Beginning Our Homesteading Journey
I’ve learned that becoming a homesteader starts way before the day you have acquired land.
It starts with intention.
With a vision.
This is how Our Mother Mary Farm begins— not with acres of land, but with a dream to create a sanctuary where my daughter and I can live simply, grow food, honor our ancestors, and build a legacy rooted in love, healing, and connection.
Today, I want to share how I’m starting this journey right now, long before I have the property.
Clarifying the Vision
I started by getting very clear on what I want the farm to look and feel like. I imagined the land, the energy, the animals, and how I want my daughter to grow up learning from nature.
What I see:
• Chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, pigs, bees, and a horse
• A garden filled with vegetables
• A healing herb garden
• A cut flower garden
• A berry patch
• A fruit orchard with apples, peaches, pears, and plums
• A greenhouse, compost system, and meditation garden
• A retreat space for community and healing gatherings
This clarity gave me direction.
It turned a vague dream into something real, something I could work toward step by step.
Discovering What I Need to Learn
After defining the vision, I made a list of everything I need to learn before I purchase land.
This includes:
• Gardening and soil health
• Raising each type of animal
• Herbalism and holistic wellness
• Seasonal living
• Beekeeping
• Fruit tree care
• Water systems, fencing, and farm infrastructure
• Land zoning, agriculture laws, and New Jersey regulations
Instead of waiting until the land comes, I’m dedicated to learning now.
Creating a Timeline
I sat down and created a realistic timeline for the next 5 and 10 years.
Now–2030:
Prep, learn, save, plan, and build foundational skills.
2030:
Purchase the land that will become Our Mother Mary Farm.
2030–2035:
Build structures, start gardens, bring in the first animals, establish orchard and herbs, create the rhythm of the land.
Our Future Offerings
I created a list of future offerings Our Mother Mary Farm will produce over time.
Including:
• Fresh produce and herbs
• Flowers and bouquets
• Honey and eggs
• Holistic body products
• Herbal teas and salves
• Workshops and classes
• Women and motherhood circles
• Community events
This is the vision for how the farm will sustain itself while serving others.
Gathering Free Resources
I’ve spent hours researching and have found so many free resources along the way— homesteading PDFs, agricultural guides, small-farm books, youtube educators, and online courses. I’m learning everything I can for free before I invest deeper.
I will make a more in depth post with all I’ve found and have been reading so far.
My Homestead Binder
This binder is becoming the heart of this journey.
Inside of it lives:
• My mission + vision
• Land research
• Skills I’m learning
• Animal care notes
• Garden plans
• Product ideas
• Budget and savings goals
• Inspiring quotes and reflections
It’s my roadmap to Our Mother Mary Farm and the place where every detail of this dream is held.
What’s To Come
Next, I’m focusing on:
• Building holistic habits now
• Learning new skills each month
• Living more intentionally
• Documenting the journey
No, I don’t have the land yet— but the journey has already begun.
Our Mother Mary Farm is being built with love and intention, one small step at a time. And I’m grateful you’re here, witnessing the very beginning.
