My Custom Homestead: Steps 10, 11 & 12

Jill Winger (www.theprairiehomestead.com) continues her custom homestead advice with these next three fun steps:  Do some research, Watch and learn, and Expand your skill set.  I have chosen my own research wisely.  I have not read books that are overly technical and kept to books with inspiring images. This has served to prevent feeling overwhelmed and kept thoughts of never achieving my goal away.  It has helped me too to read memoirs of ordinary folks who started their own homesteads on a small scale like I plan to do (like any of Jenna Woganrich's books,  Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, and The Good Life,  to name just a few.)
Here are a couple of books that I consider to be beautiful homesteading textbooks:                            

There is also a fantastic, beginner-friendly video on how to create a biointensive garden.  It will inspire you to get your hands dirty and garden boots muddy.  

www.growbiointensive.org

After you study up on some textbook info, you will want to gain some hands on experience.  Volunteer at a nearby farm or community garden.  Once we move back to the Hudson Valley, I plan to volunteer at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary to put some book learning to work and become comfortable working with farm animals in the flesh (much different than in my imagination).  Until then, I can expand my skill set here in the city by becoming part of various groups such as the rooftop garden at my husband's school and the woodworking club in my building complex.  Even though these organizations are set against the backdrop of skyscrapers, I will be able to utilize my new skills on my farm when the time comes.