Homesteading for Single Women

When you think of the word “homesteading,” you probably imagine a couple working together on it, or perhaps an entire family, including parents, kids, and grandparents.

But have you ever thought about a single woman homesteader?

Every time we read about homesteading, it's rare to find stories that focus solely on women doing it. But what most Americans don’t realize is that, in the past, 20% of homesteaders on the great American frontier were women.

That’s a shocking fact and definitely something to be proud of. It shows just how capable and strong women can be, even in the face of gender discrimination. 

Fast forward to today, and you’ll see that more women are eager to start their own homesteads (often without a husband or family by their side).

So, for strong single women out there, this article will walk you through some simple steps to get started and what are other things to consider if you are planning to start homesteading.

Now, let’s get into it!

How to Start Homesteading for Single Women?

I do believe in the saying, “The beginning is always the hardest part,” so I’ve included seven practical steps you can take to avoid feeling overwhelmed when starting out your homestead by yourself.

These are just the basics, but you’ll be happy to know that they are effective and genuinely helpful for you.

Pick the Right Size of Land

The first thing to consider when planning to buy property for homesteading is choosing the right size of land that fits your needs and what you can manage on your own.

Starting with a large area might seem appealing, but if you’re the only one maintaining it, it could quickly become overwhelming.

For single women, it’s especially important to select a manageable size that allows you to stay in control without added stress.

You can easily create a garden, raise a few chickens for fresh eggs, or even keep rabbits without needing an entire field.

Starting small is always a good idea, and I’ll be discussing this in more detail in the next part.

Having less land means less maintenance, which saves you time, energy, and money.

Take your time choosing the right size for your homestead, and ensure it aligns with what you want to accomplish as a single woman homesteader.

Start Small

This is something you’ve probably heard often when it comes to homesteading, but it really is an important step, especially when you’re just starting out as a single homesteader.

When you’re doing it alone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you try to take on too much at once. Starting with something manageable allows you to learn the basics without unnecessary stress.

As you get more comfortable and confident, you can add more plants or maybe even consider getting a few chickens for fresh eggs.

That way it gives you the time and space to figure out what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Be Clear on What You Really Want

Getting clear on what you really want is important for making your homestead work for you.

It’s easy to get excited about the idea of growing your own food or raising animals, but it’s helpful to think about what you actually want to get out of it.

You can ask yourself these questions to clarify your goals:

• Do you want to grow your own food?
• Do you want to make your own energy?
• Do you want milk from your own animals?
• Do you want eggs or meat from chickens?
• Do you want to grow your own herbs?
• Do you want to collect your own water?
• Do you want fruit or nut trees?
• Do you want to store food for later?
• Do you want to compost?
• Do you want to grow grains?

These questions can help you figure out what matters most to you.

Some people focus on being fully self-sufficient, while others just want to live more simply and reduce their waste.

Once you figure that out, take a good look at your land and see how it fits with your goals. You don’t have to do everything all at once, and it’s okay to change things as you go.

Just start where you are and let it grow with you.

Start with a Few Animals

I’d suggest starting with animals that are easy to care for, like chickens or goats.

They don’t require a lot of space or constant attention, making them perfect for someone like you who’s doing this on your own.

Raising chickens is great because they provide fresh eggs, and goats can give you milk (plus, they’re adorable and fun to have around).

Starting with these simpler animals allows you to ease into the routine of caring for livestock without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are some questions to consider as you start with animals on your homestead:

• Do I have enough space for chickens or goats?
• Am I okay with feeding and taking care of animals every day on my own?
• Do I want animals for food (eggs, milk) or just because I enjoy having them around?
• How much time can I realistically spend taking care of animals each day?
• Can I afford the costs of animal care (food, shelter, vet visits)?
• Do I want to start with just one or two animals, or a small group?
• Am I ready to care for animals year-round, even in winter?
• Am I prepared for any health issues that might arise with my animals?
• Do I want to keep animals for myself, or possibly sell or trade what they produce?
• What kind of shelter or fencing do I need to keep them safe?

These questions can help guide you as you begin adding animals to your homestead.

Keep Things Close to Your House

You don’t want to tire yourself out running all over your property, so it’s a good idea to keep things like the chicken coop, garden, and barn close together and easy to access.

This can save you a lot of time and energy, especially when you’re doing everything on your own.

Think about how often you’ll be moving between these spots. If your chicken coop is far from the garden, you’ll end up making a lot of tiring trips back and forth.

Keeping them close to your house means you can get more done in less time.

For example, when you go to feed the chickens, you can grab some fresh veggies from the garden at the same time.

You can even place your compost bin near the garden so it’s easy to toss in scraps while you’re working.

Having everything close also makes it easier for you to keep an eye on things and catch any issues before they get worse.

Use Helpful Tools

Since you’re doing this on your own, it’s smart to invest in good, reliable tools to make your life easier.

For example, a wheelbarrow is great for moving soil or compost, and sharp pruning shears make trimming plants much easier.

Did you know there are homesteading apps that can help you stay on top of tasks and organize your schedule?

Yes, there are! You can set reminders for tasks like planting crops or feeding animals, so you’re not relying solely on memory.

With technology becoming more accessible, incorporating it into your homestead can make life a little easier and less tiring.

Budget Wisely

I think one of the most important things to consider for your homestead is setting a budget that works for you, whether you’re a regular homesteader, someone with support, or a single woman doing it on your own.

Start by focusing on the major expenses, such as buying or renting land (if that’s an option), acquiring necessary equipment, and purchasing seeds and animals.

Don’t overlook ongoing costs, though. Expenses like feed for your animals, utilities, and maintenance tools can add up quickly, so it’s wise to plan for those as well.

One of the best ways to save money is by picking up some homesteading skills.

Since you're already doing this on your own, learning how to build a chicken coop, fix things around your place, or tackle basic plumbing and carpentry can really help you save.

You can also learn to compost, can your own food or grow your own seeds to stretch your budget even further.

And who knows? You could even turn those skills into a small business to earn some extra income.

How Can You Simplify Your Work as a Single Woman Homesteader?

Homesteading requires a lot of physical work, but as an aspiring homesteader, there are ways you can make it less tiring for yourself.

You Create an Easy Routine

You can set up daily routines for your chores to help manage your time and workload as a single woman homesteader.

Trust me, when you stick to a regular schedule, everything feels less overwhelming.

For example, set aside time in the morning to take care of your animals, like feeding the chickens and checking on the goats. Then, plan an hour in the afternoon for gardening, whether it’s watering, weeding, or picking veggies.

It’s also a good idea to set aside some time each week to clean out the barn or check your tools, so those little tasks don’t build up.

By finding a routine that works for you, you’ll keep things running smoothly without feeling stressed.

How Can You Stay Safe and Secure on Your Homestead?

As a woman running a homestead, it’s natural to have concerns about your safety and security.

Being out on your own, especially if you’re far from town, can sometimes feel isolating, and it’s important to think about how to keep yourself and your property safe.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep yourself safe while you build and manage your homestead.

Install Security Cameras

You should consider installing cameras to keep an eye on things, especially when you’re on your own.

There are plenty of budget-friendly options that allow you to check in from your phone, whether you’re at home or out working on the farm.

It’s a great way to feel more secure, knowing you can monitor what’s happening and catch anything unusual before it becomes a bigger problem.

Get a Guard Dog

I’ve read a lot about homesteading, and one animal that always seems to be part of the picture is a dog. It might sound simple, but I do believe having a dog can help keep you safe, both at night and during the day.

A good guard dog will alert you if something’s wrong and can deter intruders just by being there. Even a smaller dog can be invaluable, as they can bark and let you know about any potential dangers.

On top of that, you’ll have a loyal companion. As the saying goes, a dog is a man’s best friend.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Living on a homestead often means being far from the city, so being prepared for emergencies is especially important.

Make sure to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in an easy-to-reach spot, including essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any medications you might need.

You never know when you might need it, so having it readily available can be a lifesaver in an emergency.

It’s also a good idea to know some basic first aid, like how to properly clean a wound.

In case of a power outage or natural disaster, having a backup supply of essentials is smart—stock up on extra food, water, and flashlights.

Don’t forget to keep a phone charger or portable power bank handy so you can stay connected and call for help if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)