Student Instructions

Welcome to the Homesteading Project! In this project, you will have the opportunity to browse for properties online and design a garden blueprint that will produce enough food for a family of four. You will also need to create a budget for your garden and stay within the $750,000 budget.

Before you begin, create a new powerpoint slide show or word document to collect the information and/or links that you find.

Step 1: Criteria for the Property

• The property should be for sale and within the budget.

• The property should have around 5 acres and ideally southern sun exposure.

• The property should be suitable for homesteading, with access to water and fertile soil.

Step 2: Property Search

• Use the internet to search for properties that meet the criteria.

• Browse different sites, compare prices and features, and take notes on properties that interest you.

• Make sure you consider all aspects of the property, including location, terrain, and accessibility.

Step 3: Property Presentation

• Present the properties you found to the class.

• Explain why you chose the property and how it meets the criteria given by the teacher.

• Describe the property's features, location, and any benefits or drawbacks.

Step 4: Garden Design

• Design a garden blueprint for your chosen property that will produce enough food for a family of four.

• The blueprint should include the location of different plants and vegetables, as well as any farm animals you plan to have.

• Use the available space wisely and consider the cost of materials.

• Make sure to calculate the amount of produce that will be required to feed a family of four for a year.

• Consider including the following features in your garden design:

  • A compost area where organic materials can be collected and decomposed to create nutrient-rich soil for the garden.

  • A rainwater catchment system to collect and store rainwater for use in the garden.

Estimate of food production:

• A family of four would need to produce approximately 2,000-3,000 pounds of vegetables and fruits per year to sustain themselves.

• This can vary based on factors such as the specific vegetables and fruits grown, the size of the family, and their dietary preferences. It's important to research and calculate the estimated food needs for a family of four based on the homestead design and the local climate and growing conditions.

• A family of four would also need to produce animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs to supplement their vegetable and fruit production.

• Consider including animals such as pigs, cows, and chickens in your homestead design.

• Estimate the amount of feed and space required for each animal, as well as the time and resources needed for their care.

• For example, a family of four might need:

  1. 1 cow per year (1,000-1,500 pounds of meat)

  2. 2 pigs per year (400-600 pounds of meat)

  3. 10-12 chickens per year (120-150 dozen eggs)

• These estimates can vary based on factors such as the size of the animals, their breed, and the quality of their living conditions.

• It's important to research the specific needs of each animal and consider the resources available on the homestead before deciding which animals to include in the design.

Step 5: Budgeting

• Create a budget for your garden blueprint.

• The budget should include the cost of materials such as seeds, fencing, and feed for animals.

• Make sure you stay within the $750,000 budget.

Step 6: Presentation and Discussion

• Present your garden blueprint and budget to the class.

• Explain how you stayed within the budget and why you chose certain materials or animals.

• Participate in a class discussion about the benefits and challenges of homesteading and the importance of producing enough food for a family of four.

The final product for this homesteading project will be a detailed map of your homestead, including gardening areas, compost areas, rainwater collection systems, animal areas, the house, greenhouse, and any other additional features you choose to include. 

Your map should be accompanied by a garden blueprint and budget that outline the materials and resources required for the homestead design. It can be designed on paper or digitally produced using PowerPoint, Canva or another graphic design app.

Through this project, you will learn the importance of sustainability and self-sufficiency in food production, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to design and maintain a homestead. Good luck with your project!