes.

Homesteading can be a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle, but it requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. With careful planning and preparation, you can create a sustainable and self-sufficient homestead that meets your needs and goals.

What Is Homesteading?

Homesteading originally referred to a the process of acquiring and settling on a piece of land or property with the intention of establishing a permanent residence and cultivating the land. The term originated in the 19th century in the United States and referred to the government's practice of offering land to people for little or no cost, provided that they improve the land by building a dwelling, cultivating crops, and living on the land for a specified period of time.

Homesteading today refers to a modern-day movement that emphasizes self-sufficiency and living off the land. This may involve growing one's own food, raising livestock, and reducing reliance on modern technology and conveniences. Some homesteaders also prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship, using practices such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy sources.

Find what you want to do and do it and remember, "It's the simpler things in life that matter!"

Homestead Update/To-Do List

Homestead update:

With Springtime here, that means that there is a lot going on around the homestead from planting to dealing with new animals to basic upkeep, etc.

Here's what's happening at our place.



 

1. We are currently planning our vegetable garden which will be raised beds.
2. We are putting in strawberry plants and raspberry canes
3. Need to build a new chicken tractor VERY SOON as our pullets are getting huge and need some extra room. The plan is to move the rest of our aging flock of Ameraucanas to the new tractor and then use the existing run and hen house for the new chickens.
4. Need to clean out and repaint rain barrels
5. Need to put in new grape trellis
6. Need to clean up around blueberry bushes.

Whew, that's a lot to do... lol