Do you need a list of homesteading supplies to start a self-sufficient lifestyle? If so, Heather. from Second Chance Farm, is sharing her must-haves below.
Every productive and growing homestead relies on the right tools and supplies for a variety of jobs and tasks. Which tools and supplies are needed is dependent on each unique homestead.
Supplies, equipment and tools can be costly. Therefore, this should be a top consideration when planning a budget for your homestead. There are many ways to DIY projects as well as purchase second hand equipment and tools at an affordable price.
Below you will find some general lists to help you plan for your homesteading supplies.
Homesteading Garden and Orchard Equipment
This comprehensive list aligns to our no-till gardening method and future orchard. Soon, we will have fruit and nut trees located in our chicken run area.
Depending on your gardening methods and trees in your orchard, the list below may vary.
Side note, chickens and orchards go well together!
Chickens fertilize the trees and eat rotten or fallen fruits. Whereas, trees provide chickens with shade and fruit snacks!
Gardening Equipment Recommendations:
Fencing
Gardens require fencing to keep critters out. You’ll want to plan your fencing according to what type of critters you have. For example, rabbits or small critters only require low fencing.
If deer are present in your garden, then you’ll want to look into other privacy fence options.
Plant Support Materials
If you plan to grow plants such as cucumbers, tomatoes or other large growing vines (example: luffa, birdhouse gourds, etc) you will need some way to support them.
There are options for garden staking that work well and are more affordable than tomato cages. For example, we use t-posts and a garden twine. Surplus simple garden stakes purchased from a garden center or home depot will work as well.
Garden Supplies and Equipment
There are basic garden tools listed below that we use and find helpful. Ultimately, you will learn which tools make the work the easiest for you.
- Plastic Mesh Fence Garden Netting
- Garden Twine
- Garden Stakes
- Garden Trowel
- Garden Wand
- Planting Labels and Markers
- Seed Starter Trays
- 4” Seeding Pots
- LED Grow Lights
- Seedling Heat Mat
- Garden Kneeling Pad
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden Hose(s)
- Seeds
- Rake
- Compost Bin
Seed Starting Supplies
If you plan to start your plants under grow lights, we have recommended some things to get you started below along with other equipment for starting seeds.
We use a south facing window and only start tomato and pepper plants from seed. This is because our soil is warm enough to direct sow everything else.
You can learn more about starting seeds in one of our previous posts (click here).
- Seed trays (with plastic domes)
- Seed starting mix
- Organic Seeds (we buy our vegetable seeds from Bakers Creed Heirloom Seeds)
- Spray bottle (for watering seedlings)
- Popsicle sticks (cheap way to label seedlings)
- Permanent marker
- South facing window or ??? light set up
- Heat mats to reach the optimal temperature
Orchard Equipment
You’ll want to invest in quality tools that will perform well and last for years to come.
It’s also a great idea to have netting on hand. Orchard netting will protect your harvest from birds.
Below, you will find more essential homesteading supplies. These items are are a homesteader’s best friend.
Things from canning supplies and compost bins to apparel and nifty gadgets play a role in the self-sufficient lifestyle.
Homesteading Apparel
Wearing the appropriate apparel is important for safety, protection and comfort.
You’ll want to be sure you have apparel that aligns with all four seasons where you are homesteading.
Consider where you will store your apparel in the off season as well as where you will store it when in use. Keeping things clean and tidy will make them last longer and be easier to find.
Winter Apparel Recommendations:
- Head Lamps
- Rubber Boots (we prefer the Muck book brand for durability)
- Waterproof Bib Overalls
- Waterproof Rain Jacket (buy larger size to layer in cold)
- Waterproof Insulated Gloves
- Insulated Leather Gloves (we prefer Duluth Company, worth the extra money and they carry waterproof options)
- Insulated Firehouse Work Pants
- Long Sleeve Thermal Shirts
- Thermal Pants
- Wool Socks
- Heavy Weight Jacket
- Beanie Hat with Lamp
- Warm Beanie with ear flaps
- Insulated Duck Boots (having a lace up pair in addition to rubber boots is warmer for the snow or colder weather)
- Insulated Long Sleeve Canvas Coveralls
Warmer Weather Apparel Recommendations:
- Leather Work Gloves (we prefer Duluth Company, worth the extra money)
- Canvas Coveralls wear over clothes to protect them)
- Utility Work Gloves
- Rubber Boots
- Firehouse Work Pants
Homestead Kitchen Essentials
Preserving your harvest is as important and producing it!
If you don’t have a proper way to store food, you will end up wasting food or having to give it away. The most common ways that we store our harvest is canning, freezing and dehydrating.
Being resourceful is helpful any homesteading kitchen. For example, save all glass jars. These can be jars that you purchase or reuse from store-bought items. They can be used for many purposes, such as storing bulk items or your beloved sourdough starter.
Equipment for Preserving Your Harvest:
- Water Bath Canner
- Pressure Canner
- Dehydrator
- Food Vacuum Sealer
- Freezer Bags – Gallon, and 2 Gallon
- Regular Mason Jars with Lids
- Wide Mouth Mason Jars with Lids
- Canning Tongs
- Funnel
- Magnetic Lid Lifter
- Emulsion Blender
- Sharp Knife Set
- Cast Iron Cookware (Iron pan is essential)
- Stand Mixer
- Deep Freezer
- Stainless Steel Kitchen Compost Pail
- Stock Pots
- Food Processor
- Solar Oven
- Meat Grinder
- Grain Mill
- Fermenting Supplies
As you begin making your own food, you will find all of the above to be the best tools to live a sustainable life. Finding the right tool for food preservation is just as important as the tools you will need to care for the animals.
When talking to other homesteaders, you’ll learn of more essential kitchen supplies. For example, some will swear by a pressure cooker, bread machine, and a high quality gas stove. Find what works for you and your simple life.
General Animal Supplies
Based on the most common beginning homestead animal choices, we have put together some ideas for you below.
Most of what you need can be found at your local feed store. Buying local for feed and supplies is something we highly recommend. Furthermore, develop a relationship with your local feed store, or homestead store, is a great idea!
Laying Chickens
You will need to purchase or build a chicken coop. A chicken coop with a run is a great way to keep them protected from predators. There are lots of affordable methods and starter kits online.
- Full Size Waterers
- Full Size Feeders
- Laying boxes for your hens
- Heat Lamp
- Brooder (this can be built DIY)
- Chick Starter feed
- Chicken Scratch
- Chicken Feed
- Chick Waterers
- Chick Feeders
- Method for collecting eggs (like a basket) and storing them
Meat Chickens
Reliable source for your meat chicks (read up online and ask those who know!)
- High protein Chick Starter Feed
- High protein Chicken Feed (they need to eat a lot because they grow quickly)
- Heat Lamp
- Brooder (this can be built DIY)
- Chick Waterers
- Chick Feeders
- Full Size Waterers
- Full Size Feeders
We recommend building a space for them so that you can accommodate the specific needs of meat birds (see online, there are many ways to DIY this affordably)
Basic Supplies for Livestock
- Rubber Feeders
- Hay Feeder
- Automatic Waterer & Trough
- Appropriate Feed for Species
- Medical Supplies for Species
- Halter(s) or Collar(s)
- Hoof Trimming Supplies
- Appropriate fencing
- Method for Transporting if Emergency Arises
- Dewormer
- Animal Crate(s)
Before bringing animals home, find your veterinarian so you are prepared! Let them know what you are planning, and have them come for wellness check once animals arrive.
Solar Powered Homesteading Supplies
Before purchasing solar power equipment, first take your power needs into consideration. Some homesteaders like to run their entire house on solar power, while others get by with a small solar kit for backup.
Personally, we do not have a solar powered home. We do, however, use solar powered electric fencing. This option allows us to move and adjust fencing as needed. In our opinion, it the best fence that works well with rotational grazing.
When planning solar fencing, you’ll want to purchase the fencing that is most appropriate for your animals or livestock. For example, there is netted electric fencing that works great for poultry and hogs. However, we use strands of electric fencing for our larger livestock (horses and cattle).
Whatever solar fencing option you choose, we recommend watching YouTube videos or reading online tutorials on blog posts for set up instructions.
In addition to mobility and durability, we like that when we need to repair solar electric fencing or purchase more, it is affordable to purchase additional pieces or material parts.
If you don’t live in an area where you have enough sun year round, this would not be a good option for you. Instead, you would want to focus your efforts and budget on permanent fencing options.
More Homesteading Supplies
- Firearms (for protecting self, hunting and protecting livestock)
- Record Keeping
- Pocket Knives
- Tape measure
- Wire Cutters
- Pliers
- Chainsaw
- Various Power Tools (drills, saws, circular saws, etc)
- Allen Wrench Set
- Screwdrivers
- Socket Wrench Set
- Home Back-Up Generator
- Axe
- Hammer
- Animal Crate
- Extension Cords
- T-Post Puller
- Post Hole Digger
- Water Filtration System
- Duct Tape
Considerations for supplies and equipment has to be part of a homesteaders budget and planning process. The tools of the trade are the most important things to help you get the work done!
When working with a tight budget, consider attending auctions or looking online to buy used equipment and tools.
If you plan to run a larger homestead or farm, you need larger equipment such as a tractor and implements. On the other hand, if you are planning to have a small acreage homestead, you may be able to get started with just hand tools and a lot of elbow grease!
It is better to start small and acquire larger equipment as you go. This will help with budgeting to assure you spend your money efficiently.
Homesteading Supplies Conclusion
Over the years, we have learned that when you start something new, you will most likely adjust your ideas down the road. Time will help you learn more about what you need and what would make the work easier.
Before you go, here are a few posts you’ll enjoy:
No Till-Gardening: 6 Easy Steps to Get Started Gardening
6 Ways for Preserving Food at Home