Homesteading Supplies

After the recent crash of our economy, modern day homesteading has become something more and more people have begun to seriously consider. Finding a way to be more self sufficient has become a reality for many people. If you are going to homestead you are going to have to decide whether or not you are going to be using hand tools, power tools or a combination. Deciding what homesteading supplies you need to use is going to depend in part on your age, health and personal preference as well as the property you choose to homestead.

Property Considerations

If the land you choose to homestead is virgin property that has not been cleared, has no buildings, no fences and no well then you are obviously going to need the tools and equipment to completely clear the land (where you want a house, garden, and pasture) and erect the buildings and fences that you are going to need. If you are new to homesteading the first tool you are going to need is a good book that tells you exactly how to go about clearing the land and building the things you will need to build.

If there is already a house and barn on your property you may still need to build fences and even an outbuilding or two, plus you will need gardening tools.

Living off the Land

True homesteaders live off the land as much as possible. This means you will need gardening tools, watering troughs for the animals you raise and other essentials. You will also want to invest in a wood stove and canning supplies. You may also want something to dry meat and fruits to store and perhaps a large freezer for anything you want to freeze. You will of course need seeds for your garden in order to grow your vegetables as well.

Start by making a list of those homesteading supplies you may need. Here are some lists that will help get you started. Keep in mind that these are only partial lists and some items can be substituted for others.

Building and Fencing Tools

chain saw

rear tine tiller

fence posts

fencing

axes

saws (hand saw, cross cut and buck)

picks

shovels

rakes

hoes

wood splitters

sledge hammer

wheel barrow

post hole digger

rotor tiller (or non automotive ground turner)

saw horses

heavy duty chains and winches.

Canning and Food Preparation Supplies

pressure cooker

jars (large mouth)

canning lids

tongs (for lifting jars from boiling water)

fermenting crocks

dehydrators

smoker

Animal Raising Supplies

grain storage containers (rodent proof!)

water and food troughs

ice breakers or water heaters (to keep the animals’ water source open in winter)

skinning equipment

butchering knives and equipment

A Library

One of the most important things you are going to need is knowledge about how to accomplish each and every homesteading task. For most new homesteaders this means having a library of reference materials that explains exactly how to do things. This library can consists of books, articles from the Internet and magazines and other sources of information that might prove vital or helpful. In addition a couple of crafts magazines might be in order to help you create objects in your home that adds comfort and appeal without costing you money.

Homesteading can be an exciting and somewhat overwhelming task. The right homesteading supplies and the right references will help make that task simpler and easier.