When we first decided to start a homestead, I pictured peaceful mornings with ducks waddling through the yard, fresh eggs on the counter, and a garden that never failed me with abundance. Reality? Well… let’s just say it wasn’t quite that picture-perfect.
Homesteading is rewarding in ways I never could’ve imagined, but it also comes with challenges I didn’t expect. If you’re just getting started (or dreaming about it), here are five things I wish I knew before diving in.
1. Animals Come With Endless Surprises
Bringing animals onto your homestead instantly fills it with energy and personality. Ducks waddle with purpose, geese loudly announce visitors, and rabbits can make the quietest days feel lively. But animals also bring their fair share of chaos.
Spilled water buckets? Every day. A freshly cleaned coop that somehow looks like a disaster two hours later? Normal. And don’t even get me started on chasing down an escapee who decided the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.
It’s not just about feeding and collecting eggs. Animals demand consistency and flexibility. They’ll change your routines, they’ll keep you humble, and—when you least expect it—they’ll teach you more about patience and responsibility than you ever thought possible.
2. The Garden Will Teach You More Than Any Book
Before planting my first garden, I read every guide I could get my hands on. I thought if I studied enough, I’d have rows of thriving vegetables and flowers from day one. Instead, I got weeds taller than me and plants that refused to bloom.
And yet, those failures taught me more than any blog post or gardening manual ever could. I learned when my soil needs more compost, how much sun my plants actually want, and which crops thrive in my environment (spoiler: not everything will). In future years, I’ll be thankful for a single jalapeño.
That’s the beauty of a homestead garden—it’s never about perfection. It’s about observing, adapting, and realizing that every year brings new lessons.
3. Homesteading Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
When I first started, I thought I needed brand-new supplies: shiny garden tools, raised beds from the hardware store, and a perfectly built coop with all the bells and whistles. The truth? Most of those things are unnecessary.
Homesteads are built on resourcefulness. Old straw from the duck house turns into compost. Kitchen scraps become feed. Scrap wood and old fencing can transform into a perfectly functional shelter. Some of my favorite tools came secondhand, and they’ve lasted longer than anything I could have bought new.
Sure, there are times you’ll need to invest in something sturdy or safe, but most of the time, being creative saves you money—and makes your homestead uniquely yours.
4. Time Management is Everything
Homesteading isn’t a “when I feel like it” lifestyle. Animals still need to eat whether you’re tired, sick, or busy. Plants won’t water themselves (and sometimes it feels like they need it twice a day in summer). Things break at the most inconvenient times.
At first, I felt overwhelmed. I thought I had to do everything perfectly, every single day. Eventually, I realized that routines make life smoother. Feeding animals at the same time each day, setting aside certain mornings for garden work, and giving myself grace when things don’t go to plan has been life-changing.
Some days, you’ll feel behind. Other days, you’ll feel unstoppable. The key is finding a rhythm that works for you—and remembering that even the smallest steps forward count.
5. It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination
I used to have this picture in my head of the “perfect” homestead: lush gardens, happy animals, and a spotless farmhouse kitchen full of preserved food. Now, I’ve realized that “perfect” doesn’t exist.
What does exist are the little moments that make homesteading magical. The first egg you ever collect. The way geese sound as the sun rises. The satisfaction of cooking a meal from food you grew yourself. Even the muddy boots and messy days are part of the story.
Homesteading isn’t about arriving at an end goal—it’s about living the process. Every mistake, every small success, and every chaotic moment adds up to a life that’s full of meaning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about starting a homestead, don’t wait until everything feels perfect. You’ll never be fully ready, and that’s part of the beauty. Start small, learn as you go, and give yourself grace. The journey is worth every muddy boot, spilled water pan, and weed-filled garden.
