Does homesteading REALLY save you money?

Does homesteading REALLY save you money? - Pantry Chat

Рет қаралды 46,817

Күн бұрын

We're answering the question "does homesteading really save you money?" in today's Pantry Chat.
We can't cover all areas of homesteading, so today we're focusing just on the food costs of growing and raising your own food vs buying the equivalent in quality at the grocery store.
For more information, visit the blog post: homesteadingfamily.com/does-h...
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Chit Chat
9:28 - Wine, Mead & Cider
11:25 - Pressure Canning on a Boat
15:36 - Main Topic
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LINKS MENTIONED:
- Justin Rhodes' book The Rooted Life: homesteadingfamily.com/the-ro...
- Steve Solomon's book Intelligent Gardener: homesteadingfamily.com/the-in...
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MORE ABOUT US!
WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo
Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
Visit us on our blog: www.homesteadingfamily.com
Facebook at / homesteadingfamily
Instagram: / homesteadingfamily
Rumble: rumble.com/HomesteadingFamily
A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!
Healthy Healing at Home - Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt
Your Best Loaf - A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: homesteadingfamily.com/free-b...
Meals on Your Shelf - Can along with me! Learn to can and put jars of a delicious meal on your pantry shelf with this FREE video series: homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-f...
FREE PDF DOWNLOADS:
- Homesteading Family's Favorite Holiday Recipes - Grab all of our family’s favorite holiday recipes. homesteadingfamily.com/free-h...
- 5 Steps to a More Self-Sufficient Life - Simple steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle. homesteadingfamily.com/5StepsYT
- Thrive Wellness Checklist - A simple guide for healthy living: homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- An introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list - Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles - These easy casseroles are a life-saver for busy weeks! homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs - Grab your guide to preserving eggs with multiple methods. homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden - Get an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden. homesteadingfamily.com/5Steps...
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop. homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A simple guide on basic lacto-ferments. homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
- Fermenting Tomatoes - Easiest and fastest tomato preservation: homesteadingfamily.com/FT_YT
- Preserving Culinary Herbs - Downloadable, step-by-step directions to drying, freezing, and salting culinary herbs. homesteadingfamily.com/PCH_YT
- Render Your Own Lard - Grab these easy instructions on how to render your own lard. homesteadingfamily.com/RYL_YT
- Grandma Lynn's Blueberry Buckle - A delicious dessert anytime of year: homesteadingfamily.com/BB_YT
#homesteading #doeshomesteadingsavemoney #homesteading101

Пікірлер: 240

@katet4369 2 жыл бұрын

My husband and I decided long ago that I “made” (as in saved) more money by staying home to raise our children and grow our food (garden, chickens, milk goats etc) than I ever would have working away from home and contributing a second income. This lifestyle has been a blessing to our family in so many ways 😊

@flower-the-earth Жыл бұрын

So happy to hear that. I hope someday our culture will move back to that, one spouse staying home to take care of the children/elders, home and making homegrown, homecooked food.

@daniel4647 2 жыл бұрын

Best thing about homesteading is that you're creating security for your family for generations to come, even if it's not cost effective right now. It'll be a security that'll remain valid even if something terrible happens to society at large, which can't be said for anything else, so it's a fantastic investment. Money in the bank can disappear with inflation, the ability to buy food at reasonable prices can disappear with trade disruption, the ability to work for most employers can disappear with society being disrupted or totally failing. But having built up land will always be a resource as long as you and friends can defend it.

@texasranch8847 2 жыл бұрын

Spot on. We've been at this for 17 years. It was a huge investment and some very lean years paying off the property, buying equipment and building the infrastructure to support livestock operations with both of us maintaining full time jobs to pay for everything and stay out of debt but today we are completely self sustained, comfortable and enjoying the slow pace of country life. It was well worth the time, effort and sacrifices for our kids. Stack it deep and be safe out there in zombieville.....

@duckfarmer8630 2 жыл бұрын

Cheeper than paying for childcare. Stay home and grow the garden/watch the kids...a way to help out your spouse and the family.

@yourstruly9448 2 жыл бұрын

To the gal who wants to homestead on her boat... Please start a KZfaq channel I would love to follow your adventure!! ❣️ Really enjoyed this chit chat! Yes yes yes we need to get our kids and grandkids involved and learning all these homestead skills 👍.

@fouracrefamily9801 2 жыл бұрын

Before COVID I had next to little homesteading experience. Last year we built 3 raised vegetable beds and got 6 chickens. This year we built a greenhouse made from recycled trampoline frames. We’re adding to our homestead little by little and it’s paying off. Next project is to build a wood gasifier to run a small generator. Thanks for all your encouragement and sage advice!

@starlawalker8106 2 жыл бұрын

Homesteading is like having your groceries delivered. People spend less money on groceries because they aren’t wandering around finding stuff to buy. When u homestead u spend money on the homestead, but not all the stuff that people are spending it on. U spend money on things u can give to your grandchildren. Love u guys!!! So glad u are putting the info out.

@susansupino4011 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. It is so important to teach our kids and grandchildren how to garden. Because, they will need this skill in the future.

@mariannereno8501 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. In this crazy times, I find these pantry chats comforting & informative. Knowledge is power, replaces fear & uncertainty. Together we are stronger. 😻

@shannonwolff2599 2 жыл бұрын

For the person on the boat, go to the liquor store or wherever they sell liquor and wine ad get boxes there. they usually have cardboard dividers in the cases wine etc comes in to protect the bottles during shipping that should work for your jars too!!

@pegasusdancing 2 жыл бұрын

My daughter loves to help me in the garden, with the cooking and baking, and, most recently, with canning. She’s 7, and I love watching her gain skills as she gains confidence.

@dmarieeea6679 2 жыл бұрын

I literally love you guys, everytime these videos upload I feel like excited & relief, bc you guys are so adorable, organized & its so satisfying ❤️ I want my garden so bad🥺!

@dawndan1866 Жыл бұрын

You guys are one of my favorite homestead couples. You are so down to earth and smart about what you’re doing. I love watching your beautiful family helping on the homestead. Thank you for sharing all you have learned.

@victorenecahill9013 2 жыл бұрын

Hay guys I moved to my homestead in WA 25 years ago from Brooklyn, NY. If you add up all the bills living in an apartment it is one fifth what you have to pay in the country on a homestead. Granted the life here is so much more fulfilling but way more expensive in the beginning and over the years it costs more but how you learn to save on everything is amazing. The first three years I saved 5K in food alone. All organic.

@1965gracebug 2 жыл бұрын

We love to watch you both together. Its so refreshing to see a married couple delighting in each other :)

@leehouston5436 2 жыл бұрын

My grandparents were homesteaders. I can hunt, prepare my game, make a meal from it, and either smoke, jerk or can whatever’s left because of it.

@phyrewillow6463 2 жыл бұрын

If you’re planning on foraging most of your food, I’d suggest learning all the wild edible food in your area. Don’t want to get scurvy.

@sinsinnomore5555 2 жыл бұрын

My husband and I spend $800 a month to eat organic, high quality food...we do not eat meat or dairy. The system loves us being slaves to them. My full time job is now to grow our food. I saved us $8000 last year!

@victoriousclinton9860 2 жыл бұрын

I’m so grateful for these videos. You are such a blessing!

@wendyd8888 2 жыл бұрын

You are rich. You are rick in knowledge, rich in compassion, rich in vibrancy, rich in love, you are rich in likeability, rich in parenting, you are rich in harvest, rich in health, you are rich in family shared moments and memories, you are indeed rich and may your riches last in the lives of your children and your children's children. Wendy Xx

@thegardener8694 2 жыл бұрын

I just love the background ☺️

@renamaemcdonald2075 2 жыл бұрын

Love that you put a lot of ideas out there. Your videos are so informative!❤

@adelefriend659 2 жыл бұрын

I love that you both are so real, honest and show the love and respect that you have for each other. Thank you for teaching your skills and life lessons with others 🙏

@shant2885 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for putting out these videos!

@brendasmiley6128 2 жыл бұрын

I so deeply appreciate this channel! You two are real life, whilst being very informative. I love the balance that your content has. Just thought you should know you are a standout homesteading family on this platform! Thanks for all you do🏡👩‍🌾☮

@kindhempco.6126 2 жыл бұрын

You all are awesome! Love the idea to focus on your why! It's all about passion for what you believe in and that's what will keep you going.

@karenw9996 2 жыл бұрын

For those who don't like the chit-chat, it's the perfect time to get a cup of something hot to drink while waiting for the main topic. I turn up the volume and head to the kitchen, then sit in my recliner and listen/watch the rest of it. Although I do like having wonderful food (and I'm just getting started, so I'm still buying a lot of organic & locally sourced food) the thing I like about homesteading is that it brings me joy.

@libbyhicks7549 2 жыл бұрын

I work around the kitchen while i "watch" these videos too. They inspire me to get to work. All this talk about work.

@amandaforeman2626 2 жыл бұрын

Great pantry chat! I’m excited for fall! We are on 1/3 of a acre so we can’t have a cow but we can have goats ! So we are getting Nubian dwarfs :) great milk!

@lbcustomleather 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to your exciting news ! Justin can create some awesome opportunities ❤

@Wildevis 2 жыл бұрын

Great chat and tips, thank you

@flower-the-earth Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to do those calculations.

@breathoflifefarm7197 2 жыл бұрын

I did a cost comparison one year. Regarding buying food at the store, consider also the cost of your labor to earn the money to spend at the store. You have to earn more than $100 to have that much to spend at the store, because of deductions and taxes. Even a small growing area will produce a huge value in food. The year that I did the comparison, what came out of my little garden was worth over $2000, but cost me far, far, far less.

@autumnmackert9924 2 жыл бұрын

I just have to say, I love your conversations with each other, and I absolutely love your logo! It is simple, and well designed, and captures the essence of your channel!

@dhansonranch 2 жыл бұрын

Great Pantry Chat. For Sandra pressure canning on the boat - my cousin lives in the Falkland Islands and worked on the sea. We talked about pressure canning fish on the boat and the only thing he said that is different from pressure canning on land is that you need to cool it completely in the pressure canner. We never talked about the possibility of a flat sour of the fish, but he did say he tried a number of things and the cooling worked the best.

@bethtuholski2156 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you --Lots of great info. Alot of confirmation in the direction we were thinking

@nancy5721 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent program today. I appreciate your honesty about all things. 😊

@salemthorup9536 2 жыл бұрын

I love that you bring up all the real costs of eating the food from the store. Because those are so very relevant and important to consider.

@kaybusby7507 2 жыл бұрын

Good information on gardening and the value of doing it yourself. Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts.

@phyrewillow6463 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience! Very helpful and motivating. ❤️

@janwc1 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, awesome, awesome. And yes on the Solomon books, our copy of Waterwise just came in. Thanks for the quality content. Keep it up.

@robotics4kids 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for keeping it real. Nice closing Josh, that was quotable.

@cherylpresleigh6403 2 жыл бұрын

What a fun video. You had me giggling too! So many valuable things you’ve shared over the brief time I’ve been following you. Sharing your experiences and ideas along with the education you provide is such a blessing too so many. We have been growing in our gardening skills and knowledge. This will be the third year of having a garden. I started seeds for the first time this year and they grew! It brings me such joy to see those little sprouts popping through the dirt and I am grateful already for what that means for food on the shelves, in the freezer and on the table. Hearing that the number two benefit or value are chickens made my day. It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time and we have talked about it often, but with some physical limitations I have to be careful not to over plan our increase of responsibility. We have an acre so we have the space for them when we decide the time is right. Thank you for the part you’ve played in our journey. You are a blessing!

@jacquelinehertzog6664 2 жыл бұрын

you guys are sharing such good information , so well thought through . Thank you for what you do ! As a organic caterer in the country , I try to support my local farmers as much as possible and I am grateful people that care for the soil , the land and our souls ! I have built the soil in my garden with Cardboard Lasagna gardening , and using all my scraps from catering for my compost . Sometimes my neighbor delivered a load of cow manure . I sadly don't live there anymore , but know the soil will be there for anyone that wants to grow a garden . Anyway , you both inspire me for the next chapter of bigger gardening

@karlenenew7391 2 жыл бұрын

I shared this with my brother and sister-in-law in North Carolina and trying to get them to watch you you guys are amazing just totally totally amazing thank you for everything that you do

@sheilawixon3858 2 жыл бұрын

Love to watch your chats.

@cturinetti 2 жыл бұрын

Unscrewing the lids halfway offers protection to the seals while still allowing seals to brake if the food goes bad. That also helps to keep the mess in just one spot if the lid comes off. And of course you will notice whether it has a good seal or not when you go to use it.

@loridukes7273 2 жыл бұрын

Saves you money because it’s good for your health

@paavolaprincess 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve started buying local raw milk (cheaper per gallon then the grocery store) from the farm and working on learning the dairy processing skills before committing to a dairy cow 😆

@lisachubrilo 2 жыл бұрын

I work hard,my why is to be food secure and self reliability.

@bonniezitting6671 2 жыл бұрын

I just read Justin's new book. It was really good - thoroughly enjoyed it.

@carmenn5609 2 жыл бұрын

such a sweet wife, regardless if you are on camera or not....she's taken care of you.

@jum5238 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent list of considerations for the degree, time, costs and motivations behind self sufficiency.

@rowan9374 2 жыл бұрын

I've been studying companion planting and planning on incorporating it more into our garden plan as well.

@phyrewillow6463 2 жыл бұрын

Look up David the Good on KZfaq. He’s come up with a new method called grocery row gardening. Pretty fun and easy to do

@youngbloodsuz 2 жыл бұрын

My daughter just sent me the link to your videos and this was really helpful. We had our first garden in many years in 2020 and I canned for the first time. I’ve not canned meat yet, and am apprehensive, but very thankfully have a wonderful neighbor who generosly shares her knowledge and experience in canning and dehydrating. I’m having a hard time finding canning lids so if you have resources I’d certainly appreciate knowing. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. Suzette, a neighbor in Washington State

@juliene10 2 жыл бұрын

Just a great video and great information! I am really interested in the live training on canning but I am not seeing the link for it in the description. Thanks so much for the awesome videos and can’t wait for the next one!

@tdewtx 2 жыл бұрын

I am reading The rooted life. it is really good. i have been watching the Rhodes since they started their channel. I alsp started watching you all almost when you started too...

@amypatterson-bocchi2514 2 жыл бұрын

Love you guys!

@melaniewhite3300 2 жыл бұрын

I sent you an email about another topic, I have learned so much from y'all and really appreciate all that y'all have done and shared with all of us. I enjoy your channel very much!!

@thelighthouse1604 2 жыл бұрын

Good morning you two: My husband and I have two questions together. What times do y'all get up in the AM and what time do y'all go to bed?

@aessidhe6304 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the usda food plan cost reference…… its a good discussion point. :)

@sarahcollins4673 2 жыл бұрын

Love you all 😍

@debrabrooks6138 2 жыл бұрын

You bring up very valid points on costs vs what you get out of things you produce. I have tried to talk to my son about this many times, because it is a dream of mine to return to the life of farming, and living heathier. They are stuck in the fast food rut and their heath shows it, so I am trying to teach them a bit, and it's hard on many levels especially to the younger generation who have grown up in the prepackaged, fast food world of today. I live in the city I have no real room for a garden indoors or out, so I do forage a lot in the areas I can, I also love farmers markets and road side stands where I know food is grown locally and naturally, and you get the best deals for your dollar and health. In the beginning of your chat you mentioned companion planting. I have helped a few people out with tips on things to plant. A friend asked why, what are the benefits . Some companion plants like growing onions and leeks next to your tomatoes and strawberries, the scent of the onions helps to cover the odors of your sweeter plants so the deer and other critters will avoid those areas so they don't eat your crops. well that is one, but there are many many more out there, like marigolds also can be use and your spearmint and peppermint teas their strong smell helps out a lot and they are still a crop, marigolds is a very great medicinal and makes a great tea as well. I am always learning more and am looking forwards to you discussing the companion plants and uses . Do you forage as well besides growing crops? I think America is the main country that doesn't cultivate wild plants for food , what do you think? Any opinions on this subject? :) sorry I am a bit long winded. :)

@ernestharris3841 2 жыл бұрын

Hey guys just wanted to say really love the channel , The chitchat and the sharing of knowledge. I have a question for Josh we have a small property with about 20 chickens on it and I’m running into issues I’m not getting enough green material for my compost heap. Was wondering if adding fish emulsion into the bedding straw from our chicken coop would help speed up the process. Thanks for advance have a blessed week.

@catiepower3550 2 жыл бұрын

The cost effective rationale is helpful. I’m putting about $2000 in my garden expansion. Extending the fence, new posts, additional panels, replacing old raised beds with new plus 12 more than what I had. Seeds and soil. That’s not counting the work, the cutting down if a tree to put in a orchard, leveling ground, gas to get the chicken compost and it doesn’t include the planning period.

@autosoundbooster9062 Жыл бұрын

To the lady who asked about canning on a boat.... you might like to look up the PDF version of an old book called "Sailing the Farm" - I think you'll LOVE it!!!

@thepolishpotager 2 жыл бұрын

Oooohhh....I think I know what your news is! And if it is what I think it is, I will be so excited!!! I won't say and ruin the fun if I am right :)

@sarahcollins4673 2 жыл бұрын

I have found people like me thanks you for all you do

@dellandcompany 2 жыл бұрын

I love all the information you guys give! In the last 2 years, we have slowing been moving towards this lifestyle. We live inside city limits in a pretty large neighborhood. We have our garden, and we have been able to raise chickens but only 6 and no roosters. That being said, it's not really productive to raise meat chickens; however, you can raise meat rabbits, which we are starting this year. I just thought I'd throw in another meat source for those of us inside the city! Thanks again for all the information! It's been truly overwhelming, but you guys bring it right down to earth and accessible!

@MrsDeciduous307 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been raising meat rabbits for a few years now. Most people I know are quite curious how they taste. I recently made enchiladas with the meat for my daughter’s boyfriend. Cities considered them pets.

@tifweaks6639 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the lard video ❤️

@joyceterra2265 2 жыл бұрын

The skills you discuss are so in need right now. With these uncertain times having the skills to grow and produce your own food is so important. Lol I am not a goat person either but I am considering a goat pair for a couple of reasons. I do not have a large enough acreage to sustain a cow. The goats will kid and give us meat and milk. They also are great lawn/weed mowers. I am also considering sheep but once again the acreage factor is a consideration. I will be getting chickens, ducks, geese, Guineas and turkeys. I am building the garden up and expanding this spring. Also building a greenhouse to allow me to grow throughout the winter as well and to store plants that cannot handle our harsh winters ie 40 below without windchill. Will be a very busy but productive spring and summer for me. Husband us disabled so I use him as a supervisor and that for he is high value as he has the building skills but cannot physically do the work.

@aloramyst 2 жыл бұрын

10 kids, you guys are awesome , love your channel

@colliecoform4854 2 жыл бұрын

Luckily I have always gardened but as a hobby. We ate fresh veggies all summer, would do a little freezing, a little canning of tomato products, but nothing serious. Last year we really upped our game, did a lot of canning but because of all the wet weather we had there was a lot of disease and I battled so many "bad bugs" it was horrible. Aphids, cabbage worms, squash bugs and the list goes on. We still ended up with a good harvest but hoping for a better season this year.

@AnthonyFlores-vq9ji 2 жыл бұрын

I think a pantry chat with y'all and Jill Winger would be cool! That would be two of my favorites on one show!

@shoegirl55 2 жыл бұрын

Yessssss!!!!!

@debrahenderson798 2 жыл бұрын

Justin is amazing and I also ordered his book. I think I know what you doing 😂 I hope it includes his network. I’m so glad to be back home here in N Idaho. I hope I get to come say “Hi” one of these days.

@breahnalawrence6725 2 жыл бұрын

I will say, make sure all parties are committed, make a realistic plan (then dial it back a couple notches). In the beginning stages, it's hard, one or both parents are working full time and trying to get the other parts established, it's easy to burn yourself out and to get frustrated. So being in a spot to discuss with a partner they whys, and ask for help balancing, helps an unbelievable amount.

@zombiemom5088 2 жыл бұрын

I finally printed all my workbooks etc from the herbal class and the dairy class !! I love it !!

@KristineLeach 2 жыл бұрын

Once again, loved the video. So much great info! I know for me my why is to have great quality food to feed my family and to be self reliant as much as I can. I have the mindset, and how do I say this, these are great skills to be confident to be able to fall back onto on top of the quality and health benefits. And you hit what I think are the top three things as well. Alas, I do not have room for a dairy cow. But if I did, yeah. Butter, yogurt, cheese, etc. would be fabulous. Chickens, however, are a possibility for me.

@Famcke 2 жыл бұрын

Love all the videos pack with great information, Boy-O-Boy do I love the chat. Amazing what comes out of it 😁 (ya, ya tell us more about those goats).🤣🤣 Please make a videos on your hair care, tooth paste, roll on and bath soap. Is that something you also make? 🤔Thank you. Best wishes

@cheesygal 2 жыл бұрын

This was so great! I agree with you totally. Our quality of life has improved indescribably since we moved to start our homestead four years ago. We didn’t make this move until our daughters had launched. Yet, they love it and are totally on board. They’re doing urban/suburban homesteading. About goats tho, lol, we keep ours in pens behind the house. Even then, when we open our bedroom blinds, they’re all about us. 😂 We’re enjoying all the milk products and are about to process our first two wethers we bred on the property. That will be new to us. Another threshold. We love the amazing food and lifestyle and at 60, I’ve never felt more alive physically, mentally, and emotionally. I can’t wait to get up and going every morning!

@Uruki187 Жыл бұрын

love to hear you guys! Thank you very much that in such a simple but very hard life you have time to speak and advise us. I have just bought vertical pots, I wonder if growing at home for the winter is a bad idea, especially because I live in an apartment, the lack of a balcony is a pain. Thanks in advance for the answer.

@kathrynkabara9861 2 жыл бұрын

Another benefit is to our kids, everyone commits on our kid's work ethics and how great they are. It's really nice to have have college professors and employers seek us out to tell us.

@tinacarr9498 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love you guys. I wish I was one of your kids lol!

@carolkantner1770 2 жыл бұрын

Preserving and growing your food is a great skill to have and use. I have 5 Grands that will be helping me grow and forage this spring and summer. They think it's amazing you can eat from your yard 😋 violet jelly was a big hit last year

@Minnesota_Mama_Bear 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you💚🌞

@jenniferbaldassari 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@chelseahardesty2191 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! My husband and I have just started homesteading and we love watching your channel. Your insight has helped us so much! You mentioned a canning class that is coming up- can I get the link for that? I didn’t see it in the description box.

@jennifersinclair6044 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, yes, yes! I'm fairly frustrated with those cost videos also. I've yet to see an actually accurate cost assessment of anything. What it comes down to for me is. How can you put a value on food security, it's priceless. How can you put a value on your health, it's priceless. Personally I include being at peace with a simple lifestyle, it's priceless. In my opinion, homesteading is like a business. You won't get a decent return for about 5yrs. So keep your expenses low & your outputs high.

@ameliakat9982 Жыл бұрын

They leave out a big one, land. If you can't afford the land that is a biggie

@harblinshaven6303 Жыл бұрын

Homesteading isn't cheap, but it is worth it when your health and mental wellness as your goal.

@eyojseillem5531 Жыл бұрын

Josh is the ultimate man! His brain and drive make him super sexy. Carolyn is the ultimate woman, so knowledgeable and momma to 10! Both family driven and have a love for wholesomeness and God! Your children are gaining skills that are not of this current world, it’s wonderful to see. If I lived in Idaho, I’d volunteer to come help you on your homestead, so much I’d enjoy learning. Yeah to both of you! God bless.

@FineFeatheredHomestead 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant to separate the reasons, purposes and cost/benefit of homesteading on any level! I broke down the chicken costs for 2 hens, coop feed, scratch, grit, oyster shell, diatomaceous earth, and epsom salt for baths (when tail feathers messy). But it had to be adjusted! Fact is most of our DE is used for insect management (red fire ants). So only 1/4 cost is for chicken dust bath additive, and coop pest prevention. Same with Epsom salt; only 1/10 was for chickens. The rest is for herbal baths. I could count the pine shavings cost, except they end up in our compost, which saves on soil expenses and improves our garden produce. So if anything, that's probably a money saver, not an expense. Also, how do I add the profit of chickens pecking through compost to make it available faster in the garden? Ultimately, I know there is tremendous profit with these hens beyond eggs, but they are tough to calculate and when it comes down to it - cost wasn't our objective. We didn't want old, flavorless, hormone affected eggs in our food. The price was annoying, but that wasn't the reason we got 2 hens. Also, my husband cherishes his memories of his grandpa's garden, holding a chicken, grabbing fresh green onions from the earth, picking a fresh apple when hungry. You just don't get that satisfaction in a store. Just having a couple hens, fruit trees, raised beds for veg, tea and medicinal herbs we use regularly isn't radically difficult; it's a kitchen garden you see in classic stories all the time. And the flowers, like marigolds, double as beneficial plants for crops and skin oil additions calendula especially). So you get flowers for pleasure as well as protecting crops and looking pretty in the garden. I can't use a store bought, sprayed marigold to help crops, and it can't go in a body oil. It is pretty, but unhealthy and of very limited use. The crossover of usefulness in homesteading is definitely where the cost benefit comes in, but that satisfaction of things benefiting one another, giving us what we need and enjoy, and providing great memories and connections with our family and neighbors, that's the healthy system so many folks long for. And like you say, it is achievable in various sizes and levels; everyone's different. Those similarities and differences are what fun conversations are all about!

@michelewilliams6241 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly! People always say it's not cost effective but I think it is an investment. I buy an apple tree for $30 but how much would all those apples that I will get cost in the store. Yes you can add in spray but you also don't need to spray but even if you do that still is cheaper than buying from the store

@neilgelinas9926 Жыл бұрын

It may not save money per say but it sure provides self resilient and independant.

@livinganeclecticlife 2 жыл бұрын

I’m really sorry you haven’t slept well, but You two are hysterical. I am rolling laughing watching this one.

@megmcginnis239 2 жыл бұрын

Love you guys! Excellent chat today. We're not goat people either, but we still have them for milk and meat due to space. I have to force myself to appreciate them. How are your new sheep doing? We have sheep also...love the sheep. Actually been thinking about milking a sheep instead of the goat.

@JeriRoberts-5 2 жыл бұрын

We live on the smallest lot in the neighborhood (6000 sq ft). I have always loved gardening. I have about 200 sq ft of growing space and nine chickens (mixed from tiny little bantam hens to rode island reds). I originally got a couple chickens for composting but fell in love with all they have to offer. They are my pets. All this to say, you may not be able to do it big but you can do something. :D

@heidiweinert3260 2 жыл бұрын

I love "foul pie". I'm all about seeing humor as much as possible right now.

@donaldmann8841 2 жыл бұрын

I have what I call a "Miracle Garden", because its a miracle that anything grows there and no one thought that anything would. Its right next to an old gravel pit. The soil is poor quality and extremely rocky, and it doesn't get that much sunlight. But it's all I've got so I gave it a go. I spent two weeks just clearing brush, saplings, tree roots, grass, large rocks and debris before I could even till it. I hauled in as much free good soil that I could get my hands on. I use cow manure that I trade for vegetables and ground up fish carcasses that I catch from the gravel pit for fertilizer. The first year I carried water in buckets from the gravel pit but I'm happy to say that I now have a sprinkler system connected to a water pump that draws water from the gravel pit. People are amazed and dumbfounded at how well my garden does. I started saving my own seeds for green beans and squash the first year. Last year I saved tomato seeds so this year I am sprouting my own starter tomato plants; (so far so good). I have potatoes left from last year that I will be re-planting this year. I'm planting a strawberry patch this year, and though I won't have any strawberry's this year, it will hopefully produce for several years to come. I have very little money invested in my garden. It's a tremendous amount of work and a labor of love, but I have no doubt that my food is cheaper, more nutritious and more reliable than what I can buy. However; If I spent the same amount of time working at a job making $15-$20 an hour that i spend working in my garden and just purchased my food then the numbers don't add up. Either way I have to work for my food. I prefer gardening!

@hahas71 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Josh and Carolyn. Love your channel! I'm new to homesteading and would like to know if you have a video on how to quick start your garden by amending the soil? I have some basic gardening knowledge but would really like to step up my game. I would like to make my new garden as nutrient rich as possible before I start planting. Thanks for all you guys do.

@shannonjensen9915 2 жыл бұрын

Love the pantry chats and the motivation and Knowles I get from them! What would your top gardening tools be from most important (can’t do without ) to nice to have (makes life easier but not a must)?

@shannonjensen9915 2 жыл бұрын

*knowledge

@sharonsalyer4912 2 жыл бұрын

When discussing whether it's profitable to homestead you have to factor in "how" you homestead. If you go out and purchase the most expensive tools and gimmicks and try to do everything at once it's going to be expensive. But if you slowly build it up possibly adding one or two new additions every year it can be more affordable. Also once you've built a decent chicken coop it should last many years. The same with fencing and setting up a garden. I don't personally give my time a monetary value. Most of us wouldn't be working at a job when we're working in our gardens. We might be whiling away our time on computers, watching movies, or other activities. Few if any of these activities would be earning money. It's all about how you wish to spend your excess time. Gardening is a lot of work. Especially planting and then during the harvesting and processing. But it's rewarding and a productive way of exercising and getting outdoors. Caring for animals falls in the same category.We have found good tools, fencing, posts, chicken waterers, feeders, etc. at garage sales, Craigs list, local newspapers, etc. Also from older folks who just gave us stuff. Also I have gotten free raspberry bushes, rhubarb and other plants from folks willing to share their excess. There are lots of ways to reduce the costs in homesteading. If you raise animals there are many ways for them to make you money which then reduces you final output. The longer you homestead the more cost effective it usually becomes. Also it pays to consider how much money is spent in lawn care, hobbies such as golfing, having the newest car model, etc. It's just a matter of where you want to invest your time, energy and money.

@sandradee7484 2 жыл бұрын

I live in an apartment, I’m far from a homesteader. However, I very much enjoy your show. I’ve grown container tomatoes on my patio and they were awesome, same with growing container mint and basil. I buy eggs and other items from a local farmer. There’s absolutely no price on home grown, so Many factors besides cost of gardening, from health to self sufficient to quality. Just look at inflation and works events, those who are self sufficient are going to be the better off. God bless you both and your family.