(FREE) Practical Tips for Starting (or Growing!) Your Homesteading Journey

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Welcome to “The Sunny Side” where we’ll chat about all things homesteading! My name is Liz Threlkeld and I have been homesteading with my family in small forms or large fashions for most of my life. From growing gardens to DIY projects, to cooking and preserving, to raising and processing our own meat animals, we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. I’m excited to get to share some of this life with you. Ready? Let’s grow!

Homesteading as a Mindset

Hey, Friends!

Last month we talked about what typically defines someone as a homesteader. This month, let’s focus on “how” to start homesteading. Here are some practical tips:

• Make a list of what you know how to do versus what you want to learn.

• Order some printed books on the areas of interest.

  • If you’re looking for inspiration, I found “Slice of Organic Life” by Sheherazade Goldsmith extremely helpful. It gives just enough information on a myriad of homesteading topics to wet the beak. It’s simple and helpful when deciding direction. I encourage you to order your copy through Brace Books and More or check it out from the library using the Libby App or an ILL (inter-library loan)! The internet is also a helpful resource, but in the name of preservation and old-fashioned ways, books never go out of style!

• If you’re a hands-on beginner, the kitchen is a great place to start!

  • Grow microgreens!

  • Tackle a ferment like sourdough, Amish friendship bread, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha or curtido!

  • Bake some bread!

• Get some garden seeds/plants. March-May is the ideal time to start planting certain various things in our area!

  • Attend Ponca City’s “ANNUAL SEED SWAP – The Next Generation” at City Central (400 E. Central Ave.). Hosted by Sunny Creek Trading Post, guests can expect various booths, workshops and activities. See graphic for more details or visit Sunny Creek Trading Post’s Facebook page or website.

    

  • Don’t have a green thumb? You may be surprised! Some veggies thrive on neglect and some thrive on being “over loved” with water. A quick Google search can help you pick the best seeds for your inclination.

• Start raising a small animal.

  • Chickens are a great way to start receiving an animal product without butchering or milking. Be sure to check the laws regarding farm animals where you live.

  • If you’re a little more adventurous and looking for your own protein, rabbit meat is wonderful! It’s typically the fastest producing meat animal, easy to skin, tastes like a cross between chicken and turkey, takes up little space and is a great intro into tanning hides!

• Attend homesteading events such as the extremely popular Okie Homesteading Expo in Pryor, Oklahoma!

  • OHE will take place on March 21-22, 2025, bringing together homesteading enthusiasts and experts for two days of education and inspiration. World-renowned farmer, speaker and author, Joel Salatin, will headline the event, sharing his wisdom on sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture. Attendees can expect hands-on workshops, demonstrations and a vibrant marketplace showcasing tools, crafts and resources to enhance self-sufficiency and rural living. This is a great event for the beginner AND the experienced homesteader!

  • Get Tickets to Okie Homesteading Expo. Kids 17 and under are free!

• Get a few basic tools.

  • Hand rakes and trowels are great for raised beds and pots. Shovels, hoes, broad forks and garden rakes are a must-have for in-ground gardening.

• Get a mentor!

  • Locals are great because they know our area and zone the best and most homesteaders love to share ideas and experiences!

  • My favorite homesteading influencers from Oklahoma are: “Arms Family Homestead” for broad topics, “Gardening with Leon” for growing food in Oklahoma weather, and for the super crunchy or adventurous, I recommend “Bad Baxter Farm”.

  • For the beginner, “The Prairie Homestead” is my favorite suggestion!

• Arm yourself with the right attitude!

  • Steer clear of the “All or Nothing” mentality.

  • Have an attitude of learning. You’ve got to pay your dues.

  • Don’t fear failing. When you fail, because you will – fail forward.

I’m convinced that ANYONE can be a homesteader. If they have the passion and the drive, they’ll figure it out.

I’m rooting for you! You’ve got this!

Liz Threlkeld

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