{"id":896,"date":"2023-07-01T19:51:14","date_gmt":"2023-07-01T19:51:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/homestead-layout\/"},"modified":"2023-07-01T19:51:14","modified_gmt":"2023-07-01T19:51:14","slug":"homestead-layout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/homestead-layout\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Homestead Layout Tips + 5 Acre Example"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laying out your homestead is simultaneously one of the most exciting and overwhelming tasks to take on. In this post we\u2019ll explore some basic homestead layout principles and share our 5 acre homestead layout as an example.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Come Tour Our Homestead!\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tgwlP7KksTQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Starting Your Homestead Layout<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You won\u2019t find a plug-n-play template for laying out your homestead. No two homestead properties are alike, after all.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you find two with nearly identical layouts, you\u2019ll likely find varying soil types, emphasis on one crop over another here, one animal over another there, buildings will serve different purposes, and other ever evolving nuances.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you see a system you like on another homestead, it\u2019s unlikely it will replicate exactly the same on your property. You may be able to use it for inspiration and end up with something similar. But it will take creativity and ingenuity on your part to make it work on your own land.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That said, with the right inspiration and guidance, it\u2019s entirely possible to plan out your dream homestead layout! This is your time to reach for the stars and have fun with it!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1086\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden.jpeg\" alt=\"chicken tractor and three sisters garden\" class=\"wp-image-661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden.jpeg 1086w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-585x390.jpeg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-263x175.jpeg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-250x167.jpeg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-550x367.jpeg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-270x180.jpeg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-450x300.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/chicken-tractor-and-three-sisters-garden-750x500.jpeg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1086px) 100vw, 1086px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, whether you\u2019re starting with a blank slate of land, or a property with an existing home, outbuildings, and infrastructure, where do you begin?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s first look at a concept that has led the way in designing land for food production and sustainability.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An Introduction To Permaculture Design<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concept of Permaculture came about in the 1970\u2019s by combining two words, \u201cpermanent\u201d and \u201cagriculture.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <em>permanent agriculture<\/em> gave farming and homesteading a new mindset. Rather than fixating on how to extract the most out of the land and what brings the biggest profit, Permaculture instead considered what was best for the land, the farmer, and their long-term health and viability.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In its simplest form, both the land and the caretaker of the land must serve each other. One is not master over the other. They form a symbiotic relationship to truly be sustainable for the long haul.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Core to Permaculture is efficient design.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most any Permaculture Design book will provide a simple zone map for your land. Zone 0 is your home, or where you spend the most time. Zone 1 is what immediately surrounds your home and is most easily accessible. This proceeds all the way out to Zone 5, which is the furthest out reaches of your land.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones.png\" alt=\"permaculture design zones\" class=\"wp-image-3549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones.png 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-1170x780.png 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-263x175.png 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-550x367.png 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-800x533.png 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-270x180.png 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-450x300.png 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/permaculture-design-zones-750x500.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concept is that you want to stack as many everyday functions as you can within those first couple zones. Feeding chickens, watering your garden, taking out kitchen scraps to the compost heap\u2014all occurrences that will happen most days, or even multiple times a day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It simply wouldn\u2019t make sense to put your chicken coop at the furthest corner of your property where it would likely get neglected\u2014unless you\u2019re in more of an <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/urban-homesteading-25-ways-to-begin-today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">urban homestead<\/a> setting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My point here is not that you need to read every book on Permaculture (although perusing one from your local library or elsewhere might be time well spent!). Or, you don\u2019t necessarily have to take one of the intensive Permaculture Design Courses (PDC) being offered around the country and globe, either.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While I did take a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) a few years back, grasping just a few basic Permaculture design concepts is enough to help you get going on your homestead layout!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10 Homestead Layout Tips<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of the following homestead layout considerations are derived from different Premature Design principles.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Personal Values &amp; Goals<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your homestead layout needs to match with the homesteading lifestyle you envision. In other words, your values and goals as a family should serve as a filter for shaping your homestead layout. This big picture perspective is your starting point.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a top value is to travel, then building your homestead around a milking animal may not make the most sense. Or, if above all you have a goal to be living off-grid, then maybe focusing your efforts on food production needs to take a back seat until you have your desired alternative energy systems in place as a foundation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your family\u2019s values and goals aren\u2019t yet crystal clear, consider NOT doing anything too drastic on your homestead until you really develop a strong sense of long-term vision and direction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Location, Location, Location<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most homesteading endeavors involve seasonal, weekly, or even daily time. Sometimes even multiple times a day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll want to very carefully consider things like:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Where and how will I store feed and\/or <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/round-hay-bales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hay<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>Where is my source of water and how will I get water to animals or crops?<\/li>\n<li>Where should I place fence gates?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm.jpg\" alt=\"how to use round hay bales on a small farm\" class=\"wp-image-3207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-use-round-hay-bales-on-a-small-farm-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It may not seem like a big deal initially to haul a 5-gallon bucket of water out to a field. But when you add those trips up over a decade, that becomes a tremendous time and energy pit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some even count the number of steps to different areas of their property before deciding where to locate something. Your time will be the most valuable resource on your homestead, and placement of structures, storage, and infrastructure can really make or break your efficiency.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Plan with the Whole in Mind<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your land is not a singular entity. It plays a part in the larger ecological system that surrounds it. And on a smaller scale, different systems or areas within your homestead don\u2019t simply exist apart from the whole. One system very much can and will impact other systems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t just plop something somewhere without considering the impact it will have on what\u2019s around it. This can be on your land, your neighbor&#8217;s land, or the greater system of wildlife, waterways, plant life, and other natural features and patterns that surround you.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. 3-Objectives Rule<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I don\u2019t recall if it had an actual name or not, but something that stuck with me from my Permaculture Design Course I call the 3-Objectives Rule.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was a Permaculture concept that anything you implement on your land should never just serve one singular or shortsighted purpose. Rather, you should be able to explain multiple positive outcomes that your idea is accomplishing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, you could simply say, \u201cI\u2019m going to plant a garden here.\u201d Or, with the 3-Objectives Rule in mind, you could say, \u201cPlanting a garden here will provide optimal sunlight and drainage for my crops, I\u2019ll utilize no-till growing methods to promote the most microbiology in the soil, and I\u2019ll focus primarily on crops I can preserve or store that will feed my family all year round.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden.jpg\" alt=\"harvesting kale in the garden\" class=\"wp-image-1702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/harvesting-kale-in-the-garden-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal here isn\u2019t to overthink or overcomplicate anything.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is to maximize the design of your homestead layout by stacking functions. It\u2019s also a tool to help you adhere to the prior point and observe how the system you\u2019re implementing interacts with the whole of your land and what\u2019s around you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking at the <em>many<\/em> objectives versus the <em>singular<\/em> objective helps you feel confident and purposeful in your layout decisions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Consider Temporary or Moveable Solutions<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joel Salatin is the master of avoiding permanent <em>anything<\/em> on his farm. To maximize your options long term, temporary or moveable systems and infrastructure on your homestead will be your best friend.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can be especially valuable early on in the life of your homestead when you might still be finalizing all the details of your long term design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not sure yet if an area should be fenced pasture or serve another function you\u2019re considering? Find a temporary fence setup that gives you flexibility down the road.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having a hard time figuring out the right location for your chicken coop? Build a <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/a-frame-chicken-tractor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coop<\/a> on a trailer or skids that gives you the option to move around in the future.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor.jpg\" alt=\"free ranging chickens in a frame chicken tractor\" class=\"wp-image-2913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-ranging-chickens-in-a-frame-chicken-tractor-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you\u2019re not ready to commit to a garden layout or location yet, try starting with pots or small planters. Or just till up a small plot, maybe even in various potential garden locations, to begin growing in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trialing different temporary setups can give you the time and assurance you need before locking in to something permanent.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Listen to your Land<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your land has a powerful voice. The native plants, the flow of water, the soil types, the sunlight captured at different gradients\u2014all of these can help inform what your land is best suited for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many will recommend you do nothing on your land until you\u2019ve lived on it for at least one full year. The point is to observe it throughout all four seasons and allow what you observe to speak to your homestead layout.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The area where water collects may not be the best spot for a garden but may be suitable for elderberry or other medicinal herbs. The opening where young mulberry saplings naturally sprung up may already be a start for a future <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-homestead-fruit-trees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">orchard<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Plan Incremental Changes<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nature moves slow. Often we are wisest to work at nature&#8217;s pace when it comes to land design.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we moved onto our property, the back pasture was in sad shape. It was an old hay field that sat fallow for the better part of a decade. The many layers of undergrowth piled up and suppressed much of the clover, alfalfa, and other native plants and grasses in the field.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was tempted to just plow and replant the whole field. But instead, through <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/rotational-grazing-on-a-small-scale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rotat<\/a>ionally grazing our cows on it, slowly removing the undergrowth, and managing the pasture when necessary with mowing, the health and diversity of the field have improved dramatically in just a few short years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe instead of completely regrading the land, a small swale or berm can take care of some drainage issues. Rather than coming in and completely clearing out a wooded area, selectively thin it out over time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trust nature, come alongside what it is already accomplishing, and work at its pace.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Get Input<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seasoned farmers and homesteaders have a lot of knowledge to offer. Run some of your ideas past them. Or ask for their own unique thoughts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A neighbor in particular may have unique insights or thoughts to share as they\u2019ve interacted with the previous landowner of your property or worked with a similar land type.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter.jpg\" alt=\"how to take care of cows in winter\" class=\"wp-image-2392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/how-to-take-care-of-cows-in-winter-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It may even be worth hiring a consultant to give professional design input. They can help design garden layouts, food forests, <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/rotational-grazing-on-a-small-scale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grazing<\/a> patterns, and other infrastructure and building layouts. And perhaps they can even offer input on a timeline and cost estimate of when and how to implement your design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll have to do some searching for design experts offering consultation in your area. But start by connecting with nearby Permaculture Design Course instructors or other local organizations focused on land and ecological stewardship.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Take It Slow<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shaping your homestead can be (and many would argue <em>should<\/em> be) a long, slow process. Don\u2019t expect everything to take place overnight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We like to try and tackle one major project a year on our homestead. When we\u2019ve broken this rule and tried to tag something on to an already overloaded plate is when we\u2019ve learned the hardest lessons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe year one is getting some fencing in place and starting small with animals. Year two is establishing an <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-homestead-fruit-trees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">orchard<\/a>. Year 3 is building a <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-tractor-plans-for-25-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chicken tractor<\/a> and raising <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/cost-of-raising-chickens-for-meat-on-a-small-scale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">meat chickens<\/a>. Then, year 4 you build a <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/simple-diy-chicken-coop-inside-your-barn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">coop<\/a> and add laying hens. Year 5 you\u2019re finally ready to finalize a garden layout and location!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Burnout and fatigue from being too gung-ho early on is very real in the homesteading world. Each new homesteading adventure comes with a learning curve.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take it as slow as you need to when getting something new off the ground. Then, only add more as capacity allows.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Learn from Failure<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are going to make mistakes when designing your homestead. And that&#8217;s OK!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of beating yourself up over things that don&#8217;t turn out as expected or focusing on the negatives, view them instead as an opportunity! <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are lessons and takeaways in every failure. Let them be your greatest teacher. Use them to refine yourself and your homestead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something may not have been placed in the most ideal spot. Maybe you didn&#8217;t fully think through getting equipment in and out of a fenced area. Or maybe you didn&#8217;t account for that tree you&#8217;re planting blocking the nice view you have of your neighbor&#8217;s pond until after it&#8217;s in the ground&#8230; yep, that happened to us.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All these are opportunities to learn from and improve your homestead with over time.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our 5-Acre Homestead Layout<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By way of example, we\u2019ll go through all that we have going on at our <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/why-a-5-acre-homestead-is-the-perfect-size-for-a-beginner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5-acre homestead<\/a>. Remember, the goal isn\u2019t to replicate exactly what others are doing. But we hope it can help spark inspiration for <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/whats-possible-on-a-small-homestead\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">what\u2019s possible on a small homestead<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll follow the Permaculture zone system as we talk through the areas of our homestead. So, starting at our home (Zone 0), we\u2019ll then move outward as we talk through our property.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout.png\" alt=\"5 Acre Homestead Layout\" class=\"wp-image-3550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout.png 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-1170x780.png 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-263x175.png 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-550x367.png 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-800x533.png 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-270x180.png 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-450x300.png 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-Acre-Homestead-Layout-750x500.png 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Home<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many homesteads will come with a home already in place. This was the case for us. If you are building a home, you\u2019ll likely be working with an architect or civil engineer on the placement. What we appreciate about the placement of our home is that it\u2019s surrounded by a canopy of mature shade trees. Even on the hottest days it helps keep our home cool and provides nice shade for outdoor homestead activities, like <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-processing-chickens-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">processing chickens<\/a>. Our house also sits at a high point on our land for good drainage. The home isn\u2019t central on the land, which we don\u2019t mind. We\u2019d prefer it be tucked more toward a corner like it is to allow the most space for whatever we are growing on the land.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will mention that if there\u2019s one part of a home that\u2019s absolutely essential on a homestead it\u2019s the Mud Room! Our Mud Room gets heavy use all year round\u2014from sloppy early spring when winter thaws to an entry point to our basement storage racks for all our fall harvesting. You want a space that\u2019s functional and where you won\u2019t get upset when the dirtiest of outdoor jobs or play get tracked back inside!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Perennial Foods &amp; Plants<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Planting food producing perennial plants around our property has been a priority for us. Just outside our back door is a large asparagus patch we planted. A small wooded section behind our home is thick with black raspberry bushes. Near our kitchen garden lies a rhubarb patch and red raspberries. And we\u2019ve also enjoyed numerous mulberry trees sporadically planted around our home and fence lines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1200\" data-id=\"3552\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1.jpg\" alt=\"young asparagus popping up\" class=\"wp-image-3552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-585x780.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-250x333.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-550x733.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-135x180.jpg 135w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/young-asparagus-popping-up-1-375x500.jpg 375w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">young asparagus popping up<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"1483\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries.jpg\" alt=\"bowl of freshly picked blackberries\" class=\"wp-image-1483\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/bowl-of-freshly-picked-blackberries-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">fresh black raspberries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pig Pen<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also tucked into the small wooded section behind our home we put up some hog panel for a pig pen. The walnut and pine trees drop forage for pigs seasonally while providing some natural shelter. And it is also an easy location for us to run kitchen scraps out to being just out our back door. As part of the pen we installed a fencer for running electric fencing around the property. I\u2019ve appreciated being able to glance out my back window, especially on cold winter days, and see the blinking light of the fencer assuring me it\u2019s on and working properly.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area.jpg\" alt=\"hogpanel pigpen in wooded area\" class=\"wp-image-3553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-585x439.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-550x413.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hogpanel-pigpen-in-wooded-area-667x500.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compost Area<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our compost pile is currently inside the pig pen. This works for now because we\u2019ve been slow to actually get more pigs to fill our pigpen until we know we have enough capacity to care for them. The long term plan is to build a compost bin system out of easy to track down materials like pallets. Either way, keeping your compost close by to your home where you can easily discard kitchen scraps is a must. We also have a compost pile near the barn that collects animal manure we clean out of there.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets.jpg\" alt=\"backyard compost bins made of pallets\" class=\"wp-image-1771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/backyard-compost-bins-made-of-pallets-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pallet compost bins from our previous 1\/3 acre suburban homestead<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Screen Shack<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We inherited a slightly rundown, screened-in outdoor space that we dubbed the Screen Shack. It\u2019s awesome! Because of the small wooded area behind our home, mosquitoes and other bugs can be terrible certain times of year. The Screen Shack allows us to eat meals together outside, setup food when we host outdoor gatherings, or just have a nice place to cozy up with a good book, cup of coffee, and enjoy the beautiful views this screened room offers around our property.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1.jpg\" alt=\"screen shack central in our homestead layout\" class=\"wp-image-3555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-585x329.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-250x141.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-550x309.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-533x300.jpg 533w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/screen-shack-central-in-our-homestead-layout-1-889x500.jpg 889w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Barn + Chicken Coop<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 25\u2019 x 50\u2019 pole barn with electric and a water hydrant has become the hub of our homestead. This is where we <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/how-to-care-for-baby-chicks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">raise our chicks<\/a> every spring in the <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/simple-outdoor-chicken-brooder-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brooder<\/a>. All our feed, <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/round-hay-bales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hay<\/a>, tools, and equipment are stored in there. About 1\/3 of it is built out as an animal stall that gives our cows shelter when weather gets bad. And we even decided to build an 8\u2019 x 16\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/simple-diy-chicken-coop-inside-your-barn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chicken coop<\/a> right inside the barn. All my daily chores and tasks around the homestead operate out of this space. So it\u2019s nice that our barn is just a short distance out our back door and mudroom, but still far enough to have a bit of separation from daily family activities.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn.png\" alt=\"chicken coop built inside pole barn\" class=\"wp-image-1852\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn.png 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-600x450.png 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-500x375.png 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-1170x878.png 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-585x439.png 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-250x188.png 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-550x413.png 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-800x600.png 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-240x180.png 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-400x300.png 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/chicken-coop-built-inside-pole-barn-667x500.png 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vegetable Garden<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We located our summer kitchen garden outside of the tree canopy surrounding our home so it gets full sun. Yet, this space is close enough to keep close tabs on how things are growing, the weeding we need to keep up with, and what needs harvesting. While I\u2019d love to someday build a nice looking permanent fence around our garden area, we\u2019ve found that electro-netting fencing has done an adequate job keeping our chickens and other unwanted garden intruders out\u2014especially early in the spring as things are getting established.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"725\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy.jpg\" alt=\"homestead vegetable garden\" class=\"wp-image-713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-600x363.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-1024x619.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-768x464.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-1170x707.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-585x353.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-250x151.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-550x332.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-800x483.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-298x180.jpg 298w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-497x300.jpg 497w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homestead-vegetable-garden-copy-828x500.jpg 828w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kid-Friendly Orchard<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just beside the garden we planted 4 dwarf apple trees. We have a separate larger <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-homestead-fruit-trees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">orchard<\/a> that\u2019s further out, but the goal for this space was to be accessible and welcoming for hands of any size. The dwarf trees stay small, so our kids or visitors can easily go pluck off a ripe apple whenever they\u2019d like!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Permanent Fenced Paddock<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beside the barn we have a 1\/2 acre paddock surrounded with a permanent woven wire fence. If you have animals, it would be hard to get by without some area of permanent fencing. And it\u2019s also beneficial for this area to be relatively close to home and easily within view to check on things. This is where we overwinter our cows. The addition of an automatic <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/jug-waterer-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">heated waterer<\/a> has really helped cut down on <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/cows-in-winter-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">winter<\/a> chores and also given us a place to keep our animals when we leave the homestead and be assured they\u2019re staying put and have constant access to water.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn.jpg\" alt=\"family milk cow in front of barn\" class=\"wp-image-619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-585x439.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-550x413.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/family-milk-cow-and-calf-in-front-of-barn-667x500.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1\/4-Acre Self Sufficient Homestead Garden (storage crops, orchard, meat chickens)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This<a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/how-to-create-a-quarter-acre-self-sufficient-homestead-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 1\/4 acre self sufficient garden<\/a> space is a fun example of putting many Permaculture Design principles together. We began by planting 3 long rows with 10 fruit trees each. Between those rows we plant <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/10-essential-storage-crops-you-need-to-grow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">storage crops<\/a> where one row grows our <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/how-to-store-potatoes-from-the-garden-long-term\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">potatoes<\/a> and the other we plant the three sisters in\u2014corn, beans, squash. Those 5 rows are spaced with 6\u2019 grassed alleyways between each row so we can pull <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/chicken-tractor-plans-for-25-chickens\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chickens tractors<\/a> through and raise a year\u2019s worth of <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/cost-of-raising-chickens-for-meat-on-a-small-scale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">meat chickens<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors.jpg\" alt=\"three sisters garden with chicken tractors\" class=\"wp-image-1402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/three-sisters-garden-with-chicken-tractors-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It wouldn\u2019t hurt to locate this system close to home since so much happens there. But in reality, the orchard and meat chickens only need seasonal tending and once the storage crops are established they require little attention until fall harvest. We do run an automated <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/drip-depot-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">drip irrigation system <\/a>out to this area which also helps it be a bit more hands off.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Back Pasture (with temporary fencing)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The largest chunk of our land (about 3.5 acres) is set aside for our cows (or other future ruminants) to graze on. This field has no permanent fencing around it. We purchased a bunch of Premier 1 electro-netting fencing used off of Facebook Marketplace and use that for<a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/rotational-grazing-on-a-small-scale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> rotational grazing<\/a>. So, about May through November, our cows are out on pasture being moved to a new paddock to munch on each day. The temporary fencing has worked great to keep our cows in, but, as we mentioned, would not be suitable to handle snow loads during the winter months.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting.jpg\" alt=\"grazing cows on pasture with electro netting\" class=\"wp-image-1718\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-585x439.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-550x413.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/grazing-cows-on-pasture-with-electro-netting-667x500.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no getting around grazing being expansive on your land and potentially time consuming, especially if rotating your animals often. We have no utility vehicle to quickly run to the far reaches of our property. We also run multiple 100\u2019 hoses from the hydrant in our barn to fill water troughs wherever our cows are located. Someday, we may be able to afford options like a permanent permitter fence, running a water supply more conveniently out to back field, or some sort of ATV for quick transport. But for now, it\u2019s a calculated cost for this slow and methodical process of how we rotate our animals in our back field.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Future Homestead Layout Plans<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve been able to get quite a bit up and running on our homestead in just a few years. But we always have ideas and thoughts for what\u2019s on the horizon. Here are some future homestead layout ideas we\u2019re hoping to get to!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Small Ruminants<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We would love to include a small flock of sheep or goats into the mix. The hope would be to fence off a large section of the lawn surrounding our house and utilize the grazing to reduce the amount of mowing we need to do. We\u2019d also love to graze them occasionally in back with our cows for the benefits of multi-species grazing where they can help clean up whatever the cows leave behind. Plus, sheep in particular can provide a source of fiber on the homestead to produce a totally new material for turning into clothes and other goods.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pigs in the Orchard?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of the thinking long term with the orchard\/storage crop area was that, at least part of the year, we can move pigs onto the grassed alleyways to raise them on pasture. We\u2019d need the fruit trees to be mature enough to handle this. But the windfall fruit from the orchard could then get put to very good use helping to provide natural forage for pigs, and possibly other small ruminants.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture.jpg\" alt=\"pigs on pasture\" class=\"wp-image-1178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pigs-on-pasture-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Perennials<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve learned that perennial plants don\u2019t happen overnight. They often take time to establish, and then more time to start producing. We\u2019ve started as early as possible with <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-homestead-fruit-trees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fruit trees<\/a>, asparagus, raspberries, and <a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/how-to-use-frozen-rhubarb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rhubarb<\/a>. But we\u2019d love to keep expanding that! Fruiting bushes, medicinal herbs, edible landscaping. There\u2019s an upfront cost and effort with getting these up and running. But long-term they provide food year after year with little-to-no hands on time.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flowers<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve been quick to discount flowers in the past. If it didn\u2019t provide nutritional value, we didn\u2019t see the need. But we\u2019re trying to slow down a bit and enjoy all the aesthetic beauty that nature has to offer. We\u2019ve started planting wildflowers around our home, but we\u2019d love to grow some more flower varieties that can be both enjoyed in our home, and shared with friends, family, and others in the community.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food Producing Trees<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both for benefit of shelter and food production, our hope is to plant some larger fruit and nut producing trees throughout our back pasture. This Savannah, or park-like, landscape can, 1) allow for a thriving pasture to grow beneath it, 2) provide valuable shade for our animals on warm summer days or shelter during storms, and 3) grow food for us to gather up as a family.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Homestead Layout!<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So there\u2019s a little glimpse into our homestead layout and some of the principles we used to get to where we are.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that your homestead is unique to YOU! There\u2019s no pressure to match or replicate what anyone else is doing. Every step you take is moving you and your family toward a more resilient future.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And lots of small steps add up to really great things over time!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019d love to hear what you\u2019re considering for your homestead layout, or where you\u2019re feeling hung up!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drop us a note below and happy homesteading, friends!<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-theme-palette-1-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-theme-palette-1-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Get more homesteading inspiration:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-size:26px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/why-a-5-acre-homestead-is-the-perfect-size-for-a-beginner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Why a 5 Acre Homestead is the Perfect Size for a Beginner<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/beginners-guide-to-self-sufficient-homesteading\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beginners Guide to Self Sufficient Homesteading<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/urban-homesteading-25-ways-to-begin-today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Urban Homesteading | 25 Ways To Begin Today<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/homesteading-resources-where-to-begin-in-your-homesteading-journey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homesteading Resources | Where To Begin In Your Homesteading Journey<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/farm-vs-homestead-vs-farmstead-what-they-are-and-how-to-choose\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Farm vs. Homestead vs. Farmstead | What They Are and How To Choose<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/buying-a-homestead-on-a-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Buying a Homestead on a Budget<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/setting-up-a-homestead-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Setting Up A Homestead Budget For One Small Income<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\n  window.fd('form', {\n    formId: '636019b28d1a1ae7948da256',\n    containerEl: '#fd-form-636019b28d1a1ae7948da256'\n  });\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pin it for later!<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/best-homestead-layout-ideas.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-85662\" style=\"width:650px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/best-homestead-layout-ideas.png 1000w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/best-homestead-layout-ideas-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/best-homestead-layout-ideas-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/fromscratchfarmstead.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/best-homestead-layout-ideas-768x1152.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Laying out your homestead is simultaneously one of the most exciting and overwhelming tasks to take on. In this post we\u2019ll explore some basic homestead layout principles and share our 5 acre homestead layout as an example. Starting Your Homestead Layout You won\u2019t find a plug-n-play template for laying out your homestead. No two homestead&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":897,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[567,473,474],"tags":[568],"class_list":["post-896","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-homestead","category-homestead-how-tos","category-small-scale-farming","tag-summer-homestead"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/896","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=896"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/896\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=896"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=896"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/khetwise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=896"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}