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Dude, going off grid is my dream. Unfortunately alot of the stuff I see online, specifically alot of the people I see online are kinda kooky, or dirty hippies. Anybody know what I mean?
I'm currently in the process of saving up for a nice plot of land to start a homestead. Right now I'm just working and designing different types of houses, layouts, and landscapes. Hope some of this can maybe help somebody.
Food
Different locations have different needs and characteristics, but so far I'm thinking you should start with a mulch of woodchips for a veg/herb garden and orchard. Don't forget beans, nuts, firewood, lumber, and varnish wood (unless you've got flax)
While those are breaking down, lay out another plot covered with woodchips and plant different greens in preparation for chickens. While those are growing, build a chicken coop. The chickens will produce compost for planting so you don't have to wait
Water
Dig a pond for fish and for building materials (if you like cob, adobe, or rammed earth)
Also dig more ponds for either drinking water, water for animals, or irrigation water. Be sure to plant aquatic plants to filter the water and also to strengthen the soil.
Bonus- ice fishing in the winter if your climate allows it/ice skating if you're into it
Shelter
Well there's alot of different options for shelter, but personally I'm a fan of adobe and rammed earth. Not only are they available on-site, if walls are made thick, they have alot of thermal mass, providing plenty of insulation, keeping the interior cool in the day, and warm at night.
adobe seems to be the least resource intensive (rammed earth requires plywood and a pneumatic tamper whereas adobe requires a few wooden boards for forms) Using the soil collected from pond excavation, first test to make sure soil is a good mix for construction. Then once suitable soil is found, hydrate and mix with straw. Place in forms and let dry. Use bricks to build house.
