Comments on: Choosing Land for Homestead Living

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:51:00 +0000

hi my name is edward and i very much would like to get into the home steading dose any one have any info that would help me in getting started dont care what state it is in im up for venture and am a venturous kind of guy please you can send the info to my email address if you can help me to get started thank you edward

By: Greg Seaman

Greg Seaman — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:04:28 +0000

Before you write off the Virginia location, check out the annual rainfall patter and long term trends. There are certainly successful methods of gathering rain and storing it for use. In fact one of my closest neighbors gets his water this way. It has been simple and reliable.
On the other hand, if your only option is a 400 ft well, I would be leary of settling here.
In choosing potential land for homesteading, try to think ahead to 20 years from now. What is the population trend, the long term availability of good soil for gardening and orchards, education and income opportunities.
And most important, what is the long term climate forecast for this region.

By: ebe8528

ebe8528 — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 22:47:03 +0000

Thanks for all of the information about researching potential land. We were looking at mountainous regions in western Virginia, but are seeing acreage where the neighbors had to drill 400-800 feet for their well. Like you said, if shallow wells are not available in the area, not a great idea to rely on well water. Is a real problem here. It is making us reconsider, and possibly move back to Florida.

By: ebe8528

ebe8528 — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 22:42:39 +0000

If you hear about others homesteading around Orlando, please let me know. lovemygraycat@yahoo.com. We would like to live in a less crowded area on the perimeter of Orlando or one of the northern Florida cities, and we are totally organic. Planning to do solar power.

By: Greg Seaman

Greg Seaman — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:47:21 +0000

Sorry Louis, we do not have information about homesteading in your area. If you talk to the folks at local feed stores and garden supply stores, they will likey be in touch with people who are homesteading.

By: Louis

Louis — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:41:53 +0000

Just in need of some info. I'm in the Orlando Fl area. and was wondering if, or do you know of any homesteading in this, or around Orange county?

By: Livia Milite

Livia Milite — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:37:09 +0000

quite intriguing post

By: Greg Seaman

Greg Seaman — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:38:38 +0000

You will want to find out if the creek dries up in summer. And check out the upstream conditions, i.e., is the water safe and clean for gardening applications.
As for the soil, it's nice to have something to work with. It is true that, over time, gardeners build their own soil, especially in raised bed growing systems, by adding compost, mulches,and amendments like peat moss, but it helps to have a volume of dirt to begin with.
Also, you won't be able to have fruit trees, which we consider to be the most valuable crop we grow.
When viewing the property, bring along a small hand spade and do your own soil depth tests.

By: greeenkaos

greeenkaos — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:07:01 +0000

Great article on covering the various aspects. I found the soil info and links very useful, particularly. Right now I'm looking at a property that is in a soil survey area with many portions only 5-16inches of topsoil with a sandstone bedrock, yet the agent says there is a creek bed runnign through so he think that bodes well for gardening. I know that with work on improving the soil, raised beds, etc, a lot of improvement can be made, but I'm still uncertain if it's totally feasible. after all, being able to grow food is a primary concern. I'm going to look at the property in a few weeks. Any advice?

By: kira

kira — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:29:59 +0000

We are very interested in becoming more independent and this is helpful. Thanks!

By: Greg Seaman

Greg Seaman — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:27:16 +0000

Yes, we know a number of single women who live in off-grid homestead settings. I very much admire them, knowing the challenges they face. One of our neighbors has lived this was for over 25 years.
The single women (and those with partners) seem to share a common trait – networking. They get together to help each other, socialize often, and serve the community in may ways. Kudos to them.