Episode-591- Planning and Building the Suburban Homestead

From: January 20, 2011 on  The Survival Podcast.  Disclaimers & Policies

"When you hear the word homestead you typically think of open spaces, rural America and some acreage. For many American’s though it just isn’t currently an option. Many of us are bound to the city by employment, family obligations or other considerations.

Still I believe homesteading is for everyone and there are some real opportunities for suburban homesteaders who want to convert their homes from consumer to producer.

Of course there are challenges for the suburbanite with considerations such as excessive shade, available space, ordinances and retaining marketability of the home for resale.

The key to successful suburban homesteading is understanding your limitations but focusing on making the most of the unique advantages inherent to small landscapes such as ease of management and easy irrigation." - Jack Spirko

Join Me Today As We Discuss…

Define the overall goal of a homestead
Evaluate your limitations and landscape
Define your wants and needs
What do you like to eat
What is cheap and easy to buy
What is expensive to purchase
What is difficult to acquire organically or locally
Define areas by shade, sun, wind, usage, etc
Focus on the right types of crops
Heavy producers
Not readily available commercially
Perennials over annuals
Easy to store for long term usage
Require special care that can be automated
Considering livestock
Poultry is highly efficient for eggs
Rabbits are probably the best meat option
Utilize wildlife for livestock functions like manuring
Aquaculture and Aquaponics are excellent options
Extending your seasons and productivity
The greenhouse or cold frames are essentials
Using and channeling roof run off
Understanding and maximizing micro-climates
Use climbers and vertical spaces
Taking big techniques and downsizing them
Swales
Hugelkultur
Food Forests
Ponds