Homesteading may look different for everyone, but in Vermont, it’s always rooted in the land and the seasons. Whether you’re in a farmhouse with acreage or a backyard in town, you can start small and grow steadily.

Start With What You Have

You don’t need 100 acres to homestead. Begin with container gardening, rabbits or chickens, or even a single raised bed. Vermont’s short growing season rewards early planning and hardy crops.

Essential First Steps

• Build healthy soil with compost and local manure.
• Choose a manageable project for your first year (ex: 4×8 garden bed or a pair of does and a buck if raising rabbits).
• Plan for storage — root cellars, freezers, and canning jars are key in our climate.

Vermont-Specific Resources

• Local farmers markets (Lamoille County Farmers Market, Johnson Farmers Market).
• The Vermont Extension Service for soil testing and growing advice.
• Community seed swaps and homesteading clubs.

Homesteading here isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about weaving resilience into your life, season by season.