Gardening for Survival: Homesteading in the Modern Age
Do you dream of going back to basics and trying your hand at homesteading? Many people who want to live in a more eco-friendly manner tend to be attracted to this modern rural renaissance, but if you do not have much experience with gardening you might not know how to start. However, homesteading is achievable with a little planning and confidence.
The Modern Homestead
While you may not want to start your homestead the old-fashioned way, by building a log cabin and tilling fields with a team of oxen, you can still create a space of your own that is self-sustaining. Start by finding a piece of property with an area ideal for growing food. This area needs to have a good amount of light, and not be too dry or too moist. If you have property that is forested or highly wooded, you can still create an area for gardening, but it might require a lot of improvement and preparation, which can be costly.
It is also a good idea to find out what water sources will be available to you once you begin to grow food. You do not want to plant a small orchard only to find out that you cannot keep it hydrated. Ask questions about the land. Does it have a well or a spring? Is it near a river? Does the property come with agricultural water rights? If you do not have access to water, find out if you can legally install a cistern on the property, which can catch rainwater for residential or small agricultural use.
Affordable Living Space
Once you have your property, consider buying a quality manufactured home, instead of building a stick frame house, which can be costly to construct. Manufactured homes can create a comfortable and efficient living space for your eco-conscious family without costing a fortune. Choosing a manufactured or mobile home can also help you get onto your property faster. Look for information about green and energy efficient manufactured homes on sites like ManufacturedHomes.com so that you can be sure that your home will meet the green standards you desire.
