🏡 Homesteading 101: Building the Foundations of a Self-Sufficient Life – One-Day Intensive Workshop

Course Overview

This immersive workshop introduces participants to the core principles and practices of starting and sustaining a small-scale homestead. From planning land use and growing food to raising animals and preserving harvests, participants will gain a comprehensive overview of what it means to live more self-sufficiently.

• Target Audience: Individuals and families interested in starting a homestead or increasing self-reliance

• Duration: 1 day (8 hours, including breaks)

• Format: Classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and open discussion

Workshop Schedule

9:00–9:30 AM — Welcome & Introductions
Instructor introductions, participant goals, and overview of the homesteading journey.

9:30–10:15 AM — Session 1: What is Homesteading?
Definition and modern homesteading mindset; benefits of self-sufficiency (food security, sustainability, simplicity); the 'Homesteader’s Ethic': stewardship, resilience, and learning by doing.

10:15–11:00 AM — Session 2: Planning Your Homestead
Setting realistic goals (food, livestock, energy, lifestyle); assessing land and resources; zoning, access to water, and soil health; creating a phased development plan.

11:00–12:00 PM — Session 3: Growing Your Own Food
Overview of vegetable gardening, orchards, and perennial crops; starting small and scaling up; composting and soil building; demonstration: start a seed tray or build a mini raised bed.

12:00–12:45 PM — Lunch Break
Optional garden walk and Q&A on food production systems.

12:45–2:00 PM — Session 4: Raising Small Livestock
Overview of chickens and rabbits for beginners; housing, feeding, and care essentials; integrating animals into the homestead ecosystem; ethical and sustainable livestock management.

2:00–3:00 PM — Session 5: Food Preservation & Storage
Introduction to canning, drying, freezing, and fermenting; basic tools and safety practices; demonstration: water bath canning or dehydrating fruit.

3:00–3:45 PM — Session 6: Off-Grid and Sustainable Living
Water collection and filtration; solar and alternative energy basics; waste management (compost toilets, recycling systems); simple DIY sustainability projects.

3:45–4:30 PM — Session 7: Homestead Skills & Daily Routines
Planning seasonal tasks and maintenance; recordkeeping and budgeting for the homestead; building community and bartering skills.

4:30–5:00 PM — Wrap-Up/Q&A
Recap, discussion, resource sharing.

Course Materials

Instructor Provides:

• Handouts on homestead planning templates and seasonal task lists

Participants Should Bring:

• Notebook and pen

• Work gloves (for hands-on activity)

• Water bottle and outdoor clothing (weather permitting)

Assessment

• Hands-On Demonstration: Participants complete a simple task (e.g., planting seeds or outlining a homestead plan).
• Knowledge Review: End-of-day discussion and reflection exercise.

Recommended Resources

Books:

• The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour

• Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills by Abigail R. Gehring

Online:

• NC Cooperative Extension Homesteading Resources

• Mother Earth News Homesteading Guides

Follow-Up Support

• Community Forum: Access to the Vine and Fig Tree Homestead online network.

• Monthly Q&A: Continued mentorship and topic-specific sessions.

• Next Steps: Advanced workshops on Organic Gardening, Animal Husbandry, and Food Preservation.

Vine and Fig Tree Homestead Workshop Series
Promoting Sustainable Living, Self-Reliance, and Community Learning.