Homesteading is a lifestyle that promises simplicity, self-sufficiency, and a return to nature. But let me tell you—getting there isn’t always as picturesque as the Instagram feeds make it seem. Like many who take the leap into homesteading, I’ve had my fair share of missteps. Each mistake, however, has taught me valuable lessons, and I want to share those with you so you can sidestep some of the same pitfalls.
Grab a cup of coffee and settle in—this is going to get real.
Running Over Tools and Equipment
Let’s start with a confession: I have a knack for destroying things with my lawnmower and snowblower. I’ve run over garden hoses, sprinklers, a snow shovel, and even a 6-foot foam and plastic slide. The pièce de résistance? A steel reflector pole driveway marker that took out the shear pins on my snowblower.
Lesson Learned:
Keep your work areas clean before starting any machinery. It’s easy to say “I’ll move that later,” but later often turns into costly repairs. Now, I do a sweep of my yard before mowing or blowing snow—my wallet demands it.
Underestimating Wildlife
When I first planted my apple and pear trees, I envisioned baskets of fruit, homemade cider, and jars of preserves. What I didn’t anticipate was the buffet I’d unintentionally set up for raccoons, skunks, deer, and even black bears. By the time I got to my trees, they looked like they’d hosted a wild animal festival.
Lesson Learned:
If you’re growing anything remotely edible, invest in protection early. I now use a combination of fencing, motion-activated lights, and—believe it or not—cheap aluminum pie plates hanging from strings to scare off critters. It’s not the most glamorous solution, but it works.
Not Respecting the Weather
Living in northwestern Ontario means dealing with some of the harshest winters imaginable. When temperatures drop to -40°F, things get real. One winter, I left a hose connected to an outdoor faucet. You can guess what happened—the faucet froze, and I had to replace the whole thing in sub-zero temperatures. Not fun.
Lesson Learned:
Winter prep isn’t optional. I now have a checklist for fall, ensuring all hoses are disconnected, pipes are insulated, and tools are stored away safely. If you’re not already using checklists, start. They’re a lifesaver when your to-do list feels endless.
Skipping Research on Homestead Dogs
I wrote a blog post about why you need a homestead dog, but let me tell you, choosing the right one takes more than picking a cute pup. My first dog was a breed I thought would be perfect, but it turned out they weren’t suited to the harsh winters or the type of work I needed them to do.
Lesson Learned:
Research is key. Think about your climate, the dog’s temperament, and their energy levels. My current dog is a hardy, cold-weather breed who thrives on the work and companionship the homestead provides. It’s a match made in homesteading heaven.
Overcommitting to Projects
When I first started homesteading, I wanted to do everything—canning, gardening, foraging, raising chickens, building a greenhouse—you name it. The result? Burnout. I had too many half-finished projects and not enough time or energy to enjoy any of them.
Lesson Learned:
Start small and build gradually. Focus on one or two major projects each season. Now, I plan my year in quarters and tackle a few priorities at a time. This way, I can give each project the attention it deserves without running myself ragged.
Ignoring Maintenance
It’s easy to ignore small repairs when you’re busy with a hundred other things, but trust me, those small issues snowball. I once ignored a leaky roof in my chicken coop. By the time I got around to fixing it, the damage was significant, and my poor chickens weren’t too happy with me.
Lesson Learned:
Stay on top of maintenance. I now set aside a few hours each month to inspect and repair anything that needs attention. Whether it’s sharpening tools, cleaning gutters, or sealing gaps, a little upkeep goes a long way.
Underestimating the Cost of Homesteading
Let’s be honest—homesteading isn’t cheap. Between tools, seeds, equipment, and unexpected repairs (see point #1), the costs add up. When I first started, I thought I’d save money right away. Spoiler alert: I didn’t.
Lesson Learned:
Budget realistically and prioritize investments. Over time, you will save money, but it requires an upfront investment. I’ve learned to distinguish between “wants” and “needs.” A sturdy snowblower? Need. That shiny new garden cart? Want (and a want that can wait).
Poor Meal Planning
As a homesteader, you’d think I’d have meal planning down to a science, but I didn’t start that way. I’d harvest or buy in bulk without a plan, and half of it would go to waste. Or I’d end up making the same three meals over and over because I didn’t think ahead.
Lesson Learned:
Meal planning is your best friend. Now, I use my own sustainable meal planning strategies to make the most of what I have. Leftovers are repurposed into new dishes, and nothing goes to waste. Bonus: this approach saves both time and money.
Not Asking for Help
Homesteading can feel like a solo endeavor, especially if you’re stubborn like me. For years, I thought I had to do everything myself—planting, fixing, harvesting, and more. But there’s no prize for being a homesteading martyr.
Lesson Learned:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s family, neighbors, or even online communities, there’s a wealth of knowledge and support out there. Sharing tasks not only lightens the load but also builds a sense of community.
Forgetting to Enjoy the Journey
Homesteading is a lot of work, but it’s also meant to be rewarding. For a while, I was so caught up in the “to-do” lists that I forgot why I started this lifestyle in the first place. I’d rush through chores, grumble about setbacks, and miss the simple joys—like the smell of freshly turned soil or the satisfaction of a pantry full of homemade preserves.
Lesson Learned:
Slow down and appreciate the small victories. Now, I make it a point to step back and enjoy what I’ve accomplished. Whether it’s watching the sunset from my porch or savoring a meal made entirely from what I’ve grown, these moments remind me why I chose this path.
Neglecting to Learn Local Regulations
One of the more surprising challenges I faced was running afoul of local rules. For example, when I considered using hunting dogs for grouse hunting, I learned it’s illegal in my area. Similarly, I’ve seen others struggle because they didn’t research zoning laws before building structures or keeping livestock.
Lesson Learned:
Do your homework on local regulations before starting any new project. It’s easier to prevent issues than to fix them later. Your local municipality, agricultural office, or online forums can be great resources for this.
Overlooking Wildlife Management
While I’ve already mentioned protecting fruit trees, wildlife can wreak havoc on more than just crops. I’ve had raccoons get into my chicken feed, squirrels tear apart insulation in my barn, and deer nibble away at my vegetable garden.
Lesson Learned:
Think holistically about wildlife management. In addition to fencing and deterrents, I’ve learned to store feed in sealed containers and remove attractants like fallen fruit. Coexisting with nature is part of homesteading, but setting boundaries is crucial.
Taking Shortcuts with Water Management
Water is life on a homestead, and managing it poorly can lead to disaster. I once tried to skimp on digging proper drainage for my garden, thinking the natural slope would handle runoff. After the first heavy rain, my newly planted vegetables were floating in a mini lake.
Lesson Learned:
Don’t cut corners with water management. Whether it’s installing proper drainage, rain barrels, or irrigation systems, investing the time and effort upfront will save you headaches later.
Overlooking the Importance of Proper Storage
One year, I had an incredible harvest of potatoes and onions. I stored them in my basement, thinking it was the perfect cool, dark spot. What I didn’t account for was the lack of airflow. A few weeks later, I had rotting produce and a basement that smelled like a compost heap.
Lesson Learned:
Storage matters. Now, I take the time to research proper storage methods for each crop. From ventilated crates to root cellars, finding the right solution makes all the difference in preserving your hard work.
Not Planning for Emergencies
Emergencies on a homestead aren’t just possible—they’re inevitable. Whether it’s a power outage, a sudden snowstorm, or equipment breaking down at the worst possible time, I’ve learned that being unprepared can turn a bad day into a disaster.
Lesson Learned:
Always have a plan. I now keep an emergency kit with essentials like backup batteries, extra fuel, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. For larger emergencies, I have a generator and a list of trusted repair services on hand.
Underestimating the Importance of Education
When I started homesteading, I thought I could learn everything as I went. While hands-on experience is invaluable, there’s a lot to be said for formal learning. I’ve made mistakes that could have been avoided if I’d taken the time to read a book, attend a workshop, or watch a tutorial.
Lesson Learned:
Invest in your education. From gardening and animal husbandry to food preservation, there’s always more to learn. I now make it a point to read one new homesteading book or take an online course each season.
Ignoring Your Limits
Homesteading can be physically and mentally demanding. There have been times when I’ve pushed myself too hard, ignoring aches, exhaustion, or even common sense. One year, I injured my back trying to lift a bag of feed on my own, which put me out of commission for weeks.
Lesson Learned:
Listen to your body. Homesteading is a marathon, not a sprint. Take breaks, ask for help, and invest in tools or equipment that make heavy labor easier. Your long-term health is worth more than saving a few minutes or dollars.
Forgetting to Share the Experience
Homesteading can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you live in a rural area. For a long time, I kept my experiences to myself, thinking no one else would care. But when I started sharing my journey—both the wins and the failures—I discovered a supportive community of like-minded people.
Lesson Learned:
Share your story. Whether it’s through a blog, social media, or conversations with friends, connecting with others makes the experience richer. It’s also a great way to learn from others and inspire those considering the homesteading lifestyle.
Homesteading is a journey filled with ups and downs, but every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade a single mishap because they’ve shaped the homesteader I am today. If you’re just starting out, I hope my experiences help you avoid some of the common pitfalls and make your own journey a little smoother.
And remember: no matter how many tools you accidentally run over or how many critters raid your garden, the rewards of homesteading far outweigh the challenges. It’s not about perfection—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and finding joy in the process.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your homesteading journey? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences!
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