How To Homestead With No Money

 

How To Homestead With No Money

Many of us who homestead are not rich. In fact, some of us may be at poverty level or someplace in-between the poverty level and middle class. But, does it really matter how much money is in your purse or wallet as long as your basic needs are met? Even if you had more money than you know what to do with, should you go out and spend a small fortune? Of coarse not, we should be good stewards of the money or goods that God has provided us with. So If you want to learn how to homestead with no money, keep reading and I'll give you a few suggestions on how to make this work.

How To Start A Farm With No Money

To me a farm and a homestead are one in the same, I'm sure there are people out there who would say I'm wrong.  But that's OK. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But over-all, I feel homesteading/farming is more about a way of life. For our family, we want to be as self-reliant or self sufficient as we can. We want to grow or raise as much as we can. We want that laid-back county feel way of life. But how does one go about achieving this? For starters, we must all begin where we are. (This is provided that you already got your little plot of land) Our place for instance, had an existing house (built in 1911, so definitely a work in progress) but we are blessed that it is livable condition. Is is perfect? Not exactly, but we do what we can when funds are available, we still need a new roof, replace rotted boards, it needs a fresh coat of paint. But count your blessing, we have a place to live. We got free gas, so we can stay warm, and be able to cook even at times when the electricity goes out due to inclement weather. We all need to think positive. Focus on the good, be thankful for what you do have. Think of those people who have no home to call their own. 

Starting A Homestead

When I think of a homestead, I think more about the lay-out (my plan) of what I want to do. I ponder on where is my garden going to be, what is the best location to put an orchard,  my barn is here, I think I'll put my pasture there, This is the perfect section for hay, what kind of fencing should I use etc...Now that you have an idea in mind, lets start with thoughts of how can I make this happen when I don't have any money to buy this and that. Resourcefulness  We should adopt an attitude of resourcefulness.  Our plan was and still is to grow as much of our own food as possible. Our goal is for it to be organic/naturally grown. Unfortunately, we have few set-backs this year with the deer eating 90% of our garden, and my husband having some health issues and the possibility of him not being able to work anymore. Instead of getting discouraged, I started by thinking how can I  save money on groceries? First, I can scan the newspapers for sales, use coupons. When I buy organic foods at the grocery store (green peppers, melons, tomatoes) I plan to save the seeds for next years crop. We have been blessed with lots of veggies from friends and neighbors that had bumper crops, I know they grow organically so I can save those seeds for next year.





   This fence is a combination of being resourceful and creative.     If you need fencing, can you use trees on your property to build it?  If your roof has a leak (like ours), you don't have enough money to repair it, will a tarp temporarily work until you can save up the funds to fix it. Our poultry fencing is not working, we temporarily had to relocate our chickens to the root cellar. Not ideal, but for now it's working. Just in case you're wondering, no we are not storing our food and chickens in the same place. We've all heard the saying "Wear it out, use it up, make do, or go without"! Strive to live by this. Be Content Learn to be content. (This is biblical - Philippians 4:11-12) I know that sometimes this is easier said than done. I think this works better when you don't compare yourself to others or what possession you have or don't have compared to other people. Someone will always have a fancier car, a prettier home, more money in their pocket. But inside that pretty home, they may not have a lick of furniture, they may on the verge of bankruptcy and may be worrying about where their next meal is coming from.That fancy car may just be repossessed tomorrow. The job they have can be gone in the snap of a finger. Things aren't always what they appear to be. Quit comparing yourself to the Jones. Be happy with what you have. If you have a roof over your head (even if it's leaking) clothes on your back, food to eat. Good health. what more do you really need?

Creative Learning

Learn to think outside the box. When you need to buy something, can you make it yourself? Can you substitute it with something else? Is your chicken coop a wee bit drafty? Why now use those extra boxes you got and staple them to the walls. problem solved, draft gone. Who cares what it looks like as long as it has functionality. I've seen many people get creative with flower gardens. They use anything they have on hand as a planter.....Armed with a spray can of paint they pretty up an old rusty wheel-barrow, old boots, tires,  an old bicycle with a basket etc.. these folks make do with what they have. Make Money Homesteading If you're looking for ways to make a living from your place check out a previous article I wrote listing 50 ways to earn money. some may work for you, some may not. But check it out.

Fence photo is the compliments of morguefile.com. Poultry photo is the compliments of svklimkin at morguefile.com cattle photo is the compliments of  by NDPetitt at morguefile.com