Principles we learned — or had to re-learn — as we deepened our relationship with Mother Nature :
• We have to do the work , and the work doesn ’ t stop once the seeds are in the ground .
• An adjustment of lifestyle is needed to accomplish your goals and ideals , which requires discipline — meaning rising and shining early ; picking crops before the heat of the day ; checking for pests frequently ; or even stopping playing that video game in which you ’ re a warrior — to become one in real life !
• Planning , rhythm , structure , discipline and determination are the building blocks upon which success is built .
• A long span of observation is necessary to understand your micro-ecosystems through Nature ’ s flux .
• Beware of predators — from insects to raptors ; mammals , both burrowing and ground foragers ; blights and disease — or even too much , or too little of any one commodity ( e . g . sun , rain and certain plants ).
• Working with wind , water retention and sunlight flow is essential to happy crops .
• Building soil and maintaining proper nutrients must be a priority .
But homesteading is a lifestyle . It ’ s not just about responsibilities , but is pursued out of the desire to be as self-sufficient and proficiently skilled as possible in caring for yourself , your family and the earth . Those who are drawn to homesteading tend to be people who want to work with the earth , practice organic living or just generally want to live a healthier lifestyle . Many realize the adage , “ If you want it done right , do it yourself .” still rings true . Even a tiny garden is a victory for earth stewardship and personal health .
Many people might think that homesteading is too much work due to the overwhelming responsibilities . It takes discipline and effort . Ironically , our society often lacks such fortitude due to the mass production of all of our goods . But without discipline and responsibilities , we flounder . We get depressed , bored or seek to fill the void with empty entertainment that doesn ’ t improve our lifestyle or I . Q . Our family , however , desires to master and embrace the responsibilities . We want to take joy in learning to become more disciplined people , to enjoy the fact that we have the opportunity to affect and heal a small
• Implement systems that allow for beneficial life forms ( e . g . bee hives or hotels , hedgerows for birds and insects ).
• Have patience , as “ weeds ” and pests are typically the worst in the first year ; natural predators become more established the second year .
• Grass is not the end of the garden , but it does compete for nutrients .
• Be ready and able to preserve excess harvest before it spoils ( e . g . via canning , drying or lacto- fermentation , etc .).
• Allow a good portion of the healthiest of your heirloom crop to go to seed , then harvest and store the seed .
• Be aware of cross pollination if you are saving seed . If you like new breeds and surprises , this can be fun . Otherwise , be forewarned that closely related species planted near to each other will cross-pollinate .
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