How To Start A
Homestead By Accident
Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be learning how to start a homestead, let alone doing it at the ripe old age of 52.
Yet, here I am, knee-deep in soil, surrounded by lionhead rabbits, chickens and the sweet smell of homegrown herbs.
Almost three years ago, my husband and I decided to trade in our life on the road for something a little more rooted.
After four years of RV living, traveling up and down the East Coast, and eight unforgettable months in the Florida Keys, the rising cost of gas and a yearning for simplicity brought us to West Virginia.
We found 3.5 acres of rolling hills and dense trees—a place where peace and quiet reigned supreme.
It felt like a dream come true.
We unpacked our boxes, set up our little nest, and sat on the porch, soaking in the view. But after the novelty wore off, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.
Growing A Garden
One afternoon, as I stared at the land surrounding our home, it hit me—I could start a small garden.
Nothing too ambitious, just a few herbs, some tomato and pepper plants, and maybe a couple of strawberries.
With my husband’s help, we tilled a little patch of soil near the house and got to work.
I should’ve known better. The following year, our tiny garden expanded into another garden and then this year we expanded once again by building a bigger garden (3 in total).
We added onions, potatoes, and a handful of other goodies. By the end of that season, my husband built me an even bigger garden.
Apparently, he saw where this was headed before I did.
The only problem? We quickly realized that our 3.5 acres was almost entirely solid West Virginia clay.
Bags upon bags of store-bought dirt became a regular part of our grocery list.
I quickly realized I needed a better solution.
The Rabbit Poop Revelation
That’s when I stumbled across a golden nugget of gardening wisdom: rabbit poop.
Unlike other animal manures, rabbit poop doesn’t need to be composted before being added to your garden. It’s rich in nutrients and can be applied directly to the soil, making it a homesteader’s dream.
So, naturally, we found ourselves at a local store, peering into cages full of fluffy bunnies.
That’s where I met Ozzy—a beautiful white lionhead rabbit with a tuft of hair on his head that reminded me of a rock star.
We brought Ozzy home with no intention of breeding him. He was simply a pet with a purpose: to fertilize our garden.
And Then There Were Three
It didn’t take long before I started worrying about Ozzy being lonely. Rabbits are social creatures, after all.
One morning, while picking up supplies at the feed store, I spotted two female lionheads—adorable, fluffy, and irresistible.
“Joey, we have to get them,” I said, barely giving him a chance to protest.
And just like that, Sharon and Harriet joined our little homestead.
My husband, the saint that he is, built a bunny barn to accommodate our growing rabbit family.
Adding Chickens To Mix
With rabbits in our backyard and a flourishing garden, it seemed only natural to take the next step: chickens.
Not only do chickens provide fresh eggs, but their manure can also be composted into nutrient-rich fertilizer.
We started small, with just a handful of laying hens, and quickly fell in love with their quirky personalities and the joy of collecting eggs every morning.
Lessons In Self-Sufficiency
Starting a homestead has taught me so much about self-sufficiency and resilience.
I’ve learned to preserve food through canning, dehydrating, and freezing. I’ve discovered the magic of meal planning and the joy of slow cooker recipes that make life simpler.
But more than that, I’ve realized the profound connection between the food we grow and the lives we lead.
There’s something deeply fulfilling about walking into my garden, plucking fresh herbs, and knowing that the meals I prepare nourish not just our bodies but also our souls.
About Our Homestead
Our Garden
Our Garden is the heartbeat of Wildly Bold Homestead, where every seed planted represents hope, healing, and sustainability.
It’s more than just rows of vegetables—it’s a place of growth and transformation.
From vibrant tomatoes and crisp greens to fragrant medicinal herbs and blossoming fruit trees in our orchard, our garden is a sanctuary of abundance and natural beauty.
Every harvest brings us closer to living a self-sufficient life, nurturing not only our bodies with fresh, organic produce but also our souls with the joy of working in harmony with nature.
- 10 Easy Vegetables For Beginners To Grow In Their First Garden
- How To Build a Raised Garden Bed For Maximum Yield
- Companion Planting For A Thriving Garden
- 5 Secrets to Healthy Soil Every Gardener Should Know
- How To Plan and Rotate Crops For A Productive Garden
- DIY Natural Pest Control For An Organic Garden
- Growing Medicinal Herb Garden
- How To Save Seeds From Your Garden
- The Best Tools Every Gardener Needs
- Seasonal Gardening: What To Plant Each Month For A Year Round Harvest
In The Kitchen
In the Kitchen is where simplicity meets creativity at Wildly Bold Homestead.
It's not just about preparing meals—it’s about creating nourishment for the body and soul using homegrown ingredients, pantry staples, and natural methods.
From the aroma of fresh bread baking to the satisfaction of preserving your harvest through canning, freezing, or dehydrating, this space is a testament to the beauty of self-sufficiency.
Whether you're mastering slow cooker recipes for busy days, experimenting with medicinal herbs in your cooking, or learning the art of meal planning, the kitchen becomes the heart of your homestead, where healing and connection thrive.
- How To Freeze Eggs
- 10 Must Have Pantry Staples For A Self Sufficient Kitchen
- The Art of Slow Cooking: Recipes That Nurture Your Soul
- How To Freeze Fresh Produce To Preserve Your Harvest
- Mastering Meal Planning: A Step by Step Guide To Simplify Your Life
- Canning 101: Beginner Friendly Recipes To Preserve Your Food
- The Ultimate Guide To Dehydrating Food For Long Term Storage
- One-Pot Meals For Busy Homesteaders
- Freezer Meals For Homesteaders: Save Time and Reduce Waste
- Cooking With Medicinal Herbs: Recipes That Heal
- How To Make Homemade Bread: A Step by Step Guide For Beginners
Our Critters
The Chickens
Our Chickens are a lively and essential part of Wildly Bold Homestead, bringing charm, purpose, and sustainability to our daily lives.
These feathery companions provide us with fresh, nutritious eggs while contributing to the health of our garden through their natural fertilization and pest control.
Watching them scratch and forage in the yard is a reminder of the simple joys of homesteading.
More than just providers, our chickens are a vital part of our commitment to living in harmony with nature, embracing a life where every creature plays a meaningful role in the cycle of growth and nourishment.
- How To Raise Baby Chicks
- How To Build A DIY Chicken Coop That Will Keep Your Flock Safe
- 10 Reasons Every Homestead Needs Backyard Chickens
- How To Feed Our Chickens Naturally
- How To Deal with Common Chicken Health Problems
- How To Keep Chickens Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer
- How To Harvest and Store Chicken Manure For Our Garden
- How To Store Eggs
And The Bunnies
Our Rabbits are a cherished part of Wildly Bold Homestead, embodying both practicality and charm in our journey toward self-sufficiency.
With our lionhead rabbits, with their fluffy coats and playful demeanor, not only bring joy to our homestead but also play a key role in its sustainability.
Their manure, often referred to as "black gold," is an incredible natural fertilizer that enriches our garden soil and helps our plants thrive.
Whether we’re caring for them, using their contributions to nurture our crops, or simply enjoying their gentle presence, our rabbits remind us of the beautiful balance that comes from working hand-in-hand with nature.
- Raising Lion-head Rabbits: A Beginner's Guide to Care and Sustainability
- The Magic of Rabbit Manure: Nature’s Best Fertilizer for Your Garden
- Why Rabbits Are a Perfect Addition to a Self-Sufficient Homestead
- Lion-head Rabbits: Everything You Need to Know About This Breed
- How to Use Rabbit Manure in Composting for Thriving Plants
- The Benefits of Selling Lion-head Rabbits: A Small Business Opportunity
- Rabbit Housing Essentials: Building the Perfect Home for Your Bunnies
- From Bunny to Garden: The Role of Rabbits in Sustainable Gardening
- How to Ensure the Health and Happiness of Your Homestead Rabbits
Simple Living
Simple living is about stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters, creating a life filled with purpose, joy, and clarity.
It’s a conscious choice to embrace less—less clutter, less stress, less distraction—and, in return, gain more freedom, more peace, and more time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
From decluttering your home and practicing mindful spending to slowing down and savoring everyday moments, simple living allows you to reconnect with what brings you happiness and fulfillment.
It’s not about deprivation but about intentionally crafting a life that aligns with your values and nurtures your well-being.
- What Is Simple Living? Embracing A Lifestyle Of Intentionality.
- 10 Simple Habits to Simplify Your Life and Reduce Stress
- The Power of Letting Go: How Minimalism Enhances Your Everyday Life
- How To Simplify Your Daily Routine: Save Time and Create Peace
- Finding Joy In The Little Things: Practicing Gratitude In A Simple Life
- Slow Living 101: How To Embrace A More Meaningful Pace Of Life
- Living With Intention: Setting Goals For A Simplified, Purposeful Life
- The Art of Saying No: Simplify Your Life By Prioritizing What Matters
- How To Create A Simplified, Sustainable Home
- The Connection Between Simple Living and Self Sufficiency
Apothecary - Medicinal Herbs
At Wildly Bold Homestead, we’re weaving the timeless art of apothecary into our everyday lives as part of our journey toward self-sufficiency and natural healing.
From cultivating a vibrant medicinal herb garden filled with lavender, chamomile, calendula, and peppermint, to crafting homemade salves, tinctures, and herbal teas, we’re rediscovering the power of nature’s remedies.
These practices are not only about creating products for personal use but also align with our mission to simplify life and nurture the body through natural solutions.
As we grow our apothecary offerings, we envision sharing these handmade remedies with others, fostering a deeper connection to the earth while empowering our community to embrace holistic healing.
- How To Start An Apothecary On Your Homestead
- 10 Medicinal Herbs Every Homesteader Should Grow
- Crafting Herbal Remedies: Simple Recipes For Salves, Tinctures and Teas
- The Benefits Of Building A Home Apothecary For Natural Healing
- How To Preserve Medicinal Herbs: Drying, Freezing, and Infusing
- Creating A Healing Space: Designing An Apothecary At Wildly Bold Homestead
- Top 5 Herbal Remedies For Stress and Relaxation
- The Role of Medicinal Herbs in Self-Sufficient Living
- From Garden To Apothecary: A Step-by-Step Guide To Creating Herbal Remedies
Making Money Online
Making money online while homesteading is a fantastic way to support your lifestyle and turn your passions into income.
By leveraging your homesteading knowledge, you can create a blog or YouTube channel to share tutorials, recipes, and tips on sustainable living, attracting followers who value your expertise.
Selling handmade goods, such as soap, candles, or preserves, through platforms like Etsy or your own website can turn your homestead’s abundance into profit.
Additionally, offering online courses or eBooks on gardening, preserving food, or starting a homestead can establish you as an authority in the field.
With the right blend of creativity and consistent effort, you can align your online ventures with your homesteading values, building both a community and a steady income.
- Ways To Make Money Online as a Homesteader
- How To Start A Profitable Blog
- The Best Digital Products Homesteaders Can Sell Online
- How To Use Social Media To Build An Income-Generating Homestead Brand
- Selling Handmade Homestead Products Online
- How To Create A YouTube Channel That Earns Passive Income
- The Ultimate Guide To Freelancing From Your Homestead
- How To Teach Your Skills Through Online Courses
- Affiliate Marketing For Homesteaders: How To Get Started
- Turning Your Knowledge Into An Ebook
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