Homestead Planning Guide

Whether you have 1 acre or 100, thoughtful planning transforms property into a productive homestead. This guide covers everything from property assessment to a realistic development timeline.

Assess Your Property

Before planning, spend a full year observing:

• Sun patterns: Track sunlight in each area through seasons
• Water flow: Where does rain runoff collect or flow?
• Wind: Prevailing direction, intensity
• Microclimates: Frost pockets, warm spots, wet areas
• Soil types: Test in multiple locations
• Existing resources: Trees, water, buildings, fencing

Define Your Goals

Questions to Answer

• What percentage of food do you want to produce?
• Which animals, if any, do you want to raise?
• Is income production a goal?
• How much time can you dedicate?
• What's your budget for development?
• Who will do the work? Current and future?

Property Layout Principles

Zone Planning (Permaculture Approach)

• Zone 1: Daily-use areas near house (herbs, salads, chicken coop)
• Zone 2: Regular attention (main garden, small orchard)
• Zone 3: Occasional work (field crops, larger animals)
• Zone 4: Minimal intervention (woodland, forage)
• Zone 5: Wilderness (wildlife corridor, observation)

Sector Analysis

Map external energies entering property:

• Sun arc (summer vs. winter)
• Prevailing winds (plant windbreaks)
• Fire risk direction
• Views to preserve or block
• Noise sources

Infrastructure Priorities

Water (Priority #1)

• Secure reliable water source first
• Well, spring, pond, or municipal
• Rainwater harvesting
• Irrigation planning for garden areas
• Gravity-fed systems save energy

Fencing (Priority #2)

• Perimeter fence for livestock containment
• Garden fence for deer/rabbit exclusion
• Rotational paddocks if grazing
• Plan for future expansion

Access & Buildings

• All-weather driveway and paths
• Barn/shed for animals and equipment
• Processing area (butchering, preserving)
• Storage (hay, grain, equipment)

Recommended 5-Year Timeline

Year 1: Foundation

• Observe and map property
• Soil test all areas
• Plant perennials (fruit trees, berries)
• Start small garden (learn the land)
• Build soil with cover crops, compost

Year 2: Expansion

• Expand garden based on Year 1 lessons
• Add chickens (easy first livestock)
• Develop irrigation systems
• Plant more perennials

Year 3-5: Refine & Add

• Add larger livestock if desired
• Establish food preservation systems
• Develop income streams
• Continue perennial development

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much too fast: Start small, learn, then expand
• Wrong animals first: Start with chickens, not cattle
• Ignoring soil: Build soil before planting
• No plan: Design before development
• Underestimating time: Everything takes longer than expected